Assessing the Epistemic Value of Astrology: A Comparative Analysis with Other Sciences

This research paper aims to critically evaluate the epistemic value of astrology in comparison to other scientific disciplines. Astrology has long been a subject of fascination and controversy due to its claims of predicting human behavior and destiny based on celestial positions and relationships. However, its credibility as a scientific field remains a topic of intense debate. The study employs a comparative analysis approach to assess the highness of astrology in relation to other well-established sciences. By examining key criteria such as empirical evidence, testability, falsifiability, explanatory power, and predictive capacity, we aim to determine the epistemic strength of astrology relative to other scientific disciplines. Our findings reveal that astrology falls short in meeting the rigorous standards of scientific inquiry when compared to disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology. The lack of empirical evidence supporting astrological claims, combined with the inability to generate reliable and consistent predictions, limits its validity as a scientific field. In contrast, other sciences have demonstrated significant advancements through experimental verification, peer review, and the development of robust theories and models. They have consistently produced reliable results, contributed to technological advancements, and expanded our understanding of the natural world. While astrology may hold cultural and historical significance, its highness in the realm of science remains questionable. This study emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning when evaluating scientific claims. Furthermore, it highlights the need for rigorous scientific methodologies in distinguishing between pseudoscience and legitimate scientific disciplines

Quantitative Analysis of AGV System in FMS Cell Layout

Material handling is a specialised activity for a modern manufacturing concern. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are invariably used for material handling in flexible manufacturing Systems (FMSs) due to their flexibility. The quantitative analysis of an AGV system is useful for determining the material flow rates, operation times, length of delivery, length of empty move of AGV and the number of AGVs required for a typical FMS cell layout. The efficiency of the material handling system, such as AGV can be improved by reducing the length of empty move. The length of empty move of AGV depends upon despatching and scheduling methods. If these methods of AGVs are not properly planned, the length of empty move of AGV is greater than the length of delivery .This results in increase in material handling time which in turn increases the number of AGVs required in FMS cell. This paper presents a method for optimising the length of empty travel of AGV in a typical FMS cell layout

Thought control study of medical students in Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS)

Background: Thought is a mental process which occurs in the Neo-cortex of the Brain [Cerebral cortices] based on the background knowledge, perception of the event or the action and understanding influenced by the individual traits or personality. Individual thoughts differ from person to person, time to time, and the events in life. Mainly thought is interpreted or understood based on the behaviour or when the person explains about it. Thought process in the brain can be acknowledged by an individual to have acceptable behavioural norms in the society, but cannot be explained by patients with disorder of thought processes. The behaviour of these individuals is acknowledged as the thought of the individual. Abnormal thought process occurs in psychiatric conditions like Psychosis, Anxiety disorder, Post traumatic disorder, mood disorders in varied manners. It also has implications or influences of the hormonal status and age of the person. In this study we are evaluating the thought control in the teenagers.Methods: the study was carried out in the medical students of SIMS-Shimoga. It is a questionnaire based study using a thought control questionnaire (TCQ).Results: The results were studied in five domains namely Distraction, Social, Worrying, Punishment and Re-appraisal, were found to vary within the acceptable limits and comparable with earlier studies.Conclusion: The findings in this study reflect the positive approach, handling of the unwanted and distracting thoughts in the teenagers.

Modeling of PV Array to Study The Effects of Partial Shading on Its Characteristics and MPPT

MATLAB based modeling and simulation scheme suitable for studying the I-V and P-V characteristics of PV array under a non-uniform insolation due to partial shading and finding maximum power point from the characteristic is presented in the paper. This involved the Simulink and embedded MATLAB code for simulation. This is simple to use, accurate and economical computer aided design tool which can be used to enhance the understanding and predict the I-V and P-V characteristics of large PV arrays. It can be used to study the effect of temperature, insolation variation, varying shading patterns and the role of array configuration on the PV characteristics. Paper proposes standard algorithm to track the power peak under partially shaded conditions. The modeling and simulation of the maximum power point tracking algorithm is implemented in MATLAB / Simulink environment. The simulation results prove that with Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm, MPPT reaches the intended maximum power point

Slider User Interface with Precise Value Selection Using Gestures

Sliders are user interface elements that enable users to view and select values from a predefined range along a horizontal or vertical bar. Values on a slider are usually incremented with preset multipliers. When a user wants to select a value that requires precision that is not supported by the preset multipliers, the user is not able to achieve the desired accuracy. Such limitations are due to the limited amount of physical space and/or touch sensitivity available for interactions such as tapping or swiping. This disclosure describes a slider user interface that enables users to fine tune value selection using finger interactions (or equivalent) without requiring the use of a keyboard or other auxiliary mechanism. Per the techniques, the user can grab the slider knob (e.g., via touch and hold) and drag it at different angles to access multipliers with different levels of precision. The distance from the initial position is used to determine the selected value

Detailed Bathymetric Surveys in the Central Indian Basin

Over 420,000 line kilometers of echo-sounding data was collected in the Central Indian Basin. This data was digitized, merged with navigation data and a detailed bathymetric map of the Basin was prepared. The Basin can be broadly classified into three regions as high relief area, medium relief area and plain area represented by western, eastern and central portions of the Basin, respectively. The bathymetric map prepared from this survey is the first of its kind for this region and will in the future be used as a base by navigators and researchers

Current state of awareness and safety practices for ionising radiation risks in orthopaedic doctors in Navi Mumbai: an online survey

Background: Radiographic imaging in orthopaedic surgical centers is becoming more common, posing additional risks to the orthopaedic doctors, who become more exposed to ionising irradiation. As a result, orthopaedic surgeons must have a good understanding of radiation hazards. Despite these issues, many orthopaedic specialists do not get basic radiation safety training. A review of orthopaedic specialists' understanding, awareness, and routine radiation safety practices at an academic hospital in Navi Mumbai. Methods: After institutional ethical approval, a panel of experts created an online survey comprising multiple-choice questions, which was utilized to perform a descriptive research. The questionnaire contained several aspects, each of which assessed orthopaedic understanding, awareness, and practices. The research cohort comprised orthopaedic doctors working through our tertiary medical center and medical college. Results: According to our findings, only 82% of respondents were aware of the radiation dangers associated with fluoroscopy. The use of lead aprons, thyroid shields, goggles, and protective caps is 99%, 42%, 25%, and 25%, respectively. Despite the fact that 60% of respondents were aware of TLD badges. Only 23% of those who operate with inosing radiation use TLD badges. Approximately 61% of respondents were ignorant of intermittent fluoroscopy, and 85% utilized the C-arm tube while the device was active. Conclusions: The vast majority of orthopaedic doctors utilise fluoroscopic imagery in the operating room on a daily basis, but they lack in-depth information and awareness about the radiation security hazards connected with this imaging modality. It is consequently advised that a radiation safety training curriculum be implemented