Category Archives: Science & Technology

A home turns power-generating station in Bengaluru

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology

A house in HSR Layout has become the first and smallest solar power-generating station in the country after the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the house owner on Monday.

SolarBF19nov2014

The residence of Lalitha Shankaranarayana now generates about eight units of solar power per day and can export up to five units per day to the grid, on a sunny day.

After years of delay and debate, Bescom has now taken a big leap in encouraging micro-power producers by signing an agreement with Lalitha on November 17.

With this, Bescom, too, has become the first electricity supply company in the country to encourage green energy production in households by entering into a full-fledged PPA.

“The implementation of the rooftop power plant has been delayed for a long time, but this is a significant step and the Bescom is credit-worthy,” said Ravi Shankar Satyanarayana, son-in-law of Lalitha, an IITian and the person responsible for setting up the plant.

According to the agreement, the household will supply power at a cost of Rs 9.56 per unit as fixed by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission. Bescom has agreed to procure power from the house for 25 years. The agreement can be terminated at the will of the seller.

To encourage more people, Bescom has said it will pay interest to the sellers, if it fails to credit the money for power supplied within 30 days of pumping energy into the grid. House owners can also lease out their rooftops for generation of solar energy.

The house has solar power plant with a generating capacity of two kilowatts. It was taken up as a pilot project by Bescom in 2011.

The power supplied free of cost to the grid was produced using nano rooftop solar photovoltaic systems.

After the first PPA, Bescom on Tuesday signed four more PPAs with homeowners in Bengaluru, where pilot projects were taken up in 2013.

Pankaj Kumar Pandey, managing director, Bescom, told Deccan Herald that they hope to add at least five megawatt of power by end of the financial year.  “The response is good and we already have 120 applications till Monday. People in the City being more green conscious are collecting more applications,” Pandey said.

With the City still growing and receiving 300 days of sunshine, there is potential to generate solar power through rooftop plants, he said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City / by Subhash Chandra NS, Bengaluru / DHNS – November 18th, 2014

Manipal Varsity faculty’s proposal adjudged best at MIT

Education, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Pradeep Kini, Associate Professor at Faculty of Architecture, Manipal University, Manipal, with Prof. Thomas W. Malone, Director, Center for Collective Intelligence, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Prof. Harvey Michaels, Research Director of Energy Efficiency Practice and Innovation, MIT at the Crowds and Climate Conference at MIT earlier this month / The Hindu
Pradeep Kini, Associate Professor at Faculty of Architecture, Manipal University, Manipal, with Prof. Thomas W. Malone, Director, Center for Collective Intelligence, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Prof. Harvey Michaels, Research Director of Energy Efficiency Practice and Innovation, MIT at the Crowds and Climate Conference at MIT earlier this month / The Hindu

Pradeep Kini, Associate Professor at Faculty of Architecture, Manipal University, carved a niche for himself by winning the Judges Choice Award in the ClimateColab Buildings contest conducted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, U.S.A.

According to a press release issued by Manipal University here on Saturday, Prof. Kini received the award from Prof. Thomas W. Malone, Director, Center for Collective Intelligence, Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology at the Crowds and Climate Conference held at MIT earlier this month.

Prof. Kini took the opportunity to discuss with several industry experts, policy makers and academicians on ways to implement the proposal on the development of climate responsive smart building in India. His proposal was adjudged winner from 600 entries that were evaluated in several rounds by the judges.

Prof. Kini is working on a tool to optimize the fenestration systems of buildings in the proposed smart cities in India. It will help fenestration to be more energy efficient while considering the lifecycle costs for wider applicability.

The proposed tool considers the various climatic zone design parameters while recommending the optimal fenestration assembly for the buildings designed in developing nations.

The tool once developed will have a positive impact on energy usage in the energy intensive commercial building sector.

Prof. Kini completed his Masters in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2002 and has worked on several commercial, residential and hospitality projects in USA and India. He is a USGBC LEED accredited professional, the release said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Ganesh Prabhu / Manipal – November 16th, 2014

AIISH to host National Symposium on Acoustics from tomorrow

Education, Science & Technology, World Opinion

 

Dr. Katoch and Dr. Aatre
Dr. Katoch and Dr. Aatre

Mysuru :

All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, in its Golden Jubilee year, is hosting the annual symposium of Acoustical Society of India — Acoustics 2014 — from Nov. 12 to 14.

The inaugural function will be held at 9.30 am on Nov. 12 at AIISH Seminar Hall, Knowledge Park, Manasagangotri. Dr. Vishwa Mohan Katoch, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi and Padma Bhushan Dr. V.K. Aatre, former Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister and former Director General, DRDO, Government of India, will be the chief guests.

Prof. K.S. Rangappa, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore, will be the guest of honour. Dr. S.R. Savithri, Director, AIISH and Dr. V. Rajendran, President, Acoustical Society of India, will be present.

The theme of this year’s symposium is “Acoustics for better speech.” The objective of this symposium is to have a deep insight on the acoustic activities in the country and to trigger future research activities in this field. The symposium would be attended by more than 250 Indian and few foreign participants who are researchers, acoustical experts, students and practicing specialists.

Prof. Ajish K. Abraham, convener of the symposium, said that there will be four plenary talks, four invited talks and two memorial lectures. In all, 65 research papers would be presented at the symposium.

Profile of the guests

Dr. Vishwa Mohan Katoch is the Founder Secretary of Department of Health Research, Government of India and has made significant contributions towards medical research in the country. As a developer of modern methods of rapid diagnosis of TB, leprosy, DNA chips, DNA finger printing methods etc., he has contributed to expansion of mandate of JALMA from leprosy to all mycobacterial diseases.

Padma Bhushan Dr. V.K. Aatre has served DRDO in various capacities as Chief Controller, Director General and Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister George Fernandes. He was awarded Padma Bhushan award in 2000 by the then President K.R. Narayanan. After his retirement in 2004, he is working as Prof. Emeritus at Department of Electrical Communication, Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bangalore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday , November 11th, 2014

 

Prof. Shivram Malavalli on Advisory Board of IDBR

Education, Leaders, Science & Technology, Uncategorized

ProfShivramBF17nov2014

Mysuru :

Prof. Shivaram Malavalli, ýResident Chairman of San Francisco – Bangalore Sister City Initiative, has been invited to serve on the Advisory Board of Institute for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Research (IDBR) Bangalore, along with Dr. Michael Repka, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Mississippi, USA and Dr. Howard Maibach, Professor-Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA by Dr. S. Narasimha Murthy, Founder-Director, Associate Professor-Pharmaceutics, The University of Mississippi, USA.

Institute for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Research (IDBR) is a non-profit research organisation set up to conduct interdisciplinary and advanced research on innovative drug delivery and novel treatment methods. One of the goals of IDBR is to act as a platform for Industry-Academia collaborations. IDBR is open for collaborations with renowned academic institutions, industries and research organisations.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday , November 11th, 2014

Dr. P.R. Kulkarni passes away

Education, Leaders, Science & Technology

KulkarniBF17nov2014

Mysuru :

Dr. P. R. Kulkarni (90), formerly Professor of ENT and Director of All India Institute of Speech & Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, breathed his last early this morning at his residence in Sankalp Central Park, Yadavagiri.

Dr. Kulkarni, who had established the Sankalp Hospital (now defunct) in Yadavagiri, was also the Founder-President of Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club (JWGC) and a Rotarian. He leaves behind his wife Dr. Lalit Kulkarni, son Srirang, daughter Vrinda and grand children Vinay, Deepali, Neha and Priyanka.

Last rites took place this noon at the foot of Chamundi Hill.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday , November 11th, 2014

Mangalore University launches Global Documents Verification System for marks list, certificates

Education, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Mangaluru :

Mangalore University on Wednesday launched the global document verification system for certificate and mark list making it the first state university in Karnataka to do so. The system will enable the University to bring to students and global alumni of the university various advantages. This includes faster verification, cost effective, transparent and efficient, prevents document frauds, facilitates single platform for multiple verification requests.

In addition, it offers paperless verification of degrees/mark sheets online. It is also a onetime verification option with multiple download options and ensures highly secure data privacy and has been developed by Myeasydocs.com. To verify Mangalore University issued certificates or mark lists, alumnus or any other document user only needs to upload the said documents at www.mangaloreuniversity.directverify.in and make an online payment.

University will verify credentials of uploaded certificate/ mark list with its records. On completion, an email with link of verified document will be sent to requesting party. To ensure high security, system uses internationally approved system data privacy encryption technologies and reliability processes. These include logins, one time password, automatic embedding of verifier credentials and verification result onto the certificate/marks list to leave an audit trail.

www.Mangaloreuniversity.directverify.in has been launched because of numerous fake documents that are reported and have hampered credibility of various institutions thereby rendering the certificates issued to students to lose their value. Mangalore University’s participation in the paperless verification mechanism will curtail the fake document menace and most importantly, ensure credibility of Mangalore University’s certificates and mark lists. System will also facilitate interlinking of various institutions and universities enabling expeditious admissions of student from different institutions. The Greens will also have a reason to cheer for as this e-governance drive will reduce use of paper and exchange of couriers. This internet based system is a one stop solution to government, citizens and university officials and opens up possibilities of location-independent and instantaneous transactions.

The system blocks data theft and use of fraudulent documents that are potential threats to national security, saves stakeholders a lot of time and effort spent in first getting their documents and then having them attested by third parties and helps university officials/authorities from managing huge repositories of papers. The system has been implemented as part of technology transfer from Myeasydocs.com, a company incubated by IIT Madras and supported by their department of management studies and department of computer science and engineering.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mangaluru / by Jaideep Shenoy, TNN / November 12th, 2014

City’s Institution of Engineers now powered by Solar Energy

Green Initiatives / Environment, Science & Technology

SolarBF12nov2014

Mysuru :

The much-delayed project to make Mysuru a model solar city is gearing up slowly though not steadily since past 5 years. Street lights and other solar projects are being taken up by the MCC to make the city environment-friendly. Adding to the lineup, Chief Minister Siddharamaiah inaugurated the solar power plant yesterday at the Institution of Engineers (IE) in city.

The Institution, to mark its Golden Jubilee year 2014 – 15, has come up with a 10 KW Solar Power Plant under the Model Solar City Programme of National Solar Mission Programme of National Climate Change action plan.

Speaking to SOM, Dr. T.H. Udayashankara, Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering and also the present Chairman of the Institution, said that there could be no other way to mark the Golden Jubilee year of the institution.

“This is the first ever solar project in city which comes directly under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Subsidy programme. There are 42 solar panels on the roof of the building which provides uninterrupted power supply to 60 batteries of each having a capacity of 300 Ah,” Udayashankara added while explaining about the solar power plant.

M. Lakshmana, the past Chairman of IE, who was also present on the occasion told SOM that they were really proud to be part of this Model Solar City Programme. “It took nearly 12 – 14 months to come up with this solar power project. It will be helping us in reducing nearly 80% of our power consumption,” he added.

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. Engineer Dinesh Kumar said that the whole project was undertaken by MRO-Tek of Bengaluru at a cost of Rs. 19 lakh and Rs.5.70 lakh was subsidised by the MNRE.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General  News / Thursday, November 06th, 2014

Bengaluru scientists develop nano drug for osteoporosis

Education, Records, All, Science & Technology

Bengaluru :

A nano drug and mega relief for those niggling joint pains? In a novel development, a team of engineers and pharmacologists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy has come up with nano particles that can stimulate growth of bone-forming cells and deliver the drug used for osteoporosis.

Quoting various studies, the team pointed out that at least nine million bone fractures occur annually due to osteoporosis, a progressive bone disease in which the bone loses both its mass and density.

“Current treatment regimes involve restricting further bone damage, but not restoring previous strength. Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is the commonly used drug. It has successfully reduced risk of fracture in postmenopausal women. However, its prolonged use can cause several adverse effects like unwanted bone changes,” the team said.

The team has now come up with a modified ZOL drug, proven effective in treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. What makes this novel mode of treatment even more special is the use of nano particles for drug delivery. These are made of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA). HA is naturally present in our bodies: it makes up bone mineral and the matrix of teeth and stimulates bone-forming cells.

“We’ve designed a new formulation, where the ZOL is first adsorbed on nano particles of hydroxyapatite and carried to osteoporotic bone by intravenous injection,” said Deepak Kumar Khajuria, lead author of the team. The team has been able to demonstrate successfully that this formulation not only prevents further bone loss, but also stimulates bone growth, he added.

The team used 12-week-old female rats, whose ovaries were removed so that bone remodelling would not occur. Various doses of HA, ZOL and a combination of both were tested on the rats. Three months after the treatment, the lumbar vertebra and femur (thigh bone) was tested for mechanical properties. Both showed better strength and structure after the combined treatment.

JOINT EFFORT

* IISc-Al Ameen team modifies Zoledronic acid, common drug for osteoporosis

* Team develops nano particles as carriers of the drug

* Nano particles are made of synthetic hydroxyapatite

* New ZOL drug prevents bone loss, stimulates its growth, claims team

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bengaluru / TNN / November 11th, 2014

‘Vocational Training has a bright Future’

Education, Science & Technology

Says Syed Amanulla, ‘National Brand Ambassador’ from Mysuru

Amanulla is seen receiving the award from Alok Kumar, Director General of Employment and Training, Ministry of Labour & Employment, GOI.
Amanulla is seen receiving the award from Alok Kumar, Director General of Employment and Training, Ministry of Labour & Employment, GOI.

As a general trend, pass-outs from education system do not take admission in ITIs as their first choice. They mostly end up in ITI after exhausting all other options for higher education. This is because the blue collar work is not respected and regarded in society. But there are many who have excelled professionally after passing ITI.

Meet A. Syed Amanulla, who passed ITI course in ‘Fitter’ trade in the year 1975 at his native, Kolar Gold Fields. He is presently serving as Principal-cum-Deputy Director of Government ITI, Srirangapatna. He was awarded ‘National Brand Ambassador of Vocational Training-2014’ in the Service Sector (Salaried Employee) by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, at a National-level Programme held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Oct.16, 2014 for his exceptional achievements and excellence in Vocational Training. He received the award from Alok Kumar, Director-General, Department of Employment and Training, New Delhi and was honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After passing ITI and getting a job, Amanulla did not stop his education. Along with his job, he completed Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and B.E, both with a first class by attending evening college. He is an example for the saying “Education has nothing to do with age” because at the age of 50, he did his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Throughout his education, he has been a topper and received many merit scholarships.

Amanulla is married to Shaheen. He has two children, who are married and well settled in Bangalore. Amanulla resides in Rajivnagar, Mysuru, with his mother and wife.

Star of Mysore caught up with this ‘Brand Ambassador’ and spoke to him regarding vocational training sector and his professional achievements. Excerpts…

by Arafat Ahmed Aizaz

SOM: What got you the ‘National Brand Ambassador of Vocational Training-2014’ award?

Amanulla: I have provided 100% placement to all my students who have passed ITI course. They are working in reputed firms and drawing high salaries. I am in good terms with companies and factories in India as well as abroad because of which they contact me to get ITI pass-outs for their firms. My students are highly skilled and sought after by the companies. I have consistently maintained pass percentage of 95% at Government ITI, Srirangapatna. I have personally met wealthy people and NGOs and made them to donate for poor meritorious students of Government ITI, Srirangapatna. Regarding my career success, academically I have grown from ITI-level to Master degree and professionally from Instructor to Deputy Director. Considering all these achievements, the Government has honoured me with the ‘National Brand Ambassador of Vocational Training-2014.’

SOM: Recently you were featured in Doordarshan Channel. Tell us about it.

Amanulla: Doordarshan TV channel crew had come all the way from Delhi to Mysuru to interview me on my achievements. The interview was telecast in DD’s ‘Hunarbaaz’ programme on Aug. 31, 2014.

SOM: What are your other achievements?

Amanulla: I was selected as Hajj Officer by Ministry of External Affairs during 2001-02 and 2005-06; I was appointed as Wakf Board Administrator in Hassan district. I was also honoured with “Eminent Engineer Award” by the Institution of Engineers (India) on Sept.15, 2013 during 46th Engineer’s Day. I have met Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at his office in the year 2006, when he was the President of India and apprised him about improving Vocational Training in India.

SOM: Do Vocational Training (ITI) pass-outs have better career opportunities?

Amanulla: Yes. Just by studying for two years after 10th, ITI pass-outs can get jobs in both Government and Private sectors. They can even establish their own Industries. ITI pass-outs get jobs quickly because of shortage of skilled labour in India. After ITI, along with earning through a full-time job during day, one can upgrade his qualification by pursuing courses such as diploma in Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering in evening colleges.

SOM: Even PU course pass-outs can get jobs. What advantage does ITI have over PUC (12th)?

Amanulla: Blue-collar job requirement for any industry is more compared to white-collar jobs. For example in a factory, there will be hundreds of workers who indulge in production but there will be few Administrative staff. Blue-collars’ salaries are high these days because there is shortage of workers of this class. So, ITI pass-outs have an edge over Pre-University Course (12th standard) pass-outs. And even promotion chances are more for blue-collar jobs.

SOM: Usually in Government ITIs, faculties are not punctual. You being the Principal-cum-Deputy Director of Government ITI, how do you check on their attendance and discipline?

Amanulla: They are Government employees and they can take their leave for which they are entitled. But I don’t spare the teachers who are lazy and those who are not punctual. I visit all the classes daily and take the feedback from students regarding classes and teachers. When a staff goes on leave, I engage the classes myself.

SOM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured you recently when you were awarded ‘National Brand Ambassador of Vocational Training-2014.’ What is Modi doing to improve Vocational training?

Amanulla: Narendra Modi has a good view for Vocational training. He is giving priority for the improvement of Vocational Training in India. Modi has said “ITIs are shishu mandir of technical education. Those who may have knowledge other than that of books, that of skills, must be respected. The talented among the ITI graduates must get new opportunities.” To fulfill ‘Make in India’ vision Modi believes in skill development among the youths in India.

SOM: Why are they calling ITI pass-outs as ITI graduates these days?

Amanulla: Western countries consider ITI pass-outs as ITI graduates. According to me, not only persons who have passed 10+2+3 is a graduate, but also those who pass ITI after 10th should be called ITI graduates in India hereafter because graduate means “a person who has successfully completed a course of study or training and acquired some skill.” Even Narendra Modi has called them as ‘ITI graduates’ in his speech at New Delhi recently.

SOM: Your message to students and parents?

Amanulla: China has improved because of skilled labour. India has shortage of skilled labour. I request the parents to admit their wards into ITI courses so that India can get more skilled labours and become a developed country soon. Vocational Training too has a bright future and more youth should opt for this stream.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Tuesday, November 04th, 2014

‘Explore BioTechnology to Enhance Quality Silk Production’

Business & Economy, Leaders, Science & Technology

Says Dr. Mohammad Aslam, Advisor, Dept. of Bio-technology

A section of delegates at the Brain-storming Session on Mulberry and Silkworm at CSR&TI.
A section of delegates at the Brain-storming Session on Mulberry and Silkworm at CSR&TI.

 Mysuru :

“Explore networking technology to enhance quality silk production,” said Dr. Mohammad Aslam, Advisor, Department of Bio-technology (DBT), New Delhi.

He was speaking during the one-day Brain-storming Session on Mulberry and Silkworm sponsored by DBT and organised at the Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, (CSR&TI), Mysuru, on Oct. 31.

He recalled the 20-year association of DBT with CSB in this area. He informed that during this period, DBT has organised a series of brainstorming sessions at different places across the country including North – Eastern States.

Speaking about the major objectives, he said application of biotechnology for increasing the productivity, improving the host plants, enhancing the silk quality, productivity utilisation and developing areas like silkworm seeds should be focused.

“The expert group had decided to have a separate session on silkworm and mulberry to develop the road map for the next 3-5 years and review the research outcome generated so far,” he informed and hoped to develop some transgenic network programmes in both on silkworm and mulberry.

He further added that DBT has taken up collaborative work with CSR&TI in this area. He appreciated Dr. Sivaprasad, Director, CSR&TI, Mysuru, for his initiative to organise this session.

Dr. L. Shashidhara of IISER, Pune, in his address, felt that research goals have already taken an in road in agriculture and now, it is the turn of sericulture to join and explore the possibilities of utilising it by working together with other institutes for the betterment of the industry.

Mentioning about the brisk technology activities of the world, he evinced keen interest in the collaborative studies in the field of sericulture.

Appreciating the phenomenal growth of silk industry, Dr. M. Uday Kumar, UAS, Bengaluru, spoke about few major constraints like irrigation and yield gap. He said that there is a need for genetic enhancement to improve the quality and the productivity. “The transgenic technology could be of immense use in this area,” he felt.

Dr. Sivaprasad, Dr. Mohd.Aslam, Prof. L. Shashidhara, Prof. Paramjit Khurana, UDSC, New Delhi, Prof. M. Udaya Kumar, UAS, Dr. S.K. Ashwath, CSR&TI, Mysuru, Dr. K.P. Arun Kumar, CDFD, Hyderabad, Dr. A.K. Awasthi, SBRL, Bengaluru, Dr. V. Satyavathi, CDFD, Hyderabad, Dr. P.J. Raju, APSSRDI, Hindupur, Dr. Nataraja Karaba, UAS, Bengaluru, Dr. Girishi Naik, CSR&TI, Mysuru, Dr. Jhansi Lakshmi, CSB, Dr. M.S. Sheshashayee, UAS, Bengaluru, Dr. B. Rita, CSB, Dr. T. Mogili, V.Kota, Dr. Rajashekar, CSR&TI, Mysuru were the invited speakers on the subject.

Various areas of networking and its applications in sericulture were discussed and the vital areas to be focused for the improvement of silk industry were earmarked in the session.

Eminent scientists from DBT, New Delhi, IISER Pune, CCMB, Hyderabad, CDFD, Hyderabad, UAS, Bengaluru and several Universities, R&D Institutes of Central Silk Board and State Governments participated.

Dr. Thippeswamy, Dr. Girish Naik and Dr. Ashwath co-coordinated the programme.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday, November 04th, 2014