Monthly Archives: May 2020

NIT-K develops low-cost, reusable face shield

Business & Economy, Education, Records, All, Science & Technology
Low cost face shield developed by NITK Surathkal, in Mangaluru.
Low cost face shield developed by NITK Surathkal, in Mangaluru.

It costs only ₹12 to make such a shield

The National Institute of Technology-Karnataka (NIT-K), Surathkal, has developed an economical, reusable and transparent face shield using locally available low- cost material to fight against COVID -19.

According to Arun M. Isloor, Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry at the institute, the production cost of each face shield will be a maximum of ₹12.

Mr. Isloor who supervised a team of volunteers who prepared the shield at the institute said that the Director of the institute K. Uma Maheshwar Rao handed over 300 such face shields to Sindhu B Rupesh, Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada on Saturday.

A yoga mat, a polyester transparent sheet, a synthetic adhesive and velcro tape have been used for making the shields. “Each shield can be used for at least 90-100 days by washing it in soap water or by using some four droplets of hand sanitiser,” Prof. Isloor said.

He said that during mid-March he saw his Malaysian collaborators wearing face shields made of an elastic band, which was not only expensive but inconvenient for long-time wearing. One late evening he observed his seven-year-old son playing with his small yoga mat, which suddenly made him to think that the strip of yoga mat can be used for making the face shield.

One of the important reasons for the rapid spread of the COVID-19 across the globe is lack of availability of Personal Protecting Equipment (PPEs) such as hand gloves, protective coverage, masks, face shield, etc. The PPEs are out reach of the common people due to high cost and limited supply. Due to complete lock down of industries which can manufacture them on large scale, has also add to the lack of supply, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mangaluru – May 12th, 2020

National Aerospace Laboratories develops non-invasive ventilator

Records, All, Science & Technology

CSIR NAL claimed that it developed the ventilator, configured with majority of indigenous components, in 36 days

For representational purposes (Photo | Shekhar Yadav, EPS)
For representational purposes (Photo | Shekhar Yadav, EPS)

Bengaluru :

The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory, National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), has developed a spinoff technology — portable non-invasive ventilator, ‘SwasthVayu’, that has a potential to treat moderate or mid-stage patients who do not require intubation.

NAL Director Jitendra J Jadhav said that the non-invasive ventilator with externally connected oxygen concentrator is ideal for treating COVID-19 patients in wards, makeshift hospitals, dispensaries and at home.

CSIR NAL claimed that it developed the ventilator, configured with majority of indigenous components, in 36 days. The device is simple-to-use, cost-effective and compact, it said.

It has so far been certified for safety and performance by accredited agencies, and undergone stringent biomedical tests and beta clinical trials at NAL Health Centre.

The team of scientists at NAL was headed by Dr CM Ananda, Head, Electronics Department, Dr Amarnarayan D, Chief Medical Officer, NAL, and Dr Viren Sardana, Respiratory Physiologist, IGIB.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 12th, 2020

Mangaluru doctors develop innovative ‘bubble helmet’ to help patients fight COVID-19

Records, All, Science & Technology

Medics are able to increase air pressure into the helmet which keeps the airway and lungs open, improving oxygen levels. Patients also found it more comfortable and were able to watch TV or read.

Dr Ganapathi and his team with a patient wearing a bubble helmet
Dr Ganapathi and his team with a patient wearing a bubble helmet

Mangaluru :

A team of doctors in Mangaluru has developed a ‘bubble helmet’ as an alternative for the traditional oxygen masks to ensure more effective treatment of patients battling COVID-19.

The team is led by Dr Ganapathi, medical director of Mangala Hospital and Mangala Kidney Foundation in the city. Speaking to The New Indian Express, Dr Ganapathi said, “This equipment will be revolutionary in the treatment of COVID-19. The bubble helmet completely covers the head of the patient and will be connected through a special collar on it. The device will help the patient overcome breathing problems and avoid using a ventilator.”

He further said that bubble helmets which are transparent and airtight help patients with respiratory problems breathe better and are more effective than face masks, according to a study.

“In fact, the head gear is so effective, it can prevent the critically ill from needing non-invasive ventilation. The helmet is sealed with an airtight collar that wraps around the user’s neck. It also has several advantages over the face mask including the fact that it is less likely to leak,” he said.

Medics are also able to increase air pressure into the helmet which keeps the airway and lungs open, improving oxygen levels. Patients also found it more comfortable and were able to watch television or read a book.

The automatic disinfection gateway is another piece of equipment which has been developed. This is designed to  decontaminate people, one at a time. It is completely controlled electronically as the sensors mounted in the chamber detect the entry of a person and start the hydrogen peroxide mist generation process.

“We will hand over the technology and have taken a patent on the product,” Dr Ganapathi said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 08th, 2020

Bengaluru startups revamp business for a post-COVID-19 world

Business & Economy

The product is becoming popular with employers including educational institutes, said chief mentor Dr. Joseph Rasquinha.

Mobility solutions startup Royal Brothers, which rents out vehicles by the hour, is also offering rentals by the month.
Mobility solutions startup Royal Brothers, which rents out vehicles by the hour, is also offering rentals by the month.

Bengaluru :

Many Bengaluru-based service-sector startups are finding ways to revamp their businesses to suit a post-COVID-19 economy. While some have moved online, others have found new uses for existing products.

With biometrics-based attendance becoming a passe due to COVID-19 precautions, attendance solutions firm BlueLeaf Cyberspace is offering GPS-based attendance applications for both work-from-home and field staff.

The product is becoming popular with employers including educational institutes, said chief mentor Dr. Joseph Rasquinha. The team of women engineers who created a non-contact sleep and breathing monitor for babies, has redeployed its product for monitoring Covid-19 patients.

Co-founder of RayIoT Solutions Ranjana Nair said, “The same device is used in isolation wards and quarantine facilities. All the devices are connected to a central database from where the government health workers and doctors can monitor people who require ventilators or ICU facilities. The video/audio facility helps doctors assess patients without having direct contact.”

Mobility solutions startup Royal Brothers, which rents out vehicles by the hour, is also offering rentals by the month.

It has also thrown in incentives such as free home delivery of sanitised bikes for those booking for 15 days and more. Corporate gifts company, OffiNeeds.com has added a range of products that cater to whatever one needs when working from home. BE-IVY, which grooms IVY-League aspirants at its Hennur campus, has partnered with institutes in Paris to widen its horizon of mentorship, while also facilitating online-learning.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Pearl Maria D’Souza / Express News Service / May 11th, 2020

HR Bhargava: ‘He was a genius in masking and trick photography’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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The director remembers his friend and colleague, cinematographer SV Srikanth who passed away on May 8

Noted Kannada film cinematographer SV Srikanth passed away on May 8. Srikanth worked in over 70 films and is best known for his work in the epic Babruvahana, featuring Dr Rajkumar. Srikanth was instrumental in capturing Rajkumar in a double role in a single frame. Srikanth was known as a master trick photographer during an era when graphics were non existent.

Some of his other noted works include Bahadur Gandu, Ade Kannu, Na Ninna Bidalaare, Shravana Bantu, Edakallu Guddada Mele. Srikanth won the Karnataka State Award for cinematographer for Gejje Pooje and Upasane. His friend and colleague, director HR Bhargava, known for films such as Olavu Gelvau, Avala Hejje and Bhagyavantharu, recalls the man behind the camera..

“Srikanth lived in Madras. He was a good friend of another cinematographer, Rajaram. Srikanth used to work with Golden Studios. I am not sure if he formally trained in cinematography, but I know for sure that he gained immense experience and knowledge on the job. In the 1960s, Srikanth branched out as an independent cinematographer. A gentleman, Srikanth was always calm and patient. He worked with Puttanna Kanagal extensively — some considered it tough to work with Puttanna as he was a task master and a perfectionist.

While he produced a few films with Jayaram, Rajkumar’s co-brother, later on he focussed on cinematography. When we worked together I would pick him up from his house and we would drive down together to the studios. I still remember his work in Húnsur Krishnamuthy’s Babruvahana. I was an associate director then and we worked together for the entire film. Those days there were no graphics. Srikanth shot everything on his camera, be it triple masking or using five masks. Everything that you saw on screen was created by Srikanth on his camera. He was a genius in this and also trick photography.

After years of success, he slowly withdrew, because of his age. Soon he stopped working completely. Í have never heard him criticise others nor was he ever criticised and he never refused any work asked of him. Though he will be missed deeply, his work will continue to live on.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Movies / by Shilpa Sebastian R / Bengaluru / May 11th, 2020

Former engineer’s bid to help Bidar farmers

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology

This engineer-turned-farmer has ensured technological convergence in farming after developing an online platform for consumers to place orders for vegetables and fruits so that the required quantum could be sourced from farmers and delivered at their doorsteps.

Chetan Dabake, 30, an active member of Bidar Horticultural Farmers Producers Company Limited, has developed www.raithanamitra.in. “Consumers can place their orders with a minimum purchase of ₹100. The orders are in the four categories – vegetables, leafy vegetables, fruits, and ripen-yourself-mangoes under which consumers can buy green mangoes and ripen them at their homes through traditional methods,” he says. “The door-delivery system on behalf of the FPO began on April 14 in Bidar and we are about to extend it to Belagavi.” According to him, there are about 2,300 consumers for the organisation so far in Bidar.

Mr. Dabake, a civil engineer with an MBA degree, says he took to farming as it was his passion. Earlier in February, he was honoured by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) with the ‘innovative farmer award’.

“I have realised that 10% is growing crops while 90% is marketing. Hence direct and innovative marketing is the key to make agriculture a profitable venture,” he says.

He is planning to extend the scope of door-delivery to all parts of the State.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Bengaluru – May 10th, 2020

Varsity develops bio-safety devices to combat COVID-19

Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology

Mysuru-based JSSAHER has come up with ICU on-wheels, low-cost ventilator, DentiSafe, multimode air sanitizer and hand-held UV surface sanitizer

The research team of the Mysuru-based JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), the health sciences-focussed deemed university, has developed new bio-safety technologies in support of the global initiatives for research to prevent the spread and impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

The university said it has developed five technologies/products including ICU on-wheels; low-cost ventilator; DentiSafe; multimode air sanitizer; and hand-held UV surface sanitizer.

The new safety devices were launched here on Friday in the presence of Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Mutt, Minister in-charge of Mysuru district S.T. Somashekar, Minister for Large and Medium Industries Jagadish Shettar and Minister for Urban Development B.A. Basavaraj.

The ICU on-wheels ensure the isolation and ICU facility in remote sites of disaster and supports the golden hour of treatment – be it pandemics or disasters. The facility can be made available at home. The approximate cost of this set-up at the present development stage is about ₹4 lakh and the cost will get reduced in large-scale manufacture, a press release from the university said.

The low-cost ventilator is a portable device with adjustable tidal volume and provides positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) “which is not apparently found in other low-cost ventilators”. The cost of this ventilator is ₹30,000 and can be reduced further, according to the research team.

DentiSafe is an application to ensure the practice of dentistry safe for both patients and dentists. The application is a mobile device developed to sterilise dental chairs and treatment areas in less than 20 minutes using a non-chemical intervention and relies on the specific wavelength of UV light for safety. The approximate cost of the device is ₹30,000 and can be reduced in large-scale manufacture, the release stated.

“The multimode air sanitizer has a three-step sanitisation process – UV treatment at a specific wavelength to kill the virus; ionisation that kills all microbes, including virus; and lastly a HEPA filter that reduces the particulate matter in the air. The cost of the device is ₹4,500 which can be reduced further if produced in bulk,” the release said.

The University Registrar said lithium-ion battery-operated hand-held UV surface sanitizer device uses UV radiation for sanitising small surfaces frequently used by others such as lift buttons, keyboards etc. This sanitizer can be carried by individuals in their pockets. The cost of the device is ₹1,250 and can be reduced further on bulk production.

The release said JSSAHER will continue to work on these technologies and make them more cost-effective, robust, and highly efficient.

The JSSAHER has thanked Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami for his support to develop the technologies besides C.G. Betsurmath, Executive Secretary; B. Suresh, Pro-Chancellor; and Surinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor. The research team is led by S. Balasubramanian, Director-Research.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – May 08th, 2020

Reva varsity unveils affordable ventilator

Business & Economy, Education, Records, All, Science & Technology

RevaUnivBF07may2020

Addressing the shortage of ventilators in the country, the Bengaluru-based Reva University has launched ‘Jeeva Setu’ — an affordable medical ventilator.

According to Chancellor of Reva University P Shyama Raju, the ventilator is the university’s contribution to help the fight against coronavirus.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to the scientific community to work on innovative modes of building scientific power and support, a team of faculty members at Reva University got together an affordable model of medical ventilator — Jeeva Setu.

The launch of Jeeva Setu proves the strength of the university and its capacity for innovation in a short period, the university officials said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> City> Top Bengaluru Stories / by DHNS, Bengaluru / April 28th, 2020

Mysuru-Born UK Doctor Gets Accolades In COVID-19 Fightback

Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

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Indian doctors have often been referred to as the backbone of the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), with an estimated 60,000 medics from India working for the State-funded health service.

It is doctors like Mysuru-origin Sankeerthana Subramaniam who are the ones leading the fight against COVID-19. The frontline in this war has a few thousand doctors of Indian origin. Some of these people were born in India but migrated in search of the UK dream after completing professional education.

They still have strong family connections in the country of their birth. And, naturally, they have to share the risks associated with their profession. Dr. Sankeerthana Subramaniam has come to the limelight at the Torbay Hospital, South Devon’s main hospital, managed by the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. She has treated many COVID-19 patients and has got appreciation from both patients and her team of senior doctors.

Over the past few decades, thousands of Indian doctors and nurses have moved to the UK. They serve in remote areas where British doctors refuse to go. Second and third-generation doctors of Indian origin here have specialised in key areas such as emergency medicine and pulmonary diseases. They are now at the frontline of treating the COVID-19 pandemic in hospitals even in remote areas.

Agrarian roots

Dr. Sankeerthana is the daughter of Shivasubramaniam and Vasanthi who have an agrarian background. The couple resides in K.Hemmanahalli village near Bogadi in Mysuru Taluk. The family still depends on agricultural income for sustenance. Dr. Sankeerthana completed her MBBS in 2015 from JSS Medical College, Mysuru and worked at the JSS Hospital till 2017.

Later she migrated to the United Kingdom and joined Torbay Hospital. After the COVID-19 pandemic, Devon has emerged as the worst affected area for the Coronavirus outbreak. Devon and Torbay Councils have reported hundreds of deaths and thousands of patients in intensive care units at many hospitals and healthcare units.

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 Professionalism and commitment

Doctors at Torbay Hospital are fighting a relentless battle against the killer virus. “There is a lockdown till the end of May and there is a sense of fear among people here. Our team has been following professionalism and commitment to this noble profession and we have been saving lives and I am proud to do this service,” Dr. Sankeerthana told ‘Star of Mysore’ over phone from her hospital.

On the attacks on doctors and healthcare workers in India, she said, “I have seen on TV and have read in newspapers that doctors are being attacked in India and patients are showing unruly behaviour in hospitals. This is sad. Doctors, especially Indian doctors, have great respect in foreign soils like in the UK and the USA. It is very unfortunate that they are treated shabbily and their lives are threatened in their own country.”

Concerned parents

During the course of conversation, Dr. Sankeerthana said that her parents are concerned about her health and well-being. “Every day my mother Vasanthi calls me and asks me to take care. She is worried and asks about the work environment,” she said.

Dr. Sankeerthana stays at a distance of 9 kilometres from the hospital. “For doctors and nurses who stay far, the hospital has provided daily transport and accommodation. Sometimes I work for 8 hours and sometimes it stretches to 16 hours. All the doctors and healthcare staff have to compulsorily take a shower inside the hospital and then leave to their homes,” she says.

United as a team

“We work as a united team here and there is no barrier of nationalities and seniorities. We constantly exchange ideas and discuss always with an ultimate aim to make the patient comfortable,” she says.

Back in Mysuru, her teachers recall that Dr. Sankeerthana was a studious girl. “She was my student in PUC at De Paul International Residential School and Junior College. I am proud of her achievement and it is a matter of honour for all of us,” said Dr. Mamatha Sathyanarayana, a faculty at De Paul.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Covid-19 Feature Articles / by M.Y. Yogesh Kumar / May 04th, 2020

Bengaluru researchers eye static electric masks to repel COVID-19

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology

One of the researchers told TNIE that as a virus has a negative-charge surface, and as the outer layer of the mask also gets negatively charged, the virus repels.

A tailor makes protective masks. (Photo | BP Deepu, EPS)
A tailor makes protective masks. (Photo | BP Deepu, EPS)

Bengaluru :

A group of scientists from Bengaluru-based Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have proposed using static electricity (Triboelectricity) to make COVID-19 masks more effective.

One of the researchers told TNIE that as a virus has a negative-charge surface, and as the outer layer of the mask also gets negatively charged, the virus repels.

One has to vigorously rub the mask, made out of non-woven polypropylene cloth (a material used often as grocery store bags), with nylon or silk or wool cloth to create the electrostatic energy.

However, this proposal is based on theories and are yet to be tested in laboratories.

The team of Dr Pralay Santra, Dr Ashutosh Singh, and Prof Giridhar U Kulkarni from CeNS has developed a simple three-layered face mask that holds electric charges to restrict the entry of infections.

It uses no external electricity and is called ‘Tribo E mask’ (derived from Triboelectricity).

It can be stitched at home with just a nylon/silk/woollen cloth placed between polypropylene layers.

The outer layer of the three-layered mask, when rubbed together, develops negative charge while nylon holds a positive charge, say the researchers, thereby creating double-electric-wall protection against viruses.

The cloth mask is washable. It reduces dependence on surgical and other technical quality masks. The mask is expected to reduce transmission of micro-droplets that linger in the air, the researchers explained.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Pearl Maria D’Souza / Express News Service / May 04th, 2020