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Do you aspire to fearlessly bombard ministers with questions that will make them squirm or spring into action in a terror-hit situation or a cyclone-ravaged place? This is the world of media& which is both exciting and challenging. And with technology transforming the way we consume media — whether by sifting through the morning newspaper or watching the evening television news or on the smartphone, on Twitter, or other social apps — the field of journalism and mass communication has opened a plethora of career opportunities.

A degree in Journalism and Mass Communication will help you fulfil your ambitious dreams. It will not just enhance your chances of getting a ticket to the newsroom but also be useful in other fields, such as communications, marketing, education, and entertainment.

Sounds interesting? If yes, don’t miss some of the most important key points before you decide what will work best for you.

What is Journalism and Mass Communication?

Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. Basically, writing about recent developments. Mass communication is the study of spreading information to a large audience through various means of communication.

We all are connected through a web of different means of communication. Whether it’s the latest news around the world or news on cricket scores, we get to know about them. This is all because of mass media and technology. Mass communication is nothing but dispersing information to a huge number of people, i.e., the whole country or the world.

If mass communication is the activity of dispersing news, journalism is concerned with the collection and dissemination of news through print media as well as electronic media. This involves various areas of work like reporting, writing, editing, photographing, broadcasting, or cable casting news items.  Journalism includes investigating, analyzing, and reporting local as well as world events, trends, current affairs, and so on. 

In recent years, the field of mass media and communication has evolved into a partially interactive concept that touches almost every aspect of human life. And, with the sheer proliferation of media into our lives through newspapers, television, and the internet the field of mass communication is gaining popularity like never.

Why should you pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication?

A degree in Journalism and Mass Communication brings an opportunity to work under/with creative, well-educated people who inspire you to do well. The scope of mass media as a field is increasing and there is never a dearth of job opportunities. One gets the taste of name, fame & money and also travel while working.

• Rewarding career
• Broaden your network
• Social prestige
• Travel and gain new experiences
• Ample career opportunities
• Social networking
• Glamour
• Brings creativity
• Gain skills
• Freelancing

Scope and career prospects of Journalism and Mass Communication

There’s an ever-increasing scope for aspirants in the field of Journalism and Mass Communication, considering the growing popularity of mass communication mediums. Its scope in India is wide, if you can do well in your field, you can work with some of the best publishing houses, production houses, news channels, radio channels, or PR firms of the country.

List of Top 10 career options in Journalism and Communication:

1. Television

The post-pandemic era created a rising demand for creative producers and directors in the entertainment sector. For those of you who have a knack to entertain people through films, this is the correct profile for you. You can get into the media world and explore multiple profiles including television and film directors and producers. Professionals with this degree can also fit the profiles of scriptwriters, video editors, 3D designers, graphics, and animation creators among others.

2. Journalist

The most common career choice after a degree in J&MC is that of a journalist. It provides aspirants with all the required skills and knowledge related to Journalism, aiding them to deliver the true story to the public effectively.

3. Digital Marketing Expert

A degree in J&MC equips students with skills that are required for a flourishing career in Digital Marketing. In today’s technology-driven world, you get to experiment with diverse career avenues in specialized areas, including SEO, SEM, Content Writing, Graphic Designing, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Inbound Marketing, and Web Analytics.

4. Radio jockey (RJ)

Radio Jockey is an emerging field, budding with a multitude of career opportunities. With a J&MC degree, you acquire various skills and learn diverse aspects of communication and a knack for storytelling, creativity, Thinking-Out-of-the-Box, and much more.

5. Social Media Executive

As an executive in social media, you work and spread ideas, as today’s generation spends most of its time on social media. As a social media director, you are responsible for creative endeavours from ads to events to charities and the sharing of video throughout.

6. Content Creator/ Developer

Diverse digital channels employ media, organizations, businesses, and agencies to create content. You might become a journalist, you could be an artist or a sportswriter and you might write about events. You can also compose branded material belonging to the business sphere.

7. Public Relations Professional

A degree in J&MC equips you with excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and management skills that are best suited for job roles related to Public Relations.

Aren’t you surprised how people are trending so much on social platforms? How have they built a strong network and connections in the market?

Leading organizations around the world are constantly in search of talented individuals who can effectively represent their brand and build a strong network and connections in the market. With the growing awareness in organizations regarding their brand image, the demand for PR professionals has grown exponentially!

8. Publicity/Advertising Industry

Students have been taught about advertisement and its use right from the time of their bachelor’s degree. Publicity is about selling your product via a concept. Here, imagination is essential. In India, there are numerous organizations that need fresh ideas from creative artists and planners.

9. Event Manager

Event Management firms are growing day by day. A Mass Communication Graduate can work for an Event Management Company as an Event Manager or set up his own firm handling events. It’s a high-paying Industry and is growing day by day.

10. Broadcasting and Production

A degree in Mass Communication can also get you into the production line. There is a larger scope of jobs in various sectors like Film making/TV Producer/Editor/Camera Person/Screenwriter/Art Director.

Top companies that hire journalism and mass communication graduates

There is an unpredictable growth in Mass Communications that covers both the Media and Journalism streams. Due to the advancement in technology and with the increase of broadcasting channels like television sets, radio stations, social media, news channels, had brought a targeted audience together and opened immense opportunities and options to the aspirants who are good in public speaking, writing, and reporting. A degree in Journalism and Mass Communications opens many opportunities for people who want to make their career in Journalism, Advertisement, communications, Radio, Television, and many more. Both the streams have their utmost importance and opportunities in the real world.

• Hindustan Times Group of Publication
• Perfect Relations
• NDTV Network
• Balaji Telefilms
• Zee TV Network
• DDB Mudra Group
• Times of India Group
• Viacom
• Reliance Entertainment
• Edelman

Why study Journalism and Mass Communication at Shoolini University?

A degree in mass communication from Shoolini University opens doors of opportunities in Journalism, Public Relations, Reporting, News Analysis, and Advertising. Under our programme, students are guided to produce and star in our in-house radio and news channel called Radio Shoolini. The department of Journalism and Mass Communication also brings out a bi-monthly newsletter and video news bulletins. The talented students produce, direct, and perform regularly to display their immense talent. Advanced technology and equipment are available in video editing to train and guide students in the production of video news bulletins.

Students are sent to reputed media houses for internships. During this period, they get hands-on training and exposure to the industry’s best practices. Our Industry-ready programme empowers students for suitable job placements in top media houses. To sum up, we have listed why you should consider Shoolini University for this programme:

• Mentorship from practicing journalists
• Students interact with expert visiting faculty on J&MC
• Students can study abroad through various exchange programmes
• Students of J&MC bring out in-house newspaper
• Top-tier placements in reputed media houses
• Practical experience in TV, Radio & Print

Journalism and Mass Communication courses offered at Shoolini University

• BA Journalism and Mass Communication
• MA Journalism
• PhD Journalism

So, we welcome you to experience revolutionary learning with global-standard facilities at Shoolini University, Solan.

Join this world-class university and establish a dynamic career in Journalism and Mass Communication!

Scientists develop a mathematical model for making accurate solar power generation forecasts, which will ease the adoption of solar energy 

Scientists from Shoolini University, India, in collaboration with the National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, India, have developed a new mathematical model to predict the solar cell output power in all weather. By taking into account the degradation of the photovoltaic modules over time (as well as other external factors), this model is more accurate than existing ones. It will help produce precise power generation forecasts, facilitating the implementation of solar power systems and easing the transition towards renewable energy sources.

The world is in dire need of a large-scale transition away from fossil fuels and towards sustainable energy sources to prevent an environmental crisis. Thanks to recent advances in various scientific and engineering disciplines, solar cells have become a rising star in the field of renewable energy, reaching operational costs and performance close to those of the conventional electric grid.

However, in spite of the remarkable strides made in photovoltaics (PV) technology, the performance of the solar cell itself is only one part of the equation. For solar power projects to be funded and rolled out, decision-makers need to know ahead of time how much energy the installed PV systems will provide, both for technical and administrative reasons. Of course, since solar cells are devices that harvest solar radiation, their solar-to-electricity conversion performance is tied to a variety of external factors, such as cloudiness, temperature, and humidity. So, forecasting how much power a PV system will output over a given amount of time is not a straightforward task.

But in a recent study published in Solar Energy, a team of researchers led by Professor Shyam Singh Chandel from the Centre of Excellence in Energy Science and Technology at Shoolini University, India, in collaboration with the Centre for Energy and Environmental Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India, developed an innovative model for predicting the output of solar cells, which is much more accurate than existing models, and can help policymakers make that next giant leap in solar power installations!

Their approach is based on the well-established single-diode model, which offers sufficient accuracy without requiring too much computational complexity. The developed model can take into account three, four, or five different solar cell parameters depending on the level of precision needed. Most importantly, it considers the degradation of the solar cell components over time—something which previous models did not factor in.

To test the accuracy of their model under real conditions, the researchers first determined the values of the model parameters in a controlled experimental setup using a Class-A Sun Simulator over a test PV module. Once the parameters were determined and the predictions made, they studied a  solar PV module and then a 1 kWp PV system installed on the rooftop of the Centre for Energy and Environmental Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur. From there, the researchers gathered data to validate the predictions of their model.

The results are promising, as the predictions of the proposed model are more accurate than those of previous ones. Additionally, the researchers noted the number of solar parameters to include in the model so as to produce the best predictions with varied temperature and solar radiation intensities (in other words, with the time of day, season, and weather conditions). These insights will be helpful in future studies on solar energy, as Prof. Chandel explains: “Our model could be useful for developing PV power forecasting software capable of predicting daily, monthly, and yearly solar power generation, which is a crucial parameter for calculating the electricity supply and demand distribution, as well as for marketing PV systems.”

According to the researchers, their work could ultimately help improve the efficiency of solar cells and PV technology in large solar power plants, which are being installed both worldwide and locally under India’s National Solar Mission. “Being able to predict the output power of different PV technologies will help interested parties decide for the best option available in the market for a particular location,” explains Prof. Chandel, “Based on the foreseen energy generation and the selected technology, one can estimate the total expenditure and payback period for a given project.”

In short, this study will hopefully pave the way to a faster transition into renewable energy sources. Let us all keep pushing onwards towards our common goal of sustainability!

Reference

Authors	Prashant Malik, Rahul Chandel, and Shyam Singh Chandel
Title of the original paper	A power prediction model and its validation for a rooftop photovoltaic power plant considering module degradation
Journal	Solar Energy
DOI	10.1016/j.solener.2021.06.015
Affiliations	Centre for Energy and Environmental Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India Photovoltaics Research Group, Centre of Excellence in Energy Science and Technology, Shoolini University, Solan

Reference information for EA:

Latest article publication date:	Solar Energy, Volume 224, August 2021
Method of Research:	Computational simulation/modeling
Subject of Research:	Not Applicable
Conflict of Interest (COI):	The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

About Professor Shyam Singh Chandel

Shyam Singh Chandel is the founder Head of the Centre for Energy & Environmental Engineering at the National Institute of Technology in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India. He is currently working as Director of the Centre of Excellence in Energy Science & Technology at Shoolini University, also in Himachal Pradesh, India. He has over 40 years of experience in renewable energy, solar photovoltaics, passive solar housing technology, wind energy, and solar–wind-based hybrid systems. He is recognized as among the top 2% of energy researchers worldwide as per the Stanford University World Ranking of Scientists and has published over 55 peer-reviewed papers.

Taking another step in its collaboration with foreign institutions of learning, Shoolini University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with a leading Ethiopian Varsity, the Mizan-Tepi University. This MoU will help Shoolini promote the Study-in-India programme at the Mizan campus as per the Government of India scholarships.

This MoU was initiated by Mr Robel Dawit, Shoolini Coordinator for African countries. Hailing from Ethiopia, he is studying BCom at Shoolini University.

The two universities will cooperate in international programmes based on the principle of reciprocity. Indian students can also seek admission to Mizan-Tepi University under the exchange programmes. The MoU will encourage the exchange of faculty, scholars, students, academic information and materials. This will, in turn, enhance research and educational processes in both universities.  

According to Office of International Affairs (OIA) Director RP Dwivedi, “The universities have also agreed to promote the following exchange activities based on their respective academic and educational needs. These include the exchange of faculty and scholars (professors, lecturers, or researchers), students, periodical academic publications.”

Joint research programmes and conferences are also on the anvil, as well as other academic exchanges, OIA Assistant Director Rozy Dhanta said. Mizan Tepi University is a non-profit public university of higher education located in the large town of Mizan, Ethiopia.

Recognising the importance of international cooperation among universities across the world, Shoolini University has established a number of international collaborations and exchange agreements with major foreign universities. The OIA at Shoolini University handles cooperative activities with foreign universities and institutions of higher learning. This includes creating partnerships, facilitating student and faculty exchanges, as well as organising joint research collaborations. In addition, OIA offers administrative support to international students and visiting foreign faculty members so they can adapt to life in India smoothly.

Jointly hosted by Ideas that Matter, Shoolini Outreach team and FMSLA, over 500 schools with more than 35,000 students across the world are participating in the month-long quiz

Excitement and enthusiasm were in the air as Q?riosity 2021 went live on Wednesday. Jointly hosted by Ideas that Matter, Shoolini’s Outreach team and Faculty of Management Sciences and Liberal Arts (FMSLA), the Grand Virtual Inauguration ceremony was a roaring success.
Over 500 schools with more than 35,000 students across the world are participating in the quiz, making it the largest international quiz competition for school students.

The inaugural programme began with an address by Ms Avnee Khosla, Trustee and Vice President, Shoolini University, who welcomed all schools and students for the month-long quiz journey. This was followed by lighting of the lamp by Shoolini University Chancellor Prof Prem Kumar Khosla, Foundation of Life Sciences and Business Management (FLSBM) President Mrs Saroj Khosla and Vice-Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla.

Wishing good luck to the teams of Ideas that Matter and Faculty of Management Sciences and Liberal Arts (FMSLA), Prof PK Khosla said, ‘It is my pleasure to be with you at the 11th year of organising Q?riosity, which has a strong foundation and academic values.’

Welcoming students, parents and educators, Prof Atul Khosla said, ‘I can understand how exciting quizzing can be. It has the potential to change your life. This year, Q?riosity has an exciting technology platform and a lot of new things, in addition to the grand prizes and above all, questions that will tickle your imagination and those grey cells! I welcome each one of you to this roller coaster ride.”’

Following the official inauguration, Dr Kuldeep Rojhe, Professor of Management Sciences and Liberal Arts and Head of the MBA Department at Shoolini University, spoke elaborately on the decade-long journey of the quiz, emphasising the new and technological changes made this year for adapting to the challenging pandemic times. ‘This has made the quiz accessible to every student interested in quizzing’,” he added.

Presenting the vote of thanks, Ms Shikha Sood, Head of Outreach, said, ‘We have some surprise gifts at the completion of the quiz. Thank you everybody for joining us.”’

Important dates:–

• The grand finale is on November 1 and the quarter finals from October 22 . The Inter-School elimination rounds will begin on October 11.
• Join us live for the grand finale and the quarter finals at: IdeasThatMatters

There is no dearth of innovative ideas at Shoolini, and the university always encourages its students to come up with pathbreaking ideas and supports them in every possible way. Recently, the Indian Innovation Council (IIC), Shoolini University, launched its special programme called Start-Buzz, where the students will be invited to come up with innovative ideas and IIC will help them to successfully implement the prototype on the campus.

The IIC will also provide a few selected start-ups with guidance and seed money to get ready for angel investing or venture capitalists.

The first step of the Start-Buzz event will be the submission of ideas. Students are required to submit their entries between September 25 and 30. Next, the IIC team will carefully go through all the entries and ideas submitted and select those that have the potential to be implemented on the campus.

Prof Kamal Kant Vashisht, Director E-learning and IIC Convenor said the candidates will be given two days to prepare the pitch and present their business plan before the panel on October 3. They are required to present a prototype and other statistical figures along with the business plan. It should describe how they plan to implement the idea on the campus, Prof Vashisht added.

The IIC convenor said a part of the funding may be provided to students who needed it to develop their prototype.

In the final step, the IIC panel will declare the results on Oct 4 and decide upon a start-up that would be implemented on the campus. A seed amount will be given to the student to turn their idea into reality, said Prof Vashisht.

IIC Shoolini was established in 2018 to cultivate entrepreneurship and innovative culture in the university. The primary mandate of IIC is to encourage, inspire and nurture young students by supporting them to work with new ideas and transform them into prototypes.

To purify urban wastewater for reuse, researchers develop a new algae-based bioremediation method

Human greed and indiscipline are taking an enormous toll on the quality and availability of freshwater. Finding strategies to sustainably maintain freshwater supply has become a global priority. Recently, based on the fascinating potential of algae to remove a large number of chemical pollutants and various bacteria from water, scientists have developed a new eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for urban wastewater treatment, and tested the utility of such treated water for pisciculture.

Our ever-growing demand for freshwater has caused its sources to diminish rapidly and scientists have been attempting to find strategies to purify wastewater for reuse to meet future demands. At present, the most common wastewater treatment techniques involve the use of chemicals or ultraviolet radiation to kill microorganisms or remove pollutants. But these conventional techniques have several drawbacks, such as the toxic effects of chemical substances on our health or the high energy requirements to run treatment facilities. To create a sustainable system of wastewater treatment, the focus has shifted to eco-friendly and cost-effective technologies.

One such technology under exploration involves using aquatic microorganisms, such as algae, which are known to be able to degrade complex molecules. Recently, a team of scientists from India (Algae Research and Bioenergy Lab, Uttaranchal University; Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University; and Department of Biotechnology, Dolphin (P.G.) Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences), Korea (Department of Environmental Engineering, The University of Seoul), and Russia (Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Department of Environmental Monitoring and Forecasting, RUDN University), led by Dr. Pankaj Kumar Chauhan from Shoolini University, India, have developed wastewater treatment technology based on algal bioremediation. Their study is published in Science of the Total Environment.

Algae rapidly cover water bodies with a green film or cause red tides, using the nitrogen, carbon, phosphorous, or heavy metals present in water as nutrition. A high algal load in the water then creates competition for nutrients and sunlight with other microorganisms, causing a reduction in the number of bacteria present in the water. These are some of the properties that make algae promising wastewater purification agents. Added to these, is the fact that they’re being eco-friendly, self-sustaining, and cost-effective as a wastewater treatment agent.

Dr. Chauhan explains the basis of the technology developed by his team: “We selected a novel microalgal strain Pseudochlorella pringsheimii because it can tolerate high pollutant load and can grow over a wide range of temperatures. Moreover, under conditions of stress, Pseudochlorella is known to accumulate high amounts of lipids in their cells, opening up the possibility of using this algal biomass for biofuel synthesis.’’

For their experiments, the researchers collected the Pseudochlorella pringsheimii microalgae strain from a natural pond and cultivated it in artificial tanks of raw urban wastewater which contained various heavy metal pollutants and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. After 14 days of cultivation, they measured three parameters in these tanks: the water quality, and growth and biochemical composition of P. pringsheimii. They also assessed the possibility of using microalgae-treated water for fish farming.

The findings of this pilot-scale study were extremely encouraging. P. pringsheimii cultivation significantly improved the water quality by removing heavy metals and harmful microorganisms. Dr. Chauhan explains enthusiastically: “After the treatment, we observed that the levels of water pollution indicators such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), alkalinity, and hardness reduced by 83.2%, 66.7%, and 69.6%, respectively. Moreover, the algal growth naturally nearly eliminated the total bacteria and coliform in the water. We also saw a significant increase in the lipid content in wastewater-grown algal biomass in comparison to the algae grown in the control medium. This means, that these algae can be recycled for biofuel synthesis.’’.

In addition, while no suckerfish survived in raw wastewater, in treated wastewater, 84% of them not only survived but over ten days, their bodyweight also increased by 47%.

This new technology is, thus, a remarkable success in eco-friendly wastewater treatment research and highlights the suitability of using treated water for low-cost fish cultivation. Dr. Chauhan is hopeful that their microalgae-based bioremediation technique will pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future.

Reference

Authors	Vinod Kumar f,g, Krishna Kumar Jaiswal a, Monu Verma b,f, Mikhail S. Vlaskin c, Manisha Nanda d, Pankaj Kumar Chauhan e, Ajay Singh a, Hyunook Kimb
Title of the original paper	Algae-based sustainable approach for the simultaneous removal of micropollutants, and bacteria from urban wastewater and its real-time reuse for aquaculture
Journal	Science of the Total Environment
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145556
Affiliations	a. Algae Research and Bioenergy Lab, Uttaranchal University, India b. Department of Environmental Engineering, The University of Seoul, Republic of Korea c. Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia d. Department of Biotechnology, Dolphin (P.G.) Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences, India e. Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, India f. Algal Research and Bioenergy Lab., Uttaranchal University, India g. Department of Environmental Monitoring and Forecasting, RUDN University, Russia

About Dr. Pankaj Kumar Chauhan

Dr Pankaj Kumar Chauhan is an associate professor at the School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Shoolini University, India. Prior to this, he was an Assistant Professor at the Himachal Institute of Life Sciences, India, and completed his PhD from the HNB Garhwal Central University, Uttarakhand. His primary research interests lie in biochemistry, molecular biology, and phytochemistry. To date, he has 47 publications to his name, which have received over 380 citations. In 2020, he won the Golden Rudraksha Award for his outstanding research and teaching career so far.

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!