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Challenges of Indian girls with maternal schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, earlier known as dementia praecox, is considered to be one of the most devastating mental illnesses due to its impact on the individual as well as family members. The Indian context characterized by ones rootedness to family, warrant enquiry about difficulties and burnouts faced by girl children.When it is the mother who is suffering from the illness, there tends to be a huge lag in terms of primary care giving. A disturbed home environment along with inadequate parenting have shown to adversely affect the girl children. The present qualitative research study aimed to explore challenges faced by the girl children with maternal schizophrenia with the help of 43 Mental Health Professionals (MHPs) across India. Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA)was adopted and interviews were conducted using a validated interview guide. Thematic analysis revealed that girl children whose mothers are diagnosed with schizophrenia faced challenges in self, family and social sphere of life. Neglect, self blame and the question why me were recurrent themes.They experienced difficulties in cognitive, behavioral and social domains. The added burden of family responsibilities and social stigma made the surroundings challenging.Exploring the world of girls with maternal schizophrenia would deepen our understanding about impact of schizophrenia on family members and aid us develop interventions to support the care givers. 2019 Oriental Scientific Publishing Company. All rights reserved. -
The influence of social media on investment decision-making: examining behavioral biases, risk perception, and mediation effects
The increasing use of social media platforms for investment-related information and advice has raised concerns about the impact of social media on investment choices. In this paper, we investigated the role of behavioral biases and risk perception in investment decisions. Specifically, this paper aims to explore the impact of social media on these factors and their influence on investment decisions. To achieve this aim, we investigated the existing works on the impact of social media on investment decisions, including its influence on behavioral biases and risk perception. We also collected data through an online survey from individual investors who use social media for investment-related information and advice. The survey measured their investment decisions, behavioral biases, risk perception, and the impact of social media on these factors. The valuable insights offered by this paper shed light on how social media affects the decisions made regarding investments and extend our understanding of the role of behavioral biases and risk perception in this context. Our results indicate that social media has a significant impact on the investment-related behaviors and perceptions of individual investors. Specifically, social media can exacerbate the effects of behavioral biases, such as herding and overconfidence bias, and influence risk perception. Moreover, the paper highlights the significance of managing social media use to make rational investment decisions. The paper's results can help individual investors make more informed investment decisions by understanding the impact of social media on their investment-related behaviors and perceptions. Moreover, the paper provides useful information to policymakers and financial regulators to develop guidelines for the responsible use of social media in the investment industry. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Society for Reliability Engineering, Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM), India and The Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden 2023. -
ENHANCING FOREST ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE WITH VANET AND INTEGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MODELLING
Forest ecosystems are immediately threatened by rising global temperatures and changing climatic patterns. Periodic assessments also contribute to a reduction in the frequency of monitor-ing, which could cause environmental changes to go unnoticed. This work develops a novel real-time monitoring and early warning system to meet this difficulty. By integrating Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANET) with sophisticated natural resources modelling, the proposed method aims to revolutionise the way forest ecosystems are managed. This study strives to design and implement a comprehensive system that harnesses the power of VANET to collect real-time data from sensors deployed on vehicles, and integrates advanced modelling to predict, assess, and mitigate risks to forest ecosystems. The proposed method involves deploying a network of vehicles equipped with environmental sensors within VANET. These sensors continuously collect data on crucial environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and spatial information. The data are transmitted through a secure VANET communication protocol to a centralised processing unit, where it is integrated with climate models and ecosystem dynamics models. Resilience metrics and thresholds are defined to trigger a tiered early warning system. Preliminary testing of the system demonstrates promising accuracy and responsiveness. The integrated approach allows for dynamic risk assessment, enabling the identification of potential threats such as extreme weather events, invasive species, or disease outbreaks. Early warnings prompt adaptive management strategies, showcasing the systems potential to significantly enhance forest ecosystem resilience. This research presents a pioneering solution to the escalating challenges faced by forest ecosystems in the time of climate change. The real-time monitoring, early warning system, amalgamating VANET and integrated modelling, stand as a robust tool for forest managers, policymakers, and communities to proactively address environmental changes. The findings underscore the systems potential to transform forest management practices, marking a critical step toward sustainable and resilient ecosystems. 2024, Scibulcom Ltd. All rights reserved. -
A Metal-Free KOtBu-Mediated Protocol towards the Synthesis of Quinolines, Indenoquinolines and Acridines
An expeditious strategy has been developed for the synthesis of diverse quinolines, indenoquinolines and acridines using KOtBu-mediated reaction conditions. The designed process utilizes 2-aminoaryl carbaldehydes/2-aminoaryl ketones and methyl/methylene group containing ketones as readily available feedstock. The chemical transformation was affected at room temperature within a short duration of time to obtain diverse N-heterocycles yields up to 92 %. The established process also exhibits considerable functional group tolerance with an operational simplicity. 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Workplace bullying in the service sector
Context: Bullying is a problem that people, the world over, grapple with. It is manifest in different forms among different sections of people. Despite its prevalence, workplace bullying has not received much attention in scholarly literature in India. It is also not widely acknowledged as a threat to individual and organizational well-being. The purpose of this study is to add to the existing body of literature on the topic and to draw attention to the gravity of the issue. Aims: The primary objectives are to identify if there exist variations in its incidence on the basis of gender and years of experience, to identify the source of negative behavior, and the type of bullying that is most prevalent. Settings and Design: The study is a type of cross-sectional, descriptive study. Subjects and Methods: Data have been collected from a sample of 84 respondents using the Work Harassment Scale. All respondents are white-collar employees of the service sector in the cities of India. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS v25. Results: The results find that there is no difference in the incidence of bullying on the basis of either gender or years of experience. Moreover, the source of negative behavior is generally one's superiors, and the most prevalent type is 'verbal aggression.' Conclusions: The study concludes with suggestions of steps to be implemented at the national and organizational level, to combat the problem. 2022 Authors. All rights reserved. -
Intensity of hospital waste generation and disposal in the selected hospitals in Kerala, India: an analysis based on hospital ownership
Management of hospital wastes has been considered as an integral part of hospital hygiene and infection control, which in turn depends on the intensity of waste generation and disposal. This study analyses the ownership-wise intensities of hospital waste generated, treated and disposed in the selected hospitals in the state of Kerala, India. These intensities are examined using secondary data collected from four districts of Kerala for the period from 2010 to 2014. The intensity of hospital waste generation is measured on the basis of per bed per kilogram per day and also per patient per kilogram per day basis. The study shows that private hospitals are producing significantly higher amount of waste than government and co-operative hospitals. However, private hospitals are found to be more efficient compared to government hospitals in treating and disposing the hospital waste. It is also found that the co-operative hospitals are well-organized in treating and disposing the liquid waste compared with other hospitals in Kerala. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Japan KK, part of Springer Nature. -
Designing an artificial intelligence-enabled large language model for financial decisions
Purpose: Artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly reshaped financial decision-making, introducing a paradigm shift in how institutions and individuals navigate the complex finance landscape. The study evaluates the significant impact of integrating advanced AI and large language models (LLMs) in financial decision analytics. Design/methodology/approach: The study offers FinSageNet, a novel framework designed and tested to harness the potential of LLMs in financial decisions. The framework excels in handling and analyzing large volumes of numerical and textual data through advanced data mining techniques. Findings: FinSageNet demonstrates exceptional text summarization capabilities, outperforming models like FLAN and GPT-3.5 in Rouge score metrics. The proposed model has shown more accuracy than generic models. Originality/value: The study emphasizes the significance of consistently updating models and adopting a comprehensive approach to integrating AI into financial decisions. This study improves our understanding of how artificial intelligence transforms financial analytics and decision-making processes. 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Framing and control for sustainability of industries
Purpose: The paper attempts to frame the challenge of managing the transition to a sustainable economy by way of a conceptual model consisting of a zero-footprint regulatory regime and a sustainability fund. Design/methodology/approach: A conceptual model of the sustainable industrial revolution has been developed based on the learnings from industries such as originators (mining), farming, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and chemicals and long-lasting artefacts against an overall perspective. Findings: It is suggested to have an institutional structural mechanism in place to ensure that footprint is minimized through recycling including refurbishing, resale or transformation. This includes management of recycling businesses through execution of a zero-waste regulatory regime that will build and use a sustainability fund. Research limitations/implications: The limitations of the paper are arising out of the topic being an issue of gigantic proportions with immense complexity. An attempt has been made to bring out the inescapability and the imperative of a sustainable industrial revolution. Practical implications: This paper presents practical aspects such as collusion between trash and recycling businesses, land use and social aspects of criticality of public support. If implemented, the suggested model can make a paradigm shift in the way firms, industry and governments can handle the challenge of sustainability. Originality/value: The value of this conceptual paper lies in an attempt to extend the learning organization framework to the concept of a regulatory model for sustainability that is not limited to the definition of a firm but stands extended to industries and to the economics, land use and demographics of the planet. 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Causal relationship among various development indices: A panel study
The concept of development has been regarded as a broader phenomenon encompassing various interrelated factors leading to improvement in the overall human wellbeing. So, it is important to understand the interlinkages between various dimensions of development. The present study was an attempt to analyze the causal relationship between the four aspects of development measured by the indices, namely the Economic Development Index (EDI), Social Development Index (SDI), Environment Development Index (ENDI), and Institutional Development Index (IDI) for a panel of 102 counties from 1996 to 2015. The long?run relationship between these indices through the panel ARDL model were also examined. The results indicated that there existed a bidirectional causal relationship between EDI and SDI, IDI and SDI, ENDI and SDI, and between IDI and ENDI. The one-way causality runs from IDI to EDI and ENDI to EDI. Further, given the nature of the variables considered here, panel autoregressive distributed lag models were used to examine the long?run relationship between the indices of development. The results showed that the impact of development indices with one another was statistically significant in the long run. 2021 The Society of Economics and Development, except certain content provided by third parties. -
Challenges To Democratic Consolidation In Ecuador - Space For Opposition And Indigenous Representation Under Rafael Correa And Lenin Moreno
The illiberal democratic trend currently sweeping the world has emerged as a major obstacle for democratic consolidation, leading to its acceptance as the new normal of democracy. This trend has been successfully reversed in Ecuador, but the country has encountered and still grapples with several obstacles that must be overcome in order to return to the democratic consolidation route. The study focuses on the issues of consolidation, emphasizing the space allotted for participatory democracy by the ruling elites. The study examines Rafael Correas and Lenin Morenos governments in the context of the democratic consolidation framework to determine their strategic actions, behavior, and interests. The scope of the investigation will be limited with the focus made-on the space allowed for the opposition and indigenous community representation, from 2008 to 2021, to determine the extent to which Ecuadors liberal democratic process is being consolidated. 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Review on impacts of micro- and nano-plastic on aquatic ecosystems and mitigation strategies
The rapid proliferation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in our environment presents a formidable hazard to both biotic and abiotic components. These pollutants originate from various sources, including commercial production and the breakdown of larger plastic particles. Widespread contamination of the human body, agroecosystems, and animals occurs through ingestion, entry into the food chain, and inhalation. Consequently, the imperative to devise innovative methods for MPs and NPs remediation has become increasingly apparent. This review explores the current landscape of strategies proposed to mitigate the escalating threats associated with plastic waste. Among the array of methods in use, microbial remediation emerges as a promising avenue for the decomposition and reclamation of MPs and NPs. In response to the growing concern, numerous nations have already implemented or are in the process of adopting regulations to curtail MPs and NPs in aquatic habitats. This paper aims to address this gap by delving into the environmental fate, behaviour, transport, ecotoxicity, and management of MPs and NPs particles within the context of nanoscience, microbial ecology, and remediation technologies. Key findings of this review encompass the intricate interdependencies between MPs and NPs and their ecosystems. The ecological impact, from fate to ecotoxicity, is scrutinized in light of the burgeoning environmental imperative. As a result, this review not only provides an encompassing understanding of the ecological ramifications of MPs and NPs but also highlights the pressing need for further research, innovation, and informed interventions. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
Exploring the Photocatalytic and Cytotoxic Potential of Quassia indica-Derived Bimetallic Silver-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites
In response to the escalating need for nanomaterials characterized by enhanced properties and reduced environmental impact, this study addresses critical challenges associated with conventional nanomaterial synthesis methods, particularly focusing on concerns related to environmental toxicity and economic feasibility. In this study, we report the eco-friendly synthesis of silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites using leaf extracts of Quassia indica (QI- Ag: ZnO NC). The synthesized QI- Ag: ZnO nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED). The photocatalytic activity of the biosynthesized QI- Ag: ZnO NC was evaluated against several textile dyes. Reactive Blue-220 exhibited the highest percentage of degradation (99.97%), closely followed by Reactive Blue-222 (99.37%), while Reactive Red-120 displayed significant degradation (94.62%). Remarkably, these nanocomposites exhibited significant photocatalytic degradation of the tested dyes, suggesting their potential application in wastewater treatment for dye removal. Furthermore, phytotoxicity studies were conducted to assess the impact of the nanocomposites on plant growth and brine shrimp mortality. To evaluate their cytotoxicity, the nanocomposites synthesized were assessed using the MTT assay on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. These findings suggest that QI- Ag: ZnO NCs have promising applications in environmental remediation and cancer therapy, opening avenues for further advancements in the arena of nanomaterial synthesis and utilization. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024. -
Eco-Conscious Silver Nanoparticles via Quassia indica: Characterization and Multifaceted Applications
This research work explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Quassia indica (QI-Ag NPs), a natural plant extract, as a stabilizing and reducing agent. The synthesized QI-Ag NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED). The UV-Visible analysis revealed a characteristic peak at 430 nm, indicating the successful formation of AgNPs. XRD analysis unveiled the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles, with four distinctive peaks corresponding to the silver crystallographic planes. SEM and EDX provided insights into the morphology and chemical composition of the QI-AgNPs. Moreover, TEM and SAED elucidated the structural attributes and crystallinity of the nanoparticles. The Ag NPs exhibited a spherical structure and crystalline nature, as supported by both SAED and XRD findings. The zeta potential of QI-Ag NPs exhibited a value of-24.2 mV. The synthesized QI-Ag NPs were evaluated for their photocatalytic potential, demonstrating a remarkable 97% degradation of Crystal Violet dye. Furthermore, comprehensive studies encompassing antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity assessments were conducted, showcasing the multifaceted applications of these nanoparticles. This research underscores the promising potential of Q. indica-mediated silver nanoparticles as environmentally benign and versatile nanomaterials. 2024 World Scientific Publishing Company. -
Novel biocompatible zinc oxide nanoparticle synthesis using Quassia indica leaf extract and evaluation of its photocatalytic, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic potentials
Prognostic research points to the necessity and relevance of revamping polluted environments. The toxic effect of textile dyes released into waterbodies can be reduced by the degradation process and alternate methods in nanotechnology are used to lessen the gravity of the situation. Compared with chemical and physical NP synthesis, plant extract-based nanoparticle synthesis is an environmentally friendly alternative method, and the use of waste leaves in this process is an added advantage. Quassia indica zinc oxide nanoparticles (QI-ZnO NPs) were synthesised in the current work employing a simple and cost-effective process using Q. indica leaf extract. The surface plasmon peak was visible in the UV-Vis absorption spectrum of the decreased reaction mixture at 346 nm. The average crystallite size of the QI-ZnO NPs was found to be 16.66 nm. The QI-ZnO NPs were found to have a stable zeta potential of ?28.4 mV. The surface morphology of the optimised QI-ZnO NPs was observed to be hexagonal using field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Under UV light irradiation, the photocatalytic degradation of industrial textile dyes Reactive Blue-220, Reactive Yellow-145, Reactive Red-120, and Reactive Blue-222 showed degradation efficiency of 8090%. Antibacterial and antifungal activity was assessed using well diffusion on gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. When administered to the A549 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines, QI-ZnO NPs displayed significant anticancer activities. Limited studies in the area of plant extract-based nanoparticle synthesis mark the novelty of this attempt and this trailblazing and pioneering approach using non-toxic QI-ZnO NPs synthesised through green synthesis is futuristic and sustainable helping in effective wastewater treatment. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Isolation of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacillus cereus from Soil and Its Use as a Microbial Inoculant
Modernization has introduced intensive agricultural practices wherein the pesticides play an important role both in stabilization and in increase of agricultural products. As a consequence, humans and members of other ecosystems are exposed to increased levels of compounds that have detrimental effects on their health, thereby signifying the importance of microbial inoculants. In order to achieve this goal 7 different bacterial species were initially screened for isolation of plant growth-promoting Bacillus sp. The isolate CUAMS116 was confirmed to be Bacillus cereus through biochemical and molecular characterization. The in vitro plant growth-promoting ability of the isolate was screened through standard tests. Different concentrations of bacterial inoculant (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) were evaluated for its plant growth promotion ability using Phaseolus vulgaris L., under pot culture conditions. At the harvest stage, the mature control plants measured 16.53cm and mean treated plant height was measured to be 27.75cm, showing a maximum percentage increase in length of 67.87%. The results suggested that the B. cereus CUAMS116 isolated in this study can be extended as a PGPM through further field trials in other plants for improving crop yield and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. 2020, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals. -
An investigation on structural and optical properties of reduced graphene oxide-tin oxide nanocomposite
Graphene-metal oxide composites have attracted tremendous research interest in recent days due to their unique and fascinating properties. In the present study, rGO and SnO2 were synthesized separately by modified Hummers' method and nitrate-citrate gel combustion technique respectively. One step hydrothermal method was used to prepare reduced graphene oxide-tin oxide nanocomposite of various concentrations of rGO and SnO2.The obtained samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM and TEM. The results of different characterization techniques showed the successful formation of SnO2, rGO and SnO2-rGO composites. X-ray analysis pattern indicates formation of the SnO2 nanoparticles in the graphene matrix. The size of the particles prepared is in nanoscale and was found to be 10-20 nm range. TEM images reveal the incorporation of crystalline SnO2 nanoparticles in graphene layers. Upon incorporation of tin oxide to graphene matrix, one could easily tailor the energy gap of the composite matrix. 2020 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Impedance, Electrical and Dielectric behaviour of Tin Oxide Nanoparticle doped with Graphite, Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide
Nanostructured materials have attained incredible interest in recent days due to their distinctive chemical, physical, mechanical, magnetic and optoelectronic properties. In the present study, metal nano particle (SnO2) was doped with graphite, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with various composition (1:100), (1:1) and (100:1) by weight ratio. The citrate-nitrate gel combustion method was used to prepare nanocrystalline SnO2 while GO and rGO were synthesized through modified Hummer's method. The preparation of SnO2-rGO composites was done using a one-step hydrothermal process. The electrical and structural behaviour of the composites of graphite, GO and rGO mixed with SnO2 were elucidated by the impedance analyzer in the frequency range from 10Hz to 1MHz. It is observed that the composite of SnO2 with graphite and reduced graphene oxide have similar broad characteristics while SnO2 mixed with GO is exhibiting different properties which could be attributed to the presence of oxygen functionaries. 2021 The Authors. Published by ESG. All Rights Reserved. -
Synthesis of nano-crystalline tin dioxide and its effect on calcination
Nitrate-citrate gel-combustion method was used in this study to prepare nano-crystalline tin dioxide. The samples were calcined at a temperature range of 543-1173 K. The prepared powder was characterized by SEM, TEM and X-ray diffraction. On increasing the temperature with limited supply of air (calcination), there is a systematic increase in tin content accompanied by a reduction in oxygen. The tetragonal nano tin structure formed during the process has about 20 nm in lateral size. With increase in calcination temperature, the carbon content systematically decreased. 2017, Chemical Publishing Co. All rights reserved. -
Pendant number of graphs
A decomposition of a graph G is a collection of its edge disjoint sub-graphs such that their union is G. A path decomposition of a graph is a decomposition of it into paths. In this paper, we define the pendant number ?p as the minimum number of end vertices of paths in a path decomposition of G and determine this parameter for certain fundamental graph classes. 2018 Academic Publications. -
Redefining Photography in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
[No abstract available]