Giant Manta Ray, Manta birostris landed at Neendakara Fisheries Harbour

Manta rays that belongs to the family Mobulidae occurs in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. A large Giant manta ray, Manta birostris (Walbaum, 1792) was landed at Needakara Fisheries Harbour on 12.05.2015. The ray was 370 cm in length and weighed 1100 kg. The information collected from the fishermen indicated that it was incidentally caught in a 12 m OAL outboard (9.9 hp x 2 engines) gillnet unit. The drift gill net called Ozhukkuvala (70-80 mm mesh size, 200 m long) was operated at about 44 m depths. Along with the manta ray, Coryphaena hippurus, Istiophorus platypterus, Scomberomorus commerson, Mobula spp. and Auxis thazard were also landed

Fish Consumption: Gauging the determinants of consumption and buying patterns across Kerala markets

Fish marketing is an efficient economic production system which depends on several multi-level market functionaries from producers to consumers. The perfect model of fish market systems entails continuum in flow of the goods and services with high level of customer satisfaction. With this viewpoint, the current study was focused on analysing the different types of domestic fish markets across 14 districts of Kerala. The objective of the study is to quantify different market attributes such as type of domestic fish markets, frequency of fish consumption by consumers, source of purchase, access to the markets and consumers’ perception to choose markets according to their seafood requirement

Ultra fine chromite concentration using spiral concentrator

The conventional chromite beneficiation circuit utilises spiral concentrator for recovering chromite fines and as its efficiency decreases with respect to the decrease in particle size. Pilot scale studies have been performed to understand the effect of different process parameters which influence the separation of ultra fine chromite fines from a typical plant tailing. The process parameters of spiral concentrator such as feed rate (m3/hr), feed pulp density (% solids by weight) and splitter position (cm) are considered for the study. Splitter position has major influence on both grade and recovery of the concentrate fraction of spiral concentrator. Maximum grade of 48.54% Cr2O3 can be achieved in the concentrate fraction of spiral concentrator with 20.41% Cr2O3 recovery. Performance of spiral concentrator at different combination of process parameters was analysed with 3D surface plots

Sclerosing PEComa: A Histologic Surprise

PEComa represents a group of mesenchymal tumors consisting of perivascular epithelioid cells. We present a 50-year old female patient with a rare distinctive variant, sclerosing PEComa, characterized by extensive stromal hyalinization and a predilection for the pararenal retroperitoneum.Key Words: PEComa, Sclerosing PECom

Three dimensional quadratic algebras: Some realizations and representations

Four classes of three dimensional quadratic algebras of the type \lsb Q_0 , Q_\pm \rsb $=$ $\pm Q_\pm$, \lsb Q_+ , Q_- \rsb $=$ $aQ_0^2 + bQ_0 + c$, where $(a,b,c)$ are constants or central elements of the algebra, are constructed using a generalization of the well known two-mode bosonic realizations of $su(2)$ and $su(1,1)$. The resulting matrix representations and single variable differential operator realizations are obtained. Some remarks on the mathematical and physical relevance of such algebras are given.Comment: LaTeX2e, 23 pages, to appear in J. Phys. A: Math. Ge

Mainstreaming gender through Aquatourism venture: an assessment of impact of women SHGs in Kerala

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) made a study on gender mainstreaming and impact of Self Help Groups by mobilised women in Aquatourism venture in Narakkal and Malipuram in Vypeen Island in Ernakulam district of Kerala state. ‘Matsyafed’ of Kerala State Fisheries Department and Tsunami Emergency Assistance Program (TEAP) have organized these women SHGs for uplifting the life of Fisherfolk by enhancing Fish production Marketing, Technical support and Ecotourism. SHGs names as Souparnika in Narakkal and Vandanam in Malippuram are running the cafeteria which provides delicious homely meals and cooked fish items. The impact of SHGs on gender mainstreaming by assessing the equity and equality of men and women in these SHGs was assessed through gender analysis, performance level of SHG, Empowerment Index and economic feasibility analysis with socio economic surveys undertaken in the locality with a pre-tested and structured data gathering protocols consisting of standardized scales and indices. Empowerment Index was quantified based on 8 relevant dimensions constituting it. The male and female counterparts of the families were separately interviewed to assess the gender mainstreaming aspects in terms of equity and equality to access to resources, participation profile, decision making aspects, gender need analysis etc. Proper ‘training on technical matters’ and ‘marketing aspects’ were found to be inevitable for more desirable results. Female counterparts also do have a definite role in site selection, purchase of accessories, cooking, serving, cleaning, marketing etc. The Scales of ‘Performance Assessment’ and ‘Empowerment Index’ developed for this study have good potential for future use in other key areas on a sustainable basis. Lacunae identified in Empowerment Index computation give adequate feedback to authorities to proceed in the right direction. The gender dimension analysis on mainstreaming aspect gives sensitization on crucial issues like women fisher folk’s rights and marketing channels for policies and other interventions on gender. Inter relationships between the variables an act as catalytic points for group action and group empowerment on a sustainable basis. The success case study elucidated can be used as a case model and practical manual for promoting group action for mobilising SHGs on a sustainable basis