University Of Delhi Research Articles

XXII ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE On “$ Five Trillion Economy: The Way Ahead”

The XXII Annual International Conference organized under the joint auspices of Delhi School of Professional Studies and Research, DSPSR (Affiliated to GGSIP University, New Delhi); Faculty of Economics and Management, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Slovak Republic; Shyam Lal College (E), University of Delhi; Sri Aurobindo College (E), University of Delhi; Rotary Club of Delhi Maurya; and Divine International Group of Institutions, Gwalior.

Professor Arvind Manilal Shah: Researcher, Teacher and Institution Builder

The shock of Professor A. M. Shah’s (AMS) demise is fresh in our minds as is his memory as an interactive, alert, productive and disciplined scholar at the ripe age of 89. This article tries to summarise his enormous contribution to the discipline of sociology in India. First, it takes up his path-breaking, analytically sharp mind towards conceptual clarity to match with empirical data that questioned many prevailing assumptions. He put forth the household dimension as the processual dimension of family in India, caste division as a feature of many urban castes, besides hierarchy, which alone was assumed to characterise caste in India. Next, it looks at his brand of work with historical and contemporary empirical perspective in the areas of kinship, marriage, lineage, old age and family policy, religion and sects through his research publications. Next, it describes AMS as a simple and upright person and a dedicated teacher who enjoyed teaching and focused on clarity and understanding without fashionable jargon. His strict but compassionate and no-nonsense approach towards students contributed also to the high status of sociology in the Delhi University. This is followed by his selfless commitment to academic administration in the Delhi University and wider institution-building acumen that benefitted Indian Sociological Society among others.

English

The article accentuates the information communication tools (ICTs) skills of library and information science (LIS) professionals working in the 74 college libraries affiliated with the University of Delhi. In the present study, the respondents gathered the information through a structured questionnaire using the survey method. The questionnaires were distributed among 196 LIS professionals, and 171 filled-in questionnaires were collected personally and elicited 87.1%. The findings demonstrated that most LIS professionals are deficient regarding skills in burglar systems, electromagnetic security systems (ESS), access control system, quick response (QR) codes, biometric technology, content management systems, reference creation and management, R software in statistical package. On account of semi-professionals, it was revealed that they need to enhance ICT tool skills in digital library software, ESS, QR codes, biometric technology, content management system (CMS), reference management, and statistical software. The ICT tool skills will be at the centre of the necessary skills and fundamental to advancing learning skills, problem-solving, and critical, innovative, and systemic thinking towards improving their library services. The authors advocate that college libraries have to cross alongside technological adjustments that are taking location to continue to include value to higher learning establishments. It is also necessary to continue constructing LIS professional potential to ensure that they add value to college libraries. The study is noteworthy because it accentuates the ICT tools skills of LIS professionals and helps the University of Delhi authorities include courses for ICT skills in the academic/ professional curriculum, which would help the working LIS professionals to get capable in different ICT skills.

Provision of library services to visually impaired persons in Central University Libraries of North India

The paper examines provision of library and information services to the visually impaired persons in Central University libraries of North India. It looks into the various issues that are involved in the provision of library and information services to the visually impaired students in the libraries. The study employed survey method of research and data was collected from chief librarians of six central university libraries namely, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University and Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University by using a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that all the libraries have provision of services to visually impaired persons but there is a lack of dedicated budget and accessibility policy for such users in the libraries. Aligarh Muslim University Library has the highest collection of braille books and daisy books followed by Delhi University library. Services such as audio book recording, transcription service and scanning assistance are available in most of the libraries. Further, it is revealed that the libraries of JNU and BBAU are fully accessible to the visually impaired persons, while the other university libraries lack some such arrangements. However basic facilities such as ramps and accessible washrooms are available in all the libraries. The study also revealed the barriers faced by the librarians in providing the special services to visually impaired persons. It is found that inadequate funds is the major barrier in provision of library services to visually impaired persons followed by the lack of reading materials in accessible format and lack of trained staff to serve such users.

Teaching in a Delhi University College during covid-19: 2020 will be remembered for many firsts

Delhi University Colleges have put their best efforts to accomplish their academic and other related obligations since mid-March 2020 (initial phase of the pandemic) by completing the ongoing courses; holding the due examinations and providing the respective results in time. Off course there have been certain glitches in achieving these mammoth tasks. They have admitted fresh batches of students and have so far successfully been engaging their classes through various online mode as per their separate sets of academic calendars for the session of 2020-21. Even the promotion of the faculty members, due since long has been initiated successfully through online mode. This is to appreciate that despite the myriad constraints put by the pandemic, the faculty members, staff, the Principals and various other DU authorities have contributed and co-operated hugely in the implementation of the policies and decisions taken by the University of Delhi; University Grants Commission (UGC) and Government of India. Meanwhile a debate is going on among the stakeholders to resume the full-fledged academic activities on the campus in a phase wise manner as one of their main priorities. With the increase in declining cases of Covid-19 in Delhi and the vaccination programme being already launched, we may expect return of full normal academic activities on the campus in future, very soon.

Addiction-like behavior associated with social media usage in undergraduate students of a government medical college in Delhi, India.

Background:Excessive use of social media is increasingly being recognized as a source of technological addiction in young people globally.Objective:The aim of this study is to assess social media addiction in medical students using a self-designed questionnaire.Materials and Methods:We collected data from undergraduate medical students (MBBS) in Delhi, India using a self-administered 20-item social media addiction questionnaire (SMAQ) to measure addiction-like behavior, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality.Results:We enrolled 264 (62.3%) male and 160 (37.7%) female participants of mean (standard deviation) age 19.83 (1.6) years. The Cronbach's alpha of the SMAQ was 0.879. A principal component analysis revealed a 4-component SMAQ structure based on eigenvalue cutoff (>1), loading score >0.3, and inspection of the Scree-plot that explained 54.7% of the total variance. We observed strong loadings of impaired control items on Component 1, decreased alternate pleasure items on Component 2, intense desire items on Component 3, and harmful use items on Component 4. The mean SMAQ score was significantly higher in the students reporting poor sleep quality and older students.Conclusion:The SMAQ has acceptable psychometric properties, with higher scores associated with sleep deprivation. A majority of students were unable to reduce their time spent on social media despite wanting to do so, signifying the presence of tolerance and impaired control.

Oral Presentation

Oral Presentation

Knowledge, attitude and practices for HBV and HCV (Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus) among the students of a central university in South Delhi (India) and strategies for prevention of disease

Hepatitis B and C are one of the major blood-borne viral infections in India and across the globe. There is an urgent need to address this public health problem at the community level. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among the students of a central university, thus identifying and bridging the gaps in KAP by formulating strategies at the community level. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 127 participants between November 2019 and December 2019. Data for KAP were collected using self-structured questionnaire after obtaining written informed consent. The data included demography, basic knowledge, modes of transmission, attitude, practices, and preventive measures to control HBV and HCV. Descriptive data were analyzed using SPSS-18 software. Results: Overall awareness level was 60% among university students. Knowledge about transmission via blood/blood related products (71%), reuse of needle or syringes (66%), ear/nose piercing/tattooing (33%), prevention through vaccination (76.4%) was found. Overall negative attitude toward the infected patient was 82% and avoidance behavior was 29%. In practice, 55% of participants had completed all doses of vaccination. Eighty-five percent participants agreed to visit a doctor following any symptoms and 70% found proactive in containment and educating the masses. Conclusion: The lacunae in KAP can be bridged by active participation, training, and education of the students of university by focused strategies based on communication and behavior change and positive motivation using public platforms and social media by university authorities from time to time.

Nature Inspired Hybrid Algorithm for Binding Shared Key with User Trait

Increased digital transactions accentuate the need for secure communication over open channels. Confidentiality and safe distribution of shared key is a mandatory requirement in symmetric key-based systems. The work proposes a novel nature inspired optimisation technique for binding secret key with user traits extracted from iris biometrics. Validation of key binding is demonstrated by ensuring that successful decryption happens by authorised user alone. Nature inspired swarm and population algorithms are used to extract optimal feature vectors from user trait. Chicken swarm optimisation and deer hunting optimisation algorithms have been used for the first time with iris traits to achieve optimal key binding. Experiments for different shared key lengths have been carried out with IIT Delhi and Multimedia University iris datasets. Accuracy of the proposed model is 7% better than whale optimisation algorithm and 4% better than grey wolf optimisation.

Role of ranganathan's legacy in LIS education and research in India

The Department of Library & Information Science started at the initiative of S.R. Ranganathan was the first school in the country to offer Master's and PhD programmes in Library Science. This study explores the role of professionals graduating from the LIS Department of the University of Delhi in LIS education and research, an attempt has been made to present a state-wise picture of the pioneering role played by the alumni of the Department. The study finds that sixteen prominent LIS departments were setup in the country by the alumni of Delhi University.

Content analysis of select university library websites of Delhi: An Indian scenario during Covid-19 pandemic

The digitization of information has brought a new concept altogether and has marked the beginning of 'information era ’which nonetheless left libraries behind to reach their users in the present digital world through their websites as a linkage without physical presence. At this time of pandemic websites are serving at its most for online teaching and learning as well. Considering the importance of information resources available on the library websites the study is conducted to analyse the contents of University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Ambedkar University Delhi, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology and National Law University by preparing checklist based on general information, collection, facilities, services, best practices and application of web 2.0 technologies provided on the websites. Analysis reveals that all the libraries under study are providing substantial resources and information on their websites which includes e-books, e-journals, e-databases, link to institutional repositories, consortia resources and digital libraries, open access resources as well as password access resources for their registered users, study also provides suggestive measures. Further, it is anticipated that the present study will be useful not only for said universities but for other universities also to update their library websites to serve their patrons during this pandemic and thereafter.

Assessment of Digital Information Literacy Skills among the Library and Information Science Students of the University of Delhi

The present study aims to assess the digital information literacy skills among the library and information science students of the University of Delhi. The survey method has been found suitable to conduct the study in which a structured 80 questionnaires were distributed randomly among the students of DLIS and 72 (90%) of questionnaires were received from the respondents. After the analysis of the questionnaires, it has been found that the maximum 57 (79.17%) students were using a computer daily and they are familiar with MS office application software. All the students were well aware of Internet literacy skills and also they all are using the Internet in which the large number i.e. 66 (91.67%) students were using it everyday. The maximum 69 (65.71%) of students were using the Internet through their mobile data while a large number 69 (56.1%) of students using the simple searching technique.

A Study on Use of Mathematical Programs for Design of Electronic Circuits in Cybernetic-Physical Learning Environment

The laboratory work holds a great importance for an undergraduate student of science. And during COVID -19 pandemic, when the theory classes were moved online, migrating practical classes to online mode turned out to be a challenging task. This article aims to study the use of mathematical programs as an extensive methodological approach to enhance the learning of electronic circuit designing at undergraduate level. The students were given a task of designing a well-known oscillator circuit using a mathematical program written in open source application Scilab. The values of all the components needed to design an oscillator were calculated. The circuit was then designed practically for various frequencies using the theoretically obtained component values. The obtained output frequency of oscillator circuit was within 5% variation to the theoretically obtained one. In this article, the authors captured the experience of 500 undergraduate science students studying at various colleges of University of Delhi, India via a valid online questionnaire circulated through different platforms. The response of the students was gauged and it could be inferred that mathematical programs are working as a decent replacement during these demanding times and can be used as an add-on, once the physical labs start operating back to normalcy.

Effect of one-day training on Knowledge related to Biosafety and waste management among life-science Students

Context: Laboratory workers are at increased risk of occupational hazards especially microbial infections. These occupational hazards can be reduced by merely creating awareness related to Biosafety. Thus biosafety and waste management training is important and needs to be inculcated at novice stage. Aims: The present study aimed to assess the effect of one-day training program on knowledge related to biosafety and biohazard among life-science students. Settings and Design: The study was conducted through online medium, organized by Department of Microbiology, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi using a Quasi Experimental design. Methods and Material: A one-day training on Biosafety and Waste Management was organized by Department of Microbiology for life-science students. A pre-test with 15 questions was administered to the participants before commencement of the training. One mark was allotted for each correct response and zero marks for incorrect marks. At the end of training, post knowledge was assessed using the same questions as pre-test. Statistical analysis used: The data on pre-post knowledge assessment was analyzed using SPSS Version 21. Paired t-test was used to assess the mean difference in pre and post knowledge assessment amongst the participants. The level of significance was taken as <0.05. Results: A total of 81 participants was analyzed for pre-post analysis. The mean age was 19.98 ± 1.06 years with 59(72.8%) being females. The mean pre-knowledge and post-knowledge score was found to be 10.20 ± 2.09 and 14.02 ± 1.63 respectively. The mean difference of 3.83 ± 2.23 in pre and post knowledge was found to be significant (p<0.001). Conclusions: Life-science students have poor-to-moderate knowledge about biosafety and waste management. Training on biosafety helps in improving knowledge.

Dietary pattern amongst Medical college students, Delhi

Background: India is experiencing a transitional shift with more of new cases of Non Communicable Disease observed specially in young adults. One of the major reasons of this upsurge is faulty dietary habits, resulting in overweight and obesity and further rise in NCDs. The purpose of this study is to assess eating habits and nutritional risk factors for NCDs in a medical student of Medical college of Delhi. Methods: After explaining the purpose of the study in individual classroom explained questionnaire was mailed to all 300 medical college undergraduate students currently studying in this medical college. The form consists of questions on sociodemographic details including information about weights, height and eating habits including, drinking and smoking habits. Results: Filled forms were returned by 220 students out of which 204 were found to be complete and were considered for further analysis. Of total 204 students, 72 (35.3%) were females and 132 (64.7%) were males in our study. Regarding meals only 154 (75.5%) were found to be taking meals regularly i.e. more than 3 times a day and 82.4% (168) were having breakfast on regularly basis. Daily consumption of vegetable and legumes against recommended two times were found only in 41.2 (84) students, similarly daily fruit consumption against recommended two times was found only in 30.4% (62) students only. However fast-food consumption on daily basis was as high as 23.5% (48).Smoking was absent in students and alcohol intake was present in 3% of males (06) and reportedly absent in females. About 22.5% (46) was reported of doing some sort of exercise in a week but only 20 (9.8 %) were found to be doing exercise on daily basis. 156 (76.5%) sought some sort of information regarding balanced diet and 120 (58.8%) had reported to have adequate information about balance diet. Conclusion: Eating habits were found to be irregular among undergraduate medical students with regard to meals and daily intake of fruits and vegetables was found to be less than recommended norms. More efforts are required for improving eating practices of the students and also for adequate nutrition and its implication on health. Keywords: Eating Practices, MBBS students, Balanced diet, Junk food, Regular meals, Non comunicable diseases.

Exploring Needs and Requirements of Differently Abled Students at Equal Opportunity Cell, University of Delhi

A differently-abled student needs special attention due to his or her different learning abilities, medical condition or any physical disability. It is essential that all Institutions must put efforts to provide various facilities best suited to these students and bring about their intellectual, academic and cultural development along with all other students. The purpose of this study is to look into the various resources, facilities and services which have been provided by Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC), a special Center for specially abled students established at University of Delhi, Delhi (India) for satisfying the requirements of its users to achieve higher education. An interactive and feedback approach, by way of questionnaire and verbal interviews to reach to the opinion of the specially abled students at EOC, has been practised by the author for the study. The findings show that EOC provides some important facilities to its users such as short term courses along with sports events specially designed and organized for them, computer laboratories as per their requirements, scanning and accessible reading equipments to visually impaired students and provisions of volunteers for providing support to disable students followed with transport facilities for them. It is also observed that the staff of the EOC was very helping towards the students. Overall, students have accepted that EOC has been fulfilling its motto for creating a barrier free environment for them for their learning needs. The study recommends to quantitative increase in the numbers of assistive devices, installation of advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and softwares for better and more efficient support to the specially-abled students. Keywords: Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC), differently-abled students, specially abled students, Person with Disability (PwD), Physically handicapped students, University of Delhi and blind students.

Students’ Perception towards E-Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic in India: An Empirical Study

The educational system across the world has immensely been affected due to outbreak of COVID-19; it forced the shut down of educational institutions, which adversely affected student fraternity across the globe. Due to its contagious nature, COVID-19 demanded containment and enforced isolation that tremendously affected personal interaction of teachers and students. In the absence of traditional classroom teaching and one-to-one interaction, computer-based learning has emerged as closest substitute for off-line teaching. Against such a backdrop, it is pertinent to examine the students’ perception and readiness about online-learning system adopted at the university level during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For the present study, the quantitative approach has been adopted and responses from 184 university students of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, India namely Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University) and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University are collected through online questionnaire. This research study was conducted during June–August 2020. The findings of the study reveal students’ positive perception towards e-learning and thus acceptance of this new learning system. It has also empirically demonstrated the significance of e-learning in the time of COVID-19 crisis. In fact, e-learning has emerged as a new way of enhancing the learning process where social media may further improve the learning output. The findings of the study will facilitate educational institutions and policy makers to take this online-learning process to the next level in a better way.

Pattern and determinants of obesity among undergraduate medical students of Delhi

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Obesity is one of the most serious public health challenge of 21st century. Overweight and obese children are more likely to develop non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in their adolescent age group. For the last few years prevalence of obesity among adolescent has risen dramatically. According to few recent studies, prevalence of obesity is high among medical students. Aims and objectives of the research was to study the prevalence of obesity among undergraduate medical students and to assess the determinants of obesity.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 undergraduate medical students in a medical college of Delhi. A pre-designed, pretested and semi-structured interview schedule was used. And for anthropometric measurements, digital weighing scale for weight measurement, stadiometer for height measurement and non-stretchable inch tape for waist-circumference/hip-circumference (WC/HC) measurement. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 200 medical students were surveyed for a period of 6 months. It was observed that according to World Health Organization (WHO) Asian – pacific classification of body mass index (BMI), 21% (42/200) were overweight and 29% (58/200) were obese. Among the study participants, socio demographic variables which were found to be associated with increased BMI were mother’s education (p value=0.02), father’s education (p value=0.01) and type of the area (p value=0.03). Occupation of mothers and father was not found to be significantly associated with the BMI.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Medical students are our future doctors and role model for the community, so it is very important to modify the dietary and lifestyle factors in order to decrease the prevalence of overweight and obesity among medical students.</p><p> </p>

Postnatal Care Based on ICM’s Global Standards among Nursing Students Studying in a Selected College in Delhi

Background: Postnatal period is considered as the most critical phase which can lead to various complications and even maternal deaths. Midwives and nurses have an important role to play in the postnatal care of a mother hence they must have exceptional knowledge and skill to address the complications that arise in mothers during postnatal period. The competence level of midwives and nurses must be earned by set criteria of ICM Global standards of Midwifery. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and skills among nursing students in selected college of Delhi on Postnatal Care as per ICM Global Standards by using Checklist and Questionnaire and to find out an association of Knowledge and skill on postnatal care with selected demographic variables regarding ICM’ s Global standards. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research approach with descriptive exploratory design was used to achieve the objectives of the study. Total enumerating sampling technique was employed to select 56 students of DGNM interns posted in postnatal wards of hospital. A structured questionnaire and checklist were formulated to assess the knowledge and skills of Nursing Students. Result and Findings: The study showed that Maximum students i.e. 45 (80.35%) had inadequate knowledge related to postnatal care of mother whereas 11 (19.64%) nursing students had adequate knowledge. Maximum students i.e. 34 (61%) had inadequate knowledge related to postnatal care of newborn whereas 22 (39%) had adequate knowledge regarding the same. The calculated ‘r’ value was 0.32; value at degree of freedom (54) is 0.27 which is lower than 0.0 e ‘r’ 5 level of significance. Conclusion: The study shows that the students need more emphasis on skill improvement. There is a need to up skill the existing skills of nursing students in order to provide comprehensive and prompt Nursing Care.

Not Paradise but Prison

Abstract In the fall of 2019, Pinjra Tod (Break the Cage), an autonomous collective of women students working to ensure secure, affordable, and non-discriminatory accommodation for women students throughout Delhi, joined forces with other student organizations to coordinate a joint protest and public meeting against the continuing siege of Kashmir. The action took place at the Arts Faculty of Delhi University. In this pamphlet, Pinjra Tod interrogates Narendra Modi's corporate plans for a “paradise” in Kashmir under the capitalist guise of “freedom,” and its intersection with far-right racialized nationalism. Further, they report on the horrific stories emerging from Kashmir: stories of the detention and torture of minors and young men, arbitrary midnight raids, and constant threats and danger of sexual violence against women by the armed forces. They articulate the present state of emergency as an intensification of the long and brutal history of oppression by the Indian state impacting the lives and democratic aspirations of the people of Kashmir. Raising their voices against the continuing lockdown and in support of and solidarity with the people of Kashmir, Pinjra Tod presents a set of demands which include that Articles 370 and 35A of India's constitution be reinstated; that the popular participation of Kashmiri people in any further policy decision be ensured; that all political leaders, social activists, youth, and children be released; and that special provisions be made for all Kashmiri students across all universities whose studies were disrupted.