Studies on the benthose of the mud bank regions of the Kerala coast

There is very little information on the subtidal bottom fauna of the shelf regions in the seas around India. What little is known is restricted to macro benthos. The paucity of the work on bottom fauna and the importance of mud banks in the fishery of the South West Coast of India has initiated the present study. Attempts have been made to obtain a picture of the bottom fauna of a mud bank region of the Kerala Coast. The difficulties involved in the sampling and analysis, especially the availability of a suitable vessel during the S.W. Monsoon, resulted in the work being restricted mainly to the Narakal mud bank region 6 Km. north of Cochin Detailed sampling is conducted using grab, dredge and to a small extent beam trawl, to assess the qualitative and quantitative nature of the macro benthos. Important species contributing to the fauna are identified and the standing crop estimated for different seasons. The meiobenthos was studied using core samples taken from the grab. Animals were identified to the major taxa. Standing crop of meiobenthos and the quantitative importance of different groups were also studied. The data collected have been interpreted and discussed. As an understanding of the physico-chemical aspects of the environment is essential in order to obtain a true picture of the benthos, attempts were made in this direction. Environmental parameters such as temperature of the sediment, salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen in the overlying water were studied .during the period of benthos investigation. Monthly observations on the dissolved inorganic and organic phosphorus in the area of investigation have been made. The physico-chemical nature of the sediment was also studied. Influence of these ecological variables on the bottom fauna is discussed.

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.

Social Justice and Weaker Sections: Role of the Judiciary

The Constitution of India. which has been described by an eminent writer as a "Corner stone of a nation". Has bestowed sufficient thought on the underprivileged. A number of provisions incorporated in it for their benefit tell the tale of statesmanship of the framers of the Constitution. for the vitality of a Constitution depends on the extent to which it affords protection to the under—priveleged. One such laudable provision in the Constitution relates to "weaker sections of the people", which has directed the State to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of such people. Besides. the Constitution has laid great stress on social justice. No comprehensive analysis in a single work seems to have been made so far of the connotations of social justice and the scope of the constitutional safeguards provided in favour of the weaker sections of the people. This thesis is the result of an attempt to analyse the connotations of social justice and the scope of the constitutional provisions made for the benefit of the weaker sections and the role played by the judiciary in this field The weaker sections, which are sought to be covered in this work, are "Backward C1asses". socially and educationally Backward Classes", "Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes" and women. The first two categories of weaker sections have not been defined in the Constitution. So, their meaning and the criteria to determine them have to be gathered from the reports submitted by various Backward Class Commissions and judicial decisions rendered in a number of cases. The main thrust in this work is to understand the meaning and contents of social justice, identify the relevant weaker sections and to examine the extent to which the social justice has been rendered to the said weaker sections. The scope of this thesis is confined to the examination of the role of the judiciary in this field. So, the enquiry has been focussed mainly on the decisions of the judiciary bearing on the subject with a view to assessing the role of the judiciary in rendering social justice meaningful to the weaker sections in particular and to the Indian Society in general.

Bio-chemical changes associated with processing of shell fishes and flavour constituents of body meat and claw meat'of crab

In this thesis all these aspects are taken into consideration. Extensive studies were conducted on all aspects of processing of crabs, mussels and clams. The species taken for studies are commercially used ones namely Scylla sereta, perna viridis, and villorita cyprinoids. In Chapter 4.1 with regard to crab) the following aspects on their handling and processing are reported seasonal variation of chemical constituents, changes taking place during ice storage, freezing, canning etc. In Chapter 4._2 with regard to mussel, the relation between age (size) and chemical constituents, changes taking place during ice storage, freezing, canning etc. are reported and in Chapter 4.3 the changes taking place in clam muscle during icing and freezing are reported and the ame rebility of ice stored clams for canning purpose is reported.The interference of high concentration of glycogen in mussel and clam muscles during the colour development of ribose (Me-jbaum's method) is observed and remedial step are taken to minimise the interference.

An economic evaluation of industrial estates in kerala

A massive programme for the development of small scale industries in India known as ‘Industrial Estates Programme‘ was launched by the Government of India in 1955, This technique of industrialisation was recommended by the Small Scale Industries Board in 1955. The first industrial estate in India was set up at Rajkot (Gujarat) in September 1955 and the first shed allotted in December 1955. Since the Government of India entrusted the state governments with the responsibility of starting the estates, the Government of Kerala decided to start one industrial estate in each district during the second plan. It was envisaged that each district should have two industrial estates each, one as urban estate, the other as semi-urban or rural estate. This study attempts to make an economic evaluation of the Industrial estates programme in Kerala. It is based on a survey of all working industrial units in the 17 major industrial estates of Kerala.

Parasite distribution and histopathological studies on certain commercially important fishes of cochin area

In order to check the damage caused by the parasites, even though it is difficult in open waters, a proper understanding of the seasonal variation in the distribution of the parasite and other factors like age of the host, sex of the host, which affect distribution of parasite is a must. Although several workers have carried out investigations on the taxonomy of metazoan parasites of marine and brackish water Fishes of India, very little attempt is made to correlate such investigations with the host and the environment. In this thesis such an attempt is made by the researcher. In chapter one the literature related to the prevalence, mean intensity of infection, and histopathological changes caused by the metazoan parasites, in particular by helminths, copepods and isopods, was reviewed. Chapter two contains observations on the distribution pattern of parasites in relation to the season, sex, and size of the host. It was found that the prevalence rate of radiorynchus_indicus infecting the alimentary canal of Tachysurugs mgacuglatus, Ergasilus sp. infecting the gills of T maculatus, and Lernaeeniicus ramosus found on the body surface of Qeimgipteirfugs jagonicus was higher during monsoon season. But agarna malayi found in the opercular chamber and Ehilometra cephalus infecting the gonads of valamugil speiglari showed a higher prevalence rate during the postmonsoon season. This was discussed on the basis of the hydrographical characteristics prevailing in the study area during the three different seasons. It was also observed that the sex of the host did not influence significantly the distribution pattern of the parasites. The reasons for this were also discussed. Invariably, the size of the host was found to influence the parasite distribution pattern. It was observed that the prevalence rate showed an increase with increase in size of the fish. This was discussed on the basis of food habits of the host, along with other aspects An attempt was made in chapter three to study the histopathological effects of‘ the various parasites on their respective sites of attachments on host Fishes. It was found that except Rhadinorhyhchugs indicus, all other parasites produced damages of varying intensity, in the form of hypertrophy, rhyperplasia, haemorrhage, tissue disruption and ulcers. Interestingly, E. indicus, an acantho— cephalid with a powerful proboscis for attachment was found not to cause any serious damage to the intestine of the host Fish. All these aspects are included in the third and final chapter of the thesis.

Studies on upwelling and sinking in the seas around india

Of the several physical processes occurring in the sea, vertical motions have special significance because of their marked effects on the oceanic environment. upwelling is the process in the sea whereby subsurface layers move up towards the surface. The reverse process of surface water sinking to subsurface depths is called sinking. Upwelling is a very conspicuous feature along the west coasts of continents and equatorial regions, though upwelling also occurs along certain east coasts of continents and other regions, The Thesis is an outcome of some investigations carried out by the author on upwelling and sinking off the west and east coasts of India. The aim of the study is to find out the actual period and duration of upwelling and sinking, their driving mechanism, various associated features and the factors that affect these processes. It is achieved by analysing the temperature and density fields off the west and east coasts of India, and further conclusions are drawn from the divergence field of surface currents, wind stress and sea level variations.

Studies on the ecology and productivity of saline lagoon

A perusal of the literature shows that most of the earlier works on the ecology and productivity from the Indian waters have been confined to the estuarine ecosystms and contiguous neritic and oceanic water bodies. Although some information is available on certain aspects of the envirornental parameters from the ‘coastal lagoon ecosystem‘, there is hardly any indepth study on the ecological and productivity problems from "derlict saline lagoonal environment" in India . In view of this, the researcher undertook a study on the subject "ecology and productivity“ of a typical “coastal saline lagoon"(Pilla;headan lagoon) situated along the southeast coast of India for a period of two years!-N11, 1982 to June, 1984) , and the results of the investigations are embodied in the present thesis entitled "studies on the ecology and productivity of saline lagoon‘.

Strait dynamics of tropical tidal inlets

The dynamics and associated stability analysis of tidal inlets situated on the southwest coast of India, namely Andhakaranazhi (90 45 J OO JJN and 760 17 J 29 JJ E) and the other at Cochin harbour inlet (90 58 1 04 J1N and 760 14 1 50 1J E) have beenconducted. A detailed study on the inlet regime of Cochin barmouth (permanent in nature) was attempted so as to elucidate information on: (a) channel characteristics (b) tidal hydraulics and (c) stability of the inlet. In this connection, a naturally occurring seasonal sandbar formation at Andhakaranazhi, near Sherthallay, about 20 km south of Cochin inlet, was also chosen as a site ofstudy brought out conclusively the dynamical study. The aspects of ( 1) tidal influx/out flux (2) channel morphology (3) sedimentation regime and (4) stability and factors related to stability of these locations. The above aspects are supported by suitable mathematical formulations to describe the associated coastal processes, wherever applicable

Influence of compounding and process variables on quality of condams made from natural rubber latex

Condoms are widely accepted as a contraceptive for family planning and population control. It is also accepted as the most effective barrier against sexually transmitted diseases, especially AIDS, the incurable disease. But presence of pinholes and low film strength of condoms make it unsuitable for the purpose. Quality improvement of condoms by reducing the pinhole formation and increasing the film strength is thus an essential requirement for population control as well as for preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Strict implementation of WHO specification of condoms further increases the rejection percentage. This causes higher rejection loss to condom manufacturers because the defects could be identified only at the final stage of processing. If the influence of various factors which cause these defects is known, manufacturers can take remedial measures to reduce the defectives so that rejection loss can be decreased and quality of condoms increased. In the present study, it was proposed to conduct experiments to improve the quality of condoms by reducing the pinhole rejection percentage and increasing the tensile properties, burst volume, and burst pressure. Ageing property improvement also was an important target among other parameters. Until a cure for AIDS is found, a high quality latex condom is the only effective device in the prevention of the spread of HIV, AIDS and STD's. Hence it is all the more necessary to have high quality condoms.

Studies on the systematics, biology and fishery of rainbow sardines, dussumieria spp., from Indian waters

Rainbow sardines of the genus belonging to the family Dueenaieriidae. are small pelagic fishes forming a fairly good, though not abundant. seasonal fishery all along the coasts of India inhabiting the coastal waters. There have been some earlier reports on such individual aspects as their systematic, distribution, abundance. Ostecology and a few biological factors but no attempt has been made towards a comprehensive study on this group. Two species of rainbow sardines are known to occur in the Indian seas and while a knowledge about their biology would be useful from the fishery point of view. it was also thought a study of their systematic position, especially regarding the identity or the two species which had raised doubts among earlier workers would lead to a better understanding or the group as a whole. This thesis is mainly based on studies during the period from April 1969 to march 1971 with a continued investigation of fishhery aspects till December 1975. from the Gulf of manar: and the Palk Bay around mandapam area. on the south-east coast of India. Thus the work deals with the systemtics, biology and fishery of rainbow sardines of Indian seas.

Studies on coagulase-positive staphylococci and Vibrio parahaemollticus in selected items of fish, crustaceans and fishery products

In India much work has been done on different aspects of quality of processed fish and fishery products (Pillai et al., 1965; Iyer and Chaudhuri, 1966; Iyer et al., 1966; Sreenivasan and Joseph, 1966; Pillai and Rao, 1969; Mathen et al., 1975; Valsan et al., 1985) and standards have been formulated for almost all the fishery products. Quality standards for fresh fish cover only a few fish species available in the markets. For the formulation and recommendation of quality standards for fish and fishery products for domestic trade detailed background informations are necessary. Khot et al., (1982), Valsan et al. J (1985) and Iyer et al. (1986) have reported on the bacterial flora of sea foods at retail level in Bombay. Cochin is a major fish landing centre of the south west coast of India, and an average of 25,000. tonnes of fish/shell fish are landed annually at this harbour which is about 10 percent of the total catch of fish in Kerala (Lakshmanan -et -al., 1984). All the varieties of marine, brackish water and fresh water fishes are available in Cochln throughout the year for catering to Its cosmopolitan. population and informations regarding their bacteriological quality are scanty. Hence the present study was undertaken to investigate the bacteriological quality of fish and fishery products available in the markets and cold storages situated in and around Cochin meant for internal consumption.

Studies on the physiology of moulting in the penaeid prawn, penaeius indicius h. Milne edwards

Penaeid prawns form the most economically significant group in the marine and brackishwater fishery resources of India. This particular group contributes about 62% of the total prawn landings of the country. At present prawns have assumed an important place especially as a commodity supporting an export trade of sizable magnitude. Considerable interest has been shown in the last decade to increase prawn production through various culture practices, mainly due to the high demand for good quality prawns for export coupled with the stagnant and even depleting nature of marine catches. Available informations suggest that among the 15 species of shrimps and prawns occurring in Indian waters, which are deemed suitable for aquaculture, the Indian white prawn §.indicus is identified as one of the most important commercial species. Considering the increasing importance as an accepted species for prawn culture, £.indicus was selected for the present study. In the life history of prawns, moulting is an important event, which enables the animal to achieve growth. This dynamic physiological event continues through out the life span ofthe prawn, linking almost all biological activities with this process. Hence, a good knowledge pertaining to the physiology of moulting is imperative to understand the growth process. This knowledge will be of great use in the scientific prawn farming, so as to achieve high prawn production.

A study of the co-operative banking system in kerala

The co-operative credit structure in a state set up consists of 3 tiers — Primary Societies at the base, District Co-operative Banks at the middle and State Cooperative Bank at the top. But, some societies at the primary level are governed by, in addition to Co-operative Societies Act, the Banking Regulation Act. Thus they are under dual control. In addition, they are working under the direct purview of Reserve Bank of India. The scope of this study is restricted to such Primary Societies, District Co-operative Banks and State Co-operative Bank. For the evaluation of the working of Co-operative Banks, the board of directors and staff were interviewed with the help of pre-constructed and pre-tested interview schedules. However, the share holders and customers were not interviewed mainly because almost all respondents were reluctant to provide copies of an exhaustive list of share holders and non-share holder customers, for the purpose of maintaining secrecy. This being an individual work, it was found physically and financially very difficult to extend the study so as to cover the share holders and non-share holder customers. Limitations of time were also responsible for restricting this study. The period of study was restricted to 1980-'81 to 1983-'84 as the data relating to earlier periods were firstly not available from all banks and secondly the prior data was considered out of date for the purpose of the study.

Studies on prevulcanization of rubber latex with special reference to influence of storage and after treatments on properties of films

Systematic investigations on prevulcanization of NR latex with special reference to the influence of storage of latex and after-treatments of films, have been carried out. The other aspects studied include the effect of temperature on sulphur prevulcanization, the extent of crosslinking, tensile properties, stress relaxation characteristics, water absorption and leaching characteristics of prevulcanizcd latex films