Cosmology and thermodynamics of FRW universe with bulk viscous stiff fluid

We consider a cosmological model dominated by stiff fluid with a constant bulk viscosity. We classify all the possible cases of the universe predicted by the model and analyzing the scale factor, density as well as the curvature scalar. We find that when the dimensionless constant bulk viscous parameter is in the range $0 < \bar\zeta <6$ the model began with a Big Bang, and make a transition form the decelerating expansion epoch to an accelerating epoch, then tends to the de Sitter phase as $t\to \infty$. The transition into the accelerating epoch would be in the recent past, when $4<\bar\zeta<6.$ For $\bar\zeta>6$ the model doesn't have a Big Bang and suffered an increase in the fluid density and scalar curvature as the universe expands, which are eventually saturates as the scale factor $a \to \infty$ in the future. We have analyzed the model with statefinder diagnostics and find that the model is different from $\Lambda$CDM model but approaches $\Lambda$CDM point as $a \to \infty.$ We have also analyzed the status of the generalized second law of thermodynamics with apparent horizon as the boundary of the universe and found that the law is generally satisfied when $0 \leq \bar\zeta <6$ and for $\bar\zeta >6$ the law is satisfied when the scale factor is larger than a minimum value

Assessment of biogeochemical processes of Ashtamudi Lake ecosystem in relation to clam fishery

The Ashtamudi Lake ecosystem in Kerala (southwest coast of India) is well known for its clam resources. This estuarine system contributes approximately 80% of the total clam export trade of India besides providing livelihoods for at least 3,000 local people. Among bivalves, clams are an important source of meat for human consumption while its shells are used in the cement industry

Occurrence of macro plastic in the stomach of flat needlefish

On 6th January 2016, biological samples ofAblennes hians were collected from the hook andline fishing boats based at Munambam FishingHarbour, Kochi. While analysing the gut contents inthe laboratory, the stomach of one specimen (weight380 gm, total length 687 mm) contained macroplastic material having about 0.02 gm weight.Stomach also contained partially digested shrimps,sea snails (Diacavolinia longirostris, Cavoliniatridentata) and digested matter

Thin Film Growth and Device Fabrication of Iron-Based Superconductors

Iron-based superconductors have received much attention as a new family of high-temperature superconductors owing to their unique properties and distinct differences from cuprates and conventional superconductors. This paper reviews progress in thin film research on iron-based superconductors since their discovery for each of five material systems with an emphasis on growth, physical properties, device fabrication, and relevant bulk material properties.Comment: To appear in J. Phys. Soc. Jp

SmFeAsO Superconductor with Preferred Crystallographic Orientation and Enhanced Critical Current Density

The effect of combined substitution of Sm3+ and O2- with Ca2+ and F-, respectively, on the structural and superconducting properties of SmFeAsO system is investigated. It is observed that the binary doping using CaF2 causes considerable structural as well as microstructural changes wherein the preferred orientation of (00 l) planes and enhancement of grain size are quite interesting. Moreover, a maximum T-C of 53.8 K and a transport J(C) of 880 A/cm(2) (12 K) are achieved in the codoped samples. The achievement of preferred orientation, enhanced T-C, and the subsequent increase in J(C) of the modified SmFeAsO system are particularly significant for high current conductor development

Assessment of vaccine coverage and associated factors among children in urban agglomerations of Kochi, Kerala, India

Context: Urban population in India is growing exponentially. The public sector urban health delivery system has so far been limited in its reach and is far from adequate. Aims: This study aims to estimate routine immunization coverage and associated factors among children (12–23 months and 60–84 months) in the urban Kochi Metropolitan Area of Kerala. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kochi Metropolitan area. Materials and Methods: A cluster sampling technique was used to collect data on immunization status from 310 children aged between 12 and 23 months and 308 children aged between 60 and 84 months. Statistical Analysis: Crude coverage details for each vaccine were estimated using percentages and confidence intervals. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with immunization coverage. Results: Among the children aged 12–23 months, 89% (95% CI 85.5%-92.5%) were fully immunized, 10% were partially immunized, and 1% unimmunized. Less than 10 years of schooling among mothers (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.20–4.81) and living in a nuclear family (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.06–3.14) were determinants associated with partial or unimmunization of children as per multivariate analysis. The coverage of individual vaccines was found to decrease after 18 months from 90% to 75% at 4–5 years for Diphtheria Pertussis Tetanus (DPT) booster. Bivariate analysis found lower birth order and belonging to the Muslim religion as significant factors for this decrease. Conclusion: Education of the mother and nuclear families emerged as areas of vulnerability in urban immunization coverage. Inadequate social support and competing priorities with regard to balancing work and home probably lead to delay or forgetfulness in vaccination. Therefore, a locally contextualized comprehensive strategy with strengthening of the primary health system is needed to improve the immunization coverage in urban areas