Electron Paramagnetic Resonance imaging

EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) imaging is particularly useful in monitoring hypoxic zones in tumors which are highly resistant to radiation and chemotherapeutic treatment. This first part of the article covers aspects of CW (continuous wave) imaging with details of FT (pulsed Fourier Transform)-EPR imaging covered in Part 2, to be published in the next issue of Resonance.     

Using an iterative mixed-methods research design to investigate schools facing exceptionally challenging circumstances within Trinidad and Tobago

In this study, methodology and theory were linked to explicate the nature of education practice within schools facing exceptionally challenging circumstances (SFECC) in Trinidad and Tobago. The research design was an iterative quan>QUAL-quan>qual multi-method research programme, consisting of 3 independent projects linked together by overall purpose. Although large-scale quantitative data were first used to identify and describe SFECC, the overall programme was driven by an inductive theoretical thrust, with findings from the multiple-site case studies of Projects 2 and 3 used to construct substantive theory on SFECC. The integrated findings point to the pervasive role of beyond-school factors, which were magnified and intertwined with between- and within-school factors. SFECC in this study found great difficulty transcending states of chronic low performance. We hypothesized on the need for transformative school leadership, but in this context, greater external support by stakeholder agencies and broad place-based strategies appeared essential for turnaround.     

Simultaneous optimization of multiple performance characteristics in WEDM for machining ZC63/SiCp MMC

Abstract The compliance of an integrated approach, principal component analysis （PCA）, coupled with Tagu chi＇s robust theory for simultaneous optimization of cor related multiple responses of wire electrical discharge machining （WEDM） process for machining SiCp rein forced ZC63 metal matrix composites （MMCs） is investi gated in this work. The WEDM is proven better for its efficiency to machine MMCs among others, while the particulate size and volume percentage of SiCp with the composite are the utmost important factors. These improve the mechanical properties enormously, however reduce the machining performance. Hence the WEDM experiments are conducted by varying the particulate size, volume fraction, pulseon time, pulseoff time and wire tension. In the view of quality cut, the most important performance indicators of WEDM as surface roughness （Ra）, metal removal rate （MRR）, wire wear ratio （WWR）, kerf （Kw） and white layer thickness （WLT） are measured as respon ses. PCA is used as multiresponse optimization technique to derive the composite principal component （CPC） which acts as the overall quality index in the process. Consequently, Taguchi＇s S/N ratio analysis is applied to optimize the CPC. The derived optimal process responses are confirmed by the experimental validation tests results. The analysis of vari ance is conducted to find the effects of choosing process variables on the overall quality of the machined component.The practical possibility of the derived optimal process conditions is also presented using SEM.     

Profiling Teacher/Teaching Using Descriptors Derived from Qualitative Feedback: Formative and Summative Applications

Considerable work has been done on student evaluation of teaching/teachers, but reservations remain about its use for summative purposes. Student ratings are not universally accepted as being reliable, nor can they provide really meaningful information. Qualitative comments can provide a better understanding but they tend not to be user-friendly from lack of structure and connectedness. This study attempts to devise a method for ‘quantifying’ students’ comments to increase their usefulness in complementing/confirming ratings. The quantified results enable the profile construction of what students regard as an effective/ineffective teacher, and enable identification of strengths and weaknesses. Our findings counter some commonly held assumptions, including those which held that high ratings are dependent on small class size and ‘dumbing down’ of courses and the consequent expectation of high grades. The findings also indicate that students value teaching quality more than teacher characteristics, suggesting their ability to make valid judgments about teaching effectiveness.

A triadic link between knowledge management,information technology and business strategies

The extant literature shows that the connection between KM strategy and business strategy and business strategy and IT strategy has been extensively studied. However, the link between KM strategy and IT strategy remains unclear. To better understand how KM strategy influences IT strategy and vice versa within the context of business strategy, we synthesize the literature and contribute to the conceptualization of a triadic connection of the influences between business, KM and IT strategies and its deeper understanding in determining efficacy of knowledge use in organizations.     

Quantum states of neutron in Earth’s gravitional field: A challenge from the 36th international physics olympaid

This article describes a challenging problem concerning a neutron under gravity that was posed as a theoretical problem in the 36th International Physics Olympiad held in Salamanca, Spain from July 3–12, 2005. The Olympiad marked India’s eighth foray into this exciting event where seventyfive nations participated. Our performance was a success and all five student members of the team secured medals which included two gold, two silver and one bronze medals.     

An IAD type framework for Blockchain enabled smart tourism ecosystem

The concept of smart tourism remains fuzzy when it comes to practice because of the lack of clarity on the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in addition to complex institutional ecosystem that exist within the tourism industry. Further, trust and safety of the data generated due to the advancement of smart tourism in varied institutional arrangements pose huge challenges. Extant literature proposes that the application of decentralized ledger promises possible solutions to most of these problems due to the inherent features of the Blockchain technology. This suggestion raises two practical questions. First, does the sophisticated additional layer adds complexity to its practical application? Second, will the suggested solutions really lead to a win-win for all the stakeholders involved? In this study, we use Ostrom's action arena to examine the exchanges (information, contractual and monetary) between various stakeholders in a BCT enabled smart tourism of a Blockchain enabled tourism industry to answer these two questions.     

Prevalence of +405G>C,−1154G>A Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Polymorphism in Breast Cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in the development of Breast Cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms in the VEGF gene on prognosis of Breast Cancer patients. This study comprised 200 patients with histologically confirmed cases of Breast cancer and 200 controls. Genotyping of the VEGF gene polymorphisms at +405G>C,−1154G>A, were performed by PCR-RFLP analysis. Preoperative plasma VEGF levels were determined by ELISA. Amongst both cases and controls, the genotypic distribution of the individual SNPs were all in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Mean VEGF level was significantly elevated in cases compared to controls (t = 8.248; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between +405G>C,−1154G>A VEGF polymorphism and Breast Cancer. Logistic regression analysis revealed that 405GG & 1154GG were associated with higher levels of VEGF.