Drawing from the social constructivist approach to the study of science, technology and society, this article tries to examine the role of legal, economic, political and environmental factors in determining the course of the development of electricity in the Madras Presidency under British colonial rule. Apart from these factors, the impact of historical events such as the two World Wars on the trajectories of electrification is also analysed. The combination of circumstances that influenced the development of electricity in a colonised territory was quite peculiar in many ways and significantly shaped its ultimate character.

Background: Eleusine coracana is one of the popular millet and has several health benefits and some of which are attributed to its poly phenol and dietary fiber contents. Regular intake of Eleusine coracana was known to reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal tract disorders.Objective: To investigate the glycemic index of Eleusine coracana biscuits and its consumption on lipid and stress levels in healthy subjects.Design: Observational, prospective cohort.Participants/setting: Participants were 12 healthy men human subject's age of 20-50yrs belongs to India. Main outcome measurements:The association between frequency of Eleusine coracana biscuits consumption on lipid, stress levels and glycemic index was assessed. The Baseline of blood glucose levels were determined in all the subjects after overnight fasting for first three days. Statistical analysis:Incremental area under curve of test food and reference food was calculated using trapezoidal rule and paired t-test was employed to find out the differences between before and after supplementation of EC biscuits in healthy subjects. Results were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. Results:The glycemic index of biscuits was found to be 33.95, which falls in low glycemic index range food. The glycemic load was found to be 16.97 the value which fit in moderate glycemic load food category. Supplementation of EC biscuits significantly increased (p<0.01) GSH levels from 10.94 ±2U/L to 11.85±2U/L and MDA levels were gradually (p<0.05) decreased from 11.80±2 nmol/ml to 11.33±2 nmol/ml which might have resulted in significant improvement (p<0.001) in total antioxidant status from 11.6±3% inhibition to 14.59±4%. A decrease (p<0.05) in LDL levels from 79.19±5mg/dl to 77.94±4mg/dl was observed. Conclusion:Eleusine coracana based biscuits have low glycemic index and moderate glycemic load which is suitable as a food supplement for diabetic population and others with life style diseases. The glycemic index values of foods are mainly dependent on the nature of cereal component. Long-term intake of Eleusine coracana biscuits may produce other health benefits including control of blood LDL levels and improving antioxidant status. Citation

No abstract

No abstract