Impact of Regulation on the Physico-chemical Features and Zooplanktonic Diversity of Central Himalayan River Tawi in Udhampur (J&K) INDIA

Flow of rivers become impeded and are regulated due to construction of dam. This brings about change in abiotic and biotic factors compared to unregulated river. The post-impoundment physical, chemical and biological parameters of the parent river Tawi (upstream, within reservoir and downstream) were analysed for the first time and data thus generated was compared to reveal influence of dam on this regulated river. It was observed that the water temperature, pH, transparency and carbon dioxide content of the parent river were influenced by the dam and significant differences in these parameters were observed among the main zones sampled. The zooplanktonic community of river Tawi was also influenced by variations in abiotic features and its highest planktonic diversity was recorded in reservoir (lentic zone) of dam due to reduced water current, higher transparency  and long resident time where as downstream river exhibited low diversity due to lotic conditions

Social Studies Teachers’ Perceptions of Alternative Assessments for Students with IEPs

Assessments are one of the vital pillars of education but often are designed without the specific needs of students considered. Instruction is often differentiated for students with individualized education programs (IEPs), but rarely are assessments. Students in classes with IEPs in the social studies department at the project site school in the state of New York are performing below grade level. Teachers at this school are encouraged by the department chair to structure their assessments based on the Regents exam, which uses traditional assessment methods. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the perceptions of teachers regarding the implementation and use of alternative assessments to support students’ academic achievement in social studies classes. Guided by Davidson’s theory of interpretivism, data were gathered from interviews with seven social studies teachers regarding their perceptions of the use of alternative assessments to support students’ academic achievement in social studies classes and to support test preparation for New York state Regents exams. Data were also collected through document review of teachers’ lesson plans. Data analysis indicated that most teachers feel unprepared to use alternative assessments and teachers lack training or familiarity with alternative assessments. A professional development plan was created and implemented to train teachers on the design and implementation of alternative assessments with the goal of improving outcomes for students with IEPs. The results of this study have potential implications for positive social change that include increased use of alternative assessments at the local site to the benefit of students with IEPs

Effect of seed coating, storage periods and storage containers on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) seed quality under ambient conditions

Soybean seed is classified as “poor storer” as it loses viability under warm and humid conditions and is invaded by storage fungi. The seed of soybean variety PS 1347, obtained from Breeder Seed Production Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar was used for storage study. Root length (cm), shoot length (cm), seedling fresh weight (g) and seedling dry weight (g) decreases with the increase in seed storage periods. Out of all chemical treatments, Flowable thiram @ 2.4 ml/kg (T2) and Polymer + vitavax 200 @ 2g/kg seed (T5) were found effective to maintain Seedling root length, shoot length, seedling fresh weight and seedling dry weight by producing vigorous seedlings. Seeds stored in cloth bags exhibited higher seed infection than in seed stored in polythene bags, irrespective of seed treatment and period of storage. Treatment T4 (Vitavax 200 @ 2 g/kg seed)and T5(Polymer + vitavax 200 @ 2 g/kg seed) exhibited minimum percent seed infection of Aspergillus flavus. Cloth bag was not found safe for longer storage of soybean seeds under ambient storage at Pantnagar

Ultrasound is not useful as a screening tool for dengue fever

Background: Dengue fever is a tropical disease that is transmitted by female Aedes Aegypti mosquitos. Early diagnosis is necessary to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with the disease. A combination of clinical, laboratory, and sonography findings can be potentially helpful in making an early diagnosis of dengue fever. There is paucity of literature on the use of ultrasound for dengue fever screening; hence, the primary objective of the study was to evaluate the utility of ultrasound as a screening tool in dengue fever. Material/Methods: A total of 160 patients of suspected dengue fever were included in the study. They underwent ultrasound examinations in order to search for thickening of the gallbladder wall, pleural effusion, and ascites. On the basis of ultrasound findings, 65 cases were positive and 95 cases were negative for dengue fever. Serological tests were also used for diagnosing dengue fever, 93 cases were seropositive and 67 cases were seronegative. The ultrasonically diagnosed cases were compared with serologically diagnosed cases, and appropriate descriptive statistical analyses were applied. Results: The ultrasound findings included gall bladder wall thickening in 66 patients (41.2%). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of ultrasound in diagnosing dengue fever were 58%, 84%, and 83%, respectively. The negative predictive value and accuracy were 59% and 68.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The present study suggests that increased gall bladder wall thickness, pleural effusion, ascites, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly are highly suggestive of dengue fever in clinically suspected cases. However, ultrasound should not be used as a screening tool, as negative ultrasound findings cannot rule out dengue fever due to the low sensitivity of this examination

A comparative study of functional outcome of external fixation and volar plating in unstable distal radius fractures

Background: Distal radius fractures are amongst the most common injuries seen in the emergency department. It is imperative to restore the anatomy as much as possible in order to restore wrist function. Identifying a fracture as ‘unstable’ is critical in predicting the final outcome of treatment. The present study compares two primary modalities of treatment: external fixation and volar plating in terms of the functional outcome post-surgery.  Aim of the study was to compare the functional outcome of fixation of unstable distal radius fractures by external fixation to that of volar plating by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scoring system and analysis of recovery of grip strength and range of motion. Settings and design: Hospital-based; randomized control trial.Methods: 80 patients presenting with unstable distal radius fractures were randomized into two groups of 40 each. One group received external fixation and the second received open reduction with volar plate fixation as the primary intervention. DASH scores were obtained and compared at specified time intervals following surgery.Results: The results of our study show a better improvement in the mean DASH scores at 3, 6 and 12 months in the volar plating group as compared to the external fixation group.Conclusions: Volar plating, with its definitive advantage of direct fracture visualization, has an overall better functional outcome with greater postoperative wrist motion and a lower incidence of complications.

Incidence of patella baja following patellar eversion in total knee arthroplasty

Background: Patella baja is a rare complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) leading to decreased mechanical advantage of the extensor mechanism, decreased knee range of motion, anterior knee pain and increased wear of the tibial and patellar polyethylene. There exists a lack of evidence on whether patellar eversion leads to shortening of the patellar tendon. The present study aims to determine if eversion of patella during TKA leads to patella baja.Methods: Between August 2014 and August 2016, 55 knees undergoing primary TKA with a standard medial parapatellar arthrotomy and eversion of patella were included in this two point cross sectional study. Preoperative X-rays were taken to assess the length of the patellar tendon and Insall Salvati ratio (ISR). Postoperatively the Blackburne Peel Index (BPI), ISR and patellar tendon lengths were assessed on lateral X-rays to look for any incidence of patella baja.Results: The postoperative change in the length of the patellar tendon was unpredictable; though most of them decreased. The pre and post op difference in the length of patellar tendon was statistically significant in females (4.43±0.20 cm vs. 4.35±0.24 cm; p value-0.005). Significant decrease in length of patellar tendon was seen in patients aged 66-70 years (p= 0.024) and patients with BMI >30 kg/m2. No case of true patella baja was found postoperatively. No significant correlation could be established between ISR and age, sex or BMI of the patients.Conclusions: The different risk factors for post TKA shortening of patellar tendon include female gender and higher BMI (>30 Kg/m²). However eversion of patella during TKA may not lead to an increased incidence of true patella baja

Management of infected non-union of lower limb long bone fractures using ilizarov technique: a study of outcomes

Background: Nonunion of long bone fractures is a common condition treated by an orthopaedic surgeon. Many nonunions can be treated effectively by internal fixation with or without bone grafting but, an infected nonunion can prove to be a tough challenge. The Ilizarov method is effective in managing infected nonunion of long bones. This study aims to assess the outcome of management of infected nonunions of long bones of lower limb with Ilizarov Ring fixator using bone and functional results as per Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) Scoring System.Methods: We retrospectively analysed 18 patients (16 Male: 2 Female; Mean age 43.2 years) managed with Ilizarov technique for an infected tibial or femoral nonunion between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2014. They were followed up for an average of 25.4 months after removal of fixator. They were assessed for functional and Bone (radiological) outcomes using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria.Results: 17 limbs were salvaged and union could be achieved. One limb required amputation due to severe persistent intractable infection. None required any additional skeletal stabilisation after removal of fixator frame except casting in a few patients for a period of 6 weeks. Mean time to union was 211.83 days (range 136 - 320days/median 184) or 7.01 months. As per the ASAMI score, Bone results were excellent in 10, good in 5, fair in 2 and poor in 1. Functionally 7 were graded as excellent, 6 as good, 3 as fair and 1 as poor and 1 patient underwent amputation.Conclusions: The Ilizarov’s method remains one of the most versatile and successful means of achieving bone healing in infected nonunions of long bones of lower limbs with additional benefits of correcting bone defects, deformities and limb length inequalities.

Creating Scientific Temperament through Children’s Science Congress in Uttarakhand, India

Science and Technology provide hands-on guidance in every field such as agriculture, medical sciences, health care, innovations, public utility services, internal and external security, education, entertainment; information and technology, etc. The awareness related to science through informing, educating, and sharing knowledge for promoting sustainable development is known as science communication. The basic aim of science popularization is to expose the society and upcoming generations to the virtues of scientific development and to help them understand the science in their daily life and surroundings as well. Motivating school children towards science is an important aim of science communication at the school level. The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi has been organizing the “Children’s Science Congress (CSC)” as one of the mega flagship programmes at the block, district, state, and the national level throughout the country since the last 27 years. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to compile the experiences of three consecutive years (2017, 2018, and 2019) of Children’s Science Congress organized by the State Council for Science and Technology. It was categorized under seven themes in 2017, while two themes were merged in 2018 and 2019. A total of 11 districts of Uttarakhand participated in the 25th Children’s Science Congress during 2017, while in 2018 and 2019, all (thirteen) districts participated in the Children’s Science Congress. The total number of child scientists from different districts were found to be diverse – 107, 142, and 138 during the 25th, 26th and 27th Children’s Science Congress of Uttarakhand held in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. In the present paper an attempt has been made to understand the impact of Children’s Science Congress (CSC) for creating scientific temper among child scientists and mentors

Creating Scientific Temperament through Children’s Science Congress in Uttarakhand, India

146-160Science and Technology provide hands-on guidance in every field such as agriculture, medical sciences, health care, innovations, public utility services, internal and external security, education, entertainment; information and technology, etc. The awareness related to science through informing, educating, and sharing knowledge for promoting sustainable development is known as science communication. The basic aim of science popularization is to expose the society and upcoming generations to the virtues of scientific development and to help them understand the science in their daily life and surroundings as well. Motivating school children towards science is an important aim of science communication at the school level.   The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi has been organizing the “Children’s Science Congress (CSC)” as one of the mega flagship programmes at the block, district, state, and the national level throughout the country since the last 27 years. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to compile the experiences of three consecutive years (2017, 2018, and 2019) of Children’s Science Congress organized by the State Council for Science and Technology. It was categorized under seven themes in 2017, while two themes were merged in 2018 and 2019. A total of 11 districts of Uttarakhand participated in the 25th Children’s Science Congress during 2017, while in 2018 and 2019, all (thirteen) districts participated in the Children’s Science Congress. The total number of child scientists from different districts were found to be diverse – 107, 142, and 138 during the 25th, 26th and 27th Children’s Science Congress of Uttarakhand held in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.   In the present paper an attempt has been made to understand the impact of Children’s Science Congress (CSC) for creating scientific temper among child scientists and mentors