Category Archives: Science & Technology

Conduent Expands in India, Aims to Create up to 5,000 Technology Jobs in Visakhapatnam

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Aims to create up to 5,000 technology jobs in the city in next two years

ConduentANDHRA20apr2018

Conduent Incorporated (NYSE: CNDT), a global leader in digital interactions with operations in 35 countries, expanded its presence in India and started its new location in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This became the company’s ninth location in the country and is poised to create up to 5,000 jobs in the city over the next two years.

The launch comes less than six months after announcing a three-year timeline for setting up a development centre in Visakhapatnam’s Fintech Valley. The new site will become a key business location in India and will help Conduent India globally deliver innovation in technology, transportation, healthcare, public safety, human resources, process automation and operational excellence.

“My Government has proactively worked towards building the talent and providing an eco-system to attract global organisations into Visakhapatnam. The entry of global businesses like Conduent to the city is a sign of the success of these initiatives and city’s growing stature as a business hub. It is yet another example of how investing in a highly-skilled, educated workforce boosts the local economy, creates jobs for the youth and strengthens the State,” said Shri. N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minster, Andhra Pradesh. “I congratulate Conduent on starting their operations and extend full support of my Government to their growth plans in Andhra Pradesh.”

Today, Conduent India employs almost 12,000 people across nine cities. The new office in Visakhapatnam demonstrates Conduent’s focus on India as a priority market and underlines the importance of the region in the company’s overall growth strategy.

“India is a strategic growth region for Conduent and we are convinced about the potential that the country offers. As a digital interactions business that serves Fortune 500 companies and government entities around the world, being a part of this dynamic geography is the right move for our clients and our people,” said Dave Amoriell – President, Conduent Inc. “Visakhapatnam provides access to a new professional labor market focused on technology, innovation and research. We are honored to have the support of Government and the Hon’ble Chief Minster Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu to bring even more future-looking jobs to the great state of Andhra Pradesh.”

Visakhapatnam is on track to becoming the technology, science, and knowledge hub in India,” said Shri Nara Lokesh, Hon’ble Minister – IT, Electronics, PR & RD Andhra Pradesh. “The state government is committed to support technology companies in establishing their centres in Vizag. Conduent is a perfect example as they have commenced their operations in less than 6 months and invested in the great future of the state. It is a matter of great pride for me, my team and the state to welcome Conduent to Visakhapatnam.”

“We are confident that our Visakhapatnam centre will deliver great benefits to our customers,” said Lokesh Prasad – Conduent India CEO. “Our investment in the region – with its highly skilled talent, supportive government and global business partners – strengthens our ability to succeed in continuing to develop and deliver innovative solutions for the global market.”

source: http://www.bwdisrupt.businessworld.in / BW Disrupt / Home / by BW Online Bureau / March 29th, 2018

E. Godavari achieves milestone

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology
Shining example: Chief Minister says it will now be replicated in other districts of the State. | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR
Shining example: Chief Minister says it will now be replicated in other districts of the State. | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR

CM to declare it the first district with 100% LED street lights in country

East Godavari district of the State has achieved the milestone of being the first LED street lighting district in the country.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will declare it tentatively on April 24 on the occasion of Panchayat Raj Divas. By installing around 3.1 lakh LED street lights in the rural areas of the district, around 34 Million Units (MUs) of energy could be saved annually.

Andhra Pradesh has been identified as the best State in the country in implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programmes by the World Bank.

Role model

In a tele-conference with Minister for IT and Panchayat Raj Nara Lokesh and Principal Secretary Jawahar Reddy, Mr. Naidu said the State’s quest to enhance people’s quality of life in cities as well as villages had made it a role model for others.

‘Happy lives’

Mr. Naidu appreciated the Minister’s efforts with the support of the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in completing the street-lighting project in a record period of over five months and said it will now be replicated in other districts across the State by installing 28 lakh to 30 lakh LED lights which would save around 333 MUs of energy annually.

“My idea is to pay equal attention to basic amenities for the people in urban as well as rural segments like water, roads, housing and street-lighting. I want people of the State to lead happy lives,” he said.

Mr. Lokesh said of the total number of 50 lakh LED street lights installed across the country, Andhra Pradesh’s share was 11.61 lakh street lights, covering 20 % of the total number, leaving behind big States like Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. He said coordination between many wings of the government had resulted in the achievement.

He asked Mr. Jawahar Reddy to prepare a comprehensive report on the overall impact of LED street lighting programme in East Godavari comparing it with other rural areas across the globe.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Vijayawada – April 16th, 2018

Nellore doctor gets award

Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

‘Complications will arise if it is not tackled early’

Many children suffering from insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes eventually end up falling ill due to several other diseases such as thyroid and celiac intestinal illness which become complicated due to lack of awareness and timely treatment.

Out of 100 juvenile diabetics, nearly 50 of them are falling ill due to other common diseases affecting intestines and glands.

M.V. Rammohan, Endocrinologist, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Nellore, says that nearly 40 % out of these 50 children are suffering from thyroid while another 20 % from celiac.

Early diagnosis and treatment of these other diseases in such children have helped in enhancing their quality of life. As their disease is genetic in nature, they have to manage and live with these conditions for a lifetime, he said.

Constant care

In recognition of this outstanding research work, Dr. Rammohan received the Halmessy Trust award from the World Endocrine Society at an international conference held in Chicago recently.

He has done extensive research on type 1 diabetes among children for whom consistent care and continuous treatment is required throughout their life. As they are vulnerable to other diseases, the related treatments should be taken without wasting time.

The World Endocrine Society encourages treatments for diabetes related disorders in various communities in a bid to take forward research in these areas.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Nellore – April 05th, 2018

Anatomy and history of a 200-year-old Ivory skeleton

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
The ivory and rosewood skeletons on display at the AMC’s Anatomy Museum in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: C.V.Subrahmanyam
The ivory and rosewood skeletons on display at the AMC’s Anatomy Museum in Visakhapatnam. | Photo Credit: C.V.Subrahmanyam

A rare masterpiece from Saraswati Mahal of Thanjavur, it’s now the prized possession of the Anatomy Museum of Andhra Medical College

A rare ivory skeleton, the bones of which have been carved to clockwork precision on the lines of the human skeleton, is the cherished treasure at the Anatomy Museum of Andhra Medical College (AMC) here.

The ivory skeleton, 5’6” in height and weighing 231 lbs (104.78 kg), reflects the ingenuity of the sculptor, who had carved it more than two centuries ago. It was procured from the famous Saraswati Mahal of Thanjavur, which was under the patronage of Rajah Serfoji (1798-1832). The skeleton is said to have been made between 1805 and 1810. Dr. R. Krishna Rau, a Professor in the Department of Anatomy between 1929 and 1946, who was instrumental in setting up the museum, had bought the ivory skeleton and a rosewood skeleton for a sum of ₹75. The 18th century skeleton has been drawing appreciation of not only experts in the medical field, but also the general public during exhibitions.

“The British are said to have paid ₹5 lakh to display it during an exhibition in London in 1970. The skeleton was taken in a specially made coffin and returned after about a week,” Dr. Ashalatha, Head of the Department of Anatomy, told The Hindu.

Mortem and taboo

“In those days, there were several taboos in handling human bodies and skeletons, and Dr. Krishna Rau was said to have stayed back in the department for a few days on the arrival of the skeletons. Even today, some anatomy professors do not tell their family members that they handle dead bodies,” says Dr. K. Lakshmi Kumari, an Associate Professor of Anatomy. “The ivory skeleton is a masterpiece and is said to be one among the few in the world. No wonder, it was taken by ship all the way to London for display at an exhibition there. The ivory and rosewood skeletons are displayed at exhibitions, organised on special occasions,” says Dr. P.V. Sudhakar, Principal of AMC.

The museum signifies the efforts and dedication of the illustrious teachers, professors and HODs, particularly of AMC during the early days.

Prof. F.J. Anderson, who as Principal of AMC, gave full freedom to Dr. Krishna Rau in securing the unique collections.

The department was named after Dr. Krishna Rau on January 24, 1984 honouring his efforts.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by B. Madhu Gopal / Visakhapatnam – April 06th, 2018

Guntur doctor wins Natgeo award for physical therapy app

Business & Economy, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, Sports, World Opinion
Asha J Gummadi
Asha J Gummadi

Therax Portal helps physiotherapists to share home exercise programmes with patients

A neuro physical therapist from Guntur has won the National Geographic Chasing Genius Challenge in the U.S. for designing a web/mobile application that helps patients with home exercise programmes in their native language.

Dr. Asha’s web application — Therax Portal — is now helping physiotherapists to prescribe, customise and share home exercise programmes with their patients in their native language.

Thousands of people living in rural areas across the world now use the app to get access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation exercises. In places where there is no internet facility, people are taking printouts of the programmes. “People in rural areas are forced to travel long distances to get quality treatment, and by using the application, they can do the exercises at home. The exercises can be modified by their physiotherapists during check-ups. I have watched my grandparents struggle to get access to effective rehabilitation as they were living in rural areas in India,” Dr. Asha said.

The Natgeo challenge is part of a marketing strategy to popularise a television series — Genius — and rewards innovative ideas. Participants have to create a one-minute video about an idea they had to solve a problem using wireless connectivity. Over 1,050 entries competed for the award, and of them, 10 ideas were considered for final round held in March and the winner was chosen based on votes through social media platforms such as Facebook.

Dr. Asha entered the competition with an idea, “Empowering Telerehabilitation with digital connectivity”, and stood out as the winner. She is at present residing at Philadelphia in the U.S. where she works at Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital. Daughter of former principal of Government College for Women, Guntur, Gummadi Narayana Rao, Dr. Asha graduated from Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati, and later moved to the U.S. to pursue Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by P. Samuel Jonathan / Guntur – April 01st, 2018

Surgery streamed live from Guntur for seminar in Gujarat

Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Science & Technology
Minister for Civil Supplies P. Pulla Rao with the team of doctors led by MD of Sai Bhaskar Hospitals, Busireddy Narendra Reddy. | Photo Credit: T_VIJAYA_KUMAR
Minister for Civil Supplies P. Pulla Rao with the team of doctors led by MD of Sai Bhaskar Hospitals, Busireddy Narendra Reddy. | Photo Credit: T_VIJAYA_KUMAR

Joint knee replacement performed on a 54-year-old

Guntur-based orthopaedic surgeon Busireddy Narendra Reddy performed a unique interactive live joint knee replacement surgery at Government General Hospital, which was streamed live to a group of orthopaedic surgeons who are part of an International Masters Course at Vapi, Gujarat.

Dr. Reddy performed the surgery on a 54-year-old man with symptoms of osteoarthritis, interacting with fellow surgeons and clarifying their doubts while performing the surgery. Orthopaedic surgeons from 23 countries took part in the seminar at Vapi.

Beginning with a classical incision on the knee, Dr. Reddy extricated the damaged femur and replaced with a gold implant designed to last for 20 years.

Minister for Civil Supplies Prathipati Pulla Rao, local MLA Modugula Venugopala Reddy, Guntur East MLA Sk. Mustafa later complimented Dr. Reddy for performing the delicate surgery.

Free surgeries

“The live joint knee replacement surgery has yet again showed that Guntur is emerging as a centre for knee replacement surgeries. I have decided to do at least 20 free surgeries on behalf of Unnati Trust,” said Dr. Reddy.

Superintendent, GGH, Raju Naidu, and Head of Department of Orthopedics, G. Vara Prasad, were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Staff Reporter / Guntur – March 24th, 2018

Vijayawada: UK team conducts free heart surgeries

Amazing Feats, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

This is the 13th such camp and 274 children have benefitted.

Doctors with parents of the children after surgery. (Photo: DC)
Doctors with parents of the children after surgery. (Photo: DC)

Vijayawada :

A team of doctors from the United Kingdom have completed 22 free surgeries for children organised at a private hospital in association with Healing Little Hearts, United Kingdom (UK). The surgeries were conducted from March 18-24. Cardiac surgical camp was performed in all 22 complex cardiac surgeries this week. Other surgeries will be done by local doctors as they are not very severe.

Hospital’s children services chief Dr P.V. Rama Rao addressed the media on Friday, Dr Rao said that the Heart and Brain Institute had organised Paediatric Cardiac surgical camp and performed about 22 complex cardiac surgeries successfully this week. He said that a nine-member UK doctor’s team from hospitals like Lady Cilento children’s hospital, Brisbane, Australia, Alderney children’s hospital, Liverpool, UK and Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester performed complex Paediatric Cardiac surgeries.

He said that the team includes paediatric interventional cardiologist, Paediatric cardiac surgeon, paediatric cardiac intensivists, perfusionist, paediatric intensive care nurses who were led by Dr Sanjiv Nichani from UK and Dr Vikram. Hospital MD Dr P.V. Ramana Murthy said that this is the 13th free camp for children since December 2015 and had successfully performed surgeries on 274 children. He said that Healing little hearts, UK team has visited thirteen times so far and many complex heart surgeries were done with their association. He said that surgeries were successfully performed with the team effort of Paediatric Cardiology, cardiac surgical team and Paediatric intensive care team.

Actor Mahesh Babu extended his support for the noble cause. Parents of the patients also expressed their happiness as they are poor. Dr Prem Venugopal, Paediatric cardiac surgeon, Dr Nayan Shetty, Dr Gopi, Dr Chellappan Subramanian, Anuradha, Anand Mohan Patil, Julia, cardiac surgeon Dr Dilip, cardiologist Dr Sreemannarayana and cardiac anaesthetist Dr Ramesh were present.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / March 24th, 2018

Farm Radio is the new go-to helpline for Vizag’s farmers

Agriculture, Education, Records, All, Science & Technology

Visakhapatnam :

A ‘Farm Radio’ that was launched to give insights and tips to farmers has met with enormous success in the district.
Developed by scientists of Anakapalle Regional Agriculture Station (ARAS), the Farm Radio app sees hundreds of farmers tuning into it everyday through their smartphones.

The success of the app has prompted ARAS to try to get All India Radio’s Vizag and Vijayawada stations broadcast Farm Radio in order to reach out to a larger audience.

ARAS officials said they have are extending support to farmers in the form of information through toll-free numbers as well as a special app. “Farm Radio offers tips on maintaining crops, weather forecast, market information and related tips as well as success stories of various farmers,” said an ARAS official.

“Farm Radio is nothing but an internet radio. Any farmer who has a smartphone and internet connectivity can easily access Farm Radio. The response from farmers is great and they are asking us for more information on methods to protect their crops,” senior scientist of crop production K Tejeswara Rao told TOI.

“This radio is different from other FM radios as this radio has no boundaries because it is connected to the internet. Farmers can listen to the radio round-the-clock and can also choose whatever topic they want to listen to. We are planning to add more topics and other aspects,” Rao said.

After witnessing the response, ARAS is now trying to sign an MoU with All India Radio, because they have more topics as they have already been transmitting ‘Palle Seemalu and Grama Darsini’ programmes. They have more than 160 topics and ARAS wishes to upload all these topics to provide the information to farmers through Farm Radio.

Rao said farmers are seeking information according to the season. Nowadays, they are asking about mango and cashew orchids, besides sugarcane plantation. Anyone can access the radio by logging into www.farmradio.in . This radio was developed by a group of scientists of ARAS – Pradeep Kumar, Dr Moshe, Dr Chittibabu, Dr Vijayabhinandana, Dr Dhanasri and others.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Visakhapatnam News / by Siva G. / March 25th, 2018

Physiotherapist from Guntur wins Nat Geo Challenge

Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Visakhapatnam:

Indian physiotherapist Dr Asha J Gummadi won the National Geographic Chasing Genius Challenge held in the US for her innovative idea. Dr Asha, a graduate in physiotherapy from SVIMS University, Tirupati, hails from Guntur district.
She moved to the US to pursue Master of Science in physiotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, Boston.

She graduated with an Advanced Master of Science majoring with Neurological Physiotherapy in 2008. She had been practising in the US since then and for the past seven years. She was associated with Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, a large acute rehab centre in Greater Philadelphia, as a neurological physiotherapist.

National Geographic network had called for innovative ideas that can change the world in their segment chasing genius challenge and Dr Asha Gummadi presented her idea “Empowering tele- rehabilitation with digital connectivity.” Her solution was a web application that helps physiotherapists prescribe, customise and share home exercise programmes with their patients in their native languages.

Her solution was well received and acknowledged.
Her vision was to provide tele-rehabilitation services to people living in rural and remote areas with the use of technology. Patients living in rural regions, in general, face a lot of hardships to get access to physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> Andhra Pradesh / March 25th, 2018

Visakhapatnam Railway Station achieves 100 per cent energy efficiency

Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, Science & Technology

It would save about Rs 3.17 lakh per annum with reduction of the connected load for Railways.

Visakhapatnam Railway Station of East Coast Railway has earned the unique distinction of being the first Energy Efficient ‘A1 Category’ Railway Station over the Division.
Visakhapatnam Railway Station of East Coast Railway has earned the unique distinction of being the first Energy Efficient ‘A1 Category’ Railway Station over the Division.

Visakhapatnam:

Visakhapatnam Railway Station of East Coast Railway has earned the unique distinction of being the first Energy Efficient ‘A1 Category’ Railway Station over the Division. The station has achieved 100 per cent energy efficiency by replacing conventional lights with light-emitting diode lighting, among other steps. All these measures would save about Rs 3.17 lakh per annum with reduction of the connected load for Railways, said Divisional Railway manager, (Waltair) M.S. Mathur.

As a part of energy conservation measures, 1000 KWp On-Grid power from rooftop Solar Photo Voltaic systems on four service buildings i.e. on Electric Loco Shed, Diesel Loco Shed, Divisional Railway Hospital and on DRM’s office.  The Solar Grid-Power commissioned under PPP model including operation and maintenance of the systems for a period of 25 years. The project cost is about Rs 8 crores. As many as 3,360 solar panels have been provided for the generation of 1 Mega Watt power.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / March 22nd, 2018