Signatures of Higher Functions of Brain Dynamics in Electroencephalogram: A Nonlinear Analysis

The brain with its highly complex structure made up of simple units,imterconnected information pathways and specialized functions has always been an object of mystery and sceintific fascination for physiologists,neuroscientists and lately to mathematicians and physicists. The stream of biophysicists are engaged in building the bridge between the biological and physical sciences guided by a conviction that natural scenarios that appear extraordinarily complex may be tackled by application of principles from the realm of physical sciences. In a similar vein, this report aims to describe how nerve cells execute transmission of signals ,how these are put together and how out of this integration higher functions emerge and get reflected in the electrical signals that are produced in the brain.Viewing the E E G Signal through the looking glass of nonlinear theory, the dynamics of the underlying complex system-the brain ,is inferred and significant implications of the findings are explored.

On the luminescence characteristics of cerium and copper doped barium sulphide phosphor

Photoluminescence, thermoluminescence and phosphorescence studies of cerium and copper doped BaS phosphors are attempted. Cu+ centres in BaS lattice activate red emission while Ce3+ sensitize the blue emission. Results are explained on the basis of superposition theory involving monomolecular kinetics. In Randall and Wilkins model, the decay and TL studies are found to corelate each other.

Development of Time - Frequency Techniques for Sonar Applications

Sonar signal processing comprises of a large number of signal processing algorithms for implementing functions such as Target Detection, Localisation, Classification, Tracking and Parameter estimation. Current implementations of these functions rely on conventional techniques largely based on Fourier Techniques, primarily meant for stationary signals. Interestingly enough, the signals received by the sonar sensors are often non-stationary and hence processing methods capable of handling the non-stationarity will definitely fare better than Fourier transform based methods.Time-frequency methods(TFMs) are known as one of the best DSP tools for nonstationary signal processing, with which one can analyze signals in time and frequency domains simultaneously. But, other than STFT, TFMs have been largely limited to academic research because of the complexity of the algorithms and the limitations of computing power. With the availability of fast processors, many applications of TFMs have been reported in the fields of speech and image processing and biomedical applications, but not many in sonar processing. A structured effort, to fill these lacunae by exploring the potential of TFMs in sonar applications, is the net outcome of this thesis. To this end, four TFMs have been explored in detail viz. Wavelet Transform, Fractional Fourier Transfonn, Wigner Ville Distribution and Ambiguity Function and their potential in implementing five major sonar functions has been demonstrated with very promising results. What has been conclusively brought out in this thesis, is that there is no "one best TFM" for all applications, but there is "one best TFM" for each application. Accordingly, the TFM has to be adapted and tailored in many ways in order to develop specific algorithms for each of the applications.

Recurrence Quantification Analysis of System Signals for Detecting Tool and Chatter in Turning

In this thesis, the applications of the recurrence quantification analysis in metal cutting operation in a lathe, with specific objective to detect tool wear and chatter, are presented.This study is based on the discovery that process dynamics in a lathe is low dimensional chaotic. It implies that the machine dynamics is controllable using principles of chaos theory. This understanding is to revolutionize the feature extraction methodologies used in condition monitoring systems as conventional linear methods or models are incapable of capturing the critical and strange behaviors associated with the metal cutting process.As sensor based approaches provide an automated and cost effective way to monitor and control, an efficient feature extraction methodology based on nonlinear time series analysis is much more demanding. The task here is more complex when the information has to be deduced solely from sensor signals since traditional methods do not address the issue of how to treat noise present in real-world processes and its non-stationarity. In an effort to get over these two issues to the maximum possible, this thesis adopts the recurrence quantification analysis methodology in the study since this feature extraction technique is found to be robust against noise and stationarity in the signals.The work consists of two different sets of experiments in a lathe; set-I and set-2. The experiment, set-I, study the influence of tool wear on the RQA variables whereas the set-2 is carried out to identify the sensitive RQA variables to machine tool chatter followed by its validation in actual cutting. To obtain the bounds of the spectrum of the significant RQA variable values, in set-i, a fresh tool and a worn tool are used for cutting. The first part of the set-2 experiments uses a stepped shaft in order to create chatter at a known location. And the second part uses a conical section having a uniform taper along the axis for creating chatter to onset at some distance from the smaller end by gradually increasing the depth of cut while keeping the spindle speed and feed rate constant.The study concludes by revealing the dependence of certain RQA variables; percent determinism, percent recurrence and entropy, to tool wear and chatter unambiguously. The performances of the results establish this methodology to be viable for detection of tool wear and chatter in metal cutting operation in a lathe. The key reason is that the dynamics of the system under study have been nonlinear and the recurrence quantification analysis can characterize them adequately.This work establishes that principles and practice of machining can be considerably benefited and advanced from using nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory.

A Study of Morphological Operators with Applications

The present work deals with the A study of morphological opertors with applications. Morphology is now a.necessary tool for engineers involved with imaging applications. Morphological operations have been viewed as filters the properties of which have been well studied (Heijmans, 1994). Another well-known class of non-linear filters is the class of rank order filters (Pitas and Venetsanopoulos, 1990). Soft morphological filters are a combination of morphological and weighted rank order filters (Koskinen, et al., 1991, Kuosmanen and Astola, 1995). They have been introduced to improve the behaviour of traditional morphological filters in noisy environments. The idea was to slightly relax the typical morphological definitions in such a way that a degree of robustness is achieved, while most of the desirable properties of typical morphological operations are maintained. Soft morphological filters are less sensitive to additive noise and to small variations in object shape than typical morphological filters. They can remove positive and negative impulse noise, preserving at the same time small details in images. Currently, Mathematical Morphology allows processing images to enhance fuzzy areas, segment objects, detect edges and analyze structures. The techniques developed for binary images are a major step forward in the application of this theory to gray level images. One of these techniques is based on fuzzy logic and on the theory of fuzzy sets.Fuzzy sets have proved to be strongly advantageous when representing in accuracies, not only regarding the spatial localization of objects in an image but also the membership of a certain pixel to a given class. Such inaccuracies are inherent to real images either because of the presence of indefinite limits between the structures or objects to be segmented within the image due to noisy acquisitions or directly because they are inherent to the image formation methods.

‘Reliability Concepts in Quantile-based Analysis of Lifetime Data

Reliability analysis is a well established branch of statistics that deals with the statistical study of different aspects of lifetimes of a system of components. As we pointed out earlier that major part of the theory and applications in connection with reliability analysis were discussed based on the measures in terms of distribution function. In the beginning chapters of the thesis, we have described some attractive features of quantile functions and the relevance of its use in reliability analysis. Motivated by the works of Parzen (1979), Freimer et al. (1988) and Gilchrist (2000), who indicated the scope of quantile functions in reliability analysis and as a follow up of the systematic study in this connection by Nair and Sankaran (2009), in the present work we tried to extend their ideas to develop necessary theoretical framework for lifetime data analysis. In Chapter 1, we have given the relevance and scope of the study and a brief outline of the work we have carried out. Chapter 2 of this thesis is devoted to the presentation of various concepts and their brief reviews, which were useful for the discussions in the subsequent chapters .In the introduction of Chapter 4, we have pointed out the role of ageing concepts in reliability analysis and in identifying life distributions .In Chapter 6, we have studied the first two L-moments of residual life and their relevance in various applications of reliability analysis. We have shown that the first L-moment of residual function is equivalent to the vitality function, which have been widely discussed in the literature .In Chapter 7, we have defined percentile residual life in reversed time (RPRL) and derived its relationship with reversed hazard rate (RHR). We have discussed the characterization problem of RPRL and demonstrated with an example that the RPRL for given does not determine the distribution uniquely

Protection of property and criminal law - A study with special reference to intellectual property

Theoretically speaking, property is extension of the personality of the individual. It serves the purpose of satisfying the self of the individual in the society. Various theories have been attempted to explain its origin and development. However, it is the socialist theory of property which finds acceptance in many societies today. A proper definition of the concept of property has notbeen given in the statutes governing protection of property or in the Indian Constitution. While deciding cases under the Indian Penal Code, the courts have however, been interpreting the term 'property' in a manner facilitating its accommodation within the contours of the socialist theory of property, though there was no attempt for any formal theorization. An examination of the decisions under the Penal Code provisions and Constituent Assembly Debates has reinforced the above view that our courts as well as legislature have adopted the socialist concept of property. Because of the importance of the theory of property in the general scheme of this study, it was thought appropriate toinclude a chapter on the theory of property as reflected in our constitution.

Analysis discrete function theory

There is a recent trend to describe physical phenomena without the use of infinitesimals or infinites. This has been accomplished replacing differential calculus by the finite difference theory. Discrete function theory was first introduced in l94l. This theory is concerned with a study of functions defined on a discrete set of points in the complex plane. The theory was extensively developed for functions defined on a Gaussian lattice. In 1972 a very suitable lattice H: {Ci qmxO,I qnyo), X0) 0, X3) 0, O < q < l, m, n 5 Z} was found and discrete analytic function theory was developed. Very recently some work has been done in discrete monodiffric function theory for functions defined on H. The theory of pseudoanalytic functions is a generalisation of the theory of analytic functions. When the generator becomes the identity, ie., (l, i) the theory of pseudoanalytic functions reduces to the theory of analytic functions. Theugh the theory of pseudoanalytic functions plays an important role in analysis, no discrete theory is available in literature. This thesis is an attempt in that direction. A discrete pseudoanalytic theory is derived for functions defined on H.

Studies on integrability of some perturbed nonlinear evolution equations

Usually typical dynamical systems are non integrable. But few systems of practical interest are integrable. The soliton concept is a sophisticated mathematical construct based on the integrability of a class ol' nonlinear differential equations. An important feature in the clevelopment. of the theory of solitons and of complete integrability has been the interplay between mathematics and physics. Every integrable system has a lo11g list of special properties that hold for integrable equations and only for them. Actually there is no specific definition for integrability that is suitable for all cases. .There exist several integrable partial clillerential equations( pdes) which can be derived using physically meaningful asymptotic teclmiques from a very large class of pdes. It has been established that many 110nlinear wa.ve equations have solutions of the soliton type and the theory of solitons has found applications in many areas of science. Among these, well-known equations are Korteweg de-Vries(KdV), modified KclV, Nonlinear Schr6dinger(NLS), sine Gordon(SG) etc..These are completely integrable systems. Since a small change in the governing nonlinear prle may cause the destruction of the integrability of the system, it is interesting to study the effect of small perturbations in these equations. This is the motivation of the present work.

Analysis of Fluctuations in the Early Universe Using Fokker-Planck Formalism

The thesis begins with a review of basic elements of general theory of relativity (GTR) which forms the basis for the theoretical interpretation of the observations in cosmology. The first chapter also discusses the standard model in cosmology, namely the Friedmann model, its predictions and problems. We have also made a brief discussion on fractals and inflation of the early universe in the first chapter. In the second chapter we discuss the formulation of a new approach to cosmology namely a stochastic approach. In this model, the dynam ics of the early universe is described by a set of non-deterministic, Langevin type equations and we derive the solutions using the Fokker—Planck formalism. Here we demonstrate how the problems with the standard model, can be eliminated by introducing the idea of stochastic fluctuations in the early universe. Many recent observations indicate that the present universe may be approximated by a many component fluid and we assume that only the total energy density is conserved. This, in turn, leads to energy transfer between different components of the cosmic fluid and fluctuations in such energy transfer can certainly induce fluctuations in the mean to factor in the equation of state p = wp, resulting in a fluctuating expansion rate for the universe. The third chapter discusses the stochastic evolution of the cosmological parameters in the early universe, using the new approach. The penultimate chapter is about the refinements to be made in the present model, by means of a new deterministic model The concluding chapter presents a discussion on other problems with the conventional cosmology, like fractal correlation of galactic distribution. The author attempts an explanation for this problem using the stochastic approach.

Study on the Socio-Psychological Background of Entrepreneur - Managers of Small Scale Industrial Units in Ernakulam District, Kerala

The understanding of the theory of entrepreneurship depends upon one set of definitions which provide the base for analytical study. The main objective of the study was to understand the distribution of entrepreneurship in the manufacturing sector among different categories of people in kerala and to differentiate the socio - psychological background of successful entrepreneur- managers from unsuccessful entrepreneur-managers. The purpose of the study, a sample of 150 entrepreneur-managers of SS1 units spread over Ernakulam district was surveyed through a specially designed questionnaire.

Some aspects of history of Indian mathematics in 18th and early 19th century

This thesis is an attempt to throw light on the works of some Indian Mathematicians who wrote in Arabic or persian In the Introductory Chapter on outline of general history of Mathematics during the eighteenth Bnd nineteenth century has been sketched. During that period there were two streams of Mathematical activity. On one side many eminent scholers, who wrote in Sanskrit, .he l d the field as before without being much influenced by other sources. On the other side there were scholars whose writings were based on Arabic and Persian text but who occasionally drew upon other sources also.

Density matrix functional theory that includes pairing correlations

The extension of density functional theory (DFT) to include pairing correlations without formal violation of the particle-number conservation condition is described. This version of the theory can be considered as a foundation of the application of existing DFT plus pairing approaches to atoms, molecules, ultracooled and magnetically trapped atomic Fermi gases, and atomic nuclei where the number of particles is conserved exactly. The connection with Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov (HFB) theory is discussed, and the method of quasilocal reduction of the nonlocal theory is also described. This quasilocal reduction allows equations of motion to be obtained which are much simpler for numerical solution than the equations corresponding to the nonlocal case. Our theory is applied to the study of some even Sn isotopes, and the results are compared with those obtained in the standard HFB theory and with the experimental ones.

Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Arppukara Grama Panchayat Of Kottayam District, Kerala (India)

The rising pressure of Population, together with the constantly changing technologies, and development perspectives, contribute to the ever increasing volumes of wastes in different forms. The solid and liquid wastes generated in the urban areas were considered a burden to the society, and hazardous to the environment. The fact is that the growth of consumerist culture and aimless throwing of refuse by the people created the outbreak of environmental pollution. Unhygienic environment and solid waste accumulation coincided with mosquito breeding which causes, the spread of most epidemics. The rationale behind most of the diseases is the unhygienic pattern followed by the people both in rural and urban areas. As an environmental package, the disposal of solid waste from different sources, such as house holds markets, commercial areas, slaughter houses, hospitals and industries, therefore assumed crucial importance. So as a part of the theory and practice, a study on the area, solid waste management of Arppukara Grama Panchayat of Kottayam district is taken into consideration. The study conducted here proposes, to examine the quality and quantity of the solid waste generated in the panchayat and also it's impact on the existing social, economical, environmental and ecological systems

Gestaltpädagogische Elemente in der Berufspädagogik. Potentielle Erträge gestaltpädagogischer Ansätze für die berufliche Bildung. Konzepte, Fundierung, Realisierungsformen.

Gestaltpädagogische Elemente in der Berufspädagogik Potentielle Erträge gestaltpädagogischer Ansätze für die berufliche Bildung - Konzepte, Fundierung, Realisierungsformen - Zusammenfassung: Berufsausbilder, Berufsschullehrer und Trainer in der Aus- und Weiterbildung werden heute mit vielfältigen Veränderungen konfrontiert. Aufgrund des Technikeinsatzes zeigt sich in vie-len Unternehmen ein Wandel der beruflich organisierten Arbeit. Die wirtschaftlichen, techni-schen und sozialen Systemzusammenhänge werden zunehmend komplexer, dynamischer, enger vernetzt und normativ unbestimmter. Die technologische Entwicklung, vor allem der Kommunikationsmedien, hat eine Temposteigerung der Informationsübermittlung zur Folge, die gleichzeitig das Wissen erhöht. Mit der Forderung nach Schlüsselqualifikationen und der Wiederentdeckung ganzheitlicher Arbeitssituationen ist das Bestreben nach Bildungskonzep-ten verbunden, die mit der Herausbildung von Kompetenzen, wie vernetztes, system- und handlungsbezogenes Denken in komplexen Kontexten, Abstraktionsvermögen, systemati-sches Verständnis von Organisationsinterdependenzen, Selbstständigkeit, Selbstverantwor-tung, soziale, methodische und kommunikative Kompetenz und Innovationskraft korrespon-dieren. Unter dem Blickwinkel der Gestaltpädagogik fällt auf, dass die Berufspädagogik Methoden und Techniken in der betrieblichen Aus- und Weiterbildung nutzt, die wesentliche Elemente der Gestaltpädagogik enthalten. Eine konkrete theoretische Fundierung und Einbettung in die Berufspädagogik fehlt jedoch bisher. Die primäre Zielsetzung der Arbeit ist, die theoretischen Grundlagen der Gestaltpädagogik herauszuarbeiten und sie mit der Berufspädagogik in Verbindung zu bringen. An Beispielen wird aufgezeigt, wie gestaltpädagogische Aspekte in die betriebliche Aus- und Weiterbildung einfließen. Dabei werden unter anderem auch die Grenzen und Potentiale der Gestaltpädago-gik für die Berufspädagogik betrachtet. Die theoretische und praktische Relevanz der Arbeit ergibt sich daraus, dass erstmals berufs-pädagogische Vorgehensweisen der Praxis im Hinblick auf gestaltpädagogische Aspekte un-tersucht wurden. Die wesentlichen Forschungsergebnisse dieser Arbeit lassen sich wie folgt zusammenfassen: In der betrieblichen Aus- und Weiterbildung kommen Methoden und Vorgehensweisen zum Einsatz, die oberflächlich betrachtet gestaltpädagogischen Charakter haben. Jedoch werden die gestaltpädagogischen Grundgedanken, wie z.B. eine ganzheitlich umfassende Persönlich-keitsentwicklung, persönlich bedeutsames Lernen, Förderung der sozialen Interaktionsfähig-keit oder die Förderung der Autonomie in der betrieblichen Bildungsarbeit auf ein Minimum reduziert. Die gestaltpädagogischen Methoden und Vorgehensweisen werden überwiegend auf ökonomische Zwecke hin ausgerichtet und funktionalisiert eingesetzt. Man kann sagen, dass sich die betriebliche Praxis mit der Aneinanderreihung von kreativen Übungen zufrieden gibt, und eine Tendenz zu erlebnisaktivierenden Vorgehensweisen zu erkennen ist.