Morphological filtering on hypergraphs

The focus of this article is to develop computationally efficient mathematical morphology operators on hypergraphs. To this aim we consider lattice structures on hypergraphs on which we build morphological operators. We develop a pair of dual adjunctions between the vertex set and the hyper edge set of a hypergraph H, by defining a vertex-hyperedge correspondence. This allows us to recover the classical notion of a dilation/erosion of a subset of vertices and to extend it to subhypergraphs of H. Afterward, we propose several new openings, closings, granulometries and alternate sequential filters acting (i) on the subsets of the vertex and hyperedge set of H and (ii) on the subhypergraphs of a hypergraph

Economics of Ornamental Fisheries in Kerala

Comprehensive studies integrating production, consumption and marketing of ornamental fishes were never conducted in the past in Kerala and this study is an attempt to highlight the dynamics in a systematic manner by making a primary empirical study. The advantages of such an approach are many. First, the study entails detailed empirical data under a given time frame on various inter linked economic activities in ornamental fisheries sector. Second, the study tries to improve upon the previous discipline-bound studies by adopting an integrated approach. As Kerala has diverse ecological and climatic conditions, case studies on various ornamental fish production systems help identifying suitable culture practice for selected environmental conditions. One of the major conclusions of this study as explained in the concluding chapter is that although Kerala is blessed with favourable geographic and climatic conditions needed for developing ornamental fishery, diverse local conditions and requirements contain adopting modern methods of enterprise development.Consumer studies conducted would help to identify the demand of ornamental fishes and the factors leading to it. Market studies would help in understanding the forces behind domestic market, which is very promising, but neglected. Viability studies throw light on the economic performance of both the production systems and the trading units of ornamental fishes. Despite the economic significance of ornamental fisheries industry, its development has been constrained due to various bio-technical, cultural, socio-economic, organisational and above all, institutional and policy failures. The outcome of the study would identify constraints facing the industry and institutional arrangements for development.

International Initiatives for Regulating Access to Genetic Resources

In light of the various international instruments and international agencies that are actively engaged in resolving the issue of ABS, the present work tries to find an answer to the larger question how far the above agencies have succeeded in regulating access and make sure of benefit sharing. In this process, the work comprehensively analyses the work of different agencies involved in the process. It tries to find out the major obstacles that stand in the way of fulfilment of the benefit sharing objective and proposes the ways and means to tackle them. The study first traces the legal foundations of the concept of property in GRs and associated TK.For this, it starts with analysis of the nature of property and the questions related to ownership in GRs as contained in the CBD as well as in various State legislations. It further examines the notion of property before and after the enactment of the CBD and establishes that the CBD contains strong private property jurisprudence.Based on the theoretical foundation of private property right,Chapter 3 analyses the benefit sharing mechanism of the CBD, i.e. the Nagoya Protocol. It searches for a theoretical convergence of the notion of property as reflected in the two instruments and successfully establishes the same. It makes an appraisal of the Nagoya regime to find out how far it has gone beyond the CBD in ensuring the task of benefit sharing and the impediments in its way.Realizing that the ITPGRFA forms part of the CBD system, Chapter 4 analyses the benefit sharing structure of ITPGRFA as revealed through its multilateral system. This gives the work the benefit of comparing two different benefit sharing models operating on the same philosophy of property. This chapter tries to find out whether there is conceptual coherence in the notion of property when the benefit sharing model changes. It alsocompares the merits and demerits of both the systems and tries to locate the hurdles in achieving benefit sharing. Aware of the legal impediments caused by IPRs in the process of ABS, Chapter 5 tries to explore the linkages between IPRs and GRs and associated TK and assesses why contract-based CBD system fails before the monopoly rights under TRIPS. Chapter 6 analyses the different solutions suggested by the international community at the TRIPS Council as well as the WIPO (World Intellectual property Organisation) and examines their effectiveness. Chapter 7 concludes that considering the inability of the present IP system to understand the grass root realities of the indigenous communities as well as the varying situations of the country of origin, the best possible way to recognise the CBD goals in the TRIPS could be better achieved through linking the two instruments by means of the triple disclosure requirement in Article 29 as suggested by the Disclosure Group during the TRIPS Council deliberations. It also recommends that considering the nature of property in GR, a new section/chapter in the TRIPS dealing with GRs would be another workable solution.

A study of the information seeking bebavior of science and technology teachers and researchers of Cocbin University of Science and Technology and University of Kerala in the cbanged library environment

Information communication technology (IC T) has invariably brought about fundamental changes in the way in which libraries gather. preserve and disseminate information. The study was carried out with an aim to estimate and compare the information seeking behaviour (ISB) of the academics of two prominent universities of Kerala in the context of advancements achieved through ICT. The study was motivated by the fast changing scenario of libraries with the proliferation of many high tech products and services. The main purpose of the study was to identify the chief source of information of the academics, and also to examine academics preference upon the form and format of information source. The study also tries to estimate the adequacy of the resources and services currently provided by the libraries.The questionnaire was the central instrument for data collection. An almost census method was adopted for data collection engaging various methods and tools for eliciting data.The total population of the study was 957, out of which questionnaire was distributed to 859 academics. 646 academics responded to the survey, of which 564 of them were sound responses. Data was coded and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and also with the help of Microsofl Excel package. Various statistical techniques were engaged to analyse data. A paradigm shift is evident by the fact that academies push themselves towards information in internet i.e. they prefer electronic source to traditional source and the very shift is coupled itself with e-seeking of information. The study reveals that ISB of the academics is influenced priman'ly by personal factors and comparative analysis shows that the ISB ofthc academics is similar in both universities. The productivity of the academics was tested to dig up any relation with respect to their ISB, and it is found that productivity of the academics is extensively related with their ISB. Study also reveals that the users ofthe library are satisfied with the services provided but not with the sources and in conjunction, study also recommends ways and means to improve the existing library system.

Nutritional studies in juvenile penaeus indicus with fererence to protein and vitamin requirements

Man in his quest to explore food has turned towards the oceans and during the last five decades there has been phenomenal increase in the exploitation of the marine fisheries resources. The present study is carried out to determine the requirement of protein and water-soluble vitamins in the diet of juveniles of the Indian white prawn p.indicus using purified diets and to evaluate the nutritive value of a few plant and animal protein sources for the same species. A total of ten statistically designed experiments are conducted in the laboratory undermost identical conditions and following similar methodologies. The study also tries to suggest the essential and optimal requirements for protein as well as water-soluble vitamins in the diet of juvenile p.indicus

A study on community participation in disease control programmes, with references to control of filariasis in Alappuzha District

This thesis throws light on the influence of community in the social life of mankind. The study revolves round the fact that health care is by the people rather than health care is for the people. The thesis tries to analyze the role of community organizational social agencies in the control of Filariasis.The study examines the factors which influence community participation. and the effectiveness of health education in the control of Filariasis.the thesis emphasizes the effective tools and means of health education That helps to To evolve an appropriate method for the management of community Participation. The study shows that. A well informed community can participate successfully and meaningfully in disease control programmes.

Household Energy consumption pattern in rural Kerala

The present thesis critically analyzes the micro level issues that influence the rural household energy behavior in Kerala. The aim of the study is to examine the energy consumption pattern at the household level in rural Kerala and to assess the variations in rural household energy consumption pattern across geo-climatic and socio-economic clusters. The researcher assess the attitudes of the rural households towards energy sources, uses and devices. The study tries to identify the factors influencing the adoption of energy conservation practices and shift to the improved energy

Export Development

The main aim of this study is to examine the deficiencies of the export development process and strategy in India and, to suggest, in the light of the findings of the above, measures for improvement. The marine products industry has been chosen as a case for a detailed investigation. The researcher conducts an evaluative study on the export potential for India’s marine products and trends in the international market for marine products. The thesis tries to identify the major hurdles in increasing exports of marine products from India. The evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of the measures taken to promote marine products exports is also undertaken

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

Power Profile of Effective Managers: An Exploration among the Branch Managers of a Commercial Bank in Kerala

Managers are central to any fuction in a complex and developed society. Their talents are reckoned to be cardinal in developed economies and a basic yearning of all developing economies.In order to survive and produce results in a turbulent and transient environment, the task is to understand the nature of factors contributing to managerial effectiveness. This study is an attempt towards this core issue of the present from a different perspective. This study tries to focus attention on a group of managers functioning in the field of banking, a core sector in the country's economy. The gamut of economic activities in Kerala being predominantly service-oriented, importance of commercial banking is almost indisputable. Though economists would argue that the disproportionate development of service sector is anomalous when viewed against the hazy scenarios in the primary and secondary sectors of the state’s economy, the extent and pace of growth in the banking sector has had its dole meted out by ambitious and productive managers fiinctioning in the field. Researcher’s attempt here is to thresh the grain and chaff among bank managers in terms of their effectiveness and to account for the variations in the light of their ability to affect the thoughts and actions of their subordinates. To put it succinctly, the attempt herein is to explain the effectiveness of bank managers in the light of their ‘Power Profile’ taken to be comprising Power Differentials, Power Bases, their Visibility and Credibility in the organisation and, the Power Styles typically used by them for influencing subordinates.

Influence of collagen content on the texture andstorage quality of fish mince basedproducts

Objectives of the present study are to find out the proximate composition of 20 commercially important tropical fish species on the west coast of India. To determine the collagen content in these commercially important fish species and fractionation of collagen into acid soluble collagen (ASC) and hot water soluble (insoluble) collagen (ISC). To classify fishes according to its collagen content and To study the different storage characteristics in the mince based product—surimi, from different species of fishes. The researcher tries to find out a suitable collagen source to incorporate in surimi. and studies the different storage qualities in the mince based product, surimi at different levels of collagen in different species of fishes. The optimum collagen level to get desirable texture and storage quality for mince based product. The researcher aims to develop some products from surimi with desirable level of collagen. And compare the products prepared from surimi of lesser collagen content fish containing desirable level of collagen with surimi prepared with high collagen content fish without collagen. This study gains in importance as there is littleinformation on the collagen content of different species of fishes in India. So far no attempt was made to classify fishes according to its collagen content.

A Study of Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises with particular reference to Bank of Baroda in state of Kerala

While the quantum of advances from the public sector banks (PSBs) to the MSEs has increased over the years in absolute terms, from Rs.46, 045 crore in March 2000 to Rs.1, 85,208 crore in March 2009, the share of the 7credit to the MSE sector in the Net Bank Credit (NBC) has declined from 12.5 per cent to 10.9 per cent. Similarly, there has been a decline in the share of micro sector as a percentage of Net Bank Credit (NBC) from 7.8 per cent in March 2000 to 4.9% in March 2009. (TKA.Nair, 2010)9.The major reasons for low availability of bank finance to this sector are high risk perception of the banks in lending to MSEs and high transaction costs in processing of loan applications of MSEs. The problem is more serious for micro enterprises requiring small loans and the first generation entrepreneursThe thesis studies the divergence in guidelines by, CGTMSE, RBI & Bank of Baroda on collateral free lending and analyses the awareness of MSE about CGTMSE lending. The researcher tries to assess the problems faced by borrowers in availing advance under CGTMSE from Bank of Baroda, Kerala.

Studies on the synthesis and cns activity of strychnine derivatives

Strychnine, the major alkaloid present in Strychnos nuxvomica seeds has been reported to stimulate the entire central nervous system with preference for the spinal cord. It is a powerful convulsant and because of this property, it is an important pharmacological tool as it plays a unique role as an inhibitor of post synaptic inhibitory impulses. It is useful to study inhibitory transmitter and receptor types. However, because of its extreme toxicity, strychnine does not have any therapeutic application in the Western system of medicine. The present work was undertaken with a view to obtaining strychnine derivatives having CNS stimulating properties but with sufficiently low toxicity so that they may eventually find some application in medicine. As strychnine is isolated from the locally available strychnos Nugvomica seeds, it’s possible utilization in therapeutics will have considerable commercial significance. This work tries to provide several new compounds which are significantly less toxic than strychnine and its N—oxide as shown from the pharmacological Studio As they also possessed CNS stimulating properties, they are well suited for further screening to assess their potential as valuable therapeutic agents.

Wives’ contribution to executive growth

The corporate views on wives roles and their subsequent involvement in their husbands career seem to be quiet surprising .Even though the corporate magnates are aware of wives influence on husbands professional advancements they seldom give credit to this factor. Again it may be an eye opener for the corporations which hardly take note of the executives wives their likes or dislikes, their expectations or frustrations. They are to understand that man in his totality and decisions affecting his family have to be taken seriously. More over they should respect the right of the wives by understanding the exact role played by them. Thus this study is to understand the roles and contributions of executives wives to the success of their husbands in their professions. The study tries to minimize the gap between the corporations and the wives ,and also to make the wives aware of their peculiar role in the career advancement of their executive husbands.

Studies on the effect of randoniness on the synchronization of coupled systems and on the dynamics of intermittently driven systems

It has been shown recently that systems driven with random pulses show the signature of chaos ,even without non linear dynamics.This shows that the relation between randomness and chaos is much closer than it was understood earlier .The effect of random perturbations on synchronization can be also different. In some cases identical random perturbations acting on two different chaotic systems induce synchronizations. However most commonly ,the effect of random fluctuations on the synchronizations of chaotic system is to destroy synchronization. This thesis deals with the effect of random fluctuations with its associated characteristic timescales on chaos and synchronization. The author tries to unearth yet another manifestation of randomness on chaos and sychroniztion. This thesis is organized into six chapters.