DETECTION OF BILIARY FUNCTIONAL PROBLEMS USING MICROWAVES

This article reports a new in vitro bile analysis based on the measurement of the dielectric properties at microwave frequencies. The measurements were made using rectangular cavity perturbation technique at the S-band of microwave frequency with the different samples of bile obtained from healthy persons as well as from patients. It is observed that an appreciable change in the dielectric properties of patient’s samples with the normal healthy samples and these measurements were in good agreement with clinical analysis. These results prove an alternative in-vitro method of detecting bile abnormalities based on the measurement of the dielectric properties of bile samples using microwaves without surgical procedure.

Studies on some supported transition metal complex and metal oxide catalysts for oxidation reactions

Zeolite encapsulated transition metal complexes have received wide attention as an effective heterogenized system that combines the tremendous activity of the metal complexes and the attractive features of the zeolite structure. Zeolite encapsulated complexes offer a bright future for attempts to replace homogeneous systems retaining its catalytic activity and minimizing the technical problems. especially for the partial oxidation of organic compounds. Studies on some zeolite encapsulated transition metal complexes are presented in this thesis. The ligands selected are technically important in a bio-mimetic or structural perspective. Attempts have been made in this study to investigate the composition, structure and stability of encapsulated complexes using available techniques. The catalytic activity of encapsulated complexes was evaluated for the oxidation of some organic compounds. The recycling ability of the catalyst as a result of the encapsulation was also studied.Our studies on Cu-Cr/Al2O3, a typical metal oxide catalyst. illustrate the use of design techniques to modify the properties of such conventional catalysts. The catalytic activity of this catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide was measured. The effect of additives like Ce02 or Ti02 on the activity and stability of this system was also investigated. The additive is potent to improve the activity and stability ofthe catalyst so as to be more effective in commercial usage.

A Study of Scheduled Tribe Co-Operative Societies in Wayanad District-Performance,Problems and Prospects

Department of Applied Economics, Cochin University of Science and Technology

Studies Using Computer Simulation Models to Solve Problems Related to Logistics Terminals

This thesis deals with the use of simulation as a problem-solving tool to solve a few logistic system related problems. More specifically it relates to studies on transport terminals. Transport terminals are key elements in the supply chains of industrial systems. One of the problems related to use of simulation is that of the multiplicity of models needed to study different problems. There is a need for development of methodologies related to conceptual modelling which will help reduce the number of models needed. Three different logistic terminal systems Viz. a railway yard, container terminal of apart and airport terminal were selected as cases for this study. The standard methodology for simulation development consisting of system study and data collection, conceptual model design, detailed model design and development, model verification and validation, experimentation, and analysis of results, reporting of finding were carried out. We found that models could be classified into tightly pre-scheduled, moderately pre-scheduled and unscheduled systems. Three types simulation models( called TYPE 1, TYPE 2 and TYPE 3) of various terminal operations were developed in the simulation package Extend. All models were of the type discrete-event simulation. Simulation models were successfully used to help solve strategic, tactical and operational problems related to three important logistic terminals as set in our objectives. From the point of contribution to conceptual modelling we have demonstrated that clubbing problems into operational, tactical and strategic and matching them with tightly pre-scheduled, moderately pre-scheduled and unscheduled systems is a good workable approach which reduces the number of models needed to study different terminal related problems.

Thermal Conduction in Polymeric Nanofluids and Nanosolids Controlled by Interfacial Scattering:Solutions to Some Selected Problems

Dept.of Instrumentation,Cochin University of Science and Technology

Statistical Machine Learning Techniques for the Prediction of Learning Disabilities in School-Age Children

Learning Disability (LD) is a general term that describes specific kinds of learning problems. It is a neurological condition that affects a child's brain and impairs his ability to carry out one or many specific tasks. The learning disabled children are neither slow nor mentally retarded. This disorder can make it problematic for a child to learn as quickly or in the same way as some child who isn't affected by a learning disability. An affected child can have normal or above average intelligence. They may have difficulty paying attention, with reading or letter recognition, or with mathematics. It does not mean that children who have learning disabilities are less intelligent. In fact, many children who have learning disabilities are more intelligent than an average child. Learning disabilities vary from child to child. One child with LD may not have the same kind of learning problems as another child with LD. There is no cure for learning disabilities and they are life-long. However, children with LD can be high achievers and can be taught ways to get around the learning disability. In this research work, data mining using machine learning techniques are used to analyze the symptoms of LD, establish interrelationships between them and evaluate the relative importance of these symptoms. To increase the diagnostic accuracy of learning disability prediction, a knowledge based tool based on statistical machine learning or data mining techniques, with high accuracy,according to the knowledge obtained from the clinical information, is proposed. The basic idea of the developed knowledge based tool is to increase the accuracy of the learning disability assessment and reduce the time used for the same. Different statistical machine learning techniques in data mining are used in the study. Identifying the important parameters of LD prediction using the data mining techniques, identifying the hidden relationship between the symptoms of LD and estimating the relative significance of each symptoms of LD are also the parts of the objectives of this research work. The developed tool has many advantages compared to the traditional methods of using check lists in determination of learning disabilities. For improving the performance of various classifiers, we developed some preprocessing methods for the LD prediction system. A new system based on fuzzy and rough set models are also developed for LD prediction. Here also the importance of pre-processing is studied. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is designed for developing an integrated knowledge based tool for prediction of LD as well as its degree. The designed tool stores the details of the children in the student database and retrieves their LD report as and when required. The present study undoubtedly proves the effectiveness of the tool developed based on various machine learning techniques. It also identifies the important parameters of LD and accurately predicts the learning disability in school age children. This thesis makes several major contributions in technical, general and social areas. The results are found very beneficial to the parents, teachers and the institutions. They are able to diagnose the child’s problem at an early stage and can go for the proper treatments/counseling at the correct time so as to avoid the academic and social losses.

Setilement of motor accidents claims with special reference to Kerala

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.

Impact of Gulf Money with Particular Reference to Chowghat, Trichur District,Kerala

The problems associated with emigration, inward remittances and economic development of Herala have not received ample attention. Kerala depends much on the inward remittances sent by Keralites employed abroad. It is a State that experience chronic unemployment problem. Emigration cannot provide a lasting solution to the problem of unemployment since its direction is governed mainly by the social, political and ecnonomic factors of the host countries. The present study is an attempt to focus attention on the major problems associated with emigration from Kerala. It also tries to deal with the issues involved in diverting the inward remittances to the development of the state which has some vital policy implications The problems associated with emigration, inward remittances and economic development of Herala have not received ample attention. Kerala depends much on the inward remittances sent by Keralites employed abroad. It is a State that experience chronic unemployment problem. Emigration cannot provide a lasting solution to the problem of unemployment since its direction is governed mainly by the social, political and ecnonomic factors of the host countries. The present study is an attempt to focus attention on the major problems associated with emigration from Kerala. It also tries to deal with the issues involved in diverting the inward remittances to the development of the state which has some vital policy implications Investment proepect of non~resident Keralites is the theme oi Chapter VIII. It examines the various measures taken to promote industrial development by attracting non~resident investment tc industrial ventures. Chapter IX diecusses the future of emigration from Kerale especially in the light of declining international oil prices. It also deals with the role o¥ emigration as a safety valve t: the chronic problem of unemployment in Kerala. The last Chapter presents the summary and conclusions of the study

Export, Import and Inter—State Sales - A Study in Tax Law

This thesis is a study in sales tax law, a study on the triple concept of export, import and inters—State sales. It is in seventeen chapters spread in five parts. The introductory is an overview. It presents the thematic thrust of what follows. Part two deals with incidence of sales tax on export and import and the scope of exemption. Part three focuses attention on the various dimensions of the problem of inter—State sale. Part four is an inquiry into parliamentary control on taxes over sales and purchases and highlights inter—State and intra-State implications of discriminatory tax. Part five contains the results of empirical study and the general conclusions of the thesis. In the past no attempt has been made to analyse on identical lines the problems dealt with in this thesis

Studies on magnetic monopole solutions of non-abelian gauge theories and related problems

In 1931 Dirac studied the motion of an electron in the field of a magnetic monopole and found that the quantization of electric charge can be explained by postulating the mere existence of a magnetic monopole. Since 1974 there has been a resurgence of interest in magnetic monopole due to the work of ‘t’ Hooft and Polyakov who independently observed that monopoles can exist as finite energy topologically stable solutions to certain spontaneously broken gauge theories. The thesis, “Studies on Magnetic Monopole Solutions of Non-abelian Gauge Theories and Related Problems”, reports a systematic investigation of classical solutions of non-abelian gauge theories with special emphasis on magnetic monopoles and dyons which possess both electric and magnetic charges. The formation of bound states of a dyon with fermions and bosons is also studied in detail. The thesis opens with an account of a new derivation of a relationship between the magnetic charge of a dyon and the topology of the gauge fields associated with it. Although this formula has been reported earlier in the literature, the present method has two distinct advantages. In the first place, it does not depend either on the mechanism of symmetry breaking or on the nature of the residual symmetry group. Secondly, the results can be generalized to finite temperature monopoles.

Studies on the nutrient chemistry of a tropical estuary

The study focuses attention on the nutrient chemistry of a tropical estuary namely the cochin estuary.The investigation was planned with the objective of studying the estuarine nutrient behaviour and to assess the role of biogeochemical cycling. The distribution of parameters of interest are better explained in the light of the hydrography of the region . Largely associated with the pollution problems of Cochin estuary receiving industrial and domestic wastes, this thesis projects the role of environmental parameters modifying the nutrient content of the water body coupled with studies on their minute variability subjected to physical, chemical and biological processes. The study has incorporated parameters like temperature, salinity, pH and D0; nutrients were investigated by the study of nitrite, nitrate. ammonia, inorganic reactive phosphorus, dissolved organic phosphorus, particulate reactive phosphorus, total reactive phosphorus and inorganic reactive silicate-silicon at surface and bottom layers of the estuary. Sediment associated interstitial and adsorbed phosphorus for a period of one year (1985-1986] were also incorporated

Some non- linear problems in theoretical physics

An immense variety of problems in theoretical physics are of the non-linear type. Non~linear partial differential equations (NPDE) have almost become the rule rather than an exception in diverse branches of physics such as fluid mechanics, field theory, particle physics, statistical physics and optics, and the construction of exact solutions of these equations constitutes one of the most vigorous activities in theoretical physics today. The thesis entitled ‘Some Non-linear Problems in Theoretical Physics’ addresses various aspects of this problem at the classical level. For obtaining exact solutions we have used mathematical tools like the bilinear operator method, base equation technique and similarity method with emphasis on its group theoretical aspects. The thesis deals with certain methods of finding exact solutions of a number of non-linear partial differential equations of importance to theoretical physics. Some of these new solutions are of relevance from the applications point of view in diverse branches such as elementary particle physics, field theory, solid state physics and non-linear optics and give some insight into the stable or unstable behavior of dynamical Systems The thesis consists of six chapters.