Wire tomography in the H-1NF heliac for investigation of fine structure of magnetic islands

Electron beam wire tomography in the H-1NF heliac enables high resolution mapping of vacuum flux surfaces with minimal disruption of the plasma operations schedule. Recent experimental results have proven this technique to be a highly accurate and high resolution method for mapping vacuum magnetic islands. Islands of width as small as delta approximately 8 mm have been measured, providing estimates of the internal rotational transform of the island. Point-to-point comparison of the mapping results with computer tracing, in conjunction with an image warping technique, enables systematic exploration of magnetic islands and surfaces of interest. Recent development of a fast mapping technique significantly reduced the mapping time and made this technique suitable for mapping at higher magnetic fields. This article presents recent experimental results and associated techniques.with support from the Australian Research Council Grant No. DP0344361

The red rain phenomenon of Kerala and its possible extraterrestrial origin

A red rain phenomenon occurred in Kerala, India starting from 25th July 2001, in which the rainwater appeared coloured in various localized places that are spread over a few hundred kilometers in Kerala. Maximum cases were reported during the first 10 days and isolated cases were found to occur for about 2 months. The striking red colouration of the rainwater was found to be due to the suspension of microscopic red particles having the appearance of biological cells. These particles have no similarity with usual desert dust. An estimated minimum quantity of 50,000 kg of red particles has fallen from the sky through red rain. An analysis of this strange phenomenon further shows that the conventional atmospheric transport processes like dust storms etc. cannot explain this phenomenon. The electron microscopic study of the red particles shows fine cell structure indicating their biological cell like nature. EDAX analysis shows that the major elements present in these cell like particles are carbon and oxygen. Strangely, a test for DNA using Ethidium Bromide dye fluorescence technique indicates absence of DNA in these cells. In the context of a suspected link between a meteor airburst event and the red rain, the possibility for the extraterrestrial origin of these particles from cometary fragments is discussed.Comment: 18 pages, 15 figures, accepted for publication in Astrophysics and Space Scienc

A study on the level of stress and the influence of socio-demographic factors on stress level among the working women in the state of Kerala

Women play vital roles in the process of decision making both in work place and family. Indian culture considers women as care takers of the family members. In contrary to the traditional notions, women are moving from home maker’s par name to working women. More number of women is entering into workforce that is very much challenging and innovative. Aforementioned state gives a double role to most of the women as working women and house wives without any interval. Here a study is undertaken on the level of stress of women who are in the dual standards of family and profession. The study tries to identify the stressful life faced by women in the society. The result indicates that financial position of the family, travelling time and mode of travelling affect the intensity of stress among the working women. It provides us an opportunity to give suggestions to women in facing and challenging critical situations of their lives effectively. Keywords: Stress, Working women, Socio-demographi