Webinar Coordinators:-
Dr. Sunil Jose T
Science Club Convenor
Dr. Govindan Kutty
Secretary, AERAK
Brief Report on the Webinar Series
‘The key to success is to focus on goals not obstacle.’
PREAMBLE
The Science Club of St. Thomas’ College(Autonomous) in association with Atomic Energy Retirees Association, Kerala (AERAK) conducted the webinar Series for the students, scholars and teaching faculties in the academic year 2020-21. AERAK, an association of retirees settled in Kerala from the Atomic Energy Commission, has come into existence seven years back. One of the major objectives of the Association was to give true awareness regarding the possible merits and demerits of radiation with special emphasis on nuclear power plants. As everyone knows Keralites are highly biased when it comes to the nuclear power technology. One need not exaggerate to say that even the educated wear a coloured-glass and fabricate stories when it is a statement or discussion on the myths and realities of nuclear technology. To eradicate such problems debates/discussions were organized under AERAK banner where in stalwarts of anti-nuclear lobby and pro-nuclear lobby got together and debated on the merits and demerits of the Technology. This way it could percolate down to the society with a positive attitude.
Amidst this COVID-19 lockdown, the Science Club team has started conducting online webinar series in order to enhance the interest to pursue scientific research of our faculties and students. With this aim, the Science Club team had requested the AERAK to involve our college in its activities. The team responded positively and agreed to conduct an exclusive webinar open to B.Sc., M.Sc., research scholars and faculties of St. Thomas’ College. In the online mode, ten webinars were conducted. Eminent Scientists and Professors from various reputed national and international institutes have handled the classes. At the beginning of each webinar, Dr. Sunil Jose T, Science Club Convener gave a welcome address to the participants and after the presentation Dr. Govindan Kutty, Secretary, AERAK delivered the vote of thanks. For the Webinar Series, registration link using Zoom ID was created. The link was circulated among students and faculties of Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Electronics, Maths and Computer Science departments. After webinar online links were sent to e-mail of all attendees consisting a ‘post webinar questionnaire’. Certificates were issued on successful completion of the above questionnaire. Feedback responses were obtained through Google form from the participants. Overall the webinar series was very useful and benefitted to all faculties and students with an interest to pursue scientific research. Some of the leading scientists who have given webinars in our forum are given below:
Link for Google Form : https://forms.gle/tiMA457mp7pMa3BT9
- Topic: RARE EARTHS ELEMENTS – THE VITAMINS OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY & LIFESTYLE”
Speaker: Shri. A Veeramani, General Manager and Head, IREL (India) Limited, Rare Earths Division, Udyogmandal, Kochi
Time: Oct 23, 2020 08:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09
Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 1234
- Topic: Homi Bhabha and Nuclear India – Vignettes from HistorySpeaker: Dr A P Jayaraman, Chairman NCSC; Director STEAM Academy and former Nuclear Scientist.
Time: Oct 30, 2020 08:00 PM
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 12343. Topic: Technology Development Towards Fast Breeder Reactors
Speaker: Dr K K Rajan, Principal, Viswajyothi College of Engineering and Technology, Muvattupuzha, Kerala & former Director of Fast Reactor Technology Group, IGCAR, Kalpakkam
Time: Sunday, Nov 22, 2020 11:00 AM
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 1234 - Topic: *A GLIMPSE OF THE LASER AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMANKIND *Speaker: *Dr D J Biswas, former Senior Laser Scientist, BARC, Trombay*
*Time: Saturday, Feb 6, 2021 08:00 PM
Abstract of talk:
Laser, regarded as one of the major inventions of the 20th century, have made huge impact in the areas of medicine, science & education, communication, defense, manufacturing industry, nuclear industry, holography, entertainment, fashion & beauty, energy, ranging, artwork preservation, advancement of science …almost anything that one can think of. There is hardly any discipline into which a laser has not made a cut. This popular science talk would dwell on ‘what is a laser, how does it work, and what is so special about the light that it gives out to impact our day to day life so profoundly’. It would attempt to provide by way of using simple illustrations, an insight into the operation of a laser and a brief account on some of its important applications that have greatly influenced our everyday life. Exploitation of the butterfly effect* towards achieving secure communication with lasers would also be elucidated.
*The butterfly effect in a literary sense means that the mere flapping of a butterfly can turn an otherwise bright and sunny day into a dull and gloomy one. No wonder, a tiny long ago act can create ripple far into the future!!!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09
Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 1234
You Tube link : https://youtube.com/channel/UCYYEKme3hd3eS2WwKugDwsw
- Topic: *Radioisotopes and Their Medical Applications *Speaker: *Dr M R A Pillai, former Head, Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay and Director, Molecular Cyclotrons, Pvt. Ltd. Cochin.*
*Time: Saturday, Feb 20, 2021 08:00 PM
_Abstract of the talk_:
Radioisotopes are unstable atoms and when they decay emit radiations such as alpha and beta particles and gamma photons. An atom become unstable when the proton to neutron ratio is disturbed. There are two types of radioisotopes which are called neutron excess isotopes and neutron deficient isotopes.
Radioisotopes are produced in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators such as cyclotrons. The first nuclear reactor in India was set up in 1956 and radioisotopes for medical applications are being supplied since then from the Department of Atomic Energy. There are 22 cyclotrons in India producing radioisotopes for medical applications.
The most prominent application of radioisotopes is in nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine is a medical facility which uses radioactive drugs called radiopharmaceuticals.
Radiopharmaceuticals are used for both diagnosis and therapy. The diagnostic procedures are the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and Positron emission tomography (PET). SPECT is used for studying diseases associated with most of the organs such as the bone, brain, heart, kidneys, and liver. PET imaging is used for diagnosis, staging, treatment response and recurrence evalaution.Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 1234
YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBMlCdP8eg
Registration details of the webinar : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1A6OelgRLd2zHkpgXjo7pADQI05CqOT4udwCnN_yVdEA/edit
- Topic: *Journey of Crop Improvement to meet the increasing global demand for food*Speaker: *Dr Susan Eapen*, World-renowned plant scientist & Former Head, Plant Biotechnology & Secondary Products Section
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai.Time: *Mar 6, 2021 08:00 PM
_Abstract of the talk:_
During the past seven decades, tremendous progress has been achieved in the area of crop Improvement based on genetic principles. The global agricultural production will have to increase by 60 -70 % to meet the increasing demand for food in the coming years. To develop high yielding crop plants, besides conventional methods of plant breeding, application of recombinant DNA techniques, genome editing etc. are being incorporated to produce climate resilient crops resistant to diseases and pests. This, in combination with smart farming using AI, robotics, drones etc., is expected to increase the quality and quantity of farm products with optimised human labour. Use of high-tech green houses, water recycling, vertical farming, farm automation etc. are expected to achieve the objectives.Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 1234
You Tube link : https://youtu.be/YnMqOxBbr6A
- Topic: *Particle Acceleration Devices & Their Usage in Science and Industry*Speaker: *Shri. P K Nema, former Head, MDPD Division and Outstanding Scientist, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai*
Time: *Saturday, Mar 20, 2021 08:00 PM
_Abstract of the talk_:
Charged particle constituents of matter in free state can be imparted kinetic energy by electrical fields and then guided using electrical and magnetic devices to impinge on material targets, collided and/or stored in orbits. Many physical effects are observed in such devices called particle accelerators, which have been driving progress in our knowledge about the matter and natural forces that constitute and bind it. This apart, over a period of time- about a century, innumerable practical application are possible using compact accelerators; starting from medical x-rays initially to radiation beam therapy of cancer tumors, cold sterilization of healthcare products and exotic plastics, clean up of sludge and waste water, enhancing shelf-life of food products etc.
Not to be left behind in such tools of progress, our country has a few R&D centres dedicated to the field of particle accelerators. These centres and other entrepreneurs have established, and are using a variety of accelerators to serve people and enhance scientific capabilities of the country. Principles involved in development of particle accelerators and typical configurations are described in this talk. This talk also covers their typical industrial and medical applications and is targeted towards science students.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 1234
You Tube link: https://youtu.be/lddnUU2TjEY
- Topic: *The mysterious neutrino – X-raying the sun to origin of the universe*Speaker: *Dr. Vivek Datar, former Project Director, India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO), Distinguished Scientist and Head, Nuclear Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai and Senior Professor, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai.*
Time: Saturday, Apr 3, 2021 at 08:00 PM
*Abstract of the talk*: The talk will introduce the neutrino, a ubiquitous particle about which we know extraordinarily little. While proposed by Pauli in 1930 to address the problem of understanding the continuous energy spectra of electrons emitted in beta decay, it has taken long to understand some of its properties. Its aversion to interaction with matter, while making it difficult to make measurements, also allow it to probe the interior of the sun like no other probe. Studying the properties of neutrinos and anti-neutrinos might also lead to an understanding of why the universe is matter dominated. Interest in neutrinos has grown tremendously in the last 35 years or so both because we have better tools to study them but also because they are messengers of cataclysmic events in the universe.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 1234
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/gVYj0hr90PI
- Topic: *Environmental monitoring and impact assessment around nuclear facilities*Speaker: *Dr P.M.Ravi, Former Head, Environmental Studies Section, Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai & currently working as Adjunct Professor, Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Radiactivity, Mangalore University*
Time: Saturday, Apr 24, 2021 08:00 PM
*Abstract of the talk*:
We are living in a sea of radiation from time immemorial due to the presence of cosmic radiation and other natural terrestrial radioactive sources such as Uranium and Thorium. For example, the parts of coastal areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Orissa is rich in Thorium-232 which is a radioactive material. In industrial age, people have started using radioactive materials in power industry, medical and for many other industrial developments. In view of the hazardous nature of radiation, radioactive materials are handled very carefully in specially designed facilities and by specially trained people. This is to ensure that health of employees of nuclear facilities or that of general public living around the facilities are not harmed. Though there are hospitals and industries handling radioactivity, major users of radioactive materials are Nuclear Fuel cycle operations which involve mining and milling of uranium, fuel fabrication, nuclear reactor operation for power production, spent fuel reprocessing and waste management. Each process on its own is a big industry and handle large amount of radioactive material. During the operation of these facilities, there is potential chance of radioactive material leaking into the environment and contaminate the environmental compartments such as air, water and food items. In view of this, design and operation are managed so safely that the release to the environment is very minimal to a level that cannot lead to health impact to general public and environment. In addition to the safety features provided in nuclear installations to limit the release of radioactive materials to the environment, there is a systematic environmental monitoring program around nuclear facilities. This lecture covers the objectives of environmental monitoring, various advance techniques used in environmental monitoring and how the monitoring data is used to assess the impact to the member of public. In fact the radiation impact to the general public around nuclear facilities is almost negligible as compared to the radiation impact from inevitable natural sources.Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 1234YouTube link: https://youtu.be/5bOYm2ZQn6o
- Topic: *Evolution of Radiation Safety Standards*
Speaker: *Sri. A.R. Sundararajan, former Director, Radiological Safety Division, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)*.
Time: Saturday, May 8, 2021 08:00 PM
*Abstract of the talk:*
The talk will describe the early human experience with ionizing radiation, in particular the misuse of radium soon after its discovery. This will be followed by the history of development of international radiation safety standards. The concept of radiation risk or how safe is a safe dose will be explained. Presentation will include discussions on the radiation dose-risk model used in current radiation regulations and also on the challenges in the risk-assessment of low level radiation exposures.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3946133110?pwd=WFVqWmtHUzlNWUppYmNDdWFaUklnQT09
Meeting ID: 394 613 3110
Passcode: 1234
YouTube link for webinar:https://youtu.be/YlPuB86PSEE
We have recorded most of the above talks and uploaded in YouTube. Students can refer it anytime of the day. Also we are issuing digital certificates to the participating students so that they can keep them which may be useful for them in their careers. We are going planning to continue the webinar for the academic year 2021-22 too. We are in planning to invite experts to cover various aspects of science.
The objective of the webinar series was achieved. The overall session discussions benefitted the faculties, students and research scholars. This webinar would help the participants to understand science in an effective way.
With best wishes
Dr Sunil Jose T
Convenor, Science Club
Dr T R Govindankutty
Secretary, AERAK
