Kerala Libraries Network (KELNET): a Proposal

Visualizes the conceptual framework and propose the development of a Kerala Library Network (KELNET) by exploring and exploiting the available and the existing social infrastructures, social softwares, open standards and technologies

Basics of sample collection, preservation and species identification of finfish

Fisheries are one of the most important renewable resources. With increasing fishing pressure, the only option left for the sustainability of fisheries is their rational management. Proper management is possible with a thorough knowledge of the dynamics of the fish stocks. For a meaningful study of the dynamics, knowledge of natural history of the species is necessary and this in turn can be acquired by the correct identification of fish species. This assumes greater importance in tropical seas where, a multitude of closely related and morphologically similar species occur. The role of taxonomy and proper identification cannot be overstressed in studies of population dynamics. Acquaintance with the main species should be such that there should no errors in identification of them in any special form such as racial differentiation, abnormalities, malformation due to decay or disease. As to species of less importance collections and observations can be made for taxonomic studies which will be useful in future. Species identification study is also a step towards understanding the bewildering biodiversity that characterizes in the marine ecosystem

Launch Stabilisation System for Vertical Launch of a Missile

The launch platform stabilisation control system is a roll-pitch stabilised platform for the vertical launch of a missile from a naval ship. Stabilisation of the launch platform is achievedwith the help of embedded controllers and electro-hydraulic servo control system. The launch platform is stabilised wrt true horizontal with a 2-axis (roll and pitch) stabilisation systemconsisting of a gimbal and a set of three high-pressure servo hydraulic actuators. The control system uses rate gyro and tilt sensor feedbacks for stabilising the platform. This paper outlines the details of the launch platform stabilisation control system, results of digital simulation, and the performance during sea trials

Effect of Ultrasonic Vibrations in Some Heat Treatments

The effect of ultrasonic vibrations on many heat treatment processes, primarily ageing, and other such as, hardening of solid and porous compacts, spheroidisation, etc. are described. Results obtained with regard to ageing are particularly promising and indicate the possibility of obtaining a distinctly shorter process time as also an increased ductility at the same strength. These features may be of interest to the aircraft industry

EFFICACY OF CHEDANA AND LEKHANAKARMA IN PALPEBRAL FORM OF VERNAL KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS (VKC) – A CASE STUDY

Ocular allergy is often under-diagnosed but has a significant impact on the quality of life and vision in all ages especially in childhood. Although its incidence varies by geographical location, the prevalence is difficult to gauge as allergies tend to be underreported compounded by the difficulty in classification. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is one of the most commonly occurring types of allergic conjunctivitis. It usually appears in three forms i.e., palpebral, bulbar and mixed and predominantly occurs in younger age group between 4-20 years. This chronic disease is characterized by the formation of giant papillae which constantly irritates the cornea and predispose to ectatic corneal disorders like keratoconus and cause myopia and astigmatism. Topical corticosteroids relieve itching, redness and edema but should be used with caution as their constant use are known to cause glaucoma, cataracts, secondary bacterial; viral and fungal infections and delayed wound healing. In Ayurveda, the disease Vartmasharkara shows clinical features similar to this disease and Acharya Susruta has suggested Chedana followed by Lekhana to manage this condition. This article describes the case report of a 12 year old male child who had complaints of palpebral form of VKC. In the present study, it is observed that Ayurvedic management along with Chedana and Lekhanakarma has provided significant relief in all signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

SROSS C-2 detections of gamma ray bursts and the SGR 1627-41

The GRB monitor (GRBM) on board the Indian SROSS C-2 satellite has detected 53 classical gamma ray bursts since its launch in May, 1994 till its re-entry in July, 2001. For a subset of 26 events, locations were obtained from simultaneous observations by other gammaray detectors in space. The sky distribution of these 26 SROSS C-2 bursts is consistent with isotropy. The distribution of event durations shows evidence for bimodality. There is an evidence for a moderate hardness ratio-intensity (HIC) correlation in the data. The SROSS C-2 GRBM has also detected three episodes of emission from the SGR 1627-41

Kerala Libraries Network (KELNET): a Proposal

Visualizes the conceptual framework and propose the development of a Kerala Library Network (KELNET) by exploring and exploiting the available and the existing social infrastructures, social softwares, open standards and technologies

ASSESSMENT OF DEBRIS FLOW DISASTER IN A RESERVE FOREST AREA, KERALA

Slope failures are common geo hazards in the Western Ghats during monsoon period. In the present study an attempt is made to understand the mechanism of debris flow in Akamala area of Kerala Western Ghats and to evaluate the chances of failure in the area in future. Due to debris flow the families in the settlements at the foot hills were evacuated and relocated elsewhere by administrators. The area is still failure prone, and may fail as number potential failure surfaces exist in the site. The geometrical analysis of the slopes were carried out to identify the type of failure happened on the slope and also to examine whether the vulnerability of the profile to failure still exists in the site. Angle of internal friction (Ø), plastic limit, liquid limit and plasticity index of the samples were determined in the geotechnical laboratory. The geoenvironmental set up of the Akamala region indicate that slope, relative relief, soil characteristics, degraded patches within the forest, discontinuities have rendered the hill slope prone to slope failures. The degradation of forest permitted large of amount of rain water entering the ground beneath the slope. The wild deep rooted trees in forest usually bolt the overburden to the underlaying rock. The lack of vegetation caused the rise in the piezometric surface which increased the pore water pressure and decreased the shearing resistance. The study brings about the fact that an effort must be there to identify and locate the degraded forest areas close to community living centers and highways. This must be given top priority in forest management policy to avoid grate disaster