Rapid room temperature crystallization of TiO2 nanotubes

The paper reports a very efficient and reproducible technique for room temperature crystallization of titanium dioxide in a record time of 5 minutes, by application of alternating voltage square pulses. The well aligned tubular formation of crystalline nanotubes is confirmed through various characterizations and the mechanism of crystallization is explained based on the pulse induced electrophilic-nucleophilic reaction. This ultrafast pulsed crystallization method provides a viable alternative for the widely used post fabrication thermal annealing and is highly applicable in device fabrication.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

HOW INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY CAN BE USEFUL FOR THE CRISIS MANAGEMENT : NOKIA SAVING LIVES (NSL) CASE

Innovative technology includes LTE connected drones with payloads, portable LTE network and portable data center for data analysis and storage for emergency and rescue situations. Portable LTE network can be set up anywhere even where the network does not exist which helps rescuers to get information at the right time to save the lives from disaster. Disasters are unpredictable and might affect the infrastructures and put the lives into danger. In such a scenario, an innovative technical solution is useful to save time during the critical period where life and death of people depend on a fraction of second. A literature review identified different phases of disaster management and showed a use case of drones and LTE network, challenges and solutions in natural disaster situations The thesis presents the Nokia Saving lives (NSL) case which includes the analysis of Nokia innovative technical solution to manage the disaster which was deployed in the Philippines live demo on 23rd Nov 2018. This research also shows how three different parties (Nokia, Smart and Philippine Red Cross) collaborate together with their own expertise to manage the disaster. The use case of LTE connected drones and portable LTE network was developed based on mixed research approach (both qualitative and quantitative) to develop a framework for organizations to manage the disaster by using the Nokia portable technology. The deeper understanding of real-time data from LTE connected drones in support of portable LTE network will further enable humanitarian actors and other non-governmental organizations to take effective measures in the disaster relief operations

Maternal outcome in thyroid dysfunction

Background: Thyroid hormone status in pregnancy is an important predictor of pregnancy outcome regarding both the mother and fetus. Objective was study the maternal outcome in antenatal women presenting with thyroid dysfunction.Methods: This descriptive study was done in 449 pregnant ladies who attended Obstetrics and Gynecology      Department Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India during the period January 2014 to June 2015. Aim was studying the maternal outcome in those diagnosed to have thyroid dysfunction evidenced by abnormal thyroid function tests (TFT) done in each trimester.Results: Majority had subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Common complications were preeclampsia spontaneous abortion, anemia and recurrent pregnancy loss. Infertility, post-partum hemorrhage and abruption were significantly high in overt hypothyroidism. Anemia was significantly high in subclinical hypothyroidism.Conclusions: It is important to screen all pregnant women for thyroid dysfunction during first antenatal visit itself to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment and also can counsel regarding the adverse pregnancy outcome

Mentoring Relationships, Gender and Work-Family Conflict: The Case of IT Careers

Mentoring has long been considered important in career advancement in many fields. It is important to pay attention to issues related to mentoring because it appears to be related to a number of organizational and individuallevel outcomes. In this paper, we examine certain factors that may lead to a more effective mentoring relationship, thereby increasing the likelihood that the relationship will be lasting and beneficial for the individual and organization. Specifically, we suggest similarities based on gender and work-family conflict will be related to effectiveness of mentoring relationships. Propositions are presented with respect to these relationships. Although we do not directly link mentoring with retention, the outcomes discussed above will likely result in reduced turnover in IT-related jobs. These outcomes are likely to be negatively associated with women\u27s likelihood of remaining in IT fields and their performance and advancement in the IT field

Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance among undergraduate medical students in a teaching hospital of South Kerala, India

Background: Prompt reporting and monitoring of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is necessary to enhance patient safety. This study was conducted to take steps to promote ADR reporting culture in medical students.Methods: 75 undergraduate Medical students from different batches were given a 20 item structured questionnaire containing 10 questions on Knowledge, 5 questions on Attitude, 4 questions on Practice of Pharmacovigilance and a general question for suggesting the causes of underreporting of ADRs. They were requested to fill up the questionnaire. Each correct response was given a score of 1 and responses were graded. Statistical analysis was done and results expressed in percentage. Using ANOVA and Post hoc analysis, scores of knowledge, attitude and practice were also compared between the batches.Results: Mean age was 22.01 +/- 1.438 years. 62.7% were females. Mean Knowledge score was significant (6.573+/- 0.3832). Final year students had better knowledge among the three batches. All students had positive attitude. However, the mean difference in practice scores was statistically significant between all groups. Lack of knowledge regarding where and how to report ADRs, lack of training in ADR reporting, lack of time due to busy schedules and fear of legal issues were suggested as causes of underreporting of ADRs.Conclusions: Good knowledge, Positive attitude and Poor practice were noticed among undergraduate Medical students towards Pharmacovigilance. Hence students should be familiarised with ADR detection and reporting through Project works and training programmes

Utilization pattern of antidepressants in psychiatry wards of a tertiary care hospital in South Kerala, India

Background: Depression is an important public health problem causing impairment of social, occupational and other important areas of function. This study was done to evaluate the utilization pattern of antidepressants in the psychiatry wards of a tertiary care centre in South Kerala.Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care centre of South Kerala from January to March 2016 among 52 inpatients treated with psychotropic drugs for different psychiatric ailments. Data was collected from their case records and analysed using Microsoft excel 2010. Results were expressed in proportions.Results: Case record review of 52 patients showed that married persons and females suffered more from depression (69.2%). Bipolar disorder was the most common diagnosis (80.8%). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was the most commonly prescribed antidepressant followed by atypical antidepressants. Escitalopram was the most commonly prescribed SSRI, followed by Sertraline. 86.5% required antipsychotics for controlling their psychotic symptoms. One fourth of the patients had hypothyroidism. 7.69 % patients required Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). 5.7% patients developed adverse drug reactions like cogwheel rigidity, neurolept malignant syndrome and Valproate induced hyperammonemia.Conclusions: Most common diagnosis was bipolar illness with majority requiring sodium valproate as treatment. SSRI was preferred among antidepressants. Prompt diagnosis, use of appropriate psychotropic drugs and psychotherapy can improve the quality of life in these patients