Aligarh City Research Articles

Estimation of diffuse solar radiation in humid-subtropical climatic region of India: Comparison of diffuse fraction and diffusion coefficient models

In this study, measured data of solar radiation were utilized to develop sixteen empirical models for estimation of monthly mean diffuse solar radiation with single input predictor as clearness index. Global and diffuse solar radiations were measured for three complete years in ‘Humid subtropical climatic region’ of India. Equipment consisting of secondary standard pyranometers and continuous datalogging facility were used to observe solar radiation at ground level in the city of Aligarh (27.89°N, 78.08°E). Two categories of models were defined (i.e. diffuse fraction and diffusion coefficient) with eight models under each category. Total solar radiation dataset was divided into two parts where ‘Training dataset’ was used to develop the models while the ‘Validation dataset’ was used to test the models. Accuracy of models was analyzed in terms of some commonly used statistical indicators. Developed models were also compared with well-established models from literature. Models were arranged in order of suitability of estimation using Global Performance Indicator within the respective category as well as among the overall group of developed models. Reasonable agreement was found between estimated values from the developed models and measured data. Developed models can conveniently be utilized to evaluate diffuse solar radiation in the region considered.

Empirical models for estimation of diffuse solar radiation based on measured data for humid-subtropical climatic region of India

Solar radiation information at the site of solar energy systems is required for proper planning and execution of energy projects. In this work, global and diffuse solar radiations were measured for a period of two years (September, 2013 to August, 2015) in the Humid Subtropical Climatic Region of India in the city of Aligarh (27.89°N, 78.08°E). Secondary standard pyranometers were used to observe solar radiation at the ground level. The measured data for Aligarh were compared with the available data for the neighboring Capital city, New Delhi (28.61°N, 77.21°E). It was observed that Aligarh has a better availability of solar energy and solar energy utilization potential. Annual average global and diffuse solar radiations were observed to be 22.12 and 7.92 MJ/m2-day, respectively, for Aligarh. Using measured solar radiation data for Aligarh, six empirical models were established to assess monthly mean diffuse solar radiation (by correlating the diffuse fraction with the sky-clearness index). Models were analyzed in terms of several statistical indicators and exhibited reasonable agreement with correlation coefficients in the range of 0.7610 to 0.8188. Models were subsequently ranked based on the Global Performance Indicator. The Global Performance Indicator (GPI) of the developed models was in the range of −1.86 to 5.84, and the highest GPI was achieved for the cubic model.

Analysis of Existing Masonry Heritage Building Subjected to Earthquake Loading

In the present study, the finite element analysis has been carried out on masonry building subjected to earthquake loading. For this purpose, an existing masonry heritage building situated in Aligarh city has been chosen. The time history method using El-Centro earthquake data has been employed for seismic performance of the chosen building. The maximum principal tensile stress and maximum shear stress has been observed and compared with permissible stresses. It has been found that these stresses exceed the permissible limit at few locations such as dome-wall junction, wall-roof junctions and the minarets. It has also been found that these locations are the most critical portion of the building under earthquake forces.

General Mental Alertness in Visually Challenged and Sighted Students

<div><p><em>The present study has been conducted to study the impact of vision on mental alertness. The visually challenged and sighted students were compared on general mental alertness. The two groups (visually challenged & sighted) were compared on quantitative (Q score) and linguistic scores (L score) of mental alertness. Further the impact of gender was also studied on general mental alertness of both the groups. A sample of 117 (45 visually challenged and 72 sighted) students from Aligarh city was selected for the study. The general mental alertness test developed by Kumari & Bano (2013) was administered to the students. The findings of the study reveal that the visually challenged differ significantly on general mental alertness from their sighted counterparts. The two groups differ on quantitative scores while on linguistic scores no significant difference was found. Moreover gender has no significant impact on the mental alertness of both the groups.</em></p></div>

Exploring Spiritual Values among School Children

Spiritual values are the integrated values towards the spiritual development of children. The present study is broadly aimed at identifying and assessing spiritual values among school children. The sample of 104 school children was drawn from grade 5th to grade 8th from different schools of Aligarh city. Of these, 46 children were females and 58 were males. Simple random sampling technique was used to select participants to the sample. The objectives of the present study were: (1) to identify spiritual values among school children (2) to find out percentage of endorsement for a particular spiritual values by school children, and (3) to find out difference between the percentage of male and female school children endorsing spiritual values. Twenty eight spiritual values were identified by children themselves as with regard to their formation of personality. They are: Courage, Charity, Creativity, Cheerfulness, Caring, Discipline, Equality, Faithfulness, Goodness, Honesty, Humility, Happiness, Helping, Hard-work, Humorous, Kindness, Mannerism, Obedience, Punctuality, Peace, Polite, Social, Sharing, Sacrifice, Sincerity, Simplicity, Truthfulness, and the value of being Understanding. Significant differences were found between percentages of female and male school children on the following spiritual values: Caring, Discipline, Sincerity, and Punctuality. Significant differences were not found between the percentages of female and male school children on the remaining spiritual values. Thus, it can be concluded that the spiritual values are responsible for the personality and spiritual development of children. The aim of education should be towards the cultivation of spiritual values at the primary and secondary levels and to develop spiritual individuality.

Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Lock Factory Workers in Aligarh City

Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Lock Factory Workers in Aligarh City

Growth, Physiological, Yield and Quality Response in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Under Wastewater Irrigation and Different Levels of Phosphorus

Aims: India is one of the most densely populated, developing and industrially fast growing country of the earth that not only facing the problem of water scarcity, but also the mismanagement of tremendous amount of wastewater (WW) produced every day. Therefore a study was conducted in the Aligarh city of India on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. Pusa Sadabahar to observe the suitability of wastewater for irrigation along with different levels of phosphorus and how minimize the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture by supplementing mineral nutrients through wastewater. Study Design: Factorial randomized block design Place and Duration of Study: The pot experiment was conducted during 2011-2012 in the net house of the Plant Physiology, Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. Methodology: Three levels of water, 50% wastewater, 100% wastewater and groundwater (GW) were used along with four basal doses of phosphorus at the rates of 0, 20, 40 and 60kgPha with a uniform basal dose of nitrogen and potassium with the rates of 60kgNha and 50kgKha Original Research Article Iqbal et al.; AJEA, 5(1): 70-81, 2015; Article no. AJEA.2015.009 71 respectively. Fertilizers were applied one day before sowing. Both the waters and soil were analyzed for various physico-chemical characteristics. Results: All the growth, physiological, yields as well as quality parameters were recorded at 60 days after sowing. Results revealed that wastewater irrigation significantly increases the growth, photosynthesis, yield and quality of the chilli. Lower dose of phosphorus fertilizer at the rate of 40kg ha together with wastewater proved optimum and gave greater shoot and root length, shoot fresh and dry mass, leaf area, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, nitrate raductase, carbonic anhydrase, ascorbic acid and leaf nitrogen content than control and even to higher nitrogen doses along with groundwater. Conclusion: The wastewater proved an effective source of essential nutrients and even it could not be supplemented the whole nutrient requirement of the chilli but it can reduced the quantity of fertilizers because wastewater also a source of nutrients.

Annual Effective Dose Due to Radon, Thoron and their Progeny in Dwellings of Aligarh City and around a Thermal Power Station in Aligarh District, U.P., India

The present study was conducted to measure integrated radon and thoron concentration levels in dwellings of Aligarh city and around the thermal power station situated in Aligarh District. Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (LR-115, TYPE-II) based twin cup dosimeters were used for this purpose. Radon and thoron progeny concentration levels in terms of Potential Alpha Energy Concentrations (PAECs) and annual effective dose received by the inhabitants in studied dwellings were estimated from observed values of radon and thoron gas concentrations. The evaluated mean values of radon and thoron gas concentration in Aligarh city were 30.3 Bqm-3 (SD =10.6) and 10.2 Bqm-3 (SD =6.1) respectively and around thermal power station 23.6Bqm-3(SD = 5.2) and 7.7 Bqm-3 (SD= 1.9) respectively. The evaluated mean value of radon and thoron progeny concentration were 3.3 mWL (SD=1.1) and 1.1 mWL (SD= 0.7) respectively, in Aligarh city and 2.6 mWL (SD=0.6) and 0.8 mWL (SD= 0.2) around thermal power station. The estimated average value of annual effective dose in studied dwellings was 0.9 mSv (SD= 0.3) in Aligarh city and 0.7 mSv (SD= 0.2) around thermal power station.

Expanding Cities, Contested Land: Role of Actors in the Context of Peri-Urban Interface

The recent upsurge in urban growth and decentralization of economic activities has made peripheral urban areas, the PUI, a topical issue. However, the issues once visible in the city center have moved to this PUI culminated into land transformation and city expansion. Understanding the process and actors of land use transformation in the rural-urban boundary is crucial because of its dynamic nature. The present study tries to investigate the land transformation and different actors and their role in driving these transformations. The present study was done in Aligarh City, which is relatively a small city, compared to other cities of which literature is available but it is also a fast growing city in India. The issues examined here are certainly not limited to Aligarh City and many of the features can be traced with other cities as well. Like many other cities in north India, Aligarh City is expanding fast; moreover, it is surrounded by a populous rural area with productive and rich agricultural hinterland. Such conditions give rise to many conflicts among rural and urban economies, values, and people. However, they also generate mutually beneficial complementarities in the rural and urban spheres. The net outcome is highly selective for different groups and different locations. The role of actors in PUI is strong, because it is characterized by intermixing of rural and urban activities. The trends and patterns of land transformation at any location are the outcome of certain “alliances” and “conflicts” among these individual actors.

The Enclave, The Citadel and the Ghetto: The Threefold Segregation of Upper‐Class Muslims in India

AbstractThe urban sociology literature has identified three types of segregated spaces: the ghetto, the enclave and the citadel. While the ghetto stems from a high constraint, the enclave accounts for a more intentional form of segregation and the citadel refers to a deliberate attempt to exclude undesirable populations. While these three figures are often contrasted in the American literature, this article focuses on a specific type of neighbourhood that combines all of these: the upper‐class minority neighbourhood. By introducing the main results of an interview study I conducted in the Indian city of Aligarh, I show that Muslim upper‐class residential choices are informed by contradictory feelings: while the threat of Hindu–Muslim riots forces them to segregate in homogenous neighbourhoods (the ghetto), their segregation also stems from a genuine desire to live in an Islamic environment (the enclave). Finally, the Muslim upper classes also indulge in a sharp process of socio‐spatial differentiation from their poorer coreligionists (the citadel). These processes of compelled segregation, self‐aggregation and social distancing lead to an enduring spatial concentration along religious and class lines. The simultaneity of these three logics indicates that the categories of the ghetto, the enclave and the citadel, framed in reference to the American context, can be applied to the Indian city of Aligarh if understood as dynamic processes rather than static spatial units. Such a reformulation allows theory to travel across the North–South divide in a more productive way.

Analysis of Groundwater Quality of Aligarh City, (India): Using Water Quality Index

Water is essential for all living organisms for their existence and metabolic process. Unethical human intervention in natural system and over exploitation of groundwater resources induces degradation of its quality. In many instances groundwater is used directly for drinking as well as for other purposes, hence the evaluation of groundwater quality is extremely important. The present study is aimed to analyze the underground water quality at Aligarh. In this study 80 water samples were collected from 40 places and analyzed for 14 water quality parameters for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons (2012). The water quality index of these samples ranges from 18.92 to 74.67 pre-monsoon and 16.82 to 70.34 during post-monsoon. The study reveals that 50 % of the area under study falls in moderately polluted category. The ground water of Aligarh city needs some treatment before consumption and it also needs to be protected from contamination.

Groundwater Quality in Parts of Central Ganga Basin, Aligarh City, Uttar Pradesh, India

Hydrochemistry of groundwater in Aligarh city of Uttar Pradesh, India was used to determine its suitability for drinking and irrigation purpose. Physical and chemical parameters of groundwater such as electrical conductivity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl–, HCO3 –, CO3 2– and SO4 2–, were determined in one hundred groundwater samples collected from open wells as well as hand pumps in 2010. Ionic concentrations of the groundwater vary spatially and temporarily and the water is alkaline in nature. The higher values of some parameters at certain locations indicate contamination of the groundwater, making it unsuitable for specific applications. Twenty five percent of the wells lie under the medium salinity zone (EC 750-2250 micro mhos/cm). The Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) values range between 0.26 to 15.5 indicating that some water samples fall under the category of medium salinity hazard and are not suitable for irrigation. The groundwater of the area has also been classified on the basis of the Piper diagram. Many of the samples fall in the magnesium and sodium or potassium type, and 50% samples fall in no dominant type. As per US Salinity Laboratory Classification for irrigation water, most of the water samples fall under C2-S1 class (medium salinity and low SAR), eighteen locations fall under the category C3-S2 class (medium salinity and low SAR) and one location Luxmi Nagar shows C3-S3 (high salinity and high SAR). The major reason for the decline in water quality is the dumping of large amount of acid wastes by illegal lock factories, and another important source of pollution is slaughterhouse where at least 2500 buffaloes are slaughtered daily.

Encroachment of agricultural land in urban fringe areas of Aligarh city, India – process and parameters

The present paper concerns over the phenomena of encroachment of agricultural lands for urban purposes, in the fringe areas of Aligarh city located in the plains of North India. In reality, it is a consequential phenomenon of urbanization characterized with predominance of non-agricultural pursuits, high density of population, fast pace of life, availability of improved civic amenities, and affluences. Urban growth and encroachment of agricultural lands in urban fringe of Aligarh city are the main components of the research paper. An enumeration of process and parameters has been attempted and examined on the basis of eight parameters that have led encroachment of agricultural lands for urban uses. The research work involved an extensive gamut of data and information which has been used to analyze and assess the phenomena. In the end, the paper arrived to conclude that, as a result of physical and socio-cultural advancement, the city of Aligarh spares out continuously over large areas, and the process of encroachment of rural lands continues far and in wide areas for the use of urban activities.

Planning for water and sanitation in the residential suburbs: the case of Aligarh City, India

This paper examines the status of water and sanitation conditions in the residential suburbs of Aligarh city. The study is mainly based on primary sources of data collected through field/household surveys with the help of questionnaire interviews. Data was collected from 996 households living in 66 developed residential colonies. The services were categorized into three levels (standards), level 1 (basic), level 2 (intermediate) and level 3 (higher), to assess their standard. The standard score additive model has been used to arrive at a Composite Mean Standard Index (CMSI). The average value of CMSI of water and sanitation were calculated and further categorized into four levels, high, moderate, low and very low, for the purpose of planning. Maps were prepared accordingly. Results have shown that colonies located along the main roads have a high level of water and sanitation facilities compared with the colonies located along the wedges of two roads.

Development of Infrastructural Facilities in Public Sector on the Urban Fringe of Aligarh City

The present article attempts to show how distance from the urban centre plays an important role in transformation of infrastructure in the peripheral area of cities which is termed as urban fringe of Aligarh city. The distributional pattern of the indicators of infrastructure shows that their values decline along as we move from the city towards the peripheral area of an urban fringe. As we move from the centre of the city, the infrastructure facilities decline with the increase in distance. The nature of the urban fringe varies considerably according to the level of urbanisation, the economy and the geographical location from the urban centre. It is a common understanding that urban growth not only impacts natural and built environment but it also influences infrastructural structure in the urban fringe. Urbanisation offers livelihood choices for people in the urban fringe and also provides them better access to urban services and infrastructure.

Poverty, Education and Child Labour in Aligarh City-India

Child labour is commonly associated with poverty. However, the empirical evidence on this link is weak. Child labour in India is to be found in almost every sector of the informal economy. Children are to be found working in workshops and small factories, in dhabas and restaurant, on the street as well as domestic servants. It is generally assumed that as household wealth increases children will be progressively withdrawn from labour activities in favour of schooling. Being out of school and deprived of education, the world of prospects, possibilities and opportunities is closed for them. Any work that denies them their right to education must therefore be regarded as hazardous. This paper analyses the relationship between education and the phenomenon of child labour in Aligarh city. Poverty is really the most important reason for child labour and consequently low school participation in the city. Parental motivation for education and the quality of education are other factors being highlighted in the search for the reasons of low school participation and high incidents of child labour. The study shows that as children are enjoying their right to education, there are changes in the existing socio- economic formation towards greater participation and confidence of the people.

Molecular identification of three isolates of Jatropha mosaic India virus associated with mosaic disease of Withania somnifera in India

The association of begomovirus with mosaic disease of Withania somnifera was detected at three locations in India by PCR using begomovirus-specific degenerate primers. The resulting amplicons of ∼1.2 kb from three locations (Aligarh, Lucknow and Hindaun City) were sequenced. The begomovirus isolates of three locations shared 96–97% identities among them and 91% identities with Jatropha mosaic India virus (JMIV). Based on highest sequence identities and close phylogenetic relationships with JMIV, these begomovirus isolates associated with mosaic disease of W. somnifera were identified as isolates of JMIV.

Dynamics and diversification of livelihood in urban fringe of Aligarh city, U.P., India

Urban fringe is a region of urban-rural interface, continuously moving outward in response to urban sprawl or expansion over the times. It is the area of socio economic transition, experiencing dynamism in the pattern of livelihoods of the people. Land resource used under various cropping systems providing livelihoods to the rural people is declining due to increasing demand of land for non agricultural uses. The declining agricultural activity in the urban fringe has resulted in diversification and structural change in livelihoods. The exposure to urban lifestyle and mass media is causing mental transformation of youth in the urban fringe. They are more inclined towards value added farming systems and non farm activities of secondary or tertiary sectors. Dynamics in socio-economic milieus of urban fringe presented the challenges for livelihood security, employment opportunities and the sustainability of existing farming system and environment in the area. The present study analyzes the impact of urban expansion upon the structural change in pattern of livelihood of people of various socio economic horizons and the diversification of farming systems in the urban fringe of Aligarh city during last 20 years. The study is based on primary data generated through field survey of five villages from urban fringe of the city. The Study reveals expansion of Aligarh city at least three times since 1990. A large number of villages have been included in municipality area but rural economic activities like cropping and animal husbandry still exist in the form of urban vegetable and dairy farming operated by the local people and the immigrants from other parts of the district. The urban fringe witnessed dynamism and diversification in sources of livelihood. The study reveals that approximately 20 percent of surveyed people are only engaged in agriculture. The other important source of livelihood is animal husbandry, agro-processing, retailing and allied services.This structural change in livelihood has resulted in social, economic and environmental instability.

Influence of Spirituality on Quality of Life among Adults

The English word 'spirit' is derived from the Latin word 'spiritus' which means air, life or courage. Referring to this concept it may be said that spirituality is a way to discover the meaning of our life and to live with a faith that provides courage to face adverse circumstances. It is a subjective and elusive phenomenon that enables people to find out the reason of their existence. Many people confuse spirituality with religiosity but spirituality is a broader, overarching domain that may include religiosity, but religiosity is not a necessary element of spirituality (Cooper- Effa, Blount, Kaslow, Rothenberg, & Eckman, 2001 ; Estanek, 2006). Religion refers to the means and methods (i.e., rituals or prescribed behaviors) of the search that receive validation and support from within an identifiable group of people. According to Koenig, McCullough and Larson (2001) is the personal quest for understanding answers to ultimate questions about life, about meaning, and about relationship to the sacred or transcendent, which may (or may not) lead to or arise from the development of religious rituals and the formation of community. It may be said that spirituality is a set of beliefs and practices that can result in a life changing path that makes a person's life meaningful, purposeful. Spirituality has always been viewed as an important factor in realizing an adequate quality of life. Spirituality has been regarded as something that contributes to human flourishing, something that increase the quality of life. For instance Levin(2001) pointed out that spirituality engenders our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs that alleviate distress. Kass (1996) is one of the opinion that tapping one's spiritual core can boast self concept.It is difficult to point out that the term 'quality of life' is used by whom but the term got some references at 9th World Congress of Sociology held at Uppsala in the year 1978 (Szalai,1980;p.7).Quality of Life covers wider aspects of one's life like family, physical health, psychological health, social wellbeing, work etc. Quality of life is the feeling of overall life satisfaction, as determined by the mentally alert individual whose life is being evaluated (Meeberg, 1993, p. 37). The individual's subjective psychological outlook in the presence or absence of physiological and functional burden determines the individual's perceived quality of life (Burckhart & Anderson, 2003; Murdaugh, 1997). Quality of Life refers to a subjective evaluation which is embedded in a cultural, social and environmental context.Purpose of the studyThe present study was designed to assess the spirituality and quality of life of adults.Objectives of the study* To assess the quality of life of high and low spiritual groups;* To determine whether level of spirituality affects Quality of Life.Hypotheses of the study* There exists no significant difference between the quality of life of high and low spiritual groups.* There will be no significant effect of level of spirituality on Quality of Life.MethodParticipantsThe participants of this study was consisted of 60 adults selected from Aligarh city. The adult included the sample were in the age range of 35 to 45 years. The selection of the subjects was based on purposive sampling technique.InstrumentsDaily Spiritual Experiences Scale: It was constructed by Lynn G. Underwood & Jeanne A. Teresi was used. It is consist of 16 items to be rated on 6 point Likert scale ranging from many times a day, to never or almost never. The minimum and maximum scores that can be obtained on item 1 to 14 are 14 and 85 respectively.World Health Organization QOL Instrument: The scale developed by WHOQOL Group was administered. This scale is consists of 26 items that are distributed in four domains like physical, psychological, social relationship and environment. The scoring of domains are scaled in positive direction. …

Unhealthy Cooking and Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Indian Women: A Case Study

Unhealthy cooking is one of the major cause of mortality and morbidity and a risk factor for occurrence of tuberculosis among Indian women. India is the TB burden country in the world and accounts for nearly 20 percent of global burden of tuberculosis. The present study establishes the association between unhealthy cooking conditions (use of biomass fuels/chulhas, cooking in multipurpose room, Non-ventilated kitchen, living in kutcha/semi-pucca houses) and prevalence of tuberculosis in women. This study is based on primary sources of data collected through questionnaire interviews from 2101 women respondents belonging to different income categories from Aligarh city. The study examines the socio-economic characteristics, cooking conditions, monitoring of indoor air quality of different types of kitchen locations using different types of fuels. Symptomatic linkages of tuberculosis with type of fuel use, kitchen locations and house type were analysed. The results show that the women using biomass fuels/chulhas cooking in non-ventilated kitchens and multipurpose room, living in kutcha/semi pucca houses were most prone to tuberculosis.