Manju, M.N; Dr. N. Chandramohanakumar(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April 6, 2015)
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Abstract:
Mangroves are diverse group of trees, palms, shrubs, and ferns that share a
common ability to live in waterlogged saline soils exposed to regular flooding, and are
highly specialised plants which have developed unusual adaptations to the unique
environmental conditions. They are sites of accumulation and preservation of both
allochthonous and autochthonous organic matter owing to their strategic loction at
the interface between land and sea and prevailing reducing environment. They are
among the most productive ecosystems and are efficient carbon sinks with most of the
carbon stored in sediments.Mangrove ecosystems play a significant role in global
carbon cycle and hence the knowledge on the processes controlling the delivery of
organic matter to coastal sediments, and how these signatures are preserved in the
sediment is a prerequisite for the understanding of biogeochemical cycles.
The evaluation of nature and sources of organic matter can be accomplished by
the determination of biochemical constituents like carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.
When characterised at molecular level, lipids provide valuable information about the
sources of organic matter, even though they account only small fraction of organic
matter. They are useful for the paleo-environmental reconstruction because of their low
reactivity, high preservation potential and high source specificity relative to other
organic class of compounds. The application of recent analytical techniques has
produced a wealth of useful information but has also indicated the gaps in our
knowledge on cycling of organic matter in the coastal ecosystems. The quantity and
quality of organic matter preserved in sediments vary depending up on the nature of
material delivered to the sediment and on the depositional environment. The input from
both autochthonous and allochthonous sources sharpens the complexity of
biogeochemistry of mangrove ecosystem and hence bulk sedimentary parameters are not completely successful in evaluating the sources of organic matter in mangrove
sediments. An effective tool for the source characterisation of organic matter in coastal
ecosystems is biomarker approach. Biomarkers are chemical "signatures" present in
environmental samples whose structural information can be linked to its biological
precursor. The usefulness of molecular biomarkers depends on high taxonomic
specificity, potential for preservation, recalcitrant against geochemical changes, easily
analysable in environmental samples and should have a limited number of well-defined
sources.
Resmi, P; Dr. N. Chandramohanakumar(Cochin University of Science and Technology, April 17, 2015)
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Abstract:
Mangrove forests are the most productive and bio-diverse wetlands on
earth. It generate a large amount of litter in the form of leaves, branches, twigs,
inflorescence and other debris and provides habitat for diverse flora and fauna of
marine and terrestrial origin such as bacteria, fungi, algae, lichens, zooplankton,
benthos, birds, reptiles and mammals. These systems act as nursery for many
fishes and shellfishes. The other sources may also provide important organic
carbon inputs; including allochthonous riverine or marine material, autochthonous
production by benthic or epiphytic micro- or macroalgae, and local water
column production by phytoplankton. Since mangrove sediments are very
complex which receives autochthonous and allochthonous organic matter inputs,
the information extracted from the analysis of mangrove sediments is the
fingerprint of both natural and human-induced changes.
Naveen Sathyan; Dr. Rosamma Philip(Cochin University of Science and Technology, May 5, 2015)
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Abstract:
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are gene encoded, small sized, generally cationic, amphiphathic peptides characterized by antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses and other pathogens. They are a major component of the innate immune defense system of almost all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans and represent the first line of defense against the invading microbial pathogens (Boman, 1995; Zasloff, 2002). Antimicrobial peptides represent a heterogeneous group displaying multiple modes of action that are determined by the sequence and concentration of peptides. Their remarkable specificity for prokaryotes with low toxicity for eukaryotic cells has favored their investigation and exploitation as new antibiotics
Vipin, P.M; Dr. Boopendranath, M.R(Cochin University of Science and Technology, June , 2015)
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Abstract:
Available information on abundance of myctophids and their utilisation
indicate that there is excellent scope for development of myctophid fisheries in
Indian Ocean. Most of the conventional fish stocks have reached a state of full
exploitation or over-exploitation. Hence there is need to locate new and
conventional fishery resources in order to fill in the supply-demand gap, in the
face of increasing demand for fish.
Information on length-weight relationship, age and growth, spawning
season, fecundity and age at maturity and information on bycatch discards are
required for sustainable utilization of myctophid resource in the Indian Ocean
Description:
A study about global fishery resources and its production
Afsal, V V; Dr Rosamma Philip(Cochin University of Science and Technology, June 9, 2015)
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Abstract:
Most living organisms are constantly exposed to potentially harmful pathogens. It is the immune system of the organism that enables it to survive in an environment loaded with dangerous pathogenic microorganisms. The innate immunity provides organisms with a rapid and non-specific first line of defense against pathogens. It includes physical barriers such as skin and mucous membranes and chemical barriers including the high acidity of gastric juice, and specialized soluble molecules that possess antimicrobial activity. One of the well-known innate immune defense mechanisms is the production of antimicrobial substances by specific cells or tissues of the organisms. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are such natural substances that
Hema., G.S; Dr. Suseela Mathew(Cochin University of Science and Technology, July , 2015)
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Abstract:
In fish processing plants, there is huge amount of skin that is
left as the waste. When this skin is taken and processed into fish
collagen, it will save large amount of money that is used for
extraction of collagen from other animal s.Fish collagen can be used as an alternative to replace
mammalian collagen, especially collagen extracted from bovine,
when we consider the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE), transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) and the foot -
and-mouth disease (FMD) issues. BSE and TSE are progressive
neurological disorders affecting cattles caused by proteinacious
infectious particles called prions.The study aims in producing collagen that has been extracted
from fish skin to replace other animal collagen so as to overcome the
problem of other animal collagen issues. Also the study utilized the
abandoned fish waste produced by fish processing industry since
bone, skin, fin and scales of fish can be a useful source of collagen.
Salas, P M; Sujatha, C H(Cochin University Of Science And Technology, July , 2015)
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Abstract:
Cochin estuarine system is among the most productive aquatic environment along the Southwest coast of India, exhibits unique ecological features and possess greater socioeconomic relevance. Serious investigations carried out during the past decades on the hydro biogeochemical variables pointed out variations in the health and ecological functioning of this ecosystem. Characterisation of organic matter in the estuary has been attempted in many investigations. But detailed studies covering the degradation state of organic matter using molecular level approach is not attempted. The thesis entitled Provenance, Isolation and Characterisation of Organic Matter in the Cochin Estuarine Sediment-“ A Diagenetic Amino Acid Marker Scenario” is an integrated approach to evaluate the source, quantity, quality, and degradation state of the organic matter in the surface sediments of Cochin estuarine system with the combined application of bulk and molecular level tools. Sediment and water samples from nine stations situated at Cochin estuary were collected in five seasonal sampling campaigns, for the biogeochemical assessment and their distribution pattern of sedimentary organic matter. The sampling seasons were described and abbreviated as follows: April- 2009 (pre monsoon: PRM09), August-2009 (monsoon: MON09), January-2010 (post monsoon: POM09), April-2010 (pre monsoon: PRM10) and September- 2012 (monsoon: MON12). In order to evaluate the general environmental conditions of the estuary, water samples were analysed for water quality parameters, chlorophyll pigments and nutrients by standard methods. Investigations suggested the fact that hydrographical variables and nutrients in Cochin estuary supports diverse species of flora and fauna. Moreover the sedimentary variables such as pH, Eh, texture, TOC, fractions of nitrogen and phosphorous were determined to assess the general geochemical setting as well as redox status. The periodically fluctuating oxic/ anoxic conditions and texture serve as the most significant variables controlling other variables of the aquatic environment. The organic matter in estuary comprise of a complex mixture of autochthonous as well as allochthonous materials. Autochthonous input is limited or enhanced by the nutrient elements like N and P (in their various fractions), used as a tool to evaluate their bioavailability. Bulk parameter approach like biochemical composition, stoichiometric elemental ratios and stable carbon isotope ratio was also employed to assess the quality and quantity of sedimentary organic matter in the study area. Molecular level charactersation of free sugars and amino acids were carried out by liquid chromatographic techniques. Carbohydrates are the products of primary production and their occurrence in sediments as free sugars can provide information on the estuarine productivity. Amino acid biogeochemistry provided implications on the system productivity, nature of organic matter as well as degradation status of the sedimentary organic matter in the study area. The predominance of carbohydrates over protein indicated faster mineralisation of proteinaceous organic matter in sediments and the estuary behaves as a detrital trap for the accumulation of aged organic matter. The higher lipid content and LPD/CHO ratio pointed towards the better food quality that supports benthic fauna and better accumulation of lipid compounds in the sedimentary environment. Allochthonous addition of carbohydrates via terrestrial run off was responsible for the lower PRT/CHO ratio estimated in thesediments and the lower ratios also denoted a detrital heterotrophic environment. Biopolymeric carbon and the algal contribution to BPC provided important information on the better understanding the trophic state of the estuarine system and the higher values of chlorophyll-a to phaeophytin ratio indicated deposition of phytoplankton to sediment at a rapid rate. The estimated TOC/TN ratios implied the combined input of both terrestrial and autochthonous organic matter to sedimentsAmong the free sugars, depleted levels of glucose in sediments in most of the stations and abundance of mannose at station S5 was observed during the present investigation. Among aldohexoses, concentration of galactose was found to be higher in most of the stationsRelative abundance of AAs in the estuarine sediments based on seasons followed the trend: PRM09-Leucine > Phenylalanine > Argine > Lysine, MON09-Lysine > Aspartic acid > Histidine > Tyrosine > Phenylalanine, POM09-Lysine > Histadine > Phenyalanine > Leucine > Methionine > Serine > Proline > Aspartic acid, PRM10-Valine > Aspartic acid > Histidine > Phenylalanine > Serine > Proline, MON12-Lysine > Phenylalanine > Aspartic acid > Histidine > Valine > Tyrsine > MethionineThe classification of study area into three zones based on salinity was employed in the present study for the sake of simplicity and generalized interpretations. The distribution of AAs in the three zones followed the trend: Fresh water zone (S1, S2):- Phenylalanine > Lysine > Aspartic acid > Methionine > Valine ῀ Leucine > Proline > Histidine > Glycine > Serine > Glutamic acid > Tyrosine > Arginine > Alanine > Threonine > Cysteine > Isoleucine. Estuarine zone (S3, S4, S5, S6):- Lysine > Aspartic acid > Phenylalanine > Leucine > Valine > Histidine > Methionine > Tyrosine > Serine > Glutamic acid > Proline > Glycine > Arginine > Alanine > Isoleucine > Cysteine > Threonine. Riverine /Industrial zone (S7, S8, S9):- Phenylalanine > Lysine > Aspartic acid > Histidine > Serine > Arginine > Tyrosine > Leucine > Methionine > Glutamic acid > Alanine > Glycine > Cysteine > Proline > Isoleucine > Threonine > Valine. The abundance of AAs like glutamic acid, aspartic acid, isoleucine, valine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine in sediments of the study area indicated freshly derived organic matter.
Silpa., B.L; Dr. Reji Srinivas(Cochin University of Science and Technology, September 11, 2015)
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Abstract:
Earth’s coastline defines the interface between land and water.
Although the area they cover is insignificant, their linear extent is
enormous and the variety of landforms they evolve over earth’s surface
is remarkable. Over one third of the world’s population lives either at the
coasts or in adjacent coastal low land areas. The coast is a zone of
intense energy input. This energy transported by waves, arrives at the
coast and is available for work. The result is that the processes of
sediment transport are set in motion – processes that cause
morphological change. Thus the coasts are the most rapidly changing
places on earth's surface and they play an important role in global
transportation of sediments and hence studies on the coastal zone
where air, land and water interact is a focus of particular interest among
the scientific community. The coastal areas across the world are also of
extreme economic importance as they contain abundant natural
resources and favorite tourist destinations because of their highly scenic
landscape
Dhiju Das, P. H.; Dr Leela, Edwin(Cochin University of Science and Technology, October , 2015)
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Abstract:
The study covers theFishing capture technology innovation includes the catching of aquatic
animal, using any kind of gear techniques, operated from a vessel. Utilization
of fishing techniques varies, depending upon the type of fisheries, and can go
from a basic and little hook connected to a line to huge and complex mid water
trawls or seines operated by large fishing vessels.The size and autonomy of a fishing vessel is largely determined by its
ability to handle, process and store fish in good condition on board, and thus
these two characteristics have been greatly influenced by the introduction and
utilization of ice and refrigeration machinery. Other technological developments
especially hydraulic hauling machinery, fish finding electronics and synthetic
twines have also had a major impact on the efficiency and profitability of
fishing vessels.A wide variety of fishing gears and practices ranging from small-scale
artisanal to advanced mechanised systems are used for fish capture in Kerala.
Most important among these fishing gears are trawls, seines, lines, gillnets and
entangling nets and traps The modern sector was introduced in 1953 at
Neendakara, Shakthikulangara region under the initiative of Indo-Norwegian
project (INP). The novel facilities introduced in fishing industry by Indo-
Norwegian project accordingly are mechanically operated new boats with new fishing nets. Soon after mechanization, motorization programme gained
momentum in Kerala especially in Alleppey, Ernakulam and Kollam districts.
Abhilash P. Kailas; Dr. S. Muraleedharan Nair(Cochin University of Science and Technology, October 5, 2015)
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Abstract:
Sea is a huge source to meet our daily needs, lifff(rrsccaaaeyohdpnnmmmimlruCeeeaorcxnefkuuouiaosaae nedparihtnatvesmtrpdmerrdnosi cwrlurlstdo -ofaieasopautiktlaeotnc intcyie,rcensruact irnshtoreitotee nnioipiaeetsnmma oeins oSsdiipdoonu soienadh hnoaae nno ein hctlshlacscnalersadiy i, udif ,y t sec aag bae wo sosc fr eoc a ntsralnoi alfador,oeahtefxneeofl nuc otu h nu imnatofe ratata ncisted rn teoieesdvdxrnnhescceexptsp gmn )ieis oadhitratmtnit dapo imoo i soheiwurc a s- toaaorhpstiie aieaidsr,nrneaedttiod ldenahi s. nctyiitdsl nictsseueavev sSera em d,h,e cdu sbsaeer depsraowe nde ,,cpscn m eaa n hrnfx uiesia tvoitsb memdoytprveatoati ft aisrvfrohceertfr dettogcenitt eo oi euafarsn sgepua srre nwctsamucrmaneoeeuurnworaieostnael aelaut anrtcstptai.iavmula,di sdenetzt et,a rcpn aeHbioetr ren s cttapniwrsibiyredl(nhhar,ciutnele eott Pd yssi naae.aos tgntbfspac uo,h shaalloi tt te eitlisr Tm,nu(eietaa teo s v x-o atvhutotrhdrreb, hqedtdhepy hdloa,fcsevetoesl gguynio uioehueeerlrea rv bpaaepsarti er b acprcepiaiei,chtmanoet rt ttoiilaerovt ahiscyd,tri tft os inktannao oi1nm iitieoccsiirttmdftre,etogcv t0etn.u aino ie pnye seohtmi e aom0oraosad hes lsspa cebnr.nm0end awsae a iiasem)hi vxyn0,ot.iliwPo p o neeingeireb s fTet-chhncaf ttbri el sh,ei tnh chy hbyyonbsaaepivmae .eoa eeeeitlbll,lfdmabern ooos eotltmlayaaiealsccoo,e r ncbtc uw iranuo)dim.aoisgnhlwahp iesn eciysf ot,aeitprOete hes amsecsdh( hfeerdemrh.m.sRiy lfad a i ees dgaosi caeycclag vh T ii illhtasfcTthcuflorccsyloeh aoiol horsot tae shn,csa r.rai erhdrtoa menea,lyxnlesdeh ayrs sao r dcctadi gN e epigep,m etrtapat nn a uy,a reraie oywcrd rahb vireai enepmseacwoanuspnvyyeirepso ntcocrerttassepc c iieeaedohefoaeab me-tnc rie l ndsuhnmaemng i wioi,scgaos tclcaeltnteoeesomaiga eeluaic eieytn, yci ivucnnspi) a.atet.dtfsf,ops g a,is iodgawltbf d hsou,oIenosrwoee a grgino sensoc entoauddrgmeforf h lieureaw o as minaeo nntatb itd t lnuohrhecndieaaratttotoaicssdhndphooyeeaecsssssrffl