Challenges of virtual classroom during COVID-19 pandemic: An empirical analysis of Indian higher education

Higher education institutions (HEIs) usually work open throughout the academic session. In the COVID-19 pandemic time, all the HEIs were also closed temporarily. The study examined the major challenges faced by the teachers and students from the virtual classroom during the nationwide lockdown. Due to the nationwide lockdown and lack of funding, convenience sampling and snowball sampling techniques were used for data collection. A total of 893 responses were analyzed for this study. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on a Likert scale from 305 teachers and 588 students of higher education institutes from the entire India. Network connectivity was the major challenge faced by the faculty members (mean value of 3.68) followed by 3.17 mean value for lack of professional environment at home, 3.03 for lack of teaching material at home, 2.92 for lack of personal computer/laptop. Lack of professional environment at home (mean value of 3.59) was the major challenge faced by the students followed by 3.57 for lack of teaching material at home, 3.35 for network connectivity, 3.31 for lack of personal computer/laptop. Virtual classrooms have challenges such as poor internet connectivity, non-availability of appropriate electronic devices, lack of a teaching environment at home, less information and communication technology (ICT) knowledge among students and teachers. It implied less engagement of students and teachers in the teaching and learning process

Patterns, Determinants and Challenges of Horticulture Diversification in India

This study attempts to analyze the trends and patterns of horticulture diversification in India, the differences between states in diversification toward highvalue crops, and identify the factors influencing horticulture diversification. Total horticulture crops have shown moderate diversification. Among horticulture crops, Fruits, plantation crops and spices have exhibited high diversification, whereas high and moderate diversification have been recorded for vegetables during the period under study.The states Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,Bihar,Gujrat, Kerala, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya,Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Odisha, Sikkim, Tripura, Telangana, Tamil Nadu,Uttar Pradesh have shown high diversification whereas Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Uttarakhand have displayed moderate diversification in the year 2020-21. Per capita income, annual rainfall, and lagged SID for total horticulture crops all have positive effects on horticulture diversification, whereas fertilizer consumption has a negative effect

SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO OPTIMIZE THE SIGNALING BETWEEN UPF AND SMF DURING HANDOFF AND EPS-INTERNETWORKING

Systems and methods are described herein for optimizing the signaling between a User Plane Function (UPF) and a Session Management Function (SMF) during Handoff (HO) and Evolved Packet System (EPS)-Interworking cases. The systems and methods may be employed to intimate End-Marker notification from a UPF to a Source Radio Access Network (Source-RAN) of a respective 4G/5G Access-Network. This is achieved by introducing Send End Marker Packets (SNDEM) flags in Remove FAR as part of an N4 Session Modification Request. The solution described herein is applicable where a SMF has selected the same or different UPF to interact with a target RAN (T-RAN) based on slice information provided by Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)

Human papillomavirus 18 E6 inhibits phosphorylation of p53 expressed in HeLa cells

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In HPV infected cells p53 function is abrogated by E6 and even ectopically expressed p53 is unable to perform tumor suppressor functions. In addition to facilitating its degradation, E6 may also inhibit p53 transactivity, though the mechanisms are still poorly understood. It has been reported that inhibition of p300, an acetyltransferase responsible for p53 acetylation is inactivated by E6. Activation of overexpressed p53 to cause cell growth inhibition is facilitated by its phosphorylation. Previously, we reported that non-genotoxically overexpressed p53 in HeLa cells needs to be phosphorylated to perform its cell growth inhibitory functions. Since over expressed p53 by itself was not activated, we hypothesized an inhibitory role for E6.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Majority of reports proposes E6 mediated degradation of p53 as a possible reason for its inactivation. However, results presented here for the first time demonstrate that overexpressed p53 is not directly associated with E6 and therefore free, yet it is not functionally active in HPV positive cells. Also, the stability of overexpressed p53 does not seem to be an issue because inhibition of proteasomal degradation did not increase the half-life of overexpressed p53, which is more than endogenous p53. However, inhibition of proteasomal degradation prevents the degradation of endogenous p53. These findings suggest that overexpressed p53 and endogenous p53 are differentially subjected to proteasomal degradation and the reasons for this discrepancy remain unclear. Our studies demonstrate that p53 over expression has no effect on anchorage independent cell-growth and E6 nullifies its cell growth inhibitory effect. E6 overexpression abrogates OA induced p53 occupancy on the p21 promoter and cell death as well. E6 did not decrease p53 protein but phospho-p53 level was significantly reduced.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We report for the first time that E6 de-activates p53 by inhibiting its phosphorylation. This prevents p53 binding to p21 promoter and thereby restraining its cell-growth inhibitory functions. Our study provides new evidence indicating that viral protein E6 inhibits p53 transactivity by mechanism independent of degradation pathway.</p

A study of high sensitive C-reactive protein in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not only merely limited to joints but has many extraarticular features. The major cause of mortality in RA is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inflammation in RA predispose them to succumb to CVD. The aim of this study to observe whether therapy with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) decreases inflammation and if it does so than it can be said that decrease the risk to develop CVD. Aim and objectives were to assess hs-CRP level in early and established RA both at diagnosis and again at 3 months of DMARD therapy and compare between them.Methods: Total 58 early RA (group A) and 58 established (group B) DMARD naïve RA patients were included in the study. Age, BMI, haemoglobin, random blood sugar, lipid profile, ESR, hs-CRP, RA factor and anti-CCP were measured. All of them were treated with DMARD and hs-CRP was again assessed after 3 months.Results: The mean hs-CRP level at diagnosis was 6.14±1.90 mg/l in group A while it was 10.39±3.13 mg/l in group B. The mean hs-CRP level after 3 months of DMARD was 2.56±1.35mg/l in group A while it was 7.91±3.13 mg/l in group B. The mean reduction in hs-CRP level in early RA (3.58±0.99 mg/l) was statistically significantly (p<0.001) higher than that in established RA (2.48±0.09 mg/l).  Conclusions: DMARD decreases level of inflammation in RA more efficiently if initiated early in the course of the disease

Nanomaterials and their application in prosthodontics: a review

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to review the available literature on the novelties and applications of nanomaterials in Prosthodontics.Data and Sources: 125 articles were retrieved which included reviews and studies on various nanomaterials used in Dentistry especially Prosthodontics after Gray literature search, cross references and electronic database search in PubMed, MedLine and Google search using the following key words- Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology, Prosthodontics, Dentistry, ApplicationsStudy selection: 74 articles were selected and reviewed as they met the selection criteria. Conclusion: Within the scope of this review, reported literature showed that the emerging science of nanotechnology in Dentistry especially in the field of Prosthodontics has triggered growing interest in the potential applications and benefits compared to the conventional materials in use. The latest research progress on the applications of nanomaterials used in Prosthodontics was reviewed with detailed description, keeping in mind the limitations like challenges faced and the health implications

Fabrication of a Custom Sectional Impression Tray for a Patient with Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Gaining access into the oral cavity of patients with limited mouth&nbsp;opening is difficult and rehabilitation of such patients is a&nbsp;challenge. The loaded impression tray is a bulky item that needs&nbsp;to be placed intraorally. In patients with microstomia, obtaining&nbsp;accurate impression using conventional techniques is difficult&nbsp;due to limited mouth opening and thus alternate clinical&nbsp;procedures need to be developed. This case report describes&nbsp;an innovative technique for fabrication of custom maxillary&nbsp;sectional tray for a patient with oral submucous fibrosis utilizing&nbsp;components that are commonly available, enhancing the comfort&nbsp;of both operator and the patient

Surface Conditioning Treatments for Improving Adhesion of Fiber Posts

The restoration of endodontically treated teeth has been studied&nbsp;extensively. Posts are widely used for the restoration of these&nbsp;teeth when there is insufficient coronal tooth structure to retain&nbsp;a core for the definitive restoration. Prefabricated postsystems&nbsp;have become more popular because they can provide satisfactory&nbsp;results with less chairside time. Bonding of fiber posts to&nbsp;composite materials relies only on the chemical interaction&nbsp;between the postsurface and the resin material used for luting or&nbsp;building-up the core.&nbsp;In an attempt to maximize resin bonding to fiber posts,&nbsp;several surface treatments have been recently suggested. The&nbsp;aim of this review is to focus on these surface treatments in&nbsp;detail

Knowledge and attitude of peripheral health workers regarding Non-Communicable diseases in a Rural area of Rajasthan

Background: Mortality due to Non communicable disease (NCD) has increased from 50% to 60% in India from 2004 to 2014. Increasing mortality due to NCD has compelled Government of India to launch a national program (NPCDCS). This program has involved peripheral health workers hence this study was conducted to assess level of knowledge and attitude of peripheral health workers working in rural area of CHC Naila regarding NCDs. Methods: Present study was conducted at CHC Naila, Rajasthan, during June to Dec 2019. All (38) peripheral health staff working under CHC Naila were assessed and categorised regarding NCD and NPCDCS program. Results: Majority (77%) peripheral health workers had more than ten years of field experience. All have heard about NPCDCS program and type of NCDs covered under it. they were aware of sign &amp; symptoms of common NCDs, however 18.42% of these were not aware of their role of community awareness about risk factors of NCDs and conducting regular screening. Conclusion: Though the level of awareness of health workers regarding type of NCDs, its consequences and risk factors was good however skill development training is needed so that they can screen people effectively and motivate them for healthy life style for optimum result

Low-cost Adsorbents for the Removal of Mercury (11) from Aqueous Solution-A Comparative Study

The establishments of the Ministry of Defence, specifically ordnance factories and public sector undertakings (like Bharat Electronics Ltd), carry out operations like electroplating, metal1surface finishing, solid-state wafer processing, and initiatory manufacturing (lead azide, mercury fulminate), which generate waste water contaminated with hazardous heavy metals. Mercuryand its compounds are known to be highly toxic, both for the living organisms and theenvironment. To protect public health, a regulatory discharge standard of mercury, as low as 0.01 mgll, has been imposed and is expected to be even stricter in the future. A promising method for effective mercury discharge control is to employ suitable adsorbents for the removal of mercury from the contaminated aqueous stream.This paper describes the effectiveness of low cost and locally available, untreated and chemically-treated adsorbents for the removal of mercury from the aqueous solution. Their effectiveness has been compared with that of chemically-treated granular activated carbon. Treated sawdust and untreated weathered coal were found to be the most suitable low-cost adsorbents in addition to treated granular activated carbon for the removal of mercury from aqueous solution. Under the optimised conditions, ie, adsorbent dose 10 gll, pH 6, contact time 48 h, and initial concentration of mercury 3 mgll, the removal of mercury was found to be 99.8 per cent, 99.8 per cent, and 99.7per cent, using treated granular activated carbon, treated sawhust, and untreated weathered coal, respectively.The adsorption parameters were determined using both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Surface complexation and ion exchange were the major removal mechanisms involved.The adsorption isotherm studies clearly indicated that the Langmuir model is in good agreement, with the experimental data on the adsorptive behaviour of mercury on treated granular activated carbon, whereas, the experimental data on adsorptive behaviour of mercury on weathered coal and treated sawdust follow both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The paper presents the results of the experimental studies as well as the model parameters