Hatha, A A M; Abhirosh, Chandran; Suson, P S; Thomas, A P; Asit, Mazumder(I W A Publishing, February 11, 2013)
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Abstract:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the survival response of multi-drug resistant
enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella paratyphi to the salinity fluctuations induced by a
saltwater barrier constructed in Vembanadu lake, which separates the lake into a freshwater
dominated southern and brackish water dominated northern part. Therefore, microcosms containing
freshwater, brackish water and microcosms with different saline concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, 25
ppt) inoculated with E. coli/S. paratyphi were monitored up to 34 days at 20 and 30 WC. E. coli and
S. paratyphi exhibited significantly higher (p <0.05) survival at 20 WC compared to 30 WC in all
microcosms. Despite fresh/brackish water, E. coli and S. paratyphi showed prolonged survival up to
34 days at both temperatures. They also demonstrated better survival potential at all tested saline
concentrations except 25 ppt where a significantly higher (p<0.0001) decay was observed.
Therefore, enhanced survival exhibited by the multi-drug resistant enteropathogenic E. coli and S.
paratyphi over a wide range of salinity levels suggest that they are able to remain viable for a very
long time at higher densities in all seasons of the year in Vembanadu lake irrespective of saline
concentrations, and may pose potential public health risks during recreational activities
Liya, Jayalal; Ramachandran, A(Cochin University of Science and Technology, May , 2014)
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Abstract:
The Indian ornamental fish industry is divided into two-the domestic market and the export market. 90% of the freshwater ornamental fish exported from India are wild caught indigenous species. The study formed the criteria and indicators assessing the sustainability of wild caught ornamental fish exported from India. These indicators were then analyzed for their interactions, connections, linkages and relationships using cognitive mapping. The work is first of its kind in the ornamental fisheries
Annie Abraham,S; Meera Bai,M(Department of Applied Economics, 2003)
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Abstract:
The present study on the sustainability of medicinal plants in Kerala economic considerations in domestication and conservation of forest resources. There is worldwide consensus on the fact that medicinal plants are important not only in the local health support systems but in rural income and foreign exchange earnings. Sustainability of medicinal plants is important for the survival of forest dwellers, the forest ecosystem, conserving a heritage of human knowledge and overall development through linkages. More equitable sharing of the benefits from commercial utilization of the medicinal plants was found essential for the sustainability of the plants. Cultivation is very crucial for the sustainability of the sector. Through a direct tie-up with the industry, the societies can earn more income and repatriate better collection charges to its members. Cultivation should be carried out in wastelands, tiger reserves and in plantation forests. In short, the various players in the in the sector could find solution to their specific problems through co-operation and networking among them. They should rely on self-help rather than urging the government to take care of their needs. As far as the government is concerned, the forest department through checking over- exploitation of wild plants and the Agriculture Dept. through encouraging cultivation could contribute to the sustainable development of the medicinal plant sector.
Jayan, K N; Dr.Arunachalam, P(Cochin University of Science & Technology, 2004)
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Abstract:
The study has wider policy implications as it identifies the possible variables which
influence the sustainability of participatory productive sector projects. The method which is
developed to study the sustainability of projects under People’s Planning in Chempu
Panchayat could be used for studying the same in other panchayats also. Unlike the case of
the standard features of sustainability identified, the independent variables vary according to
the nature of the project. Hence, this needs to be modified accordingly while applying the
method in a dissimilar domain. Selection of a single panchayat for the present study is
relevant on the basis of a common package of inputs for decentralised planning which is
forwarded by the State Planning Board respectively for the three-tier panchayat system in
Kerala. The dynamic filed realities could be brought out in view of a comprehensive
planning approach through an in depth study of specific cases.The assessment of the nature and pattern of productive sector projects in the selected
Village Panchayat puts the projects under close scrutiny. The analysis has depended largely
on secondary sources of information, especially from panchayat level plan documents, and
also on the primary information obtained using direct observation and on-site inspection of
project sites. An analysis of the nature and pattem of productive sector projects is important
as it gives all necessary information regarding follow-up, monitoring/evaluation and even
termination of a particular project. It has also revealed the tendencies of including
infrastructure and service sector projects under ‘productive’ category, especially for
maintaining the stipulated ratio (40:30:30) of grant-in-aid distribution. The study regarding
the allocation and expenditure pattern of plan funds is vital in policy level as it reveals the
under-noticed allocation and expenditure pattern of plan funds other than grant-in-aid. One
major limitation of the study has been the limited availability of secondary data, especially regarding project-wise expenditure and monitoring/evaluation reports of various project
committees.
Description:
Department of Applied Economics, Cochin
University of Science and Technology.
Kerala, God’s own country is blessed with immense
natural resources. It’s high time that the state’s natural
resources being utilized effectively. While sustainable
development is the need of the hour, we have to take lead in
initiating activities that would minimize the exploitation of
our natural resources resulting in their effective utilization.
This paper narrates an overview of innovative building
materials especially using natural fibres available in Kerala
and discusses the feasibility of utilising such fibres in the
context of sustainable building materials in Kerala. The paper
also discusses how these materials can be effectively utilized
to reduce the huge investment in the construction industry
Description:
ACEEE Int. J. on Transportation and Urban Development, Vol. 01, No. 01, Apr 2011
In the past, natural resources were plentiful and people were scarce. But the situation is rapidly reversing. Our challenge is
to find a way to balance human consumption and nature’s limited productivity in order to ensure that our communities are sustainable locally,
regionally and globally. Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, South India and the second most important city next to Mumbai on the
Western coast is a land having a wide variety of residential environments. Due to rapid population growth, changing lifestyles, food
habits and living standards, institutional weaknesses, improper choice of technology and public apathy, the present pattern of the city can
be classified as that of haphazard growth with typical problems characteristics of unplanned urban development. Ecological
Footprint Analysis (EFA) is physical accounting method, developed by William Rees and M. Wackernagel, focusing on land appropriation
using land as its “currency”. It provides a means for measuring and communicating human induced environmental impacts upon the planet.
The aim of applying EFA to Kochi city is to quantify the consumption and waste generation of a population and to compare it with the existing
biocapacity. By quantifying the ecological footprint we can formulate strategies to reduce the footprint and there by having a sustainable
living. In this paper, an attempt is made to explore the tool Ecological Footprint Analysis and calculate and analyse the ecological footprint
of the residential areas of Kochi city. The paper also discusses and analyses the waste footprint of the city. An attempt is also made to suggest
strategies to reduce the footprint thereby making the city sustainable
Description:
International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 4, Issue 4, April-2013
Subha, V; Athira, Ravi(TJPRC Pvt. Ltd., March , 2013)
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Abstract:
Solid waste management nowadays is an important environmental issue in country like India. Statistics show that
there has been substantial increase in the solid waste generation especially in the urban areas. This trend can be ascribed to
rapid population growth, changing lifestyles, food habits, and change in living standards, lack of financial resources,
institutional weaknesses, improper choice of technology and public apathy towards municipal solid waste. Waste is directly
related to the consumption of resources and dumping to the land. Ecological footprint analysis – an impact assessment
environment management tool makes a relationship between two factors- the amount of land required to dispose per capita
generated waste. Ecological footprint analysis is a quantitative tool that represents the ecological load imposed on the earth
by humans in spatial terms. By quantifying the ecological footprint we can formulate strategies to reduce the footprint and
there by having a sustainable living. In this paper, an attempt is made to explore the tool Ecological Footprint Analysis with
special emphasis to waste generation. The paper also discusses and analyses the waste footprint of Kochi city,India. An
attempt is also made to suggest strategies to reduce the waste footprint thereby making the city sustainable, greener and
cleaner
Description:
International Journal of Civil, Structural,
Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering
Research and Development (IJCSEIERD),Vol. 3, Issue 1, Mar 2013, 67-78
Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala, South India and second most important city next to Mumbai on the Western coast is a land having a wide variety of residential environments. Due to rapid population growth, changing lifestyles, food habits and living standards, institutional weaknesses, improper choice of technology and public apathy, the present pattern of the city can be classified as that of haphazard growth with typical problems characteristics of unplanned urban development especially in the case of solid waste management. To have a better living condition for us and our future generations, we must know where we are now and how far we need to go. We, each individual must calculate how much nature we use and compare it to how much nature we have available. This can be achieved by applying the concept of ecological footprint. Ecological footprint analysis (EFA) is a quantitative tool that represents the ecological load imposed on earth by humans in spatial terms. The aim of applying EFA to Kochi city is to quantify the consumption and waste generation of a population and to compare it with the existing biocapacity. By quantifying the ecological footprint we can formulate strategies to reduce the footprint and there by having a sustainable living. The paper discusses the various footprint components of Kochi city and in detail analyses the waste footprint of the residential areas using waste footprint analyzer. An attempt is also made to suggest some waste foot print reduction strategies thereby making the city sustainable as far as solid waste management is concerned.
Subha, Vishnudas; Dr.Abdul Azis, P K(Cochin University of Science And Technology, 2006)
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Abstract:
Soil erosion is more detrimental and affects the chemical, physical and biological
properties of the soil. Degradation of soil and water resources is a worldwide problem. Over the next two decades, it is expected that the world will need 17% more water to grow food for the increasing population in developing countries and that total water use will increase by 40%. The total land area subjected to human-induced soil degradation is estimated as 20 x 106 (km)2 Hence conservation of soil and water is essential for the subsistence of life. This can be made possible through sustainable watershed management. This thesis aims at investigating the condition under which sustainable watershed management is possible in Kerala, in South India. The research has been carried out in three stages. In the first stage a conceptual framework is formulated (Chapter 3) based on the relevant literature (Chapter 2) in the field of watershed management. In the second stage this framework is applied to two existing case studies in Kerala State (Chapter 4).
In the third stage, the methodology is used to test out geo textile innovation (Chapter 5) in two field experiments (Chapter 6).
Description:
Department of environmental studies, Cochin University of Science And Technology
Rani, Joseph(Indian Academy of Sciences., September 30, 2005)
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Abstract:
Natural rubber/isora fibre composites were cured at various temperatures. The solvent swelling
characteristics of natural rubber composites containing both untreated and alkali treated fibres were investigated
in aromatic and aliphatic solvents like toluene, and n-hexane. The diffusion experiments were conducted by
the sorption gravimetric method. The restrictions on elastomer swelling exerted by isora fibre as well as the
anisotropy of swelling of the composite have been confirmed by this study. Composite cured at 100°C shows
the lowest percentage swelling. The uptake of aromatic solvent is higher than that of aliphatic solvent for the
composites cured at all temperatures. The effect of fibre loading on the swelling behaviour of the composite was
also investigated in oils like petrol, diesel, lubricating oil etc. The % swelling index and swelling coefficient of
the composite were found to decrease with increase in fibre loading. This is due to the increased hindrance exerted
by the fibres at higher fibre loadings and also due to the good fibre-rubber interactions. Maximum uptake
of solvent was observed with petrol followed by diesel and then lubricating oil. The presence of bonding agent in
the composites restrict the swelling considerably due to the strong interfacial adhesion. At a fixed fibre loading,
the alkali treated fibre composite showed lower percentage swelling compared to the untreated one.