Chandigarh Region Research Articles

Prevalence and Severity of Periodontal Disease and its Association with Type-II Diabetes Mellitus and Smoking by Using Periodontal Screening and Recording: A Retrospective Study.

Periodontal screening recording (PSR) is considered a quick, reliable, reproducible valuable screening tool for periodontal disease. This study aims to find the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease and its association with self-reported diabetic status and smoking history of the patients by using PSR codes over a period of 2 years. This was a cross-sectional retrospective study in a dental hospital in Chandigarh. Data of 10,882 patients comprising self-reported history of smoking (893) and diabetes (725) patients were assessed for the prevalence of periodontal disease by using PSR codes. Pearson Chi-Square test was used for statistical evaluation of PSR codes data. Out of a total of 65,292 sextants assessed, the maximum and minimum reported PSR codes were 2 and 4, respectively. Gingivitis was found to be the most prevalent, followed by periodontitis and periodontal health in the total assessed population (P < 0.001). Mucogingival problems and complete edentulism were found to be more prevalent in posterior sextants in comparison to anterior sextants. Both self-reported smokers and type-II diabetes mellitus patients presented gingivitis as the most common clinical presentation, with the highest prevalence seen in the 55-74-year age group, which also comprised the group with maximum mucogingival problems and edentulism. This study gives an overview of patients' general oral health status and reflects the burden of periodontal disease in the Chandigarh region, thus contributing to the national oral health data.

Visualizing Synchronous Virtual Reference Service in Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster (CRIKC) Institutions in India: Librarians’ Perception

The present study aims to highlight the librarians’ perception pertaining to the implementation of Virtual Reference Service (VRS) in the Chandigarh Region Innovation and Knowledge Cluster Institutions (CRIKC). The study is based on a sample drawn from librarians of the CRIKC libraries. To assess and evaluate the librarians’ perception regarding the feasibility of VRS, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed among 19 library professionals of CRIKC libraries. The reason for choosing the questionnaire was to know the status of virtual reference service as well as librarians’ perception regarding the feasibility of VRS in CRIKC libraries. The findings suggest that the major challenge faced by librarians in providing VRS is the need for an additional budget for staffing, followed by an increased staff workload and a lack of staff training facilities. However, despite these challenges, the librarians perceive VRS to be highly effective in promoting the optimum use of the library’s collection and resources, improving staff efficiency, and promoting information literacy. From the users’ perspective, remote access to online assistance and faster access to information were found to be the most effective features of VRS. Additionally, personalized service, 24/7 availability, and the ability to save chat sessions for later use were also perceived as beneficial by most of the librarians. These results highlight the potential benefits of implementing web 2.0-enabled VRS in academic libraries, despite the challenges involved. It is essential to allocate a sufficient budget for staffing and provide staff training facilities to overcome the challenges faced in implementing VRS successfully. Furthermore, by improving user satisfaction and promoting information literacy, VRS can prove to be an effective tool for enhancing library services and resources.

NMR spectroscopy-based analysis of gallstones of cancerous and benign gallbladders from different geographical regions of the Indian subcontinent.

Analysis of the chemical composition of gallstones is vital for the etiopathogenesis of gallstone diseases that can ultimately help in the prevention of its formation. In the present study, gallstones from seven different regions of India were analyzed to highlight the major difference in their composition. Also, gallstones of different pathological conditions i.e., benign (chronic cholecystitis, CC) and malignant gallbladder disease (gallbladder cancer GBC) were characterized. The type of polymorphs of cholesterol molecules was also studied to provide insight into the structure of gallstones. 1H solution state NMR spectroscopy 1D experiments were performed on a total of 94 gallstone (GS) samples collected from seven different geographical regions of India. Solid-State NMR spectroscopy 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) experiments were done on the 20 CC GS samples and 20 GBC GS samples of two regions. 1H NMR spectra from the solution state NMR of all the stones reveal that cholesterol was a major component of the maximum stones of the north India region while in south Indian regions, GS had very less cholesterol. 13C CPMAS experiments reveal that the quantity of cholesterol was significantly more in the GS of CC in the Lucknow region compared with GBC stones of Lucknow and Chandigarh. Our study also revealed that GS of the Lucknow region of both malignant and benign gallbladder diseases belong to the monohydrate crystalline form of cholesterol while GS of Chandigarh region of both malignant and benign gallbladder diseases exists in both monohydrate crystalline form with the amorphous type and anhydrous form. Gallstones have a complicated and poorly understood etiology. Therefore, it is important to understand the composition of gallstones, which can be found in various forms and clinical conditions. Variations in dietary practices, environmental conditions, and genetic factors may influence and contribute to the formation of GS. Prevention of gallstone formation may help in decreasing the cases of gallbladder cancer.

COVID-19 Times and Dental Students: Challenges and Adapting with New Normal

Abstract Background Dental students were adversely impacted by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) leading to changes in their personal and professional lives. They have been under stress and adapting to new technologies and scenarios at the workplace. With the omicron threat looming, new challenges await them. The study aims to assess perceptions, stress, and coping mechanisms adopted by dental students during COVID-19 times, and to invite suggestions to improve the professional scenario. Methodology A cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire-based study was planned for third- and final-year undergraduate and postgraduate dental students from dental colleges around the Chandigarh region. Convenient sampling was done. Thirty-item questionnaire was sent via email and WhatsApp groups in the form of Google Form. p-Value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results Overall, 389 students participated, with majority (93.8%) being 21 to 25 years of age, females (75.6%), and undergraduates (90.2%). Also, 35% had a positive COVID-19 family history. Social media was the most common source (81.1%) of information regarding the pandemic. The majority received online teaching (84.83%) and gave online exams (58.6%). Altered sleep patterns (81.5%) and increased screen time (82%) were reported. Being female (stress score 11.15; p &lt; 0.001; Mann–Whitney U test), final-year undergraduate (stress score 11.1; p &lt; 0.017; Kruskal–Wallis test), and positive COVID-19 family history (stress score 11.83; p &lt; 0.002; Mann–Whitney U Test) was associated with significantly higher mean stress scores. Watching movies (30%) and sharing a stressful feeling with family (47%) were the most common coping mechanisms. Students suggested flexible work schedules, more offline work with better safety protocol, and counselors for the future. Conclusion Decreasing number of stressors and increasing involvement in the coping mechanism will help students to better embrace the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transformation of the Design Studio in New Learning Spaces: Virtual Design Studio in Architecture Pedagogy

Architectural education has come a long way since the first formal school of architecture, École des Beaux-Arts, was started at Paris, France in 1816. 21st century architecture is constantly evolving through changes in technology, and now in 2020-’21, COVID-19 pandemic has brought the concept of architectural education going online. Due to the forced disruption to the traditional pedagogical environment, a new pedagogical paradigm has been established through online theory and studio classes. This has brought about a challenging design pedagogy where teachers and students are reaping the benefits of technological advancement but without any prior training. This in turn has raised the question, how can architecture be taught effectively through virtual means? In response, this paper conducts literature review and a questionnaire survey amongst students and teachers of Chandigarh region on experiences of virtual teaching in the field of architecture and seeks to address the issues concerning virtual architectural pedagogy.

Diversity of bee foraging flora and floral calendar of Chandigarh region (U.T.), India during winter and summer season

The study was conducted at Chandigarh during winter and summer seasons to identify existing bee flora and to determine honey flow and dearth period. Visual observations were done to know the presence of honey bees and their foraging activities on different plants. Plants were reported as bee foraging species when at least 50% honey bee frequency was observed on them. Results concluded that winter season has 21 plant taxa of 11 families and summer has 50 plant taxa of 28 families. The identified flora was further grouped into nectar, pollen and both nectar and pollen sources. Results also revealed that winter has 7 and summer has 16 bee forage plants which provide both pollen and nectar in good quantity to honey bees. Late summer and raining seasons were identified as critical dearth period. Based on the availability of flora and their utility status the bee floral calendar was developed for Chandigarh. The result indicated that some parts of Chandigarh has rich bee flora in these seasons. By multiplying those highly preferred bee forage plants equally in all parts of different sub- divisions of Chandigarh, commercial bee keeping could be increased in future for economic purposes.

Assessment of agrochemical residues in banana fruit by using gas chromatography and QuEChers technique

Present study is performed to analyze the residues of agrochemicals in banana fruit sold in the Chandigarh region. Aim is to check whether the agrochemical waste of residues is within the maximum residue levels (MRLs) or not. Market survey was conducted in the fruit ripening godowns and it was observed that different toxic agrochemicals are being used in the banana cultivation and only 15% of working people were aware of chemicals and their harmful effects. The occurrence of some toxic agrochemical residues like endosulfan, carbendazim, chloropyripos, chlorthiophos was analyzed in the banana fruit samples taken from different markets areas of chandigarh. Multi-residue analysis was performed in peel and pulp differently for 10 different samples by gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC MS). Chlorthiophos (organophosphorus pesticide) was found in three peel samples having range 0.004 – 0.23 mg kg−1 and one pulp sample have concentration 0.005 mg kg−1. Carbendazim concentration was in two peel samples have concentrations 0.002 and 0.07 mg kg−1. Endosulfan, chloropyrifus were absent in all samples whereas presence of carbendazim and chlorothiophos were found within MRL guidelines of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

E-counselling support during COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of learners’ feedback

PurposeThis research study aimed to collect feedback from the learners on the usefulness and effectiveness of the online counselling sessions organised during COVID-19 lockdown through online platforms to provide academic support to the learners.Design/methodology/approachThe link of a questionnaire designed in a Google Form sent to IGNOU learners of the January 2020 session enrolled under the jurisdiction of IGNOU Regional Centre (RC) Chandigarh through email as well as SMSs. Total responses received were 487, out of which 445 responses were complete, roughly 8% of the total registered learners during the January 2020 session. The questionnaire contained questions on a cross-section of online counselling issues, besides questions on the learners' profile.FindingsMajority of the learners were satisfied with the input provided while organising online counselling sessions during COVID-19 lockdown in India. A significant proportion of learners (88%) used smartphones for attending counselling sessions. Facebook page of the RC rated as a relatively better option than other online platforms. However, more than 50% of learners faced Internet connection problems and found them a significant hurdle for smooth viewing of online counselling sessions. The proportion of learners who encountered difficulties in handling electronic devices was insignificant. The learner's feedback on many attributes such as usefulness and effectiveness of the online counselling sessions, interaction with the academic counsellors, e-content used in the counselling was significantly positive. A significant proportion of the learners have reported that face to face counselling could be replaced with online sessions in future, considering its flexibility in terms of place and schedule of learning and availability of recording of such sessions.Research limitations/implicationsThe research study was conducted under Chandigarh region of IGNOU which has a predominantly urban population. Thus the results of the study are limited to Chandigarh region and the region with similar socio-economic settings. This certainly limits the scope of the study.Practical implicationsThe study certainly provides valuable feedback to the ODL policymakers to consider replacing face-to-face counselling with an online mode in a phased manner. Online counselling options will be highly cost-effective, easily manageable, and provide flexibility for learners and resource persons, resulting in addressing learners' non-attendance related issues in the face-to-face counselling sessions.Social implicationsIn the analysis of our finding it is clearly stated that the Internet connectivity and availability of electronic devices is an important issue to provide online counselling support to socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Therefore, the research study also identifies such social issues as a major challenge for providing online counselling support to the learners.Originality/valueThis is an original empirical research study and data collected is used in the analysis for the first time. This analysis is based on the feedback gathered from the learners registered at IGNOU RC Chandigarh during the January 2020 session. The data and derived results not used in any other study.

Prevalence, Virulence Gene Profiling, and Characterization of Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli from Children with Acute Diarrhea, Asymptomatic Nourished, and Malnourished Children Younger Than 5 Years of Age in India

To study the significance of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) as a pathogen causing acute diarrhea and a commensal in healthy nourished and malnourished children younger than five years of age in the Chandigarh region and to address possible traits of EAEC virulence genes, biofilm formation, phylogroups, and antibiotic resistance that would be correlated with diarrhea or carriage. Stool samples were obtained from children with acute diarrhea (n=548), as well as nourished (n=550), and malnourished controls without diarrhea (n=110). E coli isolates were confirmed as EAEC by pCVD432 polymerase chain reaction. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions were used to identify 22 virulence-related genes and phylogeny. Antibiotic susceptibility, adherence, and biofilm-forming potential also were studied. Overall, 16.6% of children were malnourished. EAEC detection was greater among children with acute diarrhea (16%) than nourished (6%) and malnourished nondiarrheal controls (2.7%). We found an association of EAEC infections with age <2years (P=.0001) in the diarrheal group. Adhesive variants adhesion fimbriae IV and adhesion fimbriae II were significantly associated with diarrhea. The aggR and aar genes showed a positive and negative association with the severity of disease (P=.0004 and P=.0003). A high degree of multidrug resistance was found (73.8%) in the diarrheal group. Most EAEC strains from the diarrheal group belonged to B2 and D phylogroups, whereas strains from non-diarrheal groups, which belonged to phylogroup B1. EAEC is a significant contributor to childhood diarrhea, its presence as a commensal, and the significance of the association of various virulence factors among the EAEC isolated from diarrheal and non-diarrheal stools. These data reinforce the importance of aggR and aar as positive and negative regulators and the contribution of AAF/II and AAF/IV fimbria for the pathobiology of EAEC.

Data Normalisation-Based Solar Irradiance Forecasting Using Artificial Neural Networks

Due to continual day-to-day increase in electricity demand, and hazardous and critical threats of fossil fuels to the environment, researchers are scrutinizing over substitute energy sources. Solar radiation intensity prediction is essential for conducting various research work in the emerging field of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs). This paper has presented development of monthly averaged solar radiation intensity prediction model by employing Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithm. Various meteorological parameters have been considered over period of 2 years to execute forecasting for Chandigarh, India. Different normalisation techniques such as min-max, decimal and z-score have been utilised to normalise database. Structure and parameter learning of ANNs has been carried out. Comparative analysis has been done to select optimal architecture based on different performance evaluation measures such as mean square error (MSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE), and correlation coefficient (R-value) and training time. The network topology with least forecasting errors, higher R-value has been found to be optimum and further simulated for predicting monthly averaged solar radiation intensity for Chandigarh region.

Appraisal of regional haze event and its relationship with PM2.5 concentration, crop residue burning and meteorology in Chandigarh, India

Air pollution affects not only the air quality in megacities but also in medium and small-sized cities due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and other anthropogenic activities. From October 28, 2015 to November 3, 2015, the Indo-Gangetic Plains region, including Chandigarh encountered an episode of poor visibility during the daytime. The daily average PM2.5 concentration reached 191 μg/m3, and visibility reduced by ∼2.2 times in the Chandigarh region. PM2.5 concentration was found around 4 times higher than a non-haze day and more than 3 times higher than National Ambient Air Quality Standards for 24 h. A significant correlation between PM2.5 and CO (r: 0.87) during the haze period indicated similarity in their emission sources; which was attributed to the burning of solid organic matter. Further, satellite data and back-trajectory analysis of air masses showed large-scale rice stubble burning in the agricultural fields, adjoining to the city areas. The transboundary movement of air masses below 500 m and meteorological conditions played a major role in building the pollution load in the Chandigarh region. Moreover, the enhanced concentration of biomass burning tracers, i.e., organic carbon (∼3.8 times) and K+ ions (2∼ times) in PM2.5 and acetonitrile (∼2.3 times) in ambient air was observed during the haze event. The study demonstrates how regional emissions and meteorological conditions can affect the air quality in a city; which can be useful for proper planning and mitigation policies to minimize high air pollution episodes.

Association of Internet Addiction with Social Support, Loneliness And Stress: A Cross Sectional Study among Female College Students

Background: Internet Addictionis a significant emerging mental health condition among Indian collegestudents and cascading into a major public health concern. Internet addiction has witnessed an upsurge asa clinical phenomenon among young adults precipitated by new challenges specific to this developmentalage and owing to its complexity resulting from multiple psychosocial factors which warrants the need foreffective multi modal intervention due to high relapse rates and resistance to treatment.Aim: The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the association of Internet Addiction with socialsupport, loneliness and stress among female college students in Chandigarh.Methodology: It was a cross sectional study among 200 undergraduate female students within the agerange of 18-21 years, drawn from various colleges pertaining to Chandigarh region. Internet Addiction Test(Young, 1998) was employed as a screening instrument to identify internet dependence and other assessmenttools administered include Perceived Stress Scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support scale andUCLA Loneliness Scale.Results: Comparative Analysis revealed that there were significant differences between Internet Addictionand Non Internet Addiction groups of female college students in the areas of Stress, Loneliness and FamilySupport. Bivariate correlation analysis showed a positive relationship of Internet Addiction with Stress andLoneliness. However there emerged a negative correlation between Internet Addiction and Family Support.Conclusion: Our study holds heuristic value for elucidating the potential impact of low family supportand heightened stress due to plethora of reasons may increase vulnerability to Internet Addiction amongfemale college students. We can conclude that young adults with insufficient or conflictual family interactiontriggers emotional loneliness resulting in either social withdrawal or search for needed relationships inthe Internet environment. Hence, family support is an important factor in treating and preventing Internetaddiction.

Trust among Co-workers and its Impact on Hospitality Sector: AnEmpirical Study of Chandigarh Region

The purpose of this study is to find out the difference between male and female Co-Worker trust in hospitality sector. The Questionnaire method has been used to collect data from two different hotels in Chandigarh region. Total sample size was 50 but at the time of editing we have taken 30 size and we applied independent T-test before applying t-test normality of data has been check out by two methods and the result reveals that all the values of sig 2- tailed was found greater than 0.05 except the statement “I am confident that I could share my work difficulties with my co-workers”. The p- value of this statement was (0.007). Hence h0 has been rejected with regard to this statement. Rest, similar gender-wise perception has been found regarding organizational trust.

Analytical Study Based on Perspectives of Teacher Educators in India with Respect to Education for Sustainable Development

Abstract Education for sustainable development (ESD) has been accepted worldwide as one of the most powerful paradigms of thinking, which has a potential for changing the ongoing course of unsustainable development in order to save the fate of life on Mother Earth. As we prepare ourselves to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) of United Nations 2030 Agenda, it is crucial to analyze and reflect on the initiatives taken, which aim at sensitizing the stakeholders of education with the holistic concept of ESD, especially when it has been reported in the literature that countries of the Asia Pacific region have been slow in formally embracing the concept of ESD in their education system. With this contextual background, the present research paper aimed at understanding the prevailing perception of ESD amongst the teacher educators of India. A qualitative deductive content analysis methodology was adopted for an in-depth analysis of the subjective responses of teacher educators, teaching graduate and post-graduate level courses of teacher education programs of India’s Chandigarh region. A codebook was developed on the basis of UNESCO’s Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable Future (TLSF) program for the analysis. The findings of the research identified how and to what extent the indicators of ESD were addressed through broader categories of knowledge, skills and values. The research joins larger conversation of reorienting the teacher education programs particularly through the lens of cultural sustainability to achieve a sustainable future.

Does Market Orientation Mediate between Knowledge Management Orientation and Business Performance?

The objective of the study is to test the relationship between knowledge management orientation (KMO) and business performance (BP). KMO is a higher-order construct consisting of three second-order constructs: learning orientation (LO), knowledge sharing orientation (KSO), and information technology orientation (ITO). The paper explores the mediating role of market orientation (MO) in the relationship between KMO and BP. In this firm-level study, the personal survey was administered to key informants in 400 listed firms (from manufacturing and service sector) from North Indian States and Union Territories [including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh and National Capital Region (NCR)]. Two respondents each from these 400 firms were approached. The study found that KMO positively affects BP. MO does not mediate the relationship between KMO and BP. Rather, KMO fully mediates the relationship between MO and BP. The study provides evidence in support of KMO as a mediator between MO and BP. KMO of the firm provides a dynamic capability for realizing the benefits of a firm’s MO. The study contributes to the knowledge management literature by empirically validating the KMO, MO and BP constructs.

Water Balance Evaluation of Chandigarh Region, India.

The water balance is an accounting of the inputs and outputs of water. The water balance of a place, whether it is an agricultural field, watershed, or continent, can be determined by calculating the input, output, and storage changes of water at the Earth's surface. The assessment also takes into account the existing supply of stocks and future appropriation of these stocks. Water inputs are brought by precipitation. Outputs are from the combination of evaporation and the transpiration of plants, called evapotranspiration. Both quantities are estimated in terms of the amount of water per surface unit, but they are generally translated into water heights, the most currently used unit being the millimeter. Usually, the planning and implementation of water use is undertaken in silos with little or no interaction between and across sectors. This leads to frequent water scarcity and water pollution. About 30% of people in India live in cities that are expected to double in population by 2050. With a growing economy and changing lifestyles the pressure on already strained water resources is increasing. The government has shown an interest in Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) as a new framework and approach for thenation.

Analysis of pre-service teachers’ perception towards the economic, environmental, social and cultural dimensions of Education for Sustainable Development

Education for sustainable development (ESD) enjoys a huge momentum worldwide in which the role of teachers for making sustainable development goals a reality has been recognized significantly. Teachers through their knowledge, attitudes and skills can bring the learning about these concepts to the curriculum and class room interaction and are in a position to influence their students. Therefore it is pertinent, that teachers are sensitised towards these issues, so that they prepare and nurture their students for making appropriate and responsible choices which contribute to a sustainable future. At this juncture it becomes crucial to understand their priorities and awareness level in context of the sustainable development. The present research paper aims to analyse the perception of forty post graduate pre-service teachers of the Chandigarh region, towards ESD through the dimensions of economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, social sustainability and cultural sustainability. For this researchers have adopted qualitative content analysis methodology for an in-depth study of the subjective responses through an open ended question. The findings suggest that most of the respondents associated the perception of ESD strongly with environmental sustainability. It is noted that the pre-service teachers lack a holistic approach towards ESD. On the basis of the findings it is recommended that there is an urgent need of integrating the concept of ESD consciously and conscientiously in India’s teacher education programmes.

Impact of Orgnizational Culture on Job Satisfaction in Selected Hospitals of Chandigarh Region

Organizations is a place where a candidate enter’s it for employment purpose. But later his actions and words jointly by all the candidates make it a work place which later becomes culture. Employees care about their work and the work also depends upon the relationship which they share with their colleagues. Organizational culture is an effective control mechanism dictating employee behavior . The impact of good organizational culture will result in satisfied and committed employees in the organization. The present study made an attempt to study the impact of organizational culture on job satisfaction on a sample of 200 hospital employees located in Chandigarh Region. For analyzing purpose correlation and multiple regressions modelling technique has been used. The findings show a positive impact of organizational culture on overall job satisfaction in selected hospitals located in Chandigarh Region. Keywords: Organizational culture, job satisfaction, hospitals. DOI : 10.7176/EJBM/11-10-09 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

A descriptive analysis of alleged sexual assault of female survivors in Chandigarh region

A descriptive analysis of alleged sexual assault of female survivors in Chandigarh region

Effect of Personality on Conflict Resolution Styles

&lt;div&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between personality and conflict handling styles. The study was conducted using a sample of 270 post graduate business students in the Chandigarh region. While NEO-FFI was used to measure the big five dimensions of personality, ROCI II was used to measure the scores of students on the five conflict handling styles. The findings show a strong relationship between the big five personality dimensions and the five conflict handling styles.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;