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Abstract concepts of mathematics are always difficult for the students to comprehend. These concepts are a continuous source of low achievement in mathematics. A study was conducted to explore the effect of Synectics Model of teaching in enhancing understanding of abstract concept of mathematics. It was a form of quasi-experimental study using nonequivalent Control group design. The sample was two intact groups of grade eight (Control, N=35) and (Experimental, N=33). Two schools were selected among high schools of district Haripur where the researcher could seek permission to conduct the study. The instrument was a self-developed achievement test from three units (Operations on Sets, Polynomials and Fundamentals of Geometry) of eighth class mathematics textbook. The results of the study revealed that when abstract concepts were taught using analogy, students were able to: (i) redefine the concept using their own words, (ii) relate concept to their daily life, (iii) apply the concept in daily life.

The pervasive challenge of heavy metal pollution in water necessitates urgent interventions to mitigate chromium contamination. It poses significant threats to human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the environment. This research delves into the potential of date palm waste as a precursor of adsorbent for extraction of chromium from contaminated water, underscoring its potential in heavy metal remediation. Date palm waste, traditionally regarded as agricultural waste, underwent modification employing N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethylammonium chloride resulting in quaternized date palm waste (QDPW) as a prospective adsorbent for chromium extraction. The characterization techniques, including FTIR, SEM/EDX, BET, XRD, TGA/DTA, and element analysis, were employed to examine the structural and surface properties of both DPW and QDPW fibers. Optimal chromium uptake was achieved at a solution pH 6.5 over two hours, with a peak removal efficiency of 88% and an adsorption capacity of 22.26 mg/g. The equilibrium isotherms studies are consistent with Langmuir, Redlich-Peterson, and Sips isotherms, presenting a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.989, 0.981, and 0.983, respectively. Moreover, the pseudo-second-order model was mostly aligned with the kinetics data with R2 value of 0.999. These findings showed that the quaternized date palm waste can be considered a good option to recycle the date palm waste and reduce the environmental threats in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to assess the ratooning potential of various sugarcane strains at the Sugarcane Research Station Khanpur during the 2019-20 period. The selected promising sugarcane genotypes, including S2013-US-917, S2014-SL-1359, S2014-SL-2200, PSR-07-45, S2015-SL-89, S2015-SL-289, S2015-SL-404, S2015-SL-444, CPF-253, and HSF-240 (check), were subjected to experimentation. The research followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Significant variations in ratooning performance were observed among the studied genotypes. Notably, the strain S2015-SL-444 emerged as the most promising, exhibiting the highest cane yield at 119.80 tons per hectare and excellent stubble sprouting with 1.64 sprouts per plant. Additionally, this top-performing strain demonstrated good quality, registering a field brix of 19.55%. Although the highest field brix (21.65%) was recorded in S2013-US-917, S2015-SL-89 closely followed with a field brix of 21.24%. S2015-SL-444, the standout sugarcane clone, outperformed the check by producing 14.02 tons more ratoon cane yield per hectare. Therefore, it is recommended that the genotype S2015-SL-444, with its exceptional ratooning potential, be cultivated in the agro-ecological climatic conditions of South Punjab for ratoon crop cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explored synthesis, characterization, and adsorption modeling for the application of nano-metal-oxide (Al2O3) blended biochar (NMOBC) derived from date palm waste in removing iron (Fe3+) from contaminated water. The pseudo-second-order model provided a goodness-of-fit that was superior to the pseudo-first-order kinetic model based on the value of R2 with all of the initial concentrations. The Elovich kinetic model also presented a good fit, indicating that chemisorption is a predominant mechanism in the adsorption process. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Petersons, Temkin, and Sips models provided an exclusive perspective of the adsorption dynamics based on the high value of R2. However, the Sips model suggested the best fit of all of the employed models, with the lowest RMSE value of 0.0239 mg/g and the maximum adsorption capacity of 22.680 mg/g for NMOBC. Both adsorbents were effectively regenerated and reused in multiple cycles, thus leading to sustainable practices. Numerous analytical techniques, including SEM/EDX, FTIR, and BET, were employed in characterizing the structural, morphological, and functional properties of the synthesized NMOBC and BC. Subsequently, it revealed that the adsorption process and the role of various interactions are attributed to surface area, porosity, and ion exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Establishing a near perfect surgical field during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is essential and even a minor bleeding can severely compromise an already restricted view. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the hemodynamic changes and surgical conditions during FESS following premedication withoral Clonidine and IV Clonidine. Settings and design: A total of 80 patients undergoing FESS were included in this prospective, observational study conducted at the department of Anesthesiology, critical care and painmanagement in Govt. Medical College Srinagar (J&K). Subjects and methods: Patients were divided into two equal groups. Group A patients were premedicated with oral clonidine oral Clonidine 5 μg/kg with sips of water 90 minutes before surgeryand Group B with intravenous clonidine IV clonidine 2 μg/kg, followed by 1 μg/kg/h infusion. All patients received fentanyl 2 mcg/kg and induced with propofol 2 mg/kg. Intubation was done following Vecuronium 1 mg/kg. Anesthesia was maintained with 66% N2O, 33% O2 and 1% isoflurane. The Heart Rate and Blood Pressure were measured at 1 and 5 minutes after induction of anaesthesia and through every 5 minutes for the first 30 minutes and then every 15 minutes thereafter intraoperatively. The surgeons were asked to estimate the quality of the operative field using a pre-defined category scale with scores 1-5. Results: In both the groups, target mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65-70 mmHg and improved surgical field quality were achieved. MAP and heart rate (HR) were comparable among the study groups. However there was slow decrease in MAP and heart rate in the oral clonidine group with a longer duration of post-operative analgesia (P = 0.001). None of the groups showed any statistically significant adverse effects. Conclusion: Both IV and oral clonidine can be used for controlled hypotension to improve surgical field quality in FESS. Oral clonidine provides more haemodynamic stability with fewer fluctuations in BP and heart rate as compared to iv clonidine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]