Factors influencing to study medicine: a survey of first-year medical students from India

Muthuraman Narayanasamy,Anand Ruban,Prakash Somi Sankaran 한국의학교육학회 2019 Korean journal of medical education Vol.31 No.1

Purpose: Students joining medical studies may be motivated by many factors. However, there may also be some factors which may concern them. Although, it can be assumed that those joining medical studies would have largely been influenced positively, how the factors interact in different groups of students has not been studied adequately. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey in first-year medical students. Besides the demographics and intentions about their future career plans, students rated a list of positively influencing items and a list of negatively affecting items relevant to our context that influenced their decision. We performed factor analysis followed by clustering of study participants. Results: Ninety-seven students participated in the survey which comprised of 59% females with mean age of 18.6 years. The factors extracted were named as ‘personal growth factor,’ ‘professional calling factor,’ ‘personal concerns factor,’ and ‘professional concerns factor.’ Four distinct clusters of participants differing in their average ratings to each of the above factors were identified. Conclusion: This study provides information on the factors that influence students to join medical studies from an Indian context. The motivational patterns were varied in different sub-groups of students. The data obtained from this study may provide pointers to educators to plan training of students, changes in curricular structure that takes into account the expansion of medical education into specialties and beyond.

Real time potentiometric macro flow sensor: An innovative tool to monitor electrogenerated electron mediator in high concentrated electrolyte during electrolysis and air pollutants removal

Muthuraman, G.,Silambarasan, P.,Moon, I.S. Elsevier 2019 ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA Vol.295 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>An ex-situ potentiometric titrations were normally performed using an oxidation/reduction potential (ORP) electrode to monitor the electrochemically generated active electron mediators, either oxidants or reductants, in a mediator generation plant. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to monitor electron mediator [Ni<SUP>1+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>3-</SUP> (Ni(I)) in-situ in a high electrolyte concentration (9 M KOH) during its electrochemical generation. A ring type flow cell developed using a 0.6 cm diameter electrode was tested on a standard redox couple of [Fe<SUP>3+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>6</SUB>]<SUP>3-</SUP> (Fe(III))/[Fe<SUP>2+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>6</SUB>]<SUP>4-</SUP> (Fe(II)) at different ratios during solution flow. The found results suggested that direct determination of an electrochemically prepared electron mediator is possible using a potentiometric method. A periodical potential change in the in-situ linear sweep voltammetry of electrogenerated Ni(I) during its electrochemical generation allowed the direct determination of electrogenerated Ni(I) by the ring type flow cell. A calibration plot derived from chemically synthesized Ni(I) using an ex-situ potentiometric titration or UV–visible spectra was used to monitor electrogenerated Ni(I) by the in-situ method. The electrochemically generated Ni(I) concentration detected in the 0–4.5 mmol/L region that followed non-Nernstian behavior. A change in the Ni(I) concentration during N<SUB>2</SUB>O removal at the scrubber column suggesting that air pollutant removal can be monitored using the in-situ flow sensor cell, once how many electron involved in the removal process.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Established a macro flow sensor for in-situ monitoring low valent metal ions during its electrogeneration. </LI> <LI> Periodical limiting peak potential change during electrolysis favors to sense Ni(I). </LI> <LI> A 0–5 mm Ni(I) range derived with a slope of non-Nernstian behavior. </LI> <LI> A defined Ni(I) concentration change when N<SUB>2</SUB>O removal correlates automation is possible by in-situ sensor. </LI> </UL> </P>

Electrochemically generated bimetallic reductive mediator Cu¹⁺[Ni²⁺(CN)₄]¹⁻ for the degradation of CF₄ to ethanol by electro-scrubbing

Muthuraman, G,Ramu, AG,Cho, YH,McAdam, EJ,Moon, IS SAGE Publications 2018 Waste management & research Vol.36 No.11

Sustainable degradation of carbon tetrafluoride to non-corrosive useful products by incorporating reduced electron mediator within electro-scrubbing

Muthuraman, G.,Ramu, A.G.,Cho, Y.H.,McAdam, E.J.,Moon, I.S. Elsevier 2018 Journal of industrial and engineering chemistry Vol.63 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The degradation of CF<SUB>4</SUB> gas using existing technologies produces other types of greenhouse gas (CO<SUB>2</SUB>) and corrosive side products. The main aim of this study is to degrade CF<SUB>4</SUB> gas at room temperature into useful products without producing corrosive side products by mediated electrochemical reduction (MER) process using an electrogenerated Cu<SUP>1+</SUP>[Ni<SUP>2+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>1−</SUP> mediator. Initial studies on the electrolytic reduction of the hetero-bimetallic complex in catholyte solution at anodized Ti cathode was monitored by oxidation/reduction potential (ORP) variation whether the Cu<SUP>2+</SUP> or Ni<SUP>2+</SUP> was reduced in the Cu<SUP>2+</SUP>[Ni<SUP>2+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>] and confirmed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy the Cu<SUP>1+</SUP>[Ni<SUP>2+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>1−</SUP> formation. The concentration variation of Cu<SUP>1+</SUP>[Ni<SUP>2+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>1−</SUP> during CF<SUB>4</SUB> injection demonstrated the degradation of CF<SUB>4</SUB> followed the MER by electrogenerated Cu<SUP>1+</SUP>[Ni<SUP>2+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>1−</SUP>. Maximum removal efficiency of CF<SUB>4</SUB> using electroscrubbing process was 96% at room temperature. Through the variation in gas phase parameters, the gas phase mass transfer coefficient was calculated that can facilitate scale up the developed process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis in both the gas and solution phases showed that CH<SUB>3</SUB>CH<SUB>2</SUB>OH was the main product that formed during the removal of CF<SUB>4</SUB> by electrogenerated Cu<SUP>1+</SUP>[Ni<SUP>2+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>1−</SUP> at electroscrubber along with a small amount of CF<SUB>3</SUB>CH<SUB>3</SUB> intermediate. Importantly, this mechanism also avoided formation of the corrosive product HF.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A Cu<SUP>2+</SUP>[Ni<SUP>2+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>] complex was established for carbon tetrachloride degradation to non-corrosive useful product. </LI> <LI> ORP and ESR results demonstrated Cu<SUP>1+</SUP> formation at cathodic half-cell during electrolysis. </LI> <LI> Mass transfer analysis identifies rate limiting behavior and routes to optimization. </LI> <LI> Ethanol found to be a main product in the degradation of CF<SUB>4</SUB> my MER at electro-scrubbing </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P> <B>Synopsis:</B> Ethanol generation was established during the degradation of CF<SUB>4</SUB> by mediated electrocatalytic reduction using electrogenerated Cu<SUP>1+</SUP>[Ni<SUP>2+</SUP>(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>1−</SUP> at electro-scrubbing process.</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Co3+ homogeneous mediator generation efficiency in a divided tubular electrochemical reactor with MFI-type zeolite membrane

Muthuraman Govindan,Bo Zhu,Mikel Duke,Stephen Gray,문일식 한국공업화학회 2017 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.52 No.-

In the present work a tubular electrochemical cell with MFI-type zeolite coated membrane (TZM) wasengineered and evaluated using Co2+ oxidation efficiency in high acid medium. Electrolysis of Co2+ wascarried out at room temperature (20 3 C) in 4 M H2SO4 at anodic half-cell, and showed 42% Co2+oxidation with 0.3 V higher cell voltage than the commonly used Nafion324 membrane in planararrangement. Further, the TZM membrane was robust when operated in the cell at different temperatures(10, 30 and 50 C) as no noticeable change in surface morphology was observable by SEM analysis. Furthertesting showed Co2+ oxidation efficiency decreased with temperature and increased with current density,suggesting stable operation of the TZM but structural change in cobalt precursor. The TZM membraneshowed less resistance 0.91 V cm2 (at 10 C) than Nafion324, which is decreased with increasingtemperature from 10 C to 50 C. A 72 h test of the TZM at slightly elevated current density (70 mA cm2)showed increased oxidation efficiency of Co2+ to 57% compared to the traditional planar cell withNafion324 (43%). Therefore, the engineered tubular electrochemical reactor with TZM is robust forgeneration of homogeneous mediators towards environmental pollution removal.

Differential sensitivity of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells to epinephrine

Muthuraman, P.,Nagajyothi, P. C.,Chandrasekaran, M.,Enkhtaivan, G.,Venkitasamy, B.,Kim, D. H.,Cho, M.,Shim, J. Springer Science + Business Media 2016 The journal of nutrition, health & aging Vol.20 No.5

<P>Catecholamines regulate a variety of cellular functions in the mammalian kidney. The present study was aimed to investigate the differential sensitivity of Madin-Darby Kidney Cells (MDCK cells) to epinephrine in a dose-dependent manner. The loss of adhesion and altered cell shape were observed in MDCK cells. The presence of apoptosis and necrosis were studied by the fluorescence microscope and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis showed several surface microvilli, and cells were rounded having ruffled and crenated surface. Agarose gel electrophoresis study showed the presence of smearing, which further confirms the occurrence of necrosis. The fluorescence staining study showed the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Up-regulation of p53, bax, and caspase 3 mRNA expressions was evidenced by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Caspase 3 activity was also increased in epinephrine treated cells. Our experimental results do not imply that the epinephrine should not be used in the clinical treatments. However, our results add a research note of caution on the possible cytotoxic effect of maximal doses of epinephrine over a prolonged time.</P>

Na-β-Alumina as a Separator in the Development of All-Vanadium Non-Aqueous Tubular Redox Flow Batteries: An Electrochemical and Charging-Discharging Examination Using a Prototype Tubular Redox Flow Cell

Muthuraman, Govindan,Boyeol, Lee,Il-Shik, Moon The Electrochemical Society 2018 Journal of the Electrochemical Society Vol.165 No.9

<P>The non-aqueous redox flow battery (N-ARFB) is in the development stages with aim to produce high power density storage systems. In addition to the development of N-ARFBs, this study examined the applicability of a sodium beta alumina (Na-beta-Al2O3) membrane in the development of a N-ARFB through an analysis of the electrochemical processes, redox active species migration, and charging/discharging at room temperature (25 +/- 3 degrees C). Through impedance analysis, the ionic conductivity of the Na-beta-Al2O3 was 2.97 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) which is slightly higher than the literature value. UV-Visible analysis showed no migration of the vanadium acetylacetonate (V(acac)(3)) ion from one compartment to another, either during the charging or discharging process. In addition, the lack of a change in the morphology of the spent membrane revealed not only stability, but also confirmed no permeation of V(acac)(3) species. The maximum applied current density for charging and discharging was 0.01 mA cm(-2) and 0.0015 mA cm(-2), respectively. The charging/discharging of V(acac)(3) enables voltage and current efficiencies of almost 16% and 11% respectively, at the state of charge of 15%. This demonstrates that the Na-beta-Al2O3 membrane can be improved for use in N-ARFB after optimizing the conditions. (C) The Author(s) 2018. Published by ECS.</P>

Scalable and simultaneous generation of homogeneous acid Co(III) and base Co(I) electrocatalysts using a divided electrolyzer

Muthuraman, G.,Balaji, S.,Moon, I.-S. THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING 2018 JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY -S Vol.58 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A scalable and simultaneous synthesis of Co(III) (Co<SUB>2</SUB>(SO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>3</SUB>) and Co(I) ([Co(I)(CN)<SUB>5</SUB>]<SUP>4−</SUP>) electrocatalysts using a divided electrolyzer is reported for the first time. The overpotential gain of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by high concentration of an acid and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by high concentration of a base was utilized for this new state-of-the art electro-syntheses. Difference in generation rate between acid electrocatalyst Co(III) and base electrocatalyst Co(I) was minimized by controlling the flow of H<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUP>+</SUP> ions from anode to cathode. Also, variation in the nature of cathode materials was found to influence the formation rate of both acid Co(III) and base Co(I) electrocatalysts. We have shown that by selecting a suitable combination of electrode pair and controlling the presence of H<SUB>3</SUB>O<SUP>+</SUP> ions it becomes possible to synthesize 3.5mM of Co(III) and 2.5mM of Co(I) simultaneously in both compartments of a divided electrolytic cell. This achievement on the hitherto unreported development in electrocatalyst synthesis strategy is the first of its kind in divided electrolytic cells.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Scalable synthesis of two electrocatalysts in a single divided electrolyzer. </LI> <LI> Extended potential window by highly alkaline medium makes more room to generate an electrocatalyst in cathodic half-cell. </LI> <LI> Membrane orientation and suitable cathode material makes higher concentration of two electrocatalysts. </LI> <LI> Scalable electrocatalysts Co(III) — 3.5mM and Co(I) — 2.5mM was achieved under given conditions. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

The combined removal of methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulfide via an electro-reactor process using a low concentration of continuously regenerable Ag(II) active catalyst

Muthuraman, Govindan,Chung, Sang Joon,Moon, Il Shik Elsevier 2011 Journal of hazardous materials Vol.193 No.-

<P><B>Highlights</B></P><P>► Simultaneous removal of H<SUB>2</SUB>S and CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH was achieved at electro-reactor. ► Active catalyst Ag(II) perpetually regenerated in HNO<SUB>3</SUB> medium by electrochemical cell. ► CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH destruction follows two reaction pathways. ► H<SUB>2</SUB>S induced destruction of CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH has identified. ► Low concentration of active Ag(II) (12.5×10<SUP>−4</SUP>molL<SUP>−1</SUP>) is enough for complete destruction.</P> <P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>In this study, an electrocatalytic wet scrubbing process was developed for the simultaneous removal of synthetic odorous gases namely, methyl mercaptan (CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH) and hydrogen sulfide (H<SUB>2</SUB>S). The initial process consists of the absorption of CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH and H<SUB>2</SUB>S gases by an absorbing solution, followed by their mediated electrochemical oxidation using a low concentration of active Ag(II) in 6M HNO<SUB>3</SUB>. Experiments were conducted under different reaction conditions, such as CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH and H<SUB>2</SUB>S loadings, active Ag(II) concentrations and molar flow rates. The cyclic voltammetry for the oxidation of CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH corroborated the electro-reactor results, in that the silver in the 6M HNO<SUB>3</SUB> reaction solution significantly influences the oxidation of CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH. At a low active Ag(II) concentration of 0.0012M, the CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH removal experiments demonstrated that the CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH degradation was steady, with 100% removal at a CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH loading of 5gm<SUP>−3</SUP>h<SUP>−1</SUP>. The electro-reactor and cyclic voltammetry results indicated that the removal of H<SUB>2</SUB>S (100%) follows a mediated electrocatalytic oxidation reaction. The simultaneous removal of 100% of the CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH and H<SUB>2</SUB>S was achieved, even with a very low active Ag(II) concentration (0.0012M), as a result of the high efficiency of the Ag(II). The parallel cyclic voltammetry results demonstrated that a process of simultaneous destruction of both CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH and H<SUB>2</SUB>S follows an H<SUB>2</SUB>S influenced mediated electrocatalytic oxidation. The use of a very low concentration of the Ag(II) mediator during the electro-reactor process is promising for the complete removal of CH<SUB>3</SUB>SH and H<SUB>2</SUB>S.</P>

Innovative reductive remediation of carbon tetrafluoride at room temperature by using electrogenerated Co¹⁺

Muthuraman, G.,Moon, I.S. Elsevier 2017 Journal of hazardous materials Vol.325 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Among the non-CO<SUB>2</SUB> greenhouse gases, carbon tetrafluoride (CF<SUB>4</SUB>) is the most recalcitrant and should be eliminated from the atmosphere. In the present study, a non-combustion electroscrubbing method was used in an attempt to degrade CF<SUB>4</SUB> with an electrogenerated Co<SUP>1+</SUP> mediator in a highly alkaline medium. The initial absorption experiments revealed 165mgL<SUP>−1</SUP> CF<SUB>4</SUB> gas dissolved in 10M NaOH. Different mediator precursors, [Co(II)(CN)<SUB>5</SUB>]<SUP>3−</SUP>, [Ni(II)(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>2−</SUP>, [Cu(II)(OH)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>2−</SUP>, and [Co(II)(OH)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>2−</SUP>, were used and the electroscrubbing results showed that the electrogenerated Co<SUP>1+</SUP> or [Co(II)(OH)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>2−</SUP> precursor effectively degraded up to 99.25% of the CF<SUB>4</SUB> gas. The variations in [Co(II)(OH)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUP>2−</SUP> reduction efficiency and cyclic voltammetry revealed CF<SUB>4</SUB> degradation followed by electrogenerated Co<SUP>1+</SUP> mediated reduction. The increased zeta potential (+6mV) of the electrogenerated Co<SUP>1+</SUP> showed that the degradation reaction occurs preferably at the solution interface. Electroscrubbing for CF<SUB>4</SUB> removal and the resulting products were controlled by the carrier gas. Air and H<SUB>2</SUB> carrier gases lead to the formation of CHF<SUB>3</SUB> and COF<SUB>2</SUB>. N<SUB>2</SUB> as the carrier gas caused 99.25% degradation with ethanol as a product. An 80% CF<SUB>4</SUB> degradation efficiency with CHF<SUB>3</SUB> as the product was observed when a mixture of N<SUB>2</SUB> and air was used as the carrier gas.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A room temperature reductive electrochemical method was established for carbon tetrachloride remediation. </LI> <LI> 10M NaOH electrolyte makes induce carbon tetrachloride absorption into liquid. </LI> <LI> Nearly 100% carbon tetrachloride degradation efficiency was achieved by electrogenerated Co<SUP>1+</SUP>. </LI> <LI> Impact of carrier gas found on electrocatalytic reduction of carbon tetrachloride leads different degradation products. </LI> </UL> </P>