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The aim of research is to reduce the utilization of water by irrigating the agricultural fields that have low moisture level through the implementation of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). The ARM-based irrigation solution consists of a Solar Tracking System, Wireless Information Unit (WIU), WSN and Remote Access. The Solar Tracking System utilizes maximum solar energy by using Light Dependent Resistor(LDR) to track the sun. The electric energy produced is stored in the battery which powers the ARM processor. Wireless Information Unit will collect the sensor information from Wireless Sensor Network through the use of Wi-Fi. The system monitors soil-moisture and controls the flow of water using a solenoid valve depending upon the set threshold. In the tank, Ultra Sonic sensor identifies the water level controlled by the WIU. An Android application helps the farmer to monitor the water flow and soil moisture remotely. The proposed water management methodologies for agriculture optimizes the water usage and such practices maintain the crop health, keep yield intact, and avoids human intervention. In this proposed system, soil moisture is maintained appropriately to ensure that a good harvest is obtained which in turn preserves different types of nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, nutrition recommendation system has gained increasing attention due to their need for healthy living. Current studies on the food domain deal with a recommendation system that focuses on independent users and their health problems but lack nutritional advice to individual users. The proposed system is developed to suggest nutritional food to people based on age and gender predicted from their face image. The designed methodology preprocesses the input image before performing feature extraction using the deep convolution neural network (DCNN) strategy. This network extracts D -dimensional characteristics from the source face image, followed by the feature selection strategy. The face's distinctive and identifiable traits are chosen utilizing a hybrid particle swarm optimization (HPSO) technique. Support vector machine (SVM) is used to classify a person's age and gender. The nutrition recommendation system relies on the age and gender classes. The proposed system is evaluated using classification rate, precision, and recall using Adience dataset and UTKface dataset, and real-world images exhibit excellent performance by achieving good prediction results and computation time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent days, people have easily adapted to unhealthy diets due to their busy lifestyles. Inappropriate and unhealthy food intake leads to various health problems. As a result of poor health and lack of information about a healthy diet, people depend on medicines rather than concentrating on improving their food intake. Due to the wide range of dietary advice, it is difficult to choose the appropriate diet plan that satisfies their personalized nutritional needs. The proposed system ranks the diet plan by considering personal information like age, gender, height, weight, pressure and heart rate. Various diet plans like intermittent fasting, plant-based diets, low-carb diets, paleo diet, low-fat diets, Mediterranean diet, DASH diet, vegan diet, gluten-free diet, GM diet and egg diet are considered. Multi-criteria decision-making methods such as fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS are also applied for the decision-making process to rank the best diet plan. Fuzzy AHP is used for weight generation, which is given to the cuckoo algorithm for optimization, and then, the fuzzy TOPSIS method helps in ranking the diet plan. Personal information is considered as criteria, and the diet plans are considered as alternatives for the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a blend of three techniques to select COVID-19 testing centers. The objective of the paper is to identify a suitable location to establish new COVID-19 testing centers. Establishment of the testing center in the needy locations will be beneficial to both public and government officials. Selection of the wrong location may lead to lose both health and wealth. In this paper, location selection is modelled as a decision-making problem. The paper uses fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique to generate the criteria weights, monkey search algorithm to optimize the weights, and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to rank the different locations. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed technique, a state named Tamil Nadu, located in India, is taken for a case study. The proposed structured algorithmic steps were applied for the input data obtained from the government of India website, and the results were analyzed and validated using the government of India website. The ranks assigned by the proposed technique to different locations are in aligning with the number of patients and death rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scheduling is a process of mapping resources to tasks and it's objective is either one or more. This paper focuses on scheduling in heterogeneous multiprocessor systems. Here the resources are processing elements and tasks are the jobs submitted to the processor. The main objectives of multiprocessor scheduling are reducing schedule length, reducing the overall energy consumption, reducing the temperature, reducing failure rates and so on. A Hybrid dual-objective parallel genetic algorithm is applied in the proposed work. Makespan and energy consumption are the two objectives considered. The proposed algorithm determines the global optimal solutions by generating the initial population using some heuristics and then performing parallel genetic operations on it. The main aim of employing parallelism is to find a global optimum solution by avoiding premature convergence in a local optimum and to reduce the running time of the algorithm. Hill climbing is also used in addition, to avoid local optimum solutions. The proposed algorithm balances the tradeoff between energy consumption and makespan according to the inclinations of the users by following weighted sum methodology. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms the other existing algorithms in terms of both makespan and energy consumption by incurring less running time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of newer molecules in the management of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) an invasive pest on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Miller) at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru. The results revealed that foliar and fruit damage by T. absoluta larvae was observed in all the insecticide treatments, though leaf damage across treatments was statistically insignificant. Sampling of harvested tomatoes indicated the pinworm damage to range from 0.54 to 22. 6 %. The insecticides viz., cyazypyr @ 1.8 ml/L, rynaxypyr @ 0.3 ml/L and indoxacarb @ 1 ml/L recorded least fruit damage (0.54, 0.76 and 0.95 per cent respectively) compared to other insecticides. The highest healthy fruit yield was recorded in cyazypyr @ 1.8 ml/L (111.33 tonnes/ha) followed by rynaxypyr @ 0.3 ml/L (108 tonnes/ha) and indoxacarb @ 1 ml/L (99.98 tonnes/ha). Future pest management ventures should be aimed at economically and ecologically viable strategies with a thrust on insecticide resistance management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many Multimedia and DSP applications, the fixed-width multipliers are used to avoid infinite growth in the word size. Fixed-width multiplier produces an -bit product with two -bit inputs. This paper presents probabilistic estimation technique applied for the fixed-width radix-8 Booth multiplier for the generation of the compensation bias circuit. The probabilistic estimation circuit for the fixed-width radix-8 Booth multiplier is derived systematically from theoretical computation in preference to time-consuming exhaustive simulations. Results show that the radix-8 direct truncated multiplier reduces the maximum absolute error by 33%, the average error by 22% and the mean square error by 39% for a 12-bit multiplier compared with the radix-4 direct truncated multiplier. Results also demonstrate that, with the probabilistic estimation technique applied to the fixed-width radix-8 Booth multiplier, there is a reduction of 25% in the maximum absolute error, 13.4% reduction in the average error, and 25.13% reduction in the mean square error have been realized compared with the existing fixed-width radix-4 Booth multiplier with probabilistic estimation technique. Standard EDA design tools are used for simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three essential oil formulations (25 % EC) of Mint, coded as M-CT, M-T and M-KT were developed and evaluated for their bio-efficacy against thrips under field conditions. They were first tested against onion thrips Thrips tabaci Lindeman at three doses i.e., 0.5, 1.0 and 2 ml of the formulations/litre, i.e., 0.0125 %, 0.025 and 0.05 % a. i. of Mint oil, during February- May 2012 and were found to be highly promising. These three EC formulations of essential oils of mint were further evaluated against chilli thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood under field conditions along with 25 % EC formulation of Basil coded as B-T and Geranium coded as G-T each at 1 ml/litre dose i.e. 0.0125% a.i. of essential oil. These formulations at this dose were again found to be effective against chilli thrips. This is the first report of development of any EC formulation of essential oils and their evaluation under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oiled neem cake is a by-product of oil extraction from neem seeds and contains about 6-8% oil. This is generally used as organic fertilizer in many horticulture crops. Several studies have shown that soil application of oiled neem cake is useful in reducing many insect pests. This is generally applied at very high doses ranging from 250-1000 t/ha. Hence, there is a need to reduce the requirement of oiled neem cake. Therefore, Controlled Release Formulation of oiled neem cake was developed by using pectin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose polymerisation cross-linked with gluteraldehyde. Soil application of this formulation was found to be superior to oiled neem cake in reducing thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) and aphid (Aphis craccivora) in net house cultivated capsicum. This formulation was further tested at different doses against okra shoot and fruit borer Earias vittella as compared to oiled neem cake and sprays of indoxacarb, a standard insecticide and was found effective. This study shows that there is great potential to use controlled release formulation of oiled neem cake for managing insect pests as a component of IPM instead of oiled neem cake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a detailed electron microscopy study on the microstructure of various regions of weldment fabricated by three welding methods namely tungsten inert gas welding, electron beam welding and laser beam welding in an indigenously developed 9Cr reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steel. Electron back scatter diffraction studies showed a random micro-texture in all the three welds. Microstructural changes during thermal exposures were studied and corroborated with hardness and optimized conditions for the post weld heat treatment have been identified for this steel. Hollomon–Jaffe parameter has been used to estimate the extent of tempering. The activation energy for the tempering process has been evaluated and found to be corresponding to interstitial diffusion of carbon in ferrite matrix. The type and microchemistry of secondary phases in different regions of the weldment have been identified by analytical transmission electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effects of tungsten and tantalum contents on impact, tensile, low cycle fatigue and creep properties of Reduced Activation Ferritic–Martensitic (RAFM) steel were studied to develop India-specific RAFM steel. Four heats of the steel have been melted with tungsten and tantalum contents in the ranges 1–2wt.% and 0.06–0.14wt.% respectively. Increase in tungsten content increased the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT), low cycle fatigue and creep strength of the steel, whereas the tensile strength was not changed significantly. Increase in tantalum content increased the DBTT and low cycle fatigue strength of the steel whereas the tensile and creep strength decreased. Detailed TEM investigations revealed enhanced microstructural stability of the steel against creep exposure on tungsten addition. The RAFM steel having 1.4wt.% tungsten with 0.06wt.% tantalum was found to possess optimum combination of impact, tensile, low cycle fatigue and creep properties and is considered for Indian-specific RAFM steel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the results on the physical metallurgy studies in 9Cr Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) and Reduced Activation Ferritic/Martensitic (RAFM) steels. Yttria strengthened ODS alloy was synthesized through several stages, like mechanical milling of alloy powders and yttria, canning and consolidation by hot extrusion. During characterization of the ODS alloy, it was observed that yttria particles possessed an affinity for Ti, a small amount of which was also helpful in refining the dispersoid particles containing mixed Y and Ti oxides. The particle size and their distribution in the ferrite matrix, were studied using Analytical and High Resolution Electron Microscopy at various stages. The results showed a distribution of Y2O3 particles predominantly in the size range of 5–20nm. A Reduced Activation Ferritic/Martensitic steel has also been developed with the replacement of Mo and Nb by W and Ta with strict control on the tramp and trace elements (Mo, Nb, B, Cu, Ni, Al, Co, Ti). The transformation temperatures (A c1, A c3 and M s) for this steel have been determined and the transformation behavior of the high temperature austenite phase has been studied. The complete phase domain diagram has been generated which is required for optimization of the processing and fabrication schedules for the steel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a study on the characteristics of the passive oxide film that forms on the surface of an α+β Ti–5%Ta–1.8%Nb alloy, which possesses good corrosion resistance in severe oxidizing environment of boiling 11.5M nitric acid. Through systematic structure–property studies, the microstructure with low corrosion rate (<1mpy) in liquid, vapor and condensate phases of nitric acid was identified. The characteristics of the passive film, which imparts corrosion resistance to the alloy, are influenced by its microstructure, temperature and concentration of the acid. The microstructure, thickness and composition of the oxide film were characterized using different techniques. TiO2, Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 formed on exposure to vapor and condensate phases, while TiO2 was observed on exposure to the liquid phase. Detailed microstructural studies showed that the passive film consists of nano-crystalline phases of titanium and tantalum oxides, predominantly anatase in an amorphous matrix. Based on these studies, the mechanism of corrosion of the alloy is derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the issues that need to be addressed in ferritic steel, for their use in nuclear core, namely, the embrittlement and type IV cracking of weldment. It has been established that the ferritic steels possess a significantly higher resistance to radiation damage as compared to the present generation austenitic stainless steels and the creep behavior is satisfactory for applications up to 873 K. The major challenges that need to be addressed are the poor creep resistance of the weld joints and embrittlement of ferritic steels. This article describes the efforts taken at IGCAR to overcome the embrittlement problem by impurity control, grain boundary engineering or design of suitable thermomechanical treatments in a 9Cr–1Mo ferritic steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, plants have been effectively tried in a variety of pathological conditions. Moreover, in the Indian traditional system of medicine, herbal remedies are prescribed for the treatment of many diseases including diabetes mellitus. Hence, we tested the antidiabetic effect of Basella rubra in STZ induced diabetic rats. B. rubra (leaf pulp) exhibited potent antidiabetic activity by reducing blood sugar level. It also significantly decreased the activity of glucose 6 phosphatase and increased the activity of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, glucokinase. Likewise, the levels of markers of liver function (AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin) and the markers of kidney function (urea and creatinine) were significantly decreased in B. rubra treated diabetic rats. The results demonstrate that the leaf pulp of B. rubra possesses a strong hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, thus supporting its traditional use in diabetes mellitus control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper describes the stability of microstructure in normalized and tempered modified 9Cr–1Mo steel exposed to service temperatures in the range of 773–873K for different time durations. A detailed microstructural and microchemical analysis of the secondary phases was carried out using optical and electron microscopy techniques. The microstructural observations, supported by hardness measurements showed that the lath morphology of the tempered martensite was retained even after 10000h of aging. The coarsening of M23C6 carbide was observed until 5000h, when the Laves phase started appearing. The microstructural features observed are discussed in conjunction with the embrittlement observed in this steel on high temperature aging exceeding 5000h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the results of a study on the microstructural and microchemical variations in a multipass Gas Tungsten Arc weld (GTAW) of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel. The changes brought about in the steel due to the heating and cooling cycles during welding and the subsequent effects due to reheating effects during multipass welding are described. Detailed analytical transmission electron microscopy has been carried to study the type and composition of the primary and secondary phases in this steel. The systematic changes in microstructural parameters such as Prior Austenite Grain Size, martensite lath size, number density, size and microchemistry of carbides, have been understood based on the different transformations that the steel undergoes during the heating and cooling process. Based on the observed microstructure, an attempt has been made to identify distinct microstructural zones and possible thermal cycles experienced by different regions of the weldment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a study on evaluation of mechanical properties and identification of deformation behavior and mechanisms in a dual phase Ti–4.4Ta–1.9Nb alloy, developed for service in highly corrosive environments. The alloy possessed good strength and ductility and was not very significantly influenced by microstructural variations like martensite, tempered martensite and equiaxed α. The alloy with predominantly equiaxed α and a random distribution of fine nodular β phase was subjected to room temperature tensile deformation. Fractography analysis showed a ductile mode of failure. Coalescence of the heterogeneously nucleated micro-voids leading to final fracture by a ductile mode during tensile deformation presents direct evidence for decohesion of α/β interface. The total strain was found to be accommodated by the constituent α and β phases. TEM analysis of the deformed α phase showed that both slip and twin were operative. While slip was predominant, twinning along () and () planes were also observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a method to evaluate the theoretical set of misorientation angle and axis between variants of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) product transforming from a parent body-centered cubic crystal obeying the Burgers orientation relationship. The distinct covariants of hcp crystal and the probability of random hcp orientations coinciding with the covariant have been arrived at. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the results on (i) selection of microstructure with improved corrosion resistance in a Ti–5%Ta–1.8%Nb alloy and (ii) optimization of thermo-mechanical treatment to achieve the desirable structure. Ti–5%Ta–1.8%Nb is an α+β alloy and the decomposition of bcc β→α+β is found to proceed via a number of transformation modes leading to different morphological products of α and β. The distribution of isolated β particles in a matrix of equiaxed α offered superior corrosion resistance in comparison to a lamellar α +β structure. In an attempt to obtain this desired structure, the β annealed alloy with a lamellar structure was subjected to a series of thermal and thermo-mechanical treatments. A combination of thermal and mechanical treatments was found to be essential to achieve the structure of equiaxed α with discrete β particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Heart disease is among the leading causes of mortality globally. Predicting cardiovascular disease is a major difficulty in clinical data analysis. AI has been demonstrated to be powerful in deciding and anticipating an enormous measure of information created by the health domain. We provide a unique method for finding essential traits employing machine learning approaches in this paper, which enhances the effectiveness of identifying heart diseases. Decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) are the classification techniques used to create the proposed system. Ensemble stacking integrates the four classification models to create a single best-fit predictive model using logistic regression. Many explorations have been directed at the identification of cardiac infection; however, the exactness of the outcomes is poor. Accordingly, to further enhance the efficiency, Moth-Flame Optimization (MFO) algorithm is proposed. The feature selection strategies are used to improve the classification accuracy while shortening the execution time of the classification system. Medical data are used to assess the probability of heart disease based on BP, age, gender, chest ache, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other variables. Results revealed that the proposed system excelled other existing models, obtaining 99% accuracy in the Cleveland dataset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South American tomato moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is an oligophagous insect pest that infests solanaceous crops like tomato, brinjal and potato. The incidence of T. absoluta could cause significant yield losses of up to 100% on tomato crop and therefore farmers are following chemical management practices to tackle the pest. However, continuous and indiscriminate usage of certain insecticides may lead to development of resistance in T. absoluta. The aim of the study therefore was to know the level of resistance to different commonly used insecticides viz., indoxacarb14.5SC, flubendiamide 39.35SC, emamectin benzoate 5SG, spinosad 45SC, spinetoram 11.1SC and cyantraniliprole 10.25SC from different field population of T. absoluta viz., Bangalore and Kolar districts of Karnataka, Madurai and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu and Ananthpur district in Andhra Pradesh, India. A variable level of susceptibility of different field population of T. absoluta was noticed against frequently used insecticides viz. flubendiamide 39.35SC, cyantraniliprole 10.25SC and indoxacarb14.5SC. Biochemical assays indicated a significant increase in cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and esterase level in all relatively resistant population of T. absoluta. The cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and esterase enzymes therefore play a major role in the development of resistance in field population of T. absoluta. The reduced susceptibility of T. absoluta to various field collected population thus indicates a development of resistance to various insecticides necessitating the judicious use of chemicals for its management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory bioassays were conducted to investigate the insecticidal effects of seed extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica), annona (Annona squamosa) and castor (Ricinus communis) on the larvae of tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta. Six different concentrations of the seed extracts were tested on the second instar larvae of T. absoluta. The mean per cent mortality of the larvae revealed a significant toxic effect of all seed extracts that were tested. The seed extracts of annona showed highest mortality (75.1%) of T. absoluta followed by neem (70.1%) and castor (52.5%). Based on bioassay and probit analysis, more toxic effect on T. absoluta was from annona (LD50 656.21mg/l), and therfore annona seed extract would be a alternative to chemical insecticides in managing T. absoluta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South American tomato moth, Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick), is one of the key pests of tomato in India. Since its report in 2014, chemical control has been the main means of tackling this pest, both in the open field and protected cultivation. Despite regular insecticidal sprays, many outbreaks were reported from major tomato-growing regions of South India during 2019–2020. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of insecticide resistance on biology, biochemical enzymes, and gene expression in various P. absoluta field populations viz., Bangalore, Kolar, Madurai, Salem, and Anantapur to commonly used insecticides such as flubendiamide, cyantraniliprole, and indoxacarb. Increased levels of insecticide resistance ratios (RR) were recorded in P. absoluta populations of different locations. A significant increase in cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP/MFO) and esterase levels was noticed in the resistant population compared to susceptible one. Through molecular studies, we identified four new CYP genes viz., CYP248f (flubendiamide), CYP272c, CYP724c (cyantraniliprole), and CYP648i (indoxacarb). The expression levels of these genes significantly increased as the folds of resistance increased from G1 to G20 (generation), indicating involvement of the identified genes in insecticide resistance development in P. absoluta. In addition, the resistant populations showed decreased fecundity, increased larval development period, and adult longevity, resulting in more crop damage. The information generated in the present study thus helps in understanding the development of insecticide resistance by P. absoluta and suggests the farmers and researchers to use insecticides wisely by adopting insecticide resistance management as a strategy under integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the most destructive pests of tomato, causing 100% yield loss in the absence of control measures. The important method of managing the pest is by using synthetic insecticides. However, intermittent and indiscriminate uses of certain insecticides have negative effect on the environment. Use of herbal insecticides such as secondary metabolites and essential oils is a key for sustainable long term crop protection. Investigation on the insecticidal properties of Ocimum basilicum , Mentha piperita essential oils (EOs) and their constituents was carried out against P. absoluta. The M. piperita EO showed highest mortality (100%) of P. absoluta with LC 50 1.78 μl/ml due to alloaromadendrene (27.99%), levomenthol (18.31%) and santolina triene (9.78%). The O. basilicum EO also had significant mortality (90%) effect with LC 50 3.58 μl/ml due to humulene (32.31%), alpha farnesense (27.22%), estragole (19.24%) and 4-cerene (10.61%). Among binary compounds, levomenthol showed highest mortality (100%) having LC 50 13.18 μl/ml followed by alpha-pinene (100%) with LC 50 16.10 μl/ml, 4-cerene (95%) with LC 50 38.20 μl/ml and alpha-phellandrene (90%) having LC 50 46.83 μl/ml. The observed toxicity in all compounds was due to significant changes in the activity of esterases, glutathione S-transferase and acetylcholine esterases over the time. The present study suggests that O. basilium and M. piperita EOs would provide an additional approach for the management of P. absoluta over synthetic insecticides. [Display omitted] • Mentha piperita and Ocimum basilicum have potential insecticidal properties for the management of P. absoluta. • Among binary compounds levomenthol showed highest insecticidal activity • Detoxifying enzymes are significantly affected by M. piperita and O. basilicum • M. piperita and O. basilicum EOs could be useful as a novel plant protection option [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissimilar joints of 304L austenitic stainless steel (SS) and Ti-5Ta-2Nb alloy were fabricated using explosive cladding process with an aim to avoid the formation of brittle intermetallic phases at the interface. Subsequently, diffusion annealing heat treatments were carried out at temperatures in the range of 550-800 °C for various durations. In the present study, concentration and temperature dependence of the distinct diffusion zones, formed at the clad interface, due to interdiffusion of the alloying elements, have been established using Electron Probe Micro Analysis and imaging of the interface. Molar volume showed a close match with the ideal Vegard's law at low temperatures while a non-linear negative deviation has been observed at high temperatures (800 °C) due to the formation of secondary phases such as FeTi, FeTi and βTi(Fe) phases. Interdiffusion parameters evaluated by Wagner's method showed sluggish diffusion kinetics of Fe and Ti at concentration corresponding to a two phase mixture of FeTi and FeTi. Further, an attempt has been made to understand multicomponent diffusion using Dayananda's approach and estimation of effective interdiffusion coefficients revealed ~22 µm shift of the interface from Matano plane at 800 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A methodology for classifying the hierarchy of martensite boundaries from the EBSD microtexture data of low-carbon steel is presented. Quaternion algebra has been used to calculate the ideal misorientation between product α variants for Kurdjumov–Sachs (KS) and its nearby orientation relationships, and arrive at the misorientation angle-axis set corresponding to packet (12 types), block (3 types) and sub-block boundaries. Analysis of proximity of experimental misorientation between data points from the theoretical misorientation set is found to be useful for identifying the different types of martensite boundaries. The optimal OR in the alloy system and the critical deviation threshold for identification of martensite boundaries could both be ascertained by invoking the ‘Enhancement Factor’ concept. The prior-γ grain boundaries, packet, block and sub-block boundaries could be identified reasonably well, and their average intercept lengths in a typical tempered martensite microstructure of 9Cr–1Mo–0.1C steel was estimated as 31 μm, 14 μm, 9 μm and 4 μm respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Ti5Ta1.8Nb alloy with the major phase as α (hcp) Ti has been subjected to severe plastic deformation by means of cryo-rolling. Significant grain refinement (from ~5 μm to ~60 nm) has been observed. The mechanism of grain refinement was studied by analysis of lattice strain variations with increase in cold work using XRD technique. Various intermediate stages, such as hardening, alignment of dislocations, cell formation and criticality before new grain formation, were identified. Formation of cells with dislocations alignment at the boundaries and then finally forming an ultra-fine grain structure was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy studies. Detailed grain boundary characterisation has been carried out using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies and crystallographic texture analysis. The grain-refined structure was found to possess a large fraction of high angle boundaries identified also as special boundaries by evaluating the misorientation angle/axis sets for a pair of adjacent grain boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic misindexing caused by pseudo-symmetry Kikuchi diffraction patterns in automated Electron Backscatter Diffraction analysis has been studied in a 9Cr-1Mo ferritic steel. Grains with its [1 1 1] directed towards detector centre were found to be prone to misindexing, and the solutions exhibit a relative orientation of ±30° and 60° about the common [1 1 1] axis (as compared to the true orientation). Fictitious boundaries were detected within such grains, which satisfy the Σ3 or Σ13b type coincidence site lattice boundary criteria. Misindexing rate was reduced with more than six detected bands, but 30° rotated solution was comparatively more persistent, as the additional bands of (3 1 0)-type exhibited a nearly good pattern match. Increase in detector collection angle to 0.96 sr or number of detected bands to nine were found to be beneficial in preventing the misindexing problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation where an enhancement in Charpy impact toughness and decrease in DBTT was obtained through grain refinement in 9Cr–1Mo steel. The steel in the normalized and tempered condition (1323K/air cool+1023K/2h/air cool) had an average prior-austenite grain size of 26μm. By designing a two-stage normalizing (1323K/2h/water quench+1223K/2h/air cool) and tempering treatment (1023K/2h/air cool), a homogeneous tempered martensite microstructure with a lesser prior-austenite grain size of 12μm could be obtained. An improvement trend in impact properties of standard sized Charpy specimens was obtained in fine-grained steel: upper shelf energy increased from 175J to 210J, and DBTT reduced from 243K to 228K. This heat treatment is unique since an attempt to carry out a single-stage low temperature normalizing treatment (1223K/2h/air cool) did not give a complete martensite structure, due to the incomplete dissolution of carbides during austenitization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Solidification structure of a weld in a manual gas tungsten arc welding of 3 mm thick Ti–5Ta–1·8Nb plates has been examined using optical/scanning electron microscopy, EDX spectroscopy and electron backscattered diffraction techniques. The weld exhibited columnar grains of prior β, with a substructure of martensitic α′. The backscattered electron image revealed the solidification mode to be cellular–dendritic, and the EDX analysis confirmed the partitioning of Ta atoms between the dendrites. The crystal orientation of the product α′ obtained by electron backscattered diffraction and the Burgers orientation relationship (for β→α′ transformation) were used to predict the orientation of parent β grains in the weld zone, and the long dendritic arms were found to be aligned parallel to β<100>. Analytical solution based on Rosenthal equation was used to calculate the temperature cycle of the welding process. The solidification mode predicted from calculated G/R ratio (where G is solidification gradient and R is rate of solidification) and Kurz–Fischer map matched with the observed cellular–dendritic solidification structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted during summer to evaluate sprinkler irrigation as a method to suppress thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis) damage in chilli in comparison to insecticides. The results revealed that sprinkler irrigation alone registered significantly lower thrips damage rating (1.13) which was at par with treatment comprising sprinkler and insecticide (acephate) and significantly superior to control. Yield realized was also on par in both the treatments thus indicating that sprinkler irrigation could be an effective option to manage thrips on chilli in summer season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper discusses the evolution of texture in a Ti–5Ta–1.8Nb alloy during the transformation of ‘deformed α+β→β→α+β’, characterized using X-ray diffraction and Electron Back Scattered Diffraction techniques. It exhibited a deformation texture of type—[10−10]//axial direction (AD) for the wire, and a [0002]//normal direction (ND) for the cold rolled sheet sample. On subsequent β-homogenization treatment and cooling, the initial deformation texture was replaced with a transformation texture of [11−20]//ND for the sheet sample. The wire sample exhibited a transformation texture with (11−22) aligned near to the wire cross-section. A deformation texture was found to be essential to introduce transformation texture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the results of a study on the influence of microstructure on the corrosion behavior of a α–β Ti–5%Ta–1.8%Nb alloy—a candidate material for use in high concentrations of boiling nitric acid. The “as cast” alloy had a lamellar structure and showed a corrosion rate of about 1.5 mpy. Thermo-mechanical processing of the cast alloy resulted in a structure of predominantly of equiaxed α with random distribution of fine β particles. This “reference” structure was further modified employing different heat treatments similar to that for commercial titanium alloys such as mill annealing, solution treatment and aging or over aging treatments. Corrosion rates evaluated in boiling nitric acid in the liquid, vapor and condensate phases, showed low values ∼1 mpy. Of these, the lowest corrosion rate (∼0.03 mpy) was exhibited by the structure with minimum amount of β phase, distributed in an equiaxed α matrix. This structure was obtained by aging of the solution treated “reference” alloy. Hence, solution treatment high in the α + β phase field followed by aging at a temperature low in the α + β phase field has been identified as the optimum treatment to obtain a microstructure with superior corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An alloy of composition Ti–4.4wt.% Ta–1.9wt.% Nb is being developed as a structural material for corrosion applications, as titanium and its alloys possess excellent corrosion resistance in many oxidizing media. The primary physical metallurgy database for the Ti–4.4wt.% Ta–1.9wt.% Nb alloy is being presented for the first time. Determination of the β transus, Ms temperature and classification of the alloy have been carried out, employing a variety of microscopy techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-hardness and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The β transition temperature or β transus determined using different experimental techniques was found to agree very well with evaluations based on empirical calculations. Based on chemistry and observed room temperature microstructure, the alloy has been classified as an α + β titanium alloy. The high temperature β transforms to either α′ or α + β by a martensitic or Widmanstatten transformation. The mechanisms of transformation of β under different conditions and characteristics of different types of α have been studied and discussed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present paper describes the modification of the primary solidification structure of the weld region of a 9Cr–1Mo steel weldment, due to reheating during multipass welding. The ‘primary’ microstructure is represented by that region of the weld, solidified from the liquid state. In a multipass weld, this microstructure is considerably modified as further layers are deposited on the top and on either side of a pass. The secondary or reheated structure as it is called is sensitive to the welding process parameters and to the physical metallurgical behaviour of the steel. The microstructural evolution depends on the thermal cycle experienced by the weld section due to the two types of deposits, namely one layer over another and passes laid side by side. The observed microstructural variations were correlated to hardness and X-ray FWHM measurements. Thus, the paper presents a study of all the microstructural changes that take place in weld region during multipass welding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the results of an experimental study aimed to obtain an ultrafine equiaxed grain distribution in 18Cr oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic steel through cold working and annealing starting with an initial columnar grain structure with a predominant α-fibre texture in a product consolidated from the alloy powders during extrusion at high temperatures. Deformation along the extruded direction (ED) resulted in the retention of α-fibre texture, while deformation in the transverse direction (TD) showed a shear banded structure with a reduced percentage of α-fibre texture. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the deformed steel established the occurrence of two significant events during heating namely recovery and recrystallization, whose temperatures were influenced by the heating rate. The recovery and recrystallization domains have been distinctly observed at 1350 K and 1420 K respectively at a low heating rate of 7 K min−1. The resultant microstructure showed very coarse elongated grains interspersed with regions of ultrafine (<1 μm) equiaxed grains, due to the incomplete recovery. The deformed steel was subjected to a two step heat treatment designed based on the above inputs with an aim to reduce the microstructural anisotropy in longitudinal direction. The microstructure of the heat treated steel showed randomization of the initial <1 1 0>//ED α-fibre texture, which improved further with repeated deformation and two step heat treatment cycles. A gradual increase in hardness during the above cycles was observed reflecting the increase in dislocation density which offers the propensity to achieve an ultrafine grained microstructure. Image 1 • This study presents the results of an experimental study aimed to obtain an ultrafine equiaxed grain size distribution in 18Cr ODS steel through series of cold working and annealing steps starting with an initial columnar grain structure and a predominant α-fibre texture in a hot extruded product. The salient features of the study are as follows: • Deformation along the extrusion direction (ED) showed retention of α-fibre texture, while deformation in the transverse direction (TD) showed a shear banded structure with a reduced percentage of α-fibre texture. • The deformed steel was subjected to a two step heat treatment designed based on the recovery and recrystallization domains identified from DSC analysis to reduce the morphological anisotropy in longitudinal direction, which resulted in the randomization of the initial <1 1 0>//ED α-fibre texture, which improved further with repeated deformation and two step heat treatment cycles. • A gradual increase in hardness during the above cycles was observed reflecting the increase in dislocation density which offered the propensity to achieve an ultrafine grained microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The welding, qualification and characterization of welds of Ti–5Ta–1.8Nb alloy, which is being developed for high corrosion resistant performance, are reported. Based on the studies performed as per the ASME Section IX standards, welding procedure specification and procedure qualification record have been formulated. The heterogeneous microstructures of the weldment are rationalized, based on phase transformation in the alloy system and differences in the thermal cycles of various microscopic regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Tomato fields in different locations of south India from where outbreaks of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) occured were surveyed during 2019 -20 to assess the farmer's adopted management strategies. The severity of T. absoluta resulted in the crop losses ranging from 20-90 per cent. The main reasons for the outbreak of T. absoluta were lack of knowledge on IPM among the farmers, delay in implementing management strategies, over reliance on insecticide sprays and usage of spurious and un-recommended insecticides. Bioassays of field collected T. absoluta populations shown resistance to a few insecticides viz., indoxacarbl4.5SC, flubendiamide 39.5SC, cyantraniliprole 10.25SC and emamectin bezoate 5SG which were used for management of pest by the fanners. The present study thus analyses the recent outbreak of T. absoluta and offers Insecticide Resistance Management (IRM) strategy to avoid future loss to tomato growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Optimization of high energy ball milling parameters to synthesize Alloy 617 ODS. • Calculation of energy transferred to the powder using collision model. • Uniform distribution of Y 2 O 3 at 1000 rpm (∼0.4 kJ/g.hit) for 6 h milling duration. • Presence of fine dispersoid in nanocrystalline matrix at optimized condition. In the present work, ultra-fine powder of oxide dispersion strengthened Alloy 617 was synthesized by high energy ball milling. Milling parameters such as rpm and milling time were varied in the range of 500–2000 and 5–360 min, respectively. Energy applied to the powder in the milling process (Energy per unit mass per hit, E c) was estimated using the collision model. Effect of milling parameters on the microstructure of powder and refinement of oxides was investigated using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM), conventional Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and High resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Desired convoluted lamellar structure with average particle size ∼33 μm was observed during milling at 1000 rpm (E c ∼ 0.4 kJ/g.hit) for 6 h. TEM analysis of the powder showed the presence of fine oxide dispersoids in the size range 4–16 nm. HRTEM analysis substantiated the presence of fine dispersoids of size ∼4 nm and showed the presence of deformation twins in the matrix. The fine dispersoids in a nanocrystalline matrix is expected to provide superior creep strength to the material at high temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A motorized bellow-sealed valve in the steam generator leak detection circuit of fast breeder test reactor developed sodium leak while carrying out functional testing after providing temporary power supply to the valve. A systematic analysis of failed bellows along with the stem was carried out to understand the possible cause of the failure. Visual examination indicated that the bellows had suffered extensive twisting before failure. The cause for extensive deformation of the bellows is attributed to the failure of anti-rotation mechanism and high friction between the nut and the screw. This resulted in torsional loading on the bellows. Detailed finite element analysis showed that the bellows were safe during normal operating condition and, however, experienced extensive deformation due to the torsional loading. Systematic microstructural studies using scanning electron microscopy and defect and residual stress analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) were carried out. The microstructure of stem and bellows exhibits the presence of extensive slip bands and twins, which indicated that the failure occurred due to extensive plastic deformation. Large variation in hardness and defect density as revealed by XRD analysis from different locations of the failed bellows supports the above observation. The presence of large number of twins in different locations shows that the component has experienced severe stress due to torsional loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents the results of an experimental study on evolution of the nanocrystalline microstructure in a mechanically alloyed Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) 18Cr ferritic steel powder during densification by spark plasma sintering (SPS) in the temperature range of 1273 K (1000 °C) to 1423 K (1150 °C). Systematic Electron Back-Scatter Diffraction analysis has been carried out to study the grain size distribution and texture as a function of consolidation temperatures. Based on the kinetics of the densification process and resultant microstructure/microtexture, a sintering temperature slightly above 1323 K (1050 °C) within a range of 50 K was found to be optimum. The 18Cr-ferritic steel powder consolidated at 1323 K (1050 °C) was also studied to understand the role of dispersoids on microstructure. The dispersoids exerted a profound influence on the strength as well as toughness of the steel by restricting the grain growth at high temperatures. Further, a signature of (1 1 0) grain cluster is observed during consolidation and its preferential growth with increase in sintering temperature is noticed which lead to the alignment of the (1 1 0) plane in the direction of applied pressure. The minimum creep rate of the consolidated steel under a load of 300 MPa was found to be 5E-7 h−1 and 1E-4 h−1 at 873 and 973 K (600 and 700 °C) respectively. The apparent activation energy for creep deformation was estimated as ~ 402 kJ/mol, which is typical of lattice diffusion assisted general climb mechanism of dislocations over the barriers such as present dispersoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ODS ferritic steel with ZrO 2 dispersoids is developed as a candidate structural material for future fast reactor applications. Encouraged by our earlier results demonstrating the retention of crystallinity by ZrO 2 dispersoids during milling, the 9Cr ODS steel powder has been synthesized under optimized ball milling conditions and subsequently characterized. The analysis of milled powder showed fine dispersions of ZrO 2 with a size range of 2–10 nm. Upon annealing at 1223 K, precipitation of non-stoichiometric FeO was observed along with fine ZrO 2 dispersoids. All the constituent phases are identified using Synchrotron XRD, Conventional and HRTEM. An excellent thermal stability has been manifested by the dispersoids as it retained its fine structure during the annealing treatment with ~ 95% of dispersoids measuring < 11 nm. Additionally, ~ 95% of the FeO precipitates are shown to be < 16 nm in size, indicating itself as a strong precipitation strengthener to the material. This two-fold strengthening by ZrO 2 dispersoids and FeO precipitates, along with nanostructured matrix is believed to play the major role in the high-temperature strength of the material being developed and it could lead to the development of a new generation ODS steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an extensive experimental characterization of high temperature phase stability and phase transformation kinetics of intermetallic sigma and alpha phases of Fe 55 Cr 45 alloy carried out by dynamic calorimetry. Sigma phase was synthesized from its parent alpha phase of Fe 55 Cr 45 alloy by annealing at 973 K for 360 h in vacuum. A comparative thermal study of sigma and alpha phase alloy was performed from 373 to 1400 K by Differential Scanning Calorimeter. Single inflection of ferro to para magnetic transition (T c ) was observed in DSC upto melting at 831 K for alpha phase. For sigma phase, the sigma to alpha decomposition temperature was measured as 1122 K. It was observed that sigma phase decomposition temperature is nearly 30 K higher than the presently reported 1093 K. Kinetics study of sigma to alpha phase transformation has been carried out by employing various heating rates from 1 to 50 K min −1 in DSC. The non isothermal KJMA model has been adopted to model the fraction transformed to determine the order and kinetics parameters. The activation energy for sigma to alpha phase transformation was obtained 240–260 kJ mol −1 by employing KJMA model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the feasibility of employing the indigenously developed ferroboron alloy (Fe-15 wt.%B) as an alternate neutron shield material in combination with 9Cr-based ferritic steel (P91) clad in future Indian fast breeder reactors (FBR), has been investigated from a metallurgical perspective. Towards this goal, a series of diffusion couple experiments have been conducted at three different temperatures namely, 600, 700 and 800 °C for time durations up to 5000 h. The thickness of interaction layer has been monitored using standard metallographic procedures. The experiments revealed that ferroboron/P91 combination exhibited a tendency to form complex intermetallic borides at the interface. The structural and microstructural characterization of the interface confirmed that the reaction layer consists predominantly of borides of Fe and Cr of type FeB, Fe 2 B, (Fe,Cr) 2 B and (Fe,Cr)B. The measured variation of interaction layer thickness as a function of time and temperature have been modelled in terms of diffusion mediated interaction. The growth kinetics of borided layer has followed the parabolic law at each temperature, and the apparent activation energy for boride layer formation is found to be of the order of 115 kJ mol −1 . This indicates that the kinetics of boriding could be governed by diffusion of B into the P91 matrix. Based on the findings of present study, an extrapolative estimate of the clad attack thickness at 550 °C for 60 years of operating time has been made and it turns out to be 210 ± 15 μm, which is less than the clad thickness of FBR shielding subassembly (4 mm) [1]. Thus, this study confirms that at testing temperatures from 550 to 600 °C, the ferroboron/P91 steel combination can be safely employed for shielding subassembly applications in fast reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ‘conventional normalizing and tempering’ (CNT) and ‘double austenitization based normalizing and tempering’ (DNT) heat treatments on the microstructure, tensile, creep and impact toughness properties of 9Cr-1Mo steel has been studied. The tempered martensite microstructure obtained through DNT treatment exhibited smaller sizes of prior-austenite grains/martensite packets (28 μm/11 μm) compared to the CNT treatment (44 μm/14 μm). The tempered martensite morphology was largely retained after long-term thermal aging at 550 °C/5000 h, while the M 23 C 6 and M 2 (C,N) type of precipitates were found to act as nucleation sites for precipitation of brittle Fe 2 Mo Laves phase. The grain refinement by DNT was found to be beneficial for minimizing the ductile-to-brittle transition characteristics (25 °C lower ductile-to-brittle transition temperature and 70 J higher upper shelf energy) over the CNT. Thermal embrittlement occurred in both heated treated steels, but the transition temperature of aged DNT steel remained below room temperature. Fractured Charpy specimens revealed ductile failure by void coalescence for high temperature tests, and a quasi-cleavage fracture at low temperatures with few isolated occurrence of intergranular crack in thermal embrittled steel. The DNT treated steel resulted in similar or better tensile and creep properties, when compared to the CNT treatment. The homogeneous fine grained tempered martensite microstructure obtained by DNT treatment resulted in improved embrittlement resistance and mechanical properties over the conventional treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of an experimental study on the evolution of phases during annealing of ball milled Fe – ZrO 2 nanocomposite powder using Differential Scanning Calorimetry, X-ray Diffraction and Electron Microscopy techniques. The formation of FeO phase from Fe and Fe 3 O 4 is identified through Differential Scanning Calorimetry and confirmed using Synchrotron Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Qualitative X-ray phase analysis showed the stoichiometry of the FeO phase as Fe 0.87 O. This phase is expected to be beneficial as it offers strengthening in the Fe matrix and is thermally stable. The activation energy of formation of the Fe 0.87 O phase was estimated to be ~ 195 kJ mol − 1 . This phase is also found to be partially stabilizing the cubic phase of ZrO 2 , at high temperatures. A cubic ⇆ tetragonal transformation of ZrO 2 was identified at 1140 K. A rather broad peak was observed for Fe α → γ transformation in the Calorimetry thermograms as the Fe grains were nanocrystalline which became sharper as the crystallites grew in size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study conducted by the authors which investigates and identifies the mirid bug Nesidiocoris cruentatus as an emerging pest on bottle gourd, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley.