Entrepreneurship based empowerment among fisherwomen self help groups of Kerala

The present study was conducted to analyse the extent of empowerment achieved by fisherwomen through participation in the entrepreneurial activities of self help groups (SHGs) functioning in the fisheries sector. Data were collected from 180 SHG members in the Kollam, Ernakulam and Kasargod districts of Kerala. Aquaculture (55.5%) and value addition of fish (45.5%) were the entrepreneurial activities adopted by fisherwomen SHGs. Empowerment level of each SHG member was quantified by modifying the existing empowerment dimensions into an Empowerment Index (EI), consisting of 8 sub-dimensions. Extent of empowerment was found out by taking the difference of empowerment index before and after joining the SHG. Among the eight empowerment dimensions, higher difference was observed in confidence building (0.43) followed by economic empowerment (0.42) and decision making pattern (0.41). The study revealed that the level of involvement in entrepreneurial activity has increased the empowerment in terms of confidence building, self-esteem, decision making pattern, psychological and economic empowerment. However, the existing fisheries extension interventions through extension contact and training were found to be associated with only self esteem and psychological empowerment. Therefore, new and innovative extension interventions are suggested in the paper to influence other sub-dimensions like economic empowerment, confidence building and decision making pattern

A Mathematical Model for Electroless Copper Deposition on Planar Substrates

A mathematical model for the electroless deposition of copper on a planar electrode is presented and used to make time-dependent predictions on the various quantities in the system. The model takes into account mass transport by diffusion and migration, Butler-Volmer kinetics at the electrode surface, and mixed potential theory. A finite difference approach is used to solve the equations, and the resultant model is used to predict the concentration profiles, potential response, and plating rate as a function of time and concentration of various reactive components

Galvanostatic Pulse and Pulse Reverse Plating of Zinc-Nickel Alloys from Sulfate Electrolytes on a Rotating Disc Electrode

Galvanostatic pulse and pulse reverse techniques have been used to study the plating of zinc–nickel alloys in the presence of nonyl phenyl polyethylene oxide. The effects of average current density, rotation speed of disc electrode and the presence of nonyl phenyl polyethylene oxide in the electrolyte on deposition of zinc–nickel alloys were evaluated. Zinc–nickel plating bath solution chemistry was studied by determining the equilibrium concentrations at various pH levels. It was found that the alloy composition was determined by solution equilibria, mass transfer of the electroactive species within the diffusion layer and by the surface coverage of nonyl phenyl polyethylene oxide