vagdevi vilas vignan patrika - | · pdf filevagdevi vilas vignan patrika p ... the sun, the...

Volume: II Issue: 1 June 2015

VAGDEVI VILAS VIGNAN PATRIKA

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Chairman’s Note

Dear Students, Welcome to the new academic year 2015–2016. This

e-magazine is being released coinciding with ‘World Yoga

Day’. Even ‘Surya Namaskar’ was earlier thought to be a part

of ‘Asanas’ which are being presented on ‘World Yoga Day’.

But some sections of society have objected to practising Surya

Namaskar that made me think about the shining super star

called ‘SUN’.

The Sun, the king of Solar System, is the head of this family. Sun is a star in the centre of the

Solar System. He is having largest mass and is the biggest in size. Because of his mass, he

holds all the planets in his custody and makes them revolve around him.

The Sun gives life to the Earth and the Earth would have no life at all without the energy it

receives from the Sun. The energy produced by Sun per second is approximately equivalent to

explosion of 100 billion dynamites every second! He is synonym of dynamism and power! The

Sun may be just one of the stars in the galaxy. But just like my father is important to me among

billions of other fathers, Sun becomes important to me, to this Earth and to each and every

living being on this Earth.

In fact 99.9% of the mass of Solar System is constituted by Sun. All other planets and other

inter planetary objects constitute just 0.01% of total mass of Solar System! There are different

theories on how Sun and Solar System evolved. But all the theories accept that Sun and the

planets, (including Earth!) were once upon a time a part and parcel of the gigantic gaseous

mass called ‘Solar Nebula’.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed ‐ Mahatma Gandhi

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That means Sun and all the planets have a common origin and hence we are relatives!! The

need of the hour is to look at things in integrated perspective and feel the oneness of the

Universe. Just like an electron in the outer most orbit is also a part and parcel of the atom,

similarly all the orbiting planets are part and parcel of the Sun / Solar System! There is enough

scope for research in astronomical field for our young scientists of Vagdevi Vilas Institutions.

Indians believe that Saturn is the son of Sun. Interestingly, Saturn is gaseous like Sun! Mars is

believed to be the son of Earth (not daughter!?). Mars is a solid planet like Earth. Mercury is

believed to be the son of Moon. Even about the Sun, there are quite interesting observations

by our ancestors! They believe that Sun is the reason for creation, existence and culmination

of life (ಸೃ ಟ ಥತಯಂತಕಾರಣನಮಃ),highly illuminative(ಉಜವಲ ತೕಜಸೕ ನಮಃ); highly disciplined

(ಗುಣಾತಮನೕ ನಮಃ), the one who gives all living beings their strength (ಓಜಸಕರಾಯ ನಮಃ),the young

(ತರುಣಾಯ ನಮಃ) – interestingly Sun is believed to be a young star even by the scientists. The

one with hidden teeth (meaning he doesn’t bite or create harm) - ಲುಪತ ದಂತಾಯ ನಮಃ, the one

with gentle nature (ಋಜು ಸವಭಾವ ಚತಾತಯ ನಮಃ), the one who is the first entity (ಆದ ಭೂತಾಯ ನಮಃ).

Dear Vagdevian, enjoy the feeling that you are a

relative of Sun! Be graceful and have gratitude for

everything we receive from SUN. Start observing him

and do research on Sun and Solar System in the light

of observations by our ancestors. May you be blessed

with a ‘Nobel Prize’ one day for your noble research!

- Shri. K. Harish Chairman, Vagdevi Vilas Institutions

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Editor’s Note

Dear Readers,

The new academic year for 2015-16 has been commenced with a ‘bang’. Many science related

activities were held in between. Two students of Vagdevi Vilas School – Marathahalli,

Kum. Lavanya Hemant and Kum. Dhanushree.D of Grade X brought laurels to the school, for

their innovative science project at Houston, USA in a science fair.

‘The Environment Day’ celebrated across all branches of Vagdevi Vilas Institutions was really

inspiring, especially a street play on the ‘River Vrushabhavathi’ by the students of Vagdevi

Vilas School-Bidadi.

Vagdevi Vilas School-Marathahalli has added yet another shining feather to its already crowded

crown, with the inauguration of a 100 kWp Solar Panel System.

As usual this issue includes write-ups on famous scientists born in the month of June along with

other articles.

We wish you a good reading time!

- R & D Department

Vagdevi Vilas Institutions

The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it ‐ Robert Swan

Chairman’s Note 1 Editor’s Note 3 Accolades and awards 4 Environment day celebrations 5 Articles by students 7 Famous scientists born in June 10Fun for all 12

Contents Page Number

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Vagdevi Vilas Institutions witnessed its proud moment recently at Houston, USA. Two students,

Kum. Lavanya Hemant and Kum. Dhanushree.D of class X at Vagdevi Vilas School Marathahalli,

brought laurels to the School by winning a Bronze for their innovative science project entitled ‘ A

nasal mask designed using a novel infiltration method ’, guided by Smt. Anitha Sukhdev of R& D

Dept. at an international fair held at Houston, from May 7th to 11th 2015.

The Science Fair in which nearly 73 countries participated was hosted by

ISWEEEP (The International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering and Environment Project).

It may be recalled that the winners were topped in the National Fair held at Chennai in January

2015, hosted by INSEF (Indian Science and Engineering Fair).

The Prize winning project attracted the attention of the general public for its innovative

design and utility.

The proper use of science is not to conquer nature, but to live in it ‐ Barry Commoner

Bronze at Houston !!!

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Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant ‐ Robert Louis Stevenson

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‘Environment day’ celebrated on Friday, 5th June 2015, was a golden lettered day in theannals of Vagdevi Vilas School at Marathahalli. The whole school at the assembly was waitingfor that momentous moment for the inauguration of yet another prime project on conservation ofenergy in the form of 100kWp Solar Panel System.

Sri.Y.B.Ramakrishna, Executive Chairman, Karnataka Bio fuel Development Board,inaugurated the coveted system along with other guests of honour, Sri. Karthikeyan – HeadSales (South) - TATA Solar, and Sri. L.Lakshmipathy- DGM(DSM), BESCOM.

Sri.K.Harish, Chairman-Vagdevi Vilas Institutions, who presided over the function called uponthe student community to be aware of conservation of energy and saving the same for future.Unmindful use of today’s energy would lead to future wars, he warned.

Sri.Y.B.Ramakrishna while addressing the gathering, pressed upon the authorities of VagdeviVilas Institutions to make best use of Bio fuel and set a model to the rest of the country, in thefuture.

Sri.Karthikeyan added that once the 100 kWp Solar Panel is commissioned, it would besufficient to provide 100% energy requirement for the school and simultaneously cutting down8000kg of CO2 emission per month.

As a part of the ‘Environment Day’, various items were presented by the students whichincluded a group song, a speech, a dance and a skit.

In the beginning Smt.Y.Padma Sagar, Principal, Vagdevi Vilas School-Marathahalli welcomedthe gathering, while Smt.Sindhu.R , Head, R & D Department proposed a vote of thanks at theend. -Reported by: Smt.Shiny (Teacher)-VVSM

Environment Day celebrations in Marathahalli ‐ a Report



Vagdevi Vilas School at Bidadi celebrated `World Environment Day’ in its own subtle and unique

way on Monday,8th June 2015.

A mind blowing massive rally was organised comprising of about 500 students and the staff, who

walked through the hot and dust laden streets of Bidadi town, shouting slogans and displaying

placards in support of water, the elixir of life. The sky only appeared to be the limit for the

unflinching enthusiasm and spirit of the students, riveted to a cause. The rally was culminated at

the local bus stand, where a street play was presented by the students, entitled,

`Vrushabhavatiya Kathe- Vyathe’ ( Vrushabhavathi,a River dead Alive !)

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Environment Day celebrations in Bidadi ‐ a Report



The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is today ‐ Chinese Proverb

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An Optical fibre is a flexible, transparent fibre made by drawing glass (silica) or plastic to a diameter slightly thicker than that of a human hair. Optical fibres are used most often as a means to transmit light between the two ends of the fibre and find wide usage in fibre-optic communications, where they permit transmissions over long distances and at higher data rates than wire cables. Fibres are used instead of metal wires because signals travel along them with lesser amounts of loss; in addition, fibres are also immune to electro-magnetic interference, a problem which metal wires suffer from excessively. Optic fibres typically include a transparent core surrounded by a transparent cladding material with a lower index of refraction. Light is kept in the core by the phenomenon of total internal reflection which causes the fibre to act as a wave guide. The field of applied science and engineering concerned with the design and application of optical fibres is known as fibre optics. Principle of Optic Fibre: When light travelling in an optically dense medium, hits a boundary at a steep angle, the light is completely reflected. This is called as Total Internal reflection. This effect is used in the optical fibres to confine light in the core. Uses:

1. Communication: Optic fibres can be used as medium for telecommunication and computer networking because it is flexible and can be bundled as cables. It is especially advantageous for long distance communications, because light propogates through the fibre with little attenuation compared to electric cables. This allows long distances to be spanned with few repeaters.

2. Sensors: Fibres have many uses in remote sensing. The fibre is used to connect a non-fibre optic sensor to a measurement system. Depending on the application, the fibre can be used because of its small size, or the fact that no electrical power is needed at the remote location, or because

3. Power Transmission: Optical fibres can be used to transmit power using a photovoltaic cell to convert the light into electricity. It is especially useful in situations where it is desirable no to have metallic conductor as in the case of use near MRI machines, which produce strong magnetic fields.

- Compiled by Sumedha Kasarla - Grade XI (VVSM)

Optical Fibre



Rigor Mortis is one of the recognizable signs of death caused by chemical changes in the muscles after death, causing the limbs of the corpse to stiffen.

At the time of death, a condition called ‘Primary flaccidity’ occurs. Following this, the muscles stiffen in rigor mortis. All muscles in the body are affected. Starting between two to six hours following death, rigor mortis begins with the eyelids, neck, and jaw. The sequence may be due to different lactic acid levels among different muscles, which is directly related to the difference in glycogen levels and different types of muscle fibres. Rigor mortis then spreads to the other muscles within the next four to six hours, including the internal organs. The onset of rigor mortis is affected by the individual's age, sex, physical condition, and muscular build. Rigor mortis may not be perceivable in many infant and child corpses due to their smaller muscle mass

The degree of rigor mortis may be used in forensic pathology to determine the approximate time of death. A dead body holds its position as rigor mortis sets in. If the body is moved after death, but before rigor mortis begins, forensic techniques such as Livor mortis can be applied. If the position in which a body is found does not match the location where it is found (for example, if it is flat on its back with one arm sticking straight up), that could mean someone moved it. Several factors also affect the progression of rigor mortis, and investigators take these into account when estimating the time of death. One such factor is the ambient temperature. When conditions are warm, the onset and pace of rigor mortis are sped up by providing a conducive environment for the metabolic processes that cause decay. Low temperatures, however, slow them down. Therefore, for a person who dies outside in frozen conditions rigor mortis may last several days more than normal, so investigators may have to abandon it as a tool for determining time of death.

- Compiled by

Ayush Menon - Grade XI(VVSM)

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Rigor Mortis



How is Rainbow formed? When sunlight falls on a water drop suspended in air, the sunlight is refracted and splits into its seven constituent colours (VIBGYOR). Thus, the water drop behaves as a glass prism where red colour deviates the least and violet deviates the most. The different colours of refracted sunlight fall on the opposite face of the water drop. Each colour undergoes internal reflection and these colours on reaching the lower surface of water drop are refracted back again. Hence, we get a spectrum of seven colours which is known as rainbow.

Why does stars twinkle? The atmosphere of the earth is not uniform and consists of many layers of varying densities. As we go higher, the density of layers and refractive index decreases progressively. Stars emit light which passes through the different layers of atmosphere before reaching our eyes. As the light from the star enters the uppermost layer of the atmosphere, it bends towards the normal as it enters the next layer. This process continues till the light enters our eyes. Due to refraction of light, the apparent position of the star is different from the actual position. The layers of the atmosphere are mobile and its density changes continuously. Change in the apparent position of the star leads to the twinkling of stars

- Compiled by Dyuthi P – Grade XI(VVSM)

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better – Albert Einstein

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Werner Arber Werner Arber a Swiss microbiologist born on June 3, 1929 in Switzerland received the 1978 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for finding a new method to study DNA, the molecules that convey genetic information. He discovered and used restriction enzymes, which break DNA molecules into units that are small enough to study separately but still large enough to carry meaningful information. Arber used restriction enzymes to study how organisms exchange genetic material and how bacteriophages, or viruses that infect bacteria, cause mutations in the bacteria they infect. In November 1953 during his post-graduate assistantship at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, he learned about the genetics of bacteriophages and studied James Watson's and Francis Crick's ground breaking research on the structure of DNA. Arber joined the University of Geneva as faculty in 1960 with a focus on molecular genetics. He shared the Nobel Prize in 1978 with American scientists Daniel Nathans and Hamilton O. Smith.

James Clerk Maxwell James Clerk Maxwell born on 13th of June 1831 in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a Scottish theoretical physicist and mathematician famous for bringing together a large number of equations, experiments and observations related to electricity and magnetism into a consistent electromagnetic theory. • He produced a set of equations, known as ‘Maxwell’s Equations’ that explain the properties of magnetic and electric fields and help show that light is an electromagnetic wave. His impressive work was described in papers such as ‘On Physical Lines of Force’, ‘A Dynamic Theory of the Electromagnetic Field’ and ‘A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism’. • Maxwell moved on to Cambridge University and developed his mathematical skills and other ideas before accepting a professorship at Aberdeen University in 1856. • Maxwell was awarded a prize in1859 for his essay ‘On the Stability of Saturn's Rings’, which described the nature of Saturn’s rings as numerous small particles rather than a solid or fluid ring. • A large amount of Maxwell’s research was based on the work of Michael Faraday, and although Maxwell was 40 years younger, the two met each other on many occasions. • Maxwell also made numerous contributions in the fields of color analysis, kinetic theory and thermodynamics and by creating the first true colour photograph.

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Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature ‐ Gerard De Nerval

Scientists born in June



Blaize Pascal Blaise Pascal, the French philosopher and scientist, born on June 19, 1623, at Clermont-Ferrand, was one of the greatest and most influential mathematical writers of all time. At a tender age of 12, Pascal began participating in the meetings of a mathematical academy. He learned different languages from his father, Latin and Greek in particular, but Pascal Sr. didn’t teach him mathematics. This increased the curiosity of young Pascal, who went on to experiment with geometrical figures, even formulating his own names for standard geometrical terms.

Pascal started working on a book, ‘Essay on Conics’. The book was published in 1640, and its highlight was the “mystic hexagram”, a theorem related to the co-linearity of intersections of lines. Pascal’s contributions to hydrostatics, particularly his experimentations with the barometer and his theoretical work on the equilibrium of fluids, were immense. Pascal is known for his theories of liquids and gases and their interrelation, and also the relationship between the dynamics of hydrodynamics and rigid bodies. Pascal’s most important contribution to mathematics dealt with the issues related to the cycloid.

CNR Rao Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao, also known as C.N.R. Rao , born on 30th June 1934 in Bangalore, is an Indian chemist who has worked mainly in solid-state and structural chemistry. He currently serves as the Head of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. Rao has honorary doctorates from 60 universities from around the world. He has authored around 1,500 research papers and 45 scientific books. On 4th February 2014, the Government of India bestowed Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, making him the third scientist after C.V. Raman and A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. In 1976 he went on to set up a solid state and structural chemistry unit in IISc. He became Director of the IISc from 1984 to 1994. Rao is currently the National Research Professor, Linus Pauling Research Professor and Honorary President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore which he founded in 1989. He was appointed Chair of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Indian Prime Minister in January 2005, a position which he had occupied earlier during 1985–89. He is also the director of the International Centre for Materials Science (ICMS). Rao’s work on transition metal oxides has led to basic understanding of novel phenomena and the relationship between materials properties and the structural chemistry of these materials. Rao was one of the earliest to synthesize two-dimensional oxide materials such as La2CuO4. His work has led to a systematic study of compositionally controlled metal-insulator transitions. He has made immense contributions to nanomaterials over the last two decades. Awards and recognition • Padma Shri in 1974, • Padma Vibhushan in 1985, • Karnataka Ratna by the Karnataka State Government in 2001, • Bharat Ratna in 2014, • Great Cross of the National Order of Scientific Merit from the President of Brazil in 2002,

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Make your own Barometer: Materials needed: A balloon, a glass jar, a drinking straw, a rubber band, a tooth pick, pair of scissors and adhesive tape What to do?

Get the end of the balloon cut and stretch it tightly over the opening of the jar.

Use rubber band to hold the balloon firmly in place so it won’t slip off.

Tape the toothpick to one end of the straw. Tape the other end of the straw to the stretched balloon to make a pointer.

Because high pressure brings good weather and low pressure bad, draw the sun at the top of a rectangular cardboard and a cloud at the bottom

Attach the cardboard behind the pointer. Watch your barometer over several days as the changes in air pressure affect the balloon, causing the pointer to rise or fall.

What happens?

High pressure will make the balloon cave in and straw go up. Low pressure will make the balloon puff up and the straw go down.

The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness – John Muir

Fun for All

Did you know? 1. Earthworms have five pairs of hearts. 2. An elephant can smell water about 5 km away 3. When a giraffe’s baby is born, it falls from a height of six feet normally without being hurt. 4. Rain contains Vitamin B12. 5. Sea turtles excrete excess salt from their eyes, so it often looks as though they’re crying.

Just Try!

Can you put the numbers 1 to 8 in each of the squares so that each side adds up to the middle number?

Send your answers to:

[email protected]

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