| Abstract: | The Sediment budgeting studies are done to bring out the coastal processes at work, to understand the beach-innershelf sedimentary dynamics and to assess the stability of any coastal stretch. There is a dearth of such studies as far as the Indian coast is concerned. The Chavara coast of Kollam district, Kerala, is world famous for its rich heavy mineral resources. These mineral resources are being commercially mined by the Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL) and Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. (KMML), two Public Sector Undertakings located in the area. The impact of mining on stability of the beach has been a point of debate among the local people as well as researchers. The coastal stretch of 22km length from Neendakara to Kayamkulam which is referred to as the Chavara coast. The tidal, wind driven and continental shelf currents, there could also be the contribution of coastal trapped waves and baroclinic flow associated with the plumes of fresh water coming from the estuaries. The main objectives of the study are the hydrodynamic processes and mechanism involved in the sediment movement along the Chavara coast, Identify the different sources and sinks of beach sand along the coast, Quantify the sediment input/output into/from the coast and assess the erosion/accretion scenario of the coast. |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/938 |
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| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/5138 |
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| Dyuthi-T2172.pdf | (14.40Mb) |
| Abstract: | All over the world, several Quaternary proxy data have been used to reconstruct past sea levels, mainly radiocarbon or OSL dating of exposures of marine facies or shore line indicators (e.g. Carr et al., 2010) as well as paleoenvironmental indicators in lagoon or estuary sediments (e.g. Baxter and Meadows, 1999). Estuaries and deltas develop at river mouths during transgressive and regressive phases, respectively (Boyd et al., 1992). In particular, the postglacial Holocene sea-level rise has contributed importantly to the estuary-to-delta transition (Hori et al. 2004). By analyzing radiocarbon ages of the basal or near-basal sediments of the world’s deltas, Stanley and Warne (1994) showed that delta initiation occurred on a worldwide scale after about 8500–6500 years BP and concluded that the initiation was controlled principally by the declining rate of the Holocene sea-level rise. Worldwide there were different regional sea-level changes since the last glacial maximum (LGM) (Irion et al., 2012). Along the northern Canadian coast, for example, sea level has been falling throughout the Holocene due to the glacial rebound of the crust after the last glaciation (Peltier, 1988). This is comparable to the development in Scandinavia (Steffen and Kaufmann, 2005) where sea level drops today. From about Virginia/USA to Mexico there is a constant sea-level rise similar to the Holocene sea-level development of the southern North Sea (e.g. Vink et al., 2007). From the border of Ceará/Rio Grande do Norte down to Patagonia, indicators of Holocene sea level point to a level that was up to 5 m higher than today's mean sea level (Angulo et al., 1999; Martin et al., 2003; Caldas et al., 2006a, b) |
| Description: | School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science And Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3720 |
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| Dyuthi-T1676.pdf | (11.10Mb) |
| Abstract: | The evolution of coast through geological time scale is dependent on the transgression-regression event subsequent to the rise or fall of sea level. This event is accounted by investigation of the vertical sediment deposition patterns and their interrelationship for paleo-enviornmental reconstruction. Different methods like sedimentological (grain size and micro-morphological) and geochemical (elemental relationship) analyses as well as radiocarbon dating are generally used to decipher the sea level changes and paleoclimatic conditions of the Quaternary sediment sequence. For the Indian coast with a coastline length of about 7500 km, studies on geological and geomorphological signatures of sea level changes during the Quaternary were reported in general by researchers during the last two decades. However, for the southwest coast of India particularily Kerala which is famous for its coastal landforms comprising of estuaries, lagoons, backwaters, coastal plains, cliffs and barrier beaches, studies pertaining to the marine transgression-regression events in the southern region are limited. The Neendakara-Kayamkulam coastal stretch in central Kerala where the coast is manifested with shore parallel Kayamkulam Lagoon on one side and shore perpendicular Ashtamudi Estuary on the other side indicating existence of an uplifted prograded coastal margin followed by barrier beaches, backwater channels, ridge and runnel topography is an ideal site for studying such events. Hence the present study has been taken up in this context to address the gap area. The location for collection of core samples representing coastal plain, estuarylagoon and offshore regions have been identified based on published literature and available sedimentary records. The objectives of the research work are: To study the lithological variations and depositional environments of sediment cores along the coastal plain, estuary-lagoon and offshore regions between Kollam and Kayamkulam in the central Kerala coast To study the transportation and diagenetic history of sediments in the area To investigate the geochemical characterization of sediments and to elucidate the source-sink relationship To understand the marine transgression-regression events and to propose a conceptual model for the region The thesis comprises of 8 chapters. The first chapter embodies the preamble for the selection and significance of this research work. The study area is introduced with details on its physiographical, geological, geomorphological, rainfall and climate information. A review of literature, compiling the research on different aspects such as physico-chemical, geomorphological, tectonics, transgression-regression events are presented in the second chapter and they are broadly classified into three viz:- International, National and Kerala. The field data collection and laboratory analyses adopted in the research work are discussed in the third chapter. For collection of sediment core samples from the coastal plains, rotary drilling method was employed whereas for the estuary-lagoon and offshore locations the gravity/piston corer method was adopted. The collected subsurficial samples were analysed for texture, surface micro-texture, elemental analysis, XRD and radiocarbon dating techniques for age determination. The fourth chapter deals with the textural analysis of the core samples collected from various predefined locations of the study area. The result reveals that the Ashtamudi Estuary is composed of silty clay to clayey type of sediments whereas offshore cores are carpeted with silty clay to relict sand. Investigation of the source of sediments deposited in the coastal plain located on either side of the estuary indicates the dominance of terrigenous to marine origin in the southern region whereas it is predominantly of marine origin towards the north. Further the hydrodynamic conditions as well as the depositional enviornment of the sediment cores are elucidated based on statistical parameters that decipher the deposition pattern at various locations viz., coastal plain (open to closed basin), Ashtamudi Estuary (partially open to restricted estuary to closed basin) and offshore (open channel). The intensity of clay minerals is also discussed. From the results of radiocarbon dating the sediment depositional environments were deciphered.The results of the microtextural study of sediment samples (quartz grains) using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) are presented in the fifth chapter. These results throw light on the processes of transport and diagenetic history of the detrital sediments. Based on the lithological variations, selected quartz grains of different environments were also analysed. The study indicates that the southern coastal plain sediments were transported and deposited mechanically under fluvial environment followed by diagenesis under prolonged marine incursion. But in the case of the northern coastal plain, the sediments were transported and deposited under littoral environment indicating the dominance of marine incursion through mechanical as well as chemical processes. The quartz grains of the Ashtamudi Estuary indicate fluvial origin. The surface texture features of the offshore sediments suggest that the quartz grains are of littoral origin and represent the relict beach deposits. The geochemical characterisation of sediment cores based on geochemical classification, sediment maturity, palaeo-weathering and provenance in different environments are discussed in the sixth chapter. In the seventh chapter the integration of multiproxies data along with radiocarbon dates are presented and finally evolution and depositional history based on transgression–regression events is deciphered. The eighth chapter summarizes the major findings and conclusions of the study with recommendation for future work. |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/5002 |
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| Dyuthi-T2071.PDF | (7.822Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/xmlui/purl/1897 |
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| Dyuthi-T0362.pdf | (10.14Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/5241 |
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| Dyuthi T-2277.pdf | (29.62Mb) |
| Abstract: | Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a simple and inexpensive optical technique that can be used to detect blood volume changes in the microvascular bed of tissues. There has been a resurgence of interest in the technique in recent years, driven by the demand for low cost, simple and portable technology for the primary care and community based clinical settings and the wide availability of low cost and small semiconductor components, and the advancement of computer-based pulse wave analysis techniques. The present research work deals with the design of a PPG sensor for recording the blood volume pulse signals and carry out selected cardiovascular studies based on these signals. The interaction of light with tissue, early and recent history of PPG, instrumentation, measurement protocol and pulse wave analysis are also discussed in this study. The effect of aging, mild cold exposure, and variation in the body posture on the PPG signal have been experimentally studied. |
| Description: | International School of Photonics, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/xmlui/purl/1914 |
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| Dyuthi-T0451.pdf | (1.333Mb) |
| Abstract: | Chemistry occupies a unique middle position in the scientific arena, between physics and mathematics on the one side and biology, ecology, sociology and economics on the other [1]. Chemistry is the science of matter and of its transformations, and life is its highest expression [2]. According to reductionist thinking biology is reducible into chemistry, chemistry into physics, and ultimately physics into mathematics. Reductionism implies the ease of understanding one level in terms of another.The work presented this thesis comprises synthesis and characterization of suitably substituted thiocarbohydrazone and carbohydrazone ligand building blocks, self-assembled metallosupramolecular square grid complexes as well as some di/multinuclear complexes. The primary aim was the deliberate syntheses of some novel transition metal framework complexes, mainly metallosupramolecular coordination square grids by self-assembly and their physico-chemical characterization. The work presented, however, also include synthesis and characterization of four mononuclear Ni(II) complexes of two thiosemicarbazones, which we carried out as a preliminary and supporting study. Based on the present work we would like to conclude that the carbohydrazones, thiocarbohydrazones and their coordination framework complexes of transition metals are promising systems for wide application in science and technology varied from physics to biotechnology. Novel classes of materials and biologically important potential compounds open up further scope of researches and we hopefully welcome any sort of related research to make this work more valuable. |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3016 |
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| Dyuthi-T0995.pdf | (17.18Mb) |
| Description: | School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/xmlui/purl/2086 |
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| Dyuthi-T0452.pdf | (3.850Mb) |
| Abstract: | As a result of the issues of care and conservation and sustainable utilisation, the proper management of mangrove forests have become more pressing than ever. Much recent ecological and toxicological debate has been centered around the question of validity of making predictions about the future of mangrove ecosystemas a result of the newly evolved environmental policy. Though muchinformation exist on the biodiversity, floristic composition and characteristics, geographical distribution and uses of mangroves, systematic documentation of the various sedimentological and geochemical phenomena in relation to the mangrove flora are scarce. Hazardous, persistent, man-made chemicals and waste produces are entering the mangrove ecosystem at from the adjacent watersheds which strengthened alarming rates the indispensible need for further researches on the environmental behaviours, fate and the effect of such products. Studies on the effect of heavy metals, pesticides and the other toxic signals through bioassay and toxicity tests on mangrove species as well as in sediments definitely will furnish ample clues to establish the actual operative mechanisms of these environments. A thorough review of literature made in this angle reveals that some attempts have already been initiated the world over the record the physico-chemical characteristics of major abiotic components such as sediments and water of many mangrove ecosystem, however, adequate information is lacking in the Indian Environmental Science scenario. The present investigation is an attempt to record the sedimentological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of sediments as well as the heavy metal enrichment in the various species ofmangrove flora of three important mangrove ecosystems of Kerala, located at Veli (SouthKerala), Kochi (Central Kerala) and Kannur (North Kerala). The results of the above investigation have been analysed statistically, discussed based on the available literature and presented in this thesis under seven chapters |
| Description: | School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3511 |
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| Dyuthi-T1484.pdf | (8.646Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/1667 |
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| Dyuthi-T0149.pdf | (3.609Mb) |
| Description: | Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/2705 |
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| Dyuthi-T0757.pdf | (12.27Mb) |
| Abstract: | Recent studies have established a fimctional correlation of serotonergic and adrenergic function in the brain regions with insulin secretion in diabetic rats (Vahabzadeh et al., 1995). Administration of 5-HT”. agonist 8-OH-DPAT to conscious rats caused an increase in blood glucose level. This increase in blood glucose is due to inhibition of insulin secretion by increased circulating EPI (Chaouloff et al., 1990a; Chaouloff et al., 1990d; Chaoulo1T& Jeanrenaud, 1987). The increase in EPI is brought about by increased sympathetic stimulation. This increase can lead to increased sympatho-medullary stimulation thereby inhibiting insulin release (Bauhelal & Mir, 1993, Bauhelal & Mir, 1990a; Chaouloffet al., 1990d). Also, studies have shown that Gi protein in the liver has been decreased in diabetes which will increase gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis thereby causing hyperglycaemia (Pennington, 1987). Serotonergic control is suggested to exert different effects on insulin secretion according to the activation of different receptor subclasses (Pontiroli et al., 1975). In addition to this mechanism, the secretion of insulin is dependent on the turnover ratio of endogenous 5-hydroxy tryptophan (5-HTP) to 5-HT in the pancreatic islets (Jance er al., 1980). The reports so far stated does not explain the complete mechanism and the subclass of 5-HT receptors whose expression regulate insulin secretion in a diabetic state. Also, there is no report of a direct regulation of insulin secretion by 5-HT from the pancreatic islets even though there are reports stating that the pancreatic islets is a rich source of 5-HT (Bird et al., 1980). Therefore, in the present study the mechanism by which 5-HT and its receptors regulate insulin secretion from pancreatic [3-cells was investigated. Our results led to the following hypotheses by which 5-HT and its receptors regulate the insulin secretion. |
| Description: | Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3513 |
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| Dyuthi-T1486.pdf | (9.126Mb) |
| Abstract: | Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc resulting in severe motor impairments. Serotonergic system plays an important regulatory role in the pathophysiology of PD in rats, the evaluation of which provides valuable insight on the underlying mechanisms of motor, cognitive and memory deficits in PD. We observed a decrease in 5-HT content in the brain regions of 6-OHDA infused rat compared to control. The decreased 5-HT content resulted in a decrease of total 5-HT, 5-HT2A receptors and 5-HTT function and an increase of 5-HT2C receptor function. 5-HT receptor subtypes - 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors have differential regulatory role on the modulation of DA neurotransmission in different brain regions during PD. Our observation of impaired serotonergic neurotransmission in SNpc, corpus striatum, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and brain stem demonstrate that although PD primarily results from neurodegeneration in the SNpc, the associated neurochemical changes in other areas of the brain significantly contributes to the different motor and non motor symptoms of PD. The antioxidant enzymes – SOD, CAT and GPx showed significant down regulation which indicates increased oxidative damage resulting in neurodegeneration. We also observed an increase in the level of lipid peroxidation. Reduced expression of anti-apoptotic Akt and enhanced expression of NF-B resulting from oxidative stress caused an activation of caspase-8 thus leading the cells to neurodegeneration by apoptosis. BMC administration in combination with 5-HT and GABA to PD rats showed reversal of the impaired serotonergic neurotransmission and oxidative stress mediated apoptosis. The transplanted BMC expressed NeuN confirming that 5-HT and GABA induced the differentiation and proliferation of BMC to neurons in the SNpc along with an increase in DA content and an enhanced expression of TH. Neurotrophic factors – BDNF and GDNF rendered neuroprotective effects accompanied by improvement in behavioural deficits indicating a significant reversal of altered dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in PD. The restorative and neuroprotective effects of BMC in combination with 5-HT and GABA are of immense therapeutic significance in the clinical management of PD. |
| Description: | Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3072 |
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| Dyuthi-T1046.pdf | (27.87Mb) |
| Abstract: | In a business environment that is characterized by intense competition, building customer loyalty has become a key area of focus for most financial institutions. The explosion of the services sector, changing customer demographics and deregulation and emergence of new technology in the financial services industry have had a critical impact on consumers’ financial services buying behaviour. The changes have forced banks to modify their service offerings to customers so as to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and also high levels of customer retention. Banks have historically had difficulty distinguishing their products from one another because of their relative homogeneity; with increasing competition,the problem has only intensified with no coherent distinguishing theme. Rising wealth, product proliferation, regulatory changes and newer technologies are together making bank switching easier for customers. In order to remain competitive, it is important for banks to retain their customer base. The financial services sector is the foundation for any economy and plays the role of mobilization of resources and their allocation. The retail banking sector in India has emerged as one of the major drivers of the overall banking industry and has witnessed enormous growth. Switching behaviour has a negative impact on the banks’ market share and profitability as the costs of acquiring customers are much higher than the costs of retaining. When customers switch, the business loses the potential for additional profits from the customer the initial costs invested in the customer by the business get . The Objective of the thesis was to examine the relationship among triggers that customers experience, their perceptions of service quality, consumers’ commitment and behavioral intentions in the contemporary India retail banking context through the eyes of the customer. To understand customers’ perception of these aspects, data were collected from retail banking customers alone for the purpose of analysis, though the banks’ views were considered during the qualitative work carried out prior to the main study. No respondent who is an employee of a banking organization was considered for the final study to avoid the possibility of any bias that could affect the results adversely. The data for the study were collected from customers who have switched banks and from those who were non switchers. The study attempted to develop and validate a multidimensional construct of service quality for retail banking from the consumer’s perspective. A major conclusion from the empirical research was the confirmation of the multidimensional construct for perceived service quality in the banking context. Switching can be viewed as an optimization problem for customers; customers review the potential gains of switching to another service provider against the costs of leaving the service provider. As banks do not provide tangible products, their service quality is usually assessed through service provider’s relationship with customers. Thus, banks should pay attention towards their employees’ skills and knowledge; assessing customers’ needs and offering fast and efficient services. |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/4932 |
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| Dyuthi-T2007.pdf | (7.998Mb) |
| Abstract: | The service quality of any sector has two major aspects namely technical and functional. Technical quality can be attained by maintaining technical specification as decided by the organization. Functional quality refers to the manner which service is delivered to customer which can be assessed by the customer feed backs. A field survey was conducted based on the management tool SERVQUAL, by designing 28 constructs under 7 dimensions of service quality. Stratified sampling techniques were used to get 336 valid responses and the gap scores of expectations and perceptions are analyzed using statistical techniques to identify the weakest dimension. To assess the technical aspects of availability six months live outage data of base transceiver were collected. The statistical and exploratory techniques were used to model the network performance. The failure patterns have been modeled in competing risk models and probability distribution of service outage and restorations were parameterized. Since the availability of network is a function of the reliability and maintainability of the network elements, any service provider who wishes to keep up their service level agreements on availability should be aware of the variability of these elements and its effects on interactions. The availability variations were studied by designing a discrete time event simulation model with probabilistic input parameters. The probabilistic distribution parameters arrived from live data analysis was used to design experiments to define the availability domain of the network under consideration. The availability domain can be used as a reference for planning and implementing maintenance activities. A new metric is proposed which incorporates a consistency index along with key service parameters that can be used to compare the performance of different service providers. The developed tool can be used for reliability analysis of mobile communication systems and assumes greater significance in the wake of mobile portability facility. It is also possible to have a relative measure of the effectiveness of different service providers. |
| Description: | School of Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3155 |
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| Dyuthi-T1129.pdf | (2.500Mb) |
| Abstract: | The accident toll on our road traffic is staggering. Obviously this appalling toll of life and.health represents heavy economic loss in addition to human tragedy. the enormous increase in the number of motor vehicles with its rash, negligent and reckless use by unscrupulous, inexperienced and dangerous drivers in the most miserably managed roads coupled with concomitant hazards would draw our attention that Accident Prevention, and Accident compensation are thoroughly two compatiable aims. Proposed solutions to the traffic Problems abound. Preventive efforts concentrated on each of the variables the driver, the road and the vehicle are all being initiated. Still it is a Will the .Motor Vehicles are not considered as dangerous machines. Motoring activity is found useful.A competent and specially trained police force has to be created to deal with the traffic offences in a more scientific ways.The term ‘legal representative needs to be defined on the constructive aspects of relation and dependence.Services of legal aid and public counsels shall necessarily be extended to the poor Motor Accident victims.Timely reporting and timely investigation of Motor Accidents cases will reduce the number of fraudulent claims. There are instances where cases are taken in to investigation after several months of occurrence.It is hoped that the suggestions made above as a result of the present study, if pwgninto practice, may make a humble contribution to the prevention sssof motor accidents and to a faster and speedier settlement of motor accident compensation claims. |
| Description: | Department of Law, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3098 |
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| Dyuthi-T1072.pdf | (9.576Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/1094 |
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| Balakrishna Warrier,K 1982.pdf | (1.270Mb) |
| Abstract: | The Kerala model of development mostly bypassed the fishing community, as the fishers form the main miserable groups with respect to many of the socio-economic and quality of life indicators. Modernization drive in the fishing sector paradoxically turns to marginalization drives as far as the traditional fishers in Kerala are concerned. Subsequent management and resource recuperation drives too seemed to be detrimental to the local fishing community. Though SHGs and cooperatives had helped in overcoming many of the maladies in most of the sectors in Kerala in terms of livelihood and employment in the 1980s, the fishing sector by that time had been moving ahead with mechanization and export euphoria and hence it bypassed the fishing sector. Though it has not helped the fishing sector in the initial stages, but because of necessity, it soon has become a vibrant livelihood and employment force in the coastal economy of Kerala. Initial success made it to link this with the governmental cooperative set up and soon SHGs and Cooperatives become reinforcing forces for the inclusive development of the real fishers.The fisheries sector in Kerala has undergone drastic changes with the advent of globalised economy. The traditional fisher folk are one of the most marginalized communities in the state and are left out of the overall development process mainly due to the marginalization of this community both in the sea and in the market due to modernization and mechanization of the sector. Mechanization opened up the sector a great deal as it began to attract people belonging to non-fishing community as moneylenders, boat owners, employers and middle men which often resulted in conflicts between traditional and mechanized fishermen. These factors, together with resource depletion resulted in the backwardness experienced by the traditional fishermen compared to other communities who were reaping the benefits of the overall development scenario.The studies detailing the activities and achievements of fisher folks via Self Help Groups (SHGs) and the cooperative movement in coastal Kerala are scant. The SHGs through cooperatives have been effective in livelihood security, poverty alleviation and inclusive development of the fisher folk (Rajasenan and Rajeev, 2012). The SHGs have a greater role to play as estimated fall in demand for marine products in international markets, which may result in reduction of employment opportunities in fish processing, peeling, etc. Also, technological advancement has made them unskilled to work in this sector making them outliers in the overall development process resulting in poor quality of physical and social infrastructure. Hence, it is all the more important to derive a strategy and best practice methods for the effective functioning of these SHGs so that the |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/5047 |
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| Dyuthi- T 2104.pdf | (9.736Mb) |
| Abstract: | The present study deals with the short isora fibre reinforced natural rubber composites. In recent years there has been a tremendous advancement in the field of science and technology of short fibre reinforced polymer composites. The low density, high strength, high stiffness to weight ratio, excellent durability and design flexibility are the primary reasons for their use in many diversified fields such as air crafts, automobiles, marine industry etc. Compared to the various natural and synthetic fibres used as reinforcement for elastomer composites isora fibre is superior in many aspects. `Isora' is a natural lignocellulosic fibre which is easily available in South India especially in Kerala. The fibre is separated from the bark of the Helicteres isora plant by retting process. This fibre has excellent mechanical properties and is easily amenable to physical and chemical modifications. The study shows that composites with poor interfacial bonding tend to dissipate more energy than that with to interfacial bonding. The mechanical loss also can be related to interfacial bonding. The effect of chemical treatment of isora fibre on damping was also studied. Both in the low and high temperature region which indicates that this composite posseses low damping and hence good interfacial bonding characteristics. Hence these composites are better candidates for high damping applications. Composites with longitudinally oriented fibres showed high storage modulus than transversely oriented ones due to the effective stress transfer between fibre and matrix. |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/928 |
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| Dyuthi-T0146.pdf | (9.293Mb) |
| Abstract: | The thesis describes studies on development of short Nylon-6 fibre composites based on rubber-toughened polystyrene (PS). Toughening was done using natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and whole tyre reclaim (WTR). The composites were prepared by melt mixing in an internal mixer at 170 oC. It was found that the optimum blend ratio was 85/15 for PS/NR, 90/10 for PS/SBR and 90/22 for PS/WTR blends. The effect of dynamic vulcanisation on 85/15 PS/NR and 90/10 PS/SBR blends using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) at various concentrations were also studied. The dynamic crosslinking improved the tensile properties, flexural properties, impact strength and dynamic mechanical properties of both the blends. The effect of unmodified and resorcinol formaldehyde latex (RFL)-coated short Nylon-6 fibres on the mechanical properties, morphology and dynamic mechanical properties of 85/15 PS/NR, 90/10 PS/SBR and 90/22 PS/WTR blends were studied. Fibre loading was varied from 0 to 3 wt.%. For 85/15 PS/NR blend, there was a significant enhancement in tensile properties, flexural properties and impact strength with 1 wt.% of both unmodified and RFL-coated fibres. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the storage modulus at room temperature was maximum at 1 wt.% fiber loading for both composites. The surface functionality of the fiber was improved by giving alkali treatment. Maleic anhydride-grafted-polystyrene (MA-g-PS) was prepared and used as a compatibiliser. The effect of MA-g-PS on the composites was investigated with respect to mechanical properties, morphology and dynamic mechanical properties. The compatibiliser loading was varied from 0 to 2 wt.%. The properties were enhanced significantly in the case of treated and untreated fibre composites at a compatibiliser loading of 0.75 wt.%. SEM analysis confirmed better bonding between the fibre and the matrix. Dynamic mechanical studies showed that the storage modulus at room temperature improved for treated fibre composites in the presence of compatibiliser. In the case of 90/10 PS/SBR composites, the addition of short Nylon-6 fibres at 1 wt.% loading improved the tensile modulus, flexural properties and impact strength while the tensile strength was marginally reduced. The surface treated fibers along with compatibiliser at 0.5 wt.% improved the tensile properties, flexural properties and impact strength. DMA reveale that the storage modulus at room temperature was better for composites containing untreated fibre and the compatibiliser. In the case of 90/22 PS/WTR blends, 1 wt.% unmodified fibre and 0.5 wt.% RFL-coated fibres improved tensile modulus, flexural properties and impact strength. Tensile strength was improved marginally. The surface treatment of Nylon fibre and the addition of compatibiliser at 0.5 wt.% enhanced the tensile properties, flexural properties and impact strength. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the storage modulus at room temperature was better for untreated fibre composites in conjunction with the compatibiliser. The thermal stability of PS/NR was studied by TGA. Thermal stability of the blends improved with dynamic vulcanisation and with the incorporation of RFL-coated Nylon fibres. The untreated and partially hydrolyzed fibre composites in conjunction with the compatibiliser enhanced the thermal stability. Kinetic studies showed that the degradation of the blends and the composites followed first order kinetics. |
| Description: | Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3063 |
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| Dyuthi-T1037.pdf | (8.227Mb) |
| Abstract: | HINDI |
| Description: | DEPARTMENT OF HINDI COCHIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/4777 |
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| Dyuthi-T1874.pdf | (2.780Mb) |
| Abstract: | The brain with its highly complex structure made up of simple units,imterconnected information pathways and specialized functions has always been an object of mystery and sceintific fascination for physiologists,neuroscientists and lately to mathematicians and physicists. The stream of biophysicists are engaged in building the bridge between the biological and physical sciences guided by a conviction that natural scenarios that appear extraordinarily complex may be tackled by application of principles from the realm of physical sciences. In a similar vein, this report aims to describe how nerve cells execute transmission of signals ,how these are put together and how out of this integration higher functions emerge and get reflected in the electrical signals that are produced in the brain.Viewing the E E G Signal through the looking glass of nonlinear theory, the dynamics of the underlying complex system-the brain ,is inferred and significant implications of the findings are explored. |
| Description: | International School of Photonics, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/2242 |
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| Dyuthi-T0570.pdf | (11.01Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/2138 |
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| Dyuthi-T0499.pdf | (9.135Mb) |
| Abstract: | This thesis is mainly concerned with the synthesis and characterisation of new simple and zeolite encapsulated transition metal (manganese(II),nickel(II),and copper(II)complexes of quinoxaline based double Schiff base ligands.Theses ligands are N,N'-bis(quinoxaline-2-carboxalidene)hydrazine,N,N'-bis(quinoxaline-2-carboxalidene)-1,2-diaminoethane,N,N'-bis(quinoxaline-2-carboxalidene)-1,3-diamonopropane,N,N'-bis(quinoxaline-2-carboxalidene)-1,4-diaminobutane,N,N'-bis(quinoxaline-2-carboxalidene)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane and N,N'-bis(quinoxaline-2-carboxalidene)-1,2-diaminobenzene.The Schiff base ligands have been characterised by spectral and single crystal XRD studies.Theses ligands provide great structural diversity during complexation.Mn(II) and Ni(II) form octahedral with these Schiff bases,whereas Cu(II) forms both octahedral and tetrahedral complexes.Studies on the biological and Catalytic activity of the copper(ll) complexes are also presented in this thesis. |
| Description: | Dept.of Applied Chemistry,Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/2936 |
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| Dyuthi-T0927.pdf | (10.36Mb) |
| Abstract: | HINDI |
| Description: | Department of Hindi, Cochin University of Science & Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/4783 |
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| Dyuthi-T1880.pdf | (5.969Mb) |
| Abstract: | Hindi |
| Description: | DEPARTMENT OF HINDI COCHIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/4767 |
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| Dyuthi-T1864.pdf | (4.940Mb) |
| Abstract: | HINDI |
| Description: | Department of Hindi, Cochin University of Science & Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/4873 |
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| Dyuthi-T1971.pdf | (10.27Mb) |
| Abstract: | HINDI |
| Description: | Department Of Hindi, CUSAT |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/4852 |
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| Dyuthi-T1949.pdf | (9.667Mb) |
| Abstract: | HINDI |
| Description: | Departmaent of Hindi, CUSAT |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/4836 |
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| Dyuthi-T1933.pdf | (10.97Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/1282 |
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| Rajalakshmy A 1981.PDF | (89.68Kb) |
| Abstract: | HINDI |
| Description: | DEPARTMENT OF HINDI, CUSAT |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/4883 |
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| Dyuthi-T1981.pdf | (18.34Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/1319 |
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| Nagabhooshanam p 1989.PDF | (683.8Kb) |
| Abstract: | The Constitution of India. which has been described by an eminent writer as a "Corner stone of a nation". Has bestowed sufficient thought on the underprivileged. A number of provisions incorporated in it for their benefit tell the tale of statesmanship of the framers of the Constitution. for the vitality of a Constitution depends on the extent to which it affords protection to the under—priveleged. One such laudable provision in the Constitution relates to "weaker sections of the people", which has directed the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of such people. Besides. the Constitution has laid great stress on social justice. No comprehensive analysis in a single work seems to have been made so far of the connotations of social justice and the scope of the constitutional safeguards provided in favour of the weaker sections of the people. This thesis is the result of an attempt to analyse the connotations of social justice and the scope of the constitutional provisions made for the benefit of the weaker sections and the role played by the judiciary in this field The weaker sections, which are sought to be covered in this work, are "Backward C1asses". socially and educationally Backward Classes", "Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes" and women. The first two categories of weaker sections have not been defined in the Constitution. So, their meaning and the criteria to determine them have to be gathered from the reports submitted by various Backward Class Commissions and judicial decisions rendered in a number of cases. The main thrust in this work is to understand the meaning and contents of social justice, identify the relevant weaker sections and to examine the extent to which the social justice has been rendered to the said weaker sections. The scope of this thesis is confined to the examination of the role of the judiciary in this field. So, the enquiry has been focussed mainly on the decisions of the judiciary bearing on the subject with a view to assessing the role of the judiciary in rendering social justice meaningful to the weaker sections in particular and to the Indian Society in general. |
| Description: | Department of Law, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3220 |
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| Dyuthi-T1194.pdf | (8.536Mb) |
| Abstract: | Globalisation has many facets and its impact on labour is one of the most significant aspects.Though its influence is worldwide,it is much more significant in a transforming economy like India.The right of workers to social security is seen recognised under the Constitution of India and other welfare legislations.But,after adoption of the new economic policy of liberalisation and privatisation by the Government of India,the labour is exposed to new set of challenges.They are posed mainly due to economic restructuring affected in employment relationship,coupled with the increase in unprotected informal labour force.This study is an attempt to analyse the new challenges stemming up in employment relation,efficacy of the existing measures for social security of labour in the present economic condition and the suggestions for securing workers'right to social security in the trade regime. |
| Description: | School of Legal Studies,Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/2788 |
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| Dyuthi-T0809.pdf | (1.942Mb) |
| Description: | Department of Applied Economics, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/xmlui/purl/2019 |
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| Dyuthi-T0453.pdf | (15.23Mb) |
| Abstract: | The study is focused on education of tribes particularly the problem of high dropout rate existing among the tribal students at school level. Scheduled Tribe is one of the marginalized communities experiencing high level of educational deprivation. The analysis of the study shows that the extent of deprivation existing among STs of Kerala is much higher compared to that of other communities. The present study covered tribes of three tribal predominant districts of Kerala such as Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad. Out of the 35 tribal communities in the State, 17 of them are concentrated in these districts. Tribes concentrated in Idukki include Muthuvans, Malai Arayan, Uraly, Mannan and Hill Pulaya. The present study analyzed dropouts situation in tribal areas of Kerala by conducting Field Survey among dropout and non-dropout students at school level. High dropouts among STs persist due to many problems which are of structural in nature. Important problems faced by the tribal students that have been analyzed, this can be classified as economic, social, cultural and institutional. It is found that there exists high correlation between Income and expenditure of the family with the well-being of individuals. Significant economic factors are poverty and financial indebtedness of the family. Some of the common cultural factors of tribes are Nature of Habitation, Difference in Dialect and Medium of Instruction etc. Social factors analyzed in the study are illiteracy of parents, migration of family, family environment, motivation by parents, activities engaged in for helping the family and students’ lack of interest in studies. The analysis showed that all these factors except migration of the family, are affecting the education of tribal students. Apart from social, economic and cultural factors, there are a few institutional factors which will also influence the education of tribal students. Institutional factors analyzed in the study include students’ absenteeism, irregularity of teachers, attitude of non-tribal teachers and non-tribal students, infrastructure facilities and accessibility to school. The study found irregularity of students and accessibility to school as significant factors which determine the dropout of the students. |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/5008 |
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| Dyuthi-T2075.pdf | (5.391Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/1289 |
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| Asha B S 1984.PDF | (111.2Kb) |
| Abstract: | Hindi |
| Description: | Department of hindi,CUSAT |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/4765 |
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| Dyuthi-T1862.pdf | (5.224Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/5583 |
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| Dyuthi T-2624.pdf | (7.287Mb) |
| Abstract: | The contemporary explanations and discussions of the relationship between medicine and health, and society centre around assumptions that can be broadly classified into three setsl. The first set considers health and illness as predominantly ‘biological’ and therefore, having nothing to do with the social and economic environment in which it occurs. The struggle to combat illness therefore, lies entirely within the purview of modern medicine which is neutral to economic or social change. The second considers practice of medicine as a natural science. It allows the doctor to separate himself from his subject matter, the patient, in the samelway as the natural scientist is assumed to separate himself from his subject matter, the natural world. As a 'science' and with the scientific method, it can produce unchallengable and autonomous body of knowledge which is free from the wider social and economic context. The third, different from the above, recognises the relationship between health, medicine and society. Social and environmental aspects as determinants of illness or of health comes to sharp focus here and it assigns to medicine the status of a mediator, the only viable mediator, between people and diseases. In this scheme of things the usefulness of medicine is unquestionable but the problem lies in not having enough of it to go arounds. |
| Description: | Department of Applied Economics, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3736 |
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| Dyuthi-T1690.pdf | (4.018Mb) |
| Abstract: | In general the behavioural sciences have contributed very little to filariasis research.Man's actions in creating vector breeding sites have been noted and discussed frequently inthe frlariasis literature. but virtually no systematic studies of these fonns of behavior have been undertaken (Dunn. 1979). Human behavioural observations and inquires into values and attitudes atfecting behavior that inhibits or promotes vector breeding are essential if any progress is to be made in developing self help programmes of vector control. Therefore, a systematic study on the socio-economic aspect of the community is warranted before undertaking any control programme against filariasis. In view of this the present study has been carried out which reveals the knowledge, attitude and practice concerning the causation, transmission, treatment and control of the disease. Socio economic factors that influence the creation and maintenance of vector breeding habitats were identified. characterization and ranking of these sociological factors will be helpful in identifying the determinants of human behavioural changes towards the containment of the disease- Information on the existing indigenous perception of the disease and the factors that hinder the control will be useful in developing a sound strategy from the human angle, which can be put to practical use. |
| Description: | School of Management Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3358 |
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| Dyuthi-T1335.pdf | (6.981Mb) |
| Description: | Department of Applied Economics, Cochin University of Science and Technology. |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/2910 |
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| Dyuthi-T0901.pdf | (10.30Mb) |
| Abstract: | This thesis Entitled Socio-Economic Survey of a Specific village.For the purpose of analysis the thesis is divided into nine chapters. The first chapter introduces the subject of study and explains the significance of the study.It also provides the profile of the village. Chapter two deals with the different aspects of agriculture in the village.Chapter three discusses the problems of industrialisation in the Village. Chapter four is on village administration. It elaborates on the services rendered by government machinery in facilitating the development of agriculture and industry in the village.Chapter five explains the ways and means of marketing of village produce, both industrial and agricultural origin. It also explains the relevance of intra village connections in facilitating marketing.Chapter seven provides information regarding the income and expenditure pattern of the village.Chapter eight is on village social life. It explains the social life of the villagers, including religious |
| Description: | Department of Applied Economics, Cochin University of Science and Technology |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/3206 |
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| Dyuthi-T1180.pdf | (6.298Mb) |
| Abstract: | Post-transcriptional gene silencing by RNA interference is mediated by small interfering RNA called siRNA. This gene silencing mechanism can be exploited therapeutically to a wide variety of disease-associated targets, especially in AIDS, neurodegenerative diseases, cholesterol and cancer on mice with the hope of extending these approaches to treat humans. Over the recent past, a significant amount of work has been undertaken to understand the gene silencing mediated by exogenous siRNA. The design of efficient exogenous siRNA sequences is challenging because of many issues related to siRNA. While designing efficient siRNA, target mRNAs must be selected such that their corresponding siRNAs are likely to be efficient against that target and unlikely to accidentally silence other transcripts due to sequence similarity. So before doing gene silencing by siRNAs, it is essential to analyze their off-target effects in addition to their inhibition efficiency against a particular target. Hence designing exogenous siRNA with good knock-down efficiency and target specificity is an area of concern to be addressed. Some methods have been developed already by considering both inhibition efficiency and off-target possibility of siRNA against agene. Out of these methods, only a few have achieved good inhibition efficiency, specificity and sensitivity. The main focus of this thesis is to develop computational methods to optimize the efficiency of siRNA in terms of “inhibition capacity and off-target possibility” against target mRNAs with improved efficacy, which may be useful in the area of gene silencing and drug design for tumor development. This study aims to investigate the currently available siRNA prediction approaches and to devise a better computational approach to tackle the problem of siRNA efficacy by inhibition capacity and off-target possibility. The strength and limitations of the available approaches are investigated and taken into consideration for making improved solution. Thus the approaches proposed in this study extend some of the good scoring previous state of the art techniques by incorporating machine learning and statistical approaches and thermodynamic features like whole stacking energy to improve the prediction accuracy, inhibition efficiency, sensitivity and specificity. Here, we propose one Support Vector Machine (SVM) model, and two Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models for siRNA efficiency prediction. In SVM model, the classification property is used to classify whether the siRNA is efficient or inefficient in silencing a target gene. The first ANNmodel, named siRNA Designer, is used for optimizing the inhibition efficiency of siRNA against target genes. The second ANN model, named Optimized siRNA Designer, OpsiD, produces efficient siRNAs with high inhibition efficiency to degrade target genes with improved sensitivity-specificity, and identifies the off-target knockdown possibility of siRNA against non-target genes. The models are trained and tested against a large data set of siRNA sequences. The validations are conducted using Pearson Correlation Coefficient, Mathews Correlation Coefficient, Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis, Accuracy of prediction, Sensitivity and Specificity. It is found that the approach, OpsiD, is capable of predicting the inhibition capacity of siRNA against a target mRNA with improved results over the state of the art techniques. Also we are able to understand the influence of whole stacking energy on efficiency of siRNA. The model is further improved by including the ability to identify the “off-target possibility” of predicted siRNA on non-target genes. Thus the proposed model, OpsiD, can predict optimized siRNA by considering both “inhibition efficiency on target genes and off-target possibility on non-target genes”, with improved inhibition efficiency, specificity and sensitivity. Since we have taken efforts to optimize the siRNA efficacy in terms of “inhibition efficiency and offtarget possibility”, we hope that the risk of “off-target effect” while doing gene silencing in various bioinformatics fields can be overcome to a great extent. These findings may provide new insights into cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy by gene silencing. The approach may be found useful for designing exogenous siRNA for therapeutic applications and gene silencing techniques in different areas of bioinformatics. |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/5039 |
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| Dyuthi-T2104.pdf | (5.751Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/5481 |
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| Dyuthi T-2523.pdf | (13.04Mb) |
| URI: | http://dyuthi.cusat.ac.in/purl/1286 |
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| Jalaja V S 1984.PDF | (76.29Kb) |
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