Experiential learning: integrating learning and experience in shaping the future of the engineers

The industry demands skill-equipped engineering graduates who could be efficient enough to adapt to face the challenges of uncertainty posed by a lack of skills and resources. Accreditation boards have identified problem-solving, teamwork, communication, etc. as the workplace required skills. However, industry/employers feel that the engineers seem to lack problem-solving, teamwork, etc. To groom these skills, experiential learning (EL) platform provides hands-on practice. Thus, the study aims to gain insights into the need of experiential learning to integrate learning and experience. The study, qualitative in nature, focuses on the essential skills, specifically problem-solving skills, against the applicability of experiential learning. Experiential learning allows engineering students to get a hands-on approach to practise their acquired skills to understand industrial needs and constraints. In the given context, problem solving helps in knowing what is learnt and what needs to be learnt

Evolution and Architecture of Epigenetic Regulation in the Genome

Epigenetic modifications are genomic alterations which regulate the expression and activity of genes by changing the structure of chromatin. These mechanisms of regulation expand the proportion of the genome that is functional well beyond the comparably rare instances of protein coding genes, which, in humans, only correspond to ~2% of the genome. The aim of this dissertation is to leverage advances in the genomic identification and annotation of epigenetic modifications to explore questions regarding the (1) role of DNA methylation in X chromosome regulation through comparative genomic analyses, (2) the organization and (3) evolution of enhancers identified from histone modifications. In the second chapter of this thesis, we consider the role of DNA methylation in an iconic example of epigenetic regulation, namely the X chromosome inactivation (XCI). XCI is the process by which one of the two female X chromosomes is silenced to balance the expression of X-linked genes in male and female genomes and is functionally conserved in two branches of mammals (eutherians and marsupials). In eutherians, it is well established that DNA methylation plays a role in establishing XCI through the silencing of the lncRNA Xist on the active X chromosome as well as in the long-term maintenance of inactive X-linked genes. However, the role of DNA methylation in marsupials remains controversial. We utilize novel multi-tissue, sex-inclusive Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) coupled with improved genomic annotations to elucidate the role of DNA methylation in X chromosome regulation in a representative marsupial, the modern koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Consequently, we clarify conserved and divergent roles of DNA methylation on the regulation of XCI in marsupials and eutherians. In the following two chapters, we integrate multi “-omics” datasets including whole genome chromatin state maps and gene expression data from a diverse set of tissues to elucidate the organization and evolution of human enhancers, a hallmark of the (epi)genomic regulatory landscape. Enhancers are short, mostly non-coding DNA sequences that orchestrate the context- and developmental time-specific expression of associated genes. Enhancers are often studied as highly tissue-specific regulatory elements in what has been deemed a “paradigm of modularity.” However, contrary evidence, indicating that a subset of enhancers may be repurposed in multiple tissue and/or developmental contexts, is mounting. In this study, we characterize the previously unknown frequency and genomic characteristics of these highly “pleiotropic” enhancers. We further evaluate the organization of the larger gene-enhancer interaction network considering (1) the distribution of enhancer pleiotropy, (2) the variations in the number of enhancer-target gene links, and (3) the expression breadth of target genes. Furthermore, we explore the evolution of human enhancer through genomic duplication events. Duplications are a canonical reservoir of the raw material needed for the evolution of novel functional elements in the genome and have been studied extensively with respect to genes. The selective processes governing the maintenance of duplicate genes are well characterized, and similar evolutionary mechanisms have been proposed for non-coding regulatory elements. However, whether duplication events affect enhancer evolution and maintenance is currently unknown. Through sequence homology analyses, we identify likely candidate duplicate enhancers in our large dataset to determine the frequency of duplicate enhancer retention in the human genome. Additionally, we determine the characteristics of duplicate enhancers contributing to their evolutionary maintenance. We demonstrate that duplication of enhancers has significant footprint on pleiotropic enhancers and that recently duplicated human enhancers exhibit signatures of accelerated evolution and specialized for immune related functions. Together, these studies reveal previously unknown patterns of conservation and divergence of epigenetic regulatory mechanisms along two deep branches of mammals, as well as elucidate the molecular architecture and the impact of duplication on the genomic landscape of enhancer-gene regulation.Ph.D

21st-century competencies in engineering education: initiation, evolution, current, and now whither to

The fibre of engineering education has evolved from knowledge to competencies. This is a logical consequence of the technologically advanced and multifaceted learning environment where engineers are expected to be technically acute along with a set of essential non-technical competencies. This change is referred to as a ‘paradigm shift’ in engineering education. Hence, the vision of learning is to immerse a progressive, learner-centric, and competency-based learning environment to face the uncertainties of the 21st century. There are various ways to improve the performance of learners by implementing the available competency frameworks, but the need is to initiate a set of essential competencies according to their nature and purpose that can endure across disciplines. In this paper, the evolution of competencies from the essential to the necessary is reviewed. Finally, the benefits of these competencies in relation to the performance of the engineers are discussed in detail through semi-structured interviews conducted with the engineers. MAXQDA, a qualitative data analysis tool, is used to analyse the data. The findings will help the engineers in grooming their competencies according to the industries

Qualitative lens to assessing the ground level implementation of conditional cash transfer scheme in India

Background: Conditional cash transfer scheme, known as Janani Suraksha Yojna (JSY) is an innovative concept on the lines of behavioral economics. The study aimed to investigate factors associated with effective implementation of scheme at the community in Delhi, India.Methods: We did qualitative study to investigate the implementation factors related to JSY by conducting in depth interviews with 50 mothers in a span of three months. All the interviews were conducted in local language (Hindi) by the principle investigator. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were later transcribed and recorded in Microsoft-Excel sheet. The themes were developed inductively, meaning that they were anticipated from the design of interview, during literature review and deductively meaning that they were not anticipated during design of the interview.Results: The mean (±SD) age of the women was 25(±3.5) years. More than three-forth of the mothers were not aware of the JSY scheme. Most of the women claimed limited support from accredited social health activist at the time of delivery. Provision of respectful maternity care was poor with women reporting episodes of verbal abuses, and arrogant attitude of the staff. Issues in utilization of the scheme encountered in study were untimely disbursement of money, problems in the process of BPL cards formation, lack of awareness on the scheme, banking illiteracy etc.Conclusions: Amidst the wider geographic reach and accessibility of the scheme by the poor, there exists some barriers to its effective implementation and practical challenges, which need immediate addressal by program managers

Carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels support cns-derived tumor cell chemotactic migration

The local microenvironment plays an important role in maintaining the dynamics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the cell-ECM relationship. ECM is a complex network of molecules with distinct mechanical and biochemical characteristics. When the mechanisms that are in place to maintain ECM homeostasis are deregulated, most likely, this is the onset of cancer. The ECM becomes highly disorganized and the cell-matrix relationship changes, thus promoting alternations in cell mechanisms and metastasis. Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common, malignant pediatric brain tumors in the United States. In order to gain a better understanding between the cell-ECM relationship and cell migratory responses in tumors we investigate 7 different types of ECM proteins via a MB-derived cell line: Poly-D-Lysine (PDL), Matrigel, Laminin, Collagen-1, Fibronectin, a 10% blend of Laminin-Collagen1, a 20% blend of Laminin-Collagen 1 and a new cellulose derived hydrogel, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Over time, the average changes in cell morphology, in 2D and 3D, are quantified. Data reveals CMC allows for a cell-ECM relationship typically believed to present in tumors, with cell exhibiting amoeboidal morphology that is believed to indicate the ready-ness of a cell to migrate within a given environment. Further investigation into the CMC hydrogels reveal a polysaccharide that allows for chemotactic study of MB-derived Daoy cells enabling minimal haptotactic migration conducive in the mechanistic study of the cells’ chemotactic behavior. Understanding the cell-ECM relationship provides insight into their interactions and the information obtained can be utilized in studying the natural migratory patterns of cells. CMC allows for such a behavior to be studied along with testing the motility of Daoy cells because the hydrogel provides minimal integrin interaction between the cells and the ECM. This study provides insights into understanding the mechanisms behind tumor-associated migratory patterns via chemokines. The data reflects a new possibility of tackling central nervous system (CNS) diseases by utilizing a platform of natural hydrogels to generate therapies inhibiting metastasis

Trichoderma: A part of possible answer towards crop residue disposal

India is one of the leading countries in agricultural production and generate large volume of crop residue. Increasing demand for food grains due to growing population leads to generation of crop residues. Due to lack of proper disposal mechanism of crop residue, farmers burn the residue which release greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, and poses great threat to environment as well as human health. The residue burning causes greater carbon emission and nutrient losses which otherwise incorporated into the soil system may substantially improve the soil biodiversity. Besides several practices of crop residue management, the most feasible method for farmers is incorporation of residue into the soil with the inoculation of microbes. In soil system the ability of microbial community in degrading organic substances is well known. In the early stages of residue decomposition simple substrates like carbohydrates are degraded by bacteria, but in later stages degradation of complex constituents viz., cellulose, lignin needs microbes which are capable of secreting enzymes like cellulase, acting on complex organic substrates. In this context, cellulolytic micro organisms like Trichoderma have the potential and emerging as an important microbial inoculants to enhance the rate of decomposition as well as alleviate the effect of residue burning

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and attitude toward booster doses among US healthcare workers

Vaccine reluctance among healthcare workers (HCW) can have widespread negative ramifications, including modeling behavior for the general population and challenges with maintaining a healthy workforce so we can respond to a resurgence of the pandemic. We previously reported that only one-third of HCW were willing to take the vaccine as soon as it became available prior to its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Here, we re-examine the attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines among HCW several months after the vaccines have been made widely available. In this study, only 7.9% (n = 107) of respondents were hesitant to take the first or second dose of the vaccine. Younger age (18-40 years) and lower level of education attainment (GED or less) were associated with higher vaccine hesitancy, whereas self-identified Asian racial identity was associated with greater acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Among the vaccine-hesitant group, more respondents noted mistrust of regulatory authorities (45.3%), government (48.6%), and pharmaceutical companies (50%) than mistrust of doctors (25.4%). Nearly two-thirds of respondents were concerned that vaccination may be ineffective against new strains and booster doses may be required; however, vaccine-hesitant respondents\u27 acceptance of a hypothetical booster dose was only 14.3%. Overall, vaccine hesitancy was observed to have demographic predictors similar to those previously reported; the hesitancy of some US HCW to receive booster doses may reflect a general hesitancy to receive other forms of vaccination

Carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels support central nervous system-derived tumor-cell chemotactic migration: comparison with conventional extracellular matrix macromolecules

The local microenvironment plays an important role in maintaining the dynamics of the extracellular matrix and the cell-extracellular matrix relationship. The extracellular matrix is a complex network of macromolecules with distinct mechanical and biochemical characteristics. Disruptions in extracellular matrix homeostasis are associated with the onset of cancer. The extracellular matrix becomes highly disorganized, and the cell-matrix relationship changes, resulting in altered cell-signaling processes and metastasis. Medulloblastoma is one of the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors in the United States. In order to gain a better understanding of the interplay between cell-extracellular matrix interactions and cell-migratory responses in tumors, eight different matrix macromolecule formulations were investigated using a medulloblastoma-derived cell line: poly-D-lysine, matrigel, laminin, collagen 1, fibronectin, a 10% blend of laminin-collagen 1, a 20% blend of laminin-collagen 1, and a cellulose-derived hydrogel, carboxymethylcellulose. Over time, the average changes in cell morphology were quantified in 2D and 3D, as was migration in the presence and absence of the chemoattractant, epidermal growth factor. Data revealed that carboxymethylcellulose allowed for a cell-extracellular matrix relationship typically believed to be present in tumors, with cells exhibiting a rounded, amoeboid morphology consistent with chemotactic migration, while the other matrices promoted an elongated cell shape as well as both haptotactic and chemotactic motile processes. Therefore, carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels may serve as effective platforms for investigating central nervous system-derived tumor-cell migration in response to soluble factor