Effect of Surface Fluorination of Poly (p-Phenylene Terephthalamide) Fiber

Direct fluorination is one of the most important and effective method to modify the polymer surface. It isa simple and fast method that allows the simultaneous treatment of outer and inner surfaces of complex shapedpolymeric materials. Poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide fibers which are a very important class of material wassurface modified by direct fluorinaton. An extensive characterization of both the virgin and the fluorinated materialswere performed by various techniques (XRD, FT-IR, Surface energy and DSC, TGA). From these data, possibleeffects of fluorination are discussed.Defence Science Journal, Vol. 64, No. 3, May 2014, pp. 230-235, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.64.732

Teacher preperation for the global stage: International student teaching

As globalization lessens the distance between peoples and diversifies the common classroom, Teacher Education (TE) programs lag behind in producing globally-minded educators. One approach used by some TE programs to remedy this issue is to offer International Student Teaching (IST) experiences. While the literature related to these programs is rather positive, information related to why students choose to participate in IST experiences and the challenges they encounter while abroad is limited. This study attempts to fill this gap in the literature. Drawing on interview data from current (n=3) and former (n=2) participants, as well as two program administrators, this multiple case study utilizes a cross-case analysis to draw conclusions within and between the cases. Programmatic recommendations are included that are applicable to both faculty members and study-abroad professionals

ASSESSMENT OF DRUG RELATED PROBLEMS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES IN THE GENERAL MEDICINE UNITS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: Patients with chronic diseases are more prone to develop drug-related problems (DRPs), which can further worsen their quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine factors and medications associated with DRPs in patients with chronic disease.Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted for a duration of 6 mo in the in-patients of general medicine department of PSG Hospital, Coimbatore. DRPs were identified, assessed and recorded as per pharmaceutical care network Europe (PCNE) V5.01 criteria. Chi-square and correlation test were used to analyze the data for identifying factors associated with DRPs.Results: A total of 137 patients were enrolled for the study, of which 66 patients developed DRPs. The most prevalent DRP was found to be drug choice problem. The major causes of DRPs were found to be drug and dose selection. Antidiabetic drugs were found to be more associated with drug-related problems. The incidence of drug-related problems was high in patients aged between 50 to 59 y. Association between gender, length of hospital stays and polypharmacy with DRPs was found to be statistically significant. 58.33% of the total drug-related problems were completely solved and 19.05% were partially solved.Conclusion: The incidence of DRPs in the General Medicine department of the hospital was high. The use of an appropriate tool such as PCNE may assist pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to systematically identify, categorize and report drug-related problems