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Biogenic ZnO Nanoparticles Derived from Garcinia gummi-gutta Leaves: Synthesis, Characterization and its Multifaceted Applications
The current study focused on the bioreduction synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Garcinia gummi-gutta leaf extracts. The UV-vis analysis of the nanoparticles has reported the formation of an SPR peak at 379 nm. The functional groups taking part in the reduction reaction were analyzed using the FTIR technique and the average crystalline size of ZnO nanoparticles were found to be 22.27 nm from XRD measurements. The SEM and TEM images revealed the hexagonal shape of the nanoparticles with an average size 72.78 nm and 71.91 nm, respectively. Further, the synthesized nanoparticles were reported to be efficient degradation reactive textile dyes. The photodegradation results reported 92-100% degradation of the reactive dyes within 80-320 min. The antibacterial efficacy of the nanoparticles was investigated and the MIC of the nanoparticles was found to be 100 g/mL. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles have exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on the MCF and HEP-G2 cell lines. 2024 Asian Publication Corporation. All rights reserved. -
Garcinia indica Leaf Extract Derived Ag-Zn Nanocomposites: A Sustainable Approach for Textile Dyes Photodegradation
The recent advancements for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles from plant biomass offer a promising avenue for the sustainable and environmentally friendly production of nanomaterials. The utilization of plant extracts as bioreductants and capping agents leverages naturally occurring biomolecules for the controlled synthesis of nanoparticles, minimizing environmental impacts and promoting a more sustainable nanotechnology landscape. This study explores the biofabrication of silver-zinc nanocomposites (Ag-Zn NCs) using Garcinia indica leaf extract, offering a green and sustainable alternative to conventional methods. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using UV-vis, FTIR, XRD and TEM analyses. The UV-vis spectra confirmed the formation of nanocomposites with distinct surface plasmon resonance peaks (355 nm and 408 nm). FTIR identified functional groups involved in the bioreduction, while XRD indicated a crystalline size of 6.26 nm. TEM images revealed a mixture of hexagonal, spherical and rod-shaped nanocomposites with an average size of 40.37 nm. Furthermore, the study evaluated the photocatalytic activity of the Ag-Zn NCs against various reactive textile dyes (RY-86, RY-145, RB-220 and RB-222). Remarkably, the nanoparticles achieved an impressive 87-100% degradation of these dyes within 160-320 min under UV irradiation. This highlights the potential of biofabricated Ag-Zn NCs for environmental remediation, particularly in treating dye contaminated industrial effluents. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using G. indica leaf extract for the sustainable synthesis of Ag-Zn NCs with efficient dye degradation capabilities. 2024 Asian Publication Corporation. All rights reserved. -
Synthesis of Nanoflowers using Garcinia gummi-gutta Leaf Extract via Green Route for Enhanced Antifungal and Anti-cancerous Activities
Due to its envisaged relevance in nanomedicine and materials research, the bio-engineering of nanoparticles (NPs) is becoming progressively more promising. Compared to physical and chemical processes, green synthesis produces NPs that are less hazardous to the environment. The usage of phytochemicals in Garcinia gummigutta (L.) leaf extract (GGL) in the bio-reduction of GGL-Ag NPs with potential antifungal and anti-cancerous activities was the main focus of the current study. UV-vis spectrophotometry at 442 nm verified the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs. The average diameters of the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM and zeta-sizer studies to be 166.69 nm and 148.2 nm, respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) examinations of the GGL-Ag NPs confirmed the crystalline nature and the elemental constitution of the NPs. Additionally, the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs' FTIR spectra demonstrated the presence of Phyto components acting as capping agents. Zeta potential measurements (-26.2 4.13 mV) authenticated the stability of the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs. Antimicrobial activity testing of the GGL-Ag NPs demonstrated considerable suppression against Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans at a dose of 100 g/ml and 60 g/ml. Additionally, the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs have demonstrated considerable cytotoxic effects on the Hep-G2 cell line. The current study results show that GGL-Ag NPs may be produced at a low cost and with minimal environmental impact for nanobiotechnology and biomedicine usage. 2024, Brawijaya University. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the Central Region of NGC 1365 in the Ultraviolet Domain
Active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback and its impact on their host galaxies are critical to our understanding of galaxy evolution. Here, we present a combined analysis of new high resolution ultraviolet (UV) data from the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) on AstroSat and archival optical spectroscopic data from the Very Large Telescope/MUSE, for the Seyfert galaxy, NGC 1365. Concentrating on the central 5 kpc region, the UVIT images in the far- and near-UV show bright star-forming knots in the circumnuclear ring as well as a faint central source. After correcting for extinction, we found the star formation rate (SFR) surface density of the circumnuclear 2 kpc ring to be similar to other starbursts, despite the presence of an AGN outflow, as seen in [O iii] 5007 On the other hand, we found fainter UV and thus lower SFR in the direction southeast of the AGN relative to northwest in agreement with observations at other wavelengths from JWST and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The AGN outflow velocity is found to be lesser than the escape velocity, suggesting that the outflowing gas will rain back into the galaxy. The deep UV data have also revealed diffuse UV emission in the direction of the AGN outflow. By combining [O iii] and UV data, we found the diffuse emission to be of AGN origin. 2024. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society. -
Transgenders in the Mainstream: Welfare Schemes in KeralaKochi Metro Rail Project, Education Programme, Health Clinics, and Old-Age Pension
Marginalization is the process which inhibits an individual or community from enjoying the rights, privileges, resources or opportunities enjoyed by other members of the society. Of all its marginalized sections, society most often tends to ignore the conditions of transgender persons. The 2011 census reported 480,000 of Indias population as transgender. Kerala pioneered a model for a trans-friendly state1 with the launch of a 10-day-long state-wide survey, which was followed by the introduction of a state policy for transgender individuals, the establishment of a justice board and Indias first transgender school, scholarships for transgender individuals and the introduction of health clinics, old-age pensions and employment for them in the Kochi Metro, as well as various literary, sports and fashion events. This study is an attempt to critically explore the welfare schemes for transgender persons in Kerala amidst recent developments. 2021 SAGE Publications. -
Perceived stress and fatigue in software developers: Examining the benefits of gratitude
Software development demands creativity and adept problem-solving skills. However, long-term stress and fatigue might impede these skills in software developers. From the perspective of positive psychology, this cross-sectional study investigated the effects of gratitude, age, and gender on stress and fatigue in 421 participants, 244 males (58 %) and 177 females (42 %), aged between 21 and 57 years (M = 36.20; SD = 7.56). The tools employed included the multi-component gratitude measure, perceived stress scale and fatigue assessment scale. Multiple linear regressions confirmed the beneficial effects of gratitude, and they indicated higher levels of perceived stress and fatigue in women and younger professionals. These findings have positive implications for organisational psychologists, as they signify the favourable impacts of gratitude in mitigating stress and fatigue in software developers. The authors recommend that organisational practitioners should focus on enhancing the professionals' well-being by strategizing and implementing gratitude training programmes. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Perceived stress among information technology professionals in India during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Information Technology (IT) industry in India is an integral part of the nations economy. The COVID-19 pandemic is a cause of disquietude and is probably the gravest challenge encountered by the IT industry at present. Although the IT industry has contributed to varied sectors globally amid the crisis, IT professionals encounter a profusion of mental health challenges. Despite this, there have as yet been limited studies focusing on the mental health impact on IT professionals during this period. This study strives to explore the role of socio-demographic factors on perceived stress and to examine the association between gratitude and perceived stress among IT professionals in India during the pandemic. Data from 219 participants were included for analysis in this cross-sectional, correlational study. Findings suggest that there exists a significant difference in perceived stress based on gender, marital status, and parental status. Furthermore, the results demonstrate a significant negative association between gratitude and perceived stress. The study contributes to the field of cognitive ergonomics and broadens the theoretical knowledge base of perceived stress based on socio-demographic elements. Findings also have positive implications for organisational psychologists as they suggest that encouraging a focus on gratitude could aid in lower perceived stress. 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Gratitude as a path to human prosperity during adverse circumstances: a narrative review
Although each person faces their own share of challenges, it is their individual perception and responses to these difficulties that determine how they are affected by them. In this paper we investigate the association between gratitude and human prosperity including the underlying mechanism that helps people thrive during trying circumstances. We survey the literature, examining how gratitude enables people to prosper amidst adversity and employ a narrative style to present these unique characteristics. This review suggests that gratitude enhances coping abilities, such as meaning-focused coping and positive reframing, which foster positive emotions and augment personal resources like resilience, perseverance, and social bonds. These elements, in turn, may possibly explain the association between gratitude and human prosperity during dire circumstances. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Importance of positive emotions in software developers performance: a narrative review
Software development depends heavily on human efforts and collaborations, which are simultaneously influenced by human emotions, and it is considered among the most difficult tasks. Software developers are susceptible to various health concerns such as burnout, anxiety and depression due to the work nature and demands of the software industry, and this may have detrimental effects on their performance. However, evidence portray significant beneficial effects of positive emotions on well-being, growth, and success. Accordingly, this paper investigates the relevance of positive emotions among software developers and strives to understand how positive emotions benefit developers performance. It surveys literature that examine the importance of affect among developers and the benefits of positive emotions on human well-being and employs a narrative style to present these aspects. This review discusses the potential mechanisms that underlie the association between frequent experiences of positive emotions and improved performance and suggests that positive emotions benefit developers performance. This emotional awareness has the potential to enhance the developer efficacy, thus contributing to the discipline of ergonomics. Findings also have positive implications for organisational counsellors as they help in developing and maintaining a positive organisational climate. 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
A study on the family environment of persons with thalassemia major
The objective of the study was to assess the family environment of persons with thalassemia major disorder. The clinical profile of the persons with thalassemia, the family awareness about the disorder and the social, financial, emotional and the couple relationship aspects due to thalassemia were also studied. The parents of the persons with thalassemia major were included in the study. Interviews were carried out with each of the subjects using a standard questionnaire to assess the family environment. The other aspects were studied using a semi structured questionnaire. The results show that 42 percent has a family income of less than 5000 Rupees per month. There is no mutual emotional support among 54 percent of the couples. 66 percent of the parents are not involved in any social activities. 14 percent of the parents feel burden and another 14 percent feel burnout and 38 percent are anxious about the sick child. The relationship with the non thalassemic child in the family is affected among 55 percent of the parents. 86 percent of the parents are aware about the need of iron chelation and the genetic nature of thalassemia. Family environment is significantly affected by the duration of the illness, treatment cost, number of thalassemia persons in the family, lack of awareness on the genetic nature on thalassemia. Hospital admissions restrict the recreational activities and also lead to lose of control in the family. Organization in the family is significantly affected where there is more number of persons with thalassemia. The subjects assessed expressed varying concerns about the family relationships, life long illness of the child and other psycho social issues. They feel that their competitiveness, career development, financial needs and relationships with their spouse and with their normal child are hampered by the illness of the child. It establishes that various psycho social interventions are imperative for such families. -
The Mediating Role of Perceived Stress in the Relationship Between Gratitude and Well-Being among Information Technology Professionals
The information technology (IT) industry in India is an integral part of the nation s economy. Yet, IT professionals encounter a profusion of mental health challenges and well-being issues. This study explored, how can optimal experiences of well-being be determined among IT professionals? It adopted a narrative style of literature review as the principal objective of this review was to comprehend the well-being issues among IT professionals and to develop a conceptual framework. From the perspective of positive psychology, the study addressed the research lacuna by investigating the effect of gratitude on the professionals newlineperception of stress and well-being. It comprehended the professionals self-reflected aspects of stress and coping methods. The principal objective of this study was to investigate the mediation effect of perceived stress in the relationship between gratitude and well-being. The newlineinfluence of socio-demographic factors on perceived stress and the well-being differences based on self-reflected stress severity were also examined. Data from 421 participants were included for analysis in this mixed method research study. The data collection tools included: emotion subscale in the multi-component gratitude measure, perceived stress scale, subjective newlinehappiness scale, psychological capital questionnaire, anxiety and depression subscales in the mental health inventory, and fatigue assessment scale. Findings indicated that perceived stress fully mediated the gratitude well-being relationship. Furthermore, the results showed that certain socio-demographic variables influenced perceived stress. In addition, it was found that the professionals who conveyed that they encountered high stress, experienced lower well-being. This study contributes to the human-machine system by extending research on the emotions in software professionals. -
A Study on The Utilization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermented Sea Weed As Aqua Feed For Growth and Disease Resistance in Oreochromis Niloticus
Consumption of fermented foods are known to provide various health benefits. Fermentative microbes present in traditional foods are reported to confer health benefits. The present study was aimed to isolate a novel potent probiotic strain from the homemade fermented Indian recipe Moor Kuzhambu and Pickle, and its characterization to elucidate the efficacy of isolate in cholesterol and heavy metal reduction. Cultures isolated from Pickle (CK2) and Moor Kuzhambu (CK3) were newlineidentified as different strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus using 16S rDNA newlinesequence based bacterial identification method. The isolated strains exhibited newlinetolerance to gastric juice and was able to exhibit a broad range of tolerance to newlinevarying temperatures, pH, NaCl, solvent, phenol, trypsin, and artificial gastric newlinejuice. Cell surface studies such as auto aggregation, co-aggregations, and cell newlinesurface hydrophobicity determined the ability of the strains to aggregate on to intestinal cell surface and manifest competitive pathogen displacement. Remarkable biofilm reduction of 48% to 80% was observed in the probioticsupplemented samples. Similarly, a reduction of 80% to 85% free cholesterol was newlinenoted in cholesterol assimilation assays, and heavy metal (Cu+, Pb+, Zn+ and Fe+) newlineassimilation ability was observed. Pediococcus pentosaceus MK459541 strain newlineCK2 and (MK459539) CK3 were assessed for EPS synthesis, structural characteristics, antioxidant properties and heavy metal assimilation abilities. Maximum yield of EPS was observed in carbon source Xylose for CK3 and fructose for CK2. Similarly, EPS production was found to maximum when bacteria newlinewere supplemented with meat extract (CK2) and yeast extract (CK3). FTIR results exhibited the presence of functional groups such as Imine/Oxime group, carboxylic group, Halo groups, Nitro compounds, etc. Further studies on EPS CK2 and EPS CK3 revealed a strong antioxidant capacity of 73.92% to 97.75%. Heavy metal assimilation ability of the EPS was found to be strong and in decreasing order as follows Cu+, Fe+ and Zn+. -
Supply chain performance measurement practices of Indian industries
In any industry, the supply chain performance plays a crucial role and it is vital in growth of the industry. Through this study, an attempt is made to find some insight to the supply chain performance measurement practices of Indian industries through an exploratory survey. The study reveals almost all the respondents (84%) felt that supply chain performance measurement system employed in their organisation has a clear purpose. Also, the study reveals that most supply chain performance measurement system provides high importance to quality measurements and includes both financial and non-financial indicators. The Multivariate analysis revealed three factors emerged from this study are 'Strategic Orientation' followed by 'Internal Focus' and 'Motivation and Control'. The study contributes to understanding the objectives of implementing supply chain performance measurement systems and metrics (measures) used in supply chain performance measurement systems. ExcelingTech Pub. -
House of sustainable waste management: An implementation framework
Manufacturing industries consume large amounts of natural resources as inputs to production in order to generate much lower amounts of useful products, leaving a major part of the inputs as by-products which are wastes. Waste disposal, in the present form, has significant adverse impacts on the environment as it can result in pollution of many forms. The present research critically examines the various revolutionary concepts of 'cradle to cradle (C2C)', 'design for green (DfG)', 'triple top line' and 'waste is food' as applied to industrial waste management. The exploratory study examines the prevailing practices and suggests approaches for sustainable industrial waste management. The paper proposes the 'house of sustainable waste management' which is a reference framework for industrial waste management which comprises three parts, 'the hierarchy', 'the pillars' and 'the foundations'. The proposed framework is conceptual in nature and provides a direction for implementation of sustainable industrial waste management. Copyright 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Analysis and measurement of supply chain flexibility
Supply chain flexibility is a strategic and tactical necessity for sustenance and progress of business enterprises. Measurement of flexibility is therefore necessary for its monitoring, control and communication. The study proposes a framework and a methodology for flexibility performance measurement of supply chains. The framework identifies flexibility objectives and its contributing attributes at four levels of the supply chain and suggests taxonomy of flexibility performance measures. A methodology to prioritise the contribution of each performance attribute to achieve the desired flexibility objective using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) has also been proposed and demonstrated in this study. The research is based on detailed literature-based study and analysis of existing frameworks of flexibility performance measurement in supply chain and expert opinion. The proposed framework is suitable for measurement, monitoring and controlling flexibility in a supply chain in addition to prioritising contributing attributes of flexibility. The research does not test the model but suggests a platform for further development. Copyright 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Specific learning disability and psychological impact among school going adolescents
Specific Learning disability (SLD) is a mental health concern among school going children in India. Considering the need for early identification and intervention, this study has been contextualized to explore the impact. Methodology: Samples have been selectedfrom five schools which are situated in South Bengaluru, India, 100 children have been identified with SLD and further they have been screened for mental health Problems. Results: High prevalence ofmild to moderate anxiety, depression and stress is major finding of the study. High rate of anxiety (37%), depression (47%) and stress (33%) among adolescents with SLD indicate the gravity of the problem. Conclusion: Findings underline the need of the structured interventions by school psychologists in school settings. 2019 Institute for Leadership and Organization Effectiveness. All rights reserved.