Room equalization based on iterative simple complex smoothing of acoustic impulse responses

This paper presents a room equalization method based on iterative simple complex smoothing of measured acoustic impulse responses. This is useful in cases of long duration impulse responses. Corresponding time reduced impulse responses are derived which conform to perceptual principles. The smoothed impulse responses are then used to design equalization filters. Results from an audio-conferencing reverberant room using objective and subjective tests show that we can improve the measured and perceived quality of audio reproduction

Conversion of Natural Resources through Waste reduction at the Processing Step by Briquetting Technique

India is gifted by nature by way of large quantities of high grade nonferrous mineral resources like barite containing more than 90% barium sulphate. The processing of barite to win chemicals from it requires its carbotherrnic reduction at high temperatures being carried out in rotary furnaces. The powdered charge containing barium sulfide is prone to get damaged due to reverse reaction caused by infiltered oxygen at the end of reduction state. This hampers the yield of water soluble barium sulfide.The paper discusses about the means of achieving favourbale kinetics and high recovery of water soluble barium sulphide in the carbothermic reduction of barite at high temperatures. The reaction rate of reduction step was enhanced many folds by using briquetting technique. Even with barite containing large amnount of harmful impurites, the yield of barium was improved considerably on pilot plant scale, thus achieving better utilisation of natural resoures such as barite and coke

Awareness of carcinoma cervix in nursing personnel of a tertiary care institute, Mumbai, India

Background: Carcinoma cervix is the second most common cancer of women all over the world and commonest cancer among Indian women. Awareness about cervical cancer and its prevention low amongst Indian women. The Pap test is a simple cost-effective technique for screening to help early diagnosis of cervical cancer. Nursing staff should be made aware of cervical cancer, so that they can spread the knowledge to the general public. Objectives of present study were to assess the knowledge level regarding symptoms, risk factors, prevention and screening of cervical carcinoma among nursing staff and to find out the behaviour of respondents regarding prevention and screening of cervical carcinomaMethods: A cross-sectional interview-based survey regarding knowledge of cervical carcinoma was conducted among the nursing staff of a tertiary care institutes of Mumbai.A structured questionnaire with multiple choices was used as a tool for data collection. Provision for open-ended responses was also made in the questionnaire. 100 nurses participated in the current study. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel. SPSS statistical software was used to generate statistical parameters like proportion, mean, standard deviation, etc. The test of significance used was the Z test and a P value of <0.05 was considered as the level of significance.Results: We lack an organized opportunistic screening program for cervical cancer in India. Data indicates a slow, but steady, decline in the incidence of cervical cancer. However, the rates are still too high, particularly in the rural areas. It is extremely essential to screen eligible women when they come to health units for other services. Studies have shown it is possible to train nurses to screen for cervical cancer. Attitudes that screening is to be done by doctors or gynaecologists only needs to change. The survey revealed that the hospital played a limited role as a source of information on Pap smear. This calls for a re-orientation of nurses, paramedicals and health workers and a need for introduction of simpler cervical cancer screening methods such as visual inspections that are more sustainableConclusions: Awareness about cervical cancer has to be improved. Education of the nursing personel will strongly contribute to strengthen cervical cancer screening programs. Nursing staff can and should educate the masses to help increase health awareness in women

Evaluating Student Perceptions and Performance of Active Learning Strategies in a Pharmacotherapy Course

Learning-preferences vary and thus it is beneficial for students to experience a variety of active-learning pedagogies for meaningful learning and long-term retention. This novel study attempted to evaluate systematically and longitudinally, student perceptions of multiple formats of active-learning strategies. Four different active-learning strategies were utilized in a course - team-based-learning (TBL), case-study, flipped-classroom, and interactive-technology. Student perspectives indicated active-learning strategies were helpful for learning. Faculty in higher-education could implement active-learning strategies in their courses for enhanced student-engagement, long-term retention, and success. This easily replicable method of collecting student perceptions on learning-experience anonymously enables learner-centered course design and promotes continuous-quality-improvement in higher-education