Modular electromagnetic railgun accelerator for high velocity impact studies.

A modular electromagnetic railgun accelerator facility named "RAFTAR" (i.e., Railgun Accelerator Facility for Technology and Research) has been commissioned and its performance has been characterized for high velocity impact testing on materials in a single-shot mode.

Note: Compact high voltage pulse transformer made using a capacitor bank assembled in the shape of primary.

The experimental results of an air-core pulse transformer are presented, which is very compact (<10 Kg in weight) and is primed by a capacitor bank that is fabricated in such a way that the capacitor bank with its switch takes the shape of single-turn rectangular shaped primary of the transformer. A high voltage capacitor assembly (pulse-forming-line capacitor, PFL) of 5.1 nF is connected with the secondary of transformer.

Risk factor analysis in self-reported diabetes in a rural Kerala population.

Aim: To find the prevalence of self-reported diabetes mellitus (DM) in rural Kerala.

Methodology: Interview schedule was used to collect the information on pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Self-reported DM was taken as outcome measure.

Tobacco use and cardiovascular disease: a knowledge, attitude and practice study in rural Kerala.

Background: Tobacco consumption, either in smokeless form or as smoking, is reported to be responsible for major non-communicable diseases, namely, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and cancers. Whatsoever control strategy is being used, the community participation is of utmost importance, which will depend largely on the level of the knowledge in the community.

Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude of a rural community towards the harmful effects of tobacco use.