Traditional method or online teaching; which method students prefer: an observational study

Background: An unexpected global pandemic broke out in initial months of 2020 i.e., COVID-19 which drastically brought a difference in the progress of education in various institutions, especially the medical field where we study about life was also made online. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of students ‘opinion regarding which is the better, traditional teaching or online live teaching.Methods: Survey was conducted among two group of students, 2019 (both online and offline teaching) and 2020 (online teaching with offline practical) batches of Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam. A questionnaire was circulated to students regarding the class experience, interest of attending the class, learning effect and clarity of the lecture. Results: Students expressed their views that overall teaching experience and learning effect of offline methodology is superior to online approach, so the traditional offline style or the blend of online and offline modes are apt for teaching.Conclusions: The study is focused on the way in which the teaching and learning approach is delivered which is favoured by the medical practitioners, the qualitative data suggesting required modifications for further improvement in the delivering method to produce qualified medical practitioners to meet the current and imminent situations. This study suggests that a intermingled learning approach is an effective method for anatomy learning, and this approach mainly inculcates self-directed study through online learning

Proof-of-Principle Experiment for FEL-Based Coherent Electron Cooling,”

Abstract Coherent electron cooling (CEC) has a potential to significantly boost luminosity of high-energy, highintensity hadron-hadron and electron-hadron colliders. In a CEC system, a hadron beam interacts with a cooling electron beam. A perturbation of the electron density caused by ions is amplified and fed back to the ions to reduce the energy spread and the emittance of the ion beam. To demonstrate the feasibility of CEC we propose a proof-of-principle experiment at RHIC using SRF linac. In this paper, we describe the setup for CeC installed into one of RHIC's interaction regions. We present results of analytical estimates and results of initial simulations of cooling a gold-ion beam at 40 GeV/u energy via CeC

Post-partum posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a clinicopathological syndrome associated with various clinical conditions presenting with headache, encephalopathy, seizure and cortical visual disturbances. Radiological findings in PRES are thought to be due to vasogenic edema predominantly in posterior cerebral hemispheres and are reversible with appropriate management. We present a case of post partum PRES,A 29 year old primigravida of 33 weeks 3 days period of gestation who presented to our hospital with painless bleeding per vagina and breathlessness. A provisional diagnosis of Ante partum Haemorrhage due to Marginal Placenta Previa was made and she was admitted for safe confinement. Caesarean section was performed for APH under subarachnoid block which was uneventful. On the fourth post operative day patient developed headache and generalised tonic clonic seizures. The provisional diagnosis of Postpartum PRES was made and confirmed with MRI. All other causes of postpartum seizures were ruled out. Patient was successfully treated with anticonvulsants, corticosteroids and supportive treatment Postpartum PRES is a rare clinical condition mostly associated with hypertension, Preeclampsia and vasculitis .Early recognition and treatment can lead to complete recovery of the conditio

Isolation and Characterization of Bacterial Endophytes from Maize Genotypes Varying in Resistance against Macrophomina phaseolina

The present work aims to isolate and characterize the bacterial endophytes associated with different maize genotypes varying in resistance to disease reaction against Macrophomina phaseolina. A total of 50 endophytic bacteria were isolated from root and stem of healthy maize plants at 30 DAS, 60 DAS by using two different media like TSA, NA medium and maximum number of endophytic bacterial population were recovered from root followed by stem in all the genotypes and TSA medium was found to be the most suitable medium for deciphering maximum endophytic bacterial diversity. The isolated bacterial endophytes were characterized on the basis of morphological parameters viz., size, shape, colour, margin and texture, elevation, gram staining reaction and it was observed that Gram positive bacteria (68.0 %) formed the dominant group.  The colony characterization revealed that circular forms (38.0 %) were dominated. Among the colony features the colonies with entire margins (66.0 %) and convex elevation (44.0 %) were found to be dominating

Successful management of phenytoin and phenobarbitone induced gingival enlargement: A multimodal approach

Medication-related gingival enlargement is a common reactionary phenomenon that occurs with the use of several types of therapeutic agents, including antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). This disorder has been documented since 1939, shortly after the introduction of phenytoin. In the present case, a concise review of literature concerning the etiopathogenesis and management of AEDs (phenobarbitone and phenytoin) induced gingival enlargement has been described. It is vital that not only the periodontist, but also dental surgeons and medical practitioners should become aware of the potential etiologic agents, characteristic features, and the differential diagnosis of drug induced gingival enlargement in order to be able to prevent, diagnose and successfully manage the condition

Evaluation of lateral flow assay as a field test for investigation of brucellosis outbreak in an organized buffalo farm: A pilot study

Abstract Aim: The aim was to evaluate lateral flow assay (LFA) as a field test for investigation of brucellosis outbreak in organized buffalo farm. Materials and Methods: A total of 153 serum samples were tested to detect the presence of brucella antibodies by LFA and three other serological tests i.e. rose bengal plate test (RBPT), protein G based indirect enzyme-linked immunoassay (iELISA), and competitive ELISA (cELISA). The performances of LFA and other serological tests were evaluated using OIE complaint cELISA as the gold standard. Results: Serological tests revealed 50% of the animals were seropositive for Brucella antibodies and correlated with clinical history of abortions, infertility, and productive failures. The newly developed assay showed 87.1% and 92.6% sensitivity and specificity, which was even higher than the specificity of RBPT. Conclusions: The investigation proved the potential usefulness of LFA for field diagnosis of brucellosis in the regions where laboratory facilities are limited

Economic evaluation of therapeutic diet formulated for Foot and Mouth Disease(FMD) infected crossbred calves

The study aimed to evaluate the economics involved in the formulation of a therapeutic diet for Foot and MouthDisease and its impact on the convalescence period. A total of 22 Holstein Friesian crossbred male calves (10-12months) were considered in which 4 calves were of Control (CON) and 18 calves of treatment groups. The treatmentgroup animals namely, Therapeutic Diet-1 (TD-1), Therapeutic Diet-2 (TD-2), and Therapeutic Diet-3(TD-3) wereinfected with the FMD virus. The therapeutic diet was fed to calves in the morning and ad lib. hybrid Napier greenfodder in the afternoon. The experiment was carried out for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, animals gained18.73, 19.67, 19.10 and 19.42 kg body weight in CON, TD-1, TD-2 and TD-3 groups respectively. Body weightgain between the groups was non-significant. The total cost of feeding inclusive of both therapeutic diet and greenfodder was ₹546.24, 523.43, 521.56 and 509 respectively. Cost per kg body weight gain was also calculated. Thecost per kg body weight gain was non-significant among the groups; being highest in the CON group compared toinfected groups. It can be concluded from the present study that during FMD infectious conditions, the therapeuticdiet feeding either mash or cooked (with or without CNS) not only helped in regaining the body weight quickly butalso reduced the feeding and treatment cost

Comparative Analysis of Pigeonpea Stalk Biochar Characteristics and Energy Use under Different Biochar Production Methods

The disposal of crop residues from agricultural fields is often seen as a burden due to the difficulties involved. However, this study aims to turn pigeonpea stalks into biochar, which can serve as a fuel substitute and soil amendment to sequester carbon. Different pyrolysis methods were employed to investigate the variations in yield, physicochemical characteristics, and higher heating value (HHV) of biochar produced from pigeonpea stalks. The biochar produced using a muffle furnace exhibited higher fixed carbon and ash content. These characteristics make it beneficial for restoring degraded agricultural soils by enhancing carbon sequestration. In addition, the muffle furnace biochar demonstrated a total potential carbon ranging from 262.8 to 264.3 g of carbon per kilogram of biochar, along with a CO2 reduction potential ranging from 77.17 to 79.68 CO2 eq per kg. Both the European Biochar Certificate and the International Biochar Initiative confirmed the agronomic abilities of the biochar and its compliance with the highest quality standards for soil carbon sequestration, with 0.11 H/C and 0.7 O/C ratios. Furthermore, biochar produced by muffle furnace from pigeonpea stalks exhibited superior fixed carbon recovery efficiency (181.66 to 184.62%), densification (5.86 to 6.83%), energy density (1.77 to 2.06%), energy retention efficiency (54.80 to 56.64%), fuel ratio (18.95 to 22.38%), and HHV (30.66 to 32.56 MJ kg-1). Additionally, it had lower H/C and O/C ratios, suggesting its potential as an alternative solid fuel. The results of the characterization of biochar with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the biochar samples prepared with both the methods had carbonyl (C=O), C=C, and aromatic C-H functional groups; however, the biochar prepared in the muffle furnace had more porosity. In summary, this study highlights the potential of using pigeonpea stalks to produce biochar, which can be utilized as a renewable fuel substitute and soil amendment to sequester carbon. The biochar derived from the muffle furnace exhibited desirable physicochemical characteristics, high carbon content, and excellent energy properties, making it a promising option for various applications

Harnessing the potential of pigeonpea and maize feedstock biochar for carbon sequestration, energy generation, and environmental sustainability

Crop residues in agriculture pose disposal challenges and contribute to air pollution when burned. This study aims to use pigeonpea and maize stalks to produce biochar at different pyrolysis temperatures. Biochar can serve in carbon sequestration, as a soil amendment, and as an alternative fuel source. Pyrolysis was conducted at 400, 500, and 600 °C to examine the effects on physicochemical properties, fuel, and energy related properties. Increase in temperatures resulted in decrease of biochar yield, volatile matter, and O/C and H/C atomic ratios, while ash content and essential nutrients increased. Yield was observed to be higher in pigeonpea stalks derived biochar compared to maize stalks derived biochar at same pyrolysis temperatures. The yields of pigeonpea stalks derived biochar at 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C are 34, 33 and 29%, respectively, and the yields of maize biomass-derived biochar at 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C are 29, 28, and 26%, respectively. The organic carbon content is found to be higher in the biochar samples prepared at 600 °C, i.e., 10.44%, and 10.39% for pigeonpea and maize-derived biochar, respectively. The essential elements of biochar were increased with an increase in pyrolysis temperature except nitrogen which is conversely related to temperature. The biochar obtained through pyrolysis at 400 °C demonstrated superior characteristics compared to biochar produced at other temperatures. It exhibited a higher biochar yield, with approximately 84.60% for pigeonpea and 64.85% for maize fixed carbon content. Additionally, the energy retention efficiency was higher, reaching 67.33% for pigeonpea and 42.70% for maize-derived biochar at a pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C. The fixed carbon recovery efficiency was also notable at around 200.44% for PPS and 142.37% for maize biochar which is higher compared to biochar produced at other temperatures. Furthermore, the higher heating value (HHV) was approximately 30.75 MJ kg−1 for both the biochars, indicating their suitability as alternative solid fuels. A significant CO2 reduction potential of 84 CO2 eq kg−1 and 55 CO2 eq kg−1 was observed for pigeonpea and maize biochar, respectively. Hence, biochar is a promising and effective option for carbon sequestration, offering environmental benefits