Observations on the fouling characteristics of four bryozoans in Cochin harbour

The occurrence of the four species of bryozoans under study showed that Electra crustulenta PALLAS and Victorella pavida KENT are brackish water forms, Electra bengalensis stoliczka and Schizoporella cochinensis Menon and Nair are typical marine forms. It is interesting to note the seasonal succession of these species in Cochin harbour correspond to the distribution of salinity in this area.

Preliminary studies on freezing characteristics of Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus)

Fresh Bombay duck (Harpodon nehereus) can be quick frozen at -40°C and stored at -l0°F for about 3 months in a very fair and acceptable condition. The maximum drip loss observed was about 24%. Rapid decrease in the extractable protein nitrogen of the fish muscle was noted during the frozen storage.

Observations on the durability of fifteen species of CCA treated timber in the Cochin harbour

Observations on the durability of fifteen species of common Indian timber treated with CCA at two absorption levels, for eight years are presented. CCA treatment has improved the durability of this timber to a great extent. T. grandis, D. indicus and X. xylocarpa give maximum durability on treatment with CCA. Less durable A. kurzi, T. nudiflora and P. longifolia when treated with CCA showed results comparable to the best species.

Assessment of quality of fish landed at the Cochin fisheries harbour

Assessment of quality of fish and shrimps landed at the fish harbour, Cochin, was made over the period January, 1980 to December, 1982. A total of 201 samples were analysed. Nearly 75% of the samples scored between 6-10 in a 10 point hedonic scale and the percentage unacceptability based on sensory assessment was 5. 5%. In 10.1% of the samples, total volatile nitrogen was >30 mg% and in 8.3% of the samples trimethylamine- nitrogen was >10 mg%. Both, the gr Torrymeter and Intellectron Fish Tester VI readings marked significant correlation with sensory scores and chemical indices; but failed to bear any significant correlation with bacterial counts. Of the 5-1 total samples 66.7% had total plate count (TPC) ≥10 super(5) g super(-1) and 8.5% were considered unacceptable based on TPC >5x10 super(5) g super(-1); 63.2% of the samples were free from Escherichia coli; 26.4% had >20 E. coli g super(-1) and 20.4% of the samples contained faecal streptococci >10 super(3) g super(-1). Seven percent of the samples showed coagulase positive staphylococci >100 g super(-1). Salmonella could not be detected in any of the samples examined. Crushed ice samples and the platform of the harbour had high bacterial loads.

Height-depth (breadth) relationship of shells in the backwater oyster Crassostrea madrasensin (Preston) of the Cochin harbour

A study of the height-depth relation in the Indian backwater oyster Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) was carried out. The plot of height against depth showed an exponential trend and a relationship of the form H = ADB. Plot of height against depth also showed larger deviations in height for oysters with greater depth. Analysis showed that variations in height do not result in corresponding variations in depth, particularly in oysters with increased height.

Height-length relation of shells in the Indian backwater oyster Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) of the Cochin harbour

Height-length relationship in Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) showed an exponential trend and relation in the form, H=ALᴮ. Deviations of actual values from the mean values consequent to the increase in size were noticed. Height and length approximated in oysters of less than 3.5cm in height resulting in orbicular shape. In oyster of shell height 3.5cm to 8cm, increase in height is faster leading to an oval shape. Above 8cm in height, the oysters become further elongated. Height-length relation is non-linear with an index (B value) of 1.1156. A linear relationship also holds good as the B value is not very much different from unity (H=-2.5424+2.0036L).

Quality of fish preparation served in catering establishments of Bombay

The results of the study carried out on the quality of fish preparations served in catering establishments of Bombay revealed that there is no serious potential health hazard to the consumer. Pathogens like Salmonella and Clostridium per were found to be absent. Based on organoleptic, biochemical and bacteriological parameters the quality of fish curry was better than that of fish fry. Overall quality of samples from grade I establishments was better in comparison with grade II and III. However, a few samples of poor quality were also observed in grade I. Extraneous matter like hair and dead housefly were observed in a few samples from grade III indicating poor handling practices. The importance of good hygiene and sanitary practices in catering establishments is discussed.

Quality of fish in retail markets of Bombay

Study carried out on the quality of fresh fish in retail markets of Bombay revealed that only 75% of the samples were of acceptable quality. Incidence of faecal streptococci was generally high, indicating poor sanitary and hygienic practices in handling of fresh fish. Total bacterial counts higher than Indian standard specified limits were observed in more than one third of the samples analysed. 7.5% of the samples were found to be contaminated either with Salmonella or Clostridium perfringens, thus posing a serious potential health hazard to the consumer. The quality of fish in different markets is also discussed. The urgent need for formulation and implementation of quality standards for fresh fish in domestic trade is highlighted.

Condition index and percentage edibility of Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) inhabiting the Cochin Harbour

Monthly variations in condition index and percentage edibility of the population of oysters, namely, Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) is reported for males, females and indeterminates for the period October 1981 to September 1982. Condition index and percentage edibility showed more or less similar trend for the total population and also for males, females and indeterminates. The condition index and percentage edibility were maximum during October 1981 which declined progressively and reached the lowest in February-March, 1982. From April it showed steady increase and reached the maximum again in October 1982 and this coincided with the gonadal cycle in oysters.

Hydrography of the Cochin harbour

The hydrography of the Cochin harbour is studied with reference to air temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and pH. The analysis of the data shows unique hydrographical characteristics which are influenced by the monsoon rains. The uniqueness lies mainly in the fluctuations of salinity which registers as low as 0.6‰ during monsoon period to near sea conditions (29.4‰) during the summer period. The dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH also showed fluctuations corresponding to seasons.

A survey for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in Vancouver Harbour

Shellfish samples were collected from seven inter-tidal and two sub-tidal sites between 23 May and 8 June 1999 in Vancouver Harbour and were analysed for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) using a mouse bioassay. PSP was detected in mussels collected at four sampling sites in English Bay and Burrard Inlet, at a concentration below 20 mug saxitoxin equivalents (STXeq)/100 g wet weight. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Of Trustees and Offsprings: A Diasporic Trail of Parsi “Crisis” from Bombay to Hong Kong

This thesis examines the discourse(s) of crisis in the Parsi diaspora. Treating crisis as a common variable, rather than a singular and unique event across various Parsi communities, I investigate the dimensions of crisis that bind separated Parsi communities in anxiety through a shared language, cultural experience, and historical memory. Turning first to India and then Hong Kong as my case studies, I analyze “crisis,” that has often been identified in terms of demographic decay or postcolonial decline, in the context of more subtle debates around racial purity and trust funds. Crisis, for the Parsi diaspora, while indicating a critical moment in the present, also serves to reveal the underlying and pre-existing socio-economic and cultural tensions in the communities. Relying largely on life-story interviews, online blogs and articles, and archival work, I portray the crisis not as a unique and sporadic event, but rather as one of continuity and complexity, albeit manifesting each time in different and unique guises, that continues to disrupt as well as unite the Parsi diaspora today.