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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Effect of processing and freezing procedures on the acrosome morphology of buck spermatozoa(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Ranjini, A; KAU; Prabhakaran Nair, KSix pooled semen samples (two ejaculates) of good quality from five Malabari crossbred bucks were processed and frozen in two different protocols to evaluate the effect of processing and freezing procedures on the acrosome morphology of buck spermatozoa. In protocol I, the samples were diluted 10 fold in Tris buffer before centrifuging twice and the final pellet was re-suspended in the non glycerolated fraction of Tris yolk diluent. The sample was glycerolated (six per cent), equilibrated (four hours), frozen (eight minutes), and thawed (250 C for 30 seconds). In protocol 11, centrifugation was done only once, after 15 fold dilution in Tris buffer. The re suspended pellet was glycerolated (seven per cent), equilibrated (three hours), frozen (10 minutes) and thawed (60° C for 10 seconds). The semen characters such as motility, live sperm, sperm abnormalities and acrosome abnormalities were evaluated at the end of washing and initial extension (stage I), cooling to 5° C (stage II), glycerolisation and equilibration (stage Ill) and freezing and thawing (stage IV). The results were compiled to evaluate the effect of different processing and freezing procedures on the semen characters in general and acrosome morphology in particular. The semen sample used for split sample dilution had a mean volume of 1.3282± 0.067 ml, creamy in colour, DDDD density, ++++ mass activity, pH of 7.275 2± 0.040 and a concentration of 2972 2± 293 millions per ml. No significant difference in the above semen characters were found between bucks. The initial sperm motility of 82.000 2± 0.606 was found to drop significantly during processing and freezing and the final post thaw motility obtained was 44.000 2± 0.790 in protocol I. Similarly in protocol II the initial motility dropped from 81.375 2± 1.089 to 44.750 2± 1.075 at the end of stage IV. Even though there was significant drop in motility between stages in both the protocols, there was no significant difference in the corresponding stages of the two protocols. It could be inferred that good post thaw motility was obtained in both the protocols. The fact that a single washing and centrifugation was only adopted in protocol II makes it a more acceptable procedure for buck semen freezing. The mean live sperm percentage of fresh semen was evaluated using both NE and NEG staining technique. The percentage of live sperms of 90.050 2± 0.801 was found to decrease to 54.250 2± 0.593 after freezing and thawing in protocol by NE staining. Similarly in protocol 11, the mean percentage of live sperms was found to reduce to 53.125 2± 0.793 with the same staining. Even though there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II no significant difference in the live sperm percentage between the corresponding stages of protocol I and I I . With NEG staining the initial live sperm percentage of 80.850 ± 1.494 was found to drop to 54.875 ± 0.677 in protocol I as against 53.400 ± 0.730 in protocol II. While there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II there was no variation between corresponding stages of the two protocols. A significantly lower percentage of live sperms was recorded with NEG staining when compared with NE staining probably on account of the fact that the differentiation of live and dead sperm was difficult in the former staining method as live sperms were stained light blue instead of colourless. The mean percentage of abnormal sperms of 3.050 ± 0.245 in fresh semen did not register any significant increase during processing. However, there was significant increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities during freezing and thawing with the final abnormality percentage of 7.125± 0.706 in protocol I and 6.300± 0.36 in protocol II. The initial acrosomal abnormality of 8.825 in the fresh semen steadily rose to 23.375 in protocol I as against 19.825 in protocol II at the end of stage IV. There was no significant difference in the percentage of various acrosomal abnormalities between corresponding stages of the two protocols. However, there was significant increase in the acrosomal abnormalities during glycerolisation, equilibration, freezing and thawing under both the protocols. It was concluded that the processing and freezing under two different protocols did not significantly alter the post thaw motility, percentage abnormal and dead sperms and acrosomal abnormalities. A good post thaw motility and low acrosomal abnormality was obtained with a single washing of buck semen with 15 fold Tris buffer which was comparable with double washing with 10 fold Tris buffer.ThesisItem Open Access Isolation and identification of viruses from waterfowls seen in Kerala(Department of microbiology, College of veterinary and animal sciences, Mannuthy, 1997) Bindu, M S; KAU; Krishnan Nair, GIn the recent years, frequent outbreaks of poultry diseases have caused significant economic losses and among the various sources of infection, freeflying migratory birds and waterfowls are reported to be an important source for the introduction of disease to domestic flocks. These freeflying pirds and waterfowls abound in the waterlogged areas of Kerala especially Alleppey, Kottayam, Thrissur and Malappuram districts. Heavy losses were reported each year due to severe outbreaks of duck plague and duck pasturellosis resulting in the wiping out of the duck population in the state. This may be due to the introduction of the disease agents by migratory waterfowls. Hence a study was undertaken to elucidate the role of waterfowls in the spread of diseases to domestic poultry and ducks. A total of 52 waterfowls were caught from different parts of Kerala of which 15 were lesser whistling teals and 37 were gargany. Postmortem examination of these birds were carried out and the required materials were collected. Impression smears from the cut surface of the liver revealed intranuclear inclusion bodies in the hepatic cells in four cases (Bird Nos. 17, 23, 27 and 49) and two haemagglutinating agents were isolated from the cloacal swabs of the bird numbers 18 and 22. The haemagglutinating agents developed lesions in the chicken embryos which died 3 to 5 days after inoculation. the allantoamniotic fluid of the affected embryos agglutinated teal and chicken erythrocytes. The lesions exhibited by the embryos infected with Ta were congestion of the CAM and embryos while in T22 the embryos were stunted, curled and at the same time congested. The liver of the embryo had yellowish brown patches. The haemagglutination activity of both the viral isolates were tested with red cells of various species like cattle, horse, human '0', duck, rabbit and pig but was negative in all cases. Both the isolates lost their infectivity and haemagglutination property at 56°C for 30 min. the infectivity and HA activity of the viral isolates T18 and T22 were retained at pH 7.2 and were completely destroyed at pH 3.2 and pH 9. Both the isolates were sensitive to treatment with chloroform, revealing both as enveloped viruses, wherein the infectivity was completely lost and HA activity was considerably reduced. In the case of Tl8 HA activity was reduced from 512 to 16 and for T22 from 128 to 8. The nucleic acid types of the viral isolates were confirmed by inoculating the isolates to chicken embryo fibroblast cultures pretreated with 100 µg and 200 µg per ml of IudR which led to the conclusion that Ta was a RNA virus and T22 a DNA virus. The ELD50 of Ta and T22 were 107 ELD50/ml and 106 ELD50/ml. The ICPI, MDT and IVPI. were calculated as for NDV. The ICPI for the isolates were 0.83 and 0.30 for T18 and T22 respectively, MDT was 120 hr for both and the IVPI was calculated to be zero in both cases, indicating that both the isolates were nonpathogenic. In cell cultures both the isolates produced CPE which affected the whole monolayer by 96 hrs. In the case of Tl8 the CPE was characterised by rounding and clumping of cells, the infected cells showing a tendency to get separated from the neighbouring cells leaving long cytoplasmic strands, syncytium formation with four or five nuclei and severe cytoplasmic vacuolation. For T22 the CPE was characterised by rounding and cytoplasmic vacuolation and karryorhexis. Intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies could be demonstrated. The pathogenicity studies of both the isolates were carried out in one week old and six week old ducklings and chicken, for which both were nonpathogenic and did not exhibit any clinical signs or mortality. But viral infection was established in six week old chicks by virus isolation till the 14th day of infection from the cloacal swabs for both the isolates. The sera collected from these birds revealed an antibody titre of 16 for T¬18 and 8 for T22 indicating the infection. The antigenic relationship of the isolates was examined with NDV, EDS-76 and fish viruses (FV and F6), of which T22 did not show any antigenic similarity with any of the viruses. But T1B on the contrary exhibited antigenic relationship with the fishviruses FV and F6 but no antigenic similarity with NDV and EDS-76. The antigenic similarity exhibited by T18 with the fish viruses leads to the conclusion that waterfowls may be disseminating the viruses responsible for the outbreak of epizootic ulcerative syndrome in fishes. The morphological features of T18 by electronmicroscopy revealed an enveloped virus with a size of 150-185 nm with pleomorphic forms and peplomers of a length of 18-20 nm. Except the length of the peplomers it similated a paramyxovirus. The morphology of T22 was not studied due to technical defects.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of depuration on the meat quality of the marine clam Sunetta scripta (Linne)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Fisheries,Panangad, 1998) Nishi Dharan, S; Damodaran Nambudiri, DSunetta Scripta harvested from Munabam area were subjected to depuration studies to find out whether purging had any effect on the meat quality of the clam. Result of biochemical analysis shows that the clam is a good source of various nutrients. Meat yield of clam was found to be 9.5%. Pathogenic bacteria was absent except E. coli ,. which is within the permissible limits. Depuration of clam did not significantly change the protein and glycogen content. But sand content was reduced to insignificant level within 24 hr depuration. When clams were exposed to a concentration of 109 ceUS/ml of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, there was progressive accumulation of the micro-organism and it accumulated on an average of 2.6xl05 cells/g within 6 hrs exposure. Though accumulated organism was not completely eliminated from the clams during purification in a laboratory depuration unit using U. V for sterilising the water, the number had reduced to more than 1000 fold during 48 hrs depuration. There was remarkable change in the sensory attributes and grittiness character of the clam after depurationThesisItem Open Access Pathology of the Harderian Gland in chicken and duck(Centre of Excellence in Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1998) Mohan S; Valsala K VThe lymphoid tissue of the upper respiratory tract includes paraocular and paranasallymphoid structures as well as some lymphoid accumulations in the pharynx and larynx. However, of all these paraocular lymphoid tissue, the Harderian gland is highly immunopotent. The role of the Harderian gland in the immunopathological response was evaluated taking chicken and duck as models and RD, IBD and Duck plague vaccines as antigens. The sequential cellular response following ocular antigenic stimulation was clarified. Significant increase in the plasma cell number, enlargement of the lymphoid foci and Russell body formation following ocular antigenic stimulation were the hall marks of the immune response of the Harderian gland of the chicken but this was not so much significant in the case of ducks. Harderian gland was highly reactive especially in the chicken but not so much in the case of ducks. Intraocular vaccination was found to be comparatively more effective in immunological protection in chicken. It would therefore, appear that through local administration of the antigen at the Harderian gland the duck may not respond in the same way as in the case of chicken. It was pointed out that the local antibody produced by the Harderian gland contributed in a major way to the immunological defence at the oculonasal and oropharyngeal areas and it has an obvious relevance to the epidemiology and the control of respiratory viral diseases in the avian species.ThesisItem Open Access Haematological And Serum Biochemical Profile Of Intestinal Impaction In Elephants(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1999) Jayakrishnan, T N; KAU; Alex, P CThe present study was undertaken to analyze the haematological and biochemical alterations in elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction. The epidemiology, clinical fmdings and haematology were the main items of observations. Six elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction lasting for more than four days in and around Thrissur district were utilized for the study. Six apparently healthy elephants in and around Thrissur district were selected at random and utilized as the healthy controls. The detailed history was collected using a questionnaire (Annexure I). Sample of whole blood and serum from the animals of the healthy and diseased groups were collected and analysed. Haematological values consisting ofESR, PCV, Hb, TEC, TLC and DLC were recorded. Urea nitrogen, glucose, sodium, chloride, potassium, total protein, creatinine, bicarbonate, lactate and AST in the serum were estimated using standard methods. Analysis of the data indicated that the disease was more common in male elephants than in females. The incidence was more in summer season i.e., during the season of festivals. Characteristic clinical symptoms were absence of defaecation ~, tttc!ife than 24 hours, varying degrees of straining, exudation from re~t»m ~rn1 Y~frfrg degrees of dehydration. Clinical data were within physiological limits on the day of collection of blood sample, i.e. on the fourth day after the development of clinical symptoms. A highly significant increase in PCV but without significant alterations in Hb, ESR, TEC, TLC and DLC were observed in elephants affected with gastro-intestinal tract impaction. Biochemical changes in blood included a highly significant increase in urea-nitrogen and lactate levels. Highly significant decrease in the level of chloride was noticed. Significant increase in the level of bicarbonate was noticed. Decrease in the levels of glucose and potassium in the affected elephants was significant. Variations in total protein, sodium, creatinine and aspartate amino transferase in the blood were not significant. Changes in the parameters observed in elephants with gastro-intestinal tract impaction in the present study indicated that mild metabolic alkalosis with hypochloremia and hypokalemia were associated with this condition. Intensive treatment with a balanced electrolyte solution! Dextrose saline/ gastric replacement solutions is recommended in the early stages of gastro-intestinal tract impaction.ThesisItem Open Access Determination Of Permissible Level Of Aflatoxin In Broiler Chicken Feed(Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,Mannuthy, 1999) Arulmozhi A; KAU; Koshy VargheseThe study was undertaken to assess the effect of various levels of aflatoxin on the performance of broilers and to establish the permissible level of aflatoxin in the broiler feed. One hundred and eighty day old broiler chicks were divided into six groups of 30 birds each and were given feed containing graded levels of aflatoxin at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ppb for a period of 45 days. Feed intake, weekly body weight gain, feed efficiency, haemogram, serum profile, organ weight, residual aflatoxin in tissues and pathological changes in liver, kidney, bursa and spleen were studied at fortnightly intervals to evaluate its dose related effects. A dose dependent decrease in the daily feed intake and mean body weights were noticed in all the groups. The cumulative FeR was extremely poor at 80 and 100 ppb levels at sixth week of age. The toxicopathological changes in the birds varied in its intensity in relation with the level of aflatoxin in the feed, with most severe changes being at higher dose levels. The values of haemoglobin, PCV, total leucocyte count, Iymphocytes, total serum protein and albumin showed a decrease whereas the ESR, heterophil and serum enzyme were increased. The aflatoxin, even at 20 ppb levels caused degenerative and necrotic changes in liver and kidneys and the intensity of the lesions increased with higher levels of toxin. Attempt for regeneration and repair processes were well pronounced by the 30th and 45th day. Lymphoid depletion was a characteristic feature in bursa and spleen. Degeneration and lysis of lymphocytes with cys; formation was also seen in bursal follicles. Residual aflatoxin was detected in the liver and muscle in all groups by the 45th day. The net returns from the toxin treated birds showed a dose related decline compared to control and the loss in profit at 20 ppb level was marginal About 24 per cent of the poultry feed samples tested during the period from January to July 1999 were contaminated with aflatoxin quantitatively ranging from 20 to 200 ppb. The results of the present study shows that even at 20 ppb aflatoxin causes cellular and subcellular damage to the tissues. However, the economic loss at this level was marginal when compared to higher dose levels. Hence 20 ppb can be considered as permissible level in broiler chicken feed.ThesisItem Open Access Dermatological disorders in dogs(Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Madhu Rajan, Mathews; KAU; Aleyas, N MFifty dermatological diseases in dogs presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Kokkalai and Veterinary College Hospital, Mannuthy were systematically investigated to find out the etiology. The results indicated that the conditions were mostly caused by bacteria and ectoparasites (42% each) and only a small proportion was caused by fungi (4%) and other factors (12%). Sixteen different clinical conditions were identified viz, Superficial Bacterial Folliculitis, Impetigo, German Shepherd Pyoderma, Furunculosis, Infantile Pustular Dermatoses, Localised Demodicosis, Generalised Demodicosis, Flea Bite Hypersensitivity, Flea Bite Dermatitis, Tick infestation, Pediculosis, Dermatophytosis, Dermatomycosis produced by non-dermatophyte, Callus Pyoderma, Telogen Defluxion, Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Lentigo. Among the dogs which were investigated, non-descript ones were mostly affected probably due to lesser care and attention given to them. The results suggested that animals kept full time indoor or outdoor were almost equally affected whereas animals reared under semi intensive system were less prone to dermatological diseases. In almost all conditions secondary lesions were predominant than pnmary lesions probably. due to the delay in medical attention. The only condition, with primary lesions alone, was lentigo. Lesions of bacterial dermatitis were predominant in the abdomen, hind legs and trunk. In dermatophytosis, ear, trunk and hind legs were affected, where as in dermatomycosis, head, trunk, hind legs and fore legs were affected. The lesions produced by ectoparasites were mostly in the back followed by trunk and fore legs. No characteristic distribution of lesions could be detected in other conditions; with an exception of callus pyoderma in which lesions were seen at the pressure points. The ditferent clinical bacterial dermatitis were produced by Staphylococcus intermedius. Ectoparasitic conditions were mostly produced by Demodex canis, followed by fleas, ticks and lice. Some cases of the ectoparasitic conditions developed secondary bacterial infection with S. intermedius. There were four clinical conditions, namely callus pyoderma, telogen defluxion, irritant contact dermatitis and lentigo caused by factors other than bacteria, fungi and ectoparasites. The haernatological and serum biochemical parameters studied did not suggest any systemic diseases. A significant reduction in haemoglobin level was noticed in impetigo, generalised dernodicosis and flea bite hypersensitivity. RBC counts were significantly reduced in impetigo and folliculitis. The total leukocyte count showed significant difference from that of control animals, in conditions such as folliculitis, German Shepherd Pyoderma, furunculosis, localised demodicosis, generalised demodicosis, flea bite hypersensitivity, flea bite dermatitis, tick infestation and callus pyoderma; suggesting primary or secondary bacterial infections.ThesisItem Open Access Impact of calf feed subsidy scheme on farm women(Department of Extension, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Reeja George, Pulinilkunnathil; KAU; Subhadra, M RThe impact of the calf feed subsidy scheme, a continuing dairy development scheme of the Animal Husbandry Department, Kerala, on farm women in terms of behavioural changes in the areas of attitude, knowledge and extent of adoption regarding scientific calf and dairy management practices was assessed. A static group comparison design of research was adopted. The study was carried out in Thrissur district of Kerala state, among 75 each of beneficiary and and non-beneficiary women. The non-beneficiary group served as the control. Comparison was made on 11 variables and since it was required to know differences in the attitude towards scientific calf rearing, knowledge of scientific calf rearing, extent of adoption of calf rearing as well as dairy farming technologies between beneficiary and non-beneficiary groups and since ready to use measuring scales were not available to measure these variables, suitable scales were developed. In general, beneficiary women differed significantly in their attitude, knowledge and extent of adoption of scientific calf rearing and dairy farming technologies indicating the positive impact of the scheme. However certain deficiency areas were identified which need immediate educational intervention. For instance, most beneficiary women did not have correct knowledge regarding early breeding as well as etiology of infertility; two-third' had not adopted these technologies as well. Many of beneficiary women did not have correct knowledge of the schedule of foot and mouth disease vaccination as well as deworming and a majority had either discontinued or not adopted these technologies. Fewer women had correct knowledge of the amounts of green fodder and ration to be fed to heifers, dry animals and those pregnant: adoption of these technologies was substantially low. Knowledge and adoption of the correct procedure of ligation of navel cord was one low. None of the beneficiaries had adopted post milking teat dipping while a few had adopted record keeping. Nearly half of the beneficiaries had not adopted the practice of quick reporting of out breaks and had either not adopted or discontinued technologies pertaining to flooring and drainage in cattle sheds. Two-third had not adopted the practice of culling bull calves at the right time. To make up these deficiencies, intensive extension educational measures are to be organised under the auspices of the scheme. In all such instances, women participatory programs need emphasis. Attitude building exercises, demonstrations etc wherever required should be organised and followed up.ThesisItem Open Access Analysis of the human resource development climate prevailing in Kerala agricultural university(Department of Extension, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Senthilkumar, R; KAU; Rajakamal, P JThe HRD climate prevailing in the Kerala Agricultural University and as perceived by its scientists was studied. In all, 262 scientists from main, regional and remote stations constituted the sample. The HRD climate studied was in terms of 12 major constituent dimensions, viz., management philosophy, training, career planning and development, manpower planning and forecasting, performance appraisal communication, team work, transfer, promotion, rewards and organizational culture. It was seen that organizational culture had been identified as the relatively most dominant dimension of HRD climate followed in that order by teamwork, transfer, management philosophy, communication, career planning and development, placement, rewards, performance appraisal, promotion, training, and manpower planning and forecasting. Manpower planning and forecasting being the weakest dimension need immediate intervention. Besides looking into the strength of various dimensions and components the issue of HRD climate was examined from the angle of the number of scientists perceiving it as favourable, moderately favourable and unfavourable. Considering only the percentage of scientists who perceived the various dimensions to be favourable, the latter were ordered. Accordingly, it was seen that comparatively the highest percentage of scientists perceived the dimension transfer to be favourable followed in that order by teamwork, placement, communication, organizational culture, career planning and development, rewards, manpower planning and forecasting, management philosophy, training, promotion and performance appraisal. Since the percentage of scientists perceiving the HRD dimension, performance appraisal to be favourable was the least, immediate reformative measures are warranted. It was also seen that there was a differential perception of the HRD climate between certain groups. For instance, men and women scientists perceived the HRD climate differently. The scientists of regional and remote stations perceived the HRD climate differently from those of main stations. Similarly, the perception of HRD climate differed between professors and associate professors and between associate professors and assistant professors (S.G). A more comprehensive study on the nature and cause of such perceptual differences is very essential. This shall be an objective of future research.
