Investigation on Virtual Reference Services (VRS) provided by selected Universities from Tamil Nadu

With the advancement of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) development is taking place at a rapid rate. Hence in order to stay in the limelight one must keep themselves updated with the latest technological trend. This chapter focuses on the Virtual Reference Service (VRS) provided by eight universities from Tamil Nadu. Various services that can be provided under VRS have been identified based on minimal cost and maximum benefit approach. We have made a comparison of these Universities right from their NAAC grade to NIRF ranking 2019 and eventually the VRS. The amount of funds utilized has also been discussed in comparison to their ranking received. Based on this study one can get a clear idea about the status of VRS provided by these universities

ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL LIBRARY WEBSITE OF BRICS COUNTRIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

The study shows a comparative analysis of five BRICS countries National Libraries. We have classified them on the basis of parameters such as their collection, Web2.0 applicability, virtual reference service, website covering language, visitors service, number of institutional repository, software used (digital library or content management software). The website security feature was also discussed as it plays an important role in securing user data. We have also included the user friendliness of impaired persons so that they can also access the websites with ease. The overall analysis found the total collection and rare collections of these national libraries. Most probably the National library of Brazil, Russia and India are more progressive than the other two countries such as China and South Africa

Green synthesis of protein capped silver nanoparticles from phytopathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid with antimicrobial properties against multidrug-resistant bacteria

In recent years, green synthesis of nanoparticles, i.e., synthesizing nanoparticles using biological sources like bacteria, algae, fungus, or plant extracts have attracted much attention due to its environment-friendly and economic aspects. The present study demonstrates an eco-friendly and low-cost method of biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using cell-free filtrate of phytopathogenic fungus Macrophomina phaseolina. UV-visible spectrum showed a peak at 450 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the presence of spherical silver nanoparticles of the size range 5 to 40 nm, most of these being 16 to 20 nm in diameter. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum of the nanoparticles exhibited 2θ values corresponding to silver nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were found to be naturally protein coated. SDS-PAGE analysis showed the presence of an 85-kDa protein band responsible for capping and stabilization of the silver nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activities of the silver nanoparticles against human as well as plant pathogenic multidrug-resistant bacteria were assayed. The particles showed inhibitory effect on the growth kinetics of human and plant bacteria. Furthermore, the genotoxic potential of the silver nanoparticles with increasing concentrations was evaluated by DNA fragmentation studies using plasmid DNA

Mapping Knowledge Hierarchy on Digital Library from 2007-2017: A comparative study of India, China and United States

Purpose: This study aims to provide a comparative analysis on knowledge hierarchy taking into account countries such as India, China and United States of America on digital library perspective research from 2007 to 2017. Methodology: This study covers articles published in the Web of Science database where 242 articles were taken into consideration and further analysis was done for the stipulated time period. Findings: The research trend of digital library in India consists of 15 core topics and other specific areas, China with 15 core areas as well for the same time period and U.S.A showed 17 core topics for research in digital library topic. The countries most researchable areas as well as related researchable areas has been analysed here. The growth of digital libraries in these countries are highlighted with appropriate diagram. Originality: Here the articles were extracted from Web of Science database for obtaining necessary findings. Major highlighted topics of India were digital library architecture/infrastructure (20.58%), whereas digital library services (11.76%) was the most researchable area of China and USA emphasised more on digital library collections (19.74%)

Genetic analysis of HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Form 02_AG, B and C subtype-specific envelope sequences from Northern India and their predicted co-receptor usage

HIV-1 epidemic in India is largely driven by subtype C but other subtypes or recombinants have also been reported from several states of India. This is mainly due to the co-circulation of other genetic subtypes that potentially can recombine to generate recombinant/mosaic genomes. In this study, we report detail genetic characterization of HIV-1 envelope sequences from North India (Delhi and neighboring regions). Six of 13 were related to subtype C, one B and the rest six showed relatedness with CRF02_AG strain. The subtype C possessed the highly conserved GPGQ motif but subtype B possessed the GPGR motif in the V3 loop as observed earlier. While most of the sequences suggested CCR5 co-receptor usage, one subtype C sample clearly indicated CXCR4 usage. A successful mother to child transmission was established in two pairs. Thus, co-circulation of multiple subtypes (B and C) and the recombinant CRF02_AG strains in North India suggests a rapidly evolving scenario of HIV-1 epidemic in this region with impact on vaccine formulation. Since this is the first report of CRF02_AG envelope from India, it will be important to monitor the spread of this strain and its impact on HIV-1 transmission in India

Extraintestinal Infections Caused by Non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139

Vibrio cholerae is an aerobic, sucrose fermentative Gram-negative bacterium that generally prevails in the environment. Pathogenic V. cholerae is well-known as causative agent of acute diarrhea. Apart from enteric infections, V. cholerae may also cause other diseases. However, their role in causing extraintestinal infections is not fully known as it needs proper identification and evaluation. Four cases of extraintestinal infections due to V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 have been investigated. The isolates were screened for phenotypic and genetic characteristics with reference to their major virulence genes. Serologically distinct isolates harbored rtx, msh, and hly but lacked enteric toxin encoding genes that are generally present in toxigenic V. cholerae. Timely detection of this organism can prevent fatalities in hospital settings. The underlying virulence potential of V. cholerae needs appropriate testing and intervention

Global Ranking framework & Indicators of Higher Educational Institutions: A Comparative Study

This paper highlights on a comparative study of various global ranking framework. To define the world university ranking it follows different methodologies and indicators. Here we have discussed various ranking such as Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), QS World University Ranking, Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THE) and Webometrics Ranking. The ARWU ranking follows six indicators, QS world university ranking followed six indicators, THE world University ranking follows 13 indicators and webometrics ranking followed 4 indicators. This study found that Indian Institutions are also occupying ranks in a large number of global ranking. Webometrics Ranking took most of the Indian Institutes in its list (4381). IISc Bengaluru occupied 1st rank as an Indian institute in ARWU and THE world ranking whereas IIT Bombay occupied 1st position as an Indian institute in QS world ranking and Webometrics ranking

Mapping Knowledge Hierarchy on Digital Library from 2007-2017: A comparative study of India, China and United States

Purpose: This study aims to provide a comparative analysis on knowledge hierarchy taking into account countries such as India, China and United States of America on digital library perspective research from 2007 to 2017. Methodology: This study covers articles published in the Web of Science database where 242 articles were taken into consideration and further analysis was done for the stipulated time period. Findings: The research trend of digital library in India consists of 15 core topics and other specific areas, China with 15 core areas as well for the same time period and U.S.A showed 17 core topics for research in digital library topic. The countries most researchable areas as well as related researchable areas has been analysed here. The growth of digital libraries in these countries are highlighted with appropriate diagram. Originality: Here the articles were extracted from Web of Science database for obtaining necessary findings. Major highlighted topics of India were digital library architecture/infrastructure (20.58%), whereas digital library services (11.76%) was the most researchable area of China and USA emphasised more on digital library collections (19.74%)