Effects of targeted remediation in anatomy for first year medical students

Nachiket Shankar,Nachiket Shankar,Yogitha Ravindranath,Roopa Ravindranath,Henal Shah 대한해부학회 2019 Anatomy & Cell Biology Vol.52 No.1

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a questionnaire to guide targeted remediation among undergraduate medical students in anatomy. Seventy-five students from a medical college in South India who failed in the first internal theory examination were administered a validated 35-item questionnaire. The total and domain specific questionnaire scores were calculated. Specific weekly interventions for each student based on the questionnaire scores were conducted by appointed academic mentors for three months prior to the second internal examination. The dependent variable was performance in the second internal examination. The students were re-administered the questionnaire after the second internal examination. The independent variables were the marks obtained in the first internal examination, domain specific and total questionnaire scores, sex, and regularity of the student in attending the remedial sessions. Inferential statistical tests used were the chi-square test, independent sample t test, paired t test, multiple regression and binomial logistic regression. Of the 75 students who underwent remediation, 54 (72%) passed in the second internal examination. The scores in the second internal examination among these students was found to be significantly higher as compared to the first internal examination. The total, subject related and study skills questionnaire score were significantly lower after remediation. Students who were irregular had a significantly lower pass rate. The multivariate analysis showed that only the first internal marks added significantly to the prediction about second internal performance. This study provides evidence to show that struggling students perceive a benefit from targeted remediation.

Effects of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) coating on the water resistant, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of Kraft paper

Shankar, Shiv,Rhim, Jong-Whan Elsevier 2018 Progress in organic coatings Vol.123 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A Kraft paper was coated with PBAT [poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)] with Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) using different types of coating bars (No. 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60). The microstructure of the surface of the coated paper showed that the PBAT filled the pores of the porous fibers of the paper to make its surface smooth. The basis weight and thickness of the paper increased after coating. The properties of the coated paper, such as water resistance, water vapor barrier, surface hydrophobicity, and mechanical properties, increased significantly compared with the base paper. The tensile strength of coated paper increased by 40–80 % depending on the coating thickness. The paper coated with PBAT/GSE exhibited potent antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria (<I>Listeria monocytogenes</I>), while the paper coated with PBAT/ZnONP showed strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (<I>L. monocytogenes</I>) and Gram-negative (<I>Escherichia coli</I>) bacteria.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Kraft paper was coated with PBAT using different types of coating bars. </LI> <LI> The surface of the paper became smooth after coating with PBAT. </LI> <LI> The barrier and mechanical properties of paper improved after coating. </LI> <LI> Paper coated with GSE-ZnONP showed strong antibacterial activity. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Revisiting the Bulge-Halo Conspiracy. I. Dependence on Galaxy Properties and Halo Mass

Shankar, Francesco,Sonnenfeld, Alessandro,Mamon, Gary A.,Chae, Kyu-Hyun,Gavazzi, Raphael,Treu, Tommaso,Diemer, Benedikt,Nipoti, Carlo,Buchan, Stewart,Bernardi, Mariangela,Sheth, Ravi,Huertas-Company, American Astronomical Society 2017 The Astrophysical Journal Vol.840 No.1

<P>We carry out a systematic investigation of the total mass density profile of massive (log M-star / M-circle dot greater than or similar to 11.3) early-type galaxies and its dependence on galactic properties and host halo mass with the aid of a variety of lensing/dynamical data and large mock galaxy catalogs. The latter are produced via semi-empirical models that, by design, are based on just a few basic input assumptions. Galaxies. with measured stellar masses, effective radii, and Sersic indices, are assigned, via abundance matching relations, host dark matter halos characterized by a typical Lambda CDM profile. Our main results are as follows. (1) In line with observational evidence, our semi-empirical models naturally predict that the total, mass-weighted density slope at the effective radius gamma' is not universal, steepening for more compact and/or massive galaxies, but flattening with increasing host halo mass. (2) Models characterized by a Salpeter or variable initial mass function (IMF) and uncontracted dark matter profiles are in good agreement with the data, while a Chabrier IMF and/or adiabatic contractions/expansions of the dark matter halos are highly disfavored. (3) Currently available data on the mass density profiles of very massive galaxies (log M-star / M-circle dot greater than or similar to 12), with M-halo greater than or similar to 3 x 10(14) M-circle dot, favor instead models with a stellar profile flatter than a Sersic one in the very inner regions (r less than or similar to 3-5 kpc), and a cored NFW or Einasto dark matter profile with median halo concentration a factor of similar to 2 or less than or similar to 1.3, respectively, higher than those typically predicted by N-body numerical simulations.</P>

Equations for Cervical Lordosis and T1 Slope in Young Adults Without Any Neck Symptoms: An Analysis of 171 Radiographs

Shankar Acharya,Varun Khanna,Manoj Kumar 대한척추외과학회 2022 대한척추외과학회지 Vol.29 No.4

Study Design: Cross-sectional, record-based. Objectives: To analyze the cervical sagittal (CS) and thoracic inlet (TI) parameters in asymptomatic adults and form predictive equations for cervical lordosis (CL) and T1 slope (T1S). Summary of Literature Review: Normative values of CS parameters, including physiological CL, and their relationship with TI parameters among healthy Indian adults have been scarcely documented in the literature. Methodology: We analyzed cervical radiographs of 171 healthy adult volunteers and estimated normative values of CS and TI parameters. The thoracic inlet angle (TIA), neck tilt (NT) and T1S were the TI parameters, while the cervical parameters included C2- C7 CL (Cobb’s method), the cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), and C7 slope (C7S). T1S-CL was also calculated. The correlations were estimated and predictive equations were established using simple linear and stepwise multiple regression. The paired-sample t-test was used to evaluate the statistical significance of differences between the estimated and measured values. Results: The mean age of participants was 30±7.76 years. The mean TIA, T1S, NT, CL, cSVA, C7S, and T1S-CL were 79.6°±9.08°, 29.5°±8.6°, 49.3°±8.7°, 21.4°±16.5°,18.8±12.4 mm, 25.7°±7.9°, 8.7°±13.8° respectively. We established the following predictive equations: CL= 0.66 T1S+0.57 TIA - 0.68 SVA - 30.9 (r=0.72; R2 =0.53; p<0.01); CL=0.68 TIA - 30.4 (r=0.41, R2 =0.34; p=0.04) and T1S= 4.45+ 0.72 C7S (r=0.77; R2 =0.62; p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the predicted and the measured values of CL (t=0.09, p=0.973) or T1S (t=0.14; p=0.84). Conclusions: This analysis of sagittal parameters in an asymptomatic adult population provides valuable reference points for the management of various cervical alignment disorders.

Facile approach for large-scale production of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles and preparation of antibacterial cotton pads

Shankar, Shiv,Rhim, Jong-Whan Elsevier 2017 Carbohydrate polymers Vol.163 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Metallic nanoparticles such as zinc oxide (ZnONPs), copper oxide (CuONPs), and silver (AgNPs) were synthesized in gram scale using green methods. The antibacterial cotton fibers/nanoparticles (cotton fibers/NPs) composite pads were prepared, and nanoparticle binding/release tests were performed. All the NPs were crystalline and showed characteristic XRD diffraction peaks and showed the characteristic FTIR bands of the respective nanoparticles. All the NPs showed strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. The NPs were attached to the cotton pad by adsorption at different extent depending on the types of nanoparticles. The adsorption and release of nanoparticles on and from cotton pads were also dependent on the types of nanoparticles. The NPs-adsorbed cotton pads showed potent antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as <I>Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus,</I> and <I>Staphylococcus epidermis.</I> The developed NPs-adsorbed cotton pads have potential to be used as wound dressings and antibacterial food packaging applications.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Metallic nanoparticles (ZnONPs, CuONPs, and AgNPs) were synthesized in gram scale. </LI> <LI> NPs-adsorbed antimicrobial cotton pads were prepared. </LI> <LI> Binding and releasing of NPs from the cotton pad were dependent on the type of NPs. </LI> <LI> The NPs-adsorbed cotton pads exhibited strong antibacterial activity. </LI> <LI> It has a potential for the wound dressing and food packaging applications. </LI> </UL> </P>

Design and analysis of energy-harvesting shock absorber with electromagnetic and fluid damping

Shankar Singh,Nitin Vijay Satpute 대한기계학회 2015 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.29 No.4

The design and numerical simulation of a linear generator for use in an automobile shock absorber are presented in this paper. Theconceived linear generator employs high-performance rare earth permanent magnets with compact size to ensure efficient energy recovery. Finite element analysis and Matlab simulation are utilized to derive the generator configurations for the satisfactory utilization ofmagnets and optimized functioning. Experimentation was performed on a linear generator prototype and electromagnetic shock absorberto validate the numerical analysis. The numerical model is then utilized in the design of a full-scale energy-harvesting shock absorberwith fluid damping and a linear generator. A novel feature of the presented work is the use of fluid amplification to simultaneouslyachieve energy dissipation and velocity amplification. Fluid amplification does not affect the dynamics of the system and increases thecoil velocity by approximately eight times. Smooth variation in damping force, improved fail-safe characteristics, and absence of transmissionelements, such as mechanical gears, are additional advantages of the system. Matlab Simscape evaluation is employed to analyzecomfort, safety, and energy-harvesting characteristics, which are then compared with that of the conventional fluid shock absorber. Simulationwith actual road excitation data indicates that the presented system harvests 15 W of the average power from each wheel. Lastly,the layout for integrating the presented shock absorber in McPherson suspension is discussed.

Structural and Thermal Analyses of 3U CubeSat’s Deployable Solar Panel Module

Shankar Bhattarai(바타라이 샹카),Su-Hyeon Kim(김수현),Ji-Seong Go(고지성),Hyun-Ung Oh(오현웅) 항공우주시스템공학회 2019 항공우주시스템공학회 학술대회 발표집 Vol.2019 No.5

Preparation of antimicrobial hybrid nano-materials using regenerated cellulose and metallic nanoparticles

Shankar, Shiv,Oun, Ahmed A.,Rhim, Jong-Whan Elsevier 2018 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES Vol.107 No.1

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>In this study, antimicrobial hybrid nano-materials were prepared by one-pot syntheses of silver (Ag), copper oxide (CuO), or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) during regeneration of cellulose from cotton linter (CL) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). SEM micrographs indicated that the metallic nanoparticles were attached to the surface of the regenerated cellulose. EDX and ICP results showed that more AgNPs were adsorbed on the cellulose than CuONPs or ZnONPs. FTIR results revealed that the metallic nanoparticles were attached to the cellulose through the interaction with the hydroxyl group of cellulose. XRD results showed the characteristic diffraction peaks of individual metallic nanoparticles. The thermal stability of the R-CL and R-MCC increased in the hybrids with AgNPs and ZnONPs. The R-cellulose/metallic NPs hybrids showed strong antibacterial activity against <I>E. coli</I> and <I>L. monocytogenes</I>. Thus, the hybrid nano-materials can be used as nanofillers for the preparation of antibacterial packaging films.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Hybrid nano-materials of regenerated cellulose and metallic nanoparticles were prepared. </LI> <LI> Hybrid nano-materials were characterized by SEM, EDX, ICP, TGA, FTIR, and XRD. </LI> <LI> Hybrid nano-materials exhibited strong antibacterial activity. </LI> <LI> Developed hybrid nanocomposites can be used as a multifunctional nanofillers. </LI> </UL> </P>

Effects of Concentration of ZnO Nanoparticles on Mechanical, Optical, Thermal, and Antimicrobial Properties of Gelatin/ZnO Nanocomposite Films

Shankar, Shiv,Teng, Xinnan,Rhim, Jong-Whan Korea Society of Packaging Science and Technology 2014 한국포장학회지 Vol.20 No.2

This study illustrates the synthesis of gelatin based zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONPs) incorporated nanocomposite films using different concentrations of ZnONPs. The ZnONPs were oval in shape and the size ranged from 100- 200 nm. The nanocomposite films were characterized by UV-visible, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and XRD. The concentrations of ZnONPs greatly influenced the properties of nanocomposite films. The absorption peaks around 360 nm increased with the increasing concentrations of ZnONPs. The surface color of film did not change while transmittance at 280 nm was greatly reduced with increase in the concentration of ZnONPs. FTIR spectra showed the interaction of ZnONPs with gelatin. XRD data demonstrated the crystalline nature of ZnONPs. The thermostability, char content, water contact angle, water vapor permeability, moisture content, and elongation at break of nanocomposite films increased, whereas, tensile strength and modulus decreased with increase in the concentrations of ZnONPs. The gelatin/ZnONPs nanocomposite films showed profound antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The gelatin/$ZnONP^{1.5}$ nanocomposite film showed the best UV barrier and antimicrobial properties among the tested-films, which indicated a high potential for use as an active food packaging films with environmentally-friendly nature.

Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Patients

Shankar, Abhishek,Roy, Shubham,Malik, Abhidha,Julka, PK,Rath, GK Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.15

The supportive care of patients receiving antineoplastic treatment has dramatically improved over the past few years and development of effective measures to prevent nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy serves as one of the most important examples of this progress. A patient who starts cancer treatment with chemotherapy lists chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as among their greatest fears. Inadequately controlled emesis impairs functional activity and quality of life, increases the use of health care resources, and may occasionally compromise adherence to treatment. New insights into the pathophysiology of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, a better understanding of the risk factors for these effects, and the availability of new antiemetic agents have all contributed to substantial improvements in emetic control. This review focuses on current understanding of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and the status of pharmacological interventions for their prevention and treatment.