PROMETHEUS

According to legend, Prometheus was the Greek Titan who stole fire from Zeus and gave it to mankind and was punished for the same. Thousands of years later, he has reincarnated, in an avatar of scorching embers and blinding radiance. Prometheus lives once more and his flare will consume the little town of Manipal.

IECSE presents to you “Prometheus 2012”, which will be held from 9th to 12th April. This fest will be based on computer science and will span over 10 events, guest lectures and workshops. These are the events that will be held:

1. Codesprint

2. iCode

3. Cipher-Master

4. Elevator Pitch

5. Triple Threat

   

6. Comp Whiz

7. Fox Hunt

8. Applabs

9. Hawk Eye

10. 24*7

There will also be a whole bunch of informal events so keep an eye for those too! Prometheus will also host gaming in CS, NFS, etc. Want to prove your supremacy? Invoke your clans and get the mice rolling.

Sounds cool? Eager to outsmart the rest? Are your fingers already itching to incinerate the keyboard?  This was just the preview. Anyone with a passion for computers must take part in these events, as it will be a holistic learning experience. And of course, there are loads of cash prizes and certificates to be won! Come, and blaze away with Prometheus.

Watch this space for more details!

By,
Girish Kumar

Sub Edited by: Deeksha Awasthi.

ALACRITY 2012: Day 1

DATE: 5 March 2012

DEADLOCK:

Conducted by IE- ENC at NLH 303 at 5:30 p.m., this event involved 2 rounds, both being conducted on the same day. Round 1 consisted of a written test on advanced electronics. The difficulty of this level was designed specifically to match the capacity of 2^nd and 3^rd year students. The swift marking of papers led to the selection of 8-10 teams who progressed to Round 2, which involved a time based competition on circuit debugging on the basis of an output given.

             

VHDL:

This event was conducted by IE ENC for the very first time at ALACRITY 2012. The event took place in the Ground floor of AB5 at 5:30 p.m. in the VHDL Lab, participated exclusively by 3^rd year students. Participants had to simulate an electronic circuit by means of VHDL language to solve a logical problem. Involving a single round only, the winner was the first to simulate the circuit correctly.

             

SOLDERMAN:

This event involved participants constructing a circuit from a given circuit diagram using their soldering skills. The participants were supplied with everything from wires to resistors to speakers. They were provided a breadboard on which to work their circuit. The circuit given was certainly a challenging one: a sound generator circuit using IC-555 timer circuit. One could see the various participants lost in the sheer number of components which had to be fixed at right places. The event was a great success and a total ‘paisa vasool’!!!

By: PRATEEK BISWAS and AYUSH AGRAWAL 

Photos By: MINESH WADHWA and ANUBHAV SHRIVASTAVA

Sub Editor: DEEP VENKY

IECSE Workshop: Asp.net

IE-CSE) is organizing a workshop on ASP.NET from 6th February to 9th February 2012.

The Participants would be taught how to develop Web Applications using c# in the .NET framework.

ASP.NET is a  simple tool to create your own web-pages and would help students with their projects, and can be very helpful while applying for internships etc.

It can be extended to medium and large scale enterprise applications too. Indeed, even Orkut uses ASP.NET for its web-pages.

The Workshop will be taken by ASP.NET experienced 3rd Year Students.

Certificates will be provided to all participants at the end of the four day workshop.

No Previous knowledge of Web-Development is Required.

The Workshop cost is Rs.50 For Members and Rs.100 For Non-Members.

Infodesks have been put up at FC and KC.

On Spot Registrations open

The Beauty of Algorithms!

IE-CSE organized a workshop called “The Beauty of Algorithms” from 30 Jan to 1 Feb. The workshop had students participating from all years of MIT. The workshop was conducted by Vipul Puri, 3^rd year, also the President of IE-CSE.

The workshop was quite informative and it took start from basics of algorithms. The workshop began with six questions each, a sort of brain teasers and helped you to learn fundamentals of algorithms and what an algorithm should contain. The crowd loved these starting questions and it also got them warmed up for the workshop.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The workshop started with preliminary topics such as Bubble Sort, Selection sort, Fibonacci Numbers, etc. Then we moved on certain mediocre stuff like Hashing, the Warshall Algorithm, Horspool algorithm and then to harder stuff. These algorithms Vipul bro told us that are used in daily softwares from Google’s indexing algorithm to train route picker, etc.

The workshop had many students not only from CSE but also from IT, EnC etc. The participants loved brainstorming and understanding algorithms. Everyone were busy finding the shortest and best way to solve the problems. Vipul bro also told us about Time Complexity and Space Complexity. At the end of workshop we were given problems that we had to solve.

The plethora of programming and coding lasted for three days, in which we got to learn a lot about Algorithms. This workshop helped benefit a lot of students to understand the basics of algorithms. It was rightly titled “The beauty of Algorithms” as algorithms make us understand the working of life itself and complexities in nature are handled with utmost simplicity with Algos.

-Ali Akbar

Workshop on Algorithms by IE CSE

As the name suggests, this workshop, by IE-CSE, is concerned with algorithms. The major topics to be
discussed during the workshop are –

-> Introduction to algorithms
-> The few algorithms you absolutely must know
-> How to design algorithms for various situations
-> How to know if an algorithm is better than the other
-> How they can be improved

As algorithms are pure logic, they are independent of the nature of programming languages.
You don’t need a background in Computers to understand algorithms, a keen mind is all it takes.

Plus the unsurprising fact that recruiting firms often demand a thorough concept of algorithms.
Attend the workshop, you’ll admire how algorithms make things work !

Two days workshop i.e 30 January & 1st February

Its free for members, and non-members pay Rs.50
Infodesks for registration at KC,FC.
Also, you may register on the spot.

Hostel Utility Hike- Analysis!!!

A group of 4^th years of Manipal Institute of Technology have recently undertaken a bold initiative and have made available to all blocks, a large amount of data regarding the increase in hostel utility charges. They have listed out a number of observations based on the information, in a step by step manner for the students to get a fair picture. The report has managed to reasonably argue its case and is backed up with some solid data. Some ‘interesting’ points have been listed down for your convenience.

1.) There has been a 350% increase in utility charges in past 4 years, 250% in the past 3 years and a 47% increase in the previous year. Of this, 30% was for maintenance charges and 20% for utility charges. In addition to this a ‘Utility advance’ was collected from the students right before the end semester exams without sufficient intimation or explanation. Presumably, it was supposed to be a backup against any damage of hostel property by students who stayed for the make-up examinations.

2.) The report observes that whenever a new hostel is constructed, the charges of all the hostels rise. This seems to be an effort on part of the hostel authorities to make sure students don’t avoid the new hostel as they may have to pay extra for it.

3.) The meter reading for each student in the 10^th block is actually Rs 200 per person per month.

4.) The students conducted a detailed survey of the hostel staff of the 10^th block. Taking into account only their pay, the total cost per student comes to Rs 390 per person (Survey excludes the garden cleaners)

Additional ‘dues’ have been levied on the block residents called Establishment charges. The testimony suggests that high inflation and construction project deadlines are to be partially blamed for it. According to it 50% of the utility cost is this.

A request has been put forth by the group to provide a monthly detailed breakup of Hostel utility, which may hence be put up on the MAHE intranet so that the students can keep track on the usage of electricity and other resources, as an move toward greater transparency. It also appeals to the Management to decrease the cost of hostel accommodation keeping in mind the middle class population that resides in it.

The report has also put up 9^th and 10^th block meter readings for a given month.

Document of the letter written to the director of MIT

Ayush Agrawal, I year

Tech Tatva Day 4

The delusions of a bustle remained in spite of lesser activity. With Tech Tatva coming to an end, it was a time for the clash of the well-deserved teams that made it to the final rounds. A lot of effort was put in by the technical categories to organize, and participants to make it to the crest. All was set for the final showdown:

These are few events that really appealed to us:

Carbon Sense : In the first round, participants were asked to come up with something innovative, wherein an ‘auction on carbon factors’ was held and the teams with the maximum credits reached the next round. There was a lot of chaos and fun as well. In the second round, 8 teams(out of 21) were asked to create a green building. This round was based on general environmental awareness awareness and the ability to analyze the pros and cons of a model.

Desiccating wheels: This is one of challenging events where not many teams applied. In households of the coastal areas, the air conditioning is ineffective due to the absorption of humidity. Increase in electricity bill and power loss are its major disadvantages. So, the objective was to design a desiccating wheel, with water absorbing properties and use sensors for quantifying the absorption.

Weakest link in Aetiology: Etiology is basically the study of the cause of a disease/ disorder.
Here it was: Money+ Science. This competition was to test the participants on their logical thinking. A quiz was held and the points of the top team is conerted into money. All the questions were based on science and facts.

Code GEESS: Interestingly the entire eent was organized by a group of first years. A purely coding based technical event, there were 4 rounds with a time constraint. The most interesting round was to solve a ‘C’ program where only 1 compilation was allowed.

 Time warped: This was yet again a concept that was intuitive. As the name suggest, the participants had to re-model the devices of the past (In various time zones).

There was a decent turnout and the students used the ‘ancient principle and techniques’ to recreate the wonders of the past.

Chemathon:  Around 25 teams participated in the event, out of which 10 teams could make it to the 2nd round. The 2nd round was a practical round, in which each of the selected team were given a bag which contained a heterogeneous mixture(components of which can be separated out by physical processes) of 9 different components. The components ranged from ultra fine particles to coarse particles. Iron filings, wood scrambles, plastic pieces, cement etc were few of them. All these components had to be separated out from the sample mixture, weighed and submitted in a span of 90 minutes.

At the end of the event, each team was asked few oral questions, and finally best three teams were chosen as the winners.

So you think you can sell: An event organized by the category Technesec, it was a great success. There were about 32 teams (4 members in each team)in the 1st round, where a group discussion was held. The teams were then reduced to 32. In round 2, the team was divided into two(1 Sellers and 2 Buyers). The aim of the team was to maximize the profit by bargaining with the corresponding ‘Buyers and Sellers’ of the other teams.

After the end of the 2nd round, 4 teams qualified to make it to the final round. The goal was to  Sell products and enterprises. One of teams took up the idea of ‘Burglar Alarm Systems’, which was then presented on stage, with the resources provided to them. The objective of the wining team was to publicize ‘Tech Tatva’ and present methods to approach other colleges and organizations.The event surely tested the entrepreneurial skills and gave an insight into the working companies and organizations.

TEAM TECH-TATVA

The pain-staking efforts from all the categories is very much appreciated. A lot of effort was put in from their side to ensure that the participants learn new things and furthermore implement them in their daily lives. Many students from all the branches of engineering have inspired to do innovative things and think analytically. It was surely a learning curve for the new-comers, who in the forthcoming years, would take forward these ideas, refine and teach others as well. The workshops and events have had the highest ever turnout and the success is attributed to them.

Tech Tatva isn’t complete without a token of appreciation to the Non-Technical team. Though it is background work, they play a vital role in ensuring better activity in all events. Informative posters, wonderful artwork, banners in prime locations, info-desks have added utmost glamour to the fest. Effective logistics, good hospitality, smart management of human resources, professional reception, amazing photography, certification & distribution:

    Hats and caps off ! Rounds of applause! Standing ovation      !      

Here, we specially value the ‘Informals’ team for their marvelous efforts, dynamism and cheerfulness throughout Tech-Tatva. They have added the extra
‘zing’ to the fest, constantly keeping it in motion and ensuring continuity. ‘WOW’ to you all !

The blending of volunteers, organizers, event and category heads has indeed made this year’s fest a SENSATION !
Zealously waiting for REVELS !

Pranny Jha, Anirudh Sriram, Srinath Iyer,Prashant Singh

Image Courtesy: Photography club MIT

Open talk on Java and Python

IE(I)-CSE Manipal, shall be conducting an open talk on the topic “Principles of Java and its comparison with Python” .

Python

Java

Java is a programming language that derives much of its syntax from C/C++, but has a simpler object model.  Java is a general-purpose, concurrent, class-based, object-oriented language that is specifically designed to have as few implementation dependencies as possible. It is intended to let application developers “write once, run anywhere.” Java is currently one of the most popular programming languages in use, particularly for client-server web applications.

Python is a general-purpose, high level prog. language whose design philosophy emphasizes code readability. Python claims to “[combine] remarkable power with very clear syntax”,and its standard library is large and comprehensive. Its use of indentation for block delimiters is unique among popular programming languages.

So, what’s the difference ?? Come join us to get involved in an intense discussion and develop your temperament in this field.
(Only for 2nd year and above)
Date: September 6,2011
Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: AB 5, Room number 409
NO Entry fee

A Myriad of events

The Literary and Debating club of MIT, Manipal opened up the semester with a smasher “MYRIAD”. The Harry Potter quiz: Felix Felicis for the first time in the history of Manipal, which had been the talk of the town, was one of the five events.

Myriad was exclusively for students, second year onwards. Poor first years were going insane to participate in Felix Felicis and wanted to go on a campaign to include a Harry Potter quiz in Litstock!

Myriad began on the 24th August with ‘Felix Felicis’ and ‘Jabberwocky : the extempore’ and “YES” the turn up for the Harry Potter quiz was nothing less than an ENCHANTED SPELL. All the records were broken and the “MUGGLE MOB” had to be bifurcated in two different NLH rooms, which is a testimony to the grand success.

After the quest of witchcraft and wizardry, it was time to display some yakking spirit, for JABBERWOCKY: the extempore. It’s an impromptu single person speaking event which gets your adrenaline rushing with every uttered word. The first round was a normal extempore, the second being a mock press, while the last round was a turn court i.e: block and tackle where ones’ presence of mind is tested along with diction , content and humor.

The next day witnessed ‘The Whodunit’: the general quiz and ‘Eye for an Eye’: the debate. The turn up for the quiz was great as usual and people enjoyed the quiz whereas the turn for debate was a little on the lower side. I personally (being a public speaker) think that the debates organized by LnD are of decent standards. To add on, the topics are well chosen and the judges themselves are experienced public speakers. So, one can always learn from them.

It is said that one needs to START BIG and END BIG: Myriad began with Felix Felicisand ended with THE SERIES OF UNFORTNATE EVENTS: the POTPURRI .
Awesome fun and frolic, is how one defines potpourri. Hence “unfortunate” explains the time when you mix up Big Bang Theory and Prison Break or confuse “heavens doors” with “stairway to heaven” (this happened with my friend and then I dis owned him). The fun was still not over ‘coz we still had dumb charades where enacting a word like “overfriendly” can be very GAY (I mean HAPPY :P)

Hence in all Myriad was a great success and it added another feather in The Literary and Debating Club’s hat. My heartiest congratulations to all the winners, participants and the club members (without them, the event couldn’t have been a splendid success).

So, now that the first years have their laptops, they read this blog and come to participate in LITSTOCK making it a greater success.

The ‘Ananya’ Make Over

On my first day this semester, I was very pleasantly surprised to see a welcome (and much wanted) change in the Ananya Mess – the hostel mess that caters to the needs of the first years residing in Block I and 2. I very clearly remember my initial days in MIT when I had decided to get myself registered with this mess (well, it was a ‘mess’ indeed!) The only reason for doing so was its proximity.

The food used to be plain – home food, as you would call it. ‘Variety’ was a word, they had seemed unfamiliar with. The matter of concern for most was the hygiene. Complaints regarding it were not uncommon, especially during the odd semester. When the then Chief Warden, Col. Kulwant Singh, was approached, we got to hear in vain that since Ananya was a private mess MIT couldn’t do much about it.

Things seem to be different this academic year onwards – different and better. The Ananya mess has now been made a part of the MIT Food Court (which I guess many are yet to know). Now I can see people enjoying their food as opposed to the gloomy faces I used to find around me last year! There are absolutely no complaints about the hygiene anymore. The freshers find the food pretty good but I am sure, just like it always happens with the majority of students– they’ll soon get bugged up!

The major drawback is that now the mess has been made 100% vegetarian. So obviously, no one craving for non-veg food would ever want to join it. Secondly and most stupidly – they don’t provide snacks! You have to walk all the way to FC for the same, of course without having to pay any extra charge.

None the less, I so envy you, first year girls! You get to eat good food right outside your hostel rooms! Couldn’t all this have happened when I was staying in Block 1?