Adsorption isotherms for red chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

The adsorption equilibrium moisture contents for red chilli were determined experimentally in relative humidity range of 11–97% at the temperatures of 20, 30, 40, and 50°C. Six equilibrium moisture content models were fitted to the experimental data. The modified Oswin model was the best fitted equation for relative humidity range of 11–97% for the adsorption data of red chilli.     

Erratum to: Malaria infected erythrocyte classification based on a hybrid classifier using microscopic images of thin blood smear

Multimedia Tools and Applications -     

HMX based enhanced energy LOVA gun propellant

Efforts to develop gun propellants with low vulnerability have recently been focused on enhancing the energy with a further improvement in its sensitivity characteristics. These propellants not only prevent catastrophic disasters due to unplanned initiation of currently used gun propellants (based on nitrate esters) but also realize enhanced energy levels to increase the muzzle velocity of the projectiles. Now, in order to replace nitroglycerine, which is highly sensitive to friction and impact, nitramines meet the requirements as they offer superior energy due to positive heat of formation, typical stoichiometry with higher decomposition temperatures and also owing to negative oxygen balance are less sensitive than stoichiometrically balanced NG. RDX has been widely reported for use in LOVA propellant. In this paper we have made an effort to present the work on scantily reported nitramine HMX based LOVA gun propellant while incorporating energetic plasticizer glycidyl azide polymer to enhance the energy level. HMX is known to be thermally stable at higher temperature than RDX and also proved to be less vulnerable to small scale shaped charge jet attack as its decomposition temperature is 270 degrees C. HMX also offers improved impulse due to its superior heat of formation (+17 kcal/mol) as compared to RDX (+14 kcal/mol). It has also been reported that a break point will not appear until 35,000 psi for propellant comprising of 5 microm HMX. Since no work has been reported in open literature regarding replacement of RDX by HMX, the present studies were carried out.     

Multiple Claims in Construction Law: Educational Case Study

A construction case is analyzed where there is a potential for involvement of multiple claims between owner, architect, contractor, subcontractor, and manufacturer. A particular event at a building site causes disturbances where multiple parties are affected. Different questions arise as to the duties and liabilities of the different parties. How does this situation of multiple claims affect the parties responsible? This hypothetical case study used in an educational setting analyzes the liabilities and responsibilities of different parties. Case law support is provided. The study of such a case encourages student learning of the application of contract law in practice.     

Motivation Parameters for Engineering Managers Using Maslow's Theory

This paper emphasizes total self-development of the individual for improved motivation and organization management. It builds on Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory to examine motivational levels for four levels of engineering staff at a public construction agency. The researchers studied these engineering groups qualitatively through interviews and quantitatively using a questionnaire. Using a holistic approach, this study focused on 15 parameters from Maslow's five essential needs—the physical, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization levels. Considerable emphasis was placed on the development of Maslow's principle of “self-actualization.” This difficult-to-grasp concept, as Maslow reported, is a prerequisite for enlightened management. The researchers analyzed engineers' perceptions regarding the fulfillment of need parameters and measured their perception of the importance of those parameters. Among specific findings were that junior project engineers had higher scores on self-actualization than senior engineers. Findings showed that changes are desirable for satisfying meaningfulness of tasks, increasing self-sufficiency in doing the job, and improving individuality and sense of mission of employees. The application of the findings based on Maslow's model directly benefits the agency studied and other organizations in development programs. It also helps in increasing morale.     

Transmission electron microscopy of Li+ implanted Al films

Aluminium films implanted with 30 keV lithium ions of doses from 2.2 × 10¹⁶ to 1 × 10¹⁷ ions cm^?2 were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Samples implanted with 6 × 10¹⁶ and 1 × 10¹⁷ ions cm^?2 showed the presence of the Al-Li phase, while no change was observed in specimens implanted with 2.2 × 10¹⁶ ions cm^?. Microdiffraction patterns obtained from different areas of an aluminium film implanted with 2.0 × 10¹⁷ Li⁺ ions cm^?2 at 35 keV, revealed the presence of a stable Al-Li phase along with a metastable phase. Furthermore, on annealing the implanted samples at 200°C for 20 min an increase in ‘d’ values was noticed when compared with non-annealed specimens. However the annealed samples showed a very small lattice mismatch between the metastable phase and the Al matrix, thus indicating the presence of a metastable Al₃Li phase, responsible for hardening in binary Al-Li alloy.