Western India Research Articles

Reintegrating Indian Knowledge Systems in Modern Education: An Analytical Study

The great Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda once described education as the manifestation of perfection that already exists in oneself. Westernization in India is often regarded as a benchmark, leading to the reclamation and rebranding of India's lost educational treasures. This paper delves into the historical context of Indian education and examines the similarities between the ancient Indian education system and the objectives of modern education. The primary focus of major educational institutions worldwide is preparing students for global citizenship. However, India proposed the concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world as one family) centuries ago. Western countries and India's NEP 2020 now emphasize interdisciplinary education, practical learning, innovation, and spiritual and moral values, which were integral to the ancient Indian education system through well-established Gurukuls. The Guru-Shishya Parampara (teacher-student tradition) laid the foundation of trust and belief, enhancing the teaching-learning experience. This paper analyzes the overlap between modern educational objectives and the characteristics of the ancient Indian education system, thus reaffirming the significance of integrating Indian Knowledge Systems into modern education.

Assessment of Climatic Variables for the Mahi River Basin in Western India

One of the major problems that humanity is currently facing is climate change, whose effects can be seen everywhere in the world. Climate change is a result of both natural and manmade factors. These alterations have been more pronounced since the start of the industrial revolution, which resulted in significant emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, obstructing the outflow of longwave radiation and causing an increase in global warming. An attempt has been made to investigate the variability in rainfall, mean temperature, potential evapotranspiration and aridity index in the context of climate change based on the historical as well as the future dynamically downscaled climate datasets of precipitation and temperature for Mahi basin in western India which presently falls in a semi-arid climate located in the water scarce region of the country. The analysis has been performed for three distinct time periods i.e. baseline period (1961-90); present period (1991-2005); and future time periods, 2006-40. The analysis suggests that the rainfall is projected to decrease, the mean temperature is projected to increase. It is clear that the climate change impacts are already visible in the baseline and present time periods and the increases in the future, decrease in rainfall may lead to drier conditions in the basin. Optimal use of the available water resources along with the conservation of the scarce water resources may be a strategy that may go a long way in addressing the projected future water shortages in the basin.

Women’s Experiences With Maternity Care in Public and Private Healthcare Facilities in Western India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Women’s Experiences With Maternity Care in Public and Private Healthcare Facilities in Western India: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Characteristics, emission factors, and health risks of vehicular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract This study characterizes vehicular PAHs using roadway tunnel measurements on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a crucial route in Western India. Dominated by four- to six-ring PAHs (75%-89%), concentrations were influenced by diesel, heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), and super-emitters. The total PAH emission factor was 52.7(±4.5) μg veh⁻¹ km⁻¹. An inverse relationship was observed between PAH molecular weight and volatility of organic carbon (OC). Molecular weight also strongly correlated with mass absorption coefficient (MAC) of brown carbon (BrC), significantly enhancing light absorption. Methanol-soluble BrC exhibited stronger absorption correlation with higher molecular weight PAHs (ΣHMWPAH). Carcinogenic PAHs accounted for 98.9% of total toxicity, with incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values of ~5 and ~2 per million for adults and children, respectively. These findings highlight the significant contribution of vehicular emissions to urban air quality and health risks, emphasizing the urgent need for mitigation strategies while also providing insights to improve BrC representation in climate models.

Wrestling with Community and Social Change in Early Modern Western India: the Jyesthimallas and the Mallapurāṇa, c. 1674

Wrestling with Community and Social Change in Early Modern Western India: the Jyesthimallas and the Mallapurāṇa, c. 1674

Impact of Mitigation Strategies on Ambient Air Quality: A WRF-Chem Case Study of Ahmedabad City in Western India

Impact of Mitigation Strategies on Ambient Air Quality: A WRF-Chem Case Study of Ahmedabad City in Western India

Oligo-Miocene marine bivalves from the Kutch Basin (western India) and their biogeographic implications in the context of Tethyan closure

ABSTRACT The Oligo-Miocene marine deposits of the Kutch Basin in western India display a diverse faunal assemblage during and after the separation of the Tethyan seaway. We documented 22 genera and 35 species of bivalves from this basin, collected from 11 time-constrained shell beds of three formations – Maniyara Fort (Chattian), Khari Nadi (Aquitanian), and Chhasra (Burdigalian–Langhian) representing a period of ~9 My (24.4–15 Ma). Three new species, Anomia vakram, Callista ramparensis, and Tucetona bharati, were described. Oligo-Miocene bivalves of the Kutch Basin, representing the Western Indian Province (WIP), demonstrate a complex pattern of changing affinity to coeval fauna of the Mediterranean-Iranian Province (MIP) and the Eastern African-Arabian Province (EAAP) and Eastern Indian Province (EIP). The Kutch Basin witnessed a rise in genus affinity with all provinces during the Early Miocene, driven by the development of shallow water habitats due to seaway constriction. However, the rise in species similarity among WIP, EAAP, and EIP suggests a strengthening provincialism around the Indian Ocean following the seaway closure. Overall, the Oligo-Miocene bivalves of the WIP remain underexplored, highlighting the need for more fossil molluscan data outside the MIP for comprehensive biogeographic analysis.

Establishing a Neonatal Palliative Care Program in a Tertiary Level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

To describe the planning and implementation of the neonatal palliative care (NPC) program in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a major referral hospital in western India. The authors describe the neonatal characteristics, components of NPC care delivered and outcomes, along with barriers and enablers of the program. This was a retrospective, single-center observational study conducted in a level IIIB NICU from December 2021 to December 2022. Two hundred and sixty-six neonates were enrolled and 65 (24.4%) received NPC, of which 33 (50.8%) were enrolled at admission and 32 (49.2%) were re-directed from critical care towards palliation. The median enrollment was at 2 d of life. The most common conditions for initiating palliative care were severe sepsis with multi-organ dysfunction, complex congenital heart diseases and severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. For minimizing pain, all received non-pharmacological measures, however 8 (12.31%) additionally received pharmacological agents. The majority received enteral feeding during palliation (66.15%), frequently with the mother's milk (93.02%). Nearly three-fourths (76.92%) were ventilated, with 90% of them receiving invasive ventilation. Memorabilia including footprints, photographs or infant personalized items were accepted by 53 families (81.53%). One hundred and nineteen (44.74%) neonates died, and bereavement support was extended to 113 (95%) of them. Parallel care model integrating NPC in NICU settings is achievable in collaboration with pioneering centers. This model helps support a large number of neonates in high-burden NICUs ensuring early initiation of NPC.

Overview of Early Modern Missionary Dictionaries of Konkani and Marathi

This article provides an overview of missionary dictionaries of Konkani and Marathi compiled in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. To give an idea of the linguistic landscape in which the dictionaries were compiled, the article begins by sketching the language situation in early modern western India, mainly from the viewpoint of early modern European lexicographers and grammarians in India. The second part of the article provides an overview of extant and nonextant dictionary manuscripts and their editions.

Falling Trend of Winter Lightning Over Western India and Its Possible Relation With Western Disturbances

AbstractDuring the Indian winter, the southerly propagation of cold air at middle and upper altitudes is caused by a trough in westerly jet streams due to the effect of Western Disturbances (WDs). Sometimes, this advection of cold and dry air above near‐surface moist and warm air can make the atmosphere conditionally unstable. Therefore, these WDs are associated with thunderstorm formation and lightning activity over northern India (north of 20° north); however, occasionally, the effect of WDs extends up to the entry point of southern India. The satellite and ground‐based observations of lightning over western India (15.5°–22°N, 72.5°–81°E) over two decades (1997–2023) observed a falling trend of winter lightning at the rate of −0.02 (LIS/OTD), and −0.06 (ILLN) flashes km−2 year−1, respectively. Our observation suggested that the majority of lightning and thunderstorm activity is primarily initiated by WDs during winter; however, the incursion of moisture from the surrounding oceans also plays a crucial role in producing severe weather and precipitation over the study region. Many researchers and our observations have shown a decreasing trend of WD frequencies and winter precipitation over the Indian region. This paper addresses important aspects of climate change as lightning activity and thunderstorm days decreased steadily over western India, suggesting the falling trend is possibly linked to the weakening and reduced frequency of WDs from 1997 to 2023. While global trends suggest increasing lightning with climate change, this study reveals a decreasing trend in lightning activity, highlighting the uneven regional impacts of climate change.

Genetic Diversity of Carbapenemases-producing Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Western India

Abstract Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is an alarming pathogen in hospital-acquired infections, particularly in the intensive care units (ICUs). Carbapenemases production and biofilm formation contribute significantly to the pathogenicity of the organism. Carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii is primarily due to the production of carbapenemases. Aim: The study was conducted to detect the presence of carbapenemase-encoding genes in A. baumannii along with their ability to form biofilm. In addition, this study also investigated the association between biofilm formation and carbapenemase genes harboring A. baumannii isolates. Materials and Methods: One hundred and forty isolates of A. baumannii were collected from the various specimens. Of these, this study included 36 isolates that were carbapenem-resistant, metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) producing, and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) obtained from ICUs. Identification and antibiotic susceptibility determination was done using VITEK 2. Further, the isolates were confirmed by detecting the bla OXA-51 carbapenemase gene intrinsic to A. baumannii. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect carbapenemase-encoding genes, and biofilm formation was examined using the tube method. Results: The bla OXA-51 gene was present in all isolates (n = 36). A. baumannii showed highest sensitivity against colistin (100%) and minocycline (25%). Out of 36 isolates, acquired carbapenemase encoding genes were detected in 35 (97.22%) isolates, as follows: bla OXA-23 (35/36, 97.22%), bla NDM (18/36, 50%), bla IMP (1/36, 2.78%), and bla VIM (28/36, 77.78%). In 33 (91.67%) isolates, oxacillinase (OXA) and MBL genes coexisted. Among the 36 isolates, 30 (83.33%) formed biofilm. Conclusion: The study highlights that colistin and minocycline are the viable antibiotics for treating carbapenem-resistant MBL-producing XDR A. baumannii infections. bla OXA-23 is the commonest carbapenemase gene, and bla VIM is the most frequently found MBL gene prevalent in our hospital and contributes to carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii. The study also showed a higher frequency of co-occurrence of multiple carbapenemase genes in single isolates, and most of these isolates formed biofilm. However, no statistically significant association was found between biofilm formation and carbapenemase genes in A. baumannii. This study emphasizes the molecular diagnostic value of carbapenemase gene detection to reduce the resistance rate in A. baumannii isolates.

Response of tropical rainforest to warming during Middle Eocene Climate Optimum (MECO): Evidence from palynological record from the Bartonian deposits of Kutch Basin, Western India

Response of tropical rainforest to warming during Middle Eocene Climate Optimum (MECO): Evidence from palynological record from the Bartonian deposits of Kutch Basin, Western India

Assessing High-Risk HPV Infection Rates in Females Undergoing Cervical Cancer Screening in Western India Using HPV-DNA Testing

Abstract Background: As per World Health Organization (WHO), more than 350,000 lives were lost due to cervical cancer in 2022 and around 90% of which were from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This shows inequities among accessibility of cervical cancer screening in LMICs. In cervical cancer elimination strategy, WHO has recommended to use high performance test such as human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA test to do cervical cancer screening. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned to document the prevalence of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection among females undergoing cervical cancer screening. A total of 367 cervical samples were collected at the Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute and community outreach areas of Rajpipla and Dholka talukas of Gujarat State which were tested for hrHPV. Results: Out of 367 samples, 204 samples were collected at cancer hospital and remaining samples were collected from camps. In this study, 31 samples (8.44%) were positive for hrHPV. High parity, early marriage, and irregular menstrual history have shown a significant association for hrHPV infections. Conclusion: Utilization of the HPV DNA test can be scaled up by considering it as the routine screening test which will help us to identify more females with HPV infection and eventually cervical cancer.

Herbaceous Species Diversity, Composition and Anthropogenic Disturbances at Gautala Autramghat Wildlife Sanctuary (GAWLS), Maharashtra, Western India

Herbaceous flora plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem functions, yet comprehensive studies on their diversity and ecological significance remain limited. This study assesses the species richness, density, frequency, abundance, and Importance Value Index (IVI) of herbaceous plants within the GAWLS Sanctuary. A total of 33 herb species, belonging to 33 genera and 18 families, were documented. Asteraceae emerged as the dominant family with six species, followed by Fabaceae (five species) and Acanthaceae (four species), indicating their prominence in the herbaceous layer. Density analysis identified Senna tora (L.) Roxb. as the most dominant species, with 176.39 individuals per hectare (14.77%), followed by Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze (11.86%) and Hemidesmus indicus var. indicus (11.63%). Frequency analysis revealed Hemidesmus indicus var. indicus as the most frequent species (44.44%), contributing 13.73% to the relative frequency, while Euphorbia thymifolia L. and Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze exhibited notable frequencies of 33.33% and 29.17%, respectively. In terms of abundance, Senna tora (L.) Roxb. recorded the highest abundance (6.35 individuals per plot), followed by Ageratum conyzoides L. and Corchorus trilocularis Auct. (6.25 each). The IVI analysis confirmed Senna tora (L.) Roxb. as the most ecologically significant species (IVI = 38.12), followed by Hemidesmus indicus var. indicus (IVI = 36.99) and Mesosphaerum suaveolens (L.) Kuntze (IVI = 32.73). Anthropogenic disturbances, including livestock grazing, bridle path usage, and dependence on forest resources by local communities, exert significant pressure on the ecosystem. Religious activities, such as festival gatherings, vehicle parking, and open-fire cooking, further contribute to habitat degradation. Additionally, tree felling and logging accelerate habitat fragmentation, threatening biodiversity conservation efforts. This study provides critical baseline data for future ecological assessments and highlights the importance of conserving herbaceous plant diversity within protected areas.

Pediatric stroke and predictors of neurological outcome: A prospective observational study

Objectives Stroke in children is a significant cause of mortality and neurological disability in the long term. There is a paucity of data regarding the factors that affect neurological outcomes in childhood stroke patients. Materials and Methods This prospective cohort study aimed to explore the clinical profile of children with stroke at a tertiary care hospital in western India and the factors responsible for neurological disability. The study population consisted of children up to 18 years of age. Clinical, radiological, and laboratory data at the time of stroke onset were collected. Neurological disability was assessed through the pediatric stroke outcome measure (PSOM) at the time of stroke and 6 months post-stroke. The PSOM is a validated structured neurological tool for outcome assessment in pediatric stroke patients. Results Fifty-five children were enrolled in the study over 2 years. Arterial-ischemic stroke was the most common (75%) type of stroke, followed by hemorrhagic stroke (13%). Overall, mineralizing angiopathy was the most common cause of stroke. The factors associated with higher PSOM scores at the time of stroke were age between 2 and 5 years, central nervous system tuberculosis, bilateral hemispheric involvement, impaired consciousness, and the presence of anemia. Forty-four children completed follow-up at 6 months after stroke onset. The factors associated with significantly higher PSOM scores were age between 2 and 5 years, central nervous system tuberculosis, and impaired consciousness at presentation (P < 0.05). The mean PSOM score was lowest at onset (1.53, standard deviation [SD] = 1.17) and 6 months post-stroke (0.5, SD = 0.42) in children with mineralizing angiopathy. Conclusion At 6 months post-stroke, children who present with stroke onset between 2 and 5 years of age, impaired consciousness at the time of stroke, and neurotuberculosis have slower recovery with greater disability. Children with mineralizing angiopathy have relatively better recovery with fewer disabilities, as assessed by the PSOM.

Occurrences of Trace Fossils of the Himmatnagar Sandstone Formation (Lower Cretaceous), North Gujarat, Western India

The Lower Member of the Himmatnagar Sandstone Formation is exposed to the south of Sapteshwar between Sapteshwar and Kadoli in Sabarkantha District, North Gujarat, India. This sedimentary succession is approximately 17.5 metres thick and is rich in ichnofossils. The Lower Member primarily comprises a well-exposed sandstone sequence representing a shallow marine succession. The lower part of the Lower Member in the study area is characterised by the prevalence of Cruziana ichnofacies, indicating a middle to upper shoreface setting. This zone encompasses nine ichnotaxa, including Cochlichnus isp., Gyrochorte comosa, Laevicyclus mongraensis, Lockeia gigantus, Palaeophycus bolbitermilus, Palaeophycus tubularis, Phoebichnus minor, Thalassinoides horizontalis and Thalassinoides suevicus . Conversely, the upper part of the Lower Member comprises three ichnotaxa: Arenicolites isp., Monocraterion isp. and Skolithos linearis , which belong to the Skolithos ichnofacies suggesting upper shoreface to foreshore conditions of paleoenvironment.

Impact of the CMIP6 Model Resolution on the Future Behaviour of Wind‐Driven Wave Climate for the North Indian Ocean

ABSTRACTWe investigate the past and future variations in wind‐driven wave climate over the North Indian Ocean (NIO) region utilising three climate models involved in the High‐Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). We analyse the impact of horizontal grid resolution on the accuracy of reproducing past and future changes in wave climate. Wave climate simulated by Global Climate Model (GCM)‐forced Wave Watch III (WWIII) simulation outputs from the historical (hist‐1950) and future (highres‐future) experiments are employed to depict the multi‐resolution portrayal of wave climate and to assess any systematic differences arising from resolution enhancements. Compared with ERA5, the GCM with 50 km resolution simulates stronger waves. The pattern of underestimation and overestimation from ERA5 becomes more pronounced in both extent and magnitude as the GCM resolution decreases to 100 km and 250 km. These coarse‐resolution models also exhibit deficiencies in representing inter‐annual and inter‐seasonal variability, particularly in regions impacted by Tropical Cyclones (TCs) such as the Southeastern Bay of Bengal (BoB), Andaman Sea, Southeastern Arabian Sea (AS), offshore of Western India and so forth. This study highlights the critical issue of relying on climate model data without adequately considering their coarse resolutions or inherent biases compared to observational data. In contrast to the historical wave climate, future projections suggest a decrease in 50‐year return values (RV50) over the eastern regions and an increase in the western regions of the AS. Specifically, a 1‐m rise in RV50 is projected for the Northwestern AS regions. According to the 50 km model simulation, significant changes in annual mean and maximum Significant Wave Height (SWH) and wind speed are observed in the Eastern AS and Southern BoB, where maximum wave heights are projected to decrease. In contrast, increased wave activity is anticipated in the future for the Northwestern AS and Western AS.

Application of Potassium Nitrate Influenced Yield, Nutrient and Water Use Efficiency and Profitability of Gossypium herbaceum in Canal Irrigated Region of Western India

Application of Potassium Nitrate Influenced Yield, Nutrient and Water Use Efficiency and Profitability of Gossypium herbaceum in Canal Irrigated Region of Western India

The pace of pastoral mobility: Exploring adaptations to climate and socio-economic change in Western India

The pace of pastoral mobility: Exploring adaptations to climate and socio-economic change in Western India

Paediatric Traumatic Endophthalmitis in Western India: A Study of Clinical Presentation, Management and Treatment Outcomes

Paediatric Traumatic Endophthalmitis in Western India: A Study of Clinical Presentation, Management and Treatment Outcomes