Central University of Kerala

About: Central University of Kerala is a education organization based out in Kāsaragod, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 556 authors who have published 881 publications receiving 7474 citations.

Freedom from Autonomy: A Critique on the New Managerialism in Higher Education

Abstract: The paper discusses the transformations happening in the Indian higher education system under the neoliberal influences. To facilitate the transformation, a new managerialism was implemented in higher education institutions. The new public management of higher education, based on autonomy, responsibilization and accountability, was introduced in the higher education institutions. Autonomy and responsibilization on the one hand and question of individual existence and accountability on the other hand work as a decaying substance of academic creativity. Drawing from Foucauldian idea of governmentality, the study analyses how control and governance are deepened in higher education system. Use of soft measures like ‘suggestive orders’ is highlighted in the study to expose the strategies of new managerialism to make autonomy given to the higher education institutions a travesty.

Set of periods of a subshift

Abstract: In this article, subsets of $${\mathbb {N}}$$ that can arise as sets of periods of the following subshifts are characterized: (i) subshifts of finite type, (ii) transitive subshifts of finite type, (iii) sofic shifts, (iv) transitive sofic shifts, and (v) arbitrary subshifts.

Changes in sialic acid content of jelly coat in pesticide-exposed frog eggs and their influence on fertilization.

Abstract: The unprecedented decline in amphibian populations is reported to be caused by several factors, including environmental contaminants of agriculture pesticides. In natural conditions, application of pesticides or other chemicals to crop fields coincides with breeding seasons of many amphibian species inhabiting the agro-ecosystem, resulting in exposure of eggs, tadpoles, and metamorphs. Glycoconjugates are key molecules in cell adhesion and signaling in higher invertebrates and vertebrates. In amphibians, sialic acid of free glycoconjugates in egg jelly facilitates the adherence of spermatozoa to the egg surface. Considering the possibility of exposure of amphibian eggs to pesticides in agro-ecosystems, the present study was undertaken to determine the effect of different concentrations of malathion and methyl parathion pesticides on the eggs of Fejervarya limnocharis (Indian Cricket frog). Following thiobarbituric acid and fertilization assay, changes in sialic acid content and egg hatchability were measured in eggs exposed to the two pesticides, respectively, for different time intervals. Sialic acid content and hatchability were reduced significantly in eggs treated with pesticides. The time of exposure has also an influence on the amount of sialic acid content and egg hatchability. The results demonstrate that exposure to pesticides alters sialic acid content in jelly coat of amphibian eggs leading to inhibition of sperm penetration.

Association between a guided meditation practice, sleep and psychological well-being in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract: Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] is one of the leading causes for mortality. This study examined the role of an self-awareness based guided meditation practice, Cyclic Meditation [CM] on perceived stress, anxiety, depression, sleep and quality of life in T2DM patients. Design A single arm pre-post design was used for the study. Setting The study was conducted in an auditorium for general public diagnosed with T2DM in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. Subjects Subjects were 30 T2DM patients, both male and female of age 50.12 ± 11.15 years and BMI 25.14 ± 4.37 Kg/m2 and not having a history of hospitalisation were randomly recruited for the study following advertisements in national dailies. Intervention Participants completed a supervised CM programs in the evenings, 5 days a week for 4 weeks, in addition to their regular medication. Measures Perceived stress, anxiety and depression were assessed with Perceived Stress Scale, State Anxiety Inventory and Beck's depression inventory, respectively. Sleep and quality of life were assessed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and WHO-Quality of Life - BREF respectively. Analysis Changes in the outcome measures from baseline to 4 weeks were compared using paired "t" test. Results After 4 weeks, the quality of life and sleep scores increased 7.1% [p = 0.001] and 32.7% [p = 0.001], respectively. The perceived stress, anxiety and depression reduced 26.1% [p = 0.001], 16.01% [p = 0.003] and 37.63% [p = 0.006] as compared to their baseline reports. The CM practice also reduced daytime dysfunction. Conclusions A guided self-awareness based meditation program was safe and effective in improving depression, anxiety, perceived stress and enhance sleep and quality of life in T2DM patients, which could be helpful in reducing the future complications of T2DM. Mind management is essential along with medical management to achieve better clinical results.

Fusion of Signal and Differential Signal Domain Features for Epilepsy Identification in Electroencephalogram Signals

Abstract: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder and the number of epilepsy patients around the world is increasing in an alarming rate. Identifying and controlling epilepsy is a challenging task. Traditionally, electroencephalogram (EEG) is the most dependable method for the rigorous understanding of epilepsy states. In this paper, a fusion of signal and differential domain features are presented for the effective analysis and identification of epileptic EEG signals. The results of the proposed method for the identification of epilepsy in EEG signal are promising.