A fuzzy‐based trust model for flying ad hoc networks (FANETs)

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles has significantly increased for forming an ad hoc network owing to their ability to perform in exciting environment such as armed attacks, border surveillance, disaster management, rescue operation, and transportation. Such types of ad hoc networks are popularly known as flying ad hoc networks (FANETs). The FANET nodes have 2 prominent characteristics—collaboration and cooperation. Trust plays an important role in predicting the behavior of such nodes. Researchers have proposed various methods (direct and indirect) for calculation of the trust value of a given node in ad hoc networks, especially in mobile ad hoc networks and vehicular ad hoc networks. The major characteristic that differentiates a FANET from other ad hoc networks is the velocity of the node; as a result, there are frequent losses in connection and topology change. Therefore, the existing methods of trust calculation are not efficient and effective. In this paper, a fuzzy‐based novel trust model has been proposed to handle the behavioral uncertainty of FANET nodes. Nodes are classified using a multicriteria fuzzy classification method based on node's behavior and performance in the fuzzy and complex environment. Quality of service and social parameter (recommendation) are considered for evaluating the trust value of each node to segregate the selfish and malicious nodes. With the node classification, FANET nodes are rewarded or punished to transform node behavior into a trust value. Compared with the existing trust techniques, the simulation results show that the proposed model has better adaptability, accuracy, and performance in FANETs.     

Response of pearl-millet to zinc fertilization in relation to DTPA extractable zinc

The response of pearl-millet (Pennisetum americanum) grown on forty eight diverse soils to applied zinc fertilization was examined in a screenhouse experiment. The DTPA-extractable soil zinc ranged from 0.34 to 1.42 mg kg^–1. In many of the soils yield was increased by the addition of zinc and there were large differences in the size of the response. The critical level of zinc in soil and plant — below which response to applied zinc may be expected — was determined by a graphical method. The values found were 0.65 and 18 mg kg^–1, respectively. Bray's percent yield was positively and significantly related with both soil Zn (r = 0.88) and plant Zn (r = 0.72).     

Response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) to zinc fertilization and its critical level in soils of semi-arid tropics

In a greenhouse experiment the response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) to zinc fertilization was examined using 27 soils from the semi-arid tropics. The critical level of DTPA extractable soil Zn was evaluated. Zinc additions to the soil increased the dry matter yield of six weeks old plant shoot, grain and straw significantly at the 5 mg kg^–1 level, but tended to decrease it at the 10 mg kg^–1 level.The DTPA extractable Zn of the soils ranged from 0.28 to 1.75 ppm and was negatively correlated at 1 per cent level with pH (r = – 0.81) and positively with organic carbon (r = 0.79) and Olsen's P (r = 0.63). The per cent yield increase or decrease over zero zinc ranged from 67 to – 16 in respect of grain yield and was positively correlated with available Zn (r = 0.86^**). Zinc concentration in plants was greatly increased with the application of Zn and accumulation of Zn was higher in grain than straw. The critical level of available zinc in soil below which plant response to Zn fertilization may be expected was 0.48 mg Zn kg^–1 soil. Soils between 0.48 to 0.70 mg kg^–1 of DTPA extractable Zn appear boarderline and a negative response to applied Zn was observed in soils of high Zn category. The results show the suitability of DTPA soil test for demarcating soils on the basis of plant response to zinc fertilization.     

Determination of critical level of zinc in non-calcareous soils for predicting response of wheat to applied zinc

Studies were conducted in ten non-calcareous arid brown soils (India) to determine the critical level of soil Zn for predicting response of wheat to zinc fertilization. The per cent mean response at 5 mg kg^–1 added Zn varied from 1.3 to 51.4 with a mean value of 17.5 per cent over control in terms of grain yield (g pot^–1). Further, Zn application resulted in significant increase in Zn concentration in various plant parts in all the soils irrespective of the initial Zn status. The critical level of Zn in soil and plant below which response to applied Zn may be expected was found to be 1.75 mg kg^–1 for 0.1 N HC1 extractable soil Zn and 1.7 mg kg^–1 for plant tissue Zn.     

Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Functional Polymers Derived from Renewable Jasmine Lactone for Stimuli-Responsive Drug Delivery

Instances of synthetic polymers obtained from renewable feedstock with the possibility of post-synthesis functionalization are scarce. Herein, the first ever synthesis and drug delivery application of amphiphilic block copolymer (mPEG-b-PJL) derived from renewable jasmine lactone with free allyl groups on the backbone is presented. The polymer is synthesized via facile ring-opening polymerization and subsequently, UV mediated thiol-ene click chemistry is utilized for post-functionalization. The introduction of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine functionality to mPEG-b-PJL polymer is successfully established. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, doxorubicin (DOX) is conjugated on hydroxyl-terminated polymer (mPEG-b-PJL-OH) via redox responsive disulfide linkage to obtain PJL-DOX. PJL-DOX is readily self-assembled into micelles with an average hydrodynamic size of ≈ 150 nm and demonstrates reduction-responsive DOX release. Micelles are evaluated in vitro for cytocompatibility and selective drug release in cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) using 10 mm glutathione as a reducing agent. Cytotoxicity and microscopy results confirm a redox-triggered release of DOX, which is further confirmed by flow cytometry. The introduction of these novel functional polymers can pave the way forward in designing polymer-drug conjugate-based smart nano-carriers.     

Blind image deblurring via gradient orientation-based clustered coupled sparse dictionaries

Pattern Analysis and Applications - In this paper, we proposed a novel sparse representation-based blind image deblurring algorithm, which exploits the benefits of coupled sparse dictionary, and...     

Consistent Point Clouds of Narrow Spaces Using Multiscan Domain Mapping

Abstract: Three‐dimensional (3D) range scanning of large spaces, such as civil structures, generates an immense cloud of 3D points with inconsistent data densities due to the limited positions of the stationary scanner, inaccessible surfaces, and narrow pathways. This density variation is the dominant detrimental factor in extracting accurate scanned shapes. This article introduces an effective scan planning methodology for capturing accurate geometry from long and narrow spaces, which minimizes the need for subsequent data approximations. The technique computes an optimum scanning range for each stationary position of the scanner that limits the density variation to a user‐defined value. Three cases are proposed to define the “limited data density” and a FARO®‐LS880 laser scanner is used to illustrate the proposed approach that achieves acceptable scanning results in terms of its critical shape capturing capability, overall point cloud density, and accurate point‐based visualization. The experimental observations confirm that the accuracy of the scanned data can be improved by registering multiple partial scans with restricted density and positioning the data acquisition device close to the critical features. The latter recommended step decreases the incident angle to the world domain, which, in turn, reduces the surface occlusions and data density variations.     

DC pulsed plasma deposition of nanocomposite coatings for improved tribology of gray cast iron stamping dies

Automotive stamping dies are very large in size with sizes ranging up to 2 m × 2 m × 1 m. The primary material used in the manufacturing of these dies is gray cast iron that is relatively cheap with good castability, machinability and reparability. Due to its lack of adequate hardness, die wear is a major problem at highly loaded die features such as corners, bead-radii, punch-radii etc. The greater is this wear, the greater is the die-related down times and production losses. This problem of die wear has become even more significant in recent times due to the introduction of Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS) and Ultra High Strength Steels (UHSS) in automotive stamping. Stamping of these materials is accompanied by higher contact pressures on the die surface, higher abrasion and higher surface temperature from frictional heat.This paper presents a novel DC pulsed plasma based approach to the deposition of triplex coating on cast iron substrates that can withstand high normal pressures, shears, sliding and abrasion experienced during stamping. This triplex coating consists of silicon enhanced nanocomposite a-C:H film supported by plasma nitrocarburized duplex case. This nanostructured-composite film is shown to have high toughness and extremely low coefficients of friction. A unique feature of this plasma processing is the industrial size of chambers used in the coating development. This paper also includes results of film characterization and its performance evaluation in simulated wear tests that generate stresses similar to actual stamping dies. By carefully designing the plasma processing treatment, a good hardness gradient and elastic modulus gradient is achieved that provide an improvement in life of about 5 times that of the currently used hard chrome plating.     

Need of independent rural power producers in India—an overview

The current scenario of heavy power crisis in India particularly in rural areas and small towns requires urgent solution. There is a need to look for innovative and sustainable ways for promoting equitable development in India. The centralized energy planning model currently used ignores energy needs of the rural areas and poor and has also led to environmental degradation, whereas decentralized energy planning model is in the interest of efficient utilization of resources. Energy planning at the village level is the bottom limit of the application of decentralized planning principle. The individual villages are the smallest social units where the energy consumption occurs. Renewable energy is energy derived from sources that are being replaced by nature, such as water, wind, solar, or biomass. Renewable sources are essentially non-polluting, if applied correctly. This article presents a review of the important decentralized renewable energy options. Also, this article discusses about current power scenario in India particularly in rural sector. Taking into consideration the limitations of conventional power policy and benefits decentralized power potential in India, this article presents the need to setup independent rural power producers (IRPPs) as an instrument to promote sustainable and socially equitable rural power sector development.