Archives-February 2012

In this paper a new Trigonometric shear deformation theory is developed for the static flexure of thick isotropic beam, considering Trigonometric functions in terms of thickness co-ordinate associated with transverse shear deformation effect. The most important feature of the theory is that the transverse shear stress can be obtained directly from the constitutive relations satisfying the shear stress free surface conditions on the top and bottom of the beam. Hence the theory obviates the need of shear correction factor. Governing equations and boundary conditions of the theory are obtained using the principle of virtual work. Results obtained for static flexure of simply supported isotropic beam subjected to various loading cases are compared with those of other refined theories and exact solution.

The four programmes of the Swadeshi movement which were like the four pillars of Nationalism were translated into action in different parts of India.  The idea of Boycott was kept alive and brought home to every door by articles in newspapers, processions, popular songs, enrolment of volunteers to keep vigilant watch, and by occasional bon-fires of foreign clothes, salt and sugar. The old apparels of foreign make belonging to sundry people were placed in a heep and then it was set on fire.  The blazing flames were greeted with shouts of ‘Bande Mataram’.  Such bonfires were looked upon as a special mode of honouring noted public leaders when they visited any particular locality.  Such tours of eminent leaders and the bonfires greeting them were regarded as of great value as a means of infusing enthusiasm for Swadeshi.

This study investigated the employee retention dependency on predictor variables like training program, incentive programme, co-worker social support, working hours and union representation. For this purpose data have collected from individuals in four banks and government employee who are living in government colonies in Pakistan. Total population was approximately 550 and sample size 226 has been used for collecting data. The regression test is used to check dependency of employee retention on predictor variables. the result of the study indicate that employee retention depend more on incentive program, union representation, co-worker social support, and less on working hours and supervisory program. However incentive program is more significant predictor variable for employee retention than other variable.

The purpose of the study is to test empirical and conceptualization of women consumer assessment of brand image, brand attitude and quality of a two-wheeler, which is considered as a durable product. The researcher’s interest to know the degree to which women’s preference varies with age, education, occupation, or other characteristics. The data is collected from the 149 women who uses two wheeler in Salem District. In the study the researcher have tried to measure the expectation and satisfaction of the women consumers towards two wheelers. The results derived from the study indicate that the factor that induces the consumers to buy a particular vehicle on account of special features like easy start, gearless, auto gear etc.

Consumer behavior refers to the act of individuals who are directly involved in purchase of goods. It is a new discipline that borrows heavily form concepts developed from study of individual, study of groups, study of how an individual operates in groups, and the influence of society on the individual. Factors like personality, perception, attitude and learning on the one hand and the product, price, physical attributes, advertising and societal influence on the other shape the behavior of consumers. There are number of brands of two-wheeler vehicle available in our country. Among the two-wheeler companies, TVS Company occupies first place in the country. Its TVS Scooty Pep is the best selling motor scooter in the market. Though other brands of vehicle have their own unique feature, TVS Scooty Pep still has a good demand in the market. To analyse the factors that influence the people to buy this vehicle, the researcher has undertaken this study. The results derived from the study helps to know the factors that influence the consumers to buy the product and to analyse why the consumers in Salem prefer TVS Scooty Pep. This study helps to enable the producer to make decision regarding further changes in promotional measures.

Industrial sickness is a universal phenomenon, over the years the problem of the industrial sickness has grown not only in developing countries but also in developed countries. In India, the problem of sickness in industries has become very acute. It adversely affected the health of the industrial sector in particular and the economy of the country in general. This paper covers the causes of sickness in the cooperative sugar factories in Andhra Pradesh with reference to NCSF and to examine the revival / closure strategy of NCSF. The present study is based on secondary data and is substantiated by discussions and interviews with the officials of NCSF. The data is analysed by using appropriate statistical tools like averages, trend analysis and percentages. In order to identify the forewarning indicators of industrial sickness in Cooperative sugar factories, L.C. Gupta model of four financial ratios such as (1) EBDIT \ NS (2) EBDIT \ GTA (3) OCF \ NS (4) OCF \ GTA are also applied. It concludes that the originating factor was management ineffectiveness. The management could not make the farmers understand the importance of survival of NCSF. The management could not convince the farmers to continue to produce sugarcane for their survival vis-à-vis the NCSF’s survival. EBT was negative for all the years but for 1998-99 it was positive due to interest waived. All these indications show that the organization was never sound, ultimately leading to sickness.

The army worm Spodoptera litura is one of the most damaging pests of cotton, tobacco and castor in India. Synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphate pesticides are used for controlling this pest. Due to continuous use of these chemicals there are reports of insecticide resistance among S. litura. In the present study we analyzed the mechanisms involved in the development of pyrethroid resistance and organophosphate resistance in S. litura using biochemical marker enzymes. The result shows an increased carboxylesterase activity, GST and AChE activity in organophosphate and pyrethroid treatments in field population as compared to laboratory populations. The data presented in this work shows the occurrence of pyrethroid and organophosphate resistance in S.litura may confer through estrases and glutathione complexes.

The FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of P-Chloroaniline (PCA) have been recorded and analyzed. The optimized geometry, and harmonic vibrational wave numbers of PCA have been investigated with the help of B3LYP scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) method supplemented with 6-311++G** basis set. The infrared and Raman spectra were predicted theoretically from the calculated intensities. The observed and simulated spectra were found to be well comparable. In the investigation, we adopted density functional theory (DFT) combined with quantum chemical calculations to determine the first-order hyperpolarizability.

We are very happy to announce that from 28th February 2012, Dr. Md Azree b. Othuman Mydin has joined the team of Elixir Editorial Advisory Board. He will carry a special responsibility for dealing with manuscripts based on Building and Planning. Dr. Md Azree b. Othuman Mydin is currently working at School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang. The appointment of Dr. Md Azree b. Othuman Mydin as member Editorial Advisory Board strengthens the links and will make it easier for prospective authors to establish contact with the journal. Please send any expressions of interest to chiefeditor@elixirjournal.org. Sincerely Editor-in-Chief

We are very happy to announce that from 21st February 2012, Dr.Noor Mohammad has joined the team of Elixir Editorial Advisory Board. He will carry a special responsibility for dealing with manuscripts based on Faculty of Business and Law. Dr.Noor Mohammad is currently working as a Senior Lecturer in Law at Multimedia University (Melaka Campus) Block: B, Floor: 5th, Room: 5014 Jalan Ayer, Keroh Lama, 75450 Melaka, Malaysia. The appointment of Dr.Noor Mohammad as member Editorial Advisory Board strengthens the links and will make it easier for prospective authors to establish contact with the journal. Please send any expressions of interest to chiefeditor@elixirjournal.org. Sincerely Editor-in-Chief