Instructional design in multi-channel learning system

The Multi-channel learning environment is nebulous and incidental configuration where channels reinforce as well as contradict each other. The Multi-channel learning system is a deliberate, planned configuration to create the sync and synergize the power of various media to achieve optimal learning. This articles examines instructional design for the classroom, for self instructional materials, media—and MCLS.     

Precession of the equinoxes and its importance in calendar making

Just like the axis of a rotating top, the axis of the Earth moves in a conical path about the ecliptic pole and completes it in about 25800 years. This motion of the Earth is known as precession. Due to this precessional motion, the equinoctial points experience a westward motion and hence the cardinal points shift their positions with the passage of time. In this article, the causes of precessional motion and its effect on calendar preparation are discussed. Utpal Mukhopadhyay obtained his MSc degree in Applied Mathematica from the University of Calcutta in 1986 and since then he is serving as a teacher of Barasat Satyabharti Vidyapith. He is actively engaged in science popularisation programme and regularty writes popular and semipopular articles on astronomy, mathematics and physics in various journals of India and abroad.     

Study of serum lipid profile in pregnancy induced hypertension

Four groups of subjects: normal healthy normotensive nonpregnant women (Group A), normal normotensive pregnant women (Group B), women with preeclamptic toxaemia (Group C) and eclamptic women (Group D): with fifty subjects in each group, were investigated for serum lipid profile in the third trimester of pregnancy. There was significant increase in serum triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol leve as well as decrease in LDL cholesterol in normal pregnancy, while total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels did not show any statistically significant alteration. The preeclampsia (Group C) was associated with a significant rise in triglyceride and VLDL cholesterol and fall in HDL cholesterol concentration, while eclamptic women showed significant fall in HDL cholesterol and rise in LDL cholesterol as compared to normal pregnant women. However, interestingly, elevation of the ratios of total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol and triglyceride: HDL cholesterol as well as diminuition of the ratio of HDL cholesterol: VLDL cholesterol showed statistical significance in pregnancy induced hypertension in both Groups C and D, while eclamptic women showed significant elevation of LDL cholesterol: HDL cholesterol ratio in addition.     

Simulation Studies of Different Dimensions of Users' Interests and their Impact on User Modeling and Information Filtering

Modeling users in information filtering systems is a difficult challenge due to dimensions such as nature, scope, and variability of interests. Numerous machine-learning approaches have been proposed for user modeling in filtering systems. The focus has been primarily on techniques for user model capture and representation, with relatively simple assumptions made about the type of users' interests. Although many studies claim to deal with adaptive techniques and thus they pay heed to the fact that different types of interests must be modeled or even changes in interests have to be captured, few studies have actually focused on the dynamic nature and the variability of user-interests and their impact on the modeling process. A simulation based information filtering environment called SIMSFITER was developed to overcome some of the barriers associated with conducting studies on user-oriented factors that can impact interests. SIMSIFTER implemented a user modeling approach known as reinforcement learning that has proven to be effective in previous filtering studies involving humans. This paper reports on several studies conducted using SIMSIFTER that examined the impact of key dimensions such as type of interests, rate of change of interests and level of user-involvement on modeling accuracy and ultimately on filtering effectiveness.     

Evaluation of serum mucoproteins in patients suffering from liver cancers

Mucoproteins are normal and essential constituents of different types of cells, tissues, and organs in our body. Interestingly, an increase in the serum mucoprotein has been described in several malignant disorders in various studies. To study this in the cases of hepatocellular carcinoma thirty five patients suffering from histologically or cytologically confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma were tested for serum mucoprotein in the Department of Biochemistry and the Department of Pathology of North Bengal Medical College for a period of one and a half years against matched healthy controls. The serum mucoprotein was found to be increased significantly in the cases suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (p<0.001). So, the present study suggests a strong correlation between the mucoprotein level and carcinomatous changes in the hepatocellular tissues.     

A Case of Severe Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome

Ovulation induction has been an important mode of treatment of infertility. Ovarian stimulation may result in a supraphysiologic response leading to an iatrogenic complication known as the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This syndrome is potentially a lethal condition, the pathophysiologic hallmark of which is the accumulation of massive extravascular exudate combined with profound intravascular volume depletion and hemoconcentration. We report a case of severe OHSS with very large ovaries in a 35 year old case of embryo transfer. The patient presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, massive ascites, respiratory distress and amenorrhea. The patient was managed symptomatically with no complications. Although ovarian hyperstimulation is a rare entity, it is important that the physician recognizes this condition. Prompt diagnosis and successful management is likely to avoid serious and rapid development of complications.     

Ramanujan’s circle

Ramanujan is one of the greatest mathematicians that India has ever produced. Eminent mathematicians of the world have admitted that Ramanujan was a genius. On the path to achieving fame, Ramanujan received generous support from various persons. In this article, an account of the history of the nurturing of Ramanujan by persons around him is given, along with a brief introduction to each of those generous people from India as well as from abroad.     

A Case of Inappropriately High Glycated Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a tetramer formed of two alpha and two beta globin chains. On exposure to high levels of blood glucose, hemoglobin gets non-enzymatically glycated at different sites in the molecule. HbA1c is formed when glucose gets added on to the N-terminal valine residue of the beta chain of hemoglobin. The development of chronic vascular complications of diabetes such as retinopathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease is intimately linked to the level of glycemic control attained by the individual with diabetes. We report a case of convulsions and monoplegia admitted to emergency department, showing unusually high glycated hemoglobin but plasma glucose not as high. The patient was not a known diabetic and we could not find any of the other documented conditions that are known to elevate glycated hemoglobin to such disproportionately high levels. Screening for abnormal hemoglobins was negative in the patient. Oral hypoglycemic drug treatment over 3 months and withdrawal of other medications only marginally lowered glycated hemoglobin.