Indian Handicrafts in Globalization Times: An analysis of Global-Local Dynamics

Globalization - which refers to the growing integration of societies, economies and cultures around the world, has become one of the most hotly-debated topics and key area of research among the policy makers, statesmen, corporate, politicians and academia respectively over the past few years. As India opens up her doors to the multinationals during the era of economic reform and liberalized market, putting an end to the 'license raj', it is not only the economies that often meet in the global market sphere, but also the people and cultures, which bring a new dimension to the multi-cultural setting. What we can see in present day modern world is that there is always a cross-cultural interaction between the 'local' and 'global' and the much discussed 'global village', is now not just a possibility but a reality despite many contradictions. Talking about Indian Handicrafts, which constitutes a significant segment of the decentralized sector of the economy, its export has reached at a commendable height. Indian folk art and crafts which are the integral parts of the Indian culture and tradition, are in high demand among the western consumers. Again, foreign fashion industry borrows a great deal from Indian appliquéd motifs Saree designs, an ethnic Indian wear. Needless to say, the borders between the world cultures are now eroding out and becoming irrelevant, therefore prompting to call it as a deterritorialized world. But notwithstanding, the real concern for many of us is that, can the 'local' really meet with the 'global' by truly sustaining its localness? The biggest problem in the Indian Handicraft industry is that the village craftsmen remain concerned that with free trade and mass production, hand-made products from other parts of the world will out price the products of their hard labour. So the basic question arises, is globalization a panacea for every human problems that the mother earth is facing now? With a brief theoretical understanding, this paper looks at globalization's increasing impact on Indian handicrafts and crafts persons. It tries to assess how far globalization serves as an opportunity and threat to the artisans. The role of the government in promoting the crafts and protecting the artists will also be discussed before concluding the paper.globalization, handicraft, global, local, glocal

Analysis, design, and control of standalone PV based boost DC-AC converter

This paper presents a new control scheme for a boost DC–AC converter which is used for solar power applications. The proposed DC-AC converter configuration can produce an AC voltage level across the output or load side greater than input DC voltage based on the operating duty cycle. Generally, the conventional DC-AC converter or voltage source inverter (VSI) generates AC voltage which is less than input DC voltage. Maintaining a constant voltage across the load with improved dynamic performance is challenging for anyone for the solar photovoltaic (PV) system. A dual-loop sliding mode control is proposed for the boost VSI to address the above issues. The proposed controller has robust in nature against the wide fluctuation in the plant or load parameters. The design, analysis and control of the boost DC-AC converter are briefly discussed in this paper. This topology can be broadly used in solar powered uninterruptible power supply (UPS) where boosting operation is essential for low voltage solar PV system. This topology eliminates the DC boosting power processing stage which leads an improved efficiency of the overall system. The MATLAB/Simulink results are presented to highlight the above issues

Management and Outcomes of Meconium ileus, A six-year review: Pain Management: Oral Acetaminophen Versus Topical Lidocaine With/Without Epinephrine in Neonatal Circumcision

Introduction: Meconium ileus is one of the most common causes of intestinal obstruction in the newborn, accounting for 9–33% of neonatal intestinal obstructions1. It is characterized by the lack of excretion of meconium caused by impaction of thick, desiccated protein rich pallet like meconium in the distal part of ileum, associated with clinical and specific radiological findings of intestinal obstruction2. It is the intestinal obstructive variant of cystic fibrosis3, Recent studies demonstrate that it can occur frequently without association of cystic fibrosis. The exact pathogenesis of MI in the absence of cystic fibrosis is yet to be known, a spectrum of genetic and pathological abnormalities may play a role4. Two forms of meconium ileus can be described, simple and complex meconium ileus4,5. In 1969, Noblett suggested the use of Gastrografin enema to treat uncomplicated meconium ileus7. Many surgical options have been used in the surgical treatment of meconium ileus including resection with Primary anastomosis, Mikulicz ileostomy, Bishop–Koop operation, and Santulli stoma. Resection with primary anastomosis was first described in 1962 9,15. An alternative to this approach was small bowel resection with creation of a stoma and eventual closure of the stoma with an end-to-end anastomosis. A distal chimney enterostomy (Bishop-Koop procedure) involves resection of disparately enlarged ileal loop filled with inspissated meconium and anastomosis between the end of the appropriately sized proximal segment to the side of the distal segment of bowel approximately 4 cm from the opening of the distal segment and the distal end is brought out as the ileostomy8, the reverse of the distal chimney enterostomy is the Santulli and Blanc proximal enterostomy. The Mikulicz double-barreled enterostomy where both proximal and distal loop was exteriorized. Bishop-Koop enterostomy has advantages over other procedure16,17,18 as 1) it provides access for insertion of a catheter into distal bowel for post operative instillation of solubilizing agents for irrigation, 2) there is also decreased ostomy drainage after 12- 24 hrs of post operative period, so there will be less fluid and electrolyte loss, and 3) Permits an eventual enterostomy closure by bedside ligation of chimney stoma, avoiding another laparotomy for resection and anastomosis of bowel. Here we compare between various methods of treatment of meconium ileus and relative outcome and complications for each method.   Materials and Methods:  This is Retrospective study was conducted from March 2016- February 2022 in the Department of Paediatric Surgery, SVPPGIP, S.C.B Medical College and Hospital Cuttack, Odisha. Patients with clinical and radiological suspicion of meconium ileus were included in the study. They were grouped according to the severity as simple or complicated meconium ileus. Then Many surgical options have been used in the surgical treatment of meconium ileus including resection with Primary anastomosis, Mikulicz ileostomy, Bishop–Koop operation, and Santulli stoma. Resection with primary anastomosis was first described in 1962 9,15. An alternative to this approach was small bowel resection with creation of a stoma and eventual closure of the stoma with an end-to-end anastomosis. A distal chimney enterostomy (Bishop-Koop procedure) involves resection of disparately enlarged ileal loop filled with inspissated meconium and anastomosis between the end of the appropriately sized proximal segment to the side of the distal segment of bowel approximately 4 cm from the opening of the distal segment and the distal end is brought out as the ileostomy8, the reverse of the distal chimney enterostomy is the Santulli and Blanc proximal enterostomy. The Mikulicz double-barreled enterostomy where both proximal and distal loop was exteriorized. Bishop-Koop enterostomy has advantages over other procedure16,17,18 as 1) it provides access for insertion of a catheter into distal bowel for post operative instillation of solubilizing agents for irrigation, 2) there is also decreased ostomy drainage after 12- 24 hrs of post operative period, so there will be less fluid and electrolyte loss, and 3) Permits an eventual enterostomy closure by bedside ligation of chimney stoma, avoiding another laparotomy for resection and anastomosis of bowel. Here we compare between various methods of treatment of meconium ileus and relative outcome and complications for each method.   Materials and Methods:  This is Retrospective study was conducted from March 2016- February 2022 in the Department of Paediatric Surgery, SVPPGIP, S.C.B Medical College and Hospital Cuttack, Odisha. Patients with clinical and radiological suspicion of meconium ileus were included in the study. They were grouped according to the severity as simple or complicated meconium ileus. Then they were followed up and grouped according to type of intervention carried out. After diagnosis, babies were admitted, resuscitation and stabilization of patients done, Parents were counselled about possible treatment options and prognosis for each patient separately. Patients with simple meconium ileus without any other associated radiological or clinical complication are first treated with conservative management by gastrografin enema under USG guidance. Failed cases and all other simple and complicated cases subjected to different surgical modalities as mention above.   Results: During the study period of six years, total 91 cases (7.5%) were diagnosed to be MI and included in this study. Among 91, 50 were male and 41 were female, 30 cases were Uncomplicated or simple, and 61 cases were complicated MI. Out of 30 simple MI, 18 were managed conservatively and rest 13 cases were managed with operative procedures. Among patient treated with nonoperative management only 7 responded and improved and 9 didn’t responded. 84 cases including all cases of complicated MI were treated by exploratory laparotomy. 49 cases were treated by Bishop-Koop ileostomy, 19 Mickulitz double barrel ileostomy and Santuli procedure were done in 11 patients. Primary anastomosis was done only in 5 cases. All cases were followed up for post-operative complications. 13 cases expired during follow up.   Conclusion:    MI is a neonatal emergency which need early diagnosis, referral from peripheral hospital and early intervention by Pediatric surgeons. Proper evaluations, careful applications of conservative management, timely and proper surgical interventions may improve survival. Among all surgical procedure Bishop Koop ileostomy procedure is better option to treat MI both in uncomplicated and complicated groups.  

Effect of Surface Modification of Vetiver Fibers on Their Physical and Thermal Properties

Surface modification of natural fibers is essential in order to improve their compatibility with polymer matrices to develop eco-friendly composite materials. This workdeals with different surface modifications of vetiver fibers to study their effects on mechanical and thermal properties. The efficiency of each treatment has been evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy. It has been observed that benzoylation-treated vetiver fiber shows better performance in comparison to other treatments

Study of association and significance of hyponatremia in patients with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI)

Introduction: Pneumonia, the severe form of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in children especially from the developing nations. Pneumonia is the infection and associated inflammation of the lung parenchyma. Pneumonia is the leading infectious killer of under 5 children claiming more lives than any other diseases. The burden is more in the developing nations. Around 15% of under 5 mortality is attributed to pneumonia. Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte imbalance which occurs in children with pneumonia. Many studies have reported the incidence of hyponatremia around 40 to 45%. Aim & Objective-: To see the frequency of hyponatremia in patients with LRTI & its significance in relation to disease severity. Materials & Methods:  It was a hospital based observational study. The study has been conducted in the Department of pediatrics, S C B Medical college hospital & SVPPPGIP, Cuttack. Result: Hyponatremia was a frequent finding in children with bronchopneumonia (44.6%). Patients with hyponatremia group had initial high body temperature in present study (101.9ºc vs99.7). Conclusion: There is importance of measuring serum electrolytes in patients with LRTI. Appropriate fluid should be done in case of LRTI

Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Bacteria from Brackish Waters of Chilika Lagoon, Odisha, India for Pharmaceutical Use

Aims: The present investigation was undertaken in order to isolate bacteria from eighteen different water samples collected from three different sectors of ‘Chilika’ lagoon of India and to study the resistance against ten different antibiotics viz., norfloxacin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, neomycin, nalidixic acid, ofloxacin, chloramphenicol, nitrofurantoin, streptomycin and amoxicillin as well as their serological implications.Methodology and Results: Four different pathogenic bacteria species viz., Shigella dysenteriae, Streptococcus lactis, Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated which showed a wide range of sensitivity to norfloxacin,tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and nitrofurantoin. S. dysenteriae was sensitive to streptomycin where as other isolates were found to be resistant. Agarose gel electrophoresis failed to reveal plasmid DNA band indicating that theobserved resistance was perhaps encoded by nucleotide sequences harboured on the chromosomal DNA. Bacterial isolates were used as antigen for the production of polyclonal antibodies in rabbits.Conclusion, significance and impact of study:All the isolates exhibited strong antigenic character with specific serological relationship which can be implicated towards development of novel and pharmaceutically effective antibacterial products

Childhood Vasculitis Syndrome Mimicking Guillain Barre Syndrome

Background: Childhood vasculitis is a heterogeneous disorder, characterized by inflammation of the blood vessel walls. Multiple organs and/or tissues are affected, either simultaneously or successively. Vascular neuropathy occurs when the vasa nervorum is affected. Presentation includes mononeuritis multiplex, acute motor/motor-sensory axonal neuropathy, pure sensory neuropathy, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Making a diagnosis is a challenge when neurological manifestations appear for the first time or are isolated. Clinical Description: A 12-year-old girl presented with acute pain and progressive weakness of both lower limbs for 12 days, followed by diffuse abdominal pain and low-grade fever. Salient neurological findings were diminished power and hyporeflexia in all limbs. Guillain–Barre syndrome was suspected in view of symmetric ascending paralysis and a suggestive nerve conduction study. The child had neutrophilic leukocytosis but sterile cultures. The successive development of inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, persistent fever, vasculitic phenomena (hypertension, severe myalgia, rashes, multiple infarcts, acute renal cortical necrosis, and gangrene of the digit), and elevated acute-phase reactants was suggestive of a multisystemic small-vessel and medium-sized vasculitis syndrome, such as polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). A diagnosis of PAN was established based on the satisfaction of clinical criteria. Management: The patient was administered pulse methylprednisolone and oral steroids, with which there was a dramatic recovery. Monthly cyclophosphamide was continued in view of major systemic involvement. Conclusion: Early recognition and management of childhood vasculitis syndrome is associated with good outcomes

Millet-based Enterprises and Sustainability: Evidences from Farmer Producers Company in Kalahandi District, Odisha

The importance of millet in the present ecosystem as a mitigating tool towards planet, people and business is realised across all stakeholders in the agriculture and agribusiness system. Farmer Producers Companies are the new economic enterprises evolved to strengthen the collective efforts of marginal and small farmers. Sustainability is an important pillar in the integration and transformation of millet based enterprises to a sustainable business unit among the farmers group in the farmer producers company. Considering the emerging importance of millets to the present climate stress situation and evolution of Farmer Producers Company, the present study was conducted in the western undulating zone of Odisha state, i.e., Kalahandi. The study is based on survey data brought out of a structured interview schedule. A total of 312 sample households were interviewed among four FPCs in different blocks of the district. Following two important research questions were raised to qualify the subject of the study: What are the factors responsible to undertake millet based enterprises among the farmers within the context of the study? What are the important sustainability factors that determine an impact on farmer income? The study found that value addition and innovations are the important sustainability factors that create an impact on farmer income. Collaboration was also found significant but not to the extent. Further age, marital status, family support, financial stability, scale of operations were the internal factors and policy governance and public relations as external factors that drives farmers’ decision to undertake millet based enterprises among the FPCs. The Odisha Millet Mission initiative has set to be a driving force across the production and post-production activities to strengthen and enhance the eco-environmental sustainability