Pengesahan alat ukur penilaian kualiti pendidikan oleh pelajar (PKPP) di sebuah institusi pengajian tinggi

Validation of the "Penilaian Kualiti Pendidikan Oleh Pelajar" or the PKPP Questionnaire in an Institution of Higher Learning This quantitative study focused on the validity of a student evaluation of teaching instrument in a local institution of higher learning. The validity issue was explored using the unitary concept of validity which takes into account different types of validity evidence. The data for this study was collected through the PPKP questionnaire which is a translated version of the Students' Evaluation of Educational Quality Questionnaire or SEEQ which was designed and developed in Australia. The sample for this study constituted students from· a local institution of higher learning and data was co1lected from 1753 students from 53 classes selected at random. Two methods of data analyses were adopted in the study: the classical method and the Item Response Theory or IRT Rasch Model. The classical or the linear method which is a commonly used method in validity studies is based on evidence from statistical tests such as factor analysis, correlational analysis, t-test and multiple regression analysis. On the other hand, the IRT Rasch Model, which is based on a non-linear measurement model, takes into account the interaction between item difficulty and student ability in making available information on item statistics and fit statistics. According to the findings of the study, the way students in this local institution of higher learning conceptualize quality teaching is different from the way it was initially conceptualized by those who designed the questionnaire

Alkali treatment and its effect on tribological properties of naturally woven coconut sheath polyester composite

In the recent years natural fibres have drawn great interest for its bio-degradability, low cost and its availability in nature. Among different types of natural fibres, naturally woven coconut sheath fibres are one of the recently explored alternatives for synthetic fibres. These fibres are generally treated with alkali for enhancing mechanical properties and reinforcing characteristics. Tribological applications like gears, cams, bearings, etc. can be benefited from such composites. In most cases chemical treatment are done favouring the structural properties however, their influence on tribological properties are rather not considered. In the current research, hybrid composites (polyester resin with naturally woven coconut sheath (N) and glass fibres (G)) were tested against hardened steel counterface in a pin on disc configuration. Tests were performed at 40 N normal force and 3.5 m/s sliding velocity. From the results all hybrid combinations except (NNN) shows degrading wear properties with the alkaline treatment. The friction properties are modified by having low friction coefficients for all combinations except NGN and GGG hybrids. From the observed SEM images the surface morphology of NNN hybrid significantly differs from the rest of the combinations in both treated and untreated specimens. The partial removal of individual phase (resin) prevails in untreated specimen for which the fibres are highly visible. However, such phenomenon is not dominant in the alkali treated material showing better reinforcing behaviour complimenting low friction properties. The alkali treated specimen has reduced fibre size comparing the untreated specimen which results in low wear resistance. Compromise between friction and wear properties between each other the untreated fibres are best suited for tribological applications. Furthermore, investigations on treatment process and other treatments might have some influence in tribological behaviour

Dry sliding wear properties of Jute/polymer composites in high loading applications

In the last few decades natural fiber composites has gained its importance due to its low cost and their availability as additives with minimal processing. Amongst the various natural sources the Jute fiber is chosen in the present research due to its fiber structure and good physical and mechanical properties. In this background natural fiber composites of unsaturated polyester were reinforced with jute fibers. While most research on green composites focuses on the structural characteristics, the present work investigates the suitability of the material to be used as a tribocomposite. Tailor made hybrid composites were made with chemically treated (NaOH) jute fiber and 2 wt % PTFE filler (tribo lubricant) to obtain the better tribological characteristics in high loading condition. Tribotests were performed on flat on flat configuration where 100Cr6 steel was used as counterface material. A pv limit of 400 MPa-mm/s (10KN and 100 mm/s) was attainedin a flat-on-flat configuration for studying the tribological properties. The static and dynamic coefficient of friction was found to be 0.15 and 0.07 respectively.An exponential increase in temperature was observed throughout the test. The material failure was observed within 500 m of sliding distance where pulverization of matrix due to thermal degradation is evident. Wear mechanisms such as fiber breakage, polymer degradation, fiber thinning and fiber separation was observed. From the present investigation the low cost Jute fabric composites havinglow frictional coefficient seemed to be a alternative to the bearing materials working at higher contact pressure and low velocity

INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON INFORMATION SOURCES AMONG PROSPECTIVE TEACHERS IN SELECTED B.ED COLLEGES IN TIRUNELVELI AND THOOTHUKUDI - A STUDY

This study focusing the influence of social media on information sources among prospective teachers in selected teacher education colleges situated in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi district. The investigator conducted the random sampling method and prepared the self-made questionnaire for collected the responses from the sample consists of 270 prospective teachers. 264 duly filled-in responses were analyzed. The findings of the study revealed that, 75.8 % (200) of the female prospective teachers have participated in this study. 68.9 % (182) of the prospective teachers were found at the moderate level in their influence of social media on information sources. 71.9 % (46) of the male prospective teachers were found at the moderate level in their influence of social media on information sources, and followed by 73.8 % (45) of the hostel prospective teachers , 70.7 % (106) of the arts subject prospective teachers were found at the moderate level in their influence of social media on information sources. There is significant difference between (i) male and female and There is no significant difference between (i) rural and urban (ii) day scholar and hosteller iii) Hindu, and Christian iv) Arts and Science subject prospective teachers among influence of social media on information sources

A Method to Identify p62's UBA Domain Interacting Proteins

The UBA domain is a conserved sequence motif among polyubiquitin binding proteins. For the first time, we demonstrate a systematic, high throughput approach to identification of UBA domain-interacting proteins from a proteome-wide perspective. Using the rabbit reticulocyte lysate in vitro expression cloning system, we have successfully identified eleven proteins that interact with p62’s UBA domain, and the majority of the eleven proteins are associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, p62 may play a novel regulatory role through its UBA domain. Our approach provides an easy route to the characterization of UBA domain interacting proteins and its application will unfold the important roles that the UBA domain plays

Soap Production Using Locally Available Alkaline Extract from Millet Stalks: A Study on Chemical and Physical Properties of Soap

An agricultural by-product namely millet stalks were examined for their potential as an alternative source of potash for soap production. The alkaline extract was used in the preparation of soap using the traditional method. These materials were ashed and the sample was subjected to hot aqueous extraction. Extract from the crushed samples was characterized by its inorganic elements calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. The resulting soap was subjected to physicochemical test; saponification value, iodine value, acid value, ash content, color, texture and the results were; 74mg/KOH/g, 31.72g/100g, 5.64mg/KOH, 1%, white, hard and rough, respectively. This showed that the white color of soap was a result of bleaching of the oil sample and the hardness of the soap was due to the presence of high concentration of K+ ions in the prepared soap. Also, emulsification test was performed and the result was positive. White soluble precipitate was formed with KCl, NaCl, and NH4Cl solution while with CaCl2, MgCl2, and FeCl3 solution white gelatinous precipitate was formed which gave the insoluble complex with water. This research showed that some agricultural by-products such as millet stalks can be utilized for the traditional soap production

Optimization of machining parameters in turning operation using combined TOPSIS and AHP method

Optimizacija s više ciljeva važno je pitanje u složenim industrijskim problemima. U ovom eksperimentalnom istraživanju, optimalni parametri obrade određivani su pri tokarenju EN25 čelika s alatima od tvrdog metalnog karbida primjenom kombinacije metode TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) i AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process). To je metoda optimizacije s više ciljeva, primijenjena kako bi se istovremeno do minimuma smanjila mikro tvrdoća, površinska tvrdoća, a do maksimuma povećao učinak odvajanja čestica (MRR). Rezultat pokazuje učinkovitost tog pristupa. Ova se metoda može primijeniti u svim postupcima obrade s istovremeno većim brojem ciljeva.Multi objective optimization is an important issue in complex industrial problems. In this experimental study, optimum machining parameters are determined in turning operation of EN25 steel with coated carbide tools using combined Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. This technique is a multi-objective optimization method which has been adopted to simultaneously minimize micro hardness, surface roughness and maximize material removal rate (MRR). The result indicates the effectiveness of this approach. This method is applicable to all machining operations with greater number of objectives simultaneously

A study of visceral adiposity index as a diagnostic index in gestational diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care centre

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is an emerging problem which affects pregnant women all over the world particularly in India. Early detection reduces adverse maternal and foetal outcome. Elevated central adiposity is a modifiable risk factor for abnormal glucose homeostasis in pregnancy and GDM. The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) is a gender-specific index of fat distribution and assessment.Methods: It is a hospital based, case control study among the subjects who attended a tertiary care centre. cases were 30 pregnant women newly diagnosed with GDM in their 2nd trimester, and Controls were 30 apparently healthy pregnant women in their 2nd trimester without risk factors for GDM such as obesity and family history for diabetes. Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) was calculated using the formula (Waist circumference (WC)/ {36.58 +(1.89xBMI)}) x(TGL/0.81) x (1.52/HDL) where WC is expressed in cm, BMI in Kg/m2, TG in mmol/L, HDL in mmol/L.Results: The mean age of patients with GDM was higher when compared to controls (28.17 ± 3.34vs 24.40±3.07) and this difference was statistically significant (p value < 0.0001). The average weights were significantly different. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) was 23.59 ± 4.19 and 88.46 ± 7.10 respectively among controls and 29.85 ±4.52 and 102.12 ± 6.96 respectively among GDM patients and these differences were highly significant (p value<0.0001). The lipid profile of these patients showed a significantly higher value of Triglycerides among patients.Conclusions: This study correlates GDM with Visceral adiposity index and found that the index to be elevated in the GDM group. The increased VAI in GDM patients shows their elevated adipose tissue distribution.  VAI is less invasive and cost effective, can be used as a diagnostic index in GDM

Nerve growth factor receptor TrkA, a new receptor in insulin signaling pathway in PC12 cells

Background: TrkA is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase for nerve growth factor. Results: TrkA forms a molecular complex with insulin receptor and IRS-1 to induce Akt and Erk5 phosphorylation. Conclusion: The NGF-TrkA receptor influences insulin signaling. Significance: The TrkA receptor is involved in insulin signaling, and NGF may regulate neuronal glucose uptake as neurons are insulin-insensitive. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc