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Hans India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
From Loom to Label: Powering Innovation and Careers
Salem: As India ascends among global apparel sourcing hubs in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the Department of Fashion Technology at Salem-based Sona College of Technology is making strategic strides to position itself as a leader in sustainable fashion innovation, cutting-edge textile research, and technical skill development. Reflecting its philosophy of 'From Loom to Label,' the department equips students with end-to-end expertise—from the fundamentals of fabric manufacturing and textile engineering to the latest in design technology and fashion innovation. The department is currently engaged in more than half a dozen research projects in areas such as advanced technical textiles, assistive textile technologies for differently-abled women, cotton waste upcycling, and loom waste minimisation. These projects have secured an estimated funding of ₹5 crore from bodies including the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), SIDBI, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Among its international collaborations, the FIBRE project—being executed by a dozen partners at the University Health Network (UHN) with the University of Toronto in the lead—stands out for its cutting edge research on wearable smart textiles for healthcare applications. The department's NBA-accredited BTech programme has been recognised with the AICTE-CII Mentor status, owing to its robust industry-academia connect. The curriculum is deeply experiential, offering students hands-on training through in-plant internships and industrial visits. Academic excellence is underpinned by a focused curriculum that covers Fashion Design and CAD, Sustainable and Eco-Textiles, 3D Virtual Fitting, and Technical Textiles. These subjects are taught by highly qualified faculty, over 60% of whom hold PhDs in domains such as smart textiles, garment automation, and apparel engineering. Mr Chocko Valliappa, Vice Chairman of Sona College of Technology, stated, 'By seamlessly blending technology and cutting-edge research with fashion and design, the Fashion Technology department has emerged as a cradle for industry-ready professionals, achieving 100% placement for every graduating batch over the last 17 years.' The impact of the department's innovation efforts is evident in its eight granted patents out of a total of 24 filed, including an assistive sewing machine designed for women with locomotor disabilities, which has generated ₹5 lakh in revenue. The department has also published over 250 research papers in Scopus and SCI-indexed journals, many of which feature contributions by undergraduate students. These academic achievements have propelled student teams to win prestigious competitions, including the top position in the Smart India Hackathon 2024 under the smart apparel category. Fostering a strong start-up culture, the department has facilitated MSME-supported student enterprises focused on sustainable fashion solutions. Graduates have been placed with leading employers such as Aditya Birla, Decathlon, Himatsingka Seide, Homecentre, H&M, KKP Fine Linen, Loyal Textiles, Pearl Global, Reliance, Sakthi Knitting, Shahi Exports and Louis Philippe. Many alumni have taken on leadership roles in global fashion and textile firms, while others have pursued advanced studies at top institutions in India and abroad. According to independent research studies, the Department of Fashion Technology at Sona College of Technology is ranked among the top 3 Fashion Technology colleges in Tamil Nadu and within the top 26 nationally. Sona College of Technology, an autonomous institution under Anna University, has been awarded the highest accreditation grade of NAAC A++ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body of the University Grants Commission. The CGPA score of 3.65 marks a significant improvement over its previous evaluation conducted five years ago, placing it among a select group of top-rated colleges.
Medscape
5 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Okra for Glucose Control: Ancient Practice or Pseudoscience?
A member of the mallow family, cousin to hibiscus, cotton, and cocoa, okra is one of the world's oldest cultivated crops, with origins in Africa — specifically around Ethiopia and Eritrea — dating back over 1000 years. Its use as both a food and a medicinal plant developed alongside its cultivation, but it took the arrival of the Internet for it to become a viral sensation for supposedly managing blood glucose levels. Okra, and specifically okra water, has gone through periods of popularity, but it's currently hotter than ever: Pinterest alone reported a 470% spike in searches for the term from June 2023 to June 2024. With its popularity at an all-time high, it's important to know the science behind the consumption of this viral veggie. Is eating okra or drinking okra water actually helpful when it comes to controlling glucose? Most importantly, is it safe for people with diabetes or for anyone seeking to improve their overall health? The Data on Okra The nutritional benefits of all of okra's various components — its leaves, pods, seeds, and mucilage — have been studied, although not widely. One of the first research efforts to identify the potential efficacy of okra in glucose control was a 1989 Japanese study. It showed that the mucilage of the vegetable has a significant hypoglycemic effect due to its backbone chain that consists mainly of L-rhamno-D-galacturonan. In 2018, further research was performed in which the water extract of the okra was prepared in order to isolate the leading polysaccharide fraction, which was again found to be rhamnogalacturonan. In this study, the rhamnogalacturonan was found to decrease blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance. A 2023 meta-analysis of studies from Medline and Scopus came to the conclusion that ' okra treatment in prediabetic and T2D [type 2 diabetes] patients has beneficial effects on glycemic control, as demonstrated by a significant reduction in the level of FBG [fasting blood glucose].' It's important to note that after a detailed literature search, various issues disqualified all but eight studies in this meta-analysis. In addition to its benefits for blood glucose, okra is high in vitamins, especially vitamin K: One cup of okra provides almost 70% of the daily recommended target for this important nutrient, which is critical for blood clotting and bone health. Okra also delivers high quantities of magnesium, folate, potassium, and calcium. As far as the science goes, it would seem that okra measures up to the hype. Doctors are skeptical, though. Ali Chappell, PhD, MS, RD 'There's very little clinical evidence that okra water has any meaningful impact on blood sugar levels,' said Ali Chappell, PhD, MS, RD, and CEO of Lilli Health, Houston, which specializes in low-insulin lifestyle design. 'That being said, it is high in soluble fiber, which can help you feel more full, leading to less overeating and, in turn, could support better blood sugar control.' Michael Aziz, MD, an attending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, is even more strident in his cynicism regarding the efficacy of the potion. Okra is a vegetable. But using okra as the basis for a health drink? Michael Aziz, MD 'The users claim that chopping up okra, soaking it in water, and refrigerating it overnight before drinking it every morning boasts all sorts of benefits, from helping with pregnancy and diabetes to increasing sex drive and boosting gut health,' he said. Aziz said the main benefit he can see from the okra water delivery actually comes from drinking more water. He acknowledged that there may be some effect on glucose levels. 'The drinkers report feeling more energized and having a lower blood pressure. It appears okra water can drop sugar levels. There are no scientific studies to back up these claims,' he said. 'Any benefits from drinking okra water will be from staying hydrated.' Why Okra Water? Okra can be a bit of an acquired taste. While eating the whole pod provides more nutritional benefits, the mucilage, or 'slime,' that contains its beneficial compounds can be a turnoff when the vegetable is stewed or boiled. Of course, there are other ways to cook okra that don't leave it with a slimy finish, like deep-frying — not the healthiest way to eat anything — or roasting. When it comes to the use of okra for health benefits, it seems that okra water has become popular because it's a quick and easy way to get the desired nutritional compounds without actually eating a bunch of vegetables. Okra is a vascular vegetable with a high-water concentration, and the compounds shown to be effective in glycemic control come from its mucilage. Okra water is made by slicing the okra pods in half lengthwise in order to expose the most surface area, then soaking them in water overnight. The water is then strained, and the okra is discarded. The water will be a bit thick from the mucilage, but that's where the nutrients are. Who Should Steer Clear of Okra Water Okra water is generally innocuous, but doctors say that anyone with gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should use caution when drinking okra water. Okra contains fructans, which are a type of fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol. These are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. For individuals with IBS or IBD, these undigested carbohydrates can ferment in the colon, leading to unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, even though the okra itself is discarded when making okra water, the water still gains a relatively high fiber content from the mucilage. While fiber is generally good for gut health, the type and amount of fiber can be problematic for people with IBD, particularly during a flare-up. Okra contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. While soluble fiber, like the mucilage, can be soothing and help regulate bowel movements, a sudden increase in fiber consumption or a large amount of any fiber can sometimes exacerbate symptoms like cramping and diarrhea during an IBD flare. During active inflammation, the gut lining is highly sensitive, and even beneficial fibers can be irritating or contribute to discomfort. Even though okra is in the mallow family, it's often discussed in the same context as nightshade vegetables because it contains compounds that some individuals with inflammatory conditions, including IBD, say exacerbate their symptoms. While the science regarding this connection is not fully conclusive, anecdotal evidence from patients with IBD suggests that some find relief by avoiding such foods. Lenox Hill's Aziz added some additional cautions. 'Okra water can cause bloating, as it has slimy mucilage if drunk in excess,' he said. 'It is also high in oxalates, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.' As for its ability to control glucose, he said it can cause hypoglycemia, leading to a need for careful monitoring of blood sugar, especially when being used by people with diabetes. As with any other food, it is possible to have an allergy to okra. It's also possible to have a contact reaction to okra, though both this type of allergy and the food allergy are rare. Make This at Home To give okra water a try, take 4-6 fresh okra pods that are free from blemishes, and wash them under the tap to clean them off. Slice them in half lengthwise and put them into a jar with 1-2 cups of water — filtered or distilled is recommended. Use more water for a less viscous beverage and less water for a thicker beverage. Put the lid on the jar and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, strain the liquid through a colander or through cheesecloth into a glass. Squeeze the pods to get more of the mucilage out if so desired. Add a lemon or some mint for extra flavor. 'Adding a flavor to the water, whether it is lime or cucumber, will add a twist and more likely make you drink more water and stay hydrated,' Aziz said. Viral videos may recommend that the okra water be consumed first thing in the morning, but there is no evidence that the time of day makes any difference in whatever benefits may be derived from the okra water — or not.
Medscape
22-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Methotrexate Success Varies in Ectopic Pregnancy Types
TOPLINE: Overall success rates for intramuscular (IM) methotrexate were comparable between recurrent and primary ectopic pregnancy cases, but single-dose treatment was less effective in recurrent cases. Analysis of 3944 patients revealed that multidose regimens achieved similar success rates in both groups, suggesting a potential benefit of routine multidose treatment for recurrent cases. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted systematic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus databases through February 2025, following PRISMA guidelines for meta-analysis. Analysis included 3944 patients (502 with recurrent and 3442 with primary ectopic pregnancy) from 15 observational studies, with patients aged ≥ 18 years receiving IM methotrexate treatment. The primary outcome measure was treatment success, defined as complete resolution of ectopic pregnancy without requiring further intervention. TAKEAWAY: Single-dose IM methotrexate had lower success rates in patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancy than in those with a primary ectopic pregnancy (relative risk [RR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.63-1.00; P = .050). Multidose IM methotrexate treatment showed no significant difference in success rates between recurrent and primary ectopic pregnancy groups (RR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.71-1.84; P = .590). Substantial heterogeneity was observed among studies analyzing single-dose (I² = 73.0%) and multidose (I² = 64.0%) treatment outcomes. IN PRACTICE: 'Current observational data suggest that patients with recurrent ectopic pregnancy should be considered for multidose IM methotrexate to achieve similar rates of success compared with primary ectopic pregnancy,' wrote the authors of the study. SOURCE: The study was led by Shreya Bhat, MBChB, PGDipOMG, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Palmerston North Hospital, Te Whatu Ora MidCentral in Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand. It was published online in Obstetrics & Gynecology. LIMITATIONS: According to the authors, substantial heterogeneity in outcome definitions and baseline cohort characteristics between studies affected the analysis. Most studies were retrospective cohort designs, introducing potential selection bias and confounding factors. The researchers noted that over 50% of studies failed to identify relevant confounding variables, which likely contributed to the large observed CIs for effect estimates. DISCLOSURES: The authors did not report any potential conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Daily Tribune
02-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
AUBH hosts online 'Sustain Bahrain 2025' international conference
The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) has hosted online the 'Sustain Bahrain 2025', a Scopus Indexed International Conference, under the theme 'Empowering Innovation for a Sustainable Future.' The conference was held in the esteemed presence of Dr. Diana Abdulkarim Al Jahrami, the Secretary-General of the Higher Education Council, and brought together a diverse gathering of local and international speakers, researchers, and subject-matter experts in the field of sustainability and innovation. The two-day virtual event included a comprehensive agenda of academic sessions, panel discussions, and expert-led dialogues, offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas on key sustainability challenges and opportunities. Two major panel discussions were featured during the event. The first, titled 'Fostering Innovation and Sustainability in the GCC,' offered in-depth perspectives on the evolving sustainability landscape within the Gulf region. The second panel, 'Interdisciplinary Research and Its Role in Achieving SDGs,' brought together renowned scholars and experts from across the world to examine how collaborative, cross-disciplinary research can advance global sustainability objectives. Participants presented a range of research papers, scholarly articles, and academic periodicals, covering emerging perspectives on sustainability across multiple domains. Prof. Hanan Naser, Associate Provost of the American University of Bahrain commented, 'AUBH is proud to host this conference which represented a tangible step toward transforming academic research, creative thinking, and innovative ideas into actionable development strategies. The aim was to develop practical, scalable solutions tailored to the needs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while aligning with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. This initiative embodied AUBH's institutional commitment to contributing to long-term sustainability and meaningful societal progress'.
Bahrain This Week
30-06-2025
- Science
- Bahrain This Week
AGU Scholar Wins Prestigious Global Award for Gifted Education
Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Alabbasi, the Vice Dean of the College of Education, Administrative, and Technical Sciences at Arabian Gulf University (AGU), has been awarded the Emerging Scholar Award by the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. This award is given to early-career scientists who have earned a doctorate in the fields of giftedness and creativity within the last ten years. This recognition honours Dr. Alabbasi's global efforts in the field of gifted education and creativity. Over the past few years, he has published more than 60 research papers and book chapters in internationally peer-reviewed journals. According to the global research platform ResearchGate, which includes nearly two million researchers and scientists worldwide, Dr. Alabbasi ranks among the top 96% of researchers in the field of giftedness and creativity. He is also the only Arab scholar to have contributed to the third edition of the Encyclopedia of Creativity, published by Elsevier. His research spans a wide range of topics including giftedness, creativity, innovation, emotional intelligence, and women's issues. His recognition comes at a time when AGU is strongly committed to advancing scientific research and fostering a supportive environment for researchers and scientists. The university continually strives to enhance its academic and developmental strategies by encouraging innovation across disciplines, providing funding for priority research projects within the GCC, and promoting regional and international research cooperation. AGU has ranked as the top institution in the Kingdom of Bahrain and among the top 500 universities globally in the latest Times Higher Education ranking. Scientific research contributes 60% of the ranking score, with 30% attributed to research outputs and 30% to a supportive research environment. According to the Scopus database, AGU faculty have published 2,957 research papers aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Upon receiving the award, Dr. Al-Abbasi stated, 'I dedicate this humble achievement to my country, Bahrain, which continues to support its young talents. I also dedicate it to the father of all, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who constantly emphasises the importance of investing in promising young minds through visionary government initiatives led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and Prime Minister. I also extend my gratitude to the leadership of AGU especially the university president, H.E. Dr. Saad bin Saad Al Fuhaid, for his unwavering support of faculty members and his encouragement of impactful scientific research that addresses strategic issues of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries across various disciplines.' Dr. Ahmed Alabbasi holds a PhD in Gifted and Creative Education from the University of Georgia, USA, as well as executive certificates in Leadership and Innovation from Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. The World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, headquartered in the United States, is the oldest and most prestigious international institution in the field of gifted education. In recognition of Dr. Alabbasi's scientific contributions, the Council has decided to grant this award for the first time to a scholar from outside the United States.
