Faculty Publications
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The silent struggle of teachers
By all means, let the child bloom. But do not forget to water the roots, writes John J Kennedy -
Novel Applications of Graphene and its Derivatives: A Short Review
Graphene, a layered allotropic form of graphitic carbon, has fascinated the scientific world since its discovery. Its unique structural, physical, chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties find application in many areas. Because of its large surface area and its apt electrical property, it is used in electromagnetic interference shielding. With excellent carrier mobility, it is used for sensing purposes. Mechanical strength and elastic properties coupled with its lightweight make graphene a promising material as a supercapacitor. The 2-dimensional structural properties of the graphene layers can be used for the purification treatment of water and gas. The number of research in graphene applications is increasing every day, showing the importance and excellency of graphene properties. This short review provides a comprehensive understanding of graphene's properties and progress in electromagnetic interference shielding, sensors, water treatment, energy production, storage, and conversion applications such as supercapacitors, fuel cells, solar cells and electrocatalysts. 2023 Bentham Science Publishers. -
Production of anthraquinones from cell and organ cultures of Morinda species
Abstract: Since ancient times, Morinda species, particularly Morinda citrifolia, have been used for their therapeutic benefits. Iridoids, anthraquinones, coumarins, flavonoids, lignans, phytosterols, and carotenoids are examples of natural substances with bioactivity. Anthraquinone derivatives are the most significant of these chemicals since they are utilized as natural coloring agents and have a wide range of medicinal functions. Utilizing cell and organ cultures of Morinda species, various biotechnological methods have been developed for the bioproduction of anthraquinone derivatives. The generation of anthraquinone derivatives in cell and organ cultures is summarized in this article. The methods used to produce these chemicals in bioreactor cultures have also been examined. Key points: This review investigates the potential of cell and organ cultures for anthraquinone synthesis. The overproduction of anthraquinones has been addressed using a variety of techniques. The use of bioreactor technologies for anthraquinone manufacturing is highlighted. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Biotechnological approaches for the production of gymnemic acid from Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.
Abstract : Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects several organs and can be treated using phytochemicals found in medicinal plants. Gymnema sylvestre (Asclepiadaceae) is one such medicinal plant rich in anti-diabetic properties. The plant is commonly known as madhunashini in Sanskrit because of its ability to cure diabetes (sugar). Gymnemic acid(GA) is a phytochemical (a triterpenoid saponin) responsible for the herbs main pharmacological activity. This secondary metabolite has a lot of potential as a phytochemical with pharmacological properties including nephroprotection, hypoglycemia, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. Gymnema has acquired a lot of popularity in recent years due to its low side effects and high efficacy in healing diabetes, which has led to overexploitation by pharmaceutical enterprises for its biomass in the wild for the purification of gymnemic acid. Modern biotechnological techniques involving the establishment of cell and organ cultures from G. sylvestre will assist us in fulfilling the need for gymnemic acid production. The present review provides insights on the establishment of cell and organ cultures for the production of a potent antidiabetic molecule gymnemic acid. Further, the review also delves into the intricacies of the different strategies for improved production of gymnemic acid using various elicitors. There is huge potential for sustainable production of gymnemic acid which could be met by establishment of bioreactor scale production. Understanding and engineering the biosynthetic pathway could also lead to improved GA production. Key points: Gymnemic acid is one of the potential anti-diabetic molecules from madhunashini Cell and organ culture offers potential approach for gymnemic acid production Elicitation strategies have improved the gymnemic acid production Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
The role of meditation and mindfulness in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a scoping review
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) presents multifaceted challenges affecting womens reproductive, metabolic, and psychological systems, consequently impacting their psychological and emotional well-being. The utilization of meditation and mindfulness interventions (MMIs) is found to be increasing for the management of PCOS. This scoping review systematically explored the current literature to identify the type and application of MMIs for PCOS management. A systematic search of literature was conducted using CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases for identifying studies conducted on the usage of MMIs in women diagnosed with PCOS, irrespective of age. The comprehensive search identified 14 trials (comprising 17 citations) meeting inclusion criteria, involving 723 participants across various age groups. Among these, nine were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while the remaining comprised non-RCTs. Several types of MMIs, including Rajayoga of Brahmakumaris, Yoga Nidra, OM cyclic meditation, unspecified forms of meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, mindful yoga, and mindfulness-based activities, were used. Outcomes were predominantly assessed in psychological domains (n=11), followed by anthropometric (n=9), quality of life (n=7), and metabolic metrics (n=7). The review findings suggest the integration of meditation with conventional treatment modalities. Preliminary data indicate that MMIs have the potential to improve psychosocial well-being and quality of life among PCOS-affected women. However, adequately powered studies with extended follow-up periods are required to investigate the mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of MMIs, particularly concerning reproductive outcomes and weight management. Furthermore, diligent monitoring and reporting of adverse events and adherence are essential for a comprehensive understanding of MMI utilization in PCOS management. Copyright 2024 Rao, Pena, James, Phadke, Grover, Blendis, Choudhary and Kampegowda. -
An In-Depth Analysis of Collision Avoidance Path Planning Algorithms in Autonomous Vehicles
Path planning is a way to define the motion of an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) in any existing obstacle environment to enable the vehicle's movement by setting directions to avoid that can react to the obstacles in the vehicle's path. A good, planned path perceives the environment to the extent of uncertainty and tries to build or adapt its change in the path of motion. Efficient path planning algorithms are needed to alleviate deficiencies, that are to be modified using the deterministic path that leads the ASV to reach a goal or a desired location while finding optimal solution has become a challenge in the field of optimization along with a collision-free path, making path planning a critical thinker. The traditional algorithms have a lot of training and computation, making it difficult in a realistic environment. This review paper explores the different techniques available in path planning and collision avoidance of ASV in a dynamic environment. The objective of good path planning and collision avoidance for a dynamic environment is compared effectively with the existing obstacles movement of different vehicles. Different path planning technical approaches are compared with their performance and collision avoidance for unmanned vehicles in marine environments by early researchers. This paper gives us a clear idea for developing an effective path planning technique to overcome marine accidents in the dynamic ocean environment while choosing the shortest, obstacle-free path for Autonomous Surface Vehicles that can reduce risk and enhance the safety of unmanned vehicle movement in a harsh ocean environment. 2024 Bentham Science Publishers. -
Clinical hypnosis and Patanjali yoga sutras
The trance states in yoga and hypnosis are associated with similar phenomena like relaxation, disinclination to talk, unreality, misrepresentation, alterations in perception, increased concentration, suspension of normal reality testing, and the temporary nature of the phenomena. While some researchers consider yoga to be a form of hypnosis, others note that there are many similarities between the trance in yoga and the hypnotic trance. The present study aimed to find similarities between the trance states of hypnosis and Patanjali?s yoga sutras. The trance states were compared with the understanding of the phenomena of trance, and the therapeutic techniques and benefits of both. An understanding of the concept of trance in Patanjali?s yoga sutras was gained through a thematic analysis of the book Four Chapters on Freedom by Swami Satyananda Saraswati. This led to an understanding of the concept of trance in the yoga sutras. The obtained concepts were compared to the concepts of trance in hypnosis (obtained through the literature on hypnosis) to investigate whether or not there exist similarities. The findings of the study show that there are similarities between the trance in hypnosis and the trance in Patanjali?s yoga sutras in the induction and deepening of the trance states in hypnosis and that of Samadhi, the phenomena present in hypnosis and the kinds of siddhis that are obtained through Samadhi, and the therapeutic techniques and the therapeutic process in Patanjali?s yoga sutra and hypnosis. -
A heuristic analysis of equity and equality in the institutionalisation of property rights: The Baliraja water distribution experiment, India
Natural resource management perceived as a search for institutions that can ensure simultaneous fulfilment of three goals: productivity (or efficiency), sustainability and equity. In this article, we study the implications of pursuing the goal of equity in the management of surface water resources for irrigation with a heuristic model incorporating a Leontief-type fixed production function. The analysis has been carried out in the backdrop of the Baliraja water distribution experiment in India. One suggestion is that the allocating tradable water rights over water, a common property natural resource, can be used as an instrument to improve equity. Unfortunately, advocating the use of water distribution as an instrument of poverty alleviation is fraught with implicit assumptions about the rural economy and uncertain outcomes. It is important for planners to understand that the concepts of equity and equality are applicable to inputs and outputs or outcomes. We attempt to understand the implications of equality in water distribution on social welfare with a simple heuristic analysis. Theoretical analysis shows the possible outcomes of such a policy and also intended to raise pertinent questions and hypotheses in studying the effectiveness of irrigation and watershed initiatives where rights over water have been redistributed equally. Copyright 2009 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Dharma in Manusmrti: Agent of social cohesion and equilibrium
Dharma, through its role as a moral ideal and through its manifestations that permeate every part of the society, binds all the individuals in Manu's society as envisaged in Manusmrti. It serves as a common value and dictates common goals for the people that could be attained by functioning for the good of the institutions they belong to and, ultimately, for the survival of the society. Social institutions like marriage, family, varna system, as?rama system, political system and legal system were structured with accurate positions and roles for their efficient and smooth functioning. They were made to function compatibly with each other to ensure the survival of the society. Manu carefully avoided conflicts and competitions in the society. Thus, by acting as a cohesive agent, Dharma, as a foundational moral principle, integrates both individuals and the institutions to maintain the equilibrium of Manu's state. 2013 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore), ISSN: 0253-7222. -
Treating troubled families: Therapeutic scenario in India
India, a country of diverse cultures, languages, life styles, and ethnicities, is becoming a land of economic change, political stability, technological advancement, and changing traditional structures of relationships as well as health consciousness. Being known for its ancient traditions, rituals, religious orientation, spiritual outlook and folk beliefs, Indian families attempt to continue certain healthy and traditional elements such as warmth, strong bond, hierarchy, extended support, cultural orientation, shared values and time, tolerance, respect for the aged and inculcation of religious teachings and traditions in families. These factors, or practices, in fact have strong therapeutic value in supplementing the growth and development of individuals in the family system in spite of its transitional position. This paper deals with the review of family-based mental health services and focuses on the changing trends of those practices in India and the advancement of Indian families in their engaging ability with mentally ill members as well as with the treating team. 2012 Institute of Psychiatry. -
The shadow of truth: Ethical Concerns in the Writings of Alexander Solzhenitsyn
"One word of truth will outweigh the entire world." These were the words of Alexander Solzhenitsyn while accepting the Nobel Prize in 1974. The twentieth century was the bloodiest century in human history, thanks largely to two ideologies - Fascism and Marxism. While there have been numerous studies on Nazi Germany, there have been relatively few on what transpired in Soviet Russia. This paper examines the contributions of the Russian writer and philosopher Alexander Solzhenitsyn to the understanding of the workings of totalitarianism. Solzhenitsyn wrote numerous works like The First Circle, Cancer Ward and The Gulag Archipalego. This paper will be examining his major work called One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. The main intention is to probe the ethical concerns that the writer raises in this work, along with his deep understanding of human nature. This paper also seeks to compare Solzhenitsyn's views with that of thinkers like Jean Paul Sartre and Vaclav Havel. The key query here will be the essence-existence debate that Sartre initiated in his seminal work 'Existentialism Is a Humanism' and an attempt will be made to show how Havel and Solzhenitsyn would differ from Sartre. Finally there will be an attempt to establish how Solzhenitsyn reaffirms Lev Tolstoy's theory of history, according to which history is a process where 'great individuals' play a minimal role. 2013 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore). -
An ecology intervention in an English studies programme: Contexts, Complexities and Choices
Over the past few decades, there has been a critical mass gained regarding the need to engage purposefully with Ecology. Unfortunately, this has not provoked any stimulating work within the Humanities and Social Sciences academia. In fact, alongside growing realisations about the necessity to address Ecology, there is a glaring absence of any significant engagement. In response to such a vexing reality, the Department of English at Christ University chose to initiate an Ecological venture within its Honours programme. This paper captures - the vigorous debates it lit up, the tough choices that had to be made, and the promise it offers - that complex journey. 2014 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore). -
Concept Mapping of Issues of Students Life in University
The undergraduate student body forms around 85.9% of the total number of students enrolled in India, which is a significant population. It has become imperative to understand the issues that these students face during their undergraduate years as a precursor to developing mechanisms and strategies to enable student progress, both academically and developmentally. This study aimed at developing a concept map to outline the various aspects and issues of the undergraduate students life in India utilizing the concept mapping method. Data from participants (n = 141) at different phases was analysed resulting in 49 unique life issues and aspects and 8 clusters. The emerging issues have relevance and implications for teachers, parents, administrators and other stakeholders in structuring and developing services targeted towards undergraduate students in India. 2015, National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) India. -
Ecclesiology, piety, and presbyterian and independent polemics during the early years of the english revolution
Religious controversy swept across England during the revolutionary decades of the 1640s and 1650s. Historians have studied the attendant ecclesiological debates meticulously. The piety as practiced by the puritans has also been carefully examined. Yet generally, these two subjects of ecclesiology and piety have been kept as separate compartments of analysis. The plethora of tracts that rolled off the press during the initial years of the 1640s, nevertheless, shows that many contemporary polemicists were keen to tie the two themes together. The Presbyterian and Independent polemicists were no exception. As this article seeks to demonstrate, a common feature of their publications was the belief that their preferred ecclesiastical polity best served the purpose of promoting individual piety and creating a godly society. Thus the Presbyterian and Independent conflict waged not only over issues of ecclesiology proper such as categories of church offices and of governing councils or composition of church membership to which historians have directed their attention hitherto, but also over questions of how ecclesiology affected piety. Such conflict was a reflection of the commitment of Presbyterians and Independents to their respective vision of reformation for the country. More broadly, this article shows a facet of religious controversy that ultimately led to the disintegration of the godly community and weakened the base of support for the Commonwealth and the Protectorate. American Society of Church History 2015. -
Role of Bioadsorbents in Reducing Toxic Metals
Industrialization and urbanization have led to the release of increasing amounts of heavy metals into the environment. Metal ion contamination of drinking water and waste water is a serious ongoing problem especially with high toxic metals such as lead and cadmium and less toxic metals such as copper and zinc. Several biological materials have attracted many researchers and scientists as they offer both cheap and effective removal of heavy metals from waste water. Therefore it is urgent to study and explore all possible sources of agrobased inexpensive adsorbents for their feasibility in the removal of heavy metals. The objective was to study inexpensive adsorbents like various agricultural wastes such as sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, oil palm shell, coconut shell, and coconut husk in eliminating heavy metals from waste water and their utilization possibilities based on our research and literature survey. It also shows the significance of developing and evaluating new potential biosorbents in the near future with higher adsorption capacity and greater reusable options. 2016 Blessy Baby Mathew et al. -
Gender justice and women empowerment: Legal measures in India
Educating the girl child, creating job opportunities, putting women in decision making roles, and making pro-women laws protecting them from oppression were some of the many steps that were designed for women's empowerment. But many years down the line the quest for a just society that values women and accords them the necessary dignity and respect is still on. A paternalistic approach with the assumption that women were victims of the social divide was adopted to rid women of their troubles. Being vulnerable they required protection; and so a number of measures were required and adopted to empower her. The authors argue that the flaw in the law is in its paternalistic approach, which does not accord autonomy of self-governance or self-direction. The autonomy needs to be redefined as a relative idea where a just and compassionate society nurtures its members and creates social conditions that strengthens autonomous decisions, instead of impeding them, for the realization of their full potential. It can neither be a masculine versus feminine argument nor be attained in isolation. 2016 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (DVK, Bangalore). -
Prognostic value of somatosensory-evoked potentials in neurology: A critical review in hypoxic encephalopathy
Prediction of prognosis in comatose patients surviving a cardiac arrest is still one of the intractable problems in critical care neurology because of lack of fool-proof ways to assess the outcome. Of all these measures, somatosensory-evoked potential (SSEP) has been perhaps the most evaluated and heavily relied-upon tool over the past several decades for assessing coma. Recent studies have given rise to concerns regarding the 'absoluteness' of SSEP signals for the prognostic evaluation of coma. In this critical review, we searched the literature to focus on studies conducted so far on the prognostic evaluation of postanoxic coma using SSEPs. All those studies published on the use of SSEP as a prognostication tool in postanoxic coma were reviewed. A narrative review was created that included the strengths as well as limitations of the use of SSEP in postanoxic coma. The use of SSEP in coma has been universal for the purpose of prognostication. However, it has its own advantages as well as limitations. The limitations include challenges in performing and getting SSEP signals during coma as well as the challenges involved in reading and interpreting the signals. The recent usage of therapeutic hypothermia has become another factor that often interferes with the SSEP recording. Finally, based on these study results, some recommendations are generated for the effective use of SSEPs in comatose patients for further prognostication. We advocate that SSEP should be an integral component for the assessment of postanoxic comatose patients due to its several advantages over other assessment tools. However, SSEP recorDings should follow certain standards. One should be aware that its interpretation may be biased by several factors. The bias created by the concept of 'self-fulfilling hypothesis' should always be borne in mind before discontinuation of life support systems in terminal patients. -
Fabrication of anchored complexes as electrodes for sensing heavy metal ions by electrochemical method
Anchored coordination complexes as electrochemical sensors play a significant role in the modern era. It is evident that this becomes a fact on account of their practical convenience. Furthermore, they have unlimited scope in ecological, therapeutic, experimental and biomedical applications. It has been observed that 165 such papers have reported on anchored complexes for electrochemical sensing during the past two years. While human vitality is rigorously threatened by heavy metal ions today, numerous trials are restrained for screening these in nature. This retrace highlights the electro analytical methods and the masterpiece contribution of anchored coordination complexes as electrochemical sensors for the identification of heavy metals such as indium, uranium, lead, beryllium, and mercury in 2015 and 2016. 2017, Oriental Scientific Publishing Company. All rights reserved. -
Economic and sustainable management of wastes from rice industry: combating the potential threats
Rice is one of the imperative staple foods, particularly in the developing countries. The exponential boom in human population has resulted in the continuous expansion in the rice industry in order to meet the food demands. The various stages of paddy processing release huge quantity of solid wastes, mainly rice husk, rice husk ash and liquid wastes in the form of rice industry wastewater. The discharge of the rice industry wastewater imparts a substantial threat to the aquatic bodies and the nearby surrounding and, thus, consequently demands eco-benign treatment plan. As a result, different strategies are needed to enhance the effluent quality and minimize the operational cost of the treatment process. Therefore, efficient technological approach targeting the minimization of pollution as well as assuring the economic prosperity should be implemented. In this review article, several aspects related to the rice industry discussing the significant challenges involved in the generation of both solid and liquid wastes, mitigation experiments and future prospects have been meticulously elaborated. Furthermore, the article also focuses on the various processes utilized for reducing the pollution load and promoting the practice of reuse and recycle of waste rather than the discharge action for the sake of sustainability and the emergence of novel techniques for the generation of energy and value-added products. 2017, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany. -
Implication of emotional labor, cognitive flexibility, and relational energy among cabin crew: A review
The primary aim of the civil aviation industry is to provide a secured and comfortable service to their customers and clients. This review concentrates on the cabin crew members, who are the frontline employees of the aviation industry and are salaried to smile. The objective of this review article is to analyze the variables of emotional labor, cognitive flexibility, and relational energy using the biopsychosocial model and identify organizational implications among cabin crew. Online databases such as EBSCOhost, JSTOR, Springerlink, and PubMed were used to gather articles for the review. The authors analyzed 17 articles from 2001 to 2016 and presented a comprehensive review. The review presented an integrative approach and suggested a hypothetical model that can prove to be a signitficant contribution to the avaition industry in particular and to research findings of aviation psychology. 2018 Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine | Published by Wolters Kluwer-Medknow.