Know Thy Staff: Fran Rice, the Libraries\u27 Chief of Technology

Learn more about a little-known but essential library department: Information Systems and Digital Access (ISDA)

Multi-object recognition and retrieval using Puma560 robot

The objective of the research described here is to develop efficient algorithm and software tools for multiobject recognition and retrieval. This research project addresses two major issues: The first issue is the identification of features and efficient methods for feature extraction which can completely describe an object. These features can be acquired using visual and ultra-sonic sensors. The second issue is the development of efficient algorithms for the retrieval of multi-objects based on their features; The methods and algorithms developed in this research are verified on a Unimation PUMA 560 robot. Non contact sensors (a vision and a range sensor) are employed for feature detection. The information from both sensors will be combined for feature extraction and feature mapping (sensor fusion). The sensors and the robot have been integrated for this purpose with a Pentium 133 Mhz Personal Computer

Political Behavior of the Tribal Youth: A Study

In spite of the rapid and well-sustained political socialisation and in spite of the high level of political attitudes among these youth, the level of tribal yout political recruitment is dismally low.  An attempt has been made to investigate the reasons for this lapse.  Though it needs further investigation into the matter to arrive at more concrete factors which retard tribal youth participation in politics.The present investigation is aimed at understanding the levels of political attitudes and political participation of the tribal youth of the Maharashtra pursuing higher education. An earnest attempt has thoroughly been made to arrive at conclusions from the data, systematically collected and scientifically analyzed.  In order to be precise in making observations and to have clarity in making conclusions, the study is categorized into two broad domains.  The first one deals with the political attitudes in terms of social, educational and economic aspects of the tribal youth and the second part deals with the level of political participation and the political apathy in respect of these youth. Keywords: Youth, Tribal, Political behavior, Maharashtra, awareness, political attitud

CHARACTERIZATION OF BUILT HERITAGES IN A SECOND ORDER CITY IN ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

In continuation of the pursuit related to the human endeavor of heritages in second order cities in India, a comprehensive study on heritage resources present in Vizianagaram town, Andhra Pradesh, India was taken up next to the earlier attempt at Visakhapatnam city. Vizianagaram town forming a part of the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region was found to harbour 24 important heritage structures and sites representing reasonable number of architectural styles and typologies and the same are analyzed and discussed in this communication. In the light of re-formulation of Andhra Pradesh state and ambitions to develop mega and smart cities with capital at Vijayawada, the present study assumes greater significance to providing information for the synthesis of the noted heritages with urban landscape to promote historical, cultural and socio-economic merits of the town

HERITAGE SITES IN VISAKHAPATNAM CITY: TYPOLOGIES, ARCHITECTURAL STYLES AND STATUS

Heritage on mother earth was recognized as one of the important fields of human endeavor. Many nations around the world have been pursuing the subject for the benefit of present and future generations. In the process, several first order cities around the world have geared up to meet the requirement. However, second order cities in many nations, especially in developing countries like India did not yet raise to the occasion. Therefore, a comprehensive study on heritage and its preservation was taken up in Visakhapatnam, India and the present communication dealing with heritage sites in Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region forms a part of it. During this attempt, a total of 44 cultural heritage sites were identified from the city and their architectural styles, typologies and status analyzed

Tribal Development in India - Status and Strategies

India has the worlds’ second largest tribal population next only to the African continent.  As per the census of 2001, Scheduled Tribes population constitute 84.32 million which is about 8.2 percent of India’s population.  There are 664 tribal communities of which 75 are categorized as primitive Tribal Groups.  The tribal communities speak in about 105 native languages.  It is estimated that the tribals inhabit in about 15% of the geographical area of the country.  A vast majority of the tribal population of the country is concentrated in eight states viz., Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan and West Bengal.The principal goal of tribal development policy is to create sustainable improvement in the quality of life among tribal people.  Much emphasis is given to beneficiary oriented programmes to facilitate increase in per capita income of tribal families.  Attempts are also made to reduce economic disparities, increase education levels and also expand accessibility to health services.  Inspite of all these attempts, tribal people continue to earn their livelihood by practicing traditional professions viz.,  sale of minor forest produce, grazing of livestock, sale of agricultural and household implements, dispensation of herbal medicines, rendition of folk arts, singing devotional songs etc

Education and Health Practices of Warli Tribes: A Case Study

Education enables the scheduled tribes who happen to be backward to acquire knowledge about the individual’s environment, development avenues, and programmes being implemented for their well-being. Adult education in India does not end with providing literacy, functionality and awareness. It extends further leading to life long education and continuing education. The scope of adult education extends to all sections of the community and adult education is a pre-condition to accelerate the pace and magnitude of development especially among the scheduled tribes.Health education can be defined as that part of health care, that is concerned with promoting health behaviour. It is a process that informs, motivates and helps people to adapt and maintain healthy practices and life styles, advocates environmental changes as needed to facilitate this goal and conducts professional training and research to the same end. Health education encourages behaviour that promotes health, prevents illness, cures diseases and facilitates rehabilitation. The needs and interests of individuals, families groups, organisations and communities form the core of Health Education Programme. It is rightly said, that the roots of Health Education are two in number. One, is the basic sciences which deal with Health Knowledge. It is essential, that people are oriented in the various components of health namely, human biology, nutrition, hygiene consisting of personal and environmental hygiene, family health care, control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, mental health, prevention of accidents and use of the Health Services. The second is the behavioural sciences like Sociology, Psychology and Social Anthropology. Health Education brings together, the art and science of Medicine, and the Principles and practice of General Education. Education is primarily a matter of Communication. So, Health Education uses the various channels of communication, like audio-visual aids, group discussions, individual counselling etc. The objective is to create an awareness in the people, then to generate interest in them and ultimately motivate them to adopt the health practices in their own lives. In this paper authors will explain the status of education and health practices of the Warli Tribes of the Maharashtra

Influence of Attitude, School Facilities and Teacher Characteristics on the Performance of Secondary School Teachers Working in Rural Areas

The successful running of any education system depends upon the teacher, the pupil, the curriculum and the facilities.  Teacher is the most important one and the pivot on whom the entire educational structure rests. For many teachers this is earnestly to be hoped; with regard to others, it is a despairing thought.  It seems reasonable to assume that good teachers – those who are skilful in developing understanding of the world in which man lives, in rightful with respect to the ways and means of stimulating intellectual appetites and capable of patience, understanding and sincere feelings for others – may pave the way for an enlightened and productive society.  Poor teaching – contrariwise would seem to be significant contributor of its unfortunate share to the perpetuation of ignorance, misunderstanding and intellectual and cultural stagnation. A teacher who is considered to be competent i.e. possessing all the desirable / required characteristics and attitude may also fail to perform his duties to the expected level.  A competent teacher who works in a congenial atmosphere having all the facilities a standard school requires, stands a better chance of giving an amazing performance than a teacher who is equally competent but short of such a school atmosphere and school facilities.  The secondary school education is a critical phase, as it is preparatory time for higher education or for vocational training. Moreover the pupils will be in their adolescence which is viewed as a crucial stage in their lives.  The efficient teachers are essential during this period.  Efficient teaching depends upon attitude, school facilities and teacher characteristics to some extent. Keeping this in view, the present investigation is proposed to study the influence of attitude, school facilities and teacher characteristics on the performance of teachers working in secondary schools located in rural areas of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh State