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This study explores the integration of technology platforms in online modular learning and proposes an enhanced learning continuity framework using online teaching as an alternative delivery modality. The study captures participants' experiences related to online modular education through surveys by employing a qualitative approach. The findings demonstrate that integrating technological platforms enhances learning continuity. Online teaching offers flexible and accessible learning experiences, fostering effective teaching and learning. The study emphasizes the significance of comprehensive technical infrastructure, blended learning approaches, pedagogical and learner support services, continuous assessment, and a healthy learning environment in crafting the framework. The framework emphasizes robust technological infrastructure, training programs, blended learning approaches, pedagogical support, diverse assessment strategies, and a healthy learning environment by addressing challenges like the digital divide, technical difficulties, and lack of face-to-face interaction, flexibility, adaptability, and continuous evaluation are emphasized to address specific institutional and learner needs. Implementing the framework requires collaboration among educational institutions, policymakers, and communities to create inclusive online learning environments. Efforts should be made to ensure equitable access to reliable internet connections, support disadvantaged learners, and foster creativity through interactive activities. Monitoring and evaluation play a vital role in tracking progress and making informed decisions for improvement. This study provides a foundation for institutions to develop an enhanced learning continuity framework using online teaching. By optimizing the benefits of online modular learning while addressing challenges, the framework promotes effective teaching and learning in the online education landscape.

Pure and copper-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibers (NFs) were fabricated by the sol-gel electrospinning (ES) technique with varying concentrations (1, 3, and 5 w%). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy were used to investigate the morphology, structure, and optical properties of the NFs. The average fiber diameter (AFD) of the Cu-doped ZnO (Cu-Z) NFs decreased with the increase in doping concentration. The structural analysis found that all the NFs samples were polycrystalline and oriented along the (101) plane. Also, the crystalline size decreased from 26.58 to 18.45 nm as the copper (Cu) concentration increased, and a maximum crystalline size was observed for 5 w% Cu-Z NFs. The band gap of undoped and Cu-Z NFs was calculated from UV VIS spectra, and it was observed that the bandgap decreased from 3.45 to 2.9 eV due to the addition of 5 w% Cu. The sensing performance of the NFs was investigated for 50 ppm of ethanol vapor at various operating temperatures (25–300 °C). The results indicated that the 5 w% Cu-Z NFs had the highest response to ethanol vapor, of 12.65 for 50 ppm, with response and recovery times of 70s and 35s. The Cu-Z NFs exhibited good selectivity and stability while tested with other vapors.

AbstractThe flexible electromagnetic wave shielding material research is one of the attractive research topics. The literature reveals that thermoplastics, elastomers and natural and synthetic fabrics are modified using conductive and magnetic fillers for shielding applications. In the present work, Poly (ethylene terephthalate) plain weaved fabric (PETF) and PET fiber mats (PETM) are coated with copper (Cu), copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni) and designated as Cu-PETF, Cu-Ni-PETF and Cu-Ni-PETM. Further, all three samples were investigated, and Cu-Ni-PETF showed better electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and absorption dominating. Hence, it is recommended to use Cu-Ni coated PETF for lightweight polymer composites as reinforcements suitable for electromagnetic shielding encloses applications.

The atmosphere at many colleges and universities in the United States presents unique challenges for Black faculty including racism. It is well established that Black faculty, especially those at predominantly White institutions (PWIs), work in potentially hostile, unfriendly, and negative environments. Other concerns for Black faculty at PWIs include lack of mentors and tenure politics. Examples of tenure politics include a lack of guidance regarding the tenure and promotion process, a sense of isolation and lack of collegiality, and the inability to speak out on unfair treatment for fear of retribution during the tenure and promotion process. Black faculty often choose self-isolation, conformity, and silence as coping strategies. However, these strategies rarely address the associated psychological and social stress. Faculty learning communities (FLCs) have been touted as a better alternative. FLCs bind faculty together thereby providing a much-needed support for Black faculty struggling to survive in a predominantly White environment. This article is premised on the experiences of six Black FLC participants at one PWI. We recommend that PWIs should actively support the attempt(s) by Black faculty to create safe spaces such as an FLC, which can foster a sense of belonging and build their confidence. An additional recommendation is that PWIs should employ the services of a chief diversity officer to help create and maintain programs that enhance Black faculty experiences and make them more successful.

Background. The timing of screening for SARS-CoV-2 preoperatively by RT-PCR/CBNAAT, isolation protocols in preoperative wards, operation theatres, and postoperative wards are not well established. Methods. Evaluating the effectiveness of maintaining three pathways of two COVID-19 negative pathways (1) immediate testing pathway (2) isolation, or quarantine for five days and testing prior to surgery pathway, and (3) the tested COVID-19-positive pathway, was the aim of the study. The primary objective was to assess the utility and outcome of the two COVID-19 negative pathways adopted before surgery in terms of infectivity (seroconversion; COVID-19 positivity rate before surgery and symptomatic COVID-19 disease after surgery). The secondary objective was to derive a practical protocol for isolation or quarantine for emergency and elective surgery. Enrolled patients were grouped based on the need for surgery; Group-1 emergency basis, Group-2 urgent basis, and Group-3 COVID-19 positive and the three channels were kept separate with separate dedicated healthcare staff for each channel. Results. There were 199 (4.56%) COVID-19-positive patients, of whom 80 (40%) were operated. COVID-19 positivity rate was low in Group 2 (3% vs. Group 1, 11%). There was no seroconversion from negative to positive in our patients during the peri-operative period. Conclusion. COVID-19 positivity rate in Group-2 was significantly less. None of the COVID-19-negative patients turned symptomatic and the probability of seroconversion from COVID-19-negative was less during the peri-operative period. The isolation protocol of non-COVID-19 positive patients with the separate channel is effective.

The quantity of internal combustion engine-powered motorized vehicles in Indonesia has been increasing year after year. As a result, fossil fuel demand has also increased beyond Indonesia’s local production capacity, which decreases every year. The rapid growth of motorized vehicles also worsens air quality in Indonesia because of the combustion process in internal combustion engines, which produces toxic gases. One solution to this problem is to accelerate the usage of biofuels, in this context, bioethanol, as a fuel alternative. This study aims to determine the effect of oxygenated cyclohexanol additives to bioethanol–gasoline blends on 124.8 cc spark ignition (SI) engine performance and exhaust gas emission. The experiment was carried out using an engine dynamometer to measure engine performance, a pressure transducer to measure cylinder pressure, and a gas analyzer to measure exhaust gas emission. The experiment established that an 80% gasoline, 20% bioethanol fuel mixture (E20 mixture) with the addition of 18 ml of oxygenated cyclohexanol produced the best results among all the other mixtures tested; it lowered the specific fuel consumption (SFC) and coefficient of variation (COV) value, and produced fewer toxic gases, while minimizing power and torque losses.

Rahul Chandra, Harneel Saini, Russell Cerejo, Ashis Tayal, Konark Malhotra Department of Neurology, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USACorrespondence: Konark MalhotraDepartment of Neurology, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USATel +1- 412-359-8841Fax +1- 412-442-2115Email konark.malhotra@yahoo.comAbstract: Antiplatelet medications are the mainstay for secondary stroke treatment. Aspirin, clopidogrel, and aspirin-dipyridamole are commonly used antiplatelet medications. Other antiplatelet medications such as ticagrelor and prasugrel have been majorly used in cardiovascular or neuro-interventional specialties. Recent studies have paved a way to their use in secondary stroke prevention. In this review, we have briefly discussed the pharmacology of ticagrelor, published literature in cardiology and stroke trials, use of ticagrelor among patients with ischemic strokes, and compared its efficacy, limitations and side-effects with other antiplatelet medications.Keywords: Ticagrelor, stroke, clopidogrel, platelet inhibition

This paper deals with an analytical study of shock waves propagating in heterogeneous metallic mediums. A shock wave travels through most media at a speed higher than ordinary wave. The propagation of a shock wave created by a laser impact over a metallic surface is considered here. In the process of Shock wave generation, a high-pressure surface level is reached using a nanosecond laser pulse that heats the surface of the material and generates adense plasma expansion. The pressure reaches few GPa so that shockwaves are generated and propagated in the bulk of the material. Whitham method, a powerful analytical method for shock waves, has been employed to obtain the analytical relations for shock velocity, shock strength and pressure behind the freely propagating shock. Numerical calculations have been performed for shock velocity, shock strength, pressure, adiabatic sound velocity, and compression behind the shock (?) and their variation with propagation distance have been discussed. A sharp decrease in shock velocity and pressure behind the shock whereas a steadily increasing shock strength with propagation distance has been observed. Particle velocity, adiabatic sound velocity and compression parameter also show a gradual decrease as the shock advances in the medium. Effect of overtaking disturbances has been evaluated by considering Yadav's approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]