Venomous snakebites: rapid action saves lives - a multifaceted community education programme increases awareness about snakes and snakebites among the rural population of Tamil Nadu, India

The lack of public awareness surrounding the dangers of snakebite envenomation (SBE) is one of the most critical factors contributing to SBE-induced complications, and subsequently exacerbating the number of deaths and disabilities resulting from SBE. In this study, we deployed a multifaceted community education programme to educate students, healthcare professionals and members of the public in rural areas of Tamil Nadu, India about the dangers of SBE, appropriate first aid measures and the ‘do’s and don’ts’ following a snakebite. An assessment of prior knowledge within these communities identified several misconceptions concerning snakes and SBE. Using a combination of direct engagement (estimated to reach over 200,000 people), information leaflets (200,000 distributed), posters, video documentaries, media and social media (>2.8 million engagements), over the course of one year (January to December 2019) we reached over 3 million people in rural Tamil Nadu (around 8% of population). Evaluation of community-based assemblies indicated that at least 90% of attendees were able to recall the key messages at the end of the events, and at least 85% were able to recall the key messages even after 12 months. Due to high demand, a one-day symposium was organised to provide clinical knowledge and training on SBE to 250 healthcare professionals in rural Tamil Nadu. Notably, an assessment of patient data (291 victims) collected from a snakebite referral hospital over the same 12-month period (2019) indicated that arrival time at hospital following a snakebite was significantly faster and the effective first aid measures were administered to patients who were aware of our activities compared to those that were not. Overall, our approach provides a framework on how to educate rural communities about the dangers of SBE and thereby, mitigate delayed SBE treatment leading to an overall reduction in SBE-induced mortality, morbidity, treatment costs and other socio-economic ramifications

Finite Element Analysis of SARAS Wing Test Box Addressing Manufacturing Deviations

As a part of the SARAS wing certification program, a wing box was fabricated. This is a representative structure of the wing from station # 4 to station #10. During the assembly of the box manufacturing deviations were observed. These deviations have caused the gaps in major splice joints and at few other places. Repair scheme were worked out using solid shims made from VERTy process for the assembly. This report investigates the effect of the solid shims on the structural behavior of the box. The repair schemes were incorporated to the various sub structure member in the Fe model of the wing test box. A comparative study was carried out between FE model with original thickness and with repaired schemes. The analysis was also important to understand the local effect to shims on various joints and also to clear the test box for structural testing . The failure index plots and bolts forces show that are no major changes in structural behavior locally and globally due to these shims. Subsequently the box was cleared static testing