Category Archives: Science & Technology

Dr. Kalam optimistic of permanent cure to diabetes in three years

April 9, 2015Leaders, Science & Technologympositiveone@gmail.com

Like pacemaker, a Bionic Pancreas device for diabetics by 2017

Mysuru :

Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam said that a permanent cure would be found to diabetes in three years.

Speaking at the recently held valedictory of Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) Golden Jubilee celebrations here, the former President hailed the stem cell research by Harvard University which led to the production of insulin secreting beta cells in the pancreas.

He said it was one of the breakthroughs in modern day science.

Dr. Kalam said that scientists had successfully managed to produce insulin generating beta cell, which could provide permanent cure for diabetes that has troubled majority of population across the world.

He also added that studies were still on to know the reasons for the pancreatic cells to stop producing insulin.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (formerly called juvenile-onset or insulin-dependent diabetes), accounts for 5 to 10 out of 100 people who have diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, eventually eliminating insulin production from the body. Without insulin, cells cannot absorb sugar (glucose), which they need to produce energy.

Type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes) can develop at any age. It most commonly becomes apparent during adulthood. But type 2 diabetes in children is rising.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for the vast majority of people who have diabetes — 90 to 95 out of 100 people. In type 2 diabetes, the body isn’t able to use insulin the right way. This is called insulin resistance. As type 2 diabetes gets worse, the pancreas may make less and less insulin. This is called insulin deficiency.

US device to overcome diabetes

Ed Damiano, a professor of biomedical engineering at Boston University, has made it his mission to build a portable, wearable Bionic Pancreas, a device he hopes to have on the market as early as 2017, when David, his son, is set to go off to college.

David was diagnosed for Type 1 diabetes when he was two-months-old by Dr. Toby Milgrome, his mother.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Friday – April 03rd, 2015

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam call for Culture of Excellence

April 6, 2015Education, Leaders, Science & Technologympositiveone@gmail.com

Ignites young minds at the valedictory of SJCE Golden Jubilee celebration

Former President and Scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (second from left) is seen at the valedictory function of the Golden Jubilee celebration of SJCE in city this morning. Others seen are (from left) Mayor R. Lingappa; Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Education Minister R.V. Deshpande, MLA Vasu and MUDA Chairman K.R. Mohan Kumar.

Mysuru :

There was an unprecedented cheering as he stepped on the dais. His modest appearance, humility and a compassionate smile made an indelible mark on the minds of the young and the old present at the valedictory function of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) here this morning. Former President of India and Scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s presence on the stage was both emphatic and enigmatic.

In his valedictory address, Dr. Abdul Kalam urged the youth of the country to “go beyond religion, region and nationality” and “take up the collective task of overcoming hatred through policy, products, people and ideas.”

He lauded the efforts of SJCE in delivering a robust educational service and for shaping the young minds.

Addressing the students, Dr. Kalam spoke on the topic, ‘Technology and Societal Transformation.’ He opined that what had worked yesterday would not work today and called for a “Culture of Excellence” driven by innovation and creativity. He asked the students not to be deterred by failure and emphasised on the power of knowledge to change the society on the whole.

Dr. Kalam, due to his tight schedule, was not able to interact with the students. However, he asked them to mail their opinions about the question: What do you like to be remembered for?

He asked whether the students wanted to be remembered for their invention, innovation, discovery and the like or was it anything else. He has asked them to mail their opinions to: apj@abdulkalam.com and said that he would present books to the best opinion among the lot.

Speaking on the occasion, Suttur Mutt Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji said that SJCE is one of the leading technological colleges in the country and acknowledged the efforts of everyone who had been a part of the college over the past 50 years.

Minister for Higher Education and Tourism R.V. Deshpande presided. Mayor R. Lingappa, MLA Vasu, JSS Mahavidyapeetha Executive Secretary B.N. Betkerur, Director (Technical Education) Prof. M.H. Dhananjaya, JSS University VC Dr. B. Suresh, MUDA Chairman K.R. Mohan Kumar and SJCE Principal Dr. Syed Shakeeb-Ur-Rahman were present.

A rare occasion for Ronaldo

It was a dream-come-true for Ronaldo Laishram, a Manipuri student studying Computer Science Engineering at SJCE, when he was called on stage and was honoured by his idol Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Laishram is credited for discovering Main Belt Asteroid ‘MAUR 397,’ as part of All India Asteroid Search Campaign (AIASC) in December, 2014. Ronaldo and his team — Team Salonivia Conquerors — using exclusive data to look at specific parts of the sky and a complex procedure called “Astrometrica,” tracked objects by looking at the images of the sky provided by a telescope based in the US to see which of the objects moving over time could be a possible asteroid. An elated and excited Laishram sought the blessings of Dr. Kalam by falling at his feet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday, March 31st, 2015

Telangana govt to fund Old City woman’s pilot training

April 5, 2015Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Science & Technology, Transportmpositiveone@gmail.com

Hyderabad :

The Telangana government is all set to give wings to a girl from the Old City. Poised for flight, Salwa Fatima, who is the first pilot from purana shahar, will be given Rs 35.5 lakh so as to enable her to soar the skies, this time, in a multi-engine aircraft.

Highly placed sources told STOI on Saturday that the chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has sanctioned the funds. A government order (GO) will be issued to the effect next week.

“Taking a keen interest, the CM has treated the case of Salwa Fatima as a “special case,” said Syed Omar Jaleel , special secretary, minorities welfare department. Describing Salwa as a “young girl who shows immense promise”, he added, “The funds will be released in two instalments. They will be given directly to the aviation school where Salwa will be studying. The GO will be released soon.” There exists a precedent of the government granting aid to an individual – to a boy from the SC community, Jaleel observed.

Thanks to the large heartedness of philanthropists, family and her own unbending resolve, Salwa, who already has a commercial pilot license to fly a single engine aircraft, has already clocked over 200 hours of flying. And as a logical conclusion, she wants to upgrade her flying skills to multi-engine aircraft. “In order to do this, I will have to take two courses: the multiengine rating and a specialisation course called type rating. For the former, I will need to have 15 hours of flying in a multiengine aircraft and 10 hours of simulation. The latter will enable me to fly an airbus,” she says. She is still unaware of the CM giving his assent to the release of funds.

The girl, who is a healthy blend of the traditional and the modern, says that she has shortlisted the GMR Aviation Academy and the Telangana State Aviation Academy as her preferred flying schools. “Both courses put together will entail expenses of around Rs 35 lakh,” she says.

Positive about support from her in-laws, she continues, “My husband and in-laws are in fact supportive of my aspirations. There is a tradition of women working here. In fact, my parents wanted me to go to a family which encourages me to work.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / by Syed Mohammed, TNN / March 22nd, 2015

Wipro hires ex-TCS executive as COO

March 17, 2015Business & Economy, Leaders, Science & Technology, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

Global software major Wipro Ltd on Monday appointed former TCS honcho Abid Ali Neemuchwala as its group president and chief operating officer from April 1.

“Abid will head service lines of global infrastructure, business application, business process and advanced technology solutions,” the company said in a statement here.

Abid headed the business process services (back office operations) of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and held leadership positions during his 23-year career in the IT bellwether.

“Abid brings invaluable experience with his track record of building and scaling businesses. I am confident his understanding of technology and expertise in IT & BPS will help power our businesses to greater heights,” Wipro chief executive T.K. Kurien said.

A chess buff, Abid is an electronics & communication engineer from NIT, Raipur in Chhattisgarh and has masters in industrial management from IIT, Mumbai.

“I am honoured to join Wipro, a company with a rich heritage of technology innovation and unflinching commitment to values. I look forward to contributing towards the company’s next phase of growth,” he said from Dallas in US’ Texas state, where he lives with family.

Abid will also head business operations, geographies comprising continental Europe, Africa, Latin America, strategic engagements, advisor relationships and marketing function.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Business / IANS / Bengaluru – March 16th, 2015

BMCRI Achievers Toast Their Success

March 2, 2015Education, Science & Technologympositiveone@gmail.com

Bangalore Medical College students exulting during the convocation at the institute on Sunday I NAGESH POLALI

Bengaluru :

“I want to serve my nation that has given me an identity as a doctor,” said Dr Gowra Chattannavar, who received five gold medals at the convocation ceremony held by Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute for the 2009 batch MBBS students on Sunday.

She secured gold medals in biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, general medicine and pediatrics.

Dr Kishen Rao, who hails from Sullia, received the best outgoing student award in sports category. He said, “Now I want to pursue my IAS exam to serve my people and make my poor parents proud of me.”

Dr P K Devadas, dean, Bangalore Medical College and Research, said a trauma centre at Victoria Hospital will become operational from next month. The disaster management unit would be the first in the state, and would have 40 beds for disaster management and 40 beds for intensive care.

Dr Devadas congratulated the 150 graduates and asked them to serve patients without any bias. He said BMCRI has already started the construction of a new seven-storey complex, which will have all the latest facilities including a food court and gym. This will be at a cost of `130 crore.

Medical Education Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil said more than the students, parents should be congratulated for taking the pain to educate their children.

Dr S S Harsoor, director of medical education, Dr T K Ramesh, director of Minto Eye Hospital, Dr Syed Iqbalulla Khadri, medical superintendent of Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, Dr Girish, special officer of PMSSY Hospital, Dr I Durganna, medical superintendent of Victoria Hospital, and Dr Gangadhar Velvadi, medical superintendent of Vani Vilas Hospital were present.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / March 02nd, 2015

Research vessel flagged off from Malpe

February 24, 2015Business & Economy, Science & Technology, Transport, Travel & Tourismmpositiveone@gmail.com

Geo technical research vessel Fugro Scout setting sail amid cheers at Malpe fisheries harbour in Udupi on Monday.

The state-of-the-art Geo Technical Research Vessel (GTRV) ‘Fugro Scout’ manufactured by Tebma Shipyards Ltd. set sail to Singapore via New Mangalore Port from Malpe fisheries harbour here on Monday.

The company constructed the GTRV in 18 months and delivered it to The Netherlands-based company Fugro here. The Fugro Scout has been registered in Panama and will function under its flag. It was constructed at a cost of Rs. 240 crore.

The vessel is a mini-drill ship capable of drawing soil samples up to 3 km below the sea bed for exploration of oil, natural gas and other resources. When the vessel was flagged off by Pramod Madhwaraj, MLA, there was a loud applause, lot of cheering and waving of hands.

P. Aboobacker, Vice President – Operations, Tebma Shipyards, said the entire ship was constructed at its shipyard here. Since beginning operations in Malpe port in 2008, the company had built 18 vessels.

These 18 vessels included 10 tugs for the Indian Navy, while the remaining vessels were built for commercial purposes. “This is the second GTRV we have built for Fugro. The first one – ‘Fugro Voyager’, was awarded the ‘Best Research Vessel of 2014’ by the magazine ‘Work Boat World’,” he said.

Efficient ship

The Fugro Scout is powered by diesel electrical propulsion systems driven by active front-end drives for best fuel efficient operation. The vessel has an automated pipe and tool-handling equipment to promote safe drilling floor operations for sea bed sampling and testing.

Graeme Alexander, Project Director of GTRVs, Fugro, said the Fugro Scout would start its work in Vietnam in May. Then it was expected to sail to Iceland.

Mr. Madhwaraj said Tebma Shipyards had donated Rs. 1.10 crore for the construction of slipway for the third stage of Malpe fisheries harbour. “We want the company to do more for the fishermen here under their corporate social responsibility schemes,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Ganesh Prabhu / Udupi – February 24th, 2015

CORRIDORS OF POWER – People queue up to see Abdul Kalam

February 18, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Science & Technologympositiveone@gmail.com

When he visited his friend in Madurai, people waited patiently to cheer him and lined up on the road when he left

Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is known for visiting Madurai with a packed schedule as he goes about attending functions at schools, colleges and hospitals in and around the district. And his two-day visit to the Temple city on Friday and Saturday was no exception. Yet, the octogenarian found time to pay a visit to his former ISRO colleague D. Narayanamoorthy’s modest house at Vishwanathapuram fourth street in the city and spent almost an hour enquiring about the health of the former’s 94-year-old father N. Devarajan, who had been suffering from age-related ailments. Though the police had cordoned off the entire locality and prevented vehicular movement, a large number of people gathered outside the house to take a glimpse of the former President. Mr. Kalam entered the house at around 9.20 p.m. and emerged out only at 10.15 p.m. but the crowd waited patiently to cheer him with loud roars, whistles and claps. Then the people lined up on both sides of the road as his convoy passed through with Mr. Kalam waving to the crowd enthusiastically from the brightly lit backseat of an Ambassador car. Mr. Devarajan’s other son D. Sachidanandam said that Mr. Kalam had a great regard and admiration for his father, a retired BSNL engineer. “This is his second visit to our house. Though we did not inform anybody about the visit, people gathered up on seeing the presence of huge posse of policemen and the mobile metal detectors that were placed in our house.”

Media persons who had assembled for a press briefing by the Collector and District Election Officer in Tiruchi last week were surprised when V.Manoharan, who was shifted as the Returning Officer and Revenue Divisional Officer of Srirangam ahead of the by-election, walked in for a brief and informal interaction. The previous evening, the Election Commission had appointed T.G.Vinay, an IAS officer, in his place. With a disarming smile and folded hands, Mr.Manoharan told the reporters that he just wanted to thank all the reporters for their cooperation and coverage of the by-election related news. “I am moving out now, but wish to thank you all. I have no complaints,” he said, without any hint of rancour.

Sticklers for rules in the University of Madras may regret the resignation of the Head of the Department of Management Studies, a member of the university Syndicate a fortnight ago.

The professor, who turned 60 some months ago, was to retire in June as is the University norm. One of the few Syndicate members who ensured that laws and rules governing the university were followed in letter and spirit, he was respected for his knowledge of the statutes.

In the past several years he along with another senior professor questioned the University’s decisions to appoint heads of departments. With another Syndicate election coming up in a few weeks the University circles wonder if the associations will nominate persons who will take forward his legacy of checking violations.

( Mohammed Imranullah S, S. Ganesan, Syed Muthahar Saqaf )

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / February 16th, 2015

Can El-Fateh claim victory for the city?

February 17, 2015Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education, Science & Technology, Sports, Travel & Tourismmpositiveone@gmail.com

Students showcase the All Terrain Vehicle, made using a 305cc Briggs and Stratton engine, at the Muffakkam Jah College of Engineering and Technology on Monday. Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

The All Terrain Vehicle, engineered by 25 students of Muffakkam Jah College of Engineering and Technology, will now compete on an international platform

In all of three months, 25 students of a city engineering college toiled to come up with a fine product. Their All Terrain Vehicle, named El-Fateh, will now compete on an international platform and vie for top honours.

Crafted by students of mechanical and production engineering students at Muffakkam Jah College of Engineering and Technology (MJCET), the ATV has been selected for Mahindra BAJA SAIENDIA, which will be held in Indore later this month.

Weighing about 270 kg, the ATV can cover 100 feet in 4.03 seconds and has a top speed of 52 km/hr. It uses a 305cc Briggs and Stratton engine, producing a torque of 19.5Nm, which is mated to an Alfa Mahindra transmission. Students involved in the project say the vehicle also has a first-of-its-kind mechanical paddle shifting mechanism, which is aimed at smoother shifts and ease of driving.

“This is a great practical experience for the students and they did a good job. We are confident of doing well in the event,” said Mohd. Viquar Mohiuddin, faculty advisor to the project.

“We spent 14 to 16 hours in the college every day for the last few months. There were times when we even slept in the college premises to complete the deadline of building the vehicle,” said Abdullah Zakria, a final-year mechanical engineering student.

Outlining the vehicle’s strong points, the team’s captain Mohd. Abdul Haq said, “One of the eligibility requirements was that the vehicle has to climb an inclination of 27 degrees but we managed to drive it over step sand boulders with about 40 degrees inclination.”

Cost Rs.4 lakh

The vehicle costs, which amounted to around Rs.4 lakh, and other expenses were borne by the college and private sponsors.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Staff Reporter / Hyderabad – February 17th, 2015