Studies on the Role of Tropospheric Biennial Oscillation in the Interannual Variability of Indian Summer Monsoon

The present study illustrates the biennial oscillation in different ocean-atmosphere parameters associated with interannual variability of Indian summer monsoon rainfall.It also accounts the role of different processes like ENSO, IOD, QBO and ISO in the monsoon variability during the TBO years.

Internet Banking and Customer Acceptance: The Indian Scenario

Indian economy is witnessing stellar growth over the last few years. There have been rapid developments in infrastructural and business front during the growth period.Internet adoption among Indians has been increasing over the last one decade.Indian banks have also risen to the occasion by offering new channels of delivery to their customers.Internet banking is one such new channel which has become available to Indian customers.Customer acceptance for internet banking has been good so far.In this study the researcher tried to conduct a qualitative and quantitative investigation of internet banking customer acceptance among Indians. The researcher tried to identify important factors that affect customer's behavioral intention for internet banking .The researcher also proposes a research model which has extended from Technology Acceptance Model for predicting internet banking acceptance.The findings of the study would be useful for Indian banks in planning and upgrading their internet banking service.Banks could increase internet banking adoption by making their customer awareness about the usefulness of the service.It is seen that from the study that the variable perceived usefulness has a positive influence on internet banking use,therefore internet banking acceptance would increase when customers find it more usefulness.Banks should plan their marketing campaigns taking into consideration this factor.Proper marketing communications which would increase consumer awareness would result in better acceptance of internet banking.The variable perceived ease of use had a positive influence on internet banking use.That means customers would increase internet banking usage when they find it easier to use.Banks should therefore try to develop their internet banking site and interface easier to use.Banks could also consider providing practical training sessions for customers at their branches on usage of internet banking interface.

Intraseasonal oscillation of total precipitable water over North Indian Ocean and its application in the diagnostic study of coastal rainfall

TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) is reported to be a useful sensor to measure the atmospheric and oceanic parameters even in cloudy conditions. Vertically integrated specific humidity, Total Precipitable Water (TPW) retrieved from the water vapour absorption channel (22GHz.) along with 10m wind speed and rain rate derived from TMI is used to investigate the moisture variation over North Indian Ocean. Intraseasonal Oscillations (ISO) of TPW during the summer monsoon seasons 1998, 1999, and 2000 over North Indian Ocean is explored using wavelet analysis. The dominant waves in TPW during the monsoon periods and the differences in ISO over Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are investigated. The northward propagation of TPW anomaly and its coherence with the coastal rainfall is also studied. For the diagnostic study of heavy rainfall spells over the west coast, the intrusion of TPW over the North Arabian Sea is seen to be a useful tool.

INDIAN AND ANTARCTIC BRYOZOANS - TAXONOMY AND OBSERVATIONS ON TOXICOLOGY

This thesis embodies findings on a taxonomical investigation of a group of lower marine invertebrates belonging to the category coelomata. Bryozoans are well known both in fossil and recent taxonomical history. They comprise of about 5,000 living and 16000 fossil species. Bryozoans are well known for their taxonomic abundance and structural diversity,representing the various ecological niches ranging from the intertidal to the abyssal benthic. At a time when global marine biological diversity has become a concern of not only to the scientists but also to the policy makers,an understanding of species diversity and abundance are cardinal aspects of biological studies. Geological time scales which is known that by Pre-Cambrian, marine invertebrate diversity reach the maximum and this diversity has become more comprehensive as time advanced. Taxonomists a vanishing species of scientists have become more concerned in discerning patterns of species diversity. The basic tool for this is identification fo animals. with this idea in mind a detailed study of taxonomy of bryozoan was undertaken . The major part of this thesis is devoted to describe various species of bryozoans with detailed description and ecotypical variations.The pattern of distribution and abundance which are important aspects of animal groups have also been documented. Possible effects of heavy metal contamination on the tolerance and growth of bryozoans, a few species of which have been eliminated from the chronically polluted areas of Cochin backwaters have also been documented.

Studies on the Characteristics of Vertical Circulation and Equatorial Waves using Indian MST Radar

The aim of the present study is to understand the characteristics and properties of different wave modes and the vertical circulation pattern in the troposphere and lower stratosphere over Indian region using data obtained from the Indian Mesosphere-Stratosphere Troposphere (MST) radar, National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Centres of Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysed data and radiosonde observations.Studies on the vertical motion in monsoon Hadley circulation are carried out and the results are discussed . From the analysis of MST radar data, an overall picture of vertical motion of air over Indian region is explained and noted that there exists sinking motion both during winter and summer. Besides, the study shows that there is an anomalous northerly wind in the troposphere over the southern peninsular region during southwest monsoon season.The outcome of the study on intrusion of mid-latitude upper tropospheric trough and associated synoptic-scale vertical velocity over the tropical Indian latitudes are reported and discussed . It shows that there is interaction between north Indian latitudes and tropical easterly region, when there is an eastward movement of Western Disturbance across the country. It explains the strengthening of westerlies and a change of winter westerlies into easterlies in the tropical troposphere and lower stratosphere. The divergence field computed over the MST radar station shows intensification in the downward motion in association with the synoptic systems of the northwest Indian region.

Investigations on the biology of Indian Mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier) along the Central Kerala coast with special reference to maturation, feeding and lipid dynamics

Dept. of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, Cochin University of Science and Technology

Performance Evaluation of Commercially Important Indian and Imported Fishing Hooks

Fishing Technology Division, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology

Impact of Monetary Policy on Indian Economy in the Post-Reform Period

The present study was an attempt to analyze systematically the techniques of monetary control measures with its relevance and changing importance and to find out their effectiveness in the Indian context especially to achieve the thriving objectives of price stability and economic growth.There is definite and remarkable economic impact of monetary policy on Indian economy in the post-reform period. The importance of monetary policy has been increasing year after year. Its role is very relevant in attaining monetary objectives, especially in managing price stability and achieving economic growth. Along that, the use and importance of monetary weapons like Bank rate, CRR, SLR, Repo rate and Reverse Rate have increased over the years. Repo and Reverse Repo rates are the most frequently used monetary techniques in recent years. The rates are varied mainly for curtailing inflation and absorb the excess liquidity and hence to maintain price stability in the economy. Thus, this short-time objective of price stability is more successful on Indian economy rather than other long-term objectives of development.Monetary policy rules can be active or passive. The passive rule is to keep the money supply constant, which is reminiscent of Milton Friedman’s money growth rule. The second, called a price stabilization rule, is to change the money supply in response to changes in aggregate supply or demand to keep the price level constant. The idea of an active rule is to keep the price level and hence inflation in check. In India, this rule dominates our monetary policy. A stable growth is healthy growth.

Nutritional responses in Indian white shrimp Fenneropenaeus indicus to varying protein: energy combinations in compounded artificial feeds

Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Cochin University of Science and Technology

Liquid phase benzylation of o-xylene over pillared clays

Iron, aluminium and mixed iron aluminium pillared clays have been prepared by partial hydrolysis method and doped with IO% Mo, V and Cr. The samples have been characterised by XRD, FTIR and surface area and pore Volume measurements. The surface acid site distribution has been determined by temperature programmed desorption of ammonia. Vanadia incorporated systems show maximum acidity. Benzylation of o-xylene has been done as probe reaction to test catalytic activity. Benzyl chloride is a superior benzylating agent compared to benzyl alcohol in activity and selectivity. Cent percent selectivity towards monobenzylated product is obtained in all the cases. Fe pillared systems exhibit maximum activity. The catalytic activities of the systems can be correlated with the amount of strong add sites. The effects of various reaction variables on the reaction have been studied. Presence of moisture has a diminishing effect on the reaction rate.

Environmental Management in the Indian Fertiliser Industry

School of Management Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology

Surface Circulation in the Tropical Indian Ocean Using Multi-Mission Altimeter Data

In the present study the availability of satellite altimeter sea level data with good spatial and temporal resolution is explored to describe and understand circulation of the tropical Indian Ocean. The derived geostrophic circulations showed large variability in all scales. The seasonal cycle described using monthly climatology generated using 12 years SSH data from 1993 to 2004 revealed several new aspects of tropical Indian Ocean circulation. The interannual variability presented in this study using monthly means of SSH data for 12 years have shown large year-to-year variability. The EOF analysis has shown the influence of several periodic signals in the annual and interannual scales where the relative strengths of the signals also varied from year to year. Since one of the reasons for this kind of variability in circulation is the presence of planetary waves. This study discussed the influence of such waves on circulation by presenting two cases one in the Arabian Sea and other in the Bay of Bengal.

Rheological characteristics of suwari and kamaboko gels made of surimi from Indian major carps

The gel strength, compressibility and folding characteristic of suwari (set) and kamaboko (set and cooked) gels prepared from rohu (Labeo rohita), catla (Catla catla) and mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) surimi were examined to understand the occurrence of suwari and modori phenomena in surimi from major freshwater carps. Suwari setting of gels did not take place at lower temperatures. Suwari gels showed good gel strength at 50 °C for rohu and at 60 °C for catla and mrigal after 30 min setting time. Incubation for 60 min decreased the gel strength at 60 °C for rohu and catla. Setting at 25 °C followed by cooking at 90 °C increased the gel strength. Increased setting temperature, however, decreased the gel strength of cooked gels. Gel strength and compressibility data were supported by folding characteristics.

Marine Engineering Training in India -A Pedagogic Introspection

Indian marine engineers are renowned for employment globally due to their knowledge, skill and reliability. This praiseworthy status has been achieved mainly due to the systematic training imparted to marine engineering cadets. However, in an era of advancing technology, marine engineering training has to remain dynamic to imbibe latest technology as well as to meet the demands of the shipping industry. New subjects of studies have to be included in the curriculum in a timely manner taking into consideration the industry requirements and best practices in shipping. Technical competence of marine engineers also has to be subjected to changes depending upon the needs of the ever growing and over regulated shipping industry. Besides. certain soft skills are to be developed and improved amongst the marine engineers in order to alter or amend the personality traits leading to their career success.If timely corrective action is taken. Indian marine engineers can be in still greater demand for employment in global maritime field. In order to enhance the employability of our mmine engineers by improving their quality, a study of marine engineers in general and class IV marine engineers in particular was conducted based on three distinct surveys, viz., survey among senior marine engineers, survey among employers of marine engineers and survey of class IV marine engineers themselves.The surveys have been planned and questionnaires have been designed to focus the study of marine engineer officer class IV from the point of view of the three distinct groups of maritime personnels. As a result of this, the strength and weakness of class IV marine engineers are identified with regard to their performance on board ships, acquisition of necessary technical skills. employability and career success. The criteria of essential qualities of a marine engineer are classified as academic, technical, social, psychological. physical, mental, emergency responsive, communicative and leadership, and have been assessed for a practicing marine engineer by statistical analysis of data collected from surveys. These are assessed for class IV marine engineers from the point of view of senior marine engineers and employers separately. The Endings are delineated and graphically depicted in this thesis.Besides. six pertinent personality traits of a marine engineer viz. self esteem. learning style. decision making. motivation. team work and listening self inventory have been subjected to study and their correlation with career success have been established wherever possible. This is carried out to develop a theoretical framework to understand what leads a marine engineer to his career attainment. This enables the author to estimate the personality strengths and weaknesses of a serving marine engineer and eventually to deduce possible corrective measures or modifications in marine engineering training in India.Maritime training is largely based on International Conventions on Standard of Training. Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers 1995. its associated Code and Merchant Shipping (STCW for Seafarers) Rules 1998. Further, Maritime Education, Training and Assessment (META) Manual was subjected to a critical scrutiny and relevant Endings of thc surveys arc superimposed on the existing rule requirement and curriculum. Views of senior marine engineers and executives of various shipping companies are taken into account before arriving at the revision of syllabus of marine engineering courses. Modifications in the pattern of workshop and sea service for graduate mechanical engineering trainees are recommended. Desirable age brackets of junior engineers and chief engineers. use of Training and Assessment Record book (TAR Book) during training etc. have also been evaluated.As a result of the pedagogic introspection of the existing system of marine engineering training in India. in this thesis, a revised pattern of workshop training of six months duration for graduate mechanical engineers. revised pattern of sea service training of one year duration and modified now diagram incorporating the above have been arrived at. Effects of various personality traits on career success have been established along with certain findings for improvement of desirable personality traits of marine engineers.

Indian Mathematics Related to Architecture and Other Areas With Special Reference to Kerala

Department of Mathematics, Cochin University of Science and Technology