Millennials in Higher Education: Do They Really Learn Differently

Background: Effective skill development remains an important vehicle for national prosperity. Aswhat appeared to work with their predecessor generation (Gen X) does not have the same results with Millennials many educators today are experimenting with pedagogies to effectively train Millennials. Globally, it is becoming evident that the Millennials in higher education learn very differently than their predecessors. Purpose: Our study provides comparisons on three learning parameters of learning affectivity, goal orientation and competition between Gen X & Millennials.. Methods: To study whether the learning attributes are similar or they differ across the two generations we compared the means of the three attributes under consideration. Results: We find Millennials to be different from Gen X across the three studied parameters suggesting that teaching pedagogies require a rethink for Millennials. Conclusions: These results could be useful in designing appropriate teaching pedagogies that are likely to improve Millennials’ learning

Storage effects on flour quality of commonly consumed cereals

The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of storage period on flour quality of wheat, maize and pearl millet. Their flour were stored at 15 °C and 82 % relative humidity RH for one month and changes in fat acidity (FA), activities of peroxidase (POX), lipoxygenase (LOX) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in control and stored flour along with change in pH of water extract of flour were monitored. Increase in FA (mg KOH/100 g d.m.) and decrease in pH of flour was maximal in pearl millet (287.5 mg KOH/100 g d.m. and 0.4) followed by maize (151 mg KOH/100 g d.m. and 0.23) and wheat (61 mg KOH/100 g d.m. and 0.1) respectively. A decline in activity of POX, LOX and PPO was observed during storage. Pearl millet flour possessed almost double activity of POX (413 Units/g d.m.) in comparison to wheat (198 Units/g d.m.) and 1.3 fold higher than that of maize (153 Units/g d.m.) and even after decrease activity of POX was higher in flour of pearl millet compared to the other two. However, activity of LOX and PPO was found to be comparable in fresh flour of pearl millet, maize and wheat. Since pearl millet has poor shelf life and increase in FA, decrease in pH and activity of POX was found to be very high in pearl millet (poor shelf life) as compared to wheat and maize, therefore, these selected parameters might be used as biochemical markers to determine shelf life of flour

Study of significance of elevated maternal serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level in 16 to 20 weeks pregnant women as predictor of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy

Background: Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy affects both mother and fetus, leading their high morbidity and mortality and a major killer of women in developing country. The etiologic of preeclampsia is still not clear. It seems that placenta plays main role in path-physiology of preeclampsia, but there is strict relationship between hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and elevated β-hCG level, indicating there should be an abnormal placental secretary function in patients with severe preeclampsia.Methods: 245 patients were recruited from our institute (OPD) and Prospective analytical study was started with 16-20 weeks pregnant women. Cases were subjected to detailed history and thorough physical examination including baseline blood pressure. β-hCG measurement was done between 16-20 weeks and cases were followed at regular interval for the development of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Statistical testing was conducted with appropriate tests.Results: Total 245 women were enrolled in the study, only 208 were followed till delivery, 24 were developed hypertension. On analysis of data, maximum cases were younger, primigravida and of lower class. β-hCG levels (Mean ± SD) were also significantly higher (30100±16250 V/S 74700±23790; p<0.001) in subjects who later developed hypertension. Cut off value of β-hCG was 45755 mIU/ml, and analysis establishes validity of β-hCG as predictor of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for β hCG were 87.5, 83.2, 70.4 and 83.7% respectively.Conclusions: Present study shows that elevated serum β-hCG in early second trimester can be considered as predictor of subsequent hypertensive disorder of pregnancy

AU(III) AND CU(II) CATALYST FOR OXIDATION OF AROMATIC AND CYCLIC HYDROCARBON BY CERIUM (IV) IN ACIDIC MEDIUM UNDER MICROWAVE IRRADIATION

The addition of traces of Au(III) chloride with Ce(IV) sulphate (catalyst: substrate ratio (1: 80 to 1: 300)) and in case of  Cu(II) sulphate with Ce(IV) sulphate(catalyst: substrate ratio (1: 60 to 1: 250)) in solution phase under microwave irradiation resulted in good to excellent yields of corresponding to phenol, quinone and carbonyl compounds. In case of  oxidation of anthracene, phenanthrene, naphthalene, cyclohexane and toluene dissolved in acetic acid to give 95.02 %, 85.25%, 34.68%, 40.94%, and 56.54% yields in case of gold catalyst and 93.5%, 83.4%, 24.68%, 38.25% and 47.11% yields in case of copper as a catalyst.  Phenanthrene was oxidized in 9-Fluorenone instead of phenanthraquinone to get the benzylic rearrangement

An evaluation of quality of life of skin cancer patients after surgery using dermatology life quality index tool

Background: Quality of life (QOL) has been identified as an important outcome in cancer researches yet the most common malignancy among humans, non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), but poorly studied. Aim of the study was to analyze the quality of life of non-melanoma skin cancer patients after surgery using dermatology life quality index inventory (DLQI).Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients operated for non-melanoma skin cancer in last 2 years and paid postoperative 4-month visit formed the study population. Inclusion criteria consisted of subjects operated for non-melanoma skin cancer and paid follow up visits having sufficient physical and mental capacity. Fifty-six subjects fulfilled the selection criteria laid down thus included in this study. Study tools were records of patients, which were obtained from medical records section. If any more information was required, study subjects were contacted.Results: Out of total 56 study subjects, Basal cell carcinomas were found in 91.1% (n=51); squamous cell carcinomas were detected in 7.2% (n=4). Single location wise more lesions were located on the nose 22.1% (n=15) and forehead 17.6% (12). For most patients (75%), the lesion had not been previously treated. 58.9% subjects did not have any other associated co-morbid condition. Lower mean values were observed post-operative i.e. lower DLQI scores were recorded 4 months after surgery in our study which indicates that adverse effects were not very prominent thus preserving quality of life post operatively. Paired sample t-tests revealed a significant effect on DLQI item 1 (p=0.008), item 2 (p=0.043), and item 4 (p=0.003), with scores decreasing (improving QOL) after treatment. The change in total DLQI score demonstrated a trend toward significance, with overall QOL improving after treatment (p=0.024).Conclusions: Previously commonly employed dermatological Quality of life tools demonstrated minimal handicap at initial diagnosis and little change after treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Development of disease-specific instrument is warranted to explore the disease process.

Clinico-pathological study of skin appendageal tumours from northern India

Background: The skin appendageal tumours (ATs) encompass a wide variety of tumours clinically presenting as papules and nodules and with histologically distinct features. Early recognition of skin adnexal tumours is very important aspect as far as patient management and prognosis is concerned. The main of the study was to analyse and ascertain clinico-pathological study of skin appendageal tumours in a tertiary care centre.Methods: Retrospective cohort of patients with confirmed diagnosis of AT during 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2015 formed the study population. Study tools were records of the patients such as information from MRD (Medical Record Department) and records from histopathological section i.e. histopathological requisition forms and clinical case sheets. Cases clinically diagnosed as appendageal tumours, but not histologically, were excluded from the study. Results: Finally a total of 48 cases were included in this study. Mean age of onset was 22.7±6.4 years and the duration of complaints 5.34 ± 4.5 years. Benign follicular, benign eccrine, benign sebaceous and benign apocrine tumours were observed to be 48.89%, 42.22%, 2.22% and 6.67% respectively. Regarding distribution of benign and malignant tumours, among the all types of skin appendageal tumours diagnosed, 93.75% (N=45) were benign and 6.25% (N=3) were malignant. Pilomatricoma (54.54%), eccrine acrospiroma (26.31%) and syringocystadenoma papilliferum (67%) were observed as most commonly distributed histopathological types of diagnosed benign follicular, benign eccrine and benign apocrine tumours. Number of benign skin appendageal tumours was found maximum (n=25) in the age group of 26-50 years in both the sexes whereas malignant skin appendageal tumours were observed only (n=3) in the age group of 51-75 years in both the sexes.Conclusions: Findings of this study can be utilized to suspect type of AT thus helping in diagnosis. Profile, pattern and clinical appearance can serve as vital clue though histological confirmation is mandatory to confirm

A comparative study between I-gel and endotracheal tube in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries under general anesthesia

Background: With increase in incidence of gall bladder stone the laparoscopic cholecystectomy preferred in various hospitals. Laryngoscopic stimulation of oropharyngeal and laryngeal structures leads to hemodynamic stress response. I-gel is a second generation supraglottic airway device with noninflatable cuff, having several advantages such as minimal hemodynamic changes during insertion and easy to insert. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare I-gel and endotracheal tube regarding hemodynamic stability, adequacy of ventilation, ease of insertion through number of attempts, and time for insertion and associated complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: Total 60 patients of either sex, 25–55 years age of ASA Grades I and II were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 patients each; Group A (endotracheal tube) and Group B (I-gel). Ease of insertion in terms of number of attempts and time for insertion, hemodynamic variation and their complications were recorded. Results: Significantly less time was required for insertion of I-gel as compared to endotracheal tube (P=0.04), while number of attempts required for insertion were comparable, highly significant difference in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure just after insertion and at extubation of endotracheal tube than I-gel group (P<0.01), peak airway pressure at insufflation with endotracheal tube was highly significant (P<0.01), and SPO2 and ETCO2 were comparable. The complications were statistically insignificant among the study groups. Conclusion: Comparison to endotracheal tube, I-gel required less time and less number of attempts for insertion and causes fewer hemodynamic alterations. In addition, peak airway pressure was also significantly more in endotracheal tube just before and at pneumoperitoneum

Retrotransposon-Induced Heterochromatin Spreading in the Mouse Revealed by Insertional Polymorphisms

The “arms race” relationship between transposable elements (TEs) and their host has promoted a series of epigenetic silencing mechanisms directed against TEs. Retrotransposons, a class of TEs, are often located in repressed regions and are thought to induce heterochromatin formation and spreading. However, direct evidence for TE–induced local heterochromatin in mammals is surprisingly scarce. To examine this phenomenon, we chose two mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell lines that possess insertionally polymorphic retrotransposons (IAP, ETn/MusD, and LINE elements) at specific loci in one cell line but not the other. Employing ChIP-seq data for these cell lines, we show that IAP elements robustly induce H3K9me3 and H4K20me3 marks in flanking genomic DNA. In contrast, such heterochromatin is not induced by LINE copies and only by a minority of polymorphic ETn/MusD copies. DNA methylation is independent of the presence of IAP copies, since it is present in flanking regions of both full and empty sites. Finally, such spreading into genes appears to be rare, since the transcriptional start sites of very few genes are less than one Kb from an IAP. However, the B3galtl gene is subject to transcriptional silencing via IAP-induced heterochromatin. Hence, although rare, IAP-induced local heterochromatin spreading into nearby genes may influence expression and, in turn, host fitness

User innovation and entrepreneurship: Case studies from rural India

Yadav, V ORCiD: 0000-0001-5237-1186Innovation research has abundant literature on technologically advanced innovations and entrepreneurship. However, literature from a rural innovator and entrepreneur perspective is sparse. Therefore, we explore rural user innovation and entrepreneurship in a developing country, India. Using multiple case study research method, we study cases of five rural user innovations in detail. These rural innovators innovated to alleviate the drudgery of their lives and to fulfill their need for a low-cost local solution to a widespread rural problem. They often face a resource void for commercializing their innovations and we find that external actors can play an enabling role in filling this void. The findings of our study help propose a framework for enabling rural innovation and entrepreneurship in developing countries like India. Further, in addition to poverty alleviation, we found that there was a positive social impact on the lives of rural entrepreneurs and their community

To be or not to be a woman entrepreneur in a developing country?

Women entrepreneurs are making increasing contribution to economic growth and policy makers cannot afford to ignore this force. Yet, women entrepreneurs face challenges of higher magnitude as compared to their male counterparts. These challenges are unique to them and are more hard-hitting, pronounced and complex in developing countries. This study presents a comprehensive view of challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in developing countries, which include difficulty in accessing finance, socio-cultural biases against women and low self-esteem, existence of institutional voids, and lack of skills and entrepreneurial education. Addressing these challenges in an integrated and comprehensive manner can unleash the full potential of women entrepreneurs. This study can provide a base for further studies and is likely to have important implications for policy makers