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Knowledge, preparedness, and resilience related to end of life decision making among family caregivers of ICU patients
End-of-Life decision making is the process that is treating team, patients, and patients??? families go through when considering what treatments will or will not be used to treat a life-threatening illness. In India, End-of-Life Care is a new phenomenon and rarely investigated. The religious and societal attitudes and an absence of education in medical ethics can be seen as reasons for the underdevelopment of End-of-Life Care field. It seems that social workers, particularly who assist patients in Intensive care unit treatment have an important role to play in this regard. Social workers deliver assistance to the critically ill person and their family members as they get admission to the Intensive care unit, enhancing the conversation among treating group, patients and family members. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, preparedness and resilience among family caregivers related to End-of-Life decision making. This study utilizes a descriptive research design and purposive sampling method. The study includes 71 first degree relatives of patients who are significantly involved in caring of the patient and related to decision making. All the participants had their family members admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of St. John???s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru. This study found that there is minimal knowledge among family caregivers and they had no high level of preparedness. There is ethical concern along with finance and they seem to be confused about the decisions taken. Due to lack of awareness among the family caregivers, they surrender the patient to the treating team. Religious conflict is another aspect which is an obstacle to family caregivers for an End-of-Life decision making. The study also found that as the duration of Intensive Care Unit hospitalization increases the resilience among family caregiver???s decreases. It is important that Medical Social workers identify ways to improve End-of-Life care process through interventions. This can be achieved through training in Master of Social Work programs and by educating social workers. The study concludes that there is an immense gap between the family caregivers and the patient with regard to their knowledge on End-of-Life decision making. Hence, this study highlights the importance of Medical Social Worker in Intensive Care Unit to facilitate patient autonomy and the family caregivers??? decisions on the patient. -
Chemical reaction induced Rayleigh-Benard convection in a densely packed porous medium saturated with a couple-stress fluid
The problem of Rayleigh-Benard convection in a couple-stress fluid saturated densely packed porous medium with chemical reaction is studied within the framework of linear stability analysis. Only infinitesimal disturbances are considered. The linear stability analysis is based on the normal mode technique. The Darcy law is used to model the momentum equation. Closed form solution for the basic quiescent state is first obtained. The principle of exchange of stabilities is valid and the existence of oscillatory instability is ruled out. The expression for the stationary media-Darcy-Rayleigh number is obtained as a function of the governing parameters, viz., the wave number, the couple-stress parameter and the Frank-Kamenetskii number. The Galerkin method is used to determine the eigenvalues. The effect of various parameters on the stability of the fluid layer is discussed through figures. -
Divorce prevention programme an intervention based on qualitatively derived psychological themes from newlywed distressed and divorced couples
This study has aimed to develop a competent intervention program as a preventive measure to tackle the increasing divorce rate in the current Indian scenario. Towards this end, the study has been arranged in three phases, with specific objectives guided by specific research questions in each phase. Holding pragmatic philosophical stance, a mixed method framework has directed the entire study, precisely, exploratory mixed design. newlineThe first phase of the study has focused on investigating the in-depth psychological components or etiology of marital distress and divorce in the problem context. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) design, the lived marital experiences of 14 separated and 36 divorced (n=50) newlywed participants has been rigorously explored. Five superordinate themes along with 23 subordinate and 35 emergent themes have been derived in the data analysis, as reasons for marital distress and divorce in newlywed couples. newlineThe challenge of the second phase was to spin a proficient intervention program that is competent to address the identified reasons for marital distress, during the phase-one of the study. Towards this target, the theoretical framework developed by Hughes (1994, 2012 and 2014), Framework for Developing Family Life Education Programme is the model utilized. Following the five steps in the Hughes s framework, the intervention program has been designed and titled Divorce Prevention Programme (DPP). Finally, the phase three task of the study includes experimentation over the immediate and short-term (two-month) effect of the DPP as to what extent marital satisfaction and consummate love would improve to prevent divorce. The pretest, posttest experimental, and waitlist control group design was utilized with a two months follow-up with the experimental group. -
Studies on dark matter dark energy and possible alternate models
The nature of dark matter (DM) and dark energy (DE) which is supposed to constitute about 95% of the energy density of the universe is still a mystery. There is no shortage of ideas regarding the nature of both. While some candidates for DM are clearly ruled out, there is still a plethora of viable particles that fit the bill. In the context of DE, while current observations favour a cosmological constant picture, there are other competing models which may be equally likely. The standard model for the formation of structure assumes that there newlineexisted small fluctuations in the early universe that grew due to gravitational instability. The origin of these fluctuations are still unclear. In this study, we proposed the role of dark matter in providing the seed for star formation in the early universe, which is supported by very recent observations. With this we set observable constraints on luminosities, temperatures, and lifetimes of the early stars with an admixture of dark matter. We also studied the effects of the background repulsive dark energy density for large scale cosmic structures. The relation, and#119872;and#8260;and#119877;2 and#8776; 1and#119892;/and#119888;and#119898;2, seems to hold true for primeval galaxies as well as those at present epoch. From this, we set constraints on the nature and evolution of dark energy. Besides, we also set constraints on the size of galaxy clusters and superclusters due to the repulsive cosmological dark energy. This could indicate as to why large scale cosmic structures much larger than and#8764;200 Mpc are not seen.This study also looked at the evolution of the concept of the cosmological constant from its inception a little over a hundred years ago when Einstein introduced the cosmological constant in his General Theory of Relativity newlinein order to obtain a static universe to conform to the philosophical view of newlinethe universe at that time to it possibly making up close to about 70% of the energy density of the universe. -
Energy and Environmental Applications of Polymer Based Mixed Metal Oxide Nanocomposites
The dependence of human lives on fossil fuels is very inevitably high for the development of society. This leads to the exploitation of these non-renewable sources, which brings forth society, which is another major issue that has to be tackled. In this study, we have focused on addressing the energy and environmental needs of society using different catalysts. The polymer based mixed metal oxide catalysts are used for the utility towards multiple applications. The energy issues can be mitigated through newlinesupercapacitance studies and water splitting studies. The water splitting studies can newlineproduce hydrogen, an efficient and eco-friendly fuel, and supercapacitors can store newlineenergy effectively. Water pollution is another problem faced by our society, which newlinereduces the availability of freshwater sources. This can be overcome by following newlineeffective and cost-efficient adsorption techniques. Another major threat that prevails in our society is corrosion. Corrosion inhibition studies are followed to tackle this issue and provide a corrosion-free environment. The various polymers used in this study are polyaniline, polypyrrole, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), and chitosan. These polymers are mixed with different metal oxides, and the synergy between the polymers and metal oxides provides efficiency towards the mentioned applications. The successful formation of composites is confirmed using various characterization techniques. Several electrochemical studies like cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge studies, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry, and potentiodynamic techniques are employed to analyze the efficacy of the composites towards supercapacitance, water splitting, and corrosion inhibition studies. The batch adsorption studies are executed for water purification studies. The synthesized multifunctional composites can be used as potential candidates for addressing the energy and environmental needs of our society in a sustainable manner. -
Exploring Caregiving Experiences and Needs of Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy
Parents play a major role while caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Each child with CP and their caregivers needs constant professional support in terms of medical care, psycho-education, guidance and support in order to achieve maximum functioning. Mothers of children with cerebral palsy are vulnerable because the caregiving may affect their personal and marital life, work, finances, relationships, and other responsibilities. Therefore, it is important to understand their experiences this study explores caregiving experiences and needs of mothers of a child with cerebral palsy. This qualitative exploratory study used semi-structured open-ended interviews for data collection from 25 mothers of children with Cerebral Palsy who attended regular clinical assessments at Unit of Hope OP clinic. The data were analyzed in Atlas. ti 8 trial version using thematic analysis. Six major themes emerged from the thematic analysis which includes: pathways of care, challenges in taking care of the child, impact (subjective and objective) on mothers and their family, coping mechanism and psycho-social needs. Mothers expressed that they experience unpreparedness; unsupportive interaction; insecurity/uncomfortable on caregiving by others; challenges in decision making, finding the right care, meeting individual family member???s needs; they had inappropriate expectations of improvement, difficulties in treatment adherence and lack of knowledge, lack of respite, lack of support from family members/relatives, changes in the family system, changes in personal life. Mothers had caregiver burden and emotional challenges. The mothers adopted both maladaptive and adaptive coping strategies. In this study, mothers expressed various needs like the need for professional support, the need for respite care, and the need for family support. In conclusion, having a child with cerebral palsy negatively affect the mothers. During the caregiving process, they have some unmet needs which need to be addressed. The findings of the study emphasize that it is important to understand the caregiving experiences and needs of mothers of children with cerebral palsy to plan interventions to support these mothers in caring for their child. -
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Fabrication of Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensors for Food Additives
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as a promising technique for the newlinepreparation of synthetic polymers with specific binding sites for target molecules. These polymers have found applications in various fields, including sensing, where they serve as a recognition element for the detection and quantification of analytes in chemical and biological environments. In recent years, MIPs have been utilized as sensing materials for biomolecules, food additives, pesticides, metal ions, and other target species. This work presents the development of MIP-based electrochemical sensors for the selective and rapid detection of food additives, namely tartrazine, 4-hexylresorcinol, butylated hydroxy anisole, and brilliant blue FCF. Conducting polymers, metal nanoparticles and 2D material-based electrode modifications have been employed in newlinethe preparation of MIPs for electrochemical sensing applications. Investigations reveal newlinea significant enhancement in the electrochemical oxidation/reduction current of the analytes upon the surface modifications applied to the Carbon Fibre Paper (CFP) substrate. The surface morphology of the modified electrodes was characterized using techniques such as Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Electron Diffraction X-ray (EDX), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Optical newlineProfilometry, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Nyquist plots newlinedemonstrated the lowest charge transfer resistance at the finally modified working newlineelectrodes compared to other control electrodes. Optimization of experimental newlineconditions, including pH effects, investigation of reaction mechanisms through scan rate variations, determination of the number of cycles required for film newlineelectrodeposition to achieve maximum current response, and determination of the potential window, was carried out using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The quantification newlineof analytes was performed using Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV). -
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Establishing a service composition framework for smart healthcare system
As the idea of location awareness has already matured and numerous applications are flooded in today s word, the logical next step reasons out, to context-awareness. Though the idea of context-awareness has been in the newlineresearch field for close to two decades, the recent advancement in Internet of Things has brought a more compelling thrust in its research. Sensor networks integrating billions of sensors and actuators will be prevalent in the near future producing big data. Filtering and analysing this data with the contextual information will yield more significant results. But deducing the newlinecontext information itself poses many challenges and unresolved research problems. Context-awareness systems involve acquiring, analysing, reasoning the data and composing the services for suitable action. Service newlinecomposition either by orchestrating or choreographing technique has been deployed in certain applications, however, each domain requires unique methodology. Healthcare has always been the top priority when it comes to newlineapplying novel technologies. Applying context-awareness computing in the healthcare service sector is of paramount importance. newlineThe problem context for this research lies in a cardiology speciality hospital s Intensive Therapy Unit or the post-surgery recovery ward which has lot of scenarios emanating that involves course of actions to be delivered by the healthcare professionals depending on the context. Depending on newlinemere human service may not be adequate. With the available advancements in technologies, it would be possible to leverage optimum service in that time critical situations, provided technology can sense the changes in context and act accordingly. The course of actions to be taken involves an amalgamation of understanding the location, presence availability, relevance of and coordination among various departments, machines and personnel. This can be summarized as Response with Context-Awareness . newline -
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Study of substituion effectson structure and properties of high temperature superconductors and isostructure compounds
The thesis mainly describes the investigation of the structural formation of higher order members of bismuth system of superconductors Bi1.6sPb0.35Sr2CazCu4Oy (n = 4, 2234 phase), Bi1.6sPb0.35Sr2Ca4CusOy (n = 5, 2245 phase) and Bi1.65Pb0.35Sr2CasCu,Oy (n = 9, 2289 phase). The samples were synthesized by solid state reaction technique. Micro-structural and morphological features of the synthesized samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS). The XRD pattern of all the samples revealed the presence of Bismuth 2212 and 2223 phases of which 2223 phase was found to be the predominant. Superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of the samples measured by self-inductance method and dc four probe method showed Tc value around 110 K. There was no signature of the formation of 2234, 2245 or 2289 phases in this investigation. newlineFormation of Bi-2245 compound was further investigated by preparing the sample in a new matrix route. The Tc on set of this sample was found to be 127 K which was the highest reported ever in bismuth system superconductors. The complete replacement of copper by nickel in bismuth system superconductor Bi2SraCu06 (2201) was ttempted by preparing the sample in air by solid state reaction method under open and closed environment. Morphological and microstructural features of the synthesized sample Bi2Sr2Ni0g was investigated by X-ray diffraction, SEM and EDAX. The analysis of X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that nickel can replace copper completely and form a single phase Bi2Sr2Ni06 only when prepared in a closed environment in air. This phase formation of BizSr2NiOo was reported first time. -
Transition Metal Nanoparticles, Semiconductor Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Applications
Semiconductor nanoparticles of CdSe are currently under investigation because their emissions can be tuned easily to cover the broad spectrum (from red to blue) by decreasing the particle size. In this work we have employed different experimental routes for synthesis of Zn doped CdSe nanoparticle and Ni nanoparticle and a brief description about their characterisation techniques are employed. In this present study, the Zn doped CdSe and Ni nanoparticles have been prepared by precipitation method. Upon characterisation, it was found that Zn dopants decreased the band gap thereby acting as a good photocatalyst. The crystallite size obtained from XRD was 26.84 nm and the average particle size calculated using DLS was below 100 nm. The results obtained from XRD are matching with the results obtained from DLS. The photocatalytic activities of the synthesized nanoparticles were analysed using methylene blue under irradiation of visible light. 73.9% degradation is observed for methylene blue catalysed by Zn doped CdSe nanoparticles for 4hr. Synthesis of nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) have been achieved by the chemical reduction of nickel chloride using hydrazine hydrate without the need for an inert atmosphere from an external source. The photocatalytic activity, structure and morphology of the NPs were studied by employing UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (Rh-B) dyes using Ni NPs was investigated to see the feasibility in degrading these dyes from polluted water at low cost. Ni NPs showed a good photocatalytic activity of 840.1% under visible light for the degradation of MB when compared to Rhodamine B (Rh-B) which showed an efficiency of 47.3 %. -
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Tribal population and skill development programme: A study of Idukki district in Kerala
India is a country which has people of different cultures, religions, traditions, languages, castes and creed. In the democratic country of India, tribal people are one of the groups keeping their own culture and tradition that needs to be emphasized. The significant characteristics of the tribes are primitive traits, geographic isolation, distinct culture, shyness of contact and economically backwardness. By and large, tribes are living in different geo-climatic and ecological conditions covering from forest and plains to hills and the area lack accessibility. Though they are considered as the marginalized or most vulnerable population in India, their way of life and tradition, culture is to be preserved and they should be brought into the mainstream of society. In order to uplift the tribal community to be a part of the mainstream of society, the development of their skills is very essential. Skill development is the driving force for the transformation and development of an economy. The Government of India has taken several steps and launched many skill development schemes along with other welfare schemes for the betterment of the mainstream as well as the tribal communities in India. -
Tribal population and skill development programme : A study of idukki district in kerala
India is a country which has people of different cultures, religions, traditions, newlinelanguages, castes and creed. In the democratic country of India, tribal people are one of the groups keeping their own culture and tradition that needs to be emphasized. The significant characteristics of the tribes are primitive traits, geographic isolation, distinct culture, shyness of contact and economically backwardness. By and large, tribes are living in different geo-climatic and ecological conditions covering from forest and plains to hills and the area lack accessibility. Though they are considered as the marginalized or most vulnerable population in India, their way of life and tradition, culture is to be preserved and they should be brought into the mainstream of society. In order to uplift the tribal community to be a part of the mainstream of society, the development of their skills is very essential. Skill development is the driving force for the transformation and development of an economy. The Government of India has taken several steps and launched many skill development newlineschemes along with other welfare schemes for the betterment of the mainstream as well as the tribal communities in India. .Keeping this objective in mind, in the 12thfive-year plan, the government of India gave the highest priority to skill development. The National Policy on Skill Development was announced by the cabinet of India (2009) to make a workforce with the strong skills knowledge and accepted qualification framework which will help to enhance the competitiveness of India and to get a decent job in the global market(IBEF, 2013). But many factors prevent the scheduled tribes from becoming beneficiaries of various skill development programs provided by the government. In the above context, this study is an attempt to know the nature and effectiveness of various skill development programs offered to the tribal community. -
UNDERSTANDING AND EXPLORING THE CONCEPT OF COLLABORATIVE FILMMAKING
With the emergence of new technologies in film making, the increasing access for individuals to social networking spheres owing to web 2.0 technologies and the growth of filming through handheld devices, Collaborative Filmmaking is fast making its mark on the global scene. A number of social networking forums have been established that allow for collaborative filmmaking on the social media sphere, creating opportunities for amateur filmmakers, actors and the like, to contribute and showcase their work while collaborating with other filmmakers on a global scale. This paper aims to explore the concept of collaborative film making and understand what exactly it has to offer for filmmakers and film enthusiasts. The research study looks at collaborative filmmaking as a form of participatory culture and analyses the features that make it a participatory medium. The potential for the emergence of a new genre of cinema through the process of collaborative filmmaking as well as its potential for driving social engagement is also explored. -
Risk and Return Analysis of Socially Responsible Equity Investment for Optimum Portfolio
The sustainable development goals of industry, innovation and infrastructure aims at building sustainability by paving way for socially responsible investing. Socially responsible investing identifies investment newlineavenues that considers social and environmental responsibilities along with newlinefinancial return. The question of risk and return relationship and whether socially responsible investment outperforms conventional investment has been keen area of interest to empirically drive investors in order to establish an optimal portfolio for socially responsible equity investments. The aim of the study is identifying Equity investments which are Socially Responsible newlinefrom listed Equity investments in India, to examine whether socially responsible equity investments outperformed conventional equity newlineinvestments, to assess the equity investments performance which are socially responsible and equity investments which are conventional across different sectors based on the risk adjustment metrics for establishing an Optimal Equity portfolio which are Socially responsible with Sharpe Index newlineOptimization Model. The study identified socially responsible companies which adhered to sustainability reporting and disclosures of ESG from the total companies listed newlinein BSE and NSE as on 31.12.2021. Annual average return rate, standard deviation, beta and different risk adjustment metrics for evaluating the performance of equity investments which are socially responsible and the equity investments which are conventional was utilized by the study. The newlinesample period of the research between lies between 2012 to 2022. Correlation analysis as well as t-test have been performed using E-views software. Socially responsible equity companies showed significant strong positive newlinerelationship of risk and return than conventional companies. Commodities, Health care, Industrials, Information Technology and Telecommunication sectors outperformed conventional companies of similar sector. -
