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By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 3:50:26 am

Proud moment for Shivaji University researchers

Indian patent for portable sound absorption testing device Kolhapur: Researchers from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, have developed a portable sound absorption testing device that can scientifically assess whether an installed sound system and its acoustic treatment are functioning effectively. The innovation has been granted an Indian patent, marking a first-of-its-kind development in this field, the university said on Thursday. The patented device, named the Portable Sound Absorption Tester,...

Proud moment for Shivaji University researchers

Indian patent for portable sound absorption testing device Kolhapur: Researchers from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, have developed a portable sound absorption testing device that can scientifically assess whether an installed sound system and its acoustic treatment are functioning effectively. The innovation has been granted an Indian patent, marking a first-of-its-kind development in this field, the university said on Thursday. The patented device, named the Portable Sound Absorption Tester, has been developed by senior chemist Dr Kalyanrao Garadkar of Shivaji University, along with Dr Sandeep Sable and Dr Rohant Dhabbe of Jaysingpur College, and Dr Chandrala Jatkar of the D K T E Society’s Textile and Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji. The device is designed to test the sound absorption capacity of professional acoustic systems used in recording studios, theatres, auditoriums and soundproof chambers. Until now, the effectiveness of such sound-absorbing installations has largely been assessed through experience and trial-and-error after installation. The newly developed portable tester allows for immediate and scientific evaluation of sound absorption performance once the system is installed. Sound-absorbing sheets and panels are widely used in theatres, studios and vocal recording rooms to absorb echo around microphones and create a controlled acoustic environment, enabling cleaner and more professional audio output. The new device can be used to evaluate a wide range of absorbers, including perforated foam, fibre, fabric, membranes, panels and resonant absorbers, helping improve the quality and effectiveness of acoustic materials. Explaining the working of the device, Dr Garadkar said that the human audible frequency range extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The device generates sound waves within this spectrum and projects them onto the acoustic material under test. The sound waves that are not absorbed are detected by a microphone and displayed on the screen in the form of current or voltage readings. This enables users to instantly determine whether the sound absorption system is functioning as intended and make corrective interventions if required. The researchers said the device would also be useful for those engaged in acoustic fabrication and sound absorption research. Apart from being portable and easy to transport, the device is also cost-effective, making it suitable for field applications. The team expressed confidence that it would prove highly useful in the sound system testing sector. Shivaji University’s in-charge Vice-Chancellor Dr Suresh Gosavi and in-charge Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Jyoti Jadhav congratulated the research team on securing the patent.

Why More Women Are Choosing Entrepreneurship?

Fempreneurs are reshaping the business world — creating, collaborating, and inspiring across generations. Their journey is a powerful reminder that age and dreams know no limits.

You must have heard the terms 'Entrepreneurs' and 'Women Entrepreneurs'. But have you heard of the term floating around, i.e., 'Fempreneur'?


Fempreneur is a community that provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to interact, learn, build networks, grow, and support their counterparts.


Why Women Choose Entrepreneurship

Flexibility: Gives immense flexibility to operate and run the show at their convenience and however they want.


Gives a sense of independence: It enables women to balance work and home and attain a sense of satisfaction of making a mark for themselves without shedding their other areas of responsibility. This makes them guilt-free and more determined.


Additional income: Provides extra earnings, boosting their financial independence and confidence alongside valuable learning experiences.


Age and Entrepreneurship

There is no specific age for entrepreneurship. We find young-aged entrepreneurs (aged 20-35), middle-aged entrepreneurs (aged 35-55), and old-aged entrepreneurs (aged 55+).


Pros and cons

Young-Aged entrepreneurs: These are the ones who have the courage and vigour to dive very early on, as the crucial factors of age and time are in their hands. Hence, the risk factor is substantially low, and any debacle would be undeterred, as bouncing back would be easier. However, the biggest challenges for them would be financial inflow, establishing a huge network, and building an experience that consumes time in establishing oneself.


Middle-aged entrepreneurs: These individuals seek to fulfill long-held dreams — aspirations of building an identity they once set aside to prioritise family or household responsibilities. Now, they revive those dreams and yearn to reclaim the life they once envisioned. Having navigated many of life’s twists and turns, they have mastered the art of adaptability. Resources are usually less of a constraint, but with experience comes wisdom: they are careful to assess risks realistically and make calculated moves.


Networking can be a challenge, as many of their prime years were spent away from broader social circles. Now, they seek transformation, stepping out of their cocoon to shine like silk. 


Old-aged entrepreneurs: These are the ones with extensive knowledge, grit, and experience, sure of rebuilding their second innings. Often financially stable, but the challenge for these would be to adapt to new technology, as they are used to traditional methodologies. Less tech-savvy which demand time to adapt to the latest innovations.


Nevertheless, 'age is just a number'.


Characteristics of Fempreneurs

· They are big dreamers.

· They are passionate about work and grab opportunities.

· They are multitaskers.

· They like to set their own clock.

· They are confident.

· They are responsible and have a desire to grow.

· They believe in themselves.

· They are learners.

· They like to work independently.

· They learn from life.

· They dream of success.

· They are fearless of bias and opinions.

· They are dynamic and love life.

· They focus on self-improvement.

· They inspire and create an aura of positivity.

· They are always presentable and make a statement.

· They support another woman's rise.

· They practise gratitude.


Fempreneur - the building blocks

Undoubtedly, fempreneurs are the building blocks of a nation, playing a key role in economic growth by creating jobs and empowering others. Their efforts drive higher gender equality, break societal stereotypes, and promote a more progressive society. By dreaming big and turning aspirations into reality through determination, they inspire other women to follow the same rewarding path.


They do face challenges, which they learn to cope with and operate seamlessly. When these women choose lending hands over competition, the scale of success would be unfathomable, as time and again they have proven their abilities and leadership qualities. When there is a sense of sisterhood, the equation changes amongst them, and a more harmonious, collaborative environment arises, which benefits a larger mass.


Walk together with hands held together, as the quote says, "When women gather together in a circle, the world heals a little better."


I have been blessed and lucky enough to be a part of such communities, and I see myself learning, growing, and evolving.


Come, let's walk together and make a huge difference.


(The author is an educator based in Thane.)

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