Realization of Optical Logic Gates Using the Thermal Lens Effect

A sensitive method based on the principle of photothermal phenomena to realize optical logic gates is presented. A dual beam thermal lens method using low power cw lasers in a dye-doped polymer can be very effectively used as an alternate technique to perform the logical function such as NAND, AND and OR.

Dynamics of coupled Josephson junctions under the influence of applied fields

We investigate the effect of the phase difference of appliedfields on the dynamics of mutually coupledJosephsonjunctions. A phase difference between the appliedfields desynchronizes the system. It is found that though the amplitudes of the output voltage values are uncorrelated, a phase correlation is found to exist for small values of applied phase difference. The dynamics of the system is found to change from chaotic to periodic for certain values of phase difference. We report that by keeping the value of phase difference as π, the system continues to be in periodic motion for a wide range of values of system parameters. This result may find applications in devices like voltage standards, detectors, SQUIDS, etc., where chaos is least desired.

Farm Programmes of Electronic Media: A Comparative Study of Audience Perception in Kerala

Farm communication and extension programs are vital part of the farm development attempts. Electronic media plays a major role in farm extension activities. Kerala, the consumer state, which was a complete agricultural state in pre-independence period, is the sprouting land of agricultural extension and publication activities in print media. Later AIR (All India Radio) farm programs and farm broadcasting of Doordarshan enriched the role of electronic media in farm extension activities. The media saturated southern state of India received this new electronic media farm communication revolution whole heartedly. However, after 1990, Kerala witnessed a flood of private T V channels and currently there are 24 channels in this regional language, named Malayalam. All major news and entertainment channels are broadcasting farm programs. Farm programs of AIR and Doordarshan, broadcasted in Malayalam language, have been well accepted to the farmers‘ in Kerala. However, post-independence period, witnessed the formation of Kerala state in Indian Union and the first ballot-elected communist Government started its administration. After the land reform bills, the state witnessed a gradual decrease in agricultural production. Even if it is not reflected much in the attitude and practices of farm community and farm broadcast of traditional electronic broadcasting, a change is observable after the post-liberalization era of India. Private Television channels, which were focused on entertainment value of programs, started broadcasting farm programs and the parameters of program production went through certain changes. In this situation, there is ample relevance for a study about the farm programs of electronic media in terms of a comparative study of audience perception. The study is limited in the state of Kerala as it is the most media saturated state in India. The study analyzes the rate, nature and scope of adoption of farming methods transmitted through electronic media (T.V. and Radio) in Malayalam language.All kinds of Farm programs including comprehensive program serials, success stories, seasonal cropping methods, experts opinion, been analyzed on the basis of the following objectives.  To find whether propagating new farm methods through farm programs in electronic media or the availability of adequate infrastructure and economic factors make a farmer to adopt a new farming method.  To find which electronic media has more influence on farmers to adopt agricultural programs.  To find which form of electronic media gets better feedback from farmers  To find out whether the programs of T.V. or Radio is more acceptable to farmers than the print media.  To find whether farmers gets the message through their preferred medium for the message. The researcher recorded opinions from a panel of agricultural officers, farm Information officers, agro extension researchers and experts. According to their opinions and guidelines, a pilot study is designed and conducted in Kanjikuzhy Panchayath, in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The Panchayath is selected by considering its ideal nature of being the sample for a social Science research. Besides, the nature of farming in the Panchayath, which devoid of the cultivation of cash crops also supported its sample value. As per the observations from the pilot study, researcher confirmed the Triangulation method as the methodology of research. The questionnaire survey, being the primary part contained 42 Questions with 6 independent and 32 dependent variables. The survey is conducted among 400 respondents in Idukki, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts considering geographical differences and distribution of different types of crops. The response from a total of 360 respondents, 120 from each district, finally selected for tabulation and data analysis.The data analysis, based on percentage analysis, along with the results from focus group discussion among a selected group of 20 farmers, together produced the results as follows. Farmers, who are the audience of farm programs, have a very serious approach towards the medium. They are maintaining a critical point of view towards the content of the programs. Farmers are reasonably aware about the financial side of the programs and the monitory aspirations of both private and Government owned Television channels. Even though, the farmers are not aware on the technical terminology and jargons, they have ideas about success stories, program serials and they are even informed about channels are not maintaining an audience research section like AIR. Though the farmers accept Doordarshan as the credential source of farm information and methods, they are inclined to the entertainment value of programs too. They prefer to have more entertainment value for the programs of Doordarshan. Surprisingly, they have very solid suggestions on even about the shots which add entertainment value to the farm broadcasting methods of Doordarshan. Farmers are very much aware about the fact that media is just an instrument for inspiration and persuasion. They strongly believe that the source of information and new methods is agricultural research and an effective change happens only when there are adequate infrastructure and marketing facilities, along with the proper support from Government agricultural guideline and support systems like Krishi Bhavans. They strongly believe that media alone cannot create any magic in increasing agricultural production. Farmers are pointing out the lack of response to the feedback and queries of farmers on farming methods, as an evidence for the difference in levels of commitment of Government and private owned Television channels.Farmers are still perceiving AIR farm programs are far more committed to farmers and farming than any other electronic medium. However, they are seriously lacking Radio receivers with medium wave reception facility. Farmers perceive that the farming methods on new crops are more adoptable than the farming methods of traditional crops in both private and Government owned Television channels. There are multiple factors behind this observation from farmers. Farmers changed in terms of viewing habits and they prefer success stories, which are totally irrelevant and they even think that such stories encourage people to go for farming and they opined that such stories are good sources of inspiration. However, they are all very much sure about the importance and particular about the presence of entertainment factor even in farm programs. Farmers expect direct interaction of any expert of the new farming method to implement the method in their agriculture practices. Though introduction of a new idea in the T.V. is acceptable, farmers need the direct instruction of expert on field to start implementing the new farming practices Farmers still have an affinity towards print media reports and agricultural pages and they have complaints to print media on the removal of agricultural information pages from news papers. They prefer the reports in print media as it facilitates them to collect and refer articles when they need it. Farmers are having an eye of doubt about the credibility of farm programs by private T.V. channels. Even if they prefer private Television channels for listening and adopting new farming methods and other farm information, they scrutinize programs to know whether they are sponsored programs by agrochemical or agro-fertilizer manufacturer.

Zeolite Encapsulated Complexes Of Fe,Co,Ni,Cu And Pd:Synthesis , Characterization And Catalysis-2003

This thesis deals with the synthesis, characterization and catalysis activity studies of some zeolite encapsulated complexes. Encapsulation inside the zeolite cages makes the catalysts more stable. Further, the framework prevents the complexes from dimerising. Catalysis by metal complexes encapsulated in the cavities of zeolites and other molecular sieves has many features of homogeneous, heterogenous and enzymatic catalysis. Serious attempts has been made to gain product selectivity in catalysis .The catalytic activity shown by the encapsulated complexes can be correlated to the structure of the active site inside the zeolite pore. It deals with the studies on the partial oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. The oxidatio was carried out using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant in presence of PdYDMG and CuYSPP as catalysts. The product (benzaldehyde) was detected using TLC and confirmed using GC.The catalytic activity of the complexes was tested for oxidation under various conditions. The operating conditions like the amount of the catalyst, reaction time, oxidant to substrate ratio, reaction temprature, and solvents have been optimized. No further oxidation products were obtained on continuing the reaction for four hours beyond the optimum time. Maximum conversion was obtained at room temperature and the percentage conversion decreased with increase in temperature. Activity was found to be dependent on the solvent used. With increasing awareness about the dangers of environmental degradation, research in chemistry is getting increasing geared to the development of “green chemistry,” by designing environmentally friendly products and processes that bring down the generation and use of hazardous substances.

Structural, Spectral, Biological and Electrochemical Studies Of Some 3d Transition Metal Complexes of O-N-S and N-N-S Donor Ligands

The primary aim of these investigations was to probe the spectroscopic, electrochemical, biological and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of some selected transition metal complexes of 4N-monosubstituted thiosemicarbazones. Transition metal complexes with thiosemicarbazones exhibit a wide range of stereochemistries and possess potential biological activity. Metal complexes of thiosemicarbazones are proved to have improved pharmacological and therapeutic effects. The studies are conducted to bring about a fair understanding of the structure activity relationship and to develop certain effective and economical metal-based antimicrobial agents. Study showed that the thiosemicarbazones have antibacterial, antiviral and antiproliferative properties and hence used against tuberculosis, leprosy, psoriasis, rheumatism, trypanosomiasis and coccidiosis. Certain thiosemicarbazones showed a selective inhibition of HSV and HIV infections. The insolubility of most thiosemicarbazones in water causes difficulty in the oral administration in clinical practice. Transition metal complexes are found to have more activity than uncombined thiosemicarbazones. They exhibit a variety of denticity and can be varied by proper substitution. The stereochemistry assumed by the thiosemicarbazones during the coordination with transition metal ions depends on the factors such as preparative conditions and availability of additional bonding site in the ligand moiety and charge of the ligand. The resulting complexes exhibited a wide range of stereochemistries and have biomimic activity and potential application as sensors.

Studies on the Synthesis and Transformations of A Few Dibenzoylalkene – Type Systems

The aim of the study is to synthesise several dibenzoylakene-type systems such as acenaphthenone-2-ylidene ketones 47 and phenanthrenone-9-ylidene ketones 48 by the condensation reaction of acenaphthenequinone and phenanthrenequinone with methyl ketones. Here studies the thermal and photochemical transformations of acenaphthaenone-2-ylidene ketones 3a-c.These acenaphthenone –2-ylidene ketones underwent extensive decomposition on heating. The objectives of present study is to synthesise acenaphthenone-2-ylidene ketones by the Claisen-Schmidt condensation of acenaphthenequinone and methyl ketones, it is to synthesise phenanthrenone –9-ylidene ketones by the Claisen-Schmidt condensation of phenanthrequinone and methyl ketones, thermal studies on acenaphthenone-2-ylidene ketones and phenanthrenone-9-ylidene ketones, photochemical studies on acenaphthenone-2-ylidene ketones and phenanthrenone –9-ylidene ketones to establish the generality of dibenzoyalkene rearrangement. Cyclic voltammetric studies on these dibezoyalkenes to compare their redox behaviour with that of the cis and trans isomers of dibenzoyl-ethylene, dibenzoylstilbene. These results should provide some information about their reactivity, and to assess and exploit the potential of these systems as quinonemethides. This study conclude that a number of new dibenzolalkene-type systems have been synthesized by the Claisen-Schmidt condensation of 1,2-diketones such as phenanthequinone and acenaphthenequinone with methyl ketones. Some of these compounds have been shown to undergo interesting photochemical transformations. Based on the results it is conclude that phenanthjrenone-9-ylidene ketones are excellent Michael acceptors. Methanol adds to these to yield the corresponding furanols. These furanols are unstable and are slowly converted to phenanthro-2 (3H)-furanones.

Electro-Optical Properties of Metal Phthalocyanines and Naphthalocyanines

The thesis deals with the preparation of chemical, optical, thermal and electrical characterization of five compounds, namely metal free naphthalocyanine, vanadyl napthalocyanine, zinc naphlocyanine, europium dinaphthalocyanine, and europium diphthalocyanine in the pristine and iodine-doped forms. Two important technological properties of these compounds have been investigated. The electrical properties are important in applications sensors and semiconductor lasers. Opto-thermal properties assume significance for optical imaging and data recording. The electrical properties were investigated by dc and ac techniques. This work has revealed some novel information on the conduction mechanism in five macrocyclic compounds and their iodine-doped forms. Also useful data on the thermal diffusivity of the target compounds have been obtained by optical techniques.

Synthesis and Characterization Of Some Transition Metal Complexes Of Multidentate Ligands

Coordination chemistry of schiff bases is of considerable interest due to their various magnetic, catalytic and biological applications. Here it describes the spectral characterization of schiff bases and its Mn (II), Cu (II) and Ni (II) complexes. Then synthesis and spectral characterization of Zn (II), Cd (II) and Co (II) complexes of schiff base derived from 3-Formylsalicilic Acid and 1,3-diaminopropane. Then it discusses the synthesis and spectral studies of Copper (II) complexes of 2-Hydroxyacetophenone N-phenyl semicarbazone. Finally it discusses the synthesis and spectral characterization of Co (III) complexes of salicylaldehyde N-phenyl semicarbazone. The preparation and characterization of Cobalt (III) complexes of salicylaldehyde, N-phenylthiosemicarbazone containing hetrocyclic bases phenalthroline and bipyridine. Thiocyanate, azide and perchlorate ions act as coligands. Elemental analysis suggests +3 state for Cobalt. HNMR, IR and UV-visible spectra characterize the complexes.

Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, Structural Studies and Biological Investigations of Transition Metal Complexes of Some Acid Hydrazones

This study concentrates the chemical properties of hydrazones due to its chelating capability and their pharmacological applications. Studies cover the preparation of different acid hydrazones and their structural studies and studies on their antimicrobial activity, synthesis and spectral characterization of different complexes of copper oxovanadium, manganese, nickel etc. Effect of incorporation of heterocyclic bases to the coordination sphere, change in the biological activity of acid hydrazones upon coordination, development of X-ray quality single crystals and its X-ray diffraction studies, studies on the redox behavior of the coordinated metal ions and correlation between the stereochemistry and biological activities.

Studies On Supported Cobalt (Ii), Nickel (Ii) and Copper (Ii) Complexes Of O-Phenylenediamine and Schiff Bases Derived from 3-Hydroxyquinoxaline-2-Carboxaldehyde

The thesis deals with the synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity studies of supported cobalt(ii), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of O-phenylenediamine and Schiff bases derived from 3-hydroxyquinoxaline -2-carboxaldehyde. Zeolite encapsulation and polymer anchoring was employed for supporting the complexes. The characterization techniques proved that the encapsulation as well as polymer supporting has been successfully achieved. The catalytic activity studies revealed that the activities of the simple complexes are improved upon encapsulation. Various characterization techniques are used such as, chemical analysis, EPR, magnetic measurements, FTIR studies, thermal analysis, electronic spectra, XRD, SEM, surface area, and GC.The present study indicated that the that the mechanism of oxidation of catechol and DTBC by hydrogen peroxide is not altered by the change in the coordination sphere around the metal ion due to encapsulation. This fact suggests outer sphere mechanism for the reactions. The catalytic activity by zeolite encapsulated complex was found to be slower than that by the neat complex. The slowing down of the reaction in the zeolite case is probably due to the constraint imposed by the zeolite framework. The rate of DTBC ( 3,5-di-tert-butylchatechol)oxidation was found to be greater than the rate of catechol oxidation. This is obviously due to the presence of electron donating tertiary butyl groups.

A Study Of Chit Finance In Kerala With Special Emphasis On Kerala State Financial Enterprises Ltd.

Chit funds contribute to the value of financial markets in India particularly in Kerala. Chit finances with its unique features are of great significance especially as a savings cum borrowing avenue. The present study entitled “A Study of chit Finance in Kerala with special emphasis on Kerala State Financial Enterprises Ltd.” examines the socio-economic aspects of Chit schemes run by the private Chit Funds, KSFE, co-operatives, and informal Chit Funds. The study is an attempt to find the reasons for the growing popularity of Chit Funds as savings cum borrowings avenues even in the presence of various other avenues of savings and borrowings and also to understand how the Chit subscribers utilize the funds. The objectives of the present study are to examine the trends and pattern of growth of Chit Funds in the formal sector in Kerala, performance of KSFE as the only public sector Chit Fund company in India, preference for joining Chit Funds, estimate the cost and return on Chit Funds etc. is an indigenous financial instrument is complementary to modern financial techniques of savings and borrowings. KSFE is the dominant foremen in the chit business in Kerala, its weaknesses result in the non-attainment of certain objectives. Driven by the growing trend of privatization, KSFE needs to be innovative and competitive. It is also necessary that KSFE continue its leadership role by being more effective in being the harbinger of more efficiency, professionalism and good governance in the Chit Fund Industry. The growth and development of chit business by protecting the interests of both the subscribers and the foremen will therefore be most beneficial for any growing economy.

Women Industrial Cooperatives- An Analysis of Its Structure, Performance and Growth in Kannur District

In the present study made an attempt to analyse the structure, performance and growth of women industrial cooperatives in kannur district, Kerala. The study encompasses all women industrial cooperatives registered at the district industries center, kannur and that currently exist. The women industrial cooperatives are classified into two ie; group with network and another group without network. In Kannur there are 54 units working as women industrial cooperatives. One of the main problems the women cooperatives face is the lack of working capital followed marketing problem. The competition between cooperatives and private traders is very high. The variables examined to analyse the performance of women industrial cooperatives in Kannur showed that there exists inter unit differences in almost all the variables. The financial structure structure shows that the short term liquidity of women cooperatives in Kannur favour more the units which have political networks; but the long term financial coverage is seen to be highly geared in this group, not because of a decline is net worth but due to highly proportionate increase in financial liabilities in the form of borrowings. The encouragement given by the government through financial stake and other incentives has been the major factor in the formation and growth of women cooperatives. As a result both productivity and efficiency improves in the cooperatives. In short the present study helped to capture the impact, role and dynamics of networking in general and socio political network in particular in relation to intra and inter unit differences on the structure, growth and performance of women industrial cooperatives societies in Kannur district

Diversification In Employment Structure And Status Of Rural Women Workers In Ernakulam District

The basic objective of the present study has been to observe the process and pattern of employment diversification among the rural women workers in Ernakulam district. The evidences are that the women workers in the rural areas of the state are being increasingly diversified into the tertiary sector. The clear cut evidence for the fact that in Kerala non-agricultural employment of rural women is increasing with more and more of them getting diversified into the tertiary sector. The women get more self esteem and recognition in terms of the work being done by them. In the urban areas of the state as a poverty eradicating measure the Kerala government has already introduced a new scheme under the banner of Kudumbasree. Another fact noticed in the study that the sectoral shift of women workers has posed a grave problem to the agricultural sector. The reluctance of workers to do manual jobs on land and the prevalence of high wages among the agricultural labours has left many a cultivable area fallow or has induced farmers to shift to less labour –intensive crops. The situation is expected to worsen in future as even the high wages fail to attract the young generation to this sector. To conclude the study has fulfilled all its objectives, viz; highlighting the rural employment structure in Kerala, examining the process, pattern, determinants and consequences of diversification among rural women workers in the sample villages. Being the first of its kind at the micro level in the state it contributes to the available literature in the area enriching the database that is crucially lacking for devising projects at the village and block-level. There exists ample scope for future research of similar nature in an urban background where the secondary data-sources are hinding towards a reversal of trends from non-agriculture to agriculture.

Sustainability of Medicinal Plants in Kerala Economic Considerations in Domestication and Conservation of Forest Resources

The present study on the sustainability of medicinal plants in Kerala economic considerations in domestication and conservation of forest resources. There is worldwide consensus on the fact that medicinal plants are important not only in the local health support systems but in rural income and foreign exchange earnings. Sustainability of medicinal plants is important for the survival of forest dwellers, the forest ecosystem, conserving a heritage of human knowledge and overall development through linkages. More equitable sharing of the benefits from commercial utilization of the medicinal plants was found essential for the sustainability of the plants. Cultivation is very crucial for the sustainability of the sector. Through a direct tie-up with the industry, the societies can earn more income and repatriate better collection charges to its members. Cultivation should be carried out in wastelands, tiger reserves and in plantation forests. In short, the various players in the in the sector could find solution to their specific problems through co-operation and networking among them. They should rely on self-help rather than urging the government to take care of their needs. As far as the government is concerned, the forest department through checking over- exploitation of wild plants and the Agriculture Dept. through encouraging cultivation could contribute to the sustainable development of the medicinal plant sector.

Regional Development in Kerala A Study of Malappuram District

The study makes an attempt to examine the inter regional variations in Kerala in economic development with respect to the important indicators of development over the period 1971 to 2001. The study takes districts as the unit of analysis because this is an attempt to find out the status of districts in Kerala.The study proved that there exists inter district disparities in economic development measured in terms of different indices used for analysis.. statistical estimation of variation proves that there is high degree of variation in industrial sector followed by social and economic infrastructure. The composite index of industrial development shows that the highest index is 1.395 which is five times greater than that of the lowest index 0.273. More or less the same pattern of differences are noticed in most of the indicators of the development. A ranking of the district on the basis of the overall development indicators shows that Malappuram is the least developed district in Kerala. In case of almost all indicators of development Malappuram is lagging behind all other districts.