Abish, B; Dr.Mohan Kumar, K(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April , 2011)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
This doctoral thesis addresses the growing concern about the significant changes in the climatic and weather patterns due to the aerosol loading that have taken place in the Indo Gangetic Plain(IGP)which includes most of the Northern Indian region. The study region comprises of major industrial cities in India (New Delhi, Kanpur, Allahabad, Jamshedpur and Kolkata). Northern and central parts of India are one of the most thickly populated areas in the world and have the most intensely farmed areas. Rapid increase in population and urbanization has resulted in an abrupt increase in aerosol concentrations in recent years. The IGP has a major source of coal; therefore most of the industries including numerous thermal power plants that run on coal are located around this region. They inject copious amount of aerosols into the atmosphere. Moreover, the transport of dust aerosols from arid locations is prevalent during the dry months which increase the aerosol loading in theatmosphere. The topography of the place is also ideal for the congregation of aerosols. It is bounded by the Himalayas in the north, Thar Desert in the west, the Vindhyan range in the south and Brahmaputra ridge in the east. During the non‐monsoon months (October to May) the weather in the location is dry with very little rainfall. Surface winds are weak during most of the time in this dry season. The aerosols that reach the location by means of long distance transport and from regional sources get accumulated under these favourable conditions.
The increase in aerosol concentration due to the complex combination of aerosol transport and anthropogenic factors mixed with the contribution from the natural sources alters the optical properties and the life time of clouds in the region. The associated perturbations in radiative balance have a significant impact on the meteorological parameters and this in turn determines the precipitation forming process. Therefore, any change in weather which disturbs the normal hydrological pattern is alarming in the socio‐economic point of view. Hence, the main focus of this work is to determine the variation in transport and distribution of aerosols in the region and to understand the interaction of these aerosols with meteorological parameters and cloud properties.
Description:
Department of Atmospheric Sciences,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Subramania Prasad, C K; Dr.Benny Mathews, Abraham(Cochin University of Science And Technology, December , 2013)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
At this era of energy crisis and resource depletion, availability
of conventional materials throughout the year in quantity and quality,
pose a hectic problem for the builders. Adding fuel to the fire, the
demand of these materials increases day by day, since the housing
and habitat requirements exponentially increase time to time. There is
an international concern over this crisis and researchers are
reorienting themselves, so as to evolve appropriate masonry units,
using locally available cheap materials and technology. The concept
of green material and construction has been well conceived in the
research so that marginal materials and unskilled labour can be
employed for the mass production of building blocks. In this context,
considering earth as a sustainable material, there is a growing interest
in the use of it, as a modern construction material. Solid waste
management is one of the current major environmental concerns in
our country. Our country is left with millions of cubic metre of waste
plastics. One of the methods to satisfactorily address this solid waste
management and the environmental issues is to suitably accommodate
the waste in some form (as fibres). Their employability in block making
in the form of fibres (plastic fibre- mud blocks) can be investigated
through a fundamental research. Also, the review of the existing
literature shows that most studies on natural fibres are focussed on cellulose based/ vegetable fibres obtained from renewable plant
resources except in very few cases, where animal fibre, plastic fibre
and polystyrene fabric were used.
At this context, for the plastic fibre-mud blocks to be more
widely applicable, a systematic quantification of the relevant physical
and mechanical properties of the fibre masonry units is crucial, to
enable an objective evaluation of the composite material’s response to
actual field condition. This research highlights the salient
observations from the detailed investigation of a systematic study on
the effect of embedded fibres, made of plastic wastes on the
performance of stabilised mud blocks.
Description:
School of Engineering,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Mariamma, Joseph; Dr.Babu,Jose T(Cochin University of Science & Technology, November , 2010)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Soil moisture plays a cardinal role in sustaining eclological balance and
agricultural development – virtually the very existence of life on earth. Because of the
growing shortage of water resources, we have to use the available water most efficiently
by proper management. Better utilization of rainfall or irrigation management depends
largely on the water retention characteristics of the soil.Soil water retention is essential to life and it provides an ongoing supply of water
to plants between periods of irrigation so as to allow their continued growth and
survival.It is essential to maintain readily available water in the soil if crops are to sustain
satisfactory growth. The plant growth may be retarded if the soil moisture is either
deficient or excessive. The optimum moisture content is that moisture which leads to
optimum growth of plant. When watering is done, the amount of water supplied should
be such that the water content is equal to the field capacity that is the water remained in
the saturated soil after gravitational drainage. Water will gradually be utilized
consumptively by plants after the water application, and the soil moisture will start
falling. When the water content in the soil reaches the value known as permanent
wilting point (when the plant starts wilting) fresh dose of irrigation may be done so that
water content is again raised to the field capacity of soil.Soil differ themselves in some or all the properties depending on the difference
in the geotechnical and environmental factors. Soils serve as a reservoir of the nutrients
and water required for crops.Study of soil and its water holding capacity is essential for the efficient
utilization of irrigation water. Hence the identification of the geotechnical parameters
which influence the water retention capacity, chemical properties which influence the
nutrients and the method to improve these properties have vital importance in irrigation
/ agricultural engineering. An attempt in this direction has been made in this study by
conducting the required tests on different types of soil samples collected from various
locations in Trivandrum district Kerala, with and without admixtures like coir pith,
coir pith compost and vermi compost. Evaluation of the results are presented and a
design procedure has been proposed for a better irrigation scheduling and management.
Description:
Division of Civil Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Raji, George; Dr.Jhonson, T P(Cochin University of Science And Technology, September 4, 2013)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The thesis is divided into nine chapters including introduction.
Mainly
we determine ultra L-topologies in the lattice of L- topologies and
study their properties.
We nd some sublattices in the lattice of L-topologies and study
their properties.
Also we study the lattice structure of the set of all L-closure operators
on a set X.
Description:
Department of Mathematics
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Rajeswari Devi, M B; Dr.Jathavedan, M(Cochin University of Science and Technology, December , 2006)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
In this thesis an attempt is made to study vortex knots based on the work of
Keener . It is seen that certain mistakes have been crept in to the details of this
paper. We have chosen this study for an investigation as it is the first attempt to
study vortex knots. Other works had given attention to this. In chapter 2 we have
considered these corrections in detail. In chapter 3 we have tried a simple extension by introducing vorticity in the evolution of vortex knots. In chapter 4 we have introduced
a stress tensor related to vorticity. Chapter 5 is the general conclusion.Knot theory is a branch of topology and has been developed as an independent
branch of study. It has wide applications and vortex knot is one of them. As pointed
out earlier, most of the studies in fluid dynamics exploits the analogy between vorticity
and magnetic induction in the case of MHD. But vorticity is more general than magnetic
induction and so it is essential to discuss the special properties of vortex knots,
independent of MHD flows. This is what is being done in this thesis.
Description:
Dept.of Mathematics,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Philip,Mathew; Dr.Ravindranatha Menon,N(Cochin University of Science and Technology, August , 1990)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The present scientific investigation of the effects of copper, mercury and cadmium has focussed on their effects on two commercially important marine bivalve species, Perna indica (brown mussel) and Donax incarnatus (wedge clam), conspicuous representatives of the tropical intertidal areas. The investigation centred around delineating the cause and effects of heavy metal stress, individually and in combination on these species under laboratory conditions. A clear understanding of the cause and effect can be had only if laboratory experiments are conducted employing sub-lethal concentrations of the above toxicants. Therefore, during the course of the investigation, sub-lethal concentrations of copper, mercury and cadmium were employed to assess the concentration dependent effects on survival, ventilation rate, O:N ratio and tissues. The results obtained are compared with the already available information and partitioned in sections to make a meaningful presentation.The thesis is presented in five chapters comprising INTRODUCTION, ACUTE TOXICITY, VENTILATION RATE, OXYGEN : NITROGEN RATIO and HISTOPATHOLOGY. Each chapter has been divided into various sections such as INTRODUCTION, REVIEW OF LITERATURE, MATERIAL AND METHODS, RESULTS and DISCUSSION
Description:
Head, Division of Marine Biology, Microbiology and
Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University
of Science and Technology
Resmi, E A; Dr.Mohanakumar,K(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, September , 2012)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The stratospheric warming events are categorized into major and minor
warming depending on the temperature increase in the polar stratosphere.
The warming is called a ‘major’, when the polar temperature increases
poleward from 60 degree latitude and followed by a reversal in the zonal
wind at 10 hPa (~32 Km). Usually major warming events are associated
with the displacement of polar vortex from high to mid latitudes or the
splitting of vortices in to two. The warming is called a "Minor", when the
polar temperature increases more than 25 degree in a period of a week or
less, at any stratospheric level with less intensified easterly wind anomalies. The stratospheric warmings generated during the transition
period of winter to spring are called final warmings. The warming events
observed in the early winter period (November to early December) over
Canadian region are called Canadian warmings. There is strong
interaction between stratosphere and troposphere during SSW period over
high and low latitudes regions.
The thesis consists of 7 chapters
Description:
Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Cochin
University of Science and Technology
Rosily, A V; Dr.Chandramohanakumar, N(Cochin University of Science & Technology, December , 2002)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Sulphur is a non conservative major element and is the most active species in the redox processes in nature, especially in aquatic environment . The varying oxidative states from-2 to +6 make it possible to enter into many of the biogeochemical processes. Thus the history, present and future of the chemical composition and behaviour of the natural aquatic systems and sediments have footprints of the sulphur chemistry.Mangroves are considered to be the most productive, fishery supportive ecosystem operating in the intertidal regions. The interlinking of the mangroves with the sulphur chemistry is attempted here.
Description:
Department of Chemical Oceanography, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Kemthose,P Paul; Dr.Bhasi, M(School of Management Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, 2003)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Model development for selection of location for refinery in India and identification of characteristics to be looked into when configuring it and to develop models for integrated supply chain planning for a refinery. Locating and removing inbound, internal and outbound logistic problems in an existing refinery and overall design of a logistic information system for a refinery are the main objectives of the study. A brief description of supply chain management (SCM), elements of SCM and their significance, logistics cost in petroleum industry and its impacts, and dynamics of petroleum its logistic practices are also to be presented. Scope of application of SCM in petroleum refinery will also be discussed. A review of the investigations carried out by earlier researches in the area of supply chain management in general and with specific reference to petroleum refining.
Maya, C Pillai; Rajasenan, D(Ccchin University of Science and Technology, 2003)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The study deals with the short and long term supply response of the natural rubber in India and to analyse the macro economic environment of NR industry and causative factors of the rubber price crash. It determines the minimum cost of production of natural rubber and to forecast the potential production of NR in India. There is positive response of short run and long run supply to prices. Since correlation analysis show close association between international and domestic price level, international price changes will have its domestic echo. Production and consumption will sustain its rising trend. This makes plans for increasing production estimates show that a mid way level i.e. the range between Rs.32-Rs.38 will give a fair enough profit to the grower in the present situation and provide for the viable sustenance of rubber cultivation. Identification of the SWOT of rubber cultivation would help in supporting rubber cultivation if remedial measures are undertaken with the true spirit. This would help Indian rubber to attain global competitiveness. Then the inflow of valuable foreign exchange will overcome the other economic drawbacks of rubber cultivation
Yoosaf, K; Dr. George Thomas, K(Chemical Sciences and Technology Division,CSIR, January , 2008)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Most of the procedures reported for the synthesis of metal
nanoparticles involve the use of strong reducing agents or elevated
temperatures. This limits the possibility of developing metal nanoparticle
based sensors for the in situ detection of analytes. One of the objectives of
the present investigations is to (i) develop newer methodologies for the
synthesis of metal nanoparticles in aqueous medium at ambient conditions
and (ii) their use in the detection of metal cations by taking advantage of
the unique coordination ability. Ideally, biocompatible molecules which
possess both the reducing and stabilizing groups are desirable for such
applications. Formation of stable supramolecular assembly, by bringing metal nanoparticles close to each other, results in plasmon coupling and
this strategy can be effectively utilized for the development of metal
nanoparticle based sensors.Another objective of the present study is to understand the
supramolecular organization of molecules on surfaces. Various
noncovalent interactions between the molecules and with surface play a
decisive role in their organizations. An in-depth understanding of these
interactions is essential for device fabrications. Recent photophysical
studies have revealed that phenyleneethynylene based molecular systems
are ideal for device application. The second objective of the thesis focuses
on understanding the (i) organization of phenyleneethynylenes on highly
oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface with atomic level precision and
(ii) weak intermolecular interactions which drive their organization.