Low-protein content natural rubber latex
was produced by using a nonionic surfactant-polyethylene
glycol (PEG). Extractable protein content of natural rubber
latex was found to decrease with PEG treatment and
reduction increased with increase in the molecular weight
of PEG. The low-protein latex samples were characterized
by tensile testing, Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetric
analysis. The results have shown 35% reduction in the extractable protein content, without any compromise
on the mechanical properties of the latex; however,
thermal stability of low-protein latex was found to be
reduced marginally with PEG treatment.
Deepa, K G; Dr.Sudha Kartha,C(Cochin University of Science & Technology, August , 2008)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
In this work. Sub-micrometre thick CulnSe2 films were prepared using different
techniques viz, selenization through chemically deposited Selenium and Sequential
Elemental Evaporation. These methods
are simpler than co-evaporation technique, which is known to be the most suitable
one for CulnSe2 preparation. The films were optimized by varying the composition
over a wide range to find optimum properties for device fabrication. Typical absorber
layer thickness of today's solar cell ranges from 2-3m. Thinning of the absorber
layer is one of the challenges to reduce the processing time and material usage,
particularly of Indium. Here we made an attempt to fabricate solar cell with absorber
layer of thickness <lmum. Here In2S3 was used as the buffer layer, replacing toxic CdS.
Description:
Department of Physics,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Kochu Baby, Manjooran S; Dr.Kuriakose, A P(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April 15, 1998)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Petroleum, a mixture of organic compounds, comes from
underground rock formations ranging in age from ten to several
hundred million years. The process by which it is formed and
developed is not yet completely known. Studies indicate that petroleum
is formed mainly from microscopic-sized marine animals and plants.
When these organisms died in water of low oxygen content, they
did not decompose. Thus their remains sank to the bottom to
be buried under accumulations of sediment. Their conversion to petroleum remains a subject of research even today.
Description:
Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology,
Cochin University of Science and Technology
Navas, K A; Dr.Mathew, K J(Cochin University of Science and Technology, March , 1993)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Coral Reefs are marine, biogenic, wave resistant carbonate structures,
formed of the skeletal remains of hermatypic, or reef building organisms.
The main reef builders are calcifying Rhodophytes, molluscs, sponges, polychaetes and Cnidarians. Among them, scleractinian corals and hydrocorallians are by far the most important contributors to the formation of reefs. Coral reefs cover approximately 600 thousand square kilometers of the earth's surface (Crossland fl a_1., 1991) which is about 2x106 square kilometres of tropical oceans.
Sebastian, Paul; Sebastian,V D(School of Legal Studies, July , 1996)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
This study analyses the role of the Press Council as
a champion and guard of free speech. It discusses the
extent to which the Council succeeded in achieving its
statutory objective of preserving the freedom of the
press and maintaining and improving the standards of
newspapers and news agencies. It also examines the
inherent and in-built weaknesses of the Council and
suggests ways and means for restructuring and enlarging
its functions.
Padma, Nambisan; Jasmin, Koshy(IJPAES, April 5, 2012)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Bioethanol is a liquid fuel obtained from fermentation of sugar/starch crops. Lignocellulosic
biomass being less expensive is considered a future alternative for the food crops. One of the main
challenges for the use of lignocellulosics is the development of an efficient pre-treatment process.
Pretreatments are classified into three - physical, chemical, and biological pretreatment. Chemical process
has not been proven suitable so far, due to high costs and production of undesired by-products.
Biologically, hydrolysis can be enhanced by microbial or enzymatic pretreatment. Studies show that the
edible mushrooms of Pleurotus sp. produce several extracellular enzymes which reduce the structural and
chemical complexity of fibre. In the present study, P. ostreatus and P. eous were cultivated on paddy straw.
Spent substrate left after mushroom cultivation was powdered and used for ethanol production.
Saccharomyces sp. was used for fermentation studies. Untreated paddy straw was used as control.
Production of ethanol from P. ostreatus substrate was 5.5 times more when compared to untreated paddy
straw, while the spent substrate of P. eous gave 5 times increase in ethanol yield. Assays showed the
presence of several extracellular enzymes in the spent substrate of both species, which together contributed
to the increase in ethanol yield
Description:
International Journal of Plant, Animal and Environmental Sciences,vol 2,issue 2,april-june 2012
Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli in the water and sediment samples
of brackish water aquaculture ponds adjacent to Cochin backwaters was analysed. More
than 50% of the water samples and more than 80% of sediment samples from all the sampling
stations were tested positive for £. coli. Risk assessment of the E. coli strains was carried
out using multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indexing. Majority of the strains were found
to be multiple antibiotic resistant suggesting their origin from high risk sources of
contamination such as human where antibiotics are frequently used. While none of the £.
coli strains were resistant against amikacin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin and trimethoprim,
considerable levels of resistance was encountered against ampicillin, erythromycin,
penicillin G and vancomycin. High prevalence of £. coli in the water and sediment samples
of this extensive brackish water ponds indicates high degree of faecal pollution of this
environment. The high risk nature of the strains warrants efficient post harvest and processing
measures to avoid health risk to consumers
Hatha, A A M; Suresh, T; Sreenivasan, D; Nathan, Sangeetha; Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P(Elsevier, April 8, 2005)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
A study was conducted to determine the incidence of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and other Salmonella serovars on
eggshell, egg contents and on egg-storing trays. A total of 492 eggs and 82 egg-storing trays were examined over a period of 1 year
from different retail outlets of a residential area of Coimbatore city, South India. Salmonella contamination was recorded in 38 of
492 (7.7%) eggs out of which 29 was in eggshell (5.9%) and 9 in egg contents (1.8%). Around 7.5% of the egg-storing trays were also
found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Serotyping of the Salmonella strains showed that 89.7% of the strains from eggshell,
100% of the strains from egg contents and 71.4% of the strains from egg-storing trays were Salmonella Enteritidis. Other
serovarvars encountered were S. Cerro, S. Molade and S. Mbandaka from eggshell and S. Cerro from egg-storing trays. Seasonal
variations in the prevalence pattern were identified with, a higher prevalence during monsoon months followed by post-monsoon
and premonsoon. Further examination of the Salmonella strains was carried out by testing their antimicrobial sensitivity against 10
commonly used antimicrobials. Results revealed high prevalence of multiple antimicrobial resistance among these strains suggesting
possible prior selection by use of antimicrobials in egg production
Hatha, A A M; Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P; Suresh, T; Nathan, Sangeetha; Sreenivasan, D(Elsevier, April 8, 2005)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
A study was conducted to determine the incidence of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and other Salmonella serovars on
eggshell, egg contents and on egg-storing trays. A total of 492 eggs and 82 egg-storing trays were examined over a period of 1 year
from different retail outlets of a residential area of Coimbatore city, South India. Salmonella contamination was recorded in 38 of
492 (7.7%) eggs out of which 29 was in eggshell (5.9%) and 9 in egg contents (1.8%). Around 7.5% of the egg-storing trays were also
found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Serotyping of the Salmonella strains showed that 89.7% of the strains from eggshell,
100% of the strains from egg contents and 71.4% of the strains from egg-storing trays were Salmonella Enteritidis. Other
serovarvars encountered were S. Cerro, S. Molade and S. Mbandaka from eggshell and S. Cerro from egg-storing trays. Seasonal
variations in the prevalence pattern were identified with, a higher prevalence during monsoon months followed by post-monsoon
and premonsoon. Further examination of the Salmonella strains was carried out by testing their antimicrobial sensitivity against 10
commonly used antimicrobials. Results revealed high prevalence of multiple antimicrobial resistance among these strains suggesting
possible prior selection by use of antimicrobials in egg production
Hatha, A A M; Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P; Suresh, T; Harsha, H T(Elsevier, January 18, 2011)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Broiler chicken is gaining popularity among the consumers of India. Since poultry is recognised as a leading food
vehicle for Salmonella contamination, the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella serotypes in broiler chickens
and processing environments of retail outlets has been studied. In the present study 214 samples of broiler
chicken and 311 environmental samples from cage were analysed for the presence of Salmonella. Of the various
body parts of live chicken analysed prevalence varied from 1.4% in cloacca to 6.9% in crop region. Environmental
samples from the cage showed higher prevalence of Salmonella ranging from0 to 16.67%. Apart from Salmonella
enteritidis, which was the predominant Salmonella serotype in the chickens as well as in the environmental
samples, other serotypes such as S. bareilly, S. cerro, S. mbandaka and S. moladewere also encountered. The results
of the research calls for strict hygiene standards for retail broiler chicken processing outlets
Hatha, A A M; Nifty, John(Indian J. Fish, February 29, 2012)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of various motile aeromonads in freshwater ornamental fishes
and to elucidate the antibiogram and beta hemolytic activity among the isolates. A total of 120 ornamental fish samples were
screened and analyzed for Aeromonas spp. Motile aeromonads were isolated from 37.5% of the ornamental fish samples.
Various species of motile aeromonads such as Aeromonas caviae, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas jandaei, Aeromonas
schubertii, Aeromonas sobria, Aeromonas trota and Aeromonas veronii were detected. All the isolates were sensitive to
ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Multiple antibiotic resistance was observed in 58% of the
isolates.
Hatha, A A M; Vivekanandhan, G; Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P(Elsevier, January 26, 2004)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Five hundred and thirty six samples offishes and 278 prawn samples from the major fish market ofCoimbatore, South India,
were analysed for the prevalence of Aeromonas hydrophila over a period of2 years (June 1997–May 1999). The prevalence level of A.
hydrophila varied from 17.62% in prawns to 33.58% in fishes. More than 30% of the popular table fishes such as Sardinella
longiceps, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Mugil cephalus and Caranx sexfasciatus were tested positive for this organism. Among the
different species of the prawns analysed, Penaeus semisulcatus showed higher incidence (23.52%). Seasonal variation in the
prevalence levels of A. hydrophila in fish and prawns revealed a higher prevalence during the monsoon season during 1997–98 and
1998–99. Of the different body parts of the fishes analysed for A. hydrophila, the intestinal samples showed higher prevalence
(38.43%), followed by body surface (32.46%) and gill (29.10%). Considering the psychrotrophic nature and role of A. hydrophila as
a pathogen ofemerging importance, the considerably high levels ofthis organism in a popular food item such as fish and prawn
raises serious concern
Hatha, A A M; Abhirosh, Chandran; Sherin, Varghese; Mony Sheeja, K(Microbes And Enviornments, 2008)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
A toatal of 81 Escherichia coliisolates belonging to 43 different serotypes including several pathogenic strains such as enterotoxigenic E.coli isolated from a tropical estuary were tested against 12 antibiotics to determine the prevelance of multiple antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial resistance profiles and also to find out high risk source of contamination by MAR indexing.
Hatha, A A M; Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P(Academic Press Limited, 1997)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Seven hundred and thirty fishes and 276 crustaceans collected from various fish markets of
Coimbatore, South India, over a period of 2 years (September 1990 to August 1992) were
analysed for the prevalence of Salmonella. Fishes (14·25%) and 17·39% of crustaceans were
found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Of the different fishes analysed, the highest
incidence of Salmonella was seen in Scopelidae (28%) followed by Trachnidae (26·9%).
Among crustaceans Portunus pelagicus (33·33%) showed the highest incidence followed by
Scylla serrata (28·57%). A well-marked seasonal variation in the incidence pattern was
observed in both fishes and crustaceans with a higher incidence during monsoon season
followed by post-monsoon and pre-monsoon. The region of the body that showed frequent
isolation was the alimentary canal in fishes (41·33%) and gills (35·06%) in crustaceans.
Serotyping of the isolates revealed prevalence of Salmonella weltevreden, Salmonella
typhi, Salmonella paratyphi B, Salmonella mgulani and Salmonella typhimurium in both
fishes and crustaceans. Salmonella senftenberg was isolated only from crustaceans
Mathew, George; Dr.Karunakaran, V(Cochin University of Science And Technology, February , 1987)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
The present study is on the nature, problems and prospects of the handloom industry in Kerala. The problems of the industry are mostly in the nature of low earnings of the workers, underutilisation of the existing capacity and low profit in its various sectors. The majority of
the handloom co-operative societies are either dormant or facing liquidation. The income and employment of weavers are so pitiably low that they are living in utter poverty and starvation. Frequent price fluctuations of yarns, dyes and chemicals increase the cost of production and reduce the profitability. Consequently handloom fabrics are not able to compete with mill cloths and powerloom products. Accumulating the unsold stocks in the godowns of co-operative societies and with master weavers has become the practice of the day. Spinning mills in Kerala are producing only lower counts of yarns. S, handloom industry has to depend on textile mills in Tamil Nadu for higher counts of yarn. They create artificial scarcity and increase the prices exflorbitantly. Wage rates prevailing in Kerala are higher than those in Tamil Hadu. So rich master weavers are migrating to Tamil.Nadu and exporting the fabrics. under the label 'Kera1a Handlooms'. Governmental efforts to tackle the crisis by way of rebates and subsidies are found to be futile.
Description:
Department of applied economics, Cochin University of Science And Technology
Bright Singh, I S; Rosamma, Philip; Mohandas, A; Seena, Jose(Elsevier, August 31, 2010)
[+]
[-]
Abstract:
Immortal cell lines have not yet been reported from Penaeus monodon, which delimits the prospects of
investigating the associated viral pathogens especially white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). In this context,
a method of developing primary hemocyte culture from this crustacean has been standardized by
employing modified double strength Leibovitz-15 (L-15) growth medium supplemented with 2% glucose,
MEM vitamins (1 ), tryptose phosphate broth (2.95 g l 1), 20% FBS, N-phenylthiourea (0.2 mM),
0.06 lgml 1 chloramphenicol, 100 lgml 1 streptomycin and 100 IU ml 1 penicillin and hemolymph
drawn from shrimp grown under a bio-secured recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). In this medium
the hemocytes remained viable up to 8 days. 5-Bromo-20-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling assay revealed its
incorporation in 22 ± 7% of cells at 24 h. Susceptibility of the cells to WSSV was confirmed by immunofluoresence
assay using a monoclonal antibody against 28 kDa envelope protein of WSSV. A convenient
method for determining virus titer as MTT50/ml was standardized employing the primary hemocyte culture.
Expression of viral genes and cellular immune genes were also investigated. The cell culture could
be demonstrated for determining toxicity of a management chemical (benzalkonium chloride) by determining
its IC50. The primary hemocyte culture could serve as a model for WSSV titration and viral and
cellular immune related gene expression and also for investigations on cytotoxicity of aquaculture drugs
and chemicals
Description:
Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 105 (2010) 312–321