Santhosh Kumar, G(Cochin University of Science And Technology, September 29, 2013)
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Abstract:
Science is search for the laws of underlying phenomena of the nature. Engineering
constructs the nature as we wish. Interestingly the huge engineering infrastructure like world
wide web has grown in such a complex structure such that we need to see the fundamental
science behind the structure and behaviour of these networks. This talk covers the science
behind the complex networks like web, biological, social etc. The talk aim to discuss the
basic theories that govern the static as well as the dynamics of such interesting networks
Ramya, R; Dr.Balasundaran, M; Dr.Jose, Kallarackal(Kerala Forest Research Institute, July , 2010)
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Abstract:
S. album L. is the source of highly priced and fragrant heartwood which on steam
distillation yields on an average 57
per cent oil of high perfumery value. Global
demand for sandalwood is about 5000-6000
tons/year and that of oil is 100 tons/year.
Heartwood of sandal is estimated to fetch up to Rs. 3.7 million/ton and wood oil
Rs.70,000-100,000/
kg in the international market. Sandal heartwood prices have
increased from Rs. 365/ton in 1900 to Rs. 6.5 lakhs/ton in 1999-2000
and to Rs. 37
lakhs/ton in 2007. Substantial decline in sandalwood production has occurred from 3176
tons/year during 1960-‘
65 to 1500 tons/year in 1997-98,
and to 500 tons/year in 2007.Depletion of sandal resources is attributed to several factors, both natural and
anthropogenic. Low seed setting, poor seed germination, seedling mortality, lack of
haustorial connection with host plant roots, recurrent annual fires in natural sandal
forests, lopping of trees for fodder, excessive grazing, hacking, encroachments, seedling
diseases and spread of sandal spike disease are the major problems facing sandal. While
these factors hinder sandal regeneration in forest areas, the situation is accelerated by
human activities of chronic overexploitation
and illicit felling.Deterioration of natural sandal populations due to illicit felling, encroachments and
diseases has an adverse effect on genetic diversity of the species. The loss of genetic
diversity has aggravated during recent years due to extensive logging, changing landuse
patterns and poor natural regeneration. The consequent genetic erosion is of serious
concern affecting tree improvement programme in sandal. Conservation as well as mass
propagation are the two strategies to be given due importance. To initiate any
conservation programme, precise knowledge of the factors influencing regeneration and
survival of the species is essential. Hence, the present study was undertaken with the
objective of investigating the autotrophic and parasitic phase of sandal seedlings
growth, the effects of shade on morphology, chlorophyll concentration and chlorophyll
fluorescence of sandal seedlings, genetic diversity in sandal seed stands using ISSR
markers, and the diversity of fungal isolates causing sandal seedling wilt using RAPD
markers. All these factors directly influence regeneration and survival of sandal
seedlings in natural forests and plantations.
Latha,Thampuran; Dr.Damodaran,R(Cochin University of Science and Technology, August 25, 1986)
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Abstract:
In India industrial pollution has become a subject of increasing concern.Incidents of industrial pollution have been reported from many parts of the country. Cochin, the collection site of the present study, being the industrial capital of Kerela is also a harbour, is vulnerable to pollution by trace metal contaminants. In the recent times, pollutants of greatest concern in the aquatic environment are those which are persistent such as toxic heavy metals and the chlorinated hydrocarbons which include insecticides and pesticides.The animals collected from the clam bed situated on the northern side af Cochin bermouth are subject to wide fluctuations in salinity both seasonal and tidal. also; salinity is considered as an important parameter influencing the.-physiological functioning of an organism. Hence, the salinity tolerance of the animal is worked out. Considering the potential vulnerability of Cochin backwaters to heavy metal pollution, the impact of heavy metal copper (II) on the bivalve Sunetta sripta was conceived. Static bioassays were conducted for the determination of the sublethal concentrations of the metal as a preliminary step towards the toxicity studies. Oxygen consumption and filtration rate which are considered as reliable sublethal toxicity indices were employed for investigating the toxic effects of the metal. Bioaccumulation, a physiological phenomenon which can be of importance from the public health point of view, and also in the assessment of environmental quality is also dealt with.
Description:
School of Marine Science, Cochin University of Science & Technology
Krishnakumar,P K; Dr.Damodaran,R(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, November 5, 1987)
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Abstract:
No serious attempt has so far been made in India to make use
of the ‘Mussel watch’ concept as a useful tool for pollution monitoring
of the marine and estuarine environment. The recently conducted
'National seminar on mussel watch’ by the Cochin University of Science
and Technology (13-14 Feb, 1986) discussed the technical aspects related
to mussel watch programme and the application of sentinel organism
concept to the coastal areas of India.
It is well known that the biological and physiological
characteristics of the organism inhabiting tropical waters such as those
prevailing in India, and the ecological as well as the environmental
characteristics of temperate areas, where mussel watch programmes are
already in existence differ greatly. So it is essential to adopt the
techniques and standards developed for temperate species to the
situations and conditions in India. In this context it is a prerequisite
to collect information on physiology and other biological indices of
stress of possible sentinel organisms like P.viridis.
In consideration of the above, P. viridis which is a potential
sentinel organism, is selected for the present study
Description:
School Of Marine Sciences
Cochin University Of Science And Technology
Valsalakumari, C S; Dr.Samuel, C T(Cochin University of Science And Technology, 1990)
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Abstract:
The vast areas of derelict swamps covered by macrophyton and swarmed
by insects scattered in different parts of India are at present either under
total negligence or utilized as waste disposal dumps. Eventhough Indian subcontinent
is ranked among the first ten fish producing countries in the world,
the fish production is not at par with the increasing need of protein in the
average Indian diet. So the water areas which become unusable for conventional
human activities like the swamps could be used for fish culture which would
increase the availability of protein in the form of fish flesh, thus providing
new opportunities to the fishermen. But the conversion of swamps for fish
culture would entail considerable expenditure. Hence the significance of a
group of fresh water fishes which have made their favourable abode the muddy
swamps of tropics depending partly on accessory _respiration to survive in the
inimical environment. The homeostasis achieved in such a hostile, hypoxic
medium make them excellent choices for culture in the derelict freshwater
bodies of India.
These air breathing fishes form an economically important group which
are highly esteemed as food fishes in many parts of South Asia and Africa.
Though their natural habitat seems to be the marshes, they have also conquered
other freshwater bodies like ponds, tanks, rivers and flooded paddy fields.
They can also tolerate slightly brackish waters. They are known for their nutritive,
invigorating and therapeutic qualities and are recommended by physicians
as diet during convalescence (Jhingran, 1982)
Description:
Department of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Smitha, Mohanlal; Dr. Jayalekshmy, A(National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR), December , 2011)
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Abstract:
The study was planned to investigate the bioactive compounds in Njavara
compared to staple varieties and their bioactivity to substantiate the medicinal
properties. Results of the study on chemical indices, antioxidant activity and antiinflammatory
activity (in vivo) of Njavara black rice bran and rice in comparison with
non-medicinal varieties like Sujatha and Palakkadan Matta rice bran and rice are given. The phytochemical investigation and quantification of Njavara extracts in
comparison with staple varieties are detailed in this study. The last chapter is divided in three sections (A, B and C). Section A comprises the antioxidant activity
by in vitro assays like DPPH, superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide
scavenging activity of the compounds. Also, theoretical studies using DFT were carried
out based on DPPH radical scavenging activity for understanding the radical stability
and mechanism of antioxidant activity. Section B comprises the anti-inflammatory
activity of the identified compounds namely tricin and two flavonolignans in both in
vivo and in vitro models. Section C describes the cytotoxicity of the rare flavonolignans,
tricin 4’-O-(erythro-β-guaiacylglyceryl) ether and tricin 4’-O-(threo-β-guaiacylglyceryl)
ether towards multiple cancer cells belonging to colon, ovarian and breast tumours.
Aneeshkumar, N; Dr.Sujatha, C H(Cochin University of Science and Technology, October , 2009)
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Abstract:
We are in the cutting edge of a new era of development without leaving
any promises to next generation. But the scale and size of the problem are only
partially blamed. The juggernaut of Globalisation has trampled upon whatever
little hope we might have had making a quick transition to a less energy –
intensive world. “Environment friendliness begins at home”. Our quest for
productivity and profitability should progress simultaneous with our
cooperative responsibility of leaving behind a clean and green earth for the
generation to come. Climate change is the most pressing global environmental
challenge being faced by humanity, with the quest for better productivity for our
fragile ecosystem. It is too late to rely solely on reduction in Green house gas
emissions to mitigate climate change although this is undoubtedly crucial.
Coastal belts are more prone to these devastating impacts and its protection is an
intensive filed of research. The present study describes how the colourful
Carotenoids and Chlorophylls can be used in rapid hand on tool in conjunction
with molecular biology to open sources and it also explores the fate of organic
matter in the aquatic system and underlying sediments.
Description:
Department of Chemical Oceanography,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
In the current study, the duckweed aquatic macrophyte Spirodela polyrrhiza was employed for assessing the toxicity of two wetlands in the Eloor industrial estate, Ernakulam district, Kerala, South India. The assessments were made according to OECD guidelines for testing (2006). The studies involve study of growth parameters, Growth Index, Biomass and changes in productivity. The water samples were collected from two different wetland sites at the same time. The spirodela plants were introduced into several dilutions of wetland water samples. The parameters were measured after 7 days of exposure. All samples except control affected all parameters. The results of this study emphasize the significance of duckweeds as standard and reliable testing material for biological parameters in polluted aquatic ecosystem
Description:
IOSR Journal Of Environmental Science, Toxicology And Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT),Volume 1, Issue 6 (Nov. - Dec. 2012), PP 44-49
Jissa, Krishna G; Dr.Chandrasekaran,M(Cochin University of Science and Technology, January , 2008)
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Abstract:
The marine microorganisms are yet to be exploited as a source of natural
pigments for probable utilization in various industries. Hence, in this study focus
was made only on pigment producing marine bacteria for pigment production and
evaluation of the same for some application besides development of an ideal
bioprocess for subsequent indigenous production of the pigment using the same
organism towards ultimate industrial application.
Description:
Department of Biotechnology, Cochin
University of Science and Technology
Antony, T P; Dr.Joseph,Francis D(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, December 4, 1989)
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Abstract:
The main objectives of the investigations
reported in the present thesis are the following: (1)
to find out some industrial wastes as cheaper additives
to augment the air-blowing polymerization process
of bitumen. This will bring down the cost of production
of industrial bitumen which can be applied for the
manufacture of bitumenous paints, roofing and flooring
materials etc. (2) to find out suitable promoters
for the above additives. This will bring down the
consumption of the additives (3) to help in the
industrial pollution control (4) to investigate the
usefulness of the industrial bitumen produced in the
production of bituminous paints (5) to find out thekinetic parameters of the reactions invovled with
different additives. This is essential for the design,
construction and operation of new industrial bitumen
plants using the additives investigated. This will
also enable us to establish the mechanism of the
reactions involved in the process
Description:
Department of Polymer Science and
Rubber Technology, Cochin University of Science and
Technology
Viswanathan,M; Siow,Y L; Paulose,C S; Dakshinamurti,K(Department of Biotechnology, May 24, 1988)
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Abstract:
Pvridoxine deficiency causes physiologically significant decrease in brain serotonin (5-HT) due to decreased decarboxylation of 5-
hvdroxvtrvptophan (5-HTP). We have examined the effect of pyridoxine deficiency on indoleamine metabolism in the pineal gland, a
tissue with high indoleamine turnover. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a pyridoxine-supplemented or pyridoxinedeficient
diet for 8 weeks. Pyridoxine deficiency did not alter the pattern of circadian rhythm of pineal 5-HT. 5-hvdroxvindoleacetic
acid (5-HIAA), V-acetvlserotonin (NAS). and melatonin. However the levels of these compounds were significantly lower in the
pineal glands of pyridoxine-deficient animals. Pineal 5-HTP levels were consistently higher in the pyridoxine-deficient animals and a
conspicuous increase was noticed at 22.00 h. Increase in pineal NAS and melatonin levels caused by isoproterenol (5 mg kg at 17.00 h)
were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the pyridoxine-deficient animals. Treatment of pyridoxine-deficient rats with pvridoxine restored
the levels of pineal 5-HT, 5-HIAA. NAS. and melatonin to values seen in pyridoxine-supplemented control animals. These results
suggest that 5-HT availability could be an important factor in the regulation of the synthesis of pineal NAS and melatonin.
Mridula, S; Anila, P V; Indhu, K K; Nijas, C M; Sujith, R; Mohanan, P(Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company, March 1, 2014)
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Abstract:
An electrically small, broadband-modified, truncated
ground metamaterial EZ antenna is presented. This, a modified EZ
antenna system, achieves a larger bandwidth of the order of 650 MHz
by adjusting the metamaterial-inspired meandered ground element fed
by a top loaded monopole. The design is devoid of the large ground
planes and the external parasitic elements used in conventional
designs for achieving proper impedance matching characteristics. The
antenna requires a small foot print of kg/5 3 kg/10, where kg is the
guided wavelength corresponding to the lowest frequency of operation,
when printed on a substrate of dielectric constant 4.4 and thickness
1.6 mm. The antenna offers a 2:1 VSWR bandwidth from 750
MHz to 1.4 GHz, which covers CDMA, GSM, and ISM bands
Description:
MICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS / Vol. 56, No. 3, March 2014
Mridula, S; Sreedevi, Menon K; Lethakumary,B; Binu, Paul; Aanandan,C K; Mohanan, P(Microwave and Optical Technology Letters, July 20, 2002)
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Abstract:
A broadband rectangular tnicrostrip antenna utilizing
an electromagnetically coupled L-strip feed is presented. Experimental
study shows a 2:1 VSWR bandwidth of a 10% and excellent
cross-polarization performance with a radiation coverage almost as
same as that of the rectangular microstrip antenna fed by conventional
methods. The variation of bandwidth for different feed parameters is also studied. The proposed antenna is suitable for broadband
communications