monojit, Author at Adamas University

Navigating the Future: Exploring the Dynamic Market of Biotechnology

In the realm of scientific innovation, few fields hold as much promise and potential as biotechnology. With its interdisciplinary nature combining biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science, biotechnology has already revolutionized healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and more. As we are standing on the slope of such technological advancement, it’s the need of the hour to examine the current state and future trajectory of the biotechnology market.

Recent Market Trends: Over the past decade, the biotechnology market has experienced exponential growth, driven by advancements in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and precision medicine. Key areas such as gene editing, personalized therapeutics, and agricultural biotechnology have seen significant investment and breakthroughs.

Gene Editing: Technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 have transformed the landscape of genetic engineering, offering precise and efficient tools for editing DNA in vivo. This has immense implications for healthcare, including potential cures for genetic disorders and personalized treatments for related genetical diseases.

Personalized Medicine: The shift towards personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles, has gained momentum. Biomarker discovery, companion diagnostics, and targeted therapies are redefining how we approach diseases, improving patient outcomes and reducing adverse effects.

Agricultural Biotechnology: With a growing global population and increasing environmental challenges, agricultural biotechnology has become vital for sustainable food production. Traits such as drought resistance, pest tolerance, and enhanced nutritional content are being engineered into crops to address food production problems.

Future Market Projections: Looking ahead, the biotechnology market is poised for even greater expansion and innovation. Several key trends and advancements are expected to shape its trajectory over the next one to two decades.

Synthetic Biology: The convergence of biology and engineering in synthetic biology holds immense potential for creating novel biomolecules, biofuels, and even synthetic organisms. This field is anticipated to drive breakthroughs in drug discovery, renewable energy, and industrial biotechnology.

Cell and Gene Therapies: The next frontier in healthcare lies in cell and gene therapies, offering potential cures for previously untreatable diseases. Advancements in gene editing, stem cell technology, and immunotherapy are expected to lead to more effective and accessible treatments for conditions ranging from genetic disorders to cancer.

Precision Agriculture: As climate change continues to impact global food systems, precision agriculture technologies will play a crucial role in enhancing crop resilience, optimizing resource use, and minimizing environmental impact. Smart sensors, drones, and AI-driven analytics will enable farmers to make data-driven decisions for sustainable agriculture.

Bioinformatics and AI: The exponential growth of biological data necessitates sophisticated tools for analysis and interpretation. Bioinformatics, coupled with artificial intelligence (AI), will revolutionize drug discovery, disease diagnosis, and personalized healthcare by uncovering complex patterns and correlations within biological datasets.

Environmental Biotechnology: Addressing environmental challenges such as pollution, resource depletion, and climate change requires innovative biotechnological solutions. Bioremediation, bio-based materials, and carbon capture technologies will play a crucial role in mitigating environmental degradation and fostering sustainability.

The future of biotechnology holds immense promise, with groundbreaking innovations poised to transform healthcare, agriculture, industry, and the environment. However, realizing this potential requires continued investment in research, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks to ensure the ethical and responsible deployment of biotechnological advancements. By harnessing the power of biotechnology, we can address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity and create a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Unlocking Nature’s Secrets: Exploring Biotechnology’s Potential for Sustainable Solutions

Today’s biotechnology industry is at the precursor of innovation, providing previously unheard-of chances to address urgent global issues. Exploring and using nature’s secrets and using the complex mechanisms of living things to create sustainable solutions, is at the heart of its goal (1). This essay explores the complex field of biotechnology and considers how it might help us understand nature’s

mysteries and move toward a more sustainable future is represented in fig 1.

Figure 1. Different aspects of sustainable Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a broad field of study that uses living things, biological systems, or their byproducts to create technologies and products with a range of uses. Fundamentally, biotechnology offers alternatives to traditional methods that frequently deplete finite resources and worsen the environment, holding up the promise of sustainability.

Bioprocess technology, which includes the design, optimization, and management of biological processes to generate useful products or services, is the foundation of biotechnology. Bioprocesses use the metabolic processes of cells, enzymes, and microbes to transform basic materials into desired products. This strategy has enormous promise for long-term fixes in a variety of fields, including environmental cleanup, healthcare, and agriculture. Through the use of microbial symbiosis, scientists have created biopesticides and biofertilizers that improve soil health and lessen the need for chemical inputs. Bioprocess technology provides environmentally friendly substitutes for conventional chemical synthesis techniques in the manufacturing sector. Biotechnologists use renewable feedstocks to create a broad range of bio-based chemicals, polymers, and medicines through fermentation and enzymatic catalysis. These bio-based goods pave the way for a greener industry by reducing dependency on fossil fuels and lessening the negative environmental effects of chemical manufacturing processes. Biological agents are used in bioremediation, one of the most exciting uses of bioprocess technology, to break down or sequester environmental toxins. Because of their extraordinary metabolic capacities, microorganisms are able to degrade a variety of pollutants, such as heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and persistent organic pollutants. Bioremediation is an economical and ecologically beneficial method of cleaning up contaminated locations and repairing ecosystems by utilizing the power of microbial communities.

Biotechnology has enormous potential, but in order to fulfill its promise of sustainability, a number of issues must be resolved. These include ethical and legal issues related to genetic engineering and bioprospecting, as well as technological obstacles including scalability, process optimization, and cost-effectiveness. However, biotechnology has the ability to transcend these obstacles and propel revolutionary change in the direction of a more sustainable future with sustained research, innovation, and cross-disciplinary cooperation. Unlocking nature’s secrets through biotechnology holds promise for addressing the complex challenges facing our planet. By utilizing the strength of biological systems responsibly, we can pave the way towards a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come

Certainly! Here’s a simplified tabular format outlining some potential job prospects in biotechnology:

Job Title	Description
Biomedical Engineer	Design and develop medical devices, equipment, and software used in healthcare settings.
Biotechnologist	Conduct research to develop new products, processes, and techniques in biotechnology.
Biochemist	Study the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms.
Genetic Counselor	Provide guidance to individuals and families regarding genetic disorders and testing options.
Pharmaceutical Scientist	Develop and test new drugs and medications, ensuring safety and efficacy.
Clinical Research Associate	Coordinate and monitor clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness of new medical treatments.
Microbiologist	Study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and their interactions with humans.
Bioinformatics Specialist	Analyze and interpret biological data using computational tools and techniques.
Regulatory Affairs Manager	Ensure compliance with government regulations and guidelines in the biotechnology industry.
Quality Control Analyst	Test and inspect biotechnological products to ensure they meet quality standards.

This is just a snapshot of some potential job roles within the field of biotechnology. The field is diverse and continuously evolving, offering a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science.

Reference:

Ulrich A.K. Betz, Loukik Arora, Reem A. et al. Game changers in science and technology – now and beyond, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Volume 193, 2023, 122588, ISSN 0040-1625, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122588.

Information and Communication Technology and Smart Education

What challenges do we encounter as a teacher?

As a teacher I have to face several challenges in the context of the education system in India where the classrooms are filled with heterogeneous learners and one of them is to get going the passive, non-interactive, non-performing learners. The heterogeneous learners in India are composed of multi-lingual and multi-cultural students who belong to diverse social categories such as gender, religion, and caste, and also to different economic strata. They hail from a curious mix of different and sometimes largely uneven educative institutional cultures. Further, they display varying levels of competence in language communication in general, and English language communication in specific. Altogether, they reflect and embody the complex differential phenomenological histories within the ambit of education.

The Problem at Hand

Due to the varying intensities of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the teaching-learning mechanism at that time was being conducted in the virtual mode through the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based tools. Apart from immediate challenges that threatened continuous seamless teaching-learning process, such as, the digital divide, disparate and incommensurate life conditions at homes, I have faced daunting tasks of being unable to reach out and communicate with a group of students who remained inert during the class sessions. The conventional strategies of attempting to ensure their participation in most of the learning, assessment, and evaluation procedures proved futile. This compelled me to ponder and introspect on the practical pedagogical formulations which interacts heavily and regularly with the domain of ICT. It appeared that the philosophical-theoretical debates on the role of ICT in education and the practical-pedagogical challenges involved therein have hitherto remained focused on motivated learners. The passive, non-interactive, and non-performing learners (our target learners) in the classroom have remained discursively excluded. Thus, the immediate challenge for me is to make attempts at involving the target learners’ in the institutional educative process.

Developing Metacognition through ICT Based Education

At my university, I offer courses in Linguistics and Communicative English. In the Communicative English classes what I observed is that I have always received feeble responses from the target learners in a number of task based activities. It was a “story-telling task” that struck chords with the learners. During the “story-telling task” (assessing coherence and cohesion of ideas among the learners) that was conducted twice – without and with ICT tools – it was noted that during the former, the target learners showed memory failure, difficulties in mapping contexts & events, lack of comprehension about the text generated by the previous participants, and that culminated in the overall failure to understand the text narrative. However, later when the same task was executed with image cards, and power point presentation over a Learning Management System (LMS) platform, the target learners could successfully fulfill the assigned tasks. During self-assessment, they unanimously chose visual perception as a stimulus that facilitated in understanding, remembering, analyzing, applying, and creating their knowledge level. It was the first time that the learners not only participated in the activity, but also were actively engaged in self-assessment and evaluation processed. They finally opened up and started regularly articulating themselves in the teaching-learning sessions. The above instance and the outcomes that it generated actually led me to furthermore dwell on the relational aspects of ICT tools in inducing the metacognitive faculties of the target learners. It has been found that ICT based language teaching meta-cognitively empowers the target learners, offers them alternative strategies to claim their space within the educational fold, articulate their self and aspirations.

Information and Communication Technology Based Education and Enhancement of Critical Thinking

With rapid strides in the global technical and digital advancements, newer ways, avenues, and modes of learning have emerged. ICT services and tools have assumed the formal incorporation into what is understood to be Smart Education that thrives on modern existing & emergent technologies of customized learning. The new smart technology enables education to be more learner-centric, where the learner can exercise principal choices in the elaborate knowledge acquisition procedure, and secure autonomy to take responsibility of the learning process. As a result, the learner emerges as a key agent in the field of education. Through the meeting of individuated requirements or customized formations, smart technology provides several alternatives in terms of knowledge sources for prospective learners to engage in learning activities. Consequently, it increases the learners’ participation, and also promises ample scope for the learners and the learning process to be interactive. Thus, ICT based smart education has transformed the landscape of education by replacing the erstwhile lecture based and teacher-centric process of knowledge exchange. With the sole focus on the learner, smart education seems to provide the former with increased motivation. Two contrasting features appear to operate simultaneously in this field – one, fragmentation of knowledge & atomized individualization of the learner, and two, assembly of fragmented knowledge to generate an impression of a ‘holistic’ view of knowledge content, and cultivation of academic solidarity of the learners within crystallized communities. ICT as a support for smart education provides several benefits, like: easy access to reading and other study materials, continuation of learning outside the classroom space, online discussion forums, enables teachers and learners to render the study process more flexible, and focuses on the principle of individualization based on different interests, levels of competence & expertise, and needs.

Apart from the pedagogic advantages offered by ICT mediated instruction, the faculty of critical thinking can be developed as learners engage with tools, discuss, experiment, collaborate, make decisions, and solve problems using various tools. Moreover, in ICT mediated learning, the control on the entire learning process consisting of aims & objectives of a particular lesson, the specific kind or sort of information & knowledge that needs to be accessed, the time factor as to when it would be accessed, the utilization of the information-data-knowledge, securing the outcomes of the learning, qualitative and quantitative assessment & evaluation of the learning rests on the learner. ICT mediated education establishes self-regulated learning process, where the learners are aware of what, why, and how they are learning. Technology based learning (in particular, e-learning) enables the teaching-learning process to be more flexible as it takes into consideration the needs of different learners depending upon their levels of competence – basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. They can plan, monitor, and evaluate their own learning process. The minute constitutive process adds on to the critical thinking capacity of the learner in this case.

In order to develop critical thinking skill and analytical skill, the learning environment needs to be conducive and learner friendly. ICT tools like various learning applications, different types of software, videos, images, audio files, power point presentations, among others, simulate a ‘constructivist’ classroom wherein the learners can engage in long-term learning process, constructing their own learning by asking questions and finding better approaches to solve the problems. The ICT mediated classroom makes the learning process more interesting as ideas and information can be presented in different forms such as images, video clips, audio clips, tables, graphs, and even multimedia. The emergence of World Wide Web associated with internet has compelled stake holders within the academia to invent new forms of learning that would add significantly to the creation of learner’s autonomy and its enhancement as well.

Considering that this blog focuses solely on English as Second Language Acquisition (ESLA) and TESLA, it may be claimed that ICT provides the language learners the opportunity of real-life exposure to the technical and socio-cultural aspects of language communication by giving them an insight into those who speak the target language as their native language. For example, through digital platforms such as emails (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, et.al), social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, Face Time, professional networking sites such as LinkedIn, and other video conferencing applications such as Google Meet, Zoom, and Cisco Webex platforms to name a few, language learners can interact with native speakers and this enables them to understand the communicative culture of the target language speakers. That in turn facilitates the language learning process for the non-native speakers. ICT tools such as Interactive whiteboards, power point presentations, video clips, and images, they provide stimulating visual aids as a productive strategy to support the comprehending, understanding, and using of the target language in real contexts. In ICT mediated learning, the learners have freedom to access information and control their own learning speed. It makes the language learners aware of the whole learning process. The learners can consciously adopt preferable language learning strategies as per their need. This further intends to establish a more action/outcome based learning.

While using technology to plan their learning goals and outcomes, the learner becomes aware of one’s own cognitive process, which further inculcates self-regulation of learning objectives and active monitoring of the learning process. Thus, the arena of language learning and knowledge acquisition gets invested with neural vectors with the predominant intersection of a complex network involving cognitive, supra-cognitive, and metacognitive practices for the fulfillment of broader goals.

Building Resilience: Thriving in the Corporate World

Resilience, the term refers to the capacity of a person to bounce back from adversity or setbacks or thrive during times of change or challenge. It is not a fixed trait of a person rather it grows as a result of ‘learnable’ behaviors with outcomes that interact to make you and your group less vulnerable to stress. Whether you’re dealing with the acute stress of sudden challenges or the chronic stress of daily life, simple daily actions can increase your resilience.

Indeed, we are all resilient to some extent and it is also a fact that we can become even more resilient at times when it requires. A wealth of research points to four factors that help people, groups, and organizations to become more agile and effective under times of stress. The acronym REAL serves as a mnemonic which refers to Relationships, Efficacy, Affect, and Learning.

Relationships: We are far more resilient when we are engaged, supported and motivated with and by others. Our ties to others make us stronger, happier, more creative and even more resilient to challenges.

Efficacy: Believing that we make a difference, that we have control and that our actions matter, also builds resilience. Efficacy is about having goals and aspirations and the confidence that we can reach them.

Affect: Positive affect means when we experience positive emotions such as happiness, joy, optimism, satisfaction, gratitude, peace, and humor then our bodies got relaxed, our physical stress including blood pressure decreases. Positive affect makes us more creative and better able to find solutions and cope with stress.

Learning: When we learn lessons, meaning and peace in our traumas, injuries and stress then we are better able to move on, understanding that we have grown, matured, and strengthened as a result of the challenges we have faced.

Why Resilience?

Resilience is something which you need to protect from bad mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. It can help you deal with things that increase the risk of mental health conditions, such as being bullied or having trauma. Thus, resilience can help you cope well especially in a condition when you have mental health issue.

When you have resilience, you harness the inner strength that helps you rebound from a setback or challenge, such as a job loss, an illness, a disaster or a loved one’s death. If you lack resilience, you might get stuck on problems or feel like a victim. You might feel burdened or turn to ways to cope that aren’t healthy, such as drug or alcohol use, eating disorders, or risky behaviors.

Resilience won’t make your problems go away. But resilience can help you see past them, find ways to enjoy life and better handle stress. If you aren’t as resilient as you’d like to be, you can learn skills to become more resilient.

What are the types of Resilience?

The word resilience is often used on its own to represent overall adaptability and coping, but it can be broken down into different types:

Psychological resilience: psychological resilience as the ability to mentally cope with or adapt to uncertainty, challenges, and adversity. It is sometimes referred to as “mental fortitude.” People who exhibit psychological resilience develop coping strategies and skills that enable them to remain calm and focused during a crisis and move on without long-term negative consequences, including distress and anxiety.
Emotional resilience: Emotionally resilient people understand what they’re feeling and why. They tap into realistic optimism, even when dealing with a crisis, and are proactive in using both internal and external resources to get through. They are able to manage external stressors and their own emotions in a healthy and positive way.
Physical resilience: Physical resilience refers to the body’s ability to adapt to challenges, maintain stamina and strength, and recover quickly and efficiently. It’s a person’s ability to function and recover when faced with illness, accidents, or other physical demands. Healthy lifestyle choices, connections with friends and neighbors, deep breathing, time well spent to rest and recover and engagement in enjoyable activities all play a role in physical resilience.
Community resilience: Community resilience refers to the ability of groups of people to respond to and recover from adverse situations, such as natural disasters, acts of violence, economic hardship, and other challenges to the group as a whole.
Business resilience: Business resilience is the ability of an organization to quickly adapt to disruptions while maintaining continuous business operations and safeguarding people, assets and overall brand equity.
Organizational resilience: Ability of an organization to anticipate, prepare for, respond and adapt to incremental change and sudden disruptions in order to survive and prosper.
Operational resilience: Ability to deliver critical operations in the face of disruption.
Cyber resilience: Ability of an organization to enable business acceleration by preparing for, responding to, and recovering from cyber threats. A cyber-resilient organization can adapt to known and unknown crises, threats, adversities, and challenges.
Supply chain resilience: Ability to respond quickly to operational disruptions through flexible contingency planning and forecasting – from material sourcing to logistics and the final delivery of products and services.

How can an individual build their resilience in the workplace?

By developing a variety of effective strategies that reduce vulnerability and susceptibility to stress such as;

Understanding the basic elements of resilience
Practicing Mindfulness
Developing mental agility
Taking regular breaks from work
Positivity
Emotional Insight/Intelligence
Spirituality
Balance/Work Life Balance
Reflection

Tips for building resilience in the corporate world

Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is the foundation of resilience. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity. Self-care also involves setting boundaries and taking time for yourself to recharge and refocus. By prioritizing self-care, employees can reduce stress, boost their energy levels, and improve their overall wellbeing.
Focus on what you can control: It is important to understand that there will always be situations and circumstances that are beyond our control. Instead of dwelling on these things, focus on what you can control, such as your attitude and approach to the situation. By focusing on what you can control, employees can reduce stress and improve their resilience.
Embrace change: Change is inevitable in the corporate world. Embracing change, rather than resisting it, will help you to be more flexible and adaptable in the face of adversity. By embracing change, employees can see new opportunities and find creative solutions to the challenges they face.
Cultivate a positive attitude: A positive attitude can help you to see challenges as opportunities for growth and development. Focus on the good in every situation and look for ways to make the best of it. A positive attitude can help employees to maintain perspective and to see the silver lining in difficult situations.
Seek support: Building resilience is not something that can be done alone. Seek support from colleagues, friends, and family when you need it. Having a strong network of support can provide you with the encouragement and motivation you need to push through difficult times. Additionally, seeking support can help employees to build their resilience by learning from others and sharing their experiences.
Learn from failure: Failure is an inevitable part of life, but it is also an opportunity for growth and learning. When faced with failure, take a step back, reflect on what went wrong, and use this experience to improve for the future.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment and focusing on what is happening right now. This can help you to stay calm and focused in the face of adversity and maintain perspective.

Develop a growth mindset: Having a growth mindset means that you believe that your abilities and qualities can be developed through hard work and dedication. This mindset will help you to approach challenges with a sense of determination and confidence.

Increase of Heat: Major Hassle

Summary:

All over the globe, climate change has been a major issue, especially after 2000s. Hot days are becoming more common and hotter over the world. According to statistics, in India heat waves are increasing by five-six events every year. This immoderate heat is taking many lives. Let’s talk about it and make an effort to comprehend so that we can take action.

Reasons:

As we all know “Global warming” is the main reason behind almost every environmental issue. The burning of fossil fuels, logging of forests, and raising livestock all have a rising impact on the climate and temperature of the planet. In a nutshell, it tells us who is responsible for such weather conditions.

Burning fossil fuels, cutting down forest, powering buildings, excessive use of personal transportation, air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosol, foam blowing agents causes gases like CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) which is depleting the ozone layer. The stratospheric ozone depletion when CFCs persist in the stratosphere, they split oxygen atoms off ozone (O³) to form oxygen (O²).

This increases the greenhouse effect and causes global warming by adding a significant amount of greenhouse gases to those that are already present in the atmosphere.

The major greenhouse gases are water vapour, which contributes about 36-70% of the greenhouse effect, carbon dioxide (CO²), which contributes 9-26%, methane (CH⁴), which contributes 4-9%, and ozone (O³), which contributes 3-7%.

Meaning of Heat Wave:

Firstly we have to understand what is heat wave. It is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or deviation to normal. In simple words, it is a condition of air temperature which becomes tragic to human body.

Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40^oC or more for Plains and at least 30^oC or more for Hilly regions.

In India, heat wave mostly happens from March through June, with a few uncommon instances even occurring in July. May is when the heat wave in India reaches its height. This year in Kolkata, during mid April the temperature rose up to 43^oC which led the government to close all the educational institutes.

Effects of Heat waves on Environment:

Without a corresponding rise in precipitation, heat wave can cause water shortages and increased stress for plants, especially in desert areas. As a result, there will be less plant growth, which is the foundation for energy production and the food chain, and a general drying up of the landscape.

In some parts of Europe, heat wave damaged trees, accelerated leaf fall, and converted carbon-sink landscapes into sources of carbon, releasing more CO² into the atmosphere than was taken in.

Forest fires, which now frequently accompany heat wave, can start and spread quickly under these hot, dry circumstances. It burned more than 15 million hectares of forest, vegetation, and peat land, and crucially in areas devoid of fire-tolerant species. This was the hottest summer in 130 years.

Heat waves can hasten glacier melt and dry up shallow aquatic ecosystems. Five times greater than the typical yearly loss, the European heat wave caused a 10% loss in glacier mass. The French Alps saw similar effects in 2019. Such deep permafrost warming and thawing could eventually lead to landslides and rock collapses, extending the detrimental effects on the environment.

Heat Wave Effecting Economic Condition:

During heat wave, worker productivity is lower in many economic sectors, particularly in agriculture and construction. It is estimated that 2% of all working hours are lost annually due to either workers being unable to function in the heat or having to work more slowly. By 2030, it is anticipated that lost productivity from workplace heat stress will cost $4.2 trillion annually, primarily in poorer nations, increasing inequality.

Hotter temperatures are expected to have a greater impact on the agricultural sector, where 940 million people make their living, pushing workers, crops, and cattle past their physiological heat and drought tolerances. Loss of workers, poorer harvests for farmers, higher prices for consumers, and other negative effects will occur.

How Heat Wave is affecting humans?

The most serious heat-related condition is heat stroke. It happens when the body loses the ability to regulate its temperature. The sweating process fails, body temperature increases quickly, and the body is unable to cool itself.

Between 1979 and 2018, the death rate as a direct result of exposure to heat generally hovered between 0.5 and 2 deaths per million people, with spikes in certain years.

In India, heat waves have claimed the lives of almost 6,500 people since 2010, and several cities experienced record-breaking temperatures last year. According to scientists, climate change is causing South Asia’s hot spells to become harsher and more frequent.

Precautions to Stay Safe:

Since the heat is rising rapidly, these are the small precautions one take to avoid health issues caused by heat.

Avoid being outside in the sun, especially between noon and three in the afternoon.

Drink enough water and as often as you can, even if you’re not thirsty.

When the temperature is high outside, stay away from physical activity.

Avoid dehydrating substances including alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft beverages.

Eat fresh food and stay away from high-protein foods.

Necessary Measures:

In order to lessen the detrimental effects of excessive heat, the government has started the Heat-Wave Action Plan seeks to establish a framework for the execution, coordination, and assessment of extreme heat response operations in Indian cities and towns.

The goal of the heat-wave action plan is to get people and communities involved in preventing avoidable health issues for their loved ones during periods of extremely hot weather. This strategy might be helpful to broadcast media and alerting organizations as well. General, social, and economic services may also be disrupted by intense and protracted heat waves. To prepare for and respond to heat waves locally, government agencies will therefore need to collaborate closely with the departments of health and other relevant entities to develop a long-term strategic plan.

Even only one person can make an effort to change the world. Therefore we all should start taking care of Mother Nature by not wasting natural goods like cutting down forests, burning fossil fuels, wasting water and so on.

Geography Unleashed: Exploring the Evolution and Opportunities of Geoinformatics

Gone are the days when Geography was merely about memorizing names of places and geographical features. Today, it’s a dynamic field where geographers are not just observers but questioners. They delve into the intricacies of spatial phenomena, asking where places are, what they’re like, why events occur, who is involved, and how things happen. This shift in approach has not only revitalized Geography but has also opened up a world of opportunities for those passionate about exploration, environmental analysis, community engagement, and even for tech enthusiasts like computer programmers and data scientists.

The integration of Geoinformatics into Geography marked a paradigm shift. Traditionally focused on studying spatial patterns and relationships using maps and physical data, Geography now integrates advanced technologies and data analytics through Geoinformatics. This evolution has expanded the scope of Geography, enabling researchers to delve deeper into spatial analysis, predictive modeling, and real-time monitoring of dynamic phenomena. Geoinformatics has blurred the boundaries between physical and digital landscapes, allowing geographers to explore complex spatial interactions, understand environmental changes, and address societal challenges with unprecedented precision and efficiency. This technological fusion has not only modernized classical Geography but has also created vast job opportunities globally.

Imagine a world where every location, from your favorite pizza place to areas impacted by natural disasters, is seamlessly connected through digital mapping and spatial analysis. This is the realm of Geoinformatics, a field that has revolutionized how we perceive, analyze, and interact with geographical data. At Adamas University, the M.Sc. Geoinformatics program opens doors to a myriad of opportunities in this exciting domain.

Mapping the Future: Geoinformatics isn’t just about maps; it’s about transforming data into actionable insights. From identifying optimal routes for transportation to predicting environmental changes, Geoinformatics professionals play a crucial role in shaping our world’s future.
Diverse Career Paths: A degree in Geoinformatics opens doors to diverse career paths. You could be a GIS Analyst, unraveling spatial patterns for resource management. Or perhaps an Image Analyst, decoding satellite imagery for environmental monitoring. The possibilities are as vast as the data you’ll work with.
Technological Edge: Geoinformatics is at the forefront of technology. You’ll dive into Digital Image Processing, Remote Sensing, and Machine Learning, gaining hands-on experience with tools that drive innovation in fields like agriculture, urban planning, and disaster response.
Research and Innovation: Adamas University fosters a culture of research and innovation in Geoinformatics. You’ll collaborate with experts, dive into cutting-edge projects, and have the opportunity to publish your findings, contributing to the global discourse on spatial science.
Real-World Applications: Geoinformatics isn’t confined to the classroom. Field projects, internships in industry, and visits to research institutes immerse you in real-world scenarios. You’ll see firsthand how your skills can make a tangible impact on issues ranging from climate change to public health.
Specializations for Every Passion: Whether your interest lies in natural resource management, climate modeling, or urban planning, Adamas University offers specializations that align with your passion. You’ll tailor your education to match your career aspirations, setting the stage for a fulfilling professional journey.
Global Connections: Geoinformatics transcends borders. With national and international research collaborations, you’ll be part of a global network of professionals, gaining insights from diverse perspectives and expanding your horizons.
Career Acceleration: The demand for Geoinformatics professionals is on the rise. With Adamas University’s emphasis on industry relevance and practical skills, you’ll be well-equipped to seize exciting career opportunities in public and private sectors alike.

In essence, Geoinformatics is not just a degree—it’s a gateway to a dynamic career where every data point has the potential to drive meaningful change. At Adamas University, the M.Sc. Geoinformatics program empowers you to navigate this ever-evolving landscape, turning your passion for spatial science into a rewarding profession.

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Pharmaceutical Technology: The Blessings for Advanced Healthcare

With the release of COVID-19, the focus of the globe has shifted to developing vaccines to combat the coronavirus, leading to a significant increase in the awareness of pharmacy branches. As a result, we can state that no one on the planet can dispute the need for the creation and use of pharmaceuticals and other medications, and as a result, the study of medicine will never be considered out of date.
In the contemporary world, pharmaceutical technology and sciences, encompassing multiple degrees like D. Pharm, B. Pharma, and M. Pharm, is the most renowned undergraduate and graduate programme, particularly in India. Its popularity can be attributed to the vast array of employment opportunities these programmes offer.

The Pharmaceutical Council of India (PCI), an authorized government organisation, fully regulates degree programmes. Pharmacy practices are covered in pharmacy courses, along with the many components of pharmaceutical science and its building blocks, including biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, ethics, and many more.

Opportunities & Promises

Since pharmacy is a programme that is entirely focused on careers, graduates and postgraduates have several options. The student can choose to pursue academics and further their education by pursuing an M. Pharm or Ph.D. degree to gain more research expertise. Students can work in a variety of pharmacy-related fields both in India and outside as:

Pharmacovigilance officer/drug safety specialist: this person keeps an eye on a drug’s effects after it has been approved for use, especially to identify and evaluate any side effects that have not yet been reported.
• A chemist, who is a qualified professional who manages all matters pertaining to drugs and medicine.
• Pharmacies and related industries: Private pharmaceutical multinational corporations (MNCs) are made up of many departments, including those responsible for drug manufacture, quality control, quality assurance, and packaging.
• Drug Inspector: An expert who assesses a drug’s quality, efficacy, and effectiveness before taking measures to preserve it.
Quality control analyst: guarantees regulatory compliance and the safety of the medication in a range of scenarios.
Pharmacologist- Examine the effects of medicines on biological processes. To determine what impact particular medications might have on humans by conducting the in-vitro study or in vivo research.
• Health inspectors: Law enforcement personnel who also take other steps to safeguard the public’s health.
A medical/scientific writer is an expert who evaluates a patient based on their medical history and evaluates the risk associated with providing life and health insurance to the policyholder.
• Drug Technician/Licensed Healthcare Provider: Pharmacy technicians assist with prescription processing and handling, drug inventory tracking, and customer and pharmacy records.

Pros of studying at Adamas University to pursue a D. Pharm, B. Pharm, M. Pharm, or Ph.D.

The TIMES-Best institutes for studies 2023 in West Bengal rank Adamas University, located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, seventh among schools of medical and health sciences (SOHMS) and pharmaceutical technology (DOPT). This allows students to pursue degrees in pharmaceutical sciences and technology, including D. Pharm, B. Pharm, M. Pharm (pharmaceutics and pharmacology), and Ph.D.
Credits for theories, practicals, internships with hospitals and pharmaceutical businesses, and project work are all included in the course curriculum. Renowned professors and faculty members provide students with in-depth education in the study areas so they can absorb the concepts properly. The department is fully prepared with innovative lab technology, a dedicated department library, the ability to host both national and international conferences and seminars, and an animal home for drug studies.

The Emergence of Neural Network Engines in the Game of Chess

Neural networks have been increasingly used in the gaming industry in recent years, revolutionizing the way we play, learn, and interact with games. Neural networks can be used in various aspects of game development, including game design, graphics, and game-play. One of the primary uses of neural networks in gaming is in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Game developers use neural networks to create intelligent agents that can learn and adapt to game environments, providing a more realistic and immersive experience for players. These intelligent agents can be used to create more challenging opponents in games, as well as to improve the performance of non-player characters (NPCs) in games.

The emergence of neural network engines in the game of chess has revolutionized the way we approach the game. Chess has been a popular game for centuries, and it has always been associated with strategic thinking and intelligence. In the past, chess engines relied on brute force calculations to determine the best moves. However, with the advancements in machine learning and the development of neural networks, chess engines have become more sophisticated.

Neural network engines use a combination of algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze and evaluate chess positions. They are capable of analyzing a vast amount of data, including previous games, positions, and strategies, to determine the best moves for any given situation. The neural network engines can also learn and adapt to new situations, which means they can continue to improve and become more accurate over time.

AlphaZero – The Self-Taught Chess Engine that Defeated the World’s Strongest Chess Engine

One of the most famous examples of a neural network engine in chess is AlphaZero, developed by Google’s DeepMind. AlphaZero is a self-taught chess engine that learned to play the game by playing against itself using reinforcement learning techniques. It was able to beat the world’s strongest chess engine, Stockfish, after just four hours of training.

Impact of Neural Network Engines in Chess – New Interest and Advancements in AI Research

The emergence of neural network engines in the game of chess has sparked new interest in the game, as players can now learn from these engines and use their insights to improve their own strategies. It has also led to new research in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence, as developers continue to explore the potential of these technologies in other areas. Overall, the emergence of neural network engines in the game of chess has been a game-changer, and it will be exciting to see where this technology takes us in the future.

Overall, neural networks have greatly impacted the gaming industry, providing new ways to create, design, and play games. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovations in the gaming industry through the use of neural networks and other forms of artificial intelligence.

Digitalization in Higher Education Institutions and Scope of Research

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense impact on education and learning across the globe. The sudden close-down of educational institutions severely affected the ongoing learning process among students. Despite apprehensions about instant damage control, what rose to prominence was the digital mode of teaching and learning. However, adjusting to this new format or the new learning environment wasn’t an easy task at all. This form of re-imagination or digital revolution is still an ongoing process that requires to be dealt with patience and positive might. In case of Research also digitalization helps a lot to collect data and different information easily.

Integration of technological advancement in classroom set-ups (education) is one among the burning issues that have layed-up critical significance in contemporary times. There has been an initiation to transform the online deliverance of lectures and readdress the traditional foundation of the education sector. Usage of slide screens, smart-boards, projectors, and computers in classrooms is a thumbs up for the students, as they get to acknowledge the concerning areas of study in an effectual manner. Initiation of technology within the classrooms has significantly abated the number of absentees, as they have started enjoying the digitally appealing learning method.

Technology is nowadays conveniently used as an active portal to assess and exchange interpretation, feedback or criticism between instructors and students. Thus, digital technology has been a stirring game-changer in getting under the way of change and remodeling of the teaching-learning process. Digital learning, unlike the traditional ‘white chalk and blackboard teaching’, focuses on technological inclusion in learning- which can be done in a more desirable, personalized and delightful way- by literally initiating learning anytime, anywhere, irrespective of time, place, space and almost with any feasible device. The rising visibility of digital space has proliferated students’ engagement (to a significant extent) as it brings in flexibility. The trial, however, lies in concocting a conducive and appropriate atmosphere or set-up and obtainability of resources that amplify the will of the students to partake in this process of teaching-learning.

Despite the fact that online learning is gathering sensation and popularity among the masses, it is highly debatable whether it is the rightful beneficiary or replacement to the traditional means of education. Holding examinations with the help of proctors or creating a learning environment that is secure and authentic is a significant challenge. Often the academic deliverances suffer backlashes due to lack of inter-participation and low level of motivation in teachers and students. Consequently, ‘digital fatigue’ impacts their respective performances, thus minimizing productivity.

The emergence of the internet as a profound repository of information and knowledge has caused a reversal of the traditional library and transposed it to virtual service environments. However, new-age strategies like ‘digital promotion’ are quite hyped as it engages enrolment in digital courses. Research has reported digital promotions by HEIs for about 26% of online admissions. E-Granthalaya library management system developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC) is a valuable database for library services.

Talking ‘Cloud computing is a technology base that stores data and provides access to multimedia content via the internet. It enables data security owing to network backups. Further, Artificial intelligence (AI) has simplified the teaching methodology and facilitated a personalized learning experience by enhancing adaptability in online learning technologies. Keeping in view the steady rise, cloud computing in HEIs is expected to grow by 26% by 2027.

‘Mixed Reality is an amalgamation of augmented and virtual reality. It has been created with audio-visual techniques to look very identical to the real world. This technique is used to levitate the niche of students in digital gaming, design thinking in engineering, robotics, and training related to medical sciences. Another open-source platform that needs to be discussed is ‘blockchain technology’ where “digital records are stored as a ledger.” It redressed transparency, eliminated corruption and worked towards technological improvements in HEIs.

India has taken some concrete and much-awaited transformational initiatives to truly transform higher education in recent times such as-SWAYAM, SWAYAM Prabha, National Digital Library (NDL), e-Shodh Sindhu, Virtual Labs, e-Yantra, e-Acharya, E-Kalpa, Free and Open Source Software for Education (FOSSEE), e-Vidwan, Spoken Tutorial (a ‘talk to a teacher’ initiative taken by MoE), NAD, BADAL, DigiLocker, e-PG Pathshala, etc.

There are three digital literacy levels: digital competence, professional or discipline application, and innovation or creativity. Here the author described the first level as the ability to use the keyboard, evaluate, critical thinking, intellectual approaches such as consciousness about autodidact, attitude as a learner, as a peer, and perspective about the digital function in our society. The second level is all about the digital competencies in professional sectors. Level three describes the transformation of digital technology by using technology to create something innovative and new.

In India, the digital literacy scenario is like this: more than 35% of citizens use the internet without formal training. For that reason, the government of India 2018 launched a digital literacy programme to provide awareness to mass. The central government stresses the Digital India concept to turn one governance, improve electronic services and products, and produce job opportunities for young Indians. The government is also trying to provide high-speed internet for the digital accreditation of citizens; these aims all are included in National e-Governance Plan (NEGP). The vision of another programme, Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) or National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) to provide awareness and training. There are two levels of training: 1 includes Appreciation of Digital Literacy, which makes a person able to use digital devices like mobile phones and receive or send mail. Level 2 is all about the higher level of training for e-Governance services. Such agencies will organize DISHA as NIOS, IGNOU, and NIELIT.

The scope of research increased due to these facilities.

The novel coronavirus has significantly swapped the dimension of modern-day education, even though digital education is an effective and feasible option in digitally equipped countries. However, there’s a lacuna (concerning this) yet to be filled up in developing or under-developed countries. There is a rising perturb that the involvement of ICT might transform India into an information society. Still, a very poignant question lies herein, if technology alone can improve the standard of higher education in the country!

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF EFFECTIVE LEARNING AND TEACHING: A GUIDE FOR ASPIRING EDUCATORS

Introduction: In the vast landscape of Education, the role of a teacher extends far beyond imparting knowledge; it encompasses nurturing minds, fostering growth, and inspiring lifelong learning. Aspiring educators embark on this journey with a fervent passion for making a difference in the lives of their students. However, to truly excel in the field of education, one must explore deeper into the core principles that underpin effective learning and teaching. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the intricate dynamics of learning and teaching, offering insights and strategies that will empower educators to unlock the secrets of educational excellence.

Objectives:

To Educate Aspiring Educators: The primary objective is to provide aspiring educators with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles underlying effective learning and teaching.
To Explore Core Concepts: Aims to explore core concepts such as the nature of learning, factors influencing learning, learning paradigms, transfer of learning, and organization of learning experiences in depth.
To Empower Educators: By probing into various theories, strategies, and approaches, it seeks to empower educators with the knowledge, insights, and tools they need to create transformative learning experiences for their students.
To Promote Reflective Practice: Through reflection on their teaching practices in light of the concepts discussed, encourages educators to engage in reflective practice and continuously refine their instructional approaches.
To Foster Lifelong Learning: Ultimately, the goal is to inspire a commitment to lifelong learning among educators, equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary to adapt to the evolving needs of their students and the education landscape.

Fundamental Principles: here we will discuss the Fundamental Principles of Effective Learning and Teaching.

Understanding Learning: Learning is a multifaceted process that goes beyond the mere acquisition of information. It involves a series of cognitive and behavioural changes that occur as individuals engage with new concepts and experiences. Understanding the nature of learning as both a process and an outcome is essential for educators to design effective instructional strategies. Moreover, recognizing the various types of learning, including cognitive, affective, and psychomotor, enables educators to tailor their approaches to meet the diverse needs of their students. Additionally, gaining insights into the factors influencing remembering and forgetting, such as encoding, storage, and retrieval, equips educators with strategies for promoting long-term retention and meaningful learning experiences.

Factors Influencing Learning: Motivation serves as a driving force behind learning outcomes, shaping students’ engagement, persistence, and performance. Educators must understand the different types of motivation—whether intrinsic, arising from within the individual, or extrinsic, stemming from external rewards or punishments—and cultivate an environment that fosters a sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Furthermore, recognizing the teacher’s pivotal role in addressing various factors influencing learning, such as student engagement, self-efficacy, and goal setting, empowers educators to design instructional interventions that inspire and motivate their students.

Learning Paradigms: Exploring different learning paradigms provides educators with a rich repertoire of theories and approaches to inform their instructional practices. Behavioristic learning theories, such as connectionism and conditioning, focus on observable behaviours and the role of reinforcement in shaping learning outcomes. Cognitive learning theories, including Gestalt theory, discovery learning, and cognitive constructivism, emphasize the role of mental processes and the active construction of knowledge by learners. Additionally, social cognitive learning theories highlight the reciprocal interaction between individuals, their environment, and their behaviour, underscoring the importance of modelling, observation, and self-regulation. Furthermore, social constructivist learning theories, rooted in the work of theorists like Lev Vygotsky, emphasize the role of social interactions and collaborative learning in promoting cognitive development and knowledge construction. Finally, the humanistic viewpoint of learning, as espoused by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning, intrinsic motivation, and the fulfilment of individual potential.

Transfer of Learning: Facilitating the transfer of learning is crucial for ensuring that students can apply their knowledge and skills across different contexts and domains. Educators must understand the concept, importance, and types of transfer of learning, including near transfer, which involves applying knowledge to similar contexts, and far transfer, which involves applying knowledge to novel contexts. Additionally, exploring theories of transfer of learning, such as identical elements theory and generalization theory, provides insights into the mechanisms underlying transfer and informs instructional practices aimed at promoting transferable skills and metacognitive strategies.

Organization of Learning Experiences: Creating effective learning experiences requires careful planning, organization, and implementation. Recognizing the role of schools in providing guidance, promoting mental health, and facilitating co-curricular activities is essential for fostering holistic student development. Moreover, employing strategies for organizing learning experiences for diverse learners, such as differentiation, scaffolding, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), ensures that every student receives the support and resources they need to thrive. Additionally, incorporating technology-enhanced learning tools and resources, such as educational apps, interactive multimedia, and virtual simulations, expands opportunities for personalized and immersive learning experiences.

Conclusion: In conclusion, unlocking the secrets of effective learning and teaching is a journey of exploration, discovery, and growth. By understanding the intricate dynamics of learning and teaching, educators can create transformative learning experiences that inspire curiosity, ignite passion, and cultivate lifelong learners. Armed with knowledge, insights, and strategies, educators embark on a journey of impact and empowerment, shaping the future of education one student at a time. As aspiring educators, let us embrace this journey with enthusiasm, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Together, we have the power to unlock the potential of every learner and create a brighter future for generations to come.