Resourcesat-1 data quality evaluation system

In continuation of IRS-1C/1D mission, Resourcesat mission was planned for integrated land and water resource management. Resourcesat was launched on 17 October 2003. This satellite carries three multi-spectral cameras with variable swath and different spatial resolution. Data quality evaluation (DQE) system characterizes payload and platform performance and its impact on radiometric and geometric accuracies achieved on user product during initial and operational phase. DQE system is software system where each parameter package is integrated in DQE scheduler, which automates and facilitates the execution procedure.     

Bianchi Type I Magnetized String Cosmological Model in General Relativity

Bianchi Type I magnetized string cosmological model following the techniques used by Letelier and Stachel, is investigated. To get a determinate model, we assume a condition ∊ = λ (geometric string) where ∊ is the rest energy density, λ the string tension density and expansion (θ) is proportional to eigen value σ₁ ¹ of shear tensor (σ _j ⁱ ), which leads to A = ℓ (BC) ⁿ where A, B, C are metric potentials and ℓ and n are constants. The behaviour of the model in presence and absence of magnetic field is discussed. The physical and geometrical aspects of the model are also discussed.     

Middle Eocene calcareous algae from Southwestern Kachchh,Gujarat

The Fulra limestone (middle Eocene) exposed in the areas around Jhadwa and Harudi villages, southwestern, Kachchh reveals presence of a rich assemblage of calcareous algae belonging to the Chlorophyceae and Rhodophyceae along with abundant foraminifera. In the present paper, eight species belonging to eight genera of calcareous algae are described. These include Dissocladella longijangensis, Sporolithon keenani, Corallina crossmanni, Arthrocardia sp. Misra et al. 2001, Lithothamnion ishigakiensis, Melobesioideae gen. et spec. indet. 1, Melobesioideae gen. et spec. indet. 2 and Lithoporella melobesioides. Out of these, one taxon belongs to the family Dasycladaceae. Among the remaining taxa, one taxon to the family Sporolithaceae, three taxa to the family Corallinaceae and three to the family Hapalidiaceae. Two coralline species, Corallina crossmanni and Lithothamnion ishigakiensis, are recorded for the first time from India. Another species (Dissocladella longijangensis), though known from other areas of India, is new to the study area.     

The influence of interface geometry,stiffness, and crushing on the dynamic response of masonry collapse mechanisms

Failure of masonry structures generally occurs via specific collapse mechanisms which have been well documented. Using rocking dynamics, equations of motion have been derived for a number of different failure mechanisms ranging from the simple overturning of a single block to more complicated mechanisms. However, most of the equations of motion derived thus far assume that the structures can be modelled as rigid bodies rocking on rigid interfaces with an infinite compressive strength—which is not always the case. In fact, crushing of masonry—commonly observed in larger scale constructions and vertically restrained walls—can lead to a reduction in the dynamic capacity of these structures. This paper rederives the rocking equation of motion to account for the influence of flexible interfaces, characterized by a specific interface stiffness as well as finite compressive strength. The interface now includes a continually shifting rotation point, the location of which depends not only on the material properties of the interface but also on its geometry. Expressions have thus also been derived for interfaces of different geometries, and parametric studies conducted to gauge their influence on dynamic response. The new interface formulations are also implemented within a new analytical modelling tool that provides a novel approach to the dynamic analysis of masonry collapse mechanisms. Finally, this tool is exemplified, along with the importance of the interface formulation, by evaluating the collapse of the Dharahara Tower in Kathmandu, which was almost completely destroyed during the 2015 Gorkha earthquake.