Rajiv Gandhi University Research Articles

Impact of Flipped Classroom Approach on Academic Achievement of Postgraduate Students

This study examined to ascertain the effect of the flipped classroom model on the academic achievement of postgraduate students at Rajiv Gandhi University. A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the Flipped Classroom Group and the Conventional Classroom Group using pre-test and post-test measures. Students in the FCG covered instructional materials outside the class and involved themselves in active learning within the class, while those in the CCG attended traditional lecture-based instruction. The results revealed that the FCG was way ahead, with a post-test mean score of 78.45 as against 72.35 in the CCG. Besides, from the pre-test to the post-test scores, the FCG group improved more, and even after 15 days, their memory retention was better. The results showed that the flipped classroom approach not only improves immediate academic outcomes but substantiates long-term retention of information. It showcases the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model toward deeper learning and calls for its increased adoption in graduate education to rise a more engaging and long-lasting learning experience.

Analysing Critical Thinking Competencies of Rajiv Gandhi University Students in Arunachal Pradesh: An Empirical Survey

Critical thinking skills falls under the 4Cs of 21st century skills. Critical thinking involves approaching problems by analysing the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of an issue. This cognitive ability enables one to compare evidence, assess assertions, to come to sound conclusions. The purpose of the study was to investigate university students’ critical thinking competencies. In this study, descriptive survey method is used. Critical Thinking Scale by Sharma and Priyamvada (2022) was used to collect data. The study revealed no significant difference in the students critical thinking abilities between male and female, rural and urban, or from nuclear or mixed families.

DIGITAL LEARNING IN THE CONTEXT OF HEUTAGOGICAL PERCEPTION AMONG B.ED. TRAINEES

The Education 4.0 aims for the strengthening of digital education to cater the goals of Sustainable Development toward quality education. In order to make realization among the learners, at the very outset the perception on Heutagogic digital learning among all the stakeholders especially among the teachers are very vital in teaching- learning process. This quantitative research paper analyzed the perception of B.Ed. trainees of Rajiv Gandhi University toward Heutagogy in the context of digital learning. It has adopted descriptive- cum survey method wherein the sample in total consisted of 200 B.Ed. trainees out of which 92 B.Ed. trainees were selected by using stratified random sampling technique. The statistical techniques employed were Mean, S.D., and t- test and the investigators used self- developed perception scale on Heutagogy Approach in relation to Digital Learning. The findings showed that the Female B.Ed. Trainees in terms of Gender and Arts B.Ed. Trainees in terms of Stream were quite more perceptive in Heutagogy context of digital learning than the other counterparts.

Repercussion of Using Internet Sources: Dilemma for Research Communities

Objectives – Consultation of internet sources for educational and research purposes is the new normal. As a result of information communication technology, information creation and access are more convenient. The current study was carried out to investigate the proportion of use of internet sources for research purposes by research scholars of three central universities of North East India, namely Tezpur University, Mizoram University, and Rajiv Gandhi University. Methods – The researchers collected data from 123 respondents through an online questionnaire that was distributed through different social media platforms. The study was conducted among Research Scholars (PhD and M.Phil) of Mizoram University, Rajiv Gandhi University, and Tezpur University. Results – The research results show that research communities are moving toward digital platforms for searching and consulting their required resources. Most of the respondents consult internet sources for writing their research reports, but they do not format the references properly. Some research scholars do not follow any referencing style for citing web documents, and respondents do not have much awareness about the differences between URLs and DOIs. Research communities also face problems due to the inaccessibility of online documents cited by former researchers. Conclusion – Since most of the respondents are not familiar with the use of web archives, the current study suggests that higher education institutions should arrange awareness programs on the use of web archives. Research communities should follow the proper referencing formats to acknowledge others’ works. Publishers should mandate a citation style for authors and verify the accuracy of the references before publishing articles or other works.

Design, Simulation and Optimization of PZT-5A Cantilever Piezoelectric Pressure Sensor

Aims: The main aim of this research work is:
 
 To design a mathematical model of the sensor and validate with the 3D model simulation of the sensor in COMSOL Multiphysics simulator and
 To optimize the sensor for maximizing its sensitivity.
 
 Study Design: In the methodology, we design and utilizePZT-5A piezoelectric in shear mode as the piezoelectric is attached on a cantilever structure. The various factors affecting the sensitivity of the sensor are investigated after validating the mathematical model with the simulated values.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study is done in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh at COMSOL Simulation Laboratory during 2022 to 2023.
 Methodology: In this study, a cantilever structure is considered for the mechanical structure. The stress distribution on the structure is calculated for the applied pressure range from 0 to 1000 Pa. Later, the output voltage of the sensor is calculated. This mathematical model is validated with the COMSOL multiphysics simulator. The optimization of the sensor is done in mathematical tool with maximizing function after providing the conditions. 
 Results: The maximum stress on the sensor structure occurred near the clamped part of the cantilever. The calculated and simulated output sensitivities of the PZT-5A piezoelectric based pressure sensor are-1.6021 mV/kPa and -1.046887 mV/kPa respectively.
 Conclusion: We conclude that the PZT-5A piezoelectric based pressure sensor has a linear output with negative gradient as the stress induced on the structure is tensile stress. The various parameters that affect the sensitivity of the sensor arefound to depend on the shape and size of the cantilever structure, Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus, piezoelectric voltage coefficient and piezoelectric material thickness.
 Future Scope: In future, this study can be extended by taking different shape and size of the cantilever. The different modes of piezoelectric and different materials may be another future scope of this study.

Design and Simulation of PDMS and PMMA Based Touch Mode Capacitive Pressure Sensor: A Comparative Study

Aims: In this research work, a design method and a comparative of a touch mode capacitive pressure sensor (TMCPS) using poly-dimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) and poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is the done. A novel method is proposed to linear the output characteristics of the sensor because planer type capacitive sensors are non-linear.
 Study Design: This method uses a mechanical coupler to convert the deflection of the diaphragm into a linear displacement that helps to linear the output characteristics. The mathematical model of the sensor is designed and simulated the 3D model to validate the mathematically calculated values.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study is done in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh at COMSOL Simulation Laboratory during 2021 to 2023.
 Methodology: The mechanical and electrostatic components of the sensor are represented mathematically model in two separate parts. For this study, a square diaphragm was used since it exhibits greater deflection than circular or rectangular diaphragms. In order to validate the model equation, a 3D model of a sensor is created in the COMSOL Multiphysics simulator and simulated. For the pressure range of 0.1 [MPa] to 10.1 [MPa], the identical 3D model of the sensor construction with a square diaphragm thickness of 20 µm is simulated for PDMS and PMMA. The different elements influencing the sensor's sensitivity are discovered, and the effects of the materials PDMS and PMMA on the output characteristic are discussed.
 Results: The simulated and calculated sensitivity of the sensors based on PDMS are 0.03685 [fF/MPa] and 0.03467 [fF/MPa] respectively. And the simulated and calculated sensitivity of the sensors based on PMMA are 0.03929 [fF/MPa] and 0.03748 [fF/MPa] respectively. It is observed that the PDMS based TMCPS has more sensitivity then the PMMA based TMCPS.
 Conclusion: The PMMA based TMCPS has higher sensitivity than the PDMS based TMCPS. The various parameters that affect the sensitivity of the sensor are diaphragm shape, size, Poisson’s ratio and Young’s modulus, area covered by the dielectric material, dielectric constant of the polymers dielectric and surface are of the electrode plate.
 Future Scope: Future research for TMCPS can be conducted using composite polymer dielectric materials and new polymer dielectric materials to improve the sensitivity. One can optimize the sensor using different tools as the mathematical model is developed.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Self Educational Module on Faculty’s Knowledge and Skill in Handling Freshman Adjustment Problems and Coping Strategies in Selected Colleges at Bangalore North

A study to assess the effectiveness of Self-Educational Module on faculties Knowledge and Skill in handling Freshman adjustment problems and coping strategies in selected colleges at Bangalore North was undertaken by Ms.Chaitra.B.C in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Nursing under the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore. The research approach adopted for this study is evaluative approach. The research design adopted for the study was per- experimental single group (O1XO2) design was applied. The non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the sample for the study. The sample consists of the 60 faculties who are teaching UG students in selected colleges at Bangalore north, Karnataka. The instrument used for the data collection was self-administered questionnaire and observation checklist. Paired t-test analysis used to test the per-test and post-test score of knowledge. The paired‘t’ value of knowledge was 21.33 which is significant at 5% level and the paired ‘t’ value of skill was 24.77 which is significant at 5% level showed that there is significant increase in the knowledge and skill of faculties after the administration of Self Educational Module. The Percentage Mean difference was 8.23 and 5.18 for knowledge and skills respectively. The faculties post-test Mean knowledge is 15.12 with Standard deviation of 2 and the correlation between post-test knowledge and skill score is +0.684 which is significant at 5% level. The total effectiveness of Self Educational Module on faculties’ knowledge and skill in handling freshman adjustment problems and coping strategies shows a mean increase of 8.14 in knowledge and 5.18 in skills among faculties with mean percentages increase of 41.2% in knowledge and 25.9% from pre-test to post test. The findings of the study recommended the further interventional approaches regarding the faculties’ knowledge in handling freshman adjustment problems and coping strategies. Self-learning and Mass education regarding the faculties’ knowledge in handling freshman adjustment problems and coping strategies creates awareness. The present study proved the self-educational module was effective among the faculties who are teaching UG students to increase knowledge and skill in handling freshman adjustment problems and coping strategies.

A study to assess the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding diarrhoea in elderly among patient attendants in a selected hospital at Mangalore

Diarrhoea is a common problem among the elderly. “A study to assess the effectiveness of structure teaching programme on knowledge regarding diarrhoea in elderly among patient attendants in a selected hospital at Mangalore” has been carried by Ms. Moiranghem Soniya Devi in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Masters of Science in Medical-Surgical Nursing at Srinivas Institute of Nursing Science, under Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science, during 2016- 2018. Objectives of the study: The objectives of the study are to: assess the pre-test knowledge scores regarding diarrhoea in elderly patient attendants among at selected hospital, Mangalore, evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding diarrhoea in elderly among patient attendants at selected hospital, Mangalore, To find the association between pre-test knowledge scores regarding of diarrhoea with selected socio demographic variables. Method: One group pre-test – post-test design was used. Imogene King’s Goal Attainment theory is used for preparing conceptual framework. The main study was conducted at selected hospital (Srinivas Institute of Health Sciences and Research Center) in Mukka. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Data collected by demographic proforma and structured knowledge questionnaire on knowledge regarding diarrhoea in elderly among patient attendants. Data collection was done from 18-3-2018 to 27-3-2018. Samples of the study consisted of 50 patient attenders in the respective hospital. Pre-test, and post-test were done. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Result of the present study shows majority of the patient attendants 18 (36%) were in the age group of 20-35 years, >50, 1 (2%) belonged to the age group of >20 years and 13 (26%) were in the age group of 35-50 years. Majority of the patient attendants 23 (46%) were Hindus, 17 (34%) were Muslims, and 10 (18.0%) were Christian. Majority 19 (38%) of patient attendants had completed higher secondary education, 17 (34%) had completed graduation, 9 (18.0%) had completed primary education, and 5 (10%) had high school education. Majority 30 (60%) of patient attendants were housewives, 14 (28%) were private employees, and 6 (12%) were government employees. More than half of the population, that is, 52% had monthly income of < Rs. 5,000, 14 (28%) had > Rs. 10,000 monthly salary, and 10 (20%) had Rs. 5,000-10,000 monthly income. Majority 35 (70%) of patient attendants belonged to nuclear family, and 15 (30%) belonged to joint family. Majority 49 (98%) of patient attendants were having mixed diet and 1 (2%) was vegetarian. There was a significant difference in the mean post-test knowledge score (20.0) than the mean pre-test knowledge score (14.86). There was no significant association between the pre-test knowledge score and the selected variables of the study.

MicroRNA Expression Profile in Mycosis Fungoides – Preliminary Findings

Dear Editor, Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is the commonest cutaneous lymphoma, comprising about 12% of all T-cell lymphomas in India.[1] MF presents as patches, plaques or tumors. While the diagnosis of tumor stage MF is easy, lesions of patch and plaque stages pose problems in diagnosis.[2] There is a clinicopathologic overlap with several inflammatory conditions. Currently, there is no single diagnostic standard for early MF. It rests on a combination of clinical findings, histopathology, immunohistochemistry and T-cell receptor clonality testing.[3] miRNAs(miR) have great potential as biomarkers as they are robust, tissue-specific and can be obtained from both blood and tissues. Their value as diagnostic markers have been shown in several cancer types but is still nascent in MF.[4] We attempted to explore the role of miRs in patch and plaque stage MF in Indian patients. We selected 24 MF samples whose diagnosis was established based on clinical features, histopathology and follow up. We chose a set of 7miRs namely miR 203, miR205, miR223, miR155, miR 93, miR 92a, miR 21 along with two controls RNU48 and RUN44. The first three miRs have a tumor suppressor function, while the rest serve as OncomiRs. RNU44, 48 served as controls. Primer sequences designed using Primer3Plus software and then validated on Ensemble & NCBI Blast. After deparaffinisation and overnight incubation with proteinase K, RNA was extracted using RNAwiz and estimated by Ribogreen fluorimetry, the yield ranged from 5.06 to 49.6 ng. Real time PCR was done on the 26 samples on LightCycler 480 (Roche). Pre-incubation and initial denaturation of the template was at - 95°C for 10 min and amplification was done for 45 cycles at 95°C for 15 sec and 60°C for 1 min and Ct values were obtained. There were 24 samples from 21 patients. Their age ranged from 24-83 years and were predominantly men (14:7). There were 8 patch stage MF, 9 plaque stage and 7 were recurrent MF. There was no significant difference in the expression of any of the 7 miRs between the patch and plaque stages (p-values ranged from 0.423-0.963). There was no difference between patch/plaque stages and recurrent lesions. (p-values ranged from 0.481-0.963). We compared the average Ct values of the 3 tumor suppressor miRs versus the 4 OncomiRs, to look for any difference between patch, plaque and recurrent lesions. There was no significant difference in these either. (p-value ranged from 0.877 to 1.484) A few studies have focussed on the differential expression of miRs in distinguishing MF from inflammatory diseases. van Kester et al studied 19 tumor stage MF and compared their miR expression patterns with 12 benign skin conditions.[5] They found that 49 miR were differentially expressed in the two groups and miR 93, which has an anti-apoptotic function, showed the highest discrimination.[5] Ralfkiaer et al showed that early MF displays a miR profile distinct from advanced T-cell lymphomas.[6] They were also able to demonstrate different profiles in patients with progressive vs. non-progressive disease. McGirt et al demonstrated that miR223, which targets TOX gene, needed for T-cell development is overexpressed in early MF and diminishes with progression to advanced disease.[7] There is only one study which has compared miR profiles in patch vs. plaque stages of MF. Sorensen et al found 11 miRNAs were overexpressed in plaques as compared to patches, most significantly miR-142, miR-21 and miR-22.[8] We did not find any difference in miR (including miR21) expression between patch and plaque stages or in patients who had recurrences. Variation in results could be due to the methodology used (whole tissue vs. microarray), quantity and quality of RNA and density of the infiltrate.[8] Nevertheless, it seems that although clinically distinct, patch and plaque stage MF are more similar biologically. We will expand the scope to compare miR expression profiles of MF with various inflammatory skin diseases in the next part of our ongoing study. To summarise, miR expression does not appear to be useful in distinguishing patch vs. plaque stage MF. Our findings need to be validated in larger samples in Indian patients. Financial support and sponsorship Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore for funding the project Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Relative Influence of Ageratum conyzoides L. Plant Extracts on Testosterone Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Mice

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,1,75-83.DOI:10.5530/097484900266Published:December 2022Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Tongchen Jomba, and Manuj Kumar Bharali Author(s) affiliations:Tongchen Jomba1, Manuj Kumar Bharali1,2,* 1Cell and Molecular Biology Section, Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh, INDIA. 2Cell and Molecular Biology Section, Department of Zoology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, INDIA. Abstract:Purpose: The present study was designed to investigate the inhibitory efficacy of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ageratum conyzoide L. (AC, Family asteraceae) on testosterone induced BPH in male mice. Materials and Methods: Mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=6): negative control group received corn oil, BPH model group receive testosterone (5mg/kg/day, S.C) dissolved in corn oil. Another group received standard BPH drug finasteride (5 mg/Kg/day, I.P) along with testosterone injection (5mg/kg/day, S.C). The other two group of animals received either aqueous or ethanolic AC plant extracts (100, 500. 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, I.P) along with testosterone (5mg/kg/day, S.C) consecutively for 28 days. All animals were sacrificed at the end of the study period and prostate weight and prostatic index were determined, followed by histolopathological examination of the prostate gland. Results: The result of the present study indicated that treatment with either plant extracts caused significant reduction in prostate weight and prostatic index when compared to only testosterone treated animal group. The percentage of inhibition of prostate growth was found to be correlated in a dose dependent manner in plant extract treated groups. Histopathological examination of prostate gland revealed AC plant extracts treatment significantly reduced the glandular hyperplasia, epithelial thickness and stromal hyperplasia in the prostate gland of the treated animals. No significant elevation in serum ALT and creatinine level was recorded in any groups during the study period. Conclusion: This study hence indicate the therapeutic potential in Ageratum conyzoides L. plant extract in testosterone induced BPH model in mice. Keywords:Ageratum conyzoides, Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Inhibition, Plant extracts, Prostate, TestosteroneView:PDF (608.09 KB)

NPK Biofertilizer Poisoning and its Management: A Case Report

Published on:August 2022Journal of Young Pharmacists, 2022; 14(3):345-346Case Report | doi:10.5530/jyp.2022.14.69 Authors: Sarvajeet Khare1, Nishi Sheth1,*, Zeeshan Ali3, Naveen Sharma2, Jitendra Vaghasiya4 1Sumandeep Vidhyapeeth, Piparia, Vadodara, Gujarat, INDIA.2Amity institute of Pharmacy, Amity University ,Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, INDIA.3Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy, Affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, INDIA.4Parul institute of Pharmacy, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, INDIA. Abstract: NPK Biofertilizer are used for agricultural purpose to increase the crop yield. If swallowed in small amount they are poisonous and harmful to human health. Containing certain macronutrients such nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium can cause severely ill effects in the body and lead to life threating conditions. A 22-year-old female patient came to emergency ward with the complaints of abdominal pain with burning sensation, nausea, dizziness and giddiness. poisonous intoxication was removed out by gastric lavage. Patient was treated with includes inj. Ceftriaxone (1g) IV 12 hourly used as infection prophylaxis, Inj NS. 0.9%+ 3 ampule optineuron IV 12 hourly for rehydration, Inj. Pantoprazole (40) IV 12 hourly as antacid, Inj Emset 4cc IV 12 hourly as anti-emetic and Inj. Atropine 1 ampule as an antidote. Here there is case report of NPK Biofertilizer poisoning describing the severity and timely related treatment intoxication with poisonous substance.Keywords: NPK Poisoning, Biofertilizer, Fertilizer, Poisonous intoxication.

Call for Special Issue Papers: Global Public Health - Contributions of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine in Primary Care.

Call for Special Issue Papers: Global Public Health - Contributions of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine in Primary Care.

Effectiveness of Evidence Based Journal Club Conducted among Postgraduate Students by Faculty of Medical, Dental, Ayurveda Colleges Affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in Hassan District - Karnataka, India

A journal club is a regular gathering of researchers or scientists to discuss a scientific paper found in a research journal. One or two members of the club present a summary of the chosen paper the whole group has read. It can be used to facilitate an evidence-based approach to problem solving, as a tool to inform the development of guidelines, and to enable sharing of information related to clinical issues.The objective of this survey was to assess the effectiveness of evidence based journal club conducted among postgraduates by faculties of medical, dental, Ayurveda colleges affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in Hassan District. In this observational, cross-sectional study, structured questionnaires were randomly distributed to the faculty. A total of 405 faculties participated, among which 60 were dental, 270 were medical and 75 were from Ayurveda colleges. Results showed a positive correlation between attitude plus knowledge and practice among health care professionals.

Webinar: A boon of information technology with special reference to Rajiv Gandhi university during Covid-19

Webinar: A boon of information technology with special reference to Rajiv Gandhi university during Covid-19

Compendium of plants used for preparation of traditional alcoholic beverages by four major ethnic communities of Assam, northeast India

Abstract. Borah D, Gogoi T, Sarma J, Borah PJ, Gohain B, Mili C, Upadhyaya A, Basumatary J, Neog K, Wangpan T, Tangjang S. 2021. Compendium of plants used for preparation of traditional alcoholic beverages by different major ethnic communities of Assam, Northeast India. Biodiversitas 22: 2019-2031. This paper deals with the ethnobotanical research on the preparation of traditional alcoholic beverages by Ahom, Bodo, Karbi and Mishing ethnic communities of Assam, India. Along with the information on preparation, the plant species associated with the preparation of alcoholic beverages are also recorded. Field investigations were conducted to cover 32 villages of six districts of Assam, India. The data was generated from 202 respondents using participatory rural appraisal tools including semi-structured questionnaires and personal interviews. The plant species were collected, identified and submitted in the Herbarium of Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh, India. The study recorded 129 plants falling under 107 genera and 54 families which are exclusively used for the preparation of alcoholic beverages by the studied communities. The study confirmed that the association of traditional alcoholic beverages with their rich indigenous knowledge.. The finding also revealed varied forms of protocol followed by these tribes to prepare traditional liquors and the starter cakes for brewing of alcohol were prepared locally. However, the Mishing tribe was known to prepare unique rice beer known as Po:ro apong, as the preparation technique and extraction process of this liquor was slightly different. Distillation of alcohol was also observed in all the communities except the Ahom. The rich traditional knowledge of brewing alcohol and the plant species used in the process were worth documenting considering the on-going alteration of traditional society with the modernization.

JeevaRaksha, a collaboration of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Sri Vivekananda Youth Movement and University of Utah has come forward with recommendations for performing out of hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during this pandemic. Evidence based practice is critical in medical field. Yet, there is a huge gap in the literature on performing out of hospital CPR during COVID-19. We

JeevaRaksha a collaboration of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Sri Vivekananda Youth Movement and University of Utah has come forward with recommendations for performing out of hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR during this pandemic. Evidence based practice is critical in medical field. Yet there is a huge gap in the literature on performing out of hospital CPR during COVID-19. We have reviewed articles which are available currently and elaborated on how each step needs to be followed in such a situation giving extra weightage to infection control.

Access and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Faculties of RGUKT, Andra Pradesh: A Study

The research paper intends to determine the usefulness of e-resources to the faculties of Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), and their skills in using various search methods and techniques to access and utilize these resources. The study further aims to investigate the level of satisfaction with the information accessed by the faculties through the available e-resources and various challenges faced by them in their field. The survey was conducted with the help of a questionnaire and personal interview. Questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 88faculties from different fields of Science and Technology available at the time of study and the response rate was 75%. The responses received from the available faculties are presented in tables and figures and data is analyzed by using simple calculation of percentage method. The findings reveal that access and use of e-information is an important component of research activities for faculties, also qualitative and quantitative developed e-collections overcome conventional resources with the characteristic of fast accessibility.

Usage of HELINET-Consortium by faculty members and PG students of pharmacy institutions in karnataka: A study

This paper aims to assess the usage of electronic information resources under HELINET Consortium providing by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bengaluru, Karnataka. The well- structured Questionnaire method was used to collect data from users. The study highlights awareness of HELINET consortium, satisfaction level and opinion of databases covered under HELINET consortium, preferred format to access e-resources, problems while accessing electronic information resources among faculty members and postgraduate students. It was found that 65.34% of the respondents were satisfying with HELINET-consortium, and the number of respondents satisfied with Science Direct Database is 57.01%, followed by Pro Quest 46.63%, and Jaypee Digital with 31.93%. And 59.44% of the total respondents were highlighted lack of infrastructure facilities in their respective institutions to access HELINET - Consortium resources.

Anthropology in Arunachal Pradesh: Genesis, Establishments, and Contribution

The existence of anthropology as an academic and research discipline in Arunachal Pradesh is at infancy. The traditional ethnographic studies among the tribes were initiated by the early British administrators, missionaries, travellers, explorers, etc. Professor Furer-Haimendorf and Verrier Elwin were perhaps the first professional anthropologist and ethnographer to delve into the various cultural aspects of Arunachal tribes. The official recognition of the discipline took place with the introduction of Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS) in 1995 under Arunachal University (Now Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh) which was established in 1984; for which anthropology – as a discipline – was introduced in 2001. The establishment of the Directorate of Research, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and introduction of Anthropology at the University and College levels significantly count towards the development of this discipline in the state. Research contributions have been witnessed over time in the field of social and cultural aspects of the tribes. Though not completely absent, researches on physical-biological aspects, genetic studies, linguistic and archaeology, growth, nutrition and health have been witnessed but limited. Taking into consideration the broad scope of Anthropology as a discipline of holistic approach, this paper urge for a need of wider coverage of studies in terms of research, projects, and publications in developing tribal state like Arunachal Pradesh. The relevance of Anthropology in the state could be ensured through rigorous research taken up at various levels of standard, support from the government, collaboration between academic institutions and funding agencies. At the same time, its dimension and scope as a relevant research and academic discipline could be broadened and expanded through addressing new research questions, formulation of hypotheses, and through standard conduct of empirical researches.

Comprehensive analysis of theory exam question papers of 2nd MBBS Pharmacology subject in Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, India

Background: Assessment is the backbone of curriculum development and an important component of medical education. Written exams are frequently used in medical education and question papers are important instruments of assessment of medical education. The present study is summative question paper based analysis study where the content validity, level of cognition, cognitive domains, marks distribution and time weightage in theory question papers were analyzed.Methods: Retrospective analysis of II MBBS pharmacology question papers (n=18) of RGUHS, Bengaluru from the year 2010 to 2018 was done. The data was analyzed according to modified Blooms levels of taxonomy, cognitive domains, areas of importance and weightage given to different topics in Paper 1 and 2 in comparison to university syllabus and with regard to time allotted in university syllabus.Results: Analysis of question papers revealed that topics like GIT, respiratory system, uterine drugs, antiseptics and disinfectants, immunosuppressant were consistently underrepresented in question papers. Also, majority of questions (68.06%) did not have any verbs associated with Blooms level of taxonomy and hence did not meet criteria of standard question paper. Comparison of time allocation to weightage of topics in syllabus revealed no significant variations in percentage distribution.Conclusions: Assessment in medical education should not be used merely for classification, grading and certification rather it should become an instrument for promoting growth of knowledge. For this the university should frame standard blueprint for question paper setters and the question paper setters should follow those guidelines strictly and ensure that weightage given for different topics is maintained.