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Scientists developed a novel and highly efficient system for treating phenolic water pollutants by coupling oxidation and photocatalysis

Organic water pollutants such as phenols affect the health of both aquatic and terrestrial life. Currently used techniques to degrade phenol in water bodies are effective but not very energy- or resource-efficient. Now, scientists from Shoolini University, India, have developed a high-performance, stable, and reusable photocatalyst with superior phenol degradation ability, opening the doors to potential applications for water purification.

In 2021, pure unpolluted water for consumption and use is rapidly becoming a distant memory. Most water bodies in the world are contaminated, and organic pollutants form a major part of this contamination. Organic pollutants can not only endanger aquatic life but can also affect human health. Phenols, in particular, are a robust category of toxic organic pollutants that accumulate over time in soil and groundwater and are not easily biodegradable.

Over the years, scientists have discovered many chemical techniques for removing phenol from water. One of the most energy-efficient and flexible approaches for this is the “Fenton oxidation” process, in which a reaction between hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and Fe²⁺ ions yields highly oxidizing hydroxyl ions (^.OH) that, in turn, degrade phenols into carbon dioxide and water. However, despite being highly feasible and repeatable, the Fenton process is very slow, consumes an excessive amount of H₂O₂ during oxidation, and has lower catalytic activity compared to semiconductor-assisted photocatalysts.

Semiconductor-based photocatalysts, when exposed to light, generate pairs of electrons and “holes”(the absence of electrons in atomic sites). These pairs produce ^.OH radicals (similar to the Fenton process) along with ^.O₂ radicals, help with the degradation of phenol. Despite their better catalytic activity, however, photocatalytic reactions are often bottlenecked by weak light activity and inadequate electron-hole separation.

Now, scientists seem to have found the perfect strategy—coupling the Fenton reaction and photocatalysis to extract the best of both worlds. In a recent study published in the Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, researchers from India and Saudi Arabia have combined an Ag₃PO₄/CdS/Fe-g-C₃N₄ (AP/CdS/FeCN) photocatalyst with H₂O₂ to develop a heterogenous photo-Fenton system wherein the photocatalyst mimics the natural process of photosynthesis and harvests light to undergo oxidation/reduction reactions. Prof. Pardeep Singh from Shoolini University, India, who was part of the study, explains, “We opted for a dual Z-scheme approach since it is emerging as an effective way to enhance light absorption ability, photostability and separation of photogenerated electron-hole pair in Ag3PO4 photocatalyst.”

Scientists subjected the fabricated system to phenol removal tests and found that the new coupled system showed higher degradation rates than those from individual approaches. Furthermore, the photo-Fenton system was highly photostable and reusable, maintaining its catalytic activity even after five successive cycles of usage. Scientists attributed the enhancement in phenol degradation rate to the generation of more Fe²⁺ ions and ^.OH radicals in the reacting mixture due to the coupling.

The new photocatalytic system shows promise for practical applications in wastewater purification. In addition, the findings of this study could provide insights on how to design a new generation of catalytic systems for large-scale water treatment. “Apart from its practical implications, the novelty of this technique could invoke interest in researchers to explore and discover newer methods for environmental remediation and pave a path towards sustainable development,” comments Associate Professor Pankaj Raizada of Shoolini University, who was also part of the research team.

One thing’s for sure: this work adds one more stepping stone towards a greener planet with cleaner water.

Reference

Scientists devised a strategy for water purification that combines semiconductor-assisted photocatalysis with Fenton oxidation reaction to remove hazardous phenolic pollutants from natural water.

Authors	Aftab Aslam Parwaz Khan1, Pardeep Singh2, Pankaj Raizada2, Abdullah M Asiri1,3
Title of the original paper	Converting Ag3PO4/CdS/Fe doped C3N4 based dual Z-scheme photocatalyst into photo- Fenton system for efficient photocatalytic phenol removal
Journal	Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry
DOI	10.1016/j.jiec.2021.04.007
Affiliations	1Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P. O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia 2 School of Advanced Chemical Sciences Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173212, India 3 Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia

About the authors

As a Professor and Head of the School of Advanced Chemical Sciences, Shoolini University, Pardeep Singh is in the top 2% scientists’ list ranked by Stanford University. His current research focuses on a new generation of graphene-based photocatalytic materials and processes to combat water pollution. He has authored 99 papers and 7 book chapters and filed 22 patents.

As an associate professor at Shoolini University, Dr Pankaj Raizada’s research focuses on the design and synthesis of advanced photocatalytic materials for energy and environmental remediation. She has published over 102 research papers and 7 book chapters and has received 21 patents.

“Integrated POC-based diagnosis will help reduce detection time considerably and thus translate diagnosis from bench to bedside. An efficient POC sepsis diagnostic platform could expand health care access and impact populations worldwide.” (Dr Anupam Jyoti)

Anoushka Jain

Sepsis is a life-threatening illness that refers to a systemic (body-wide) infection accompanied by inflammation. Newborn infants are extremely vulnerable to it, given their na?ve and underdeveloped immune system — especially in the first four weeks of the neonatal period.

An infant’s immune system reacts to the acquired pathogen by releasing inflammatory factors such as cytokines and free radicals. The heightened immune response mounted against the pathogen if uncontrolled, can cause catastrophic loss of life within hours.

Early diagnosis is thus the key to effectively managing the infection. Conventional diagnostic methods are, however, time-consuming.

Hence, in a new Clinica Chimica Acta article, researchers at Shoolini University, IIT Hyderabad and Amity University, Rajasthan, collaborated closely to map out the current point-of-care methods for improved diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and their limitations.

Their review cracked the code and shed light on the emerging biosensing technologies that can revolutionise diagnostics in the future and help decrease mortality associated with neonatal sepsis.

They have reviewed the latest advancements in analytical devices that enable multi-analyte detection with high sensitivity and accuracy. They also describe the limitations of the methods used at present, and why a combinatorial approach may be better.

Speaking of why this caught their attention, the lead author of the study, Dr Anupam Jyoti, says, “Developing countries like India report an increased incidence of neonatal sepsis (50–70/1000 live births) as compared to developed countries (1–5/1000 live births), with a substantial mortality rate of 11-19%. We were thus motivated to review the field of neonatal sepsis detection and propose new directions towards effective diagnosis.”

The sensitivity of routinely used techniques is poor, with a high risk of getting false positive results without the difference between viable and non-viable pathogens in the sample.

Advanced biosensors for rapid and sensitive diagnosis, then the sensors based on the surface plasmon resonance technique are used. Finally, as a cost-effective measure microfluidic devices and chip-based sensors analyse samples based on their flow or size.

In addition to the above methods, hybrid biosensors will be capable of detecting multiple parameters in a short time from considerably small samples; all this at the bedside of the patient!

Overall, the review on the modern technologies can help strengthen, and possibly replace conventional POC approaches in the future. “Integrated POC-based diagnosis will help reduce detection time considerably and thus translate diagnosis from bench to the bedside. An efficient POC sepsis diagnostic platform could expand health care access and impact populations worldwide,” remarks an excited Dr Jyoti. This is indeed a ray of hope for protecting neonatal health.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Shoolini University, India, finds that disturbed circadian rhythm can disrupt normal physiological functions and cause hyperactivity, anxiety, and memory deficits, increasing the risk of developing neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease

Circadian rhythm disruption adversely affects the physiology and behavior of rats, with implications in Alzheimer’s disease pathology

Disturbed circadian rhythm, which can even be caused by chronic light exposure, affects normal physiological functions, resulting in anxiety, hyperactivity, and memory deficits. These disruptions, often caused by stressful modern lifestyles, cause severe neurological changes, including Alzheimer’s disease. Now, researchers from Shoolini University, India, investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between aberrant circadian rhythms and Alzheimer’s disease pathology in rats exposed to light for prolonged periods, and report that the anti-depressant fluoxetine may alleviate these neurological symptoms.

Our body is tuned to function in a synchronous manner with a circadian” or day-and-night rhythm. Alterations to daily lifestyles due to the current stressful routines people follow disrupt the body’s day-night cycle for longer periods. Recent studies in rats have shown that even chronic light exposure can disrupt the circadian rhythm and cause memory deficits seen in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Interestingly, circadian rhythm disruption has also been frequently reported in patients suffering from AD. However, the cause-and-effect relationship between AD and circadian rhythm disruption remains unclear.

To understand the correlation between circadian rhythm disturbances and AD progression, a team of researchers from Shoolini University, India, tested the effect of circadian rhythm disruption caused by chronic light exposure on the physiology and functional abilities of Wistar rats. Explaining the rationale behind their study published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience (American Chemical Society), Professor Rohit Goyal, who led the study, said, ‘Cells of various organs in the body are synchronized to the day-night cycle, and release different biochemical substances including hormones in a time-specific manner. Untimely expression of these hormones can trigger anxiety, cognitive impairment, and memory loss, all symptoms of brain disorders such as AD.”’

In a previous study, the team had reported that upon chronic light exposure for two months, rats exhibit cognitive deficits along with sub-clinical accumulation of amyloid ? (A?), the pathogenic protein known to form aggregates in AD. Building on these findings, they speculated that longer light exposure may result in circadian rhythm disruptions that cause an AD-like phenotype. To test this hypothesis, they exposed adult rats to constant light conditions for four months and compared them with rats subjected to a normal light-dark cycle taken as the control group.

They found that chronic light exposure disrupted the expression of genes like Per2 that follow circadian rhythms. Markers of oxidative stress such as peroxiredoxins were also dysregulated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) region of the brain in these rats, which is the primary controller of circadian rhythms in the body. Neurotransmitters, including glutamate and ?-aminobutyric acid, were dysregulated in the SCN of rats with circadian rhythm disruption due to chronic light exposure. Additionally, these animals showed disrupted metabolic profiles, suggestive that their digestive systems may also have been adversely affected by the disrupted circadian rhythms.

The level of soluble A? in the brain was also significantly higher in these rats compared to the controls, and they experienced down-regulation of anti-aging gene Sirt1 and up-regulation of the neuronal damage markers. The researchers also found that circadian rhythm disruption due to chronic light exposure caused memory and cognitive deficits in the rats. Collectively, these findings were suggestive of an AD-like phenotype.

Based on the above results, their next hypothesis was that fluoxetine, a drug used for treating anxiety and hyperactivity, could alleviate physiological and functional abnormalities associated with circadian rhythm disruption. Sure enough, fluoxetine treatment prevented oxidative damage, A? accumulation, and rescued memory and cognitive deficits in the treated rats.

Overall, the study suggests that long-term circadian rhythm disruption induces AD-like pathology in rats, which can be prevented by treatment with fluoxetine. Notably, elevation in A?, a hallmark of AD, and disturbed circadian rhythm can each trigger the other, resulting in a cascade of irreversible neurological symptoms. This sets the stage for serious life-long conditions like AD.

The clinical implications of their findings are also evident. Prof. Goyal remarks, ‘Lifestyle changes that support exposure to natural light followed by ample rest at night may thus be key to limiting the risk of neurological disorders. Therapeutic strategies to optimize circadian timing in prospective patients hold great promise to restrain the prevalence of AD.’ Better lifestyle practices, following the traditional Indian discipline of Yoga, or maintaining a natural day-night cycle for work schedules and even dietary practices may make our bodies healthier and function better.

This study certainly sheds light” on the cause-and-effect relationship between circadian rhythms and AD progression, paving the way for future investigations on this important topic.

Reference

Authors	Ashish Sharma , ^Ashu Mohammad, # Adesh K. Saini, and Rohit Goyal
Title of original paper	Neuroprotective Effects of Fluoxetine on Molecular Markers of Circadian Rhythm, Cognitive Deficits, Oxidative Damage, and Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Pathology Induced under Chronic Constant Light Regime in Wistar Rats
Journal	ACS Chemical Neuroscience
DOI	https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00238
Affiliations	*Neuropharmacology Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India ^ School of Biotechnology and Applied Sciences, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh 173212, India #Department of Biotechnology and Central Research Cell, Haryana, India

About Professor Rohit Goyal

Professor Rohit Goyal is currently a faculty member at the Neuropharmacology Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, India, and has completed his PhD from Punjab Technical University. Prof Rohit Goyal holds over 14 years of teaching and research experience in the field of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. His area of research includes molecular targets of Alzheimer’s disease, life-style disorders, circadian rhythm dysfunction, pre-clinical pharmacology, osteoporosis, asthma, and natural products. 

Known as the Mushroom City of India, Solan in Himachal Pradesh is synonymous with scenic beauty and a serene landscape. Add to that, there are sprawling green spaces and majestic history. If you are seeking a new place to see in Himachal, you are in the right place. 

WELCOME TO SOLAN! Be ready to be surprised by some of the unique attractions of the place.

People who know Himachal Pradesh well will tell you that amongst the best places in the state, Solan is a must-see. So next time you plan a trip to the mountains, Solan merits a spot in your schedule.

Located on the lower edges of the Himalayas, the pretty hill station, hidden in the lap of nature, is dotted with an extensive range of tourist attractions and places of interest. From historical monuments, colonial buildings, and religious sites to amusement parks, nature reserves, and recreational activities, Solan is the ideal background for your next occasion. Take an amazing voyage to Solan and find its excellent scenes and excellent tourist spots. 

Here are Some Tourists’ Attractions and Places in and Around Solan

I assume you are here because you want to know more about what Solan offers. Credulously, your research is not going to waste. Solan offers places that are really hair-raising. Therefore, planning a trip to this awe-inspiring place is worthwhile. You’ll be captivated by the places still under wrap here.  

1. Shoolini Mata Temple
2. Shoolini University, Solan
3. Kasauli  
4. Nalagarh fort 
5. Mohan Shakti Heritage Park 
6. Churdhar 
7. Menri Monastery 
8. Jatoli Shiv Temple, Solan 
9. Shopping in Solan 
10. Arki 

1.  Shoolini Mata Temple 

The Shoolini Temple lies in the heart of Solan city and is dedicated to Goddess Shoolini. It is one of the oldest and holiest temples in this region. It is built in a vantage point on the Shoolini University campus. One of the revered and bountiful places of the state, the people of Solan lay immense faith in the Mata. People visit this temple to rejuvenate and replenish their souls. It also hosts an annual 3-day fair in the month of June, each year, celebrated with much grandeur and vibrance. The fair marks the sojourn of the ruling deity of the area at her elder sister Goddess Durga’s temple located at Ganj Bazaar. 

2. Shoolini University, Solan 

An outing to Solan will take you to the Best University in Himachal Pradesh, Shoolini University. The University has a vibrant and glorious campus with world-class infrastructure. It is surrounded by pine and deodar forests and has beautiful gardens that depict the geographic wealth of Himachal Pradesh. The undulating hills, lush green foliage at Shoolini gives extreme pleasure to be present at the place. The amazing view around the university is extremely beautiful and awe-inspiring. The five-storied Yogananda Library is an architectural delight and has won several international awards. In fact, Shoolini was awarded one of India’s cleanest campuses under the Swachh Bharat Survey conducted by the Government of India. Shoolini is the Top Private University in India with an H-Index of > 75. It is ranked among the 101-150 for universities according to the government of India MHRD NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework). They are UGC Approved, and ISO certified.?

3. Kasauli 

Kasauli is a hilly cantonment town in the southwestern part of Himachal in the Solan district and is on the lower edges of the Himalayas. It makes for an ideal peaceful holiday location, especially for a weekend getaway. It is nestled amidst beautiful woody forests of pines and cedar trees. This place is not about particular attractions or activities, but about the beautiful villas to stay in and the serene environment. Kasauli is a cantonment town dotted with lavish Victorian buildings built by the Britishers who resided here years back. Kasauli is also a major attraction for trekkers and campers. The chapel and mall road here says a lot about the magnificent past of this slope station.

4. Nalagarh fort 

Nalagarh Fort is one of the most famous heritage hotels situated in Himachal Pradesh. It is located at the top of a hill with well-manicured gardens and a panoramic view of the city below. This majestic structure adorns both Mughal and Indian styles of architecture. Situated in the middle of lush greenery combined with modern amenities, it serves as an ideal getaway for the weekend clubbed with a fantastic view of the Shivalik Hills. The fort has now been converted into a hotel and has a conference hall known as Diwan-E-Khas. Winters with its snow-capped mountains are a perfect time to visit the place and enjoy it with family and friends. 

5. Mohan Shakti Heritage Park 

Head down to mesmerising Mohan Shakti Heritage Park if you want to explore rich Indian culture.  Simply a 30-minute drive from Solan, Mohan Shakti Heritage Park is the ultimate place to visit in Solan. It is North India’s first-historical antiquated legacy park with a central temple structure, with multiple statues of deities and sculptures. The sheer beauty of the place is breathtaking. It is known for its Vedic Science study and education about findings of the Vedas and ancient Indian Culture. Located amid magnificent mountains, Mohan Shakti Heritage Park is an exceptional place and is widely acknowledged as the biggest legacy park in Himachal Pradesh. 

6. Churdhar 

The captivating Churdhar peak is one of the highest peaks of the Shivalik ranges at a height of 11965 feet (about half the height of Mount Everest). A trip to the mountains is inadequate without a trek. Visit Churdhar for a flawless trekking experience and for a wonderful perspective on a rainbow. A view of the rainbow emerging on the horizon after the rain is a memorable sight, and the sky looks like a huge chandelier. Here, the sky resembles an enormous ceiling fixture. Churdhar, normally known as Churdharni (Bangle of Snow), is blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes in this region. 

7. Menri Monastery 

Visit the monastery to celebrate calmness, spirituality, and Buddhism in this commercial town of Solan. It is one of the oldest monasteries in India, and one of the most colourful places in Solan. The best time to visit a monastery is New Year’s Eve, as the day is celebrated with much festivity and colour. In fact, the monastery houses a large statue of Lord Shenrab Mibo.  

8. Jatoli Shiv Temple, Solan 

If you want to see a grand and spectacular temple, perched on a hilltop then Jatoli Shiv temple is the place to be. Considered Asia’s most noteworthy Shiva sanctuary roosted on a ridge, this holy place is another architectural wonder. It is famous for a water tank called ‘Jal Kund’ which is considered as pious as the holy river Ganga, and the water of this tank is said to have some medicinal qualities that can treat skin diseases. Fables and stories associated with the historical backdrop of Jatoli Shiv Temple are also intriguing.

9. Shopping in Solan 

Solan has countless options for your shopping spree. You find several malls and shopping complexes here such as the Anand Cineplex Mall, Platinum Mall, and Aesthetics in Solan. There is also the popular Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Upper Bazaar, and Lower Bazaar where one can also find some traditional items. Visit this beautiful place for both captivating scenic beauty and shopping. 

10. Arki 

About 60 km from Solan is the town of Arki. Take a day trip to Arki and witness its rustic heritage and centres of spirituality and religion. This place offers a unique blend of art, culture, and heritage. Famous for its legendary past, Arki has monuments to highlight the heritage left by the rulers ruling it. Also, visit this place for the beautiful temples which adorn striking architecture. The pleasant climate and beautiful landscape of Arki make this place a favourable tourist destination.  

Enjoyed reading the blog? We bet you did! The places in and around the district of Solan are completely capable of providing you with a memorable holiday experience. With ample preparation and the right timing of the vacation, a plethora of options awaits all kinds of travellers looking for places to visit in Solan be it spiritual, adventurous, nature lovers, history fanatics. So, plan a wonderful trip to Himachal right away!

Shoolini University celebrated International Youth Day by organising various activities, both online and offline. These events included a cooking competition, Global Alumni Meet and a webinar on Youth Spiritual Awakening.

The cooking competition was inaugurated collectively by Shoolini University Vice-Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Mr Vishal Anand. They were all praises for the participants after tasting the delectable dishes they had prepared. They also asked the participants to share the recipes with the faculty of hotel management at the University. Such events should be held at least once a month, they said.

Participation in the cooking competition was open to everyone — national and international students — along with all faculty and staff at the university. International students from Syria and Ethiopia participated enthusiastically in the event, preparing the local cuisine of their respective countries. National students and faculty members represented the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.

In another event, Yogananda Centre for Theology organised ‘Youth Spiritual Awakening’ on the occasion of the International Youth Day. The event was inaugurated by Shoolini University Chancellor and YCT Patron Prof Prem Kumar Khosla. He was accompanied by Prof Sunil Puri and Prof YS Negi. The event was judged by Dr Rajesh Sharma, Dean Sciences, and Dr Chander Mohan Gupta, Assistant Professor at the School of Law.

Addressing the students, Prof Khosla said they should make meditation a part of their lifestyle for a fulfilling life. “It is important to create a balance between their spiritual and materialistic lives,” he added.

On International Youth Day, Shoolini University also hosted a virtual Alumni Meet with its former students spread across the globe. Interacting with the students pursuing studies at Shoolini, the alumni guided them on how to crack global scholarships when they chose to study abroad.

As health and wellness take centre stage in the post-COVID world, Yoga has emerged as a popular lifestyle choice. With this, there is a strong demand for Yoga experts and trainers to help people make the most of this ancient Indian science.

Hence, choosing Yoga as a career is a sound decision with opportunities in India and abroad and one can have a prosperous life out of it. We read your mind, didn’t we? 

If Yoga education has been on your mind, you’re at the perfect place. With this blog, we try to answer all your questions around how to pursue yoga as a career.

The COVID-19 pandemic and following lockdown measures have turned work-life balance upside down. Restrictions in many countries and across the globe have resulted in people being confined for months in their homes. As a need of the hour, people are becoming more conscious about their health. 

It isn’t just the physical fitness that people are worried about but also their mental wellness. During lockdown and in its after-effects, a lot of practitioners have turned to online yoga classes to regain balance and strength. A lot of people took to their mats during lockdown to calm their minds and lift their spirits. 

This shows the growing importance of yoga to post-pandemic wellbeing and its revival in the present times has come as a boon to mankind. The increasing demand for Yoga has set the stage for professionals to come full-throttle and give their best.

There is a steady rise in Yoga professionals in organizations, clubs, and health centres. If you are keen to make a career in this Indian art and science, read on.

Benefits of Choosing Yoga as a Career

Yoga is not only fulfilling as a practice but also can be a good professional choice. With time everything has changed- job market, choices of people, lifestyle, and the ultimate desire to find inner peace. The surge in these sectors has pushed the demand for trained professionals to lead people on their spiritual journeys. Regions like Africa, European Union, and the Asia Pacific are expecting a boom in the industry and a huge number of job roles for Yogis and Yoga students. One can get good remuneration for it. The benefits of choosing Yoga as a career includes:

1. Freedom

2. Radiant Future/ Rewarding Career

3. Lucrative Package

4. Travel the World

5. Acknowledging Physical Strength

1. Freedom 

Choosing a career that matches your soul is something very satisfying. Your career as a Yoga professional shall give you the freedom to conduct classes on your terms and ethics. It will also help in associating with your clients on a spiritual level as well.

Unlike regular job roles, teaching Yoga is a soul-satisfying experience as it allows the yoga professional to use Yoga & meditation as a tool to help people heal and rise high in life.

It is obvious that you will come across a lot of challenges and it would be difficult at first but then every other job role requires initial hard work and sustained perseverance.

2. Radiant Future/ Rewarding Career

Considering the growing demand for yoga instructors in schools, colleges, government firms and private institutions, you are definitely on a high pedestal. Yoga has a vast scope of both professional growth and personal fulfilment. 

At present, yoga professionals are not only hired by health centres but also by renowned professionals and corporates. Thus, aspiring yoga professionals have a very bright future ahead of themselves irrespective of the countries and locations they choose. The expected surge in the number of high-paying opportunities sets you for reaping the maximum benefits of choosing Yoga as a career.

3. Lucrative Package

Yoga instructors are paid handsomely in various parts of the world such as the European Union, and Asian countries like India. Moreover, the average salaries in various global regions are expected to rise by a greater percentage. The professionals can earn from Rs. 10,000 up to Rs 30,000 per month. If you have created a reputation for yourself among clients then personal classes for individuals or celebrities pay you much better. 

Yoga instructors who cater to two or three organizations in the corporate sector also earn around Rs 70,000 per month.

It is to be noted that similar to every other job role, your experience and skillsets shall affect the pay you receive.

4. Travel the World

Who does not want to see the world and explore different places? Everybody wants to experience new things in life and grow as a person. A career in Yoga shall give you the golden chance to travel places, meet new people, witness cultures, and be amidst the beauty of the destination.

As a Yoga professional, you can participate in retreats and training programmes. You can also apply for jobs in different parts of the world. You will certainly notice new things unravelling and opportunities pouring in for success and happiness as you decide to step out of your comfort zone.

5. Acknowledging Physical Strength

Have you ever realized what is the best way possible to recognize your physical strength?

Indeed, practising Yoga comes along with a lot of challenges. You will see that every ending opens the door to new beginnings and awakenings. Every single day will bring new tasks to test your physical capacity. Teaching the benefits of yoga is not an easy task. It requires years of experience and a series of mistakes. These experiences help you find your core strength and your physical capacity to thrive in this fast-moving world.

Choosing Yoga as a career can be the best move of your life. It helps you in maintaining your fitness levels, behavioural patterns, and the way you conduct yourself. Constant interaction with people coming from all walks of life and helping them enliven their bodily and mental strength somewhere helps you to grow as a person as well.

Career Opportunities in Yoga

The job roles in Yoga offer you a chance to try something different and also help you to enhance your profile. After completing the graduate degree or postgraduate degree in yoga sciences, a student can look for jobs in the following areas:

• National Trainers
• International Trainers
• Research officer-Yoga and Naturopathy
• Instructors
• Clinical psychologist
• Hip-Hop & DJing
• Consultancy
• Studio Manager
• Research
• Yoga Teacher
• Therapists
• Yoga Festivals Organiser

Want to Learn Yoga in the Lap of Nature?

North Indian states attract a large number of yoga enthusiasts every year and also house some of the most well-known yoga centres in the country. A small north Indian state in the lap of nature, Himachal Pradesh offers a serene environment to learn Yoga. 

Besides an abundance of Yoga centres for training and vocational courses, universities and colleges in Himachal Pradesh have also begun to offer professional courses in Yoga. Shoolini University in Solan, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas with its cool summers and pleasant sunny winters, is the perfect place to pursue Yogic practices and scientific research. Nestled among the Himalayas, which is considered the birthplace of Yoga, the students can explore the origins and historical development of Yoga and meditation, from ancient times to the modern world.

Realising the benefits of yogic sciences and understanding the growing demand for Yoga experts, the university is also offering a holistic B.Sc. and M.Sc. program in Yoga Sciences. A UGC recognized university, Shoolini is a leading private university in Himachal Pradesh ranked in the Top 101–150 Indian universities by the NIRF.

Solan, August 9

The 7-day online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on the ‘Changing Dimensions of Crime and Criminal Justice in India’ concluded successfully.

The FDP was inaugurated by Prof Sanjeev P Sahni, Advisor to VC, OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat. He stressed on criminal psychology and discussed different traits of a person that lured a person to a life of crime. He also talked about the behavioural aspect of crime. This session was moderated by Prof Renu Pal Sood.

Prof Akshat Mehta, Dean, Police Administration, Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat and Ms Bindu Rani Sachdeva, DIG, Principal, Central Detective Training Institute, Chandigarh, talked about the ‘Need for Police Reform for Effective Pre-trial Investigation of Crime’. They emphasised the supremacy of the Rule of Law, the recommendations of various commissions for the need for police reforms and improvement of the criminal justice systems. The speakers stressed on the shift from a ruler-oriented to a rule-oriented police system. The session was moderated by Ms Anupriya Thakur, Assistant professor, School of Law, Shoolini University.

Interacting at the session, Mr Sandeep Dhawal, SP Cyber Crime, Himachal, shared his practical experiences. He talked about how the investigation is conducted in cyber cases and shared the data of pre and post-pandemic cases. Professor Dr Sanjay Sindhu, the director at HP Institute of Legal Studies, highlighted the urgent need to make the provisions under IPC with the Information Technology Act. The session was moderated by Ms Monika Thakur.

During another session, Prof Mohammad Tariq, Professor of Law at AMU, Aligarh, gave an insight into privacy laws in India and their correlation with the criminal justice system. Sh BL Soni also discussed the principle of evidence and its role in a criminal trial. Dr CM Gupta was the moderator of this session.

Prof Shruti Bedi, Panjab University, Chandigarh, and Adv Dr Deepak Jindal, Advocate Punjab and Haryana High Court, highlighted the problem of pendency of Criminal litigation during the pandemic. A total of 67,279 cases are pending with the Supreme Court of India and a whopping 57.53 lakh in the High Courts. Subordinate courts are sitting on 3.81 crore cases. The session was moderated by Ms Swati Soni.

Prof Balram K Gupta, the Director, Judicial Academy, Chandigarh, and Prof Kamaljeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, MLU Cuttack, were present at the valedictory and gave valuable insights into the light of Supreme Court judgements. Prof PK Khosla, Chancellor Shoolini University and Prof Atul Khosla, Vice-Chancellor, Shoolini University, were chief guests for valedictory and thanked the speakers and various resource persons of the FDP.

Convener of the FDP, Prof (Dr) Nandan Sharma, said about 70 academicians from reputed universities participated in the Faculty Development Programme. The programme was conducted with an objective to delve into, deliberate and generate awareness among the teaching professionals. He also thanked his team for the successful completion of the FDP.

Tops India in 2021 QS Rankings for Citation Index, an indication of quality research
in institutions.

Crossing another milestone, Shoolini University researchers have made waves by
filing over 600 patents at the Indian Patent (IP) Office.

This 11-year-old university topped India in 2021 QS Rankings for Citation Index, an
indication of quality research in institutions. Shoolini University has also found
place among the Top 300 Universities of Asia and the youngest one to achieve the
feat. QS I-GAUGE rankings have rated engineering programmes at Shoolini
University as the best in the world with a ‘Diamond Rating’. The university is at
the third position in the field of research and innovation.

According to Times ranking, as on 31st July 2021, the university has been ranked
third in patent filing and fourth in the number of patents granted. A total of 70
patents have been granted to this university through the years, in which 12
copyrights were granted in the year 2021.

The School of Engineering has filed the highest number of patents at 206,
followed by Biotechnology and Bioengineering at 167 and Basic Sciences at 147.
This year, around 145 patents have already been filed at the Indian Patent office.
The total number of patents filed till date stands at 602.

The university has been retaining its place in the 101-150 band of the National
Institutional Rankings Framework (NIRF) by the Government of India’s education
ministry for the last four years in a row.

Scientists underscore the potential of a new class of materials to convert sunlight to fuel

Be it rising fuel prices or failures in electricity power grids, the consequences of global energy crisis are hard to ignore. The need for alternate fuel sources is greater than ever, but, despite the popularity of solar panels, a vast amount of solar energy goes untapped. Now, a multinational team of researchers explore existing research on covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a new class of light-absorbing compounds, as a potential solution for efficient solar-driven fuel production.

Photocatalysts absorb energy from light to make a chemical reaction happen. The best known photocatalyst is perhaps chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that helps turn sunlight into carbohydrates. While carbohydrates may be falling out of favor, photocatalysis is garnering more attention than ever. In a photocatalytic process, light falls on a photocatalyst, increases the energy of its electrons and causes them to break their bonds and move freely through the catalyst. These “excited” electrons then react with the raw materials of a chemical reaction to produce desired products. A top priority in the field of alternate energy research is using photocatalysts to convert solar energy to fuel, a process called “solar-to-fuel production.”

In an article published in Coordination Chemistry Reviews, Dr. Changlei Xia from Nanjing Forestry University, China; Dr. Kent Kirlikovali from Northwestern University, USA; Dr. Thi Hong Chuong Nguyen, Dr. Xuan Cuong Nguyen, Dr. Quoc Ba Tran, and Dr. Chinh Chien Nguyen from Duy Tan University, Vietnam; Dr. Minh Khoa Duong and Dr. Minh Tuan Nguyen Dinh from The University of Da Nang, Vietnam; Dr. Dang Le Tri Nguyen from Ton Duc Thang University, Vietnam; Dr. Pardeep Singh and Dr. Pankaj Raizada from Shoolini University, India; Dr. Van-Huy Nguyen from Binh Duong University, Vietnam; Dr. Soo Young Kim and Dr. Quyet Van Le from Korea University, South Korea; Dr. Laxman Singh from Patliputra University, India; and Dr. Mohammadreza Shokouhimer from Seoul National University, South Korea, have highlighted the potential of covalent organic frameworks (COFs), a new class of light-absorbing materials, in solar-to-fuel production.

As Dr. Pardeep Singh explains, “Solar energy has been successfully tapped to make electricity, but we are not yet able to efficiently make liquid fuels from it. These solar fuels, like hydrogen, could be an abundant supply of sustainable, storable, and portable energy.”

The specialty of COFs lies in their ability to improve catalysis and add special substituent molecules called “functional groups” to their structure, providing a way around the limitations of existing photocatalysts. This is due to certain favorable properties of COFs such as chemical stability, controllable porosity, and strong electron delocalization, which make them extra stable.

Like the name suggests, COFs consist of organic molecules that are bonded together into a structure that can be tailored to suit various applications. Moreover, strong electron delocalization means that, unlike in semiconductor photocatalysts, the excited electrons recombine midway only infrequently, resulting in more excited electrons for the chemical reaction. Since these reactions occur at the surface of the photocatalyst, the increased surface area and modifiable porosity of COFs is a huge advantage. COF-photocatalysts find application in the conversion of water to hydrogen, and the production of methane from carbon dioxide, thus promising the dual benefit of producing fuel and mitigating global warming. Furthermore, they can even help with nitrogen fixation, plastics production, and storage of gases.

A new kind of COF, covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs), are currently at the cutting-edge of hydrogen production research. CTFs have 20-50 times the ability to produce hydrogen, compared to graphitic photocatalysts, making them a very promising option for future fuel production.

However, before we put the solar-powered cart before the horse, it is important to note that COF-based photocatalysts are at an early stage of development and still do not produce fuel as efficiently as their semiconductor-based counterparts. Nevertheless, their outstanding properties and structural diversity make them promising candidates for future solar-to-fuel research and a viable solution for the ongoing energy crisis. “The most essential issue is to explore robust COFs-derived catalysts for the desired applications. It can be expected that COF-based photocatalysts will achieve a new milestone in the coming years,” concludes an optimistic Dr. Pankaj Raizada.

Indeed, a future based on clean energy seems not that far away!

Reference

Authors ? ?	Changlei Xiaa, Kent O. Kirlikovalib, Thi Hong Chuong Nguyenc,d, Xuan Cuong Nguyenc,d, Quoc Ba Tranc,d, Minh Khoa Duonge, Minh Tuan Nguyen Dinhe, Dang Le Tri Nguyenf,g, Pardeep Singhh, Pankaj Raizadah, Van-Huy Nguyeni, Soo Young Kimj, Laxman Singhk, Chinh Chien Nguyenc,d,* Mohammadreza Shokouhimerl,* Quyet Van Lej*? ? ?
Title of original paper	The Emerging Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) for Solar-Driven Fuels Production
Journal	Coordination Chemistry Reviews
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214117
DOI   Affiliations	a. Nanjing Forestry University, China b. Northwestern University, United States c. Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Vietnam d. Faculty of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Duy Tan University, Vietnam e. University of Science and Technology, The University of Da Nang, Viet Nam f. Ton Duc Thang University, Vietnam g. Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Vietnam h. Shoolini University, India i. Binh Duong University, Vietnam j. Korea University, South Korea k. R.R.S. College (Patliputra University), India l. Seoul National University, Republic of Korea

About the authors

Dr. Pardeep Singh is a professor at Shoolini University. His area of research is graphene-based photocatalytic materials for depollution processes. His publications include 124   research papers; he has also filed 31 patents. Dr. Singh won the DST-Fast Track Young Scientist Award in 2013, and the Vice Chancellor Young Academician Award in 2019.

Dr. Pankaj Raizada is an associate professor at Shoolini University. Her research focuses on the design and synthesis of advanced photocatalytic materials for energy and environmental remediation. She has published over 102 research papers and seven book chapters and has received 21 patents. Dr. Raizada won the DST-Fast Track Young Scientist Award in 2015 and holds a funded project from the HP Council for Science, Technology and Environment.

Researchers review advancements in biosensing technologies that can address the limitations of conventional diagnostic methods for neonatal sepsis

Sepsis in newborn infants can be fatal. Early diagnosis is thus key to effectively managing the infection. Conventional diagnostic methods are, however, time-consuming. Now researchers from Shoolini University, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and Amity University, Rajasthan, describe the current point-of-care methods for improved diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and their limitations. Their review sheds light on emerging biosensors that can revolutionize diagnostics in the future and help decrease mortality associated with neonatal sepsis.

Sepsis refers to a systemic (body-wide) infection accompanied by inflammation. Newborn infants are particularly susceptible to developing sepsis, given their na?ve and underdeveloped immune systems. Their immune system reacts to the acquired pathogen by releasing inflammatory factors such as cytokines and free radicals. The heightened immune response mounted against the pathogen if uncontrolled, can cause severe damage to other organs, which can be fatal for the newborn. The prevalence of neonatal sepsis and associated mortality rates are especially high in developing countries, owing to poor sanitation and the dearth of healthcare resources.

Early diagnosis is thus cardinal for effective management of the infection and decrease neonatal mortality. Current point-of-care (POC) methods rely on conventional blood culture and molecular techniques that may be time-consuming and often detect a single parameter or biomarker. Hence, the development of rapid, sensitive, and integrated diagnostic strategies is crucial to enhance detection and improve the standard of care.

In a new Clinica Chimica Acta article, researchers from Shoolini University, in collaboration with researchers from IIT Hyderabad and Amity University, Rajasthan, India, have reviewed the latest advancements in analytical devices that enable multi-analyte detection with high sensitivity and accuracy. They also describe the limitations of currently used methods and why a combinatorial approach may be better. Speaking of why this caught their attention, the lead author of the study, Dr. Anupam Jyoti, says, “Developing countries like India report an increased incidence of neonatal sepsis (50–70/1000 live births) as compared to developed countries (1–5/1000 live births), with a substantial mortality rate of 11-19%. We were thus motivated to review the field of neonatal sepsis detection and propose new directions towards effective diagnosis.”

Routinely used blood culture techniques often require two to five days to yield results. Meanwhile, the infection escalates, and the newborn is often pumped with unnecessary antibiotics that can lead to anti-microbial resistance. Techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction, which detects the genetic material of the pathogen, and mass spectrometry, which detects pathogen-specific proteins, are more sensitive and require less time. However, they can yield false-positive results and do not differentiate between viable and non-viable pathogens in the sample. While tests that detect serum biomarkers and immune factors, expressed in response to infection, may give a broad idea about the presence of sepsis, they cannot differentiate between specific pathogens. Together, the methods may however complement each other for robust diagnosis of sepsis.

Biosensing analytical technologies have emerged as a powerful tool in biomedical devices. Advanced biosensors that promise multi-analyte detection in a single platform are now being increasingly developed for rapid and sensitive diagnosis. Electrochemical sensors can detect various electrolytes and biomarkers based on their specific electrical properties. “Aptamers” or single-stranded nucleic acid probes, given their minute size, stability, and high binding affinity, are useful for detecting bacterial traces in the blood. Next, sensors based on the surface plasmon resonance technique can detect changes in the optical properties of the sample. They are highly sensitive with low limits of detection, thus enabling the detection of small concentrations of pathogens. Finally, microfluidic devices and chip-based sensors analyze samples based on their flow or size and can thus detect bacterial and blood cells in the samples of patients with sepsis.

In addition to the above methods, integrated approaches that combine the principles of multiple techniques on a single platform are gaining popularity. Such hybrid biosensors will be capable of detecting multiple parameters in a short time from considerably small samples; all this at the bedside of the patient! Moreover, their wide applicability, cost-effectiveness, small size, and need for limited resources make them a practical and valuable tool for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Overall, the review sheds light on modern technologies that can help strengthen, and possibly replace conventional POC approaches in the future. “Integrated POC based diagnosis will help reduce detection time considerably and thus translate diagnosis from bench to the bedside. An efficient POC sepsis diagnostic platform could expand health care access and impact populations worldwide.” remarks an excited Dr. Jyoti.

This is indeed a ray of hope for protecting neonatal health.

Reference

Authors	Anupam Jyoti a,c,1,*, Sanni Kumar b,1, Vijay Kumar Srivastava a, Sanket Kaushik a, Shiv Govind Singh b *
Title of the original paper	Neonatal sepsis at point of care
Journal	Clinica Chimica Acta
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2021.06.021
Affiliations	a. Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Rajasthan India b. Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India c. Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Himachal Pradesh, India

_{Single platform and multi-analyte detection strategies using biosensors can improve the diagnosis of infections in newborn infants}

About Associate Professor, Dr. Anupam Jyoti

Dr. Anupam Jyoti has completed his PhD from the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India. He is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India. His research interests include sepsis and associated immune responses, antibiotics, and infections. He has authored several publications in these areas.