Aligarh Muslim University Research Articles

Formulation and Evaluation of Weaning Foods Prepared from Multigrain Flour and Powdered Milk

Aims: Children after 6 months need to shift from breast milk to weaning food. The present study aims to develop low cost nutritious weaning foods to fulfil the increased nutritional requirements during this phase of growth. Study Design: The present study involved development of three different samples of low cost weaning foods prepared with multigrain flour (combination of rice flour, wheat flour and gram flour in the ratio of 2:1:0.5) mixed with milk powder (5%, 7.5% and 10% of the total flour mixture). Sensory, physicochemical and cost analyses were performed for the samples. Place and Duration of Study: University Polytechnic (Boys), Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, between January 2016 and July 2016. Methodology: Sensory evaluation was done on a 9 point hedonic scale after preparing the samples for consumption by adding either water or milk. Physicochemical properties of the developed samples such as moisture content, ash content and protein content were assessed during storage at room temperature (25-32˚C) for 2 months in airtight laminated aluminium film packing material. Results: In sensory of samples prepared with water, sample 3 was found to be the most preferred sample while in case of samples prepared with milk, sample 1 was found to be the best in sensory quality. All the developed weaning food samples were found to be stable during 50 days of storage. Moisture content, Protein content and Ash content of the samples ranged from 4.84 to 10.38%, 13.23 and 16.29% and 1.22 to 1.54% respectively. Samples with more milk powder showed higher protein content and fat content. Conclusion: The prepared weaning food samples had comparable physicochemical and sensory characteristics and lower cost than the commercially available weaning foods. They will be helpful in fulfilling the nutritional requirement of the vulnerable sections of society including middle-income groups (MIG) and low-income groups (LIG) consumers and overcoming malnutrition.

Quantification of Color Variation of Various Esthetic Restorative Materials in Pediatric Dentistry.

The goal of this paper is to find an association between the staining capacity of dental restorations used in pediatric patients and food items and to develop an optimum model to predict the most informative factor that causes the highest amount of color change through machine learning algorithms. Color changes in restorative materials occur as a result of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as the type of restorative material, food items used, polished status of the material, and time interval. This was an "in vitro study" conducted at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. The study included 200 specimens, that is, 40 in each group A (orange juice), group B (Amul Kool Café), group C (Pepsi), group D (Amul Kesar Milk), and group E (artificial saliva). The materials were glass ionomer cement (GIC), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), microhybrid composite resin, and nanohybrid composite resin. These were further divided into polished and unpolished groups. The optimum modeling of the prediction of color change in materials by different effective factors was done by machine learning decision tree. We applied two algorithms: Chi-square automatic interaction detector (CHAID) and classification and regression tree (CART). In prediction modeling in the decision tree by CHAID and CART, color change is taken as the dependent variable, and group (type of restorative material), food items, time interval, and polished status are taken as independent variables. The various beverages caused significant color variation due to different pigmentation agents. The agent that caused the highest color change was Kool Café. The Kesar Milk had the lowest pigmentation capacity. The greatest color variation was found on Glasionomer FX-II submerged in Pepsi and the least on Ivoclar Te-Econom Plus in Kesar Milk. The mean absolute error for the training dataset in the CART model and CHAID model is 0.379 and 0.332, and for the testing data set, it is 0.398 and 0.333, respectively. Therefore, the prediction of color change by the CHAID model is optimum, and we found that the restorative materials have a maximum predictor importance of 0.86 (86%), time interval 0.07 (7%), food items 0.04 (4%), and polished status has the least importance, that is, 0.03 (3%). The staining capacity of restorative material highly depends on the material itself, the initial time interval, and least on the food items used. The clinical performance of dental restorations could be affected by various beverages consumed by children. This study thus provides important clinical insights into esthetic dentistry by offering valuable information on long-term color stability and the effect of polishing on common esthetic restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry. Varshney P, Khan SY, Jindal MK, et al. Quantification of Color Variation of Various Esthetic Restorative Materials in Pediatric Dentistry. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(7):754-765.

Addressing Psychosocial Challenges through Action: A Fieldwork Experience in Community Medicine Department, Aligarh Muslim University

This research article explores the psychosocial challenges faced by patients in the community. The study draws on firsthand experiences as a social work intern in the Community Medicine department. It delves into the intricacies of psychosocial issues prevalent among community members, including substance abuse, family problems, depression, and financial instability. The article emphasises the importance of targeted interventions to address the multifaceted needs of individuals in the community. To tackle these psychosocial challenges, the research outlines community workshops, counselling services, mental health awareness campaigns, and support groups. The interventions aimed to empower individuals, foster resilience, and promote overall well-being within the community. After implementing these initiatives, the article analyses the observed changes in individuals, highlighting improvements in coping mechanisms, enhanced social support networks, and increased awareness of mental health issues. Moreover the study also provides insights into the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in community medicine.The study highlights the importance of holistic healthcare approaches that prioritize the psychosocial dimensions of well-being

Analysis of the impact of irradiance, temperature and tilt angle on the performance of grid-connected solar power plant

In order to maximize the solar radiations falling on a Photo-voltaic (PV) panel and hence, to maximize the solar power generation, an optimum tilt angle of the PV panels for a specific geographic location plays a critical role. This paper exploits the tilt angle and establishes an empirical relation among optimum tilt angle, module temperature and ambient temperature. Moreover, estimating accurate solar photovoltaic power output depends on the correct modelling of the PV module. Temperature and irradiance dependent modelling need statistical support for their behaviour and pattern. This work also examines and institutes the relationship between Ambient temperature and Module temperature throughout the year. Furthermore, in order to determine the impact of irradiance, ambient temperature and module temperature on the solar power generation of a grid-connected solar power plant, this paper evaluates Karl Pearson correlation coefficients for each of the following three pairs (1) generation and irradiance (2) generation and ambient temperature and (3) generation and module temperature, for all the 12 months of a year. The results obtained shall help to better understand, manage, plan, forecast and stabilize the solar power output. Earlier researchers usually used weather data for their study, which are not location-specific therefore, accuracy is questionable. Hence, the data used in this research is recorded from a 3.3 MWp grid-tied ground-installed solar power plant and a 119 ​KW grid-tied rooftop-installed solar power plant, both located at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. This paper presents an exhaustive analysis of the two grid-tied solar power plants as there is very little work with actual data of generation, irradiance, temperature and tilt angle, all measured on the spot with high accuracy; results obtained are realistic with a novel approach.

Exploring Diverse Teaching Models for Enhancing Nursing Students' English Language Proficiency: A Blended Learning Perspective

The present study examines the efficacy of blended learning models in enhancing nursing students’ proficiency in the English language. It is challenging to come across comparative studies that assess the effectiveness of blended learning models in advancing the English language skills of nurses. However, the experimental study includes five groups, and each group has gone through five different instructional models of teaching. The first experimental group received instruction through the rotation model; the second experimental group received instruction through the flex model; the third experimental group received instruction through the self-blend model; the fourth experimental group received instruction through the enriched-virtual model; and the fifth group which served as control group received instruction through the communicative language teaching approach. A total of one hundred and fifty participants were selected through random sampling from Aligarh Muslim University, India. The data were gathered using pre- and post-tests administered before and after the intervention of these models using the standardized general English test (TOFEL). The repeated measure ANOVA revealed that each group manifested significant advancement in nurses' English language skills. Nevertheless, the rotation model demonstrated superior performance in enhancing nurses' English language skills in comparison to the other groups. The findings of the study hold pedagogical significance for those who are responsible for designing curricula, developing training programs for future nurses, producing materials, and all other persons who are involved in nursing education.

Stress among University Students

This study is an effort to explore Stress among university students. The sample consisted of 50 BED (Bachelor of Education) students and 50 MBA (Master of Business Administration) students from Aligarh Muslim University Centre Murshidabad West Bengal, total 100 students. Normative survey method was used for the study. The study used convenient sampling method. The entitled title is “Stress among University students”. Stress is a universal phenomenon that affects each and every one of us. It plays a crucial role in our lives, as without it, we would lack the motivation and drive to achieve anything. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can have detrimental effects on our well-being. The key lies in finding the right balance of stress that pushes us out of our comfort zone and propels us forward. This delicate equilibrium is disrupted when the emotional and physical toll of negative experiences surpasses our body's capacity to cope with them. Excessive pressure and demands placed upon us can trigger adverse reactions, both mentally and physically. Our body's response to change necessitates adjustments on a physical, mental, and emotional level. In addition, other factors may also affect our stress levels. In the end, stress results from a person's perception that the demands made on them are greater than their personal and social resources.

IJCM_125A: Prevalence of hypertension and obesity among adolescents: a school based, cross sectional study in Aligarh

Background: Hypertension is a serious medical condition and cause of premature death worldwide, with upwards of 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women having the condition. Overweight and obesity are major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and some cancers (including endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and colon). Recent literature suggests hypertension and obesity to be a rising health problem not only in adults but also in adolescents. The early identification and effective management of hypertension and obesity in children and adolescents is key primordial and primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hypertension and obesity and their associated factors among school going adolescents in Aligarh. Methodology: A school based cross-sectional study was carried out among 569 school students of Class-V to XII studying at schools of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. Data was collected using a predesigned, structured questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured using digital blood pressure apparatus wit age appropriate cuffs and hypertension was defined using the American Academy of Paediatrics 2017 criteria. BMI was calculated using the standard formula, weight (kg)/height2 (m2), and values were compared with the WHO growth charts. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS 20.0 software. To study frequency distribution and sociodemographic characteristics, descriptive statistics were carried out. Chi square and other appropriate tests were applied. Results: In this study 569 adolescents were participated, of which 324 (56.9%) were males. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure was 10.7% and hypertension was 18.5%. The prevalence of obesity was 2.6%. Male gender, family history of hypertension, overweight/obesity are significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: Approximately one fifth of the participants in this study had hypertension, highlighting the need for intervention including lifestyle modification and active case finding.

Identifying students’ perceptions, preferences and challenges of online learning during COVID-19 pandemic in Aligarh Muslim University, India

Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19, educational institutes around the world, including India, were forced to close their doors and transition to an online mode of education. The purpose of this study was to analyse the perception and preference towards online learning among students of Aligarh Muslim University in India during this pandemic. Additionally, this study examines the level of awareness regarding various online learning platforms introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC). A quantitative survey method was applied to achieve the goal of this study. An online questionnaire (Google form) was circulated among students via WhatsApp groups. A total of 234 students responded from different departments, analysis of the data was done with the help of SPSS. The findings of the study revealed that more than 90 percent of respondents preferred online learning to manage their course curriculum during the pandemic, as there were no other alternatives available. The study found that most of the respondents were familiar with various online learning platforms introduced by the UGC. However, a significant number of respondents reported issues with online learning, such as technological constraints, an inappropriate learning environment, various health issues, one-way communication, etc. These findings may be useful in constructing education policies and plans for online learning to make it more effective for students.

The theological foundations of Muslim modernism and traditionalism in South Asia

AbstractThis article examines the theological and hermeneutical foundations and fault lines of Muslim modernism and traditionalism in South Asia. It does so through a close reading of a massively consequential but thus far unstudied debate on the normative sources and interpretive parameters of religion in colonial modernity between the scholars Sayyid Ahmad Khan (d. 1898) and Muhammad Qasim Nanautvi (d. 1877), founders of arguably the most prominent bastions of modernism and traditionalism in Muslim South Asia: the Aligarh Muslim University and the Deoband Madrasa, both established in the late nineteenth century.

Design, implementation, and evaluation of a short rotation coppice system for wastewater treatment and resource recovery in India

Despite growing health concerns and increasing water scarcity, adequate wastewater treatment and reuse remains limited in India. Low-cost, decentralised, and nature-based on-site sanitation systems could play a key role in a circular water approach. This paper evaluates the performance of a Wastewater Fertigated Short Rotation Coppice (wfSRC) system based on willow, poplar, and bamboo species as a potential solution, offering low-cost, efficient water treatment, and high biomass production. Through a full-scale wfSRC pilot plant (250 m3·day−1 municipal wastewater on 6864 m2) established at Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh, India, treatment capacities, biomass production rates, and contamination tolerance of different willow, poplar, and bamboo species were investigated. The chemical compositions of incoming wastewater, percolation water, soil, and biomass were monitored regularly. Despite the high load, all plant sections of the wfSRC system showed efficient removal of wastewater-originated pollutants. BOD5 and COD removal efficiencies were up to 99% and 95% respectively. Removal efficiencies for PO4-P reached 93% and for TN 91%. In general, total nitrogen and phosphate loads appear to be the limiting design parameters under the conditions at Aligarh to meet all discharge limits in India. Biomass production was projected to be >225 tDM·ha−1·yr−1 for bamboo, 65 tDM·ha−1·yr−1 for willow, and 206 tDM·ha−1·yr−1 for poplar. The pilot, conducted from March 2022 to June 2023, showcased how these densely planted agroforestry systems can effectively treat wastewater through natural processes such as oxidation, microbial degradation, and plant uptake. The findings demonstrate wfSRC's potential to serve as a nature-based, sustainable approach to wastewater treatment, particularly beneficial for suburban and rural areas in India and similar regions worldwide. This paper also provides recommendations for future implementation of wfSRC systems, emphasizing the need for careful planning regarding plant selection, system design, and operational strategies to maximize treatment efficiency and biomass production.

STATUS OF MENTAL HEALTH OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ALIGARH: PROBLEMS AND PREVENTIONS

The secondary school stage is the most important phase of life where students are facing physical, social, mental, family, educational, and personal problems. At this stage, mental health plays a very important role and helps to deal with these types of problems in a very effective way. The Objective of the study is to find the status of mental health of students studying in secondary schools and analyze the obstacles faced by them. The study uses an exploratory research design and purposively selected two schools from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh district. Total samples of 50 students, out of which 25 were girl and 25 were boy students taken from selective schools. A SDQ questionnaire was formed based on the objective and was distributed among the selected students. The results revealed that more girls than boys report mental health problems. The status of mental health among students at secondary level in Aligarh is not in good condition due to various issues and challenges in terms of misconceptions about mental health, lack of awareness and resources, social, personal, financial, environment and technology-related problems. Mental health problems are common among the senior secondary students in Aligarh. Early detection and effective intervention will result in better development of the futures citizens of our country. Proper orientation and awareness about mental health issues and challenges at the secondary school level will be very helpful for students to cope up with the tense situations and also help in being well-adjusted in family and society. KEYWORDS: Mental health, Secondary school, Problems, Preventions

A Prospective Study of Total Extra Peritoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair Fixation versus no Fixation of Mesh

Background: The necessity of mesh fixation in laparoscopic totally extra peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair remains controversial. We performed a single-center prospective study to compare the effectiveness of mesh fixation versus nonfixation in laparoscopic TEP repair. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, from August 2021 to July 2023. All patients admitted to the General surgical unit with uncomplicated inguinal hernias were included. A total of 96 patients were included in the study, of which 44 patients underwent TEP repair with fixation of mesh using tacks (GROUP A) and the remaining 52 patients whose mesh was not fixed (GROUP B). Results: Ninety-six patients were randomized to fixation or non-fixation group in TEP. The pain scores at 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months were comparable, but not statistically significant (Day 1 Fixation, 2.7 ± 0.79; Non-fixation 2.48 ± 0.78, P = 0.104, 1 week (Fixation, 0.02 ± 0.15; Non-fixation, 0.08 ± 0.27, P = 0.236). The length of hospital stay (Fixation, 2.07 ± 0.59 days; Non-fixation, 2.1 ± 0.41 days, P = 0.785) and days taken to resume normal activities (Fixation, 3.7 ± 1.02 days; Non-fixation, 3.54 ± 0.94 days, P = 0.41) were also similar for both groups. There was no recurrence in either group at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The cost of surgery was significantly different between the fixation group and the nonfixation group with a p-value <0.0001. Conclusion: There was no statistical significance between the fixation and non-fixation groups in terms of postoperative pain, requirement and dosage of analgesics, duration of in-hospital stay, time to return to normal activity, complications, recurrence of hernia, except the cost of surgery which was higher in the fixation group.

Predictive Value of CT Perfusion Parameters in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Longitudinal Study

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Moreover, cerebral contusions, Subdural Haemorrhages (SDH), Extradural Haemorrhages (EDH), and Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH), which are secondary injuries that occur due to alterations in cerebral haemodynamics, remain unevaluated and unchecked by plain non contrast scans. Timely delineation of the cerebral perfusion status of the patient can assist in modifying treatment plans and could lead to a better recovery of the patient. Aim: To assess the cerebral haemodynamics of patients with TBI at admission and evaluate the predictive value of Computed Tomography (CT) perfusion. Materials and Methods: The present prospective longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Neurosurgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JNMCH), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, from September 2019 to September 2020. A total of 40 participants were included in the study using a purposive sampling method. CT Perfusion (CTP) was performed within 72 hours of head injury, followed by Glasgow Outcome at Discharge Scale (GODS) assessments at discharge and one month later. Cerebral perfusion parameters such as Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF), Cerebral Blood Volume (CBV), Mean Transit Time (MTT), and Time To Peak (TTP) were measured, and correlations were established using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients to determine the relationship of GODS with CTP parameters. Results: The mean age of study subjects was 35.8±13.4 years, with a median (25th-75th percentile) of 32 (25-42.75). Among a total of 40 patients, 22 (55%) were males and 18 (45%) were females. Significant positive correlations were observed between GODS at discharge and CBF (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation, CBV (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation, and the number of normal/hyperemic territories, with correlation coefficients of 0.398, 0.329, and 0.504, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between GODS at discharge and TTP (seconds) at presentation, with a correlation coefficient of -0.392. Similarly, significant positive correlations were observed between GODS at one month with CBF (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation and the number of normal/ hyperemic territories, with correlation coefficients of 0.407 and 0.827, respectively. A significant negative correlation was seen between GODS at one month and MTT (seconds) at presentation, with a correlation coefficient of -0.344. CBV (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation exhibited a sensitivity of 100%, followed by MTT (seconds) at presentation (71.43%), and CBF (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation (57.14%). Conversely, CBF (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation showed a specificity of 92.31%, followed by TTP (seconds) at presentation (92.31%), and CBV (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation (53.85%). In predicting unfavourable outcomes, MTT (seconds) at presentation had the lowest specificity of 7.69%. Conclusion: Perfusion CT provides additional information compared to Non Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) with insights into the pericontusional areas. Therefore, it can be a potential tool in the evaluation of TBI. Perfusion parameters have prognostic value, and thus, this modality should be studied with a larger sample size for more precise results.

Reliability of RUT done on endoscopy guided gastric biopsy in detecting Helicobactor Pylori

Introduction: This study was done to identify the reliability of RUT in detecting H. Pylori in patients of gastritis by performing Histopathological examination. Endoscopic biopsy samples were taken from gastritis lesions present in the stomach. Methods: This was a prospective observational study done at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh between May 2021 and May 2022 with a sample size of 230 patients. The endoscopists performed RUT on biopsy samples taken from gastritis lesions and sent another biopsy sample from the same patient for histopathological examination. On the basis of histopathological report, results were compared and analyzed. Results: In our study the specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy of RUT were 60.81%, 67.31% ,78.36%, 46.88% , and 65.22%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggests that RUT can reliably identify Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric mucosa.

Triad of serum PSA, DRE and biopsy in diagnosing prostatic diseases- How useful it is?

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced by prostatic acini and prostatic tissue. Its concentration increases in prostatic diseases. Concentration above 4 ng/ml is considered abnormal but there is no clear-cut point between normal and abnormal PSA levels. PSA is considered as serum marker for prostatic cancer but it is organ specific, not cancer specific. Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a routine part of prostate cancer screening. Biopsies are performed when PSA test and DRE are abnormal. The study is an attempt for comparative analysis among serum PSA, age, DRE, and biopsy results for the institution of specific treatment at an early stage. Study was performed on 200 patients with different prostatic lesions in the Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. Clinical, DRE, PSA and histopathological biopsy were performed and analyzed by correlating the data. In our study 77.5% had normal (0-4 ng/ml) PSA level and 13.5% had >10 ng/ml PSA levels. BPH was the most common diagnosis (54.0%), followed by prostatitis (20.0%), BPH with prostatitis in 16.0% and carcinoma (10.0%). Serum PSA with positive DRE ranged from 1.2 ng/ml to 56 ng/ml while in negative DRE ranged from 0.18 ng/ml to 9.6 ng/ml. PSA is specific for prostate but not for prostatic diseases. With increasing age serum PSA also increases. Conjunction of serum PSA with other variables like age, DRE and biopsy makes a better diagnosis of prostatic diseases.

An insight into genes responsible for fosfomycin resistance among uropathogens of asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy: A North Indian study.

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a common finding during pregnancy. Effective antibiotic treatment could reduce its adverse effects on both mother and fetus. However, emerging antimicrobial resistance limits the treatment options. Fosfomycin might be a promising drug in this regard, as its resistance is still low. The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of fosfomycin in isolates causing ASB by disc diffusion and agar dilution (in selected isolates), determine minimum inhibitory contribution (MIC) by agar dilution in isolates resistant by disc diffusion and detect the genes responsible for fosfomycin resistance. This was a 2-year study carried in the Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JNMCH), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh. A total of 10 252 urine samples from asymptomatic pregnant females (18-45 years) attending the antenatal care (ANC) outpatient department (OPD) were submitted. Identification of pathogen and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was carried out as per standard methods of CLSI. There was phenotypic detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other Staphylococcus species (MRSS), high-level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR), vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) and S. aureus (VRSA), extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). All the fosfomycin-resistant isolates (by disk diffusion) were tested by agar dilution. Conventional PCR was performed for murA, fosA, uhpT and glpT genes on all resistant isolates. In this study, the prevalence of ASB among pregnant females was 1173(11.4 %), in which Escherichia coli 495(42 %) was the predominant organism. The overall sensitivity of fosfomycin among Gram-positive cocci (GPC) and Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) was 99 % and 97.6 %, respectively. MRSA and MRSS accounted for 50 (66.6 %) and 71 (76 %), respectively. The highest rates of MIC >2048 µg ml-1 were shown by most isolates (mainly E. coli ) on agar dilution. PCR studies revealed four E. coli strains possessed both murA (also present in one K. pneumoniae strain) and glpT genes. While only one isolate ( E. faecalis ) was positive for fosA gene. But none of the strain possessed the uhpT gene. According to this study, murA and glpT genes were more frequent than fosA. We cannot comment on the prevalence and regional distribution of fosfomycin-resistant genes based on this preliminary study. Therefore, more Indian studies should be carried out to create awareness about the presence of genes in a particular area.

Machine learning-based predictive modeling of student counseling gratification: a case study of Aligarh Muslim University

Machine learning-based predictive modeling of student counseling gratification: a case study of Aligarh Muslim University

Perceptions and Attitudes of International Undergraduates Toward Zoom-Based Language Learning

This study investigates the attitudes of international undergraduate students in India toward Zoom-based learning and its implication on the willingness to communicate using four skill areas: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The study was conducted at Aligarh Muslim University, sampling 46 undergraduates studying in different departments. Data were collected quantitatively through an online questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS. Results of the descriptive statistics indicated that international students in India have positive attitudes toward Zoom-based language learning. Although they perceive it as an interesting novel learning tool, they prefer face-to-face to online learning. The results showed that Zoom is a flexible, encouraging tool, providing real-time interaction and participation and immediate teacher feedback. Based on the findings, this learning mode has a relatively high effect on reading and listening skills and a low effect on speaking and writing skills. In light of these findings, the study recommends that teachers exert effort in involving students in speaking and writing during Zoom sessions. It also suggests that teachers and learners integrate Zoom-based learning more effectively.

Orthopaedic problems in the blind

BackgroundBlindness is a common problem in every society and country. The problem ranges from complete blindness to partially sighted in the affected population. India has close to 12 million visually impaired people. Orthopaedic problems are not uncommon in blind. Orthopaedic Surgeons though had been aware of the postural and gait abnormalities in blind but very few published studies have systematically focused on the effect of blindness on the development of posture and gait. MethodsCase Control study done for the orthopaedic evaluation of the blind and partially sighted individuals. The study population included 242 students of Ahmadi School for the Blind, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (India), as the cases and another matched set of 250 non-blind children. All the children were assessed for the orthopaedic problems like degree of ligamentous laxity, spinal alignment, foot morphology and alignment of hips, knees and ankles. Standing posture and gait were also examined and recorded. Ligamentous laxity was assessed according to the method adopted by Beighton et al.10 Chi-square test was applied using IBM SPSS 23.0. Results139 children (57.4 %) were found to have laxity of the ligaments. 72 children (29.7 %) had spine deformities, out of which kyphosis was present in 34 (47.2 %), scoliosis in 23 (31.9 %), lordosis in 13 (18.0 %), and meningomyelocele in 2 (2.9 %) children. 119 children (49.1 %) had foot deformities. 37 children (15.2 %) had knee deformity. 22 children (9.0 %) showed evidence of cerebral palsy. 216 children (89.2 %) had varying degrees of postural abnormalities. The data was statistically significant when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). ConclusionBlindness causes a wide range of complicated sensory and motor problems that frequently forces people into isolation. Blind rehabilitation requires an interdisciplinary approach. Orthopaedic problems are quite common in blind individuals and should be dealt separately.

Storm Water Management through Water Sensitive Urban Design and Planning: Case of a University Campus in India

The outline of almost all urban contours are characterized by accelerated urbanization, depleted assets, population growth, ageing infrastructure, and degraded environments, which are made worse by rising climate uncertainty. The projections show that by 2040, approximately half of the world population will reside in areas with significant water stress. The immense pressure on land due to expansion of urbanized area has led to a significant increase in impervious/paved surfaces, reducing the rate of infiltration. In urban areas, however, this cycle is discontinuous in context to impermeable pavements, surface water do not get time to percolate instead they drain off to sewer. This misleading of storm water leads to flooding, and other water issues. The goal is to find techniques that can feasibly integrate the hydrological cycle with impactful water-sensitive spatial design considerations. This paper presents a detailed analysis of Women’s Polytechnic and Sarojini Naidu Hall at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, India based on storm water management and water sensitive parameters that can be implemented in the whole campus by using both qualitative as well as quantitative research methods in relation with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.