“Web-Based Virtual Learning Environment”: A Preliminary Assessment Of Effectiveness Of Virtual Science Activity On Conceptual Understanding

The present study aimed at examining the effectiveness of the web - based virtual activities on the development of student’s conceptual understanding in science. The effect of virtual activity was evaluated in term of learning gains and perception. To achieve these objectives an experimental design is selected. Since application of the result to conventional lab activity of selected concepts of science was one of the prime concerns to the researches, the activities were conducted in convention physics lab as well Web-based Virtual OLABS. The study found that virtual science activity is more effective on conceptual understanding

A Novel Diabetes Education Program to Improve Diabetes Knowledge, Awareness and Glycemic Control

Diabetes self-management education (DSME), an integral part of diabetes management is delivered by trained educators in well-developed countries. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of an organized, concise and easy-to-deliver diabetes education module in India. The relationship between diabetes self-care and glycemic control has been studied extensively. The present review discusses an innovative diabetes self-education training module that can be easily reciprocated by others to benefit the larger population

Effectiveness of STEM Approach for Understanding Membrane Formation in Biology

Research paper aims to explore the relevance and effectiveness of STEM approach through virtual learning for membrane formation in biology in the Indian context. In present scenario, it observed conventional approaches have very limitation for biology learning. Presently STEM approach give opportunity through virtual learning to promote collaborating and inquiry based learning. STEM is emerging as one of the most effective approach for learning. The present study was conducted to explore the effectiveness of STEM approach for understanding membrane formation  in Biology. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of STEM approach for understanding of concepts of biology. The findings of the present study clearly revealed that student understand the concept of membrane formation through STEM approach in a better way as compared to conventional approach. This paper is a humble attempt to discuss position of STEM approach, initiatives of Government of India, and the impact it has on student learning and overall educational outcomes in India

Mindfulness Meditation as Adjunctive Therapy to Improve the Glycemic Care and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Mindfulness Meditation (MM) is known to improve glycemic control and enhance the quality of life (QoL) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Unfortunately, the role of meditation in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has not been studied extensively. Therefore, we conducted this study to determine the effect of MM on the glycemic control and QoL in people living with T1D. Methodology: Thirty-two adults living with T1D were equally randomized into intervention (meditation) and control groups. The glycemic control and QoL were assessed at the baseline and after six months of intervention. Results: A total of thirty-two adults (15 males, 46.9%; mean age 23.8 ± 6.6 years) with type 1 diabetes (mean diabetes duration 12.7 ± 6.2 years) participated in the study. At the end of six months, a statistically significant improvement was seen in the mean blood glucose level in the control group (222.4 ± 77.8 versus 182.6 ± 52.0; p = 0.007) and the intervention group (215.3 ± 50.1 versus 193.2 ± 31.8; p = 0.008). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in the total diabetes distress score in the intervention group (1.6 ± 0.3 versus 1.3 ± 0.3; p = 0.003), while no change was observed in the control group (1.6 ± 0.7 versus 1.7 ± 0.4; p = 0.762). A statistically significant improvement was noticed in the health and functioning domain in the intervention group (p = 0.023). Conclusions: An improvement in the glycemic control and quality of life of the patients was observed in our study. MM certainly plays an important role in attaining peace of mind and helps patients to channel their energy in a positive direction

Role of Transperineal Ultrasound (TPUS) in Children with Ambiguous Genitalia

Objectives Accurate delineation of anatomy in children with ambiguous genitalia early in life is important. This commonly involves conventional fluoroscopic genitogram (traumatic to the child) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination (involves sedation). In this study, our objectives were twofold: (1) to describe the findings on transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) in normal children and (2) to describe the findings on TPUS in children with ambiguous genitalia and correlate them with conventional genitogram. Materials and Methods TPUS was prospectively performed in 10 children without genital ambiguity (5 girls and 5 boys). Subsequently, 15 consecutive children having disorders of sex differentiation (DSDs) with genital ambiguity underwent TPUS. The presence or absence of müllerian structures was documented. Of these patients, 14 also underwent conventional genitogram as a part of routine evaluation. The gold standard was established either by comparison with surgical findings (in patients who underwent surgery) or by comparison with a combination of findings on genitogram and transabdominal ultrasound in patients who did not undergo surgery. Results In all normal children, lower urogenital tracts could be clearly delineated on TPUS. Out of the 15 children with ambiguous genitalia, TPUS could establish the presence/absence of müllerian structures in 14. This was concordant with findings on conventional genitogram/surgery. In one patient, müllerian structure was missed on TPUS but demonstrated on genitogram. In two children, TPUS showed the müllerian structure, which was not seen on genitogram. When both the controls and the cases were combined, TPUS had an accuracy of 95% and specificity of 100% in the detection of müllerian structures. Conclusion TPUS is feasible and accurate in demonstration of lower urogenital tract anatomy in children with DSDs having ambiguous genitalia. It can be performed without sedation, and is suitable for use as a screening modality in children with ambiguous genitalia