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Development of Optical and Electrochemical Sensor for Environmental Pollutants
Carbon nanocomposites have garnered much attention among various nanomaterials newlineowing to their well-defined characteristics, such as large surface area, biocompatibility, newlineand concise synthetic routes. They are also a viable contender for fluorescence and newlineelectrochemical applications, notably sensing, due to their intriguing photoluminescence and electrochemical features. Fluorescence and Electrochemical sensors for environmental pollutants are constructed using carbon quantum dots with different surface functionalization (functionalized with boric acid, organic dyes, polymer composite, and 2-aminothiazole). The developed sensor was considered as potential material for detecting heavy metal ions and organic pollutants. Surface morphology was analyzed using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), an X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Raman spectra, X-Ray Photoelectron spectroscopy newline(XPS), Optical Profilometry, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) newlinestudies. UV-Visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy reveals the absorption, newlineemission, and excitation spectra for the synthesized sensor with and without the addition of analytes. In electrochemical investigations, Nyquist plots showed that the modified working electrodes had the lowest charge transfer resistance when compared to other working electrodes. The effect of pH, ionic strength, long-term storage ability, and quantum yield were optimized for the fabricated fluorescence sensor. For the newlineelectrochemical sensor, the influence of the scan rate and the appropriate thickness of newlinethe electrodeposited film was carefully examined in order to achieve the highest current responsiveness and potential window. Quantification of the analytes was performed newlineusing Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET), Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), newlineand the square wave voltammetry technique (SWV). The designed sensor was used to newlinecarry out analytical corroboration for the real samples. -
Determinants of consumer product return behavior with respect to online shopping of apparels
This research aims at finding the determinants of consumer product return newlinebehavior with respect to online shopping of apparel in Bangalore city. The study was administered to 600 respondents, and the response received was from 465 respondents. The convenience sampling method was used to collect samples across Bangalore city. Product return behavior was measured using a newlinefive-point Likert scale for 34 items. The literature review was conducted extensively, covering both Indian and international context. This research is designed to address the literature gaps. Many hypotheses were proposed in the thesis and were examined using structural equation modeling. The hypotheses were tested with the software newlineAMOS 25 and SPSS 25 to fulfill the research objectives. Confirmatory factor analysis was done on the data to confirm the instrument reliability and validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to verify the constructs developed from the detailed literature review. ANOVA post hoc test was done to check the relationship among the demographic variables. Descriptive statistics were used newlineto interpret the data. With the help of structural equation modeling, the causal newlinerelationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables were identified. The study on the determinants of product return behavior has provided a lot of newlineinsights. Customer attitude has a significant and negative impact on product return behavior. The customers with a positive attitude towards online apparel purchases will be less likely to return products. The previous customer experience and their consumption pattern have a significant and negative impact on product return behavior. The customers with a bad experience with newlinebuying online apparel products, tend to return their products more. The perceived risk of online apparel purchases has a significant and positive impact on product return behavior. The customers with a high perceived risk of online apparel purchases will be more likely to return their products. -
Academic leader behaviour influence tactics in relation to organizational commitment and work engagement of faculty in higher educational institutions
The importance of academic leader behaviour and influence tactics needs to be overemphasized, as these are the most essential components of practically every newlineeducational institution. A clear understanding of educational institution requires a thorough analysis of academic leader behaviour and influence tactics as main features. Academic leaders regularly acquire and use power. They do so newlinedeliberately and consciously as well as intuitively and unconsciously. Leadership newlineand power do differ in goal compatibility, direction of influence on one s newlinesubordinates and research emphasis. This study attempts to reduce drastically these newlinedifferences and focus on the positives of influence tactics and leadership processes newlineto be exercised by higher authorities for enhancing institutional effectiveness. newlineThe present investigation focused on understanding the leader s behaviour and influence tactics adopted by individuals when they hold power positions, how it hinders the growth of individuals and institutions goals. Faculty Organisational Commitment, Work Engagement and the intention of stay/leave the institution of both academic leaders and faculty members working for higher educational institutions (Engineering, MBA and MCA colleges) were involved in thorough newlineinvestigation. The dependent variables were work engagement and Organisational newlinecommitment. Five tools were adopted to collect data. Leader Behaviour Description Questionnaire (1962) developed by staff members of Fisher College of Business, Ohio State Leadership Studies, Influence Behaviour Questionnaire (2002) developed by Gary Yukl, Organizational Commitment Questionnaire newline(1991) developed by Meyer and Allen, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (2003) developed by Schaufeli et al., and Intention to stay/leave tool developed by Dilyis Robinson. The Cronbach Alpha reliability for Leadership Behaviour Description Questionnaire (LBDQ) was 0.907; Influence Behaviour Questionnaire (IBQ) was 0.677 for academic leaders. -
Spectroscopic Studies and Theoretical Analysis of Some Selected Heterocycles
Seven derivatives of heterocycles benzimidazole, benzoxazole and benzothiazole were studied, five of which were synthesized and characterized. The molecular geometry and newlinespectroscopic data of the compounds in the ground state were calculated using the density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) method with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. A comparison between the experimental and calculated data was attempted. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and global reactivity parameters were deduced using theoretical calculations. HOMO-LUMO energy gap for each compound was determined by DFT and cyclic voltammetry. The cyclic voltammograms were recorded in acetonitrile solvent using lithium perchlorate as the supporting electrolyte. For all the compounds experimentally determined HOMO LUMO energy gap in polar solvent was lesser than that from DFT calculated energy gap. Using the HOMO-LUMO energy gap, global reactivity parameters were calculated. The effect of solvents of varying polarity on the absorption and emission spectra of the compounds was studied. Large excitation and emission energy differences were observed for all the selected heterocycles. The excitation and fluorescence spectra of selected heterocycles were recorded in eight solvents of different solvent polarity. It is evident from the excitation spectra that on increase of the solvent polarity, a bathochromic shift takes place for and#960;-and#960;* transition, and this is attributed to the high influence of solvent polarity in the excited state of heterocycle newlinecompared to its ground state. The dipole moments in the ground and the first excited state of heterocycle derivatives were newlinecalculated using Lippert-Mataga and Kawski-Chamma-Viallet methods. Guggenheim-Debye method was adopted to calculate ground state dipole moment. The dipole moments of the compounds were also calculated using Time Dependent-Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT). The dipole moment values of the compounds suggested that the excited state has more charge separation and thus becomes more polar. -
A Study on Graph Colouring with Distance Constraints
In this dissertation, we have studied the variations of graph colouring based on distance constraints. For a given set T of non-negative integers including zero and a positive integer k, the L(T,1)-colouring of a graph G = (V,E) is a function c : V(G) and#8594; newline{0,1,2,...,k} such that |c(u)and#8722;c(v)| and#8712;/ T if the distance between u and v is 1 and |c(u)and#8722; newlinec(v)| and#8805; 1 whenever u and v are at distance 2. The L(T,1)-span, and#955;T,1(G) is the smallest positive integer k such that G admits an L(T,1)-Colouring. We have determined the newlineL(T,1)-span for some classes of graphs for set T whose elements are arranged in arithmetic progression. Further, for any general set T , we have found the bound for L(T,1)- span of a few classes of graphs. We use Python programming to colour certain classes of graphs concerning L(T,1)-colouring and fnd the value of L(T,1)-span. Next, we have explored equitable fractional open neighbourhood colouring, which is an extension of a specifc variation of L(h,k)-Colouring for h = 0 and k = 1. For a newlinepositive integer p, equitable fractional open neighbourhood colouring of a graph G is an newlineassignment of positive integers to the vertices of G such that for each vertex v and#8712;V(G), vertices of N(v) receives at least l1p|N(v)|m distinct colours and N(v) can be partitioned into k-classes V1,V2,...Vk such that ||Vi|and#8722; |Vj|| and#8804; 1 for every i and#824;= j and 1 and#8804; k and#8804; n. The minimum number of colours required to colour G such that it admits equitable fractional open neighbourhood colouring for a fxed p is called the equitable fractional open neighbourhood chromatic number, and#967;eq onc newlinep (G). We have studied some properties of equitable fractional open neighbourhood colouring and explored some classes of graphs which admit equitable fractional open neighbourhood colouring with land#8710;(pG)m colours. Further, we have introduced and examined a variation of perfect graphs, and#967;onc-perfect graphs, with respect to equitable fractional open neighbourhood colouring for the special case of p = 1. -
Computational Chemical Property Prediction and Anticancer Simulation of Heterocyclic Molecules
The Density Functional Theory (DFT) technique is popularly employed in establishing organic molecules' structural properties and reactivities. The B3LYP hybrid functional with the basis set 6-311G++(d,p) is utilised in the computational calculations with Gaussian 09W software. The DFT studies include energy minimisation (geometry optimisation), frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) analyses, theoretical UV spectral computation, natural bond orbital (NBO) evaluation, Topological analyses using Multiwfn 3.8 software are performed to evaluate the Pauli repulsion in atomic orbitals (as shown by ELF (Electron Localisation Function) maps), the areas of strong and weak pi-delocalisation in the molecules (as depicted in LOL (Localised Orbital Locator) maps) and the weak non-covalent intra-molecular interactions (as indicated in colour maps of RDG (Reduced Density Gradient)). Pharmacological evaluation is performed using SwissADME, ADMETLab 2.0, and PreADMET online tools. Molecular docking is performed using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6 with select anticancer target proteins to predict the bioactivity potential of the title molecules. The molecules studied in the work include a spiro compoun d, spiro[1H-indole-3,2-3H-1,3- benzothiazole]-2-one, a 2(3H)-furanone, 3,3,5-triphenylfuran-2(3H)-one, and a benzo[d]imidazole, 5,6-dichloro-1-cyclopentyl-2-(methylsulfinyl)-1H- benzimidazole. In addition, comparative studies are performed on the structure and reactivity of spirobrassinin derivatives, spirocyclic isatin-derivative analogues, and 3(2H)-furanones, and these three classes of molecules have already been predicted to possess anticancer properties in vitro. Interesting properties emerge in the preliminary theoretical investigations for these molecules, particularly in the FMO, the NLO and the molecular docking studies. The theoretical studies explore the reactivity, structure, and stability of the molecules under study, and biological evaluation examines their potential as lead compounds for cancer therapeutics. These studies can be further extended to include experimental validation and in vitro and in vivo tests to confirm further the efficacy of the anticancer action as well as the potential toxicity of the compounds. The theoretical investigations provide a database of information that could be useful for experimental scientists and medicinal chemists who primarily focus on drug design and discovery in their research so that they can narrow down the number of possible lead compounds from the vast chemical space of organic compounds that possess drug-like characteristics. -
An Impact of technology based constructivist teaching on acdemic achivement of IX standrad students of Bengaluru city
Modern education emphasizes on learner centered and joyful learning which is the newlineneed of the hour as well initiated by educationists and education commission. They opine that, children need to keep active throughout the teaching and learning process and encourage self-learning and independent learning. One such emerging practice is constructivist teaching. It has changed the educational practice and converted Passive Learner Centered Environment into Active Learner Centered Environment.Constructivism newlinebelieves that learning is not encouraged in zero ground but on previous experience and newlineprior knowledge. It is the beginning for construction of new knowledge. In the context of Indian school education, it is rightly accepted as one of the pedagogical practice in National Curriculum Framework 2005 and National Curriculum Framework for Teacher newlineEducation 2009. It is also duly adopted in school education and teacher education newlineprogramme of Karnataka. Apart from constructivist approach, technology and technology integration highly influence on present education system. Technology not used only for drill,practice, tutorial etc. but also for construction of knowledge. newlineIn this context, there is a need for technology integration in constructivist practice and to give new framework for learning, teaching as well as for learner centered education. newlineHence, this research is conducted to study An Impact of Technology Based Constructivist Teaching on Academic Achievement of IX Standard Students of Bengaluru City .The main objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of Constructivist Teaching and Technology Based Constructivist Teaching on academic achievement of IX standard students in Social Science subject. newlineThe present study is experimental in nature newlinewith two equivalent group design. In this study purposive sampling technique is used. The sample comprised of 156 students studying in IX standard of two schools (Government newlineand Private School) of Bengaluru city affiliated to state board. -
A Novel Approach for Sensitive Crop Disease Prediction Based on Computer Vision Techniques
Agriculture is a vital sector that plays an essential role in ensuring global food security, supporting economic development, and promoting environmental sustainability. Sustainable agriculture is an essential approach that aims to address the diffculties posed by conventional farming practices and ensure the long-term viability of our food production systems. Worldwide, crop leaf diseases seriously threaten food security and agricultural production. Early and accurate detection of crop leaf diseases is essential for effective crop productivity management and food prevention. Computer vision approaches offer promising solutions for automating the identifcation and prediction of crop leaf diseases. Analyzing digital images of plant leaves enables the identifcation of disease characteristics, such as discoloration, lesions, and patterns, which are often imperceptible to the naked eye. Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), have been widely employed in this domain to learn from large datasets of annotated images and accurately classify leaf diseases. The process of crop leaf disease classifcation using computer vision involves several stages. Initially, highresolution images of plant leaves are acquired using cameras or mobile devices. Preprocessing techniques, including image enhancement and noise reduction, are applied to improve image quality. Subsequently, feature extraction approaches extract pertinent data from the images, including texture, shape, and color. Deep Learning (DL) models are then trained and fne-tuned using these extracted features. newlineAlthough computer vision techniques have shown effective results in the classifcation of plant diseases, however, several challenges remain. Tomatoes and Potatoes newlineare widely cultivated and consumed vegetables worldwide and are a primary economic newlinesource for many countries. These sensitive plants are prone to various diseases during newlinegrowth, leading to signifcant losses in productivity and fnancial impact on farmers. -
Factors influencing family reintergration of children in conflict with law
The Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) is one of the two categories of children under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 (JJA, 2015). The behaviour formation of the CCL is significant because it could help the children: (a) from being a possible threat to society, and (b) being disciplined at all stages of their growth. The failure of newlinebehaviour correction of CCL may lead to severe recidivism, and can potentially newlinetransform them into experienced criminals who would not be tolerated by any society. newlineReintegration of CCL back into their family is the best solution for the problem. The newlineresearch Factors influencing family reintegration of CCL is an attempt to find the factors influencing these children, their family environment, and the society as a newlinewhole for reintegration. This fact-finding study has been completed with an explanatory sequential method in a mixed-research approach. The child offender s demographic details, personality, family environment, social support, and protective factors were part of this research s study. The data were collected both quantitatively and qualitatively. The self-made interview schedules and a standardised tool of the newlineBig Five Personality Inventory were used quantitatively. Case studies through in depth interviews and observations were applied qualitatively to collect data. Simple newlinefrequency analysis and cross-case study with thematic analysis have been used for newlineanalysing the data. Though many powerful social support systems like the Juvenile newlineJustice Board (JJB), District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), Police and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO) supported the reintegration of CCL actively, the newlinepersonality of the children and their family environment with its traditions had created adverse effects on the attempts towards reintegration. Twenty to thirty per cent newlineof successful reintegration proves that a scientific and timely intervention can solve newlinethe problems of juvenile delinquency to a great extent. -
Environmental Reporting Practices : Evidence From Indian Commercials Banks
The last decade has witnessed increasing concern towards the environment due to the ravages inflicted on them by mankind. With the concept of sustainable development perpetually growing over the years, global institutions have been acknowledging their other duties towards the society, and have been integrating environmental practices into their strategic framework to significantly contribute to the sustainable bandwagon. However, since the financial crisis of newline2008, it has been found that banking institutions have become active participants in fostering environmental sustainability. Also, due to the increased awareness and pressure from the stakeholders, these institutions have been reporting their environmental initiatives and practices in their bank reports and websites. The extensive review of the literature reveals that there are hardly any studies that have been carried out in the Indian context, pertinently in the banking sector. Therefore, considering this as a major research gap, the present study aims to comprehensively evaluate the environmental reporting practices of selected commercial banks in India for the period from 2011 to 2022. newlineThis study follows an explorative and descriptive research design, with a deductive research approach. However, this research is based on secondary data, and adopts both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Following the judgmental sampling technique, the sample of the study consists of thirty public and private commercial banks in India. The content analysis technique has been adopted to extract environmental information from bank reports and websites using the developed environmental reporting index. The independent sample t-test is newlineused to compare the environmental reporting performance of public and private-sector newlinecommercial banks. This study analyses the relationship between environmental reporting and bank-specific characteristics using the Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. -
A Study on psycho-social problems of persons with chronic renal failure with specific reference to bangalore cosmopolitan city
The present research is an attempt to describe the psychosocial problems faced by individuals with chronic renal failure in Bangalore cosmopolitan city. The aim of the study was to describe the level of psycho social problems experienced by them and to develop a psychosocial intervention programme to address this issue. The researcher adopted newlinedescriptive research design. The sample of 200 individual with chronic renal failure was newlineselected with consecutive sampling technique from St. John s Hospital and Medical College, newlineJayanagar Government Hospital and Manipal Hospital. The researcher used structured newlineinterview schedule to collect the data; to study the psychosocial problems, Psychosocial newlineAssessment Tool (PAT-5)-A measure of psychosocial problems in Haemodialysis Patients (Kansal, 2010) was adopted. newlineThe results of the study depict that, in the health awareness domain more than half (52%) of the patients were having moderate level of problems and 13.5% reported severe level of newlineproblems. In the occupational domain, three fourth (75.5%) of the patients reported severe level of problems; in family and social domain, nearly half of the patients (46%) reported severe level of problems. In the financial domain, two third (66%) reported severe problems. In the psychological domain it is seen that near about half (41%) reported severe level of newlinepsychological distress. The overall psychosocial score of the patients reveal that nearly half (47.5%) of patients felt severe level of psychosocial problems. Based on the finding of the study, needs assessment and discussion with the experts in the field a psychosocial intervention programme has evolved. It is suggested that effective use of this intervention programme can reduce the psychosocial problems faced by the patients and lead to better clinical outcomes. -
A novel framework for cloud-based analytic of massive and multi-structured healthcare images for real-time insights
The dependency of healthcare industry on the information and communication technology newline(ICT) domain is consistently on the rise in order to conceptualize and provide1537608 newlinesophisticated services to various newlinestakeholders including patients, newlinecaregivers, support service providers, medical practitioners, and experts. There are a variety of decisive advancements in the diagnosis, medication and surgical processes, medical electronics, instruments and equipment, healthcare-centric robots, a bevy of cloud-based healthcare software solutions, medical data hubs, etc. One direct offshoot of all these developments is that the amount of multi-structured data is exponentially growing. There is a litany of support and expert systems in order to lessen the doctors workloads. However the brewing challenges and new-generation requirements include the real-time processing of medical data to extract real-time insights and decision-enablement, the substantial enhancements in appropriate and accurate processing and understanding of various and overlapped symptoms towards correct and strategically sound decisions, the real-time analytics of medical data, the empowerment of medical devices to assist surgeons and specialists in performing their tasks in an assured manner, etc. newlineThe Problem Description - Medical imaging is one of the fundamental and most important areas of the healthcare system. This needs accuracy in processing and producing best results for further diagnosis and action. There are various factors impelling medical imaging like patient preparation, different scanning modalities, the scanner used to capture the image and various algorithms adopted for processing the captured images. -
Empirical Analysis of Antecedents and Mediators of Student Loyalty Among Undergraduate Business Students in Bangalore,India
The higher education sector has undergone major changes throughout India which has led to increase in competition for institutions in this sector. Thus, there is a need to find ways to attract and retain the potential and current students. Student loyalty is crucial to createsustainable competitive advantage. Student loyalty is widely accepted as a critical factor in the long term economic success of an educational institution that aims at positive recommendation (word of mouth) by students and attracting the students back to newlinethe institution for further studies. Review of literature reveals that service quality, price fairness, customer value, customer satisfaction and affective commitment are key newlineantecedents to customer loyalty. newlineObjectives - The objectives of this research study are based on theoretical underpinnings in the literature. The main objectives of the study are: 1. To empirically test the proposed structural model of relationships among six constructs: educational service quality, perceived fee fairness, perceived value, student satisfaction, affective commitment, and student loyalty in the undergraduate business programs. 2. To analyze the influence of educational service quality and perceived fairness on student loyalty (ultimate dependent variable). 3. To examine the mediating effect of perceived value, student satisfaction, and affective newlinecommitment on the relationship between educational service quality and student loyalty. 4. To find out the mediating effect of perceived value and student satisfaction on the relationship between perceived fee fairness and student loyalty. 5. To find out the perceptual dimensions of student assessments of educational service quality, fee fairness, value, satisfaction, commitment and student loyalty. Variables of the Study newline1. Educational Service Quality Independent Variable (Exogenous variable) 2. Perceived Fee Fairness Independent Variable (Exogenous variable) 3. Perceived Value Mediating variable (Endogenous Variable) -
An Experimental Study on Improving Speaking Skills Through the Integration of Existential Intelligence for Post Graduate Learners of Business Studies
Within the field of ESP, the constrained access to discipline-specific materials has intensified the demand, emphasizing an acute necessity for refining speaking skills, particularly in conversational contexts. This reflects an evolving paradigm, emphasizing the critical need for refined and specialized speaking competencies within their scholarly domain. The dissertation examines the use of a learning module created for Postgraduate students of Business studies to improve their speaking skills. The study uses Task based Language Teaching (TBLT) approach and excerpts from Literature for pedagogical instruction, employing Dialogic Inquiry Model (DIM) as a framework and using Existential Intelligence as a guiding lens. Language and Intelligence are closely intertwined. Educational Psychologist Howard Gardner posed a challenge to the conventional notion of Intelligence which supported higher IQ based tests by introducing the Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Gardner's Intelligence framework initially comprised of seven types. In 1999, he introduced Existential Intelligence (EI), expanding the model to include EI as a half intelligence, but due to its abstract nature and lack of clear brain localization, it has posed challenges for precise quantification. Furthermore, Howard Gardners Intelligence Reframed (1999) was used as the primary text for the study. By contextualizing the study within Higher Education's Business studies domain, it examines how existential principles influence the development of speaking skills. Additionally, it explores how these principles contribute in shaping aspiring business entrepreneurs, providing added motivation to instill a sense of purpose which will enhance their managerial attributes. The research argues that infusing unexplored existential elements into the curriculum can stimulate critical thinking among Business Studies students, resulting in notable improvements in specific speaking dimensions like Fluency, Turn-Taking, Presentation and Negotiation skills (FTPN). Moreover, it highlights the pivotal role of this integration in reshaping ESP curricula to better cater to the unique needs of learners in this discipline. The research comprised of two cohorts of students. The first cohort consisted of first- year postgraduate students pursuing Business Studies at Sinhagad Institute of Management (SIOM), Pune while the second cohort included students from CHRIST Deemed to be University) Pune Lavasa Campus, resulting in a cumulative total of approximately 68 participants. The study extended over a 15-day duration to facilitate the completion of a comprehensive 30-hour module for both the phases separately. The study employs a mixed-method approach by combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. For the qualitative study, the analysis involved researchers observations and an examination of Achievement tests questionnaires employing the Likert scale. For quantitative analysis, a series of six Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) activities were conducted, encompassing pre and post achievement tests, each of which was assessed based on the study's objectives. The assessment tool utilized is the Communicative Skills Rating Scale (CSRS) by Spitzberg and Cupach (2002), featuring a four-tier evaluation system: self, partner, observer, and external evaluations. Data was collected via Audio-Visual methods for documentation purposes and to cross-reference any overlooked data during the concurrent evaluation process. The collected data underwent a systematic analysis to investigate how applying EI principles can improve conversational speaking skills. The efficacy of the learning module was evaluated based on the proficiency demonstrated in TBLT activities concerning FTPN skills. TBLT activities were administered both prior to and subsequent to the completion of each unit. The assessment of the effectiveness of classroom pedagogy (independent variable) was gauged through the researcher's observations and achievement test questionnaires. Simultaneously, the evaluation of participants' specific conversational skills (dependent variable) was evaluated and analyzed through the course of experimental study using CSRS evaluation scale. Data was analysed using Descriptive statistics through Excel and it was verified using R programming. The research delineates apparent improvements in FTPN within the DIM framework upon the integration of this intervention. Noteworthy enhancements also included a heightened motivation levels across the sample population. Both fast and slow learners exhibited advancements, with a more pronounced improvement observed among the latter group. Additionally, significant strides were observed in non-verbal proficiencies, notably in body posture, and refined listening and responsive non-verbal skills, which was a byproduct of the intervention. Also, a Gender-based analysis revealed an overall positive trend in both male and female students, yet a comparatively greater enhancement was evident among male students in assimilating and applying these interventions. The analysis of data obtained from the CSRS tool shows statistically significant influence on overall English anguage production of the participants in terms of FTPN variables. Moreover. progress tests provided statistically significant evidence for the efficacy of the researcher- developed learning module based on TBLT and DIM approach integrated using EI subsets. Each phase of participants underwent separate experimentation and assessment of their proficiency both before and after the intervention. The pre-achievement test revealed inadequate speaking skills and a lack of basic conversational understanding in both cohorts. Phase 1 (SIOM) showcased noticeable improvement, with a growth in Fluency (39.7%), Presentation (32.1%), Negotiation (37.3%), and Turn-Taking (38.5%) using the CSRS tool. Fast learners improved by an average of 24.1%, while slow learners showed a significant average increase of 51% from their pretest scores. Moreover, there was a 15.7% increase in motivation levels during the intervention. Group 2 (CUL) exhibited improvements in Fluency (36.35%), Presentation (35.8%), Negotiation (43.7%), and Turn-taking (40.5%). Fast learners increased by an average of 26.9%, and slow learners saw an average increase of 49.6% from their pretest scores. Additionally, there was an 18.2% spike in motivation levels during the intervention. Overall, the analysis of CSRS data and progress tests strongly supports the effectiveness of the researcher-developed learning module based on existential principles. It significantly enhanced oral participation and achievement of learning outcomes across both groups. The results through the post-achievement test showed that the researcher-developed learning module had a statistically significant influence on overall English language production in the participants. In educational psychology, Multiple Intelligence has garnered substantial research attention for its application in ESL/EFL and broader school curricula, particularly in teaching English and various subjects. However, the integration of Existential Intelligence within the context of ESP remains unexplored. Its potential significance and applicability within higher education for business students could be substantial. This intelligence category, rooted in philosophy, mysticism, aesthetics, and related domains, aligns closely with the fundamental realms of interest for MBA students. Its introduction could offer profound implications for their learning experience and academic endeavors. The research attempts to contribute to the growing field of English for Specific Field ix for Business students by situating the study within the Pune district of Maharashtra by analysing only FTPN which further offers scope for exploration. -
Cultural Memory In The Captivity Novels of NA D'Souza Alan Machado
Captivity novels are stories of men and women who were abducted and forcibly taken as captives and subjugated to slavery, usually for religious or political reasons. The research critically engages the captivity novels of Na DSouza and Alan Machado, which vividly evoke the harrowing captivity experience of Mangalore Konkani Catholic community during Tipu Sultans regime. It is alleged that Tipu, after the Second Anglo-Mysore war, wreaked vengeance on Konkani Catholic Christians on suspicion for betraying him and supporting the British. After two hundred years of great silence, the struggle for identity and the quest for history led the post-conflicting community to articulate the contents of the archives into the fabric of a literary composition. The literary works of DSouza and Machado are an essential bridge between generations problematizing history and memory illustrating the events of Great Captivity. The captivity narratives are cultural artefacts of memory that present alternative history of the Mysore Kingdom and revive the memories of the captivity experience of Mangalore Konkani Catholic Christians. The memories of the miseries revived in the writings of DSouza and Machado at the beginning of the twenty first century from the victims point of view expose the gaps in the official records of the Mysore Kingdom and emphasise the community's resilience and cultural significance. These narratives constitute the melancholic representation of the traumatic experience of the community and enable the community of the sufferers to re-live the torments which in turn act as a therapeutic agent. Thus, the imaginative recount of the Great Captivity by DSouza and Machado in the form of novels using memory as a tool challenge the historical construct and call for a legitimate space for the vanquished version in the construction of history. -
fluorescence diffuse optical tomography : Synthesis characterization and imaging of a novel target specific near infra-red contrast agent for breast cancer detection
Contrast agents are finding profound application in optical imaging of breast cancer for an early detection. In the present work, a novel estrogen receptor (ER) targeted near infra-red fluorescent dye conjugate was synthesized, referred to as Novel Dye Conjugate (nDC) hereafter. nDC is a conjugate of 17and#946;-estradiol with a derivative of indocyanine green dye, bis-1,1-(4-sulfobutyl) indotricarbocyanine-5-carboxylic acid, sodium salt. Structural composition of nDC was validated using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Hydrogen-1 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) technique. MCF-7 and MDA MB 231 Cell lines studies proved the special biding ability of nDC with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cell lines and its photophysical properties were verified to be in near infrared region (NIR). Similar studies were conducted on ER expressing cancerous tissues like Non-Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Non-Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, Non-Invasive Adenocarcinoma and Non-Invasive Medullary Carcinoma. In all the above tissues, nuclear level ER binding of nDC was observed leading to the validations of the unique binding properties of the novel dye. Mathematical modeling for tumor to background mapping using nDC was carried out through Fluorescence Diffuse Optical Tomography (FDOT) simulations. Simulation results were also validated using silicone phantom experiments. An array of 8*8 boundary data was collected using frequency domain-FDOT system which was setup indigenously. Commercially available fluorescent dye Indocyanine Green (ICG) was used in the present study for comparative analysis with nDC. When compared to ICG, proposed dye had 1.5-fold higher target to background contrast with respect to fluorescent lifetime in both simulation and phantom studies. Similarly proposed novel dye had a two-fold higher target to background contrast with respect to fluorophore absorption. Above results proved the superiority of nDC compared to ICG on target(tumor) to background ratio enhancement. -
Sexual Function and Sexual Satisfaction among Non-Working Married Women in Bengaluru
Background: Sexual function and satisfaction are two important components of the sexual health of women. Both are influenced by various external and internal factors over their life cycle. This study aims to explore the factors of sexual function and newlinesatisfaction among non-working married women in Bengaluru using an exploratory newlinesequential research study and highlighting the implications for social work practices. newlineMaterials and Methods: The study has two phases. The first phase was a qualitative newlineexploratory research study that adopted an inductive thematic data analysis. In-depth newlinequalitative interviews were conducted with 11 non-working working married women. The interviews were audio recorded and the transcribed data were analyzed with ATLAS.ti software. The results were presented thematically. The second phase was a newlinecross-sectional survey of 180 non-working married women. The data were collected newlinethrough semi-structured interviews with the Female Sexual Function Index, the New newlineSexual Satisfaction scale, the Psychological Distress Scale, the Subjective Happiness newlinescale, and questions related to socio-demographic details, and health. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out and multiple regression analyses were conducted with jamovi v2.3. to find the predictors of both sexual function and satisfaction. Results: In the qualitative phase various factors of sexual function and satisfaction were explored and organized into three global themes. They are Somatic and personal factors, Factors related to the mind, and Situational and extrinsic factors. The quantitative study found that physical, psychological, couples characteristics-related, family, and socio-cultural factors together predict a 17.3% variance in sexual function and a 78.6% variance in sexual satisfaction of women. Conclusion: The study could find positive and negative factors of sexual function and satisfaction. -
Synthesis of Thiazines, Thiazinones and N-Cycloalkyl Azoles Via Novel Synthetic Routes
Heterocyclic building blocks have gained the utmost importance in recent past on the newlineaccount of their significance in biological and pharmaceutical fields. Among these newlinenitrogen and sulphur containing heterocyclic building blocks such as thiazines, newlinethiazinones and N-cycloalkyl heterocyclic motifs hold an important role in medicinal newlinechemistry. Thiazine cores are used for the treatment of various life threating diseases newlinelike cancer, cardiovascular and fabry diseases. Drugs containing thiazinone cores were used to treat Parkinson, Alzheimer s and various neuro degenerative diseases. Ncycloalkyl azole motifs are used to treat various life threating cancers like neck, lung, prostate, breast etc. As per the literature review, synthesis of these motifs are done using multi steps and harsh conditions, which limited the substrate scope. In this thesis we describe our studies on development of one pot, mild condition for newlinesynthesis of thiazinone cores using P(NMe2)3 (HMPT). We had developed HMPT [P(NMe2)3] mediated reactions towards synthesis of Carbon-Nitrogen/Carbon-Sulphur bond. The developed methodology was extended for thiazine cores as well. This new synthetic methodology is useful to synthesize various N, S-heterocycles including the novel spiro molecules. HMPT reagent under the mild and aerobic reaction conditions provided the access for many manifold immense molecules. Molecular docking studies were conducted for the synthesized compounds considering MOA-B inhibitors as target. MOA-B inhibitor motifs were approved for the treatment of Parkinson illness. The synthesized thiazine and thiazinone molecules showed good binding affinity in molecular docking studies conducted. We had developed a new strategy using T3P (1-Propanephosphonic anhydride, ~ 50 % wt, in EA solution) mediated synthetic procedure for the synthesis of N-cycloalkyl newlineazoles.