Non-covalent functionalization of triazine framework decorated over reduced graphene oxide as a novel anode catalyst support for glycerol oxidation.

The electrocatalytic performance of platinum-gold(Pt-Au) nanoparticles decorated non-covalent functionalization of triazine framework derived from poly(cyanuric chloride-co-biphenyl) over reduced graphene oxide (Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO) was carried out for glycerol in basic medium and their oxidized products were analysed to support the enhanced activity. The surface morphology and the composition of the catalyst were obtained using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The electrooxidation results illustrate that the Pt-Au/Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO catalyst exhibits improved catalytic activity and stability when compared to that of Pt/Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO, Pt/Poly(CC-co-BP) and Pt/RGO catalysts. The better performed Pt-Au/Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO catalyst was used as electrode material for the fabrication of single test direct alkaline glycerol fuel cell. The fuel cell performance was tested by varying the concentration of glycerol and the temperature of the cell. The maximum power density of 122.96 mWcm-2 was obtained for Pt-Au/Poly(CC-co-BP)-RGO catalyst in single direct alkaline glycerol fuel cell under the optimum concentration of 2.0 M glycerol at 70 °C.

Impact of a Residential Rural Community-Based Training Program for Medical Students on Cognitive and Affective Domains of Learning in Community Medicine: A Mixed Methods Study.

INTRODUCTION: As part of undergraduate training in community medicine, students of 1st-year MBBS at our medical college in South India undergo rural residential community-based training called Rural Orientation Program (ROP). OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study the impact of ROP at a medical college in South India. METHODOLOGY: Short-term impact was studied immediately before and after ROP using a 30-item questionnaire administered to 142 students. Medium-term impact was studied among 23 students in 2nd-year MBBS. Quantitative component consisted of objective structured practical examination scores and qualitative component documented reflections on learnings. Long-term impact was studied by surveying 287 alumni (batches of 1979 onward) to explore the impact of ROP on their career. RESULTS: We found a significant (P < 0.001) improvement in the median posttest score (21, interquartile range [IQR]: 20-23) when compared to pretest (12, IQR: 10-16). The mean OSPE score was 19.34 ± 3.19 (maximum score = 25) with 54.55% obtaining a score ≥20. Thematic analysis of reflections depicted that students gained insights on factors influencing health and social organizations in rural areas. ROP helped develop empathy toward patients and a holistic approach toward health, in understanding rural dynamics and improved communication skills. CONCLUSION: ROP increases subject knowledge and plays a role in molding attitudes of students toward the care of people in rural areas and improves communication skills. This time-tested model can be replicated in other medical colleges across the country.