Vayala Vasudevan Pillai: A Playwright Par Excellence

Vasudevan Pillai is an eminent theatre personality who made significant contributions to the development of indigenous theatre concepts particularly to Malayalam theatre. His spirit of inquiry and quest for knowledge in performing arts were so high that he travelled far and wide and interacted with world renowned dramatists like Antonin Artaud, Jerzy Grotowski, Richard Schechner and Bertolt Brecht which gave him new insights into the world of theatre. Though he had acquired the technical skills of different theatres he never tried to imitate those into the native theatre. Following the footsteps of his mentor G. Sankara Pillai, who set a direction to his dramatic genius Vasudevan Pillai attempted to explore the latent indigenous theatre tradition of Kerala. However, Western theatrical techniques had an influence in shaping his dramatic concepts. Though he has a deep knowledge of the philosophy and techniques of both Eastern and Western theatres, he has not tried to deliberately fit them into his composition and presentation. He preached and penned what he thought proper. Thus he became the voice and expression of truth and humanity in Malayalam theatre

Performance Evaluation of Adaptive H-infinity Filter

This study is related to the use of adaptive H-infinity filter  for multi sensor data fusion ( based tracking. AHIF can work efficiently in the presence of uncertainties using sliding window concept. In the present use of , the length of window size is varied to eliminate/minimize the estimation errors and predict almost precise location of a target. Simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate performance of  in comparison with Kalman and H-Infinity filters for mild and evasive maneuvering targets.  Performs better in terms location accuracy and position fit error

Dimensionality Reduction Using Band Selection Technique for Kernel Based Hyperspectral Image Classification

AbstractHyperspectral images have abundant of information stored in the various spectral bands ranging from visible to infrared region in the electromagnetic spectrum. High data volume of these images have to be reduced, preserving the original information, to ensure efficient processing. In this paper, dimensionality reduction is done on Indian Pines and Salinas-A datasets using inter band block correlation coefficient technique followed by Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and QR decomposition. The dimensionally reduced images are classified using GURLS and LibSVM. Classification accuracies of the original image is compared to that of the dimensionally reduced image. The experimental analysis shows that, for 10% training sample the overall accuracy, average accuracy and kappa coefficient of the dimensionally reduced image (about 50% of the dimension is reduced) is i)83.52%, 77.18%, 0.8110 for Indian Pines and ii)99.53%, 99.40%, 0.9941 for Salinas-A dataset which is comparable to that of original image i)84.67%, 82.28%, 0.8247 for Indian Pines and ii)99.32%, 99.18%, 0.9916 for Salinas-A dataset

Data Compression Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network

In use of wireless sensor network technology for environmental monitoring, the two main fundamental activities of wireless sensor network is data acquisition and data transmission. However, transmitting or receiving data are power consuming task. Wireless sensor network consists of a set of sensor nodes. The processing capacity varies with each node. Sensors in it have storage capacity which is limited. The main challenge today in this field is to improvise the power and energy management of sensor network. Different techniques have been introduced by various researchers. In order to reduce power consumption during transmission, we introduce data compression by processing information locally.             This paper presents the simulation results for RLE method for data compression. The MATLAB GUI model is employed to simulate the RLE method. The simulation result shows that the RLE method can effectively compress the data with minimum power consumption

Preliminary Investigations for Policy Framework to Regulate the Utilisation of Residual Strength of Demolition Waste Aggregate in Cement Concrete Mix

Millions of tonnes of demolition waste of different types is generated from various sources in the construction industry. Improper disposal of such waste results in loss of valuable land in cities and also such deposits may breach into reservoirs, water bodies, canals, etc. leading to blocking the path for the free flow of rainwater. Dissolution of harmful compounds that may be present results in contamination of water bodies. Hence it is necessary to frame guidelines and rules for regulating the various Demolition activities. This facilitates the granting of permission, actual demolition, segregating different materials and making the best use of the derived aggregates for various activities. Using derived aggregates in partial /full replacement is possible in concrete mixes of different grades. An attempt is made to collect demolition waste from three different locations. Requisite tests were conducted. An attempt is made to design a pavement quality concrete (PQC) of M40 grade to satisfy compressive and flexural strength requirements. A policy framework is needed at the national level for utilizing demolition waste aggregate in civil engineering works of both structural and nonstructural applications. Proper regulation of CD waste management is essential to channelize the entire process to convert it into useful construction material

A study to assess the effectiveness of video assisted teaching on heart healthy diet among coronary artery disease patients in cardiac outpatient department of Sree Mookambika Medical College Hospital, Kulasekharam at Kanyakumari District

INTRODUCTION: Heart health is essential for improving the quality of life. Lifestyle changes and improper dietary habits commonly leads to heart disease. One of the most common heart disease is coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease otherwise called ischemic heart disease. Awareness regarding heart healthy diet helps to improve the level of knowledge among coronary artery disease patients and prevention of cardiac disease as much as possible. Providing video assisted teaching is the best technique to improve the level of knowledge among patients regarding the diet habits. The level of knowledge regarding diet which contains vegetables and fruits which are good source in vitamins, minerals, low calorie and rich in fibre that may help prevent cardiac diseases, daily allowance of dietary pattern, and unhealthy food of the heart. The video may be used to improve the knowledge on heart healthy diet among coronary artery disease patients, which help patients improve their level of knowledge and prevent cardiac diseases. OBJECTIVES: 1. To assess the pretest level of knowledge on heart healthy diet among coronary artery disease patients in cardiac outpatient department at Sree Mookambika Medical College Hospital. 2. To assess the post-test level of knowledge on heart healthy diet among coronary artery disease patients in cardiac outpatient department at Sree Mookambika Medical College Hospital after video assisted teaching. 3. To determine the effectiveness of video assisted teaching in coronary artery disease patients at cardiac outpatient department. 4. To find out the association between the levels of knowledge among coronary artery disease patients in cardiac outpatient department on heart healthy diet with the selected demographic variables such as age, gender, employment status, previous history of cardiac disease, comorbidity, diet habits, personal habits, history of smoking, history of alcoholism and family history of cardiac disease. HYPOTHESES: • H1: There will be a significant improvement on level of knowledge among coronary artery disease patients in cardiac outpatients department with heart healthy diet. • H2: There will be a significant association between the level of knowledge of coronary artery diseasepatients in cardiac outpatient department on heart healthy diet with the selected demographic variables such as age, gender, employment status, previous history of cardiac disease, comorbidity, diet habits, personal habits, history of smoking, history of alcoholism and family history of cardiac disease. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: The researcher adopted qualitative research design in one group pretest posttest. The study was conducted in Sree Mookambika Medical College Hospital at Kanyakumari district. Based on the inclusion criteria 30 samples were selected by purposive sampling technique. Pretest was conducted by using knowledge assessment questionnaire, after collecting the questionnaires, Video assisted teaching was given to them. Post test was conducted on after 07th day of teaching by the same knowledge assessment questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed based on the above mentioned objectives using descriptive and inferential statistics. STUDY FINDINGS: The study identified that the level of knowledge was improved in the post-test group. It was found that there was a significantly improvement in the level of knowledge among coronary artery disease patients. The ‘t’ value compared for the same also reveal significant difference t value 8.47 [p < 0.05]. The study identifies that the level of knowledge on heart healthy diet among CAD patients in cardiac out patient department in the post- test. The mean score was statistically significant with ‘t’ value 8.47 [p < 0.05] CONCLUSION: The researcher found that video assisted teaching was very much effective in improving level of knowledge on heart healthy diet among coronary artery disease patients. Patient satisfaction was very much higher in this intervention

Smart Approach for Public Transport

This paper is to provide public a Smart Assistance in Public Transport System. The paper is to be implemented for public bus (for PMTs in Pune). It has the entire smart assistance system required for public security and safety. The smart system includes safety form rash driving as well. It has accident detection and monitoring facility. It also has user friendly application for user to track bus on smart their phones. The smart system designed has both online (GPS) and offline (GSM) for user friendly service. It allows user to save its time by acknowledging no. of persons present in the bus as well as no. of seats available in the bus along with the current and next stop acknowledgment with its arrival timings. It also has ramp facility for handicap people. The system also many additions feature to make public transport system an intelligent and easy to use system so that public can take smart advantage of it. The system is specially designed for Smart Cities as it\u27s the recent development plan

An In Situ Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy Study of Electrochemical CO2 Reduction: Selectivity Dependence on Surface C-Bound and O-Bound Reaction Intermediates

The CO_{2} electro-reduction reaction (CORR) is a promising avenue to convert greenhouse gases into high-value fuels and chemicals, in addition to being an attractive method for storing intermittent renewable energy. Although polycrystalline Cu surfaces have long known to be unique in their capabilities of catalyzing the conversion of CO_{2} to higher-order C1 and C2 fuels, such as hydrocarbons (CH_{4}, C_{2}H_{4} etc.) and alcohols (CH_{3}OH, C_{2}H_{5}OH), product selectivity remains a challenge. In this study, we select three metal catalysts (Pt, Au, Cu) and apply in situ surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRAS) and ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS), coupled to density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, to get insight into the reaction pathway for the CORR. We present a comprehensive reaction mechanism for the CORR, and show that the preferential reaction pathway can be rationalized in terms of metal-carbon (M-C) and metal-oxygen (M-O) affinity. We show that the final products are determined by the configuration of the initial intermediates, C-bound and O-bound, which can be obtained from CO_{2} and (H)CO_{3}, respectively. C1 hydrocarbons are produced via OCH_{3, ad} intermediates obtained from O-bound CO_{3, ad} and require a catalyst with relatively high affinity for O-bound intermediates. Additionally, C2 hydrocarbon formation is suggested to result from the C-C coupling between C-bound CO_{ad} and (H)CO_{ad}, which requires an optimal affinity for the C-bound species, so that (H)CO_{ad} can be further reduced without poisoning the catalyst surface. Our findings pave the way towards a design strategy for CORR catalysts with improved selectivity, based on this experimental/theoretical reaction mechanisms that have been identified

Knowledge and practices regarding pharmacoeconomics among resident doctors in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: With skyrocketing health care costs, even the essential care provided by the health care service providers need to be evaluated under the lens. The development of nationwide awareness of cost-benefit, cost-utility and cost-effectiveness of services is the need of the hour. The objectives of the present study were to assess the knowledge about pharmacoeconomics among resident doctors and to assess the clinical application of pharmacoeconomics among them.Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among resident doctors involving both interns and post-graduates of a teaching medical college. There were 20 questions; initial ten were for knowledge assessment and next ten questions assessed practical applications. Questions assessed the knowledge regarding components of pharmacoeconomics, direct and indirect medical costs, and application of pharmacoeconomics, local cost-effectiveness decisions and advantages of pharmacoeconomics.Results: Of the 118 participants who took part in the study, 42 were clinicians working in medical college hospital, 12 were clinicians working in dental college hospital, 24 medial postgraduates, 30 dental postgraduates and 10 interns. Nearly 90% of the respondents opine that concepts of pharmacoeconomics are not followed in every teaching hospital in India. Many participants (90%) opined that health economics and pharmacoeconomic are different. Nearly 94% of participants have not under gone any training regarding pharmacoeconomics. More than 95% respondents have opined that principles of pharmacoeconomics has to be introduced into current medial undergraduate curriculum.Conclusions: This study shows light on the knowledge and practices of resident doctors regarding principles of pharmacoeconomics. This study has revealed the level of awareness of younger generation regarding pharmacoeconomics

Evaluation of first trimester fasting blood glucose as a predictor of gestational diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION: GDM is defined as “glucose intolerance of variable degree with onset or first recognised during pregnancy”. With proper diagnosis and treatment of GDM, the perinatal and maternal outcome can be increased. AIM: To find association between first trimester fasting blood sugar values compared with the second trimester oral glucose tolerance test value (75gm DIPSI criteria) for diagnosis of GDM. To find the efficiency of FBS and BMI as a screening test for GDM. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was conducted in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, PSG Hospitals, Coimbatore from June 2014 – May 2015. About 270 antenatal mothers were selected during their first trimester from Obstetrics & Gynaecology department OPD during June 2014- may 2015 were explained about the study after excluding other women who were not eligible for the study and fasting blood glucose levels were measured and documented. The patients were followed up during the second trimester and a 75 Gms OGTT was done and the levels were noted. Patients with first trimester fasting blood glucose levels were categorised as 105 mg/dl were excluded from the study. Patients with FBS <92 mg/dl were subjected to second trimester 75 Gms OGTT. Patients with FBS between 92-105 mg/dl were subjected to diabetic diet, FBS and PPBS was done after 2 weeks of diabetic diet and if it was found to be normal, they were subjected to second trimester 75 OGTT DIPSI criteria. If FBS, PPBS after 2 weeks of diabetic diet were high they were not subjected to second trimester OGTT and were excluded from the study. Patients with FBS of >105 mg/dl were excluded from the study First trimester FBS value and second trimester 75 Gms GTT values were analysed and the results were tabulated. Correlation between first trimesters FBS, BMI versus second trimester OGTT were done. Women diagnosed as GDM were managed appropriately. Screening property of both fasting blood sugar and BMI were calculated and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULT: Mean calculated continuous variable. Percentage calculated for categorical variable (sensitivity). Pearson chi –square test was used to find association between categorical variable. In addition sensitivity, specificity, false positive, false negative were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to find cut off value for FBS & BMI for GDM. Further Area under Curve (AUC) was calculated to observe discriminatory power between FBS & BMI. FBS has little more discriminatory power in identifying GDM than BMI. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. All statistical analysis was done using SPSS Software (statistical package for social sciences). With a threshold of FBS>90, sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 52%, hence FBS >90mg/dl can be considered as a threshold value for predicting GDM which is lesser than the threshold 92 mg/dl which is already considered as a cut off for prediction of GDM. With a threshold of BMI>24, sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 67.5%, hence BMI >24 is a good predictor of GDM. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and early intervention of diabetes is useful for improving pregnancy outcomes. In conclusion, FBS measurement at first prenatal visit or at the time of first booking will be useful to screen for previously undiagnosed pre existing diabetes and also help to predict the development of GDM earlier