An Experimental Study on Ground Improvement by Application of Fly Ash and Lime on Clayey and Sandy Soil

Construction on locally available clayey soil is often problematic due to its swelling and shrinkage nature. Pavements are most affected as the upthrust due to regional swelling of clayey soil during monsoon season and shrinking during dry season causes unwanted cracks in the pavement. As a consequence, the pavement gets damaged. In places having extensive deposit of clayey soil, soil replacement becomes time-consuming and uneconomical. Hence the clayey soil to be considered as subgrade needs to be pre-treated. Fly ash, an industrial waste can be used for such treatment. To improve the engineering properties of on-site available clayey soil and sandy soil with lime and fly ash was studied. Based on the results obtained from experiments the suitability of fly ash and lime to be considered as additives to improve local clayey and sandy soil properties has been analyzed. It was observed that the on the addition of fly ash within 40-60% range can be satisfactorily used to replace the local clayey soil and fly ash percentage within 20-40% can be used to replace the local sand. Lime content in the range of 4-8% can be satisfactorily used in both in situ available soil and local sand with fly ash mixtures for the improvement of strength in terms of shear strength as well as CBR value

PHYTOCHEMICALS IN THE TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIS: CURRENT KNOWLEDGE

The objective of the present review is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals against arthritis, which is asymptomatic disorder of chronic joint inflammation followed by swelling and pain. Here, we discussed about the anti-arthritic activity of many phytomolecules such as Norisoboldine, Berberine, Triptolide, Hesperidin Hesperidin, Madecassocide, Hydroxy napthoquinone, Ginsenoside, Cryptotanshinone, Kirenol, Thymoquinone, Chlorogenic acid, Curcumin, Bromelain, Andrographolide and Allicin. These compounds are able to control inflammatory responses, proinflammatory cytokines, osteoclast differentiation and to prevent bone erosion in the joints. In this article, we reviewed anti-arthritic activities of phytichemicals from 2011-2019, using various scientific websites like PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct etc. Till date clinical trials conducted with anti-arthritic phytomolecules are very less. Hence, more clinical trials are needed to bring plant molecules as safe and effective anti-arthritic drugs in the market, either alone or in combination with other anti-arthritic agents

A square planar copper(II) complex noncovalently conjugated with a p-cresol for bioinspired catecholase activity

This work presents the synthesis of an unprecedented p-cresol-conjugated copper(II) complex as a p-cresol-coupled polydentate ligand, its crystal structure, and catecholase activity. X-ray crystallography reveals that the Cu(II) centre adopts a nearly planar coordination geometry. Crystal data for C14H13Cu0.5O3: Monoclinic, space group P21/c (no. 14), a = 5.9204(2) Å, b = 21.5615(10) Å, c = 9.0715(4) Å, β = 91.266(4)°, V = 1157.72(8) Å3, Z = 4, μ(MoKα) = 0.987 mm-1, Dcalc = 1.498 g/cm3, 12647 reflections measured (6.884° ≤ 2Θ ≤ 63.42°), 3233 unique (Rint = 0.0618, Rsigma = 0.0512) which were used in all calculations. The final R1 was 0.0710 (I > 2σ(I)) and wR2 was 0.2173 (all data). The crystallized p-cresol was localized in complex units through intermolecular O···H interactions and formed a 3D supramolecular framework employing short-ranged O···H and C-H···π interactions in the solid state. The copper(II) complex has been evaluated as a bioinspired catalyst in the oxidative transformation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (DTBC) to o-benzoquinone in acetonitrile with a high turnover number, 2.26´104 h–1. Electrochemical analysis of the copper(II) complex in the presence of DTBC recommends the generation of a catechol/o-benzosemiquinone redox couple during catalytic oxidation with the generation of hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct

Case-Based Learning and its Application as a Teaching Tool for Medical Graduates in Competency-Based Medical Education in Clinical Microbiology

Background: Microbiology is taught using traditional methods, and its practical application is scarce among medical practitioners. As a result, “active learning” is essential to aid pupil learning. One such strategy is case-based learning (CBL), which helps to improve understanding as well as therapeutic applications of microbiology in everyday practice. Aim: CBL was first used as a teaching and learning method in clinical microbiology for medical students. Methodology: At IQ City Medical College and Hospital in Durgapur, an educational intervention study was undertaken for the 2nd phase MBBS students. A total of 82 people took part in the study, and two groups were formed. After sensitizing the faculty using CBL, the project was carried out. The first group was given a CBL, whereas the second group was given a didactic talk with crossover. A pre- and post-test was done, and student and instructor perceptions were recorded and assessed. Results: CBL was warmly received by both students and teachers. Students and teachers’ perceptions were rated on a Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. In comparison to Didactic Lecture, around 76.8% of students believe that in CBL, we interact more with teachers, followed by 65.9% who believe that CBL has helped me retain the material and its clinical application, and 62.2% who believe that CBL has stimulated self-study. Conclusion: CBL in microbiology is an effective technique for improving and changing students’ attitudes toward microbiology’s applicability in clinical practice. It also helps students gain a better understanding of microbiology

Work to Life Balance Concern among Employees Working in a Medical College and Hospital

Work to life balance (WLB) is a much discussed topic in the health-care business right now. Employees strive to achieve success and advancement at work while also making time for family and enjoyment. Employee burnout is caused by not balancing these two extremes, thus employers have recognized this as a pressing issue and seek to implement work to life balance strategies, programs, and policies to boost employee morale, motivation, and productivity are all factors to consider. WLB does not imply sacrificing corporate productivity to meet personal obligations. In reality, it is to work productively while also improving one’s personal life. Employee retention is achieved through WLB practices. This article explains the various alternatives available to organizations and employees when it comes to tying WLB policies to organizational and personal success. With IQ City Medical College and Hospital, Durgapur as a case study, this study aims to uncover WLB difficulties in the health sector and the effort the organization has made to maintain the WLB of its personnel

An Online Study of MBBS Student Performance in Internal Assessment of a Pre-clinical Department during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on medical education. As the crisis persists, it is critical to develop valid and reliable assessment methodologies. Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the impact of competency-based medical education (“COMPETENCY-BASED MEDICAL EDUCATION”) implemented online in the biochemistry department during the pandemic on the results of online internal assessments. Materials and Methods: After receiving institutional clearance in 6 months, this pilot study was done on 150 1st-year MBBS students at IQ City Medical College and Hospital, Durgapur. In 6 months, two internal assessments have to be completed online. Multiple choice questions, short answer type questions, orals, and spots were divided into four compartments during our internal evaluation sessions, which were held 3 times a month. A survey was conducted to gather data pertaining to student stress levels during offline and online examinations. Statistical analysis: The data were analyzed using the paired t-test. Reliability of data was checked using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Participants ranked Expected Offline Examination Stress Risk higher (M = 4.7200, Standard deviation [SD] = 1.58906) as opposed to the Expected Online Examination Stress Risk (3.6800, SD = 1.53841), a statistically significant mean increases of 1.04000, and 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.81192, 1.26808], t (149) = 9.010, P < 0.001. In case of perceived risks, participants ranked Perceived Offline Examination Stress Risk higher (M = 4.7600, SD = 1.64533) as opposed to the Perceived Online Examination Stress Risk (M =3.6867, SD = 1.63081), a statistically significant mean increases of 1.07333, 95% CI [0.83098, 1.31568], t (149) = 8.751, P < 0.001. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, students expect and perceive online examination stress risk to be lower than that of offline examinations. The research also revealed that students were able to score higher in online tests than in offline exams, implying that the department of biochemistry may conduct internal assessments as well as implement “COMPETENCY-BASED MEDICAL EDUCATION” online

A Pilot Study to Introduce Mentoring to 1st-year Medical Students at a Private Medical College in Eastern India

Background: The stress of a difficult medical course, emotional immaturity, and acclimating to unfamiliar surroundings is all issues that new medical students encounter. As a result, a mentorship program was established to assist them in their academic and personal growth. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to introduce and assess mentors’ and mentees’ perspectives on mentorship programs. Materials and Methods: For First Professional students in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S) degree, a mentorship program was created. To sensitize the professors, a 1-day session was held. Mentors were volunteered by 17 faculty members from diverse areas. Following the sensitization, 150 MBBS first professional students were randomly assigned to these faculty members. The mentor organized a regular visit with the mentees. A validated and semi-structured feedback questionnaire was used to assess mentors and mentees’ perceptions at the conclusion of the mentorship program. Students participated in a focus group discussion. Results: The feedback survey was completed by 114 students and 17 faculty members. This program was beneficial to the mentors’ self-improvement, teaching, and communication abilities. The majority of mentees reported that the program aided them emotionally and academically. It was an excellent technique to foster a positive student–teacher relationship. The mentorship program was well received by both mentors and mentees. Conclusion: Mentorship programs, which were recently implemented, aided in the overall growth of mentors and mentees. This program was highly well received by both mentors and mentees, who saw it as an effective intervention