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November 2020 Follow us on Twitter: @ASCEpublishing

Great Gifts for Civil Engineers
Bridges 2021 Wall Calendar   Single Calendar $13.95 / each (plus S&H) Purchase Two or More $10.00 / each (plus S&H)   Order Now   Bridges 2021 celebrates the awesome combination of art and architecture that is the cornerstone of great engineering. These civil engineering masterpieces inspire photographers, too! Every photo in the calendar was selected from entries to ASCE's Bridges Photo Contest, and all winning photographers are identified.
Benjamin Wright Father of American Civil Engineering   By Steven M. Pennington, P.E., P.L.S.   In Benjamin Wright: Father of American Civil Engineering, Steven M. Pennington chronicles Wright’s life and varied career from country surveyor to his early work on America’s railroads. In 1839, he participated in organizational meetings of what would become the American Society of Civil Engineers which, in 1970, designated him the Father of American Civil Engineering.   Read More

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IIT Bombay reopens GATE 2021 application correction window, edit form by 23 November at gate.iitb.ac.in

 Source:

https://www.firstpost.com/india/iit-bombay-reopens-gate-2021-application-correction-window-edit-form-by-23-november-at-gate-iitb-ac-in-9027661.html

 GATE 2021 will be held in computer based mode and will be conducted for 27 subjects. Syllabi of all subjects have been revised

The GATE 2021 application correction window has been reopened by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay till 23 November. For editing the GATE 2021 application, candidates will have to visit gate.iitb.ac.in.

Applicants who have registered for GATE 2021 can make corrections in the contact address, university or college name and degree nomenclature free of cost. However, to edit the name or date of birth, one will have to pay Rs 500.

Before this, IIT Bombay had opened GATE 2021 application correction window between 28 October and 13 November. GATE 2021 will be conducted from 5 to 14 February.

How to make correction in GATE 2021 application:

Step 1: On Google, enter the url - gate.iitb.ac.in

Step 2: On the homepage, click on GATE Online Application Process System (GOAPS) link

Step 3: Enter enrolment ID or email address and password to log in

Step 4: Click on submit button

Step 5: Make corrections and pay fee (if applicable)

Step 6: Read all the entered details carefully and submit the form.

GATE 2021 will be held in computer based mode and will be conducted for 27 subjects. Syllabi of all subjects have been revised for GATE 2021, so candidates are advised to keep themselves updated.

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore and seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) - Bombay, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras and Roorkee - jointly hold Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).

Students take the GATE exam for seeking admission and financial assistance to postgraduate programmes with Ministry of Education and other government scholarships. GATE 2021 score will remain valid for three years from the date of declaration of the results. Some Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) also recruit candidates on the basis of their GATE score.

 

Ray of hope? Study claims Hepatitis C drugs can be effective against Covid-19

 Source: 

https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/ray-of-hope-study-claims-hepatitis-c-drugs-can-be-effective-against-covid-19/story-57X6PRGxTVWeZZYphDvlON.html

The study, conducted by the US’ Department of Energy, found that drugs used to treat Hepatitis C can be effective against Protease, a protein enzyme which has the ability to help Sars-Cov-2 spread in human cells.

Even as countries across the world are scrambling to find a vaccine against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), which has claimed more than a million lives, there might be some hope on the horizon. This “hope,” though, is not related to the development of a Covid-19 vaccine but, rather, with Hepatitis C disease.

A study conducted by the United States’ Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory has found that several drugs used to treat Hepatitis C can be effective against an enzyme, which has the ability to help Sars-Cov-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus disease or Covid-19, spread in human cells. The results of the study have been published in science journal Structures.

The study found that the enzyme, a protein enzyme called Protease, is used by Sars-Cov-2 to replicate itself once it has entered the human cell. In order to become a functional protein, Protease needs to cut a long chain of compounds that the virus expresses. It is the prevention of the functioning of the main Protease which can be used to stop the virus from spreading. It is here that the Hepatitis C drugs can be used.

The study was conducted as part of efforts to develop treatments for Covid-19 by repurposing existing drugs that are used for other viral diseases. As a part of this exercise, researchers looked at several drug molecules, including three Hepatitis C drugs, which are Protease inhibitors: telaprevir, narlaprevir and boceprevir. A technique called ‘in vitro enzyme kinetics’ was used to conduct the study.

No vaccine has been developed as yet to treat Covid-19 though several candidates are in different phases of trials across the globe. The disease has affected more than 56 million people and has claimed more than 1.3 million lives, a worldometers tally shows. As per the tally, nearly 40 million people, too, have recovered from the infection thus far.

 

 

National Pharmacy Week 2020, organised by IPA commences

 Source:

 https://www.expresspharma.in/events/national-pharmacy-week-2020-organised-by-ipa-commences/

Inaugurated by Prof Bejon Misra and Yogita Singh, the theme of the NPW this year is 'Pharmacists: Frontline Health Professionals'

The Indian Pharmaceutical Association-Delhi State Branch (IPADSB) in collaboration with Delhi Pharmaceutical Trust (DPT) celebrated the inaugural function of the 59th National Pharmacy Week (NPW) on November 15, 2020, at Hotel Legend Inn, New Delhi. The theme of the NPW this year is “Pharmacists: Frontline Health Professionals” and will be celebrated throughout the country from November 16-22, 2020.

IPA organises NPW during the third week of November every year to make all stakeholders aware of the presence of pharmacists in the society and to know the role played by registered pharmacists with respect to medicines, their usage, handling and dispensing.

The inaugural session started with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony by the dignitaries on the dais. Kalhan Bazaz, President of IPADSB, in his welcome address, said, “It’s time to up the ante and make a real, significant difference in days to come by acknowledging the importance of pharmacists in the society as ‘if no pharmacists, then no medicines’; ‘and if no medicines, then no Swasth Bharat’.”

The chief guest of the inaugural function, Prof Bejon Kumar Misra, an International Consumer Policy Expert & Founder Director of Patient Safety & Access Initiative of India Foundation (PSAIIF), said, “A recent survey by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network points out that nearly one in four cancer patients reported delays in their care because of the pandemic, including access to in-person appointments, imaging, surgery and other services. While we cannot wish away the current COVID-19 situation, we need to ensure that patients reach out to their healthcare professionals and follow their advice/consultation, on a routine basis. It is time that patients need to act responsibly and act now. Maintaining up-to-date records, schedules and regular consults with the doctors will go a long way in managing other health ailments with the help of the entire support system with the pharmacist as an integral part of the entire healthcare system.”

The Guest of Honour, Yogita Singh, President, BJP Mahila Morcha, Delhi Pradesh, in her address, extended all support for the various initiatives taken by IPADSB to combat COVID-19. She stated, “There is currently a shortfall in health facilities and support of entire healthcare professionals are needed including pharmacist which is an important chain of the entire health ecosystem. The healthcare services and systems in India are still developing and have challenges; however, the National Health Mission and Government’s commitment, adequate and affordable healthcare is under high pace of consideration.” She said that till the time a vaccine is available in the country, right education to the public will support the country to stand on its feet.

In his keynote address, Dr Naresh Sharma, Immediate Past President, IPADSB stated, “The main objective of this year’s theme is to acknowledge and thank all the pharmacists and pharmacy sectors who are working tirelessly during the time of great uncertainty and challenges in addition to the regular responsibilities of taking care of patients with minor illnesses or chronic diseases and making available the drugs with continuous supply chain management. Our pharmacists, as frontline workers are relieving the burden on the doctors, nurses and hospital emergency departments. I believe that society has definitely recognised the services rendered by pharmacists and the importance of pharmacy services during the pandemic situation and continues to do so hereafter.”

Prof Roop K Khar, Director, BS Anangpuria Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSAIPS), Faridabad, in his address stated, “There are three different stakeholders involved in pharma services. Firstly, NGOs which deal with patient care; secondly, the pharmacist is responsible for safe use of medicines; and thirdly, a section of the society especially political parties which are responsible for the welfare of people. These are three pillars of society which need to be integrated. Only then the objective of healthcare can be achieved.” He further informed, “Drugs & Cosmetics (D&C) Act and Rules is being revised by the Government currently. All pharmacists should participate in the revision of the D&C Act. Further, there should be introspection about what pharmacists have done in the last 50 years and what they want to achieve in the next 50 years. Even IPADSB will brainstorm and have SWOT analysis done so that the upcoming D&C Act can be given a new perspective and direction according to the regulatory point of view so that regulation can become stronger.”

Dr TV Narayana, National President, IPA, stated, “This year COVID-19 has shown the value of the pharmacists and the pharma profession add to healthcare settings. COVID-19 has shown the great potential of the pharmacy profession to contribute to public health and to the nation itself. Inspite of the challenges that the pharmacy profession is facing; during COVID-19 our pharmacists in industry, regulatory, community and hospitals worked very hard to maintain an uninterrupted supply of services. We salute the good work done by pharmacy professionals during this pandemic.”

On the occasion, Prof Bejon Misra and Prof Roop Khar released posters of the 59th NPW. Yogita Singh and Prof Farhan Ahmad released a Handbook on Pharmacy Management – Standard Operating Procedures authored by Dr Sangeeta Sharma, Professor & Head, Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS) & President of Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs. During the inaugural session, a stock of N95 mask (6-layered) was donated to IPADSB by Anjani Kumar Mishra, Managing Director (MD), Irvine Lifesciences for the campaign ‘Do Gaj Ki Doori Aur Mask Hai Zaroori’ and the masks will be distributed to the needy people throughout the week.

Other dignitaries present were Prof Farhan Ahmad, Dean, School of Interdisciplinary Sciences & Technology, Jamia Hamdard & Professor of Pharmaceutics at School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi; SL Nasa, President, Indian Hospital Pharmacists Association (IHPA); Dr Mymoona Akhter, Treasurer, IPADSB; Rajesh Agarwal, Executive Council Member, IPADSB; and Dr Ankur Kaul, Technical Officer ‘B’, INMAS, DRDO, Delhi.

Throughout the week, there will be webinars on the main theme of NPW on varied topics like ‘Role of pharmacist in COVID-19 crisis in India’, ‘Pharmacovigilance in COVID-19 pandemics’, ‘Recent developments in COVID-19 drugs’ or ‘vaccines & their challenges’, ‘Good storage practices’, ‘Telemedicine in India: its regulation & challenges’, and last but not least, a topic on IPR. IPADSB Student’s Forum has also lined up a number of online competitions to mark the NPW celebrations. The Week will end with a valedictory function that will be organised virtually by IPADSB.

 

 

 

Mumbai University semester exam may be online, over 25 MCQs likely

 Source:

 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mumbai-university-semester-exam-may-be-online-over-25-mcqs-likely/articleshow/79274750.cms

Mumbai University’s upcoming semester-end examinations for arts, science and commerce colleges will most likely be held in December and in the online mode. This time, though, the number of multiple choice questions (MCQ) will be more than 25, unlike the October exams for the outgoing batch of 2019-20.
Also, proctoring or digital supervision will be made compulsory across courses, and cases of malpractices will be dealt with stringently. The university plans to appoint vigilance squads to oversee the conduct of exams. “These squads will be asked to visit colleges and seek photos or video footage of students taking exams online,” said a university official.

While the state government is yet to take a decision on reopening college campuses in the pandemic, the university plans to conduct this semester’s exams in the MCQ format, like it was done in October. Semester V exams for final-year students will be decentralised too and conducted at the college level this year, for convenience, said the official. Exams for first and second years are anyway decentralised, he added.

“The questions will be of higher difficulty levels and colleges will be asked to be extra vigilant,” he said.

The exam pattern for professional courses such as engineering and law is likely to be different. While the exams will start with second- and third-year students, the ones for first year will be held towards the end of the session, as their academic session started later. There will be no scope for revaluation, as exams will be held in the MCQ format.

The Board of Examinations (BoE) may take a final decision on semester-end exams this week. The exam schedule will be released thereafter. The decision will be applicable only for the current semester, added the official. “This batch of students is well-versed with the online platform as they have taken classes online. Colleges, too, had managed to hold final exams successfully online and are comfortable with it,” said the official.