A VECM Model of Stockmarket Returns

Observations of security prices and other financial time series usually include not only the close (C), but also an open, a high and a low (O,H,L) price for a specified interval. The multivariate vector of values (H,L,O,C) is obviously more informative than just the open or close (O, C) for modelling volatilities and volatility predictions. In this paper we capture the return generation process of security prices by using all the quoted prices (H, L, O, C) via a vector error correction (VECM) model. The results of the empirical models using daily DJI index data for a 11 year period (1990-2000) indicate some interesting stylised facts regarding the market returns. We show, via the return generation process (RGP) proposed, that the "cointegrating returns" exhibit significant explanatory power. Some insights are also provided as to why logarithmic returns tend to be non-normally distrbutedCointegration (CI); VECM; VAR; return generation process (RGP).

Activities and Achievements of INMAS

The paper brings out in detail the activities and achievements of INMAS in its formative years and in the post-Mazumdar period. In addition to carrying out investigations on endemic goitre, Brig. Mazumdar pioneered the methodology of the management of thyrotoxicosis by low-split doses of /sup 131/I. In post-Mazumdar period, INMAS saw an all-round growth with the establishment of an advanced non-invasive Organ Imaging Centre and setting up of a TLD-based Personnel Monitoring Centre (for radiating workers in Defence), etc. Studies were undertaken in thyroid epidemiology, radiobiology with emphasis on understanding the basic mechanisms of regulation and control of DNA repair processes, and the development of chemical radioprotectors with particular reference to the role of 2-deoxyglucose as an adjunct to radiotherapy

Radiation Entomology

The article reviews the use of radiation and radioisotopes in entomology with special reference to the use of radiotracers in entomological studies and the use of sterile insect techniques in the control of insect pests. It also presents' a profile of Shri Koshy and his contributions to defence entomology, including design of an efficient device for the rearing of cockroaches, evaluation of different repellents against leeches, laboratory and pilot field studies on the use of radiation-sterilised males for the control of the mosquito Culex fatigans

Brig SK Mazumdar and INMAS : A Profile

As a warm human personality that Brig. Mazumdar is remembered by his colleagues, friends and patients. He was basically an agnostic but was extremely understanding of and respectful to differing points of view. He thought deeply about the role of the physician in tomorrow's world, He felt that valid connections have to be established between culture, religion, morality, environment and scientific humanism. The ultimate goal of the physician is not mere delivery of medical skill but to bring man into tune with his environment. He was not merely a nuclear medicine specialist, but an outstanding endocrinologist, cardiologist and neurologist. In fact, he viewed the disease p-rocess in its totality and never forgot the human element

Crack healing in cementitious materials including test methods

If concrete is crack free, deleterious substances can be avoided entering the body of the material, that may corrode the rebar or encourage freeze/thaw damage. This paper examines a self healing system of cementitious materials. Microbial induced calcite precipitation was used to heal cracks in concrete with calcite using bacillus bacteria in alkaline conditions to generate a calcite filling material. Self healing of cracked prisms was determined using a water flow and absorption test and the results were expressed to record the healing as a percentage. The findings of the tests showed that a significant degree of self healing had taken place after 56 days after inducing a crack to the concrete prisms and the water flow test was appropriate to determine the degree of self healing taking place. Limitations of this process are such that the process requires a biological laboratory to create the spore impregnated aggregate. Once the aggregate is prepared, the batching process is essentially the same as any normal concrete. A practical use of this system could be developed using cover panels of self healing material to act as permanent formwork, thus placing the healing ingredients where they are needed at a minimum cost. The system has huge potential for the creation of a self repairing sustainable infrastructure

Professor DS Kothari : The Architect of Defence Science in India

Defence science in India owes its origin and early growth to Professor DS Kothari. From humble beginnings the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has grown into a major national scientific agency over the last four and a half decades

Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering

Principles of Foundation Engineering and Principles of Geotechnical Engineering were originally published with 1984 and 1985 copyrights, respectively. These texts were well received by instructors, students, and practitioners alike. Depending on the needs of the users, the texts were revised and are presently in their eighth editions. These texts have also been translated in several languages. Toward the latter part of 1998, there were several requests to prepare a single volume that was concise in nature but combined the essential components of Principles of Foundation Engineering and Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. In response to those requests, the first edition of Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering was published in 2000. This text includes the fundamental concepts of soil mechanics as well as foundation engineering, including bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations spread footings and mats), retaining walls, braced cuts, piles, and drilled shafts

Principles of Foundation Engineering

A must-have resource for all foundation engineering courses, Principles of Foundation Engineering, 9th Edition provides a careful balance between current research and practical field applications as it introduces civil engineering students to the core concepts and applications of foundation analysis design. Throughout this best-selling book, Dr. Das and Dr. Sivakugan emphasize how to develop the critical judgment civil engineers need to properly apply theories and analysis to the evaluation of soils and foundation design. This new edition includes three new chapters that highlight developing topics. This edition also provides a wealth of worked-out examples and multiple new figures that emphasize the skills most critical for students to master as successful civil engineers

DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN STUDY IN YOUNG ADULT PATIENTS OF CUTANEOUS ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS

Objective: To evaluate prevalence of cutaneous adverse reactions in young adult age group using ADR notification form. To create awareness in hospitals and health sectors, to establish drug safety monitoring units for mother and child care.Methods: Individual case safety reports of 46 patients from various hospitals were analyzed using CDSCO forms. To tabulate data on drugs, doses, systems, ADRs and factors for causation of cutaneous ADRs. Results: Females are more prone compared to males due to pregnancy at young age with increased use of Iron combinations, antibiotics and antiepileptic's in young adult age groups (20-30yrs) among cutaneous ADRs.Conclusion: We conclude the need for establishment of drug safety units with generic units for maternity sections and use of drugs in pre and post natal period, as pregnancy and adult age are risk factors for cutaneous adverse drug reactions. Every hospital structure needs special caution on drug lots of iron preparations, antibiotics, analgesics, antiepileptic's to be used in Obstetrics and Gynecology departments