Social Changes of Salt Pan Workers in Karippu Manigal

This Article deals with the novel “Karippu Manigal‟ which reflects the social changes in the lives of salt harvesters. The novel Karippu Manigal is the harrowing depiction of the lives of salt pan workers. Man’s fundamental needs are Food, Clothing, and Shelter which are produced by the working class, but their lives halts at the margin. A tamil proverbs goes like this, “Food without salt is waste”, which shows the immense use of salt in food. Though we enjoy the salt in food, we fail to know about the salt harvesters who produce that. Through this novel Rajam Krishnan portrays the appaling lives of workers in salt pans like their poor living condition, lower wages without proper standard income and their sufferings are not only constrained to money but also to physical illness such as young having grey hair at an early age, eye problems and many others. Author has also shown the other side of worker’s suffering due to employers and contractors. Rajam Krishnan clearly demonstrates that, without striving earnestly, social changes ain't possible. The objective of this dissertation is to show that only a revolution against capitalism will serve as a root cause for the social changes in the lives of salt harvesters which is proved through the novel “Karippu Manigal”

Design and analysis of multiple read port techniques using bank division with XOR method for multi-ported-memory on FPGA platform

The multiple read and write operations are performed simultaneously by multi-ported memories and are used in advanced digital design applications on reprogrammable field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to achieve higher bandwidth. The Memory modules are configured by block RAM (BRAMs), which utilizes more area and power on FPGA. In this manuscript, the techniques to increase the read ports for multi-ported memory modules are designed using the bank division with XOR (BDX) approach. The read port techniques like two read-one write (2R1W) memory, hybrid mode approach either 2R1W or 4R memory, and hierarchical BDX (HBDX) Approach using 2R1W/4R memory are designed on FPGA platform. The Proposed work utilizes only slices and look-up table (LUT's) rather than BRAMs while designing the memory modules on FPGA, which reduces the computational complexity and improves the system performance.  The experimental results are analyzed on Artix-7 FPGA. The performance parameters like slices, LUT utilization, maximum frequency (Fmax), and hardware efficiency are analyzed by concerning different memory depths. The 4R1W memory design using the HBDX approach utilizes 4% slices and works at 449.697 MHz operating frequency on Artix-7 FPGA. The proposed work provides a better platform to choose the proper read port technique to design an efficient modular multiport memory architecture

Design & Implementation of Closed Loop PID Mechanism for wire Tension Control (Tensioner) in Winding Machine

Wire tensioners form a crucial part of winding equipment. The tensioner is used to deliver the wire by measuring the maximum tension that wire would tolerate. The quality of winding and productivity of winding machines depends on wire tensioners to a large extent. Usually, the tensioners used in winding application are completely manufactured mechanical with no/little electronics in it, which are not compatible and reliable for variable tensions and different diameter of wires. Since these tensioners are not flexible, for winding machines, alternatives based on Digital Signal Processors (DSP) or any appropriate Controllers are used. We are proposing a PIC Controller based tensioner that would deliver a constant tension with closed loop PID control at constant position of dancer arm mainly by using servomotor and stepper motor. This method is economical and easily scalable to any equivalent controller architecture. This work was supported by Synthesis Winding Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore

Contract farming and its implications for input-supply, linkages between markets and farmers in Karnataka

This study is focused on the economic analysis of contract farming with a comparison of income, access to technology and credit of contract and non-contract farmers. The advantages of contract farming for smallholders have also been evaluated. In contract farming, quality inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals are provided to the farmers at their farm gate, coupled with the technical advice on production aspects. This not only reduces the working capital needs of farmers but also substantially reduces their transaction cost per unit of output. Borrowing of crop loans has been found 33 per cent higher by non-contract farmers than contract farmers, as the former have to buy material inputs. The net returns have been found higher for contract than non-contract farmers. Within contract farming, net returns have been recorded higher under domestic than foreign contracts for both baby corn and chilli. In the case of non-contract farmers, the net returns (Rs 3,035) have been found less than one-third of domestic contract farmers (Rs 10,610) and slightly more than one-third of foreign contract farmers (Rs 8,050). In the case of chilli also, the net returns realized per acre have been recorded maximum under domestic contract farmers, followed by foreign contract farmers and non-contract farmers. The returns per rupee invested have been noted higher in farming of baby corn in all the three categories than those of chilli farming. The constraints identified in the study include delay in payment and delivery of inputs, delay in lifting the produce, access to seeds, manupulation of grades by the buyers, and high cost of inputs in contract farming. Factors inducing farmers into contract are: low initial investment, better price for the produce, access to market, technical support on package of practices, access to inputs and easy transportation facilities.Farm Management,

Effect of calcium channel blocker as anticonvulsant and its potentiating effect when used along with sodium valproate in pentylenetetrazole induced seizures in Albino rats

Background: Many antiepileptic drugs were introduced for the treatment of epilepsy. Ideal antiepileptic drug should not only prevent but also correct the underlying pathophysiology without altering the normal neurotransmission. Calcium channel blockers may form such group because initiation of seizure is associated intrinsic burst firing which is triggered by large inward calcium current, so this study was done to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of amlodipine in albino rats.Methods: A total of 42 adult albino rats were included in the study and divided into 7 groups, each containing 6 rats. Group 1 received distilled water, group 2,3 received sodium valproate 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg, group 4-6 received amlodipine 1, 2, 4mg/kg and group 7 received combination of Amlodipine 1 mg/kg and sodium valproate 50mg/kg. Pentylenetetrazole induced seizures model was done and onset of myoclonic jerks, onset of clonic convulsions and duration of clonic convulsions was studied.Results: There was a significant anticonvulsant effect in Amlodipine doses 2, 4mg/kg (p <0.001). The combination of Amlodipine (1mg/kg) and Sodium valproate (50mg/kg) also had significant anticonvulsant effect.Conclusions: Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker has anticonvulsant effect and also potentiated the anticonvulsant effect of low dose sodium valproate

Evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of amlodipine in albino rats

Background: The objective of the study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of amlodipine in albino rats.Methods: Anticonvulsant activity of amlodipine was done in three graded doses (1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg), and combination group with low dose of amlodipine (1 mg/kg) and standard drug (phenytoin) in maximal electroshock seizures (MES) experimental animal model.Results: Amlodipine in dose of 2, 4 mg/kg showed dose dependent significant anticonvulsant effect and combination of low dose amlodipine and low dose of standard drug also showed significant anticonvulsant effect in MES model.Conclusions: Amlodipine is having anticonvulsant activity and also potentiated the anticonvulsant effect of phenytoin in MES model.

Addressing the challenges of Visually Impaired using IoT

Internet of Things is a new revolution of the Internet. IoT allows networked objects to be sensed and controlled remotely, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, resulting in reduced human intervention. People with complete blindness or low vision often have a difficult time self-navigating in unusual environments. In fact, mobility is one of the biggest challenges for visually Impaired. IoT offers the assistance and support to the visually impaired people to achieve a quality life allowing them to involve in social activities. Assistive IoT technologies are powerful tools to increase independence and improve participation. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to analyze how people with visual impairment can interact with and benefit from the IoT

Is low amniotic fluid index an indicator of fetal distress and hence delivery?

Background: Amniotic fluid Index (AFI) is an indicator of fetal well-being. Low AFI is considered to be one of the indications for delivery as it may be associated with fetal distress and birth asphyxia. We sought to determine whether low AFI is an indicator of fetal compromise and an indication to deliver.Methods: This prospective, observational study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, KMC, Manipal University, India, between August 2013 and Aug 2014. A total of 150 subjects that had induced labor or direct caesarean section for various indications and also having low-normal (5-8) / low (<5) AFI, were recruited. Subjects with fetal anomalies were excluded. Outcome variables studied were, fetal distress in labor, thick meconium stained amniotic fluid, mode of delivery in induced labor, perinatal asphyxia, and respiratory distress syndrome.Results: Out of 150 subjects, 68 (45.4%) had low and 82 (54.6%) had low-normal AFI. Both the groups were matched for demographic characteristics and confounding factors for neonatal outcome. In low AFI group the incidence of Low APGAR (11.7%), perinatal asphyxia (11.7%) and RDS (16.1%) were significantly higher compared to those in low-normal group (3.6%, 1.2% and 2.4% respectively) p = 0.057, 0.006 and 0.002. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to mode of delivery when labor was induced.Conclusions: Low AFI, especially when it is <5, is an indicator of fetal compromise and one may anticipate perinatal asphyxia and RDS. Hence it is prudent to contemplate delivery when the AFI is between 5 and 8

Community Capacity Building for Energy Sovereignty: A First Nation Case Study

Ontario’s 2017 Long-Term Energy Plan has identified the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission line as a priority project. The line will connect seventeen remote, off-grid, diesel-dependent First Nation communitiesin northwestern Ontario, Canada to the provincial grid. The province’s current energy mandates and policies commit program dollars to build the human capacities of the seventeen Wataynikaneyap Power communities through the Remote Electrification Readiness Program (RERP). This effort is part of growing interests, changing perspectives, and focus in the continuum of provincial strategies to encourage First Nations to meet their emerging energy transitional needs and to partake in the energy sector.Capacity-building challenges are unique in the Wataynikaneyap Power communities because they experience higher levels of poverty and socio economic inequities, are subjected to antiquated and unjust institutional structures, are following a legal and self-governance status, and are maintaining distinct cultures and ways of life.Capacity building as a concept is wide-ranging and offers a multitude of expressions and interpretations. For the Wataynikaneyap Power communities, capacity building has offered the opportunity to exert their inherent rights and to increase their participation in local and regional energy planning and development.This community-based research is derived from grassroots ethnographic community observation. Through a case study of one of the Wataynikaneyap Power communities, Poplar Hill First Nation, the paper will: a) elucidate a working example of an Indigenous capacity-building process through the RERP; b) demonstrate that capacity development is a key building block for self-determination and to achieve energy sovereignty; and c) illustrate the broader scope of learnings and pathways to effective capacity building for Indigenous communities that will drive energy development initiatives and actions in Canada’s expansive energy sector

When Worlds Collide: Framing Students’ Challenges with Stay-at-home Learning During COVID-19 through the Lens of Conflicting Role Identities

Based on a survey of undergraduate business students at a private Midwestern university in the United States, we found that the abrupt mid-semester transition from campus learning to at-home online learning due to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to an unexpected challenge for students. Students reported that stay-at-home learning eroded support for their student role while also creating conflicts between the student role and other competing roles, such as child, sibling, or supplemental wage earner. As a result, they significantly lacked motivation to complete schoolwork during stay-at-home orders. Using a framework rooted in role identity theory, we analyze this role erosion and role conflict. Based on that analysis, we suggest potential actions for faculty to mitigate the adverse impact that this role erosion/conflict has on learning and, thus, bolster the student role while simultaneously reducing conflict between the student role and other competing roles. As we brace for multiple semesters of teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, such efforts to facilitate positive stay-at-home learning experiences for our students will contribute to determining our academic success and our educational institutions’ economic viability