Category Archives: Science & Technology

WBA South Asian meet in Vizag from Dec 11

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Lalita Vaswani, vice-president of World Birdstrike Association (South Asia), and Raman Emani, Director of BirdGard India Pvt Limited, briefing the media in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: C.V.Subrahmanyam
Lalita Vaswani, vice-president of World Birdstrike Association (South Asia), and Raman Emani, Director of BirdGard India Pvt Limited, briefing the media in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: C.V.Subrahmanyam

The first regional South Asian conference of the World Birdstrike Association (WBA) will be held in Visakhapatnam from Dec 11 to 13.

The conference, supported by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, will deliberate on the problem of birds and wild animals posing a threat to aircrafts, particularly during landing and take-off of flights, Lalita Vaswani, Vice President of WBA-South Asia and WBA Member Raman Emani told the media here on Wednesday.

They underlined the importance of creating awareness on the issue of bird strike among all stakeholders including farmers, town planners, organisations for the protection of nature and environment, apart from civil aviation authorities, military, aircraft and aerodrome operators at the regional, national and global levels.

The stakeholders or their representatives from various countries would participate in the conference and deliberate on the issue and the measures being taken in their respective countries to tackle the problem. The meeting would provide a platform for exchange of ideas and practices being adopted at various airports across the globe to eliminate or minimise the risks.

Ms. Lalita said that the deliberations made at the conference would be sent to the authorities concerned for implementation. The WBA conference in Mexico in 2014 had decided to strengthen regional cooperation with all stakeholders within a global framework in close cooperation with the national authorities. The Bird Strike Committees of Australia, Central and South America, Europe and North America were already cooperating on a regional level.

Replying to queries, Mr. Raman said that the measures to reduce bird hits include: passive measures like prevention of dumping of wastes in the proximity of airports, not to allow tress close to the airport as they attract birds and keeping the grass low. The active measures include: bird repellents and lasers.

“The water bodies, marshes and trees, close to the airport, provide the perfect setting for birds and other animal species to feed and rest,” he said.

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source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / December 07th, 2017

All set for launch of Andhra Children’s Heart Institute

Records, All, Science & Technology
A team of Andhra Hospitals doctors addressing a press conference in Vijayawada on Thursday. | Photo Credit: V RAJU.
A team of Andhra Hospitals doctors addressing a press conference in Vijayawada on Thursday. | Photo Credit: V RAJU.

‘Every year 7,000 newborns in State are suffering from heart ailments’

Andhra Hospitals is all set to launch Andhra Children’s Heart Institute to treat heart diseases prevalent among infants especially the new borns, according to P.V. Rama Rao, Chief of Children’s Services here on Thursday.

Speaking to media persons he said that India-born paediatric cardiologist Vikram Kudumula, who had spent more than a decade serving the Glenfield Hospitals at Leicester in the UK, has agreed to join Andhra Hospitals as a full-time consultant.

“We have started treating heart ailments in children for the past two years and had performed around 215 surgeries with 100 per cent success rate. For every for two months we are having a team of doctors coming to city from various parts of the world performing complicated surgeries. This initiative is a team effort”.

“As many as 40 professionals along with local paediatricians and cardiologists are striving hard to bring children back to normal”.

He said for one week until December 2, thirteen doctors from United Kingdom have come to city and they will perform 14 free heart surgeries. “The team include paediatric interventional cardiologist, paediatric cardiac surgeons, paediatric cardiac intensivists, anaesthetist, perfusionists and nurses”.

Dr. Rao said the team was performing complicated surgeries which include Atrial septal defect with complications, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage and fallot’s tetralogy.

Dr. Vikram said that every year 7000 newborns in Andhra Pradesh were suffering from heart ailments and appreciated Andhra Hospitals for coming up with the idea to launch a children’s heart institute.

Andhra Hospitals Managing Director P.V. Ramana Murthy said that Healing Little Hearts, a team UK team, has come more than ten times to city and was planning to more surgeries with the support of the Andhra Pradesh Government.

Dr. Sanjiv Nichani, Dr. Guido Oppido, Dr. Giovanbattista Capozzi, Dr. Capucine, Dr. Sharmila, Dr. Muntaz Alessandra, Dr. Srimannarayana and Dr Dilip were present.

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source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by Special Correspondent – Vijayawada / December 01st, 2017

Transplant facility opened at Manipal Hospital

Records, All, Science & Technology

Manipal Hospital unveiled state-of-the-art exclusive transplant and medical ICU in the city on Wednesday.

Minister P. Pullarao and NTR University V-C C.V. Rao take a look at the transplant and Medical ICU block after inauguration of Manipal Hospitals. (Photo: DC)
Minister P. Pullarao and NTR University V-C C.V. Rao take a look at the transplant and Medical ICU block after inauguration of Manipal Hospitals. (Photo: DC)

Vijayawada:

Manipal Hospital unveiled state-of-the-art exclusive transplant and medical ICU in the city on Wednesday. The facility was inaugurated by Prathipati Pulla Rao, civil supplies minister and Dr C.V.  Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences here. The medical ICU has 11 beds, each in a separate room, transplant ICU has 6 beds with the latest air lock lobby in the patient room. Isolation has been designed in a way to prevent airborne-infections. The minister appreciated the management for upgrading the hospital with new equipment. “The facility has a built-up area of 6,500 square feet. The patient cubicle area is 100 square feet. Transplant ICU has 6 beds.”

Dr Sudhakar Kantipudi, unit head, Manipal Hospitals, said, “Our aim is to provide excellent services in healthcare sector. Many people are suffering from severe health problems needing transplant.” The transplant and medical ICU play a major role in supporting a surgery or a transplant and having state-of-the- art unit makes a huge difference. We are happy to take this positive step for the people of Vijayawada.” Dr Srinivasan, senior surgeon, Dr  Srinivas Rao T, Consultant Critical Care, and Dr. Manoj Kumar, chief of clinical services were present

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation>Current Affairs /  November 30th, 2017

Bill Gates remembers his first meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu

Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion
Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Image: Reuters
Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Image: Reuters

Microsoft Founder Bill Gates on Friday said he was really excited at meeting Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the first time over 20 years ago.

Addressing the valedictory of the three-day AP AgTech Summit 2017, the Co-Chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recalled his meeting with Naidu who was then chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.

“I was told that there is someone who believes in digital technology even more than you do. It was hard to believe but when we met, he had his digital equipment — computer — and he had the vision to make government better by using advanced tools,” said Gates.

He also revealed that they agreed and today they have reached a milestone as they can use dashboards for agriculture and health. He also referred to the use of Microsoft app Kaizala by the state government for its activity.

“It’s been a real journey over these 20 years, making that vision a reality. I expect it to accelerate and in the years ahead will move very quickly,” said Gates.

Earlier, Naidu in his speech revealed how he managed to get an appointment with Gates for 10 minutes but the latter spent 40 minutes with him. “I made a presentation through a laptop and I was the first Indian politician to do so,” the chief minister claimed.

Naidu explained how he convinced Gates to set up Microsoft’s development centre in Hyderabad. “Not only Microsoft opened its development centre in Hyderabad but Satya Nadella who is from our place became Microsoft CEO.”

Terming Gates as a great personality, the chief minister said he was spending the money he earned to help people around the world.

source: http://www.firstpost.com / First Post / Home> Tech> News Analysis / IANS / November 20th, 2017

CANEUS International to set up space science and research center in Andhra Pradesh

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

SpaceANDHRA18nov2017

Hyderabad :

CANEUS International, involved in satellite and space technology has signed a tripartite agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB) and the Andhra Pradesh State Skills Development Corporation (APSSDC) to establish a Center of Excellence on Space Sciences and Technologies for Development (CoE4SSTD) in Hindpur, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

This MoU was signed by Milind Pimprikar, Chairman, CANEUS and J Krishna Kishore, CEO, APEDB in the presence of Chief Guest Simonetta Di Pippo, Director, UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs) an Italian astro-physicist with over 30 years of expertise in aerospace affairs and senior officials of ISRO in Bengaluru.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) had in fact named an asteroid 20887 “dipippo” after Pippo recognizing her contribution to space exploration.

The CoE4SSTD is expected to help build capacities and capabilities in space science and research. Andhra Pradesh will partner, collaborate and assist the CoE4SSTD and help align the state with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It will be developed over a 60 acres of land in Hindupur, and create opportunities for 500 highly skilled direct jobs and over 1000 indirect jobs in AP and will provide the much needed fillip for the aerospace and defense ecosystem in Anantapur. It is likely to be completed by the end of 2018. Anantapur has already seen Kia motors, BEL and other major investments

CANEUS International, a non-profit organisation of professionals involved in public private partenrhsips in aeronautics, space and defence recently set up a facility for manufacturing small satellites in Nagpur.

Krishna Kishore, CEO, APEDB said, “’Fostering such collaborations remains a key focus for Andhra Pradesh. This Centre of Excellence will also build deep industry-relevant capabilities and develop a pipeline of talent to support our growing aerospace industry and create an excellent ecosystem for turning Anantapur as a manufacturing hub.”

Milind Pimprikar, Chairman, CANEUS said “This knowledge-intensive space industry is an exciting niche opportunity for Andhra Pradesh and the state has the potential to create valuable technology-based careers for those focusing on emerging technologies for solving problems while ushering in Industry 4.0.”

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> News> National / by M. Somasekhar / November 17th, 2017

Andhra Pradesh: First sports injury surgery performed at Divisional Railway Hospital

Records, All, Science & Technology, Sports

In this form of treatment, the patient regains full range of movement at the shoulder joint within a short span of time.

Visakhapatnam:

The Department of Surgery and Orthopaedics at Divisional Railway Hospital here performed its first sports-injury repair surgery under general anaesthesia. A 50-year-old male patient was admitted to Railway Hospital with Rotator cuff injuries. MRI showed rupture of Supraspinatus tendon with exposed humerus head.

These types of injuries which were till now being treated conservatively or referred to Howrah Orthopaedic Hospital for further management was treated using anchorage screws.

In this form of treatment, the patient regains full range of movement at the shoulder joint within a short span of time.

The surgical team consisted of Dr K.P.S. Kasi Pati additional CMS, HVS consultant Dr A. Gopi Krishna and Dr G.V.S. Ramu, Dr Madhulina Nag, anaesthetist and the team consisted of OT sisters and OT staff. Dr B.G.S. Rao, CMS and Sr DMO anaesthesia Dr M. Mahesh Kumar were present during the surgery.

Department of Surgery and Orthopaedics also equipped itself to start arthroscopic knee surgeries under the guidance of CMS Railway hospital and with the support of Divisional Railway Manager Waltair.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle> Health & Wellbeing / Decccan Chronicle / November 12th, 2017

Guntur students win prizes at IIT Kharagpur

Education, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technology
Students of The Crossword School, Guntur —Vijayaditya Reddy, M. Sudhamsu and G.Vishnu Teja— with ‘cool push cart’ designed by them.
Students of The Crossword School, Guntur —Vijayaditya Reddy, M. Sudhamsu and G.Vishnu Teja— with ‘cool push cart’ designed by them.

‘Kool kart’ has them emerge as second runners-up in Young Innovators programme’17

A cool cart to preserve the freshness of fruits, designed by students of The Crossword School here, has won the laurels at the Young Innovators Programme 2017, held at IIT Kharagpur on October 28 and October 29. The innovation, ‘Kool Kart’, made the students emerge as the second runners-up from among 24 entries from across the country.

The class VIII students, Vijayaditya Reddy, M. Sudhamsu G.Vishnu Teja, guided by the Principal Naga Padmaja, designed the ‘push kool kart’ as a means to preserve the fruits sold by vendors on the streets.

“The students have designed the cool cart making use of Peltier’s Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC). Peltier Plate or more popularly known TEC has two sides. It creates a temperature gradient on both sides of the plate when a potential difference is supplied to them,’’ said M. Chenna Kesava Reddy, director of the school.

The students have used a 60W solar panel powering the Peltier module. Fibre sheets have been used to cover the cart. The students have attached a heat sink and a fan to dissipate the heat and maintain a steady temperature. A 12V rechargeable battery is attached to the solar panel to allow for uninterrupted power supply.

With cold air convection, the students were able to achieve about 20-25 degrees Celsius in the controlled area, which is quite suitable for the preservation of our perishables.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / Staff Reporter / Guntur -November 04th, 2017

New aquaculture system dedicated to nation

Agriculture, Records, All, Science & Technology

ICAR Director General Trilochan Mohapatra on Tuesday dedicated to the nation the indigenous Re-circulatory Aquaculture System developed at the Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

Dr. Mohapatra, who was here to receive an award at the third AP Science Congress, lauded the efforts by scientists for setting up RAS for marine finfish broodstock maturation. This would help quick production and effective disease control to farmers, he said. RAS has been successful in broodstock development of Orange spotted grouper and pompano to enable mass scale production.

Later, he interacted with scientists of CMFRI and Central Institute of Fishing Technology. He praised the training imparted by CIFT to fisherwomen of Pudimadaka and facilitating them to sell various fish items on Beach Road by procuring a van.

The ICAR Director General advised scientists to conduct a case study on success of the project so as to replicate it at other places in the country.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / Special Correspondent / Visakhapatnam – November 08th, 2017

UK surgeons save little hearts

Amazing Feats, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Science & Technology, World Opinion

In safe hands: Doctors from Healing Little Hearts, UK with a baby on whom they performed heart surgery at Andhra Hospital in Vijayawada on Friday. | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR
In safe hands: Doctors from Healing Little Hearts, UK with a baby on whom they performed heart surgery at Andhra Hospital in Vijayawada on Friday. | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR

Camp held at Heart & Brain Institute, Andhra Hospitals

Heart & Brain Institute, Andhra Hospitals, organised a paediatric cardiology and cardiac surgical camp in association with Healing Little Hearts, UK, from October 23 to 27. A team of doctors from reputed hospitals in UK performed 15 heart surgeries free.

The team included paediatric interventional cardiologist, p aediatric cardiac surgeons, paediatric cardiac intensivists, paediatric cardiac anaesthetist, perfusionist, paediatric intensive care nurses and the team led by Dr. Vikram Kudumula, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist from UK.

The team performed heart surgeries which included atrial septal defect with complications, ventricular septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus with complications, total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, Fallot’s tetralogy, etc.

Andhra Hospitals Managing Director Dr. P. V. Ramana Murthy said they had been doing children heart surgeries regularly for the past two years. Healing little hearts, UK, team had come nine times so far, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> City> Vijayawada / by Staff Reporter / Vijayawada – October 28th, 2017

Guntur scientists break new ground

Agriculture, Records, All, Science & Technology
Tadikonda MLA Tenali Sravan Kumar launching the programme at the Live stock Research Station.
Tadikonda MLA Tenali Sravan Kumar launching the programme at the Live stock Research Station.

Conduct successful trials on transfer of embryo from Ongole cows to other breed

The Ongole breed cow is known for high milk yielding capacities and adaptability in tough conditions.

An innovative cattle breeding technology replicating the In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedure developed by the veterinary scientists at the Livestock Research Station, Lam, here is now promising a revolution in cattle breeding.

After successful clinical trials in which the surrogate embryo of the higher genetic Ongole cow is transferred to lower genetic cows under the “Indigenous Bovine Embryo Transfer Mission” at Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Livestock Research Station, Lam, Guntur, scientists are now taking the technology to the doorstep of farmers.

Big advantage

The programme has been taken up under the National Mission on Bovine Productivity (NMBP) under the Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, and Andhra Pradesh Livestock Development Agency. “The big advantage that a dairy farmer has is there is an increase of offspring by 5-6 times through the bovine embryo transfer technology. The quality of offspring is also better as the embryo transfer is in between higher genetic animals to lower genetic animals,’’ said officer-in-charge, Livestock Research Station, Dr. Mutha Rao.

Tadikonda MLA and board member of the university Tenali Sravan Kumar launched the programme at the Live stock Research Station, Lam, in the presence of senior officials of the department. Under the National Mission on Bovine Productivity, it was proposed to carry out 1,000 embryo transfers during October 2-10, 2017, across the country and the Embryo Biotechnology laboratory at Livestock Research Station, Lam, has been identified to carry out this activity in Ongole cattle.

“ It will help in protection of the indigenous cow breeds and also help the propagation of the milch breeds of India,” Dr. Mutha Rao said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by P. Samuel Jonathan / Guntur – October 03rd, 2017