Himachal Pradesh University Research Articles

Department of Biotechnology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171005, India

The present study utilized computational-guided experiments to conduct screening of a novel discovered acidic-thermostable α-amylase (AMYT) derived from a metagenome of hot springs. This approach was employed as a cost-effective alternative to the conventional method of functional screening. Initially, a computational screening methodology was employed to identify primary candidate that possess superior properties. AMYT was subjected to cloning, expression, purification, and characterization, among the candidates that were chosen. The AMYT enzyme demonstrated optimal activity at pH of 5.5 and a temperature of 50 °C. The enzyme demonstrated high efficacy in the presence of diverse chemicals, demonstrating a remarkable capacity in the hydrolysis of a wide range of substrates. Furthermore, it was found to be independent of Ca2+ ions. The results of this study demonstrated the efficacy of computational methods in identifying previously unknown acidic thermostable α-amylases. The accuracy of the selection method suggests that the AMYT has the potential to be a viable option for industrial starch processing, as it has the ability to enhance the output of final products and decrease overall costs.

Observational constraint from the heaviest pulsar PSR J0952-0607 on the equation of state of dense matter in relativistic mean field model

In the present work, we constrain the equation of state of dense matter in the context of heaviest observed neutron-star mass ${M}_{\mathrm{max}}=(2.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.17){M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ for the black widow pulsar PSR J0952-0607. We propose three interactions HPU1, HPU2 and HPU3 (named after Himachal Pradesh University) for the relativistic mean-field model, which include different combinations of nonlinear, self-couplings, and cross couplings among isoscalar-scalar $\ensuremath{\sigma}$, and isoscalar-vector $\ensuremath{\omega}$ and isovector-vector $\ensuremath{\rho}$ meson fields up to the quartic order. These interactions are in harmony with the finite nuclei and bulk nuclear matter properties. The equations of state computed by using newly generated interactions for the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-equilibrated nucleonic matter satisfy the heaviest observed neutron-star mass ${M}_{\mathrm{max}}=(2.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.17){M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ for the black widow pulsar PSR J0952-0607. The results for the radius ${R}_{1.4}$ and dimensionless tidal deformability ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}}_{1.4}$ corresponding to the canonical mass are also presented and agree well with the GW170817 event and astrophysical observations. The radius of $2.08{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ neutron-star mass is predicted to be in the range ${R}_{2.08}=12.98$--13.09 km which also satisfy the NICER observations by Miller et al. [Astrophys. J. Lett. 918, L28 (2021)] and Riley et al. [Astrophys. J. Lett. 918, L27 (2021)]. A covariance analysis is also performed to assess the theoretical uncertainties of model parameters and to determine their correlations with nuclear matter observables.

Readiness for Education 4.0: Pandemic as the Wakeup Call for Teacher Education Institutions

Change has been the unwritten yet self-evident law of nature and society. However, in recent times the pace, magnitude, complexities and dimensions of these changes got accelerated and intensified. The changes can be discerned in each sphere of our lives including the domain of learning and education sector. Scholars have identified four stages of Education from 1.0 to 4.0. In each of these four phases, all the characteristics change including institutional arrangement, content organisation, learning orientation, technology, teaching-learning methods, and role of students and teachers. Transition in to Education 4.0 necessitates a transformation in teacher education institutions (TEIs) because in these institutions teachers and educational administrators of future are being prepared. This paper looks at the 2 year B. Ed. curriculum prescribed by Himachal Pradesh University in 2015 and assesses the extent to which this curriculum can prepare graduates for future. The paper observes that teachers being prepared currently are not ready for roles and responsibilities they are expected to shoulder in the changed and changing scenario. It further observes that many aspects of current system of teacher education actually stand at Education 1.0 and as such requires responsive curriculum, unflinching commitment and unprecedented mobilization of resources in order to cover the long path in order to transition into 4.0 successfully. The current pandemic has potential to become a pretext for taking steps in desired direction.

LEARNER’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS E-LEARNING

Test of e-learning related attitudes (TeLRA) scale developed by D.H. Kisanga and G. Ireson Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom published in International Journal of Education and Development using information and communication technology (IJEDICT), 2016, Vol.12,issue1,pp 20-36 was used to study the attitude in relation to four areas as: Challenges of e-learning, benefits from e-learning, Attitude on using computer systems and leisure interest on e-learning and use of computers systems. The present study was conducted through descriptive survey method. The targeted population for this study comprised of all rural and urban student teachers of various educational institutions of Shimla city including Department of Education, Himachal Pradesh University. A sample of 400 and female student teachers were given ( TeLRA) scale in the form of Google form online. Out of these 218 student teachers (109rural and 109urban) were taken as sample. t-test was computed for the statistical analysis of the data. Finding indicates that Rural and urban student teachers do not differ significantly on any of the factor of e-learning. Further from the mean values, the inference can be drawn that rural student teachers shows similar kind of attitude towards e-learning as compared to urban student teachers and are well known to the benefits from e-learning, also they have shown leisure interest on e-learning and are comfortable in using computer systems. But rural student teachers are found to be more comfortable on using computer systems as compared to its counterpart.

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS AMONG TOURISM STUDENTS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH UNIVERSITY

HIV/AIDS has rapidly established throughout the worlds over the past three decades and has emerged as the important public health problem. Youth are at greater risk of acquiring infection because of changing behavior pattern. More than one third of reported cases of HIV/AIDS in India are among youth. The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness regarding HIV/AIDS among tourism students of Himachal Pradesh University. In this study 30 tourism students both girls and boys from Master Course (first and third semester of Himachal Pradesh selected as sample.The HIV/AIDS awareness tool developed by Kumar (2020) was used to collect the data. The t-test statistical technique was used to analyze the data. The result showed that there is significant difference in the awareness level related to HIV/AIDS among tourism students of university.

Understanding Users Attitude towards Information Technology Application in University Libraries

In the present study, researchers aim to understand the attitude of users towards information technology application in two university libraries of north India, namely Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla and Panjabi University, Patiala. Survey method of research was used to collect data from the users. The sample consisted of 391 users, which included PG Students, Research Scholars and Faculty Members in the Faculties of Social Sciences and Sciences in both the universities. The data were collected through structured questionnaires and further analysed using the Chi-Square test and Kruskal-Wallis test. The data analysis and discussion reveals that despite a few number of library users being involved in the decision-making of IT application in libraries and availability of few training programmes on the know-how of IT systems, a positive attitude towards information technology application prevails among the library users in both the university libraries. In the end, some key recommendations are presented for deriving more benefits from future IT initiatives in libraries.

A Systematic Review on Theses Works Carried out at the Post Graduate Department of Dravyaguna in Rajiv Gandhi Government Post Graduate Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola, Himachal Pradesh from 2009 to 2021

Rajiv Gandhi Government Post Graduate Ayurvedic College and Hospital (RGGPGAC&H), Paprola (also known as Paprola Ayurvedic College) was established in 1972 as a private institution. It was taken over by the government of Himachal Pradesh in 1978, affiliating it to Himachal Pradesh University (HPU). Post Graduate Department of Dravyaguna (PGDD) at the college started in 2009; initially intake capacity of the department was two students per year which increased to three later. Since 2020 the intake capacity of PGDD is four students per year. Library and personal interview methods are used for this systematic review study. A total of 24 (5 experimental, 2 survey, 1 literary and 16 clinical) theses have been completed under the supervision of four faculties atthe department. 8 theses studies are ongoing (3 clinical, 3 experimental, 1 survey and 1 literary). All those 24 theses studies occurred between 2009-2021 the yield significant results. The department has been continuously working hard on various researchand developmental issues of Dravyaguna to promote and motivate Dravyaguna scholars all around.

Women’s Participation in Panchayati Raj Institutions: A Perspective from Jammu Region in Jammu and Kashmir

Men dominated Panchayati Raj Institutions until the 73rd Amendment of 1993, which mandated 33 percent reservation to women. The provisions of the 73rd Amendment were available to women in Jammu and Kashmir from 2003, owing to its limited constitutional autonomy under Article 370. This reservation provided an opportunity to a large number of women from the state to participate in the panchayat elections in 2011. This article studies the awareness level and participation of the newly elected women panchayat members in Panchayati Raj Institutions. The author also studies the socioeconomic, political and socio-cultural factors that impact women panchayat members in carrying out their regular activities. DOI: 10.32444/IJSW.2021.82.1.115-136 Author: Ashwani Kumar is Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology & Social Work,Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.

A comparative study of muscular strength between young basketball and handball players of Himachal Pradesh University (Final looser)

A comparative study of muscular strength between young basketball and handball players of Himachal Pradesh University (Final looser)

Consumer Preference and Impact of Online Shopping on Traditional Retail Market: A Case Study

The trend of online shopping is expending its roots throughout the world. In India the traditional retail market is in trends. Retail market contributes more than 10 percent of the GDP to the Indian economy. With the inception of Information Technology the trend of online shopping is also being famous in India. Spread of internet has made it easy to do the online shopping. This trend is famous especially among youth. Customer satisfaction is one of the important and challenging issues both for the online and traditional retailers. In this paper an attempt has been made to study the customer preference for online shopping and its impact on traditional retail market. To conduct the present study a sample of 100 respondents were selected among the traditional retailers. These samples were taken from the capital city traditional retail market of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh with the help of convenient sampling technique. Besides this 200 sample respondents were selected among the online buyers. The buyer respondents were taken from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla with the help of random-cum-purposive sampling techniques. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. The results of the study reveal that there is a negative impact of online shopping on traditional retail market.

User Satisfaction with Library Resources and Services in Himachal Pradesh University

In this paper author discuss the role of university library in higher education. Given the brief information of Himachal Pradesh (HP) University Library Shimla and for calculating impact of information technology on library given the journey of library automation and user survey about library activity and use of ICT in library and user satisfactions. A survey was conducted the HP University Library. A total number of 180 users from the postgraduate, research scholar were selected and their response was obtained with the help of questionnaire and conducting meeting with librarian's and staff of the library and users. The results also showed that libraries go for the E-Journals subscription and online and offline databases it may help to users a lot. It also showed that users were satisfied with the services of the library but demanding quality improvement in library services. Also, some suggestions were made to provide quality services and increase user's satisfactions.

Screening and optimization of staphylokinase from Staphylococcus aureus isolated from nasal swab of healthy students in Himachal Pradesh University, India

Background: One of virulence factors produced by Staphylococcus aureus is staphylokinase (SAK), which enhances their proteolytic activity leading to tissue damage and improving bacterial invasiveness. In the present study, we estimated the ability to produce SAK by S. aureus isolates from nasal carriers. We would like to verify relationship between SAK production and different S. aureus isolates. Methods: In this study, all nasal swab samples from healthy nasal carriers were collected and further processed in the Department of Biotechnology, Himachal Pradesh University. All S. aureus isolates were screened for SAK and optimization was done. Results: Out of all S. aureus isolates 20% isolates were positive for SAK production. Isolate SAK-24 shown increase in SAK production after optimization and response surface methodology (RSM). Conclusion: Production of SAK varies from strain to strains. SAK production can be increased by optimization and RSM.

Video graphic (Biomechanical) reliability and validity Coefficient of forty yards shuttle run test of Females of high altitude Himachal Pradesh

Research scholar has selected the topic with the purpose to find out reliability coefficient of selected forty yards shuttle run test variables video graphically recorded and analyzed repeatedly of female habitat of Himachal Pradesh University of Shimla. With the following objectives. To find out the “Vedio graphic Biomechanical Reliability and Validity of Selected Variable of Forty Yards Shuttle Run Test of Females of High Altitude Himachal Pradesh”. The study was delimited to 30 female students of physical education Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. (High altitude = 2276 meters). The data were collected using 2D video recording system. The data were analyzed using 2D video analysis (Kinovea 0.8.15). The age of the subjects were ranging from 18 to 25 years.

A Case Study of Student Unrest in Himachal Pradesh University

A Case Study of Student Unrest in Himachal Pradesh University

Personality and Patterns of Facebook Usage

The gamut of the present study was to explore the relationship of Big Five with facebook usage among 200 students of Himachal Pradesh University (H.P.U) within the age range of 21-30 years with equal number of males and females. Data were analyzed in terms of Correlation analysis and Regression analysis. In males, extraversion explained the maximum variance (15%), followed by conscientiousness (5%), in all these variables have explained a variance of 20%. In females, agreeableness has explained the maximum variance (15%), followed by extraversion and conscientiousness; both explaining a variance of 5% each. On the whole, these variables have explained a total variance of 25% in females. The results have shown extraversion and conscientiousness as common variables in explaining the maximum

A Study on Self-Efficacy of Boxers, Weightlifters and Wrestlers

The present study was undertaken to assess and compare the self-efficacy of boxers, weightlifters and wrestlers. For this present study, total two hundred forty sportsmen of different colleges of Himachal Pradesh University were randomly drawn to act as subjects. Out of these, eighty male boxers, eighty male weightlifters and eighty male wrestlers were selected to act as subjects. Only those sportsmen were selected, who participated in inter college competitions. The Hindi version of general self-efficacy developed by S. Sud, Schwarzer and Jerusalem (1998) was used to collect data regarding self-efficacy. Mean and standard deviation, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey Post Hoc Test were used as statistical techniques. It is found that there was significant difference regarding self-efficacy between boxers, weightlifters and wrestlers. Boxers possessed higher level of self-efficacy than weight lifters.

Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Employeess Performance: A Study of Employees Working in Himachal Pradesh University Shimla

The budget of Himachal Pradesh University is fluctuating for last few years and different budgetary constraint has been evolved, which disturb the expectations and emotions of the employees working in the university. Pay, working facilities, career development opportunities, these are some famous requirements when the emotional substantiation of Job expectations has been evaluated by the employees. Any Lack in these issues fluctuate emotions, and fluctuation in emotion reduce the performance of the employees. So it is required for every employee to be mature in emotional sense. Emotional Intelligence is set of competencies, which direct and control one’s feelings towards work and performance. These set of competencies are the ability of the individual to control and manage his or her moods and impulses on the job. Knowing one’s emotions and feelings as they occur, and tuning one’s say to the changed situations, requires the emotional competency, emotional maturity and emotional sensitivity that are demanded on the job. In a working situation, performance of the employees depends upon your working with groups of people, with different ideas, suggestions, opinions and expectations. The present study is an attempt to examine the performance of the employees working in Himachal Pradesh University. The level of emotional intelligence and its impact on performance of the employee is crucial element for the university in order to maintain a working tempo. The emotional intelligence of the employees has been studied with four dimensions (self awareness, self management, social awareness, and relationship management). A five point scale was used to collect the data from the Himachal Pradesh University employees and the pre-set hypotheses for the study were tested by using correlation and analysis of variance. There by an analysis of the tested results help in understanding the various competencies (self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship management) that ever used to develop emotional intelligence. The results of the study helps in understanding the impact of emotional intelligence on work places and suggests the way that how the performance of the employees can be increased at the work place. The result of the study also suggests that emotional intelligence role in order to achieve productivity, performance, interpersonal effectiveness and teamwork.

Strategic architecture for e‐learning at H.P. University

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to unravel a strategic architecture for e‐learning for a traditional university like Himachal Pradesh University (H.P. University) and provide guidelines as to how to carry the implementation of e‐learning for the university of the future.Design/methodology/approachGetting to the future first is not just about excelling competitors bent on reaching the same prize. It is also concerning having one's own view of what the prize is. There can be as many prizes as runners; imagination is the only restraining factor. The paper provides a literature review for a traditional university like H.P. University to venture into e‐learning.FindingsTo venture into e‐learning, H.P. University will have to reengineer itself, understand how competition will differ in the future and capture and refine insights into future opportunities.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper has limitations that it presents a review of literature from secondary sources.Practical implicationsThe paper provides guidelines as to how to implement e‐learning which will be beneficial for both the staff and the students.Originality/valueThe paper advocates the concept of strategic thinking in the education sector for implementing e‐learning.

Appraisal of HIV-AIDS consciousness among college youths in Himachal Pradesh

The purpose of the present study is to appraise the HIV-AIDS consciousness among college students who are the most vulnerable groups of our society. For accomplishing the objective, the present study was carried out in Shimla district on five government/affiliated colleges of Himachal Pradesh University named as Government College, Sanjauli, Rajiv Gandhi College, Kotshera, Rajkiya Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Lakkar Bazar. Shimla, St. Bedes College (Missionary College) and Sanskrit College, Phagli. A sample of 932 students was selected who were tested with self-designed measure approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Delhi on multifarious aspects while the present study emphasized on aids consciousness amongst the college youths. The data demonstrated that an overwhelming number of respondents (95.1 percent) had heard about the HIV/AIDS. The percentage within each of the sex categories reveal 97.1 % of boys and 93.4% girls had heard about the HIV/AIDS. Further, it was bring into being that 91.5 (91.9% boys + 91.1% girls) respondents know the correct meaning of AIDS. The analyses revealed that 80.5 % (34.9 % and 45.6 % girls) students know the exact meaning of HIV. As per sources of information are concerned 30.0% received by the respondents from Television, 20.4 percent from Radia, 2.0 percent Cinema, 18.7 percent Newspaper/Magazines, 6.7 percent Posters/Hoardings, 1.9 percent Exhibition/Mela, 8.8 percent Health Workers, 2.4 percent Adult Education Programme, 3.4 percent Teachers, 2.0 percent friends, 0.6 percent Relative and 3.0 percent Information from the Doctor. The percentage within the sex shows that the boys acquire 29.3 % information through Television,27.2% from Radio and 18.0% from newspapers/magazines. The result further revealed 30.4 % information acquired through Television, 19.2 % from newspapers and magazines and 14.9 % through the Radio. The rejoinder with regard to transmission of HIV/AIDS to other person shows that 94.5 % (94.2 % boys and 94.8 % girls) know it well that HWAIDS cannot be put in the air through the sharing of clothes. Further it was found that 89.1 (84.1 % boys and 93.0 % girls) respondents know that HIV/AIDS infection is not feasible by sharing the intaking paraphernalia. Nearly 82.5 % students (82.5 % boys and 82.6 % girls) know that HIV/AIDS can not be broadcasted by mosquito biting. It was found that 92.2% students (90.4% boys + 93.6% girls) do not find sharing of food as the major sources of HIV/AIDS transmission. Further 79.8% (81.5% boys + 78.5% girls) students argued that hugging someone with AIDS does not pass on AIDS virus. But 89.7 (87.5% boys + 91.5% girls) respondents are very clear in their minds that the diffusion of virus are promising from tainted mother to the child during pregnancy.

Use of IT in university libraries of Punjab, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh: A comparative study

This paper is designed to measure the use of Information Technology (IT) in the university libraries of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh with an ulterior objective to establish some co-relation between quality in libraries and use of IT. The paper highlights the use of hardware and software facilities in university libraries. It also highlights the access of networks, information services and barriers in IT applications. A survey conducted on four university libraries, namely Panjab University library, Chandigarh; Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla; Punjabi university Library, Patiala; and Guru Nanak Dev University Library, Amritsar found that only Panjab University Library, Chandigarh and GND university library, Amritsar have provided computerised access to in-house databases. The findings presented are based on a survey conducted with the help of questionnaires, interview and observation methods. Library literature reveals that quality depends on merging print culture with digital culture but the result of this survey confirm that print culture is still dominating in university libraries of this region.