THE RED RAIN PHENOMENON OF KERALA AND ITS POSSIBLE EXTRATERRESTRIAL ORIGIN

A red rain phenomenon occurred in Kerala, India starting from 25th July 2001, in which the rainwater appeared coloured in various localized places that are spread over a few hundred kilometers in Kerala. Maximum cases were reported during the first 10 days and isolated cases were found to occur for about 2 months. The striking red colouration of the rainwater was found to be due to the suspension of microscopic red particles having the appearance of biological cells. These particles have no similarity with usual desert dust. An estimated minimum quantity of 50,000 kg of red particles has fallen from the sky through red rain. An analysis of this strange phenomenon further shows that the conventional atmospheric transport processes like dust storms etc. cannot explain this phenomenon. The electron microscopic study of the red particles shows fine cell structure indicat- ing their biological cell like nature. EDAX analysis shows that the major elements present in these cell like particles are carbon and oxygen. Strangely, a test for DNA using Ethidium Bromide dye fluorescence technique indicates absence of DNA in these cells. In the context of a suspected link between a meteor airburst event and the red rain, the possibility for the extraterrestrial origin of these particles from cometary fragments is discussed.

Molecular genetic characterization of endemic red -tailed barb,Gonoproktoptems curmuca (Hamilton - Buchanan, 1807)

The family Cyprinidae is the largest of freshwater fishes and, with the possible exception of Gobiidae, the largest family of vertebrates.Various members of this family are important as food fish, as aquarium fish, and in biological research. In this study, a fish species from this family exclusively found in the west flowing rivers originating from the Western Ghat region — Gonoproktopterus curmuca — was taken for population genetic analysis.There was an urgent need for restoration ecology by the development of apt management strategies to exploit resources judiciously. One of the strategies thus developed for the scientific management of these resources was to identify the natural units of the fishery resources under exploitation (Altukov, 1981). These natural units of a species can otherwise be called as stocks. A stock can be defined as a panmictic population of related individuals within a single species that is genetically distinct from other such populations.It is believed that a species may undergo micro evolutionary process and differentiate into genetically distinct sub-populations or stocks in course of time, if reproductively and geographically isolated.In recent times, there has been a wide spread degradation of natural aquatic environment due to anthropogenic activities and this has resulted in the decline and even extinction of some fish species. In such situations, evaluation of the genetic diversity of fish resources assumes important to conservation.The species selected for the study, was short-listed as one of the candidates for stock-specific, propagation assisted rehabilitation and management programme in rivers where it is naturally distributed. In connection with this, captive breeding and milt cryopreservation techniques of the species have been developed by the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. However, for a scientific stock-specific rehabilitation programme, information on the stock structure and basic genetic profile of the species are essential and that is not available in case of G. curmuca. So the present work was taken up to identify molecular genetic markers like allozymes, microsatellites and RAPDs and, to use these markers to discriminate the distinct populations of the species, if any, in areas of its natural distribution. The genetic markers were found to be powerful tools to analyze the population genetic structure of the red-tailed barb and demonstrated clear cut genetic differentiation between pairs of populations examined. Geographic isolation by land distance is likely to be the factor that contributed to the restricted gene flow between the river systems. So the present study emphasizes the need for stock-wise, propagation assisted-rehabilitation of the natural populations of red-tailed barb, Gonoprokfopterus curmuca.

Blue, Green and Orange-Red Light Emitting Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Prospects of Applications in Optoelectronic Devices

Light emitting polymers (LEPs) are considered as the second generation of conducting polymers. A Prototype LEP device based on electroluminescence emission of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) was first assembled in 1990. LEPs have progressed tremendously over the past 20 years. The development of new LEP derivatives are important because polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) can be used for the manufacture of next-generation displays and other optoelectronic applications such as lasers, photovoltaic cells and sensors. Under this circumstance, it is important to understand thermal, structural, morphological, electrochemical and photophysical characteristics of luminescent polymers. In this thesis the author synthesizes a series of light emitting polymers that can emit three primary colors (RGB) with high efficiency

Strain induced anomalous red shift in mesoscopic iron oxide prepared by a novel technique

Nano magnetic oxides are promising candidates for high density magnetic storage and other applications. Nonspherical mesoscopic iron oxide particles are also candidate materials for studying the shape, size and strain induced modifications of various physical properties viz. optical, magnetic and structural. Spherical and nonspherical iron oxides having an aspect ratio, ~2, are synthesized by employing starch and ethylene glycol and starch and water, respectively by a novel technique. Their optical, structural, thermal and magnetic properties are evaluated. A red shift of 0⋅24 eV is observed in the case of nonspherical particles when compared to spherical ones. The red shift is attributed to strain induced changes in internal pressure inside the elongated iron oxide particles. Pressure induced effects are due to the increased overlap of wave functions. Magnetic measurements reveal that particles are superparamagnetic. The marked increase in coercivity in the case of elongated particles is a clear evidence for shape induced anisotropy. The decreased specific saturation magnetization of the samples is explained on the basis of weight percentage of starch, a nonmagnetic component and is verified by TGA and FTIR studies. This technique can be modified for tailoring the aspect ratio and these particles are promising candidates for drug delivery and contrast enhancement agents in magnetic resonance imaging

Fish germplasm resources and exploited fisheries of the rivers of kerala and bionomics of ‘red canarese barb’, hypselobarbus thomassi (day 1874)

Cochin University of Science & Technology

Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of Novel Red Phosphors for White Light Emitting Diode Applications

Several series of Eu3+ based red emitting phosphor materials were synthesized using solid state reaction route and their properties were characterized. The present studies primarily investigated the photoluminescence properties of Eu3+ in a family of closely related host structure with a general formula Ln3MO7. The results presented in the previous chapters throws light to a basic understanding of the structure, phase formation and the photoluminescence properties of these compounds and their co-relations. The variation in the Eu3+ luminescence properties with different M cations was studied in Gd3-xMO7 (M = Nb, Sb, Ta) system.More ordering in the host lattice and more uniform distribution of Eu3+ ions resulting in the increased emission properties were observed in tantalate system.Influence of various lanthanide ion (Lu, Y, Gd, La) substitutions on the Eu3+ photoluminescence properties in Ln3MO7 host structures was also studied. The difference in emission profiles with different Ln ions demonstrated the influence of long range ordering, coordination of cations and ligand polarizability in the emission probabilities, intensity and quantum efficiency of these phosphor materials. Better luminescence of almost equally competing intensities from all the 4f transitions of Eu3+ was noticed for La3TaO7 system. Photoluminescence properties were further improved in La3TaO7 : Eu3+ phosphors by the incorporation of Ba2+ ions in La3+ site. New red phosphor materials Gd2-xGaTaO7 : xEu3+ exhibiting intense red emissions under UV excitation were prepared. Optimum doping level of Eu3+ in these different host lattices were experimentally determined. Some of the prepared samples exhibited higher emission intensities than the standard Y2O3 : Eu3+ red phosphors. In the present studies, Eu3+ acts as a structural probe determining the coordination and symmetry of the atoms in the host lattice. Results from the photoluminescence studies combined with the powder XRD and Raman spectroscopy investigations helped in the determination of the correct crystal structures and phase formation of the prepared compounds. Thus the controversy regarding the space groups of these compounds could be solved to a great extent. The variation in the space groups with different cation substitutions were discussed. There was only limited understanding regarding the various influential parameters of the photoluminescence properties of phosphor materials. From the given studies, the dependence of photoluminescence properties on the crystal structure and ordering of the host lattice, site symmetries, polarizability of the ions, distortions around the activator ion, uniformity in the activator distribution, concentration of the activator ion etc. were explained. Although the presented work does not directly evidence any application, the materials developed in the studies can be used for lighting applications together with other components for LED lighting. All the prepared samples were well excitable under near UV radiation. La3TaO7 : 0.15Eu3+ phosphor with high efficiency and intense orange red emissions can be used as a potential red component for the realization of white light with better color rendering properties. Gd2GaTaO7 : Eu3+, Bi2+ red phosphors give good color purity matching to NTSC standards of red. Some of these compounds exhibited higher emission intensities than the standard Y2O3 : Eu3+ red phosphors. However thermal stability and electrical output using these compounds should be studied further before applications. Based on the studies in the closely related Ln3MO7 structures, some ideas on selecting better host lattice for improved luminescence properties could be drawn. Analyzing the CTB position and the number of emission splits, a general understanding on the doping sites can be obtained. These results could be helpful for phosphor designs in other host systems also, for enhanced emission intensity and efficiency.

"Ein Engel ist wie…" – Aussehen, Bedeutung und Wesen eines Engels aus der Sicht von Kindern einer vierten Klasse.

Die Engel erfahren insbesondere in der Gegenwart ein wachsendes Interesse und spielen im Leben vieler Menschen mehr und mehr eine bedeutsame Rolle. Der Engelglaube scheint wiederzukehren. Nicht selten begegnet man Menschen, die an ihren persönlichen Schutzengel glauben und eine intensive Beziehung zu diesem aufbauen. Eine Forsa-Umfrage belegt diese Tendenz und stellt fest, dass mit 66% mehr Menschen an Engel glauben als an Gott (64%). Nicht nur aus diesem Grund stellt Thomas Ruster fest: „Und schon hat sich eine neue Religion herausgebildet, weltweit und in den Herzen unzähliger Menschen fest verankert: die Religion der Engel.“ Auch im Alltag begegnen uns Engel in den unterschiedlichsten Formen und Farben. Es gibt kaum einen Bereich der Alltagskultur, den die Engel noch nicht bevölkert haben. Sie sind allgegenwärtig. Betrachtet man nun diese aktuellen Entwicklungen, ist es eigentlich nicht verwunderlich, wie ein Interesse meinerseits für dieses Thema entstehen konnte. Dabei wies mich diese ununterbrochene Begegnung mit den Engeln vor allem auf eine interessante Gegenläufigkeit zwischen der Häufigkeit dieser Wesen im Alltag und der Seltenheit der tatsächlichen gegenwärtigen theologischen Beschäftigung mit ihnen hin. Wo begegnet man den Engeln also heute noch in christlicher Hinsicht? Außerdem entwickelte sich für mich als angehende Religionslehrerin auch eine andere Fragestellung: Bietet die Aktualität der Engel im alltäglichen Leben der Menschen nicht auch gerade einen Anknüpfungspunkt, um den verloren gegangenen Gottesglauben und die nur noch vereinzelt gemachten religiösen Erfahrungen wiederzubeleben? Die nachfolgende Arbeit ist auf erster Ebene in zwei Bereiche gegliedert. In Teil A soll dabei eine theoretische Grundlegung des anschließenden Forschungsprojektes (Teil B) vorgenommen werden. Diesbezüglich werden zunächst die wichtigsten Aspekte der Engellehre aus biblischer, religionsgeschichtlicher, kunsthistorischer und gegenwartsbezogener Sicht vorgestellt. Im Teil B wird dann die empirische Untersuchung in einer vierten Klasse an einer hessischen Grundschule vorgestellt. Die Arbeit endet mit einer Reflexion der erworbenen Daten und abschließenden Überlegungen.

Effects of red brick production on land use, household income, and greenhouse gas emissions in Khartoum, Sudan

In Khartoum (Sudan) a particular factor shaping urban land use is the rapid expansion of red brick making (BM) for the construction of houses which occurs on the most fertile agricultural Gerif soils along the Nile banks. The objectives of this study were to assess the profitability of BM, to explore the income distribution among farmers and kiln owners, to measure the dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and organic carbon (C_org) in cow dung used for BM, and to estimate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from burned biomass fuel (cow dung and fuel wood). About 49 kiln owners were interviewed in 2009 using a semi-structured questionnaire that allowed to record socio-economic and variable cost data for budget calculations, and determination of Gini coefficients. Samples of cow dung were collected directly from the kilns and analyzed for their nutrients concentrations. To estimate GHG emissions a modified approach of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was used. The land rental value from red brick kilns was estimated at 5-fold the rental value from agriculture and the land rent to total cost ratio was 29% for urban farms compared to 6% for BM. The Gini coefficients indicated that income distribution among kiln owners was more equal than among urban farmers. Using IPCC default values the 475, 381, and 36 t DM of loose dung, compacted dung, and fuel wood used for BM emit annually 688, 548, and 60 t of GHGs, respectively.

Trabajando y compartiendo en red : elaboraci??n del informe individualizado para los ciclos formativos

Se presenta experiencia educativa que propone la creaci??n de una red virtual entre centros que compartan los mismos ciclos formativos. Se realiza en el IES Aynadamar en Granada. Los objetivos son: contactar con los posibles interesados y establecer las comunicaciones necesarias; organizar la red; facilitar el acceso a todos los interesados en participar; organizar el foro de debate y sus contenidos; organizar el banco de recursos; programar las medidas necesarias para la dinamizaci??n de la red.

En red ando.

Se presenta memoria final de proyecto educativo que propone la introducción de las nuevas tecnologías en las aulas como elemento motivador. Se realiza en el CEIP Andrés Bernáldez en Los Palacios y Villafranca, Sevilla. Los objetivos son: elevar el nivel de motivación y gusto por el aprendizaje de nuestro alumnado; incorporar el uso de las nuevas tecnologías al currículum y práctica cotidiana de nuestro centro; formarnos en aquellas tareas específicas que nos ayuden a desarrollar los objetivos anteriores; difundir el proyecto a nivel de la web del centro y a nivel documental.

En la red aprendo.

Propiciar en el alumnado del tercer ciclo de E. Primaria un aumento del conocimiento de los recurso tecnológicos, aportando materiales que desarrollan el currículo y que permiten, además, generar conocimiento mediante la búsqueda guiada en la red de forma que el acceso a la información sea más rápido, preciso y eficiente.

RED-EBARRIOS.

Se pretende dar alfabetización en TIC a toda la comunidad educativa, alumnado, profesorado y padres así como la implantación progresiva de las Nuevas Tecnologías en el Aula y el uso de Internet como herramienta didáctica. Se impulsan los apoyos desde Infantil a sexto de E. Primaria en el Aula de Informática para incorporar el uso del ordenador como herramienta de trabajo.

Instalación y administración de una red inalámbrica y un servidor de internet.

El proyecto ha consistido en la instalación y administración de una red inalámbrica y la instalación y administración de un servidor de servicios de internet. Entre los servicios suministrados han estado: un servidor web, al que se podrá acceder desde dentro y fuera del centro a través de una dirección IP pública; un servidor de correo para proporcionar correo electrónico al alumnado del centro, con un dominio propio; y un servidor ftp para que cualquier alumno o alumna pueda descargarse los recursos que deposite el profesorado de sus respectivas materias-áreas-módulos. En cuanto a la administración de la red inalámbrica, para proteger el acceso de usuarios no registrados o no autorizados a la misma se preveerán mecanismos de acceso restringidos a ciertas tarjetas y-o a ciertos usuarios.

Amigo Sancho, cabalgamos por la red.

Se presenta memoria final de proyecto educativo que pretende aunar el uso de las TIC de forma significativa con el fomento de la lectura, la comunicación y la educación en valores que propugna la obra de 'El Quijote', utilizando la edición de un periódico realizado por el alumnado con ayuda de internet, cámara digital, ordenador y escáner. Se realiza en el CEIP Reyes Católicos de Vera, Almería. Los objetivos son: familiarizar al alumnado con las TIC; desarrollar habilidades que propicien la alfabetización funcional; posibilitar el incremento de la motivación, el disfrute y el interés en las experiencias de aprendizaje a través de internet; favorecer la oportunidad de intercambios lingüísticos orales, escritos y gráficos en un marco significativo; aprender a escuchar, opinar, debatir, compartir, dialogar y llegar a acuerdos; aprender a asumir responsabilidades; favorecer el trabajo el equipo; brindar la oportunidad para que se establezcan situaciones comunicativas diversas; mejorar la autoestima; crear un ambiente idóneo para investigar y realizar tareas; conocer el funcionamiento y la elaboración de un periódico; implicar a las familias así como a personas de diferentes profesiones en esta tarea investigativa; trabajar al menos durante dos cursos consecutivos bajo este enfoque. Los materiales obtenidos han sido: Cds con los periódicos editados; un ejemplar de cada periódico; libro del quijote interpretado por el alumnado de tercero; disquete con las traducciones al inglés; Don Quijote bilingüe.

Instalación y puesta en funcionamiento de una red inalámbrica en el centro educativo.

Se presenta memoria final de proyecto educativo que pretende la implantación de un nodo inalámbrico de una cobertura aproximada de 2 km omnidireccionales con el fin de dar acceso a la red del centro desde los hogares a toda la comunidad educativa. Con ello, se permitirá acceder a información relativa al centro y consulta a internet con carácter gratuito utilizando para ello tecnología wireless de última generación. Se realiza en el IES Inca Garcilaso de Montilla, Córdoba. Los objetivos son: acceder a la información del centro mediante una conexión inalámbrica; permitir a toda la comunidad educativa una conexión inalámbrica desde casa a internet, totalmente gratuita, utilizando la infraestructura de red del IES; promover la utilización de las nuevas tecnologías y el acceso a la sociedad de la información; fomentar el uso de sofware libre entre la comunidad educativa; apoyar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje utilizando las nuevas tecnologías. El proceso consta de varias fases: instalación y configuración de un nodo 'WLAN' en el centro; instalación y configuración de un servidor de contenidos con sofware libre; formación al profesorado en la utilización de la red inalámbrica y la plataforma elearning; difusión del proyecto entre la comunidad educativa; formación y asesoramiento al alumnado para la utilización y conexión a la red inalámbrica del centro, y el acceso a los contenidos depositados en el servidor; puesta en funcionamiento de la red. Los resultados concretos han sido: creación de una red ciudadana libre de uso generalizado por la comunidad educativa, con acceso inalámbrico; utilización de la red inalámbrica para acceder a información del centro y a internet; utilización del alumnado de las nuevas tecnologías como herramienta de ayuda para su formación; utilización generalizada de las nuevas tecnologías en la práctica docente; creación de una plataforma que ayude al intercambio de ideas y proyectos entre profesorado y alumnado; promover la utilización del software libre.