Priya,M; Babu,Philip(DEPARTMENT OF MARINE BIOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, 2001)
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Abstract:
In this project, an attempt has been made to study the stability of
erythrocyte and lysosomal membranes biochemically. Erythrocytes were chosen for the study because of their ready availability and relative simplicity. Biological membranes forming closed boundaries between compartments of varying composition consist mainly of proteins and lipids. They are asymmetric, fluid structures that are thermodynamically stable and metabolically active. Normal cellular function begins with normal membrane
structure and any variation in it may upset the normal functions. The degree of fluidity of a membrane depends on the chain length of its lipids and degree of unsaturation
of constituent fatty acids. In response to environmental changes, many cells can regulate
composition of their membranes to maintain the overall semi fluid environment
necessary for many membrane associated functions. The assembly and
Maintenance of membrane structures in cells is a dynamic process. The
components are not only synthesized and inserted into a growing membrane but
are also continuously degraded at a slower rate. This turnover process varies
with each individual molecule.Lysosomes are important in the catabolic processes occurring in the cell. Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes and are stable
under normal conditions. In certain pathological conditions, the lysosomal
membrane may rupture, releasing the hydrolytic enzymes into the cell and
digestion of cell takes place as a whole. This is very dangerous. In normal
life processes of multi cellular organisms, lysosomes rupture following the
death of a cell and it may have some value as a built in mechanism for selfremoval
of dead cells.An attempt has also been made in this project towards developing
lysosome membrane stability as an index of fish spoilage during storage.
Different membranes within the cell and between cells have different
compositions as reflected in the ratio of protein to lipid. The difference is
not surprising given the very different functions of membranes
Mathen Mathew; Dr. Suseela Mathew(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April , 2010)
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Abstract:
With a seacoast of 8,1 18 km, an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 2 million square km, and with an area of about 30,000 square km under aquaculture, lndia produces close to six million tonnes of fish, over 4 per cent of the world fish production. While the marine waters upto 50m depth have been fully exploited, those beyond, remain unexplored. There is an ever increasing demand for fishery resources as food. The coastal fishery resources of the country are dwindling at a rapid pace and it becomes highly imperative that we search for alternate fishery resources for food. The option we have is to hunt for marine fishery resources. Studies pertaining to proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid composition are essential to understand the nutraceutical values of these deep sea fishery resources. The present study was aimed to carry out proximate composition of deep sea fishery resources obtained during cruises onboard the FORV Sarise Sampada, to identify fishery resources which have appreciable lipid content and thereby analyse the bioactive potentials of marine lipids, to study the amino acid profile of these fishery resources, to understand the contents of SPA, MUFA and PUFA and to calculate the n3/n6 fatty acid contents. Though the presence of nutraceuticals was identified in the marine fishery resources their use as potential food resources deserve further investigation. So the study were carried out to calculate the hepatosomatic indices of sharks & chimaeras and conduct biochemical characterisation of liver oils of Apristurus indicus, Cenlrophorus scalprams, Centroselachus crepidater, Neoharriotta raleighana, and Harriotta pinnata obtained during cruises onboard the FORV Sugar Sampada.Therapeutic use of shark liver oil is evident from its use for centuries as a remedy to heal wounds and fight flu (Neil er al. 2006). Japanese seamen called it 'samedava' or "cure all". Shark liver oil is being promoted worldwide as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system, fight infections, to treat cancer and to lessen the side effects of conventional cancer treatment. These days more emphasis is laid on the nutritive benefits of shark liver oils especially on the omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFAs) (Anandan er al. 2007) and alkylglycerols (AKGs) (Pugliese er al. I998) contained in them due to the high rise of inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, asthma and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Schizophrenia. So the present study also evaluate the pharmacological properties with respect to analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti pyretic and anti-ulcer effects of four different liver oils of sharks belonging to the Indian EEZ and to identify the components of oil responsible for these activities.The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of liver oils from Neoharriotra raleighana (NR), Centrosymnus crepidater (CC), Apristurus indicus (AI), and Centrophorus sculpratus (CS) sharks caught from the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean were compared. The main objectives also include determination of the cholesterol lowering effects of liver oils of Neoharriotra raleighana (NR) and Centrophorus sculpratus (CS) on the high fat diet induced dyslipidemia and to compare the impact of four isolipidemic diets, on levels of serum diagnostic marker enzymes, on lipid profile of blood and liver and antioxidant status of heart in male Albino rats. And also to study the efficacy of Centrophorus sculpratus (CS) liver oil against Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-induced arthritis and to compare the anti-inflammatory activity of this oil with a traditionally used anti-inflammatory substance gingerol (oleoresin extracted from ginger.). The results of the present study indicated that both (Centrophorus sculpratus liver oils as well as gingerol extracts proved to be effective natural remedies against CFA-induced arthritis in Albino rats.
Rema, L P; Dr. Babu, Philip(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, May 24, 1995)
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Abstract:
The present work is focused on the organelle and
biochemical responses to heavy metal exposure in the fish
Oreochromis mossambicus giving particular importance to the
metal detoxifying machinery of the organism. The thesis is an
outcome of the effort aimed at developing practicable monitoring
techniques to deliver guidelines for biological effect
monitoring and the need for specific biochemical methods to
detect biological effects of heavy metals that can be
interpreted in terms of the health status of the individual
organism and eventually alterations in vital processes as growth
and reproduction. The efficiency of the metal detoxifying
metallothioneins which is an attractive tool for biological
monitoring, their role as scavengers of trace metal ions and
thus in relieving the biological machinery from their toxicity
effects are important themes of this study. Efforts have also
been made to test the reliability of the spill over hypothesis
of the action of metallothioneins (Winge et a1.,1973) and their
use as a biological barometer of heavy metal stress.
Description:
Division of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry,
School of Marine Science,Cochin University of
Science and Technology
Asha, K K; Dr. Devadasan, K(Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, 2010)
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Abstract:
Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a dramatic and challenging syndrome in clinical medicine. Although an uncommon disorder, it is usually fatal and occurs in previously healthy person. While the causes of FHF remain unclear, viral hepatitis and drug-induced liver injury account for the majority of cases. Hepatitis E causes large-scale epidemics of hepatitis in the Indian subcontinent, involving hundreds of thousands of cases with high mortality. FHF is associated with several clinical features like jaundice, shrunken liver, easy bruising, low levels of serum proteins, fatigue, multi-organ failure etc and metabolic derangements like hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hyponatremia, defective protein synthesis, reduced energy production, decreased rate of urea production etc. These disturbances are predominantly attributed to oxidative stress, membrane destabilization and osmolytic imbalances. The options available for these patients are quite minimal with liver transplantation being one of them. But the procedure is ridden with issues causing it to find less favor among the patients and the caregivers. Use of hepatoprotective and cytoprotective drugs, is being considered to be a more acceptable alternative as a strategy to enhance liver regeneration. In this regard use of taurine a naturally occurring amino acid that plays a crucial role in many physiological processes would prove to be effective. In the present study, hepatoprotective effect of taurine on a rat model of induced FHF was studied. Taurine supplementation has effectively counteracted the metabolic and structural aberrations in the liver caused by D-galactosamine intoxication.
Shiny, K S; Dr. Anandan, R(Cochin University of Science and Technology, February , 2007)
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Abstract:
The present study indicate that prior administration of
taurine is effective in minimizing all the deleterious effects induced by isoproterenol,
thereby justifying its use as a potent cytoprotective agent. The overall cardioprotective
effect of taurine is probably related to its antioxidant property evidenced by its ability to
reduce lipid peroxidation and to maintain the activities of free radical enzymes and nonenzymatic
antioxidants, its membrane stabilizing action and to its hypolipidemic property.
Description:
Dept.of Marine Biology,Microbiology and Biochemistry,Cochin University of Science and Technology
Imelda, Joseph; Dr.Chandrika, V(Cochin University of Science and Technology, 2000)
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Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to determine the ability of specifically adapted bacteria to degrade phenol and to quantify the rate of biodegradation at. Different concentrations by mixed as well as individual isolates. Regular quantitative analysis of phenolics and aerobic phenololytic heterotrophs from five different ecosystems were done during 1990-1991, and the ability of microorganisms isolated from those areas, to utilize phenol, o-cresol and orcinol was also studied. In addition, data on environmental parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, organic carbon and nutrients were also collected during the period of study The present study is one of its first kind in natural aquatic environment and has aimed to bring out some idea about the potential phenol biodegrades in such environments where the phenol concentration is beyond permitted level.
Prasad, G; Dr.Alagaraja, K(Cochin University of Science and Technology, January , 1995)
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Abstract:
Penaeid shrimps are, perhaps, the most important fishery resource
of the coastal waters of our country. Their exceptionally tasty.
protein-rich flesh tops any seafood in foreign exchange earnings. No
wonder, the demand of shrimp, the "Pinkish Gold of the Sea" (MPEDA.
1992). is increasing in the world market. The study of the growth of an organism is important in understanding the conditions under which optimum growth occurs. It is also important in getting an insight into the various factors that influence growth. Studies on the growth pattern of commercially important species of shrimp and of the factors that influence their growth rate are essential for the successful cultivation of shrimps.
Rejo,Mon George; K K C Nair(NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY, November , 2005)
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Abstract:
The present study has been initiated to unravel the distribution of trace metals and its geochemical behavior in the Indian EEZ of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Trace metal accumulation in aquatic consumers is of interest to ecologists and environmentalists so as to understand the fate and effect of contaminants in the food web dynamics and the biogeochemical cycling of trace metals. It is well established that oceanic distribution of macronutrients such as nitrate, phosphate and silicate provide critical to biological growth and related geochemical processes. In this study it can be inferred, that there is a need for a better understanding of background informations on trace metal concentrations with respect to space and time and their fluctuations in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal zooplankton. Without a sound knowledge on spatio-temporal fluctuations, it will be impossible to differentiate anthropogenic metal inputs from natural background concentrations with a routine biomonitoring programme. Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd & Pb showed a slight enrichment in zooplankton from the Arabian Sea during spring intermonsoon compared to intermonsoon fall. The relative enrichment of Fe, Cu & Zn in zooplankton from the Arabian Sea during intermonsoon spring than intermonsoon fall was due to favourable bioaccumulation factors of these elements during this season. Nevertheless this study can be looked upon as a starting point for further investigations on these biogeochemically important processes, which are vital in addressing the dynamics of productivity of waters.
Devasia, K V; Dr.Balakrishnan, K P(Cochin University of Science and Technology, November 10, 1983)
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Abstract:
This thesis Entitled Biology of Decapod crustaceans in different Environmental conditions. Prawn culture is practiced in Kerala in two types of fields namely seasonal and perennial; In seasonal fields paddy is grown during the monsoon period and prawns are cultured during the rest of the year. when compared to seasonal fields; perennial fields are subjected to much fluctuations in its environmental characteristics. The perennial fields were found more productive than seasonal fields. The benthic production in perronial fields were almost double that of seasonal fields. But in the matter of species diversity both fields were equal. Seasonal changes were observéd in the species abundance of benthic organisms in both the seasonal and perennial fields. Both isometric and allometric growth were noticed in P. indicus .But during most of the months the growth was near to isometric. The condition of the prawn also fluctuated between better and poor.During most of the months the prawn in perennial fields wore in good condition while in the seasonal fields the condition changed from year to year. This indicates that the perennial field provides a better habitat for P. indicus.
Description:
School of Environmental Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Nandakumar, G; Dr.Damodaran,R(Cochin University of Science and Technology, 1997)
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Abstract:
Crustaceans comprising numerous edible species of prawns, lobsters and crabs inhabiting different ecosystem form significant portion of the aquatic food resources of the world. Among the crustaceans, prawns are the most commercially exploited group and hold premier rank by virtue of their importance as an esteemed food of gourmet and on account of their high export value. Met-ape-naeus manoceras (Fabricius, 1798) which is known IS,Speckled shrimp’ (FAD name) and ‘Brown shrimp’ ( common nameused in the industry) is one of the commercially important marine penaeid prawns of India. During 1995, M. monaceros catch constituted 7.5 Z of the all India marine penaeid prawn landings. M. monoceros attains a maximum length of about 200 mm and has high export potential.Thus realising the growing importance of M. monoceros in the capture fisheries, it was felt, that it would be ideal to carry out detailed study on this species for rational exploitation and management of its fishery. Hence, the present work entitled, “Biology, population characteristics and fishery of the speckled shrimp Hetapenaeus monoceros (Fabricius, 1798) along Kerala coast“ was undertaken by the author. The thesis is laid out in seven chapters comprising TAXONOMY, FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS, AGE AND GROWTH, REPRODUCTION,LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP, FISHERY and POPULATION DYNAMICS
Description:
Division of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry,
School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Manju, M.N; Dr. N. Chandramohanakumar(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April 6, 2015)
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Abstract:
Mangroves are diverse group of trees, palms, shrubs, and ferns that share a
common ability to live in waterlogged saline soils exposed to regular flooding, and are
highly specialised plants which have developed unusual adaptations to the unique
environmental conditions. They are sites of accumulation and preservation of both
allochthonous and autochthonous organic matter owing to their strategic loction at
the interface between land and sea and prevailing reducing environment. They are
among the most productive ecosystems and are efficient carbon sinks with most of the
carbon stored in sediments.Mangrove ecosystems play a significant role in global
carbon cycle and hence the knowledge on the processes controlling the delivery of
organic matter to coastal sediments, and how these signatures are preserved in the
sediment is a prerequisite for the understanding of biogeochemical cycles.
The evaluation of nature and sources of organic matter can be accomplished by
the determination of biochemical constituents like carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
When characterised at molecular level, lipids provide valuable information about the
sources of organic matter, even though they account only small fraction of organic
matter. They are useful for the paleo-environmental reconstruction because of their low
reactivity, high preservation potential and high source specificity relative to other
organic class of compounds. The application of recent analytical techniques has
produced a wealth of useful information but has also indicated the gaps in our
knowledge on cycling of organic matter in the coastal ecosystems. The quantity and
quality of organic matter preserved in sediments vary depending up on the nature of
material delivered to the sediment and on the depositional environment. The input from
both autochthonous and allochthonous sources sharpens the complexity of
biogeochemistry of mangrove ecosystem and hence bulk sedimentary parameters are not completely successful in evaluating the sources of organic matter in mangrove
sediments. An effective tool for the source characterisation of organic matter in coastal
ecosystems is biomarker approach. Biomarkers are chemical "signatures" present in
environmental samples whose structural information can be linked to its biological
precursor. The usefulness of molecular biomarkers depends on high taxonomic
specificity, potential for preservation, recalcitrant against geochemical changes, easily
analysable in environmental samples and should have a limited number of well-defined
sources.
Sunesh, Thampy; Dr.Ramachandran,A(Cochin University of Science And Technology, July , 2009)
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Abstract:
Garra surendranathanii is a hill stream cyprinid endemic to Kerala.
According to IUCN based classification, G. surendranathanii is grouped under
the threatened category. This endemic fish is having highly restricted and
fragmented distribution and reported only from 5 river systems viz. Chalakudy,
Periyar, Pamba, Achenkoil and Bharathapuzha. Categorization of this fish as a
potential ornamental candidate can invariably add more pressure on the threat
status of this particular species. Hence, this species is considered as one which
requires foremost attention for conservation. Hitherto, no infomiation is
available on the bionomics, resource characteristics and any conservation
attempts of G. surendranathanii. Studies on detailed life history traits and
development of captive breeding technique are indispensable for successful
fishery management.The present study was undertaken with the following obj ectives:
To study the Length-weight relationship and condition factor to
ascertain the relationship between length and weight and general
wellbeing ofthe fish To study the age and growth to understand the age composition of the
exploited stock, age at first maturation and life span of the species. To study the reproductive biology of G. surendranathanii to gain insights in the process of gametogenesis, spawning, sex ratio, fecundity and other related aspects which are essential for developing captive
breeding technology of this species. To develop captive breeding technology and cryopreservation ofgametes of G. surendranathanii for conservation
Description:
School of marine sciences, department of industrial fisheries, Cochin University of Science And Technology
Euphrasia, C J; Dr.Madhusoodana,Kurup B(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, July 30, 2004)
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Abstract:
The previous faunistic studies were concentrated.on the taxonomical and zoogeo—
graphical aspects. These studies contributed to many new additions to
the fish fauna of Kerala meanwhile many species described earlier are
reported missing in recent years. Many fish species were collected only
once or twice by scientists. Detailed information on distribution, habitat,
feeding habits, reproduction, population size, etc. are available only with
regard to a very few fish species. A meaningful assessment on the
biodiversity status of the majority of freshwater fishes cannot be done for
want of sufficient data base and therefore, no suitable conservation and
management programmes are forthcoming for the protection and
preservation of the unique fish germplasm resources of Kerala. The
present study was conceptualised and undertaken mostly aiming at
bridging these gaps by generating an authentic data base on the
distribution, resource characteristics and bionomics of the threatened
fishes inhabiting the rivers of Kerala. Osteobrama bakeri (Day) is an endemic fish having a very highly restricted and fragmented distribution in Periyar, Chalakudy, Kabini,
Kallada and Meenachil rivers of Kerala. This belongs to vulnerable
category and is locally known as Mullanpaval which is valued as food
fish. Besides, due to its vibrant and attractive colouration and easiness
for domestication, it has great potential for being propagated as an
ornamental fish. Hitherto, no information is available on the bionomics
and resource characteristics of this species. Studies on detailed life
history traits are indispensable for fishery management, development of
captive breeding technique and implementation of various conservation
programmes. In the present study, a pioneer attempt is also made to
investigate the life history traits, resource characteristics, proximate
composition, etc. of O.baken'.
Description:
School of Industrial Fisheries
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Sareen Sarah, John; Reed, Robert H.; Bright Singh, I S(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, December , 2014)
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Abstract:
A study was undertaken to isolate phytase producers from
environment and to segregate the most highly efficient phytase producer and to
develop a bioprocess technology for commercial application. During this
process, a potential phytase producer Bacillus MCCB 242 was isolated and
characterized phenotypically and genotypically. Subsequently, phytase production
was optimized, the enzyme purified and characterized and an appropriate
downstream process also could be standardized.Precisely, through this work an environmental isolate Bacillus MCCB 242 could be brought out as phytase producer for commercial application. The enzyme production could be optimized and characterized, and an appropriate
downstream process standardized. Cytotoxicity studies revealed the enzyme
safe for feed application, especially in fish.
Roselin, Alex; Dr.Chandrasekaran,M(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, November 29, 2012)
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Abstract:
There exists a need for potential microorganism that could
facilitate effective bioremediation of crude oil pollutants in the
environment. Hence it was desired to isolate a potential bacterium from
marine sediment, which often experiences oil pollution and develop a
bioprocess for crude oil biodegradation. In the present study the sediment
deposits in the beach of Munakkal, Trichur dist, Kerala, collected
immediately after the major event Tsunami in 2004 was collected and
analyzed by enrichment culture technique towards isolation of potential
strains that could degrade crude oil and its fractions. From the results
obtained it was found that the sediment deposits harbor several bacteria
with potential for degrading hydrocarbons. However, among the strains
obtained, isolate no. BTTS 10 showed capabilities for utilizing both
alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons and hence the same was selected for
further studies.
Description:
Department of Biotechnology, Cochin
University of Science and Technology
Joseph, P J; Dr.Ammini, Joseph(Cochin University of Science & Technology, April , 2007)
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Abstract:
The objective of this research is to study the feasibility of
bioremediating the oily sludge from a refinery site. Three different methods of
waste treatment were tried i.e. phytoremediation, land farming and microbial
enhanced oil separation in laboratory scale treatment systems. A multiprocess
approach by combination of phytoremediation, biostimulation and
microbial enhanced oil separation is also presented. The methods of analysis,
experimental procedure, and results are incorporated into five chapters of this
thesis entitled "Bioremediation of petroleum sludge through
phytoremediation, land farming and microbial enhanced oil separation.
Description:
School of Environmental Studies,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Nimbalkar, V D; Dr.Alagaraja, K(Cochin University of Science And Technology, August , 1991)
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Abstract:
Fish, a natural resource, has received great attention
from all over the world. since it provides a cheap protein,
employment and income to the millions of people for centuries.
So fishermen, industrialist and multinationals are trying to
exploit the marine resources to their maximum benefit by
using modern craft, advance fishing equipments and efficient
gear. Fishery resources in the open system particularly in
oceans, were considered to be unlimited. However, recent
developments in the innovation of efficient craft and gear
using well tested material fitted with modern equipments that
have greatly enhanced the mobility of craft, agility of gear
and the ability of equipments to locate fishery resources
have proved otherwise. Hence as the exploitation increases
with more effort entering the fishery, the catch per unit
of fishing effort starts to decline due to the limitness
of the resources. The heavy fishing pressure in the recent
past led to commercial extinction of a number of stocks such
as. the North Sea herring, California sardine, Japanese
Sardine and Peruvian anchovy (FAO. 1968: Gulland, 1974).
In India, seer fish from Palk-Bay declined due to uncontrolled
fishing (Devaraj 1983).
Bismi, Nadh G; Dr. Ramachandran Nair, V K(Cochin University of Science and Technology, June , 2005)
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Abstract:
The present work is organized into six chapters. Bivariate extension of
Burr system is the subject matter of Chapter II. The author proposes to introduce a general structure for the family in two dimensions and present some properties of such a system. Also in Chapter II some new distributions, which are bivariate
extension of univariate distributions in Burr (1942) is presented.. In Chapter III, concentrates on characterization problems of different forms of bivariate Burr system. A detailed study of the distributional properties of each member of the
Burr system has not been undertaken in literature. With this aim in mind in Chapter
IV is discussed with two forms of bivariate Burr III distribution. In Chapter V the author Considers the type XII, type II and type IX distributions.
Present work concludes with Chapter VI by pointing out the multivariate
extension for Burr system. Also in this chapter the concept of
multivariate reversed hazard rates as scalar and vector quantity is introduced.
Description:
Department of Statistics, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Vidya,G; Dr.Rani,Joseph; Dr.Prathapan, S; Dr.Nampoori,V P N(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, October , 2012)
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Abstract:
Light emitting polymers (LEPs) are considered as the second
generation of conducting polymers. A Prototype LEP device based on
electroluminescence emission of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) was first
assembled in 1990. LEPs have progressed tremendously over the past 20
years. The development of new LEP derivatives are important because
polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) can be used for the manufacture of
next-generation displays and other optoelectronic applications such as lasers,
photovoltaic cells and sensors. Under this circumstance, it is important to
understand thermal, structural, morphological, electrochemical and
photophysical characteristics of luminescent polymers. In this thesis the author
synthesizes a series of light emitting polymers that can emit three primary
colors (RGB) with high efficiency
Description:
Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Nandhu, M S; Dr. Paulose, C S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, March , 2011)
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Abstract:
Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative movement
disorder characterized by a profound and selective loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic
neurons. Our findings demonstrated that glutamatergic system is impaired during PD.
The evaluations of these damages have important implications in understanding the
molecular mechanism underlying motor, cognitive and memory deficits in PD. Our
results showed a significant increase of glutamate content in the brain regions of 6-
OHDA infused rat compared to control. This increased glutamate content caused an
increase in glutamatergic and NMDA receptors function. Glutamate receptor
subtypes- NMDAR1, NMDA2B and mGluR5 have differential regulatory role in
different brain regions during PD. The second messenger studies confirmed that the
changes in the receptor levels alter the IP3, cAMP and cGMP content. The alteration
in the second messengers level increased the expression of pro-apoptotic factors - Bax
and TNF-α, intercellular protein - α-synuclein and reduced the expression of
transcription factor - CREB. These neurofunctional variations are the key contributors
to motor and cognitive abnormalities associated with PD. Nestin and GFAP
expression study confirmed that 5-HT and GABA induced the differentiation and
proliferation of the BMC to neurons and glial cells in the SNpc of rats. We also
observed that activated astrocytes are playing a crucial role in the proliferation of
transplanted BMC which makes them significant for stem cell-based therapy. Our
molecular and behavioural results showed that 5-HT and GABA along with BMC
potentiates a restorative effect by reversing the alterations in glutamate receptor
binding, gene expression and behaviour abnormality that occur during PD. The
therapeutic significance in Parkinson’s disease is of prominence.
Description:
Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of
Science and Technology
Susha,D; Thrivikraman,T(Cochin University of Science and Technology, September , 2004)
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Abstract:
The topology as the product set with a base chosen as all products of open sets in the individual spaces. This topology is known as box topology. The main objective of this study is to extend the concept of box products to fuzzy box products and to obtain some results regarding them. Owing to the fact that box products have plenty of applications in uniform and covering properties, here made an attempt to explore some inter relations of fuzzy uniform properties and fuzzy covering properties in fuzzy box products. Even though the main focus is on fuzzy box products, some brief sketches regarding hereditarily fuzzy normal spaces and fuzzy nabla product is also provided.
The main results obtained include characterization of fuzzy Hausdroffness and fuzzy regularity of box products of fuzzy topological spaces. The investigation of the completeness of fuzzy uniformities in fuzzy box products proved that a fuzzy box product of spaces is fuzzy topologically complete if each co-ordinate space is fuzzy topologically complete. The thesis also prove that the fuzzy box product of a family of fuzzy α-paracompact spaces is fuzzy topologically complete. In Fuzzy box product of hereditarily fuzzy normal spaces, the main result obtained is that if a fuzzy box product of spaces is hereditarily fuzzy normal ,then every countable subset of it is fuzzy closed. It also deals with the notion of fuzzy nabla product of spaces which is a quotient of fuzzy box product. Here the study deals the relation connecting fuzzy box product and fuzzy nabla product
Lakshmi Devi, P; Anekutty, Joseph(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, February 24, 2015)
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Abstract:
Among the decapod crustaceans, brachyuran crabs or the true crabs occupy a very significant position due to their ecological and economic value. Crabs support a sustenance fishery in India, even though their present status is not comparable to that of shrimps and lobsters. They are of great demand in the domestic market as well as in the foreign markets. In addition to this, brachyuran crabs are of great ecological importance. They form the conspicuous members of the mangrove ecosystems and play a significant role in detritus formation, nutrient recycling and dynamics of the ecosystem. Considering all these factors, crabs are often considered to be the keystone species of the mangrove ecosystem. Though several works have been undertaken on brachyuran crabs world –wide as well as within the country, reports on the brachyuran crabs of Kerala waters are very scanty. Most of the studies done on brachyuran fauna were from the east coast of India and a very few works from the west coast.
Among the edible crabs, mud crabs belonging to genus Scylla forms the most important due to their large size and taste. They are being exported on a large scale to the foreign markets like Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Kerala is the biggest supplier of live mud crabs and Chennai is the major centre of live mud crab export. However, there exists considerable confusion regarding the identification of mud crabs because of the subtle morphological differences between the species.In this context, an extensive study was undertaken on the brachyuran fauna of Cochin Backwaters, Kerala, India, to have a basic knowledge on their diversity, habitat preference and systematics. The study provides an attempt to resolve the confusion pertaining in the species identification of mud crabs belonging to Genus Scylla.
Diversity study revealed the occurrence of 23 species of brachyuran crabs belonging to 16 genera and 8 families in the study area Cochin Backwaters. Among the families, the highest number of species was recorded from Family Portunidae .Among the 23 crab species enlisted from the Cochin backwaters, 5 species are of commercial importance and contribute a major share to the crustacean fishery of the Cochin region. It was observed that, the Cochin backwaters are invaded by certain marine migrant species during the Post monsoon and Pre monsoon periods and they are found to disappear with the onset of monsoon. The study reports the occurrence of the ‘herring bow crab’ Varuna litterata in the Cochin backwaters for the first time. Ecological studies showed that the substratum characteristics influence the occurrence, distribution and abundance of crabs in the sampling stations rather than water quality parameters. The variables which affected the crab distribution the most were Salinity, moisture content in the sediment, organic carbon and the sediment texture. Besides the water and sediment quality parameters, the most important factor influencing the distribution of crabs is the presence of mangroves. The study also revealed that most of the crabs encountered from the study area preferred a muddy substratum, with high organic carbon content and high moisture content. In the present study, an identification key is presented for the brachyuran crabs occurring along the study area the Cochin
backwaters and the associated mangrove patches, taking into account the morphological characters coupled with the structure of third maxillipeds, first pleopods of males and the shape of male abdomen. Morphological examination indicated the existence of a morphotype which is comparable with the morphological features of S. tranquebarica, the morphometric study and the molecular analyses confirmed the non existence of S. tranquebarica in the Cochin backwaters.
Bybi, P C; Dr.Mohanan, P(Cochin University of Science & Technology, January , 2009)
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Abstract:
The Present thesis deals with the numerical as well as experimental investigations conducted on the resonance and radiation characteristics of Drum shaped monopole antenna, Funnel shaped monopole antenna and the shorted coplanar antenna.An introduction to the over view of antennas, state of the art planar antenna technologies, different feeding techniques and introduction of coplanar waveguides have been discussed.
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Department of Electronics, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Chameswary, J; Dr.Sebastian, M T; Dr.Ananthakumar, S(Cochin University of Science and Technology, May , 2014)
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Abstract:
The first chapter of the thesis gives a general introduction about flexible electronics, dielectrics and composites. The recent developments in flexible electronics also discussed in this chapter. The preparation and characterization techniques used for the butyl rubber ceramic composites are given in chapter 2. The synthesis and characterization of butyl rubber filled with low permittivity ceramic composites are described in chapter 3. The chapter 4 deals with the synthesis and characterization of butyl rubber-high permittivity ceramic composites. The effect of high permittivity ceramic fillers such as TiO2, Sr2Ce2Ti5O15 and SrTiO3 on dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties was studied. The present investigation deals with synthesis, characterization and properties of butyl rubber composites with low, high and very high ceramic fillers and also the effect of particle size on dielectric, thermal and mechanical properties of selected composites.
Alice, M J; Dr.Francis,C A(Cochin University of Science and Technology, July , 2004)
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Abstract:
This thesis Entitled Buyer information and brand choice behaviour in markets with asymmetries.The period of transition set in by globalization and liberalization has ensued a onsiderable degree of homogeneity with western societies with respect to quantity and quality of goods and services.The study is aimed at finding out how the buyers adapt to the prevalent complex and dynamic market configuration by taking an archetypical situation of information gathering and brand- choice decision of select household consumer durables.The study was based on a set of 301 sample respondents who were either first time purchasers or repeat purchasers for household use, of the items
under study in the sample area comprising of rural, urban and semi-urban areas. Data were collected using interview schedule and analysis of the same was done with standard statistical computer programs.Buyer confidence as perceived by buyers with respect to information acquisition and brand-choice represents the felt competence to effectively function in the market.In general, lower levels of education, income and occupation showed lower levels of search. The oldest were also low searchers. The repeat purchasers of the product searched less than the first purchasers. The most important source of information was word of mouth or information from others followed by television advertisements. The least important source of information was billboards, displays and similar forms of advertisements.The second factor is characterized by items representing ‘social attributes’ like, use by many others, use by peers, recommendation by significant others and reputation of the brand. The third factor represents ‘susceptibility to incentives and promotions’.
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Department of Applied Economics, Cochin University of Science and Technology