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Citrus Medica-derived Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Imaging of Vigna Radiate Root Cells
Bio-imaging is a crucial tool for researchers in the fields of cell biology and developmental biomedical sector. Among the various available imaging techniques, fluorescence based imaging stands out due to its high sensitivity and specificity. However, traditional fluorescent materials used in biological imaging often suffer from issues such as photostability and biocompatibility. Moreover, plant tissues contain compounds that cause autofluorescence and light scattering, which can hinder fluorescence microscopy effectiveness. This study explores the development of fluorescent carbon dots (Cm-CDs) synthesized from Citrus medica fruit extract for the fluorescence imaging of Vigna radiata root cells. The successful synthesis of CDs with an average size of 6.7nm is confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and raman spectroscopy indicated that the obtained CDs are amorphous in nature. The presence of various functional groups on the surface of CDs were identified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. The optical characteristics of Cm-CDs were studied by UV-Visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Cm-CDs demonstrated strong excitation-dependent fluorescence, good solubility, and effective penetration in to the Vigna radiata root cells with multicolor luminescence, and addressed autofluorescence issues. Additionally, a comparative analysis determined the optimal concentration for high-resolution, multi-color root cell imaging, with Cm-CD2 (2.5mg/ml) exhibiting the highest photoluminescence (PL) intensity. These findings highlight the potential of Cm-CDs in enhancing direct endocytosis and overcoming autofluorescence in plant cell imaging, offering promising advancements for cell biology research. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Family Caregiving in Dementia in India: Challenges and Emerging Issues
This chapter would provide an overview of the caregiving scenario in India with a focus on families as the mainstay of support and care for people with dementia. The various aspects of caregiving in dementia would be discussed in the light of the Indian sociocultural context. The impact of caregiving and challenges faced by the family and informal caregivers would be described in the light of the changing demographics and urbanization in India. The need for different kinds of caregiver education and training programmes tailored to the domiciliary and socioeconomic status of the family would be discussed. The resources available for family caregivers, like existing programmes for psychoeducation, family self-care, online and other resources for support would be described. We would discuss the challenges faced in developing culturally appropriate interventions for India that can be delivered within existing resources, such as supporting families in their role as caregivers and providing training and support for them. The chapter would discuss the emerging issues in the models of care for low- and middle-income countries like India, where the care is primarily home-based. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021. -
Antibacterial efficiency of carbon dots against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria: A review
The nontoxic characteristics and inherent antibacterial potency of Carbon dots (CDs) have earned immense attention in the last few years. As the increasing antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains create critical health risks, replacement of conventional antibiotics with alternative antibacterial agents is highly encouraged. The light-driven antibacterial action CDs is a safe process with minimal side effects. Direct interaction of CDs with bacterial cells also contribute to the overall antibacterial activity. Unique and complex mechanisms of antibacterial activity of CDs involve ROS generation, degeneration of cell structure, and leakage of the cytoplasm because of DNA binding and modulation of gene expression. This review provides a systematic overview of the antibacterial potency of CDs to eradicate Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Various mechanisms of antibacterial activity and factors that contribute to antibacterial action of CDs also discussed. It also highlights the synergistic effects on the antibacterial performance of modified CDs and significant future research concerns. 2021 Elsevier Ltd -
Revisiting psychotherapeutic practices in Karnataka, India: Lessons from indigenous healing methods
Psychotherapeutic practices in India observes a paradigm shift with the current focus on the indigenous movement which has hit the discipline of Psychology like any other stream in Social Sciences and Humanities. The professional challenges and issues faced by the mental health professionals in this country has always revolved around on the 'uncanny' realm of myths, beliefs and religions as far as mental illness is concerned (Prasadarao & Sudhir, 2001). Efforts have been initiated in exploring the cultural and social roots of the health-illness constructs as well as debating on the possibility of 'integration' of these different philosophies. This paper is designed to understand the various therapeutic forms and processes in indigenous healing practices and to analyse the negotiation between indigenous healing practices and psychotherapy with special reference to Karnataka, one of the States situated in the Southern part of India. The study approaches the cultural landscape of Karnataka state based on a qualitative research design wherein in-depth unstructured interview of healers and mental health practitioners and systematic observation of some indigenous healing forms are adopted as methods of data collection. The paper concludes by looking at the challenges of constructing ethnospecific interventions in psychotherapy and the need to develop more cultural-specific theories taking into account the cultural history of the community. -
Therapeutic effects of vitamin D and cancer: An overview
Since vitamin D's discovery, strenuous efforts to investigate its physiological exploit and deficiency on human health were done. Our body synthesizes fat-soluble vitamin D when get exposed to sunlight. In recent years, experimental data indicate that sunlight exposure and an adequate level of circulating vitamin D can reduce the incidence of cancer. Several in vitro and in vivo studies also suggest vitamin D as a potentially valuable supplement for cancer treatment and prevention. Nevertheless, there need to be adequate clinical studies performed to substantiate the suppressive ability of vitamin D concerning cancer incidence. Thus, understanding the cellular mechanisms of vitamin D can be advantageous for preventing several chronic diseases. Consequently, this review concentrates on different studies that have been conducted to characterize the outcome of vitamin D in reducing cancer incidence and its medication by cellular progression mechanism. 2021 The Authors. Food Frontiers published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd and Nanchang University, Northwest University, Jiangsu University, Zhejiang University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. -
Machine Learning Techniques for Automated Nuclear Atypia Detection in Histopathology Images: A Review
Nuclear atypia identification is an important stage in pathology procedures for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The introduction of image processing techniques to automate nuclear atypia identification has made the very tedious, error-prone, and time-consuming procedure of manually observing stained histopathological slides much easier. In the last decade, several solutions for resolving this problem have emerged in the literature, and they have shown positive incremental advancements in this fieldof study. The nuclear atypia count is an important measure to consider when assessing breast cancer. This work provides a comprehensive review of automated nuclear atypia scoring process which includes the current advancements and future prospects for this critical undertaking, which will aid humanity in the fight against cancer. In this study, we examine the various techniques applied in detecting nuclear atypiain breast cancer as well as the major hurdles that must be overcome and the use of benchmark datasets in this domain. This work provides a comprehensive review of automated nuclear atypia scoring process which includes the current advancements and prospects for this critical undertaking, which will aid humanity in the fight against cancer. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Review on Segmentation of Facial Bone Surface from Craniofacial CT Images
Three-dimensional (3D) representation of facial bone surface is needed in the virtual surgical planning for orthognathic surgery. Segmentation of facial bone surface from computed tomography images is first step in developing the 3D model. With the advent in the computer vision techniques, various automatic and semi-segmentation algorithms were developed in the recent years for segmentation of facial bone surface from craniofacial computed tomography images. In the proposed paper, the various segmentation techniques for extracting bone surface from 3D CT images for corrective jaw surgery available in the literature have been discussed. By reviewing all the methods available in the literature, it is found that each method has its own merits and demerits. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Cryptocurrency Security and Privacy Issues: A Research Perspective
Cryptocurrency has developed as a new mode of money exchange since it has become easier, faster and safer. The first cryptocurrency was introduced in 2009 and since then, the growth rate of cryptocurrency has been increasing drastically. As of 2020, the cryptocurrency exchange all over the world has exceeded 300%. The researchers face many challenges during their research on the various cryptocurrencies. For example, most of the high-tech companies still do not support bitcoin on mobile platforms. High-tech companies like Google and Apple are also thinking into banning the bitcoin wallet from their app stores. The work provides a review of cryptocurrency and its types, scope on the investment plans and its advantages also discussed. The growth and comparison between bitcoins and gold is also discussed. The challenges researchers face and the security issues concerning it. This review provides an overview of how the different forms of cryptocurrency are increasing from over a decade. It explains the different types and the year in which they were invented. It also gives a brief comparison with respect to bitcoin, which is one of the most used cryptocurrency. Furthermore, it gives a brief explanation on investments, and schemes for those who are new in the cryptomarket. Later emphasizes on the security issues faced by this technology. It talks about proof of work and the different data attacks the software faced and how the issues were overcome. In the end, it talks about the challenges researchers face while researching cryptocurrency. 2021 IEEE. -
Impacts of Pore Scale Gas Diffusion Layer Deformation on PEMFC Performance at Sub Zero Operation
Highlights Impact of assembly pressure on species and charge transport during cold start operation. Inhomogeneous GDL compression and intrusion is considered in the study. The intrusion effect leads to intense ice accumulation under the channels at 2 MPa. The importance of applying appropriate clamping pressure is highlighted in the study. 2023 The Electrochemical Society (ECS). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited -
Effect of Coupled Microstructural Characteristics of Catalyst Layer on High Temperature: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Performance
The widespread adoption of High Temperature-Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (HT-PEMFC) in commercial applications is limited by their performance and durability compared to conventional energy sources. A key factor affecting these cells is the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode catalyst layer (CL). Optimizing the structural parameters of the cathode CL can enhance cell performance and longevity. Current research on these parameters is mostly descriptive, lacking numerical evidence to quantify their impact. This study develops a three-dimensional, non-isothermal HT-PEMFC numerical model to investigate the sensitivities of coupled structural parameters of the cathode CL, including Pt loading, CL thickness, and Pt particle diameter, at three levels. The orthogonal/Taguchi approach quantitatively assesses the impact of these parameters. The study reveals that Pt loading significantly affects cell voltage and cathode overpotential, while Pt diameter influences the homogeneity of overpotential distribution. The dominant impact of a single parameter decreases at higher current densities, necessitating careful analysis of trade-offs between different structural characteristics to maximize performance. These findings offer valuable insights for future experimental studies to enhance cell performance through adjustments to cathode catalyst characteristics. 2024 The Electrochemical Society (ECS). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited. All rights, including for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies, are reserved. -
Combined effect of channel to rib width ratio and gas diffusion layer deformation on high temperature Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell performance
The present study investigates the combined influence of Channel to Rib Width (CRW) ratio and clamping pressure on the structure and performance of High Temperature-Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (HT-PEMFC) using a three-dimensional numerical model developed previously. It also considers the impact of interfacial contact resistance between the Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL) and Bipolar Plate (BPP). The structural analysis of the single straight channel HT-PEMFC geometry shows that the von-Mises stress greatly increases in the GDL under the ribs as the CRW ratio increases resulting in considerably high deformation. The cell performance analysis depicts the significance of ohmic resistance and concentration polarization for different CRW ratios, particularly at higher operating current densities. However, in low to medium current density regions, the CRW ratio has little influence on cell performance. A substantial impact on the species, overpotential, and current distributions is observed. The findings also reveal that the CRW ratio significantly affects the temperature distribution in the cell. 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
A Numerical Investigation on Thermal Gradients and Stresses in High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell During Start-up
The High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (HT-PEMFC) stacks using polybenzimidazole (PBI) based membranes have an inability to internally heat up at low temperatures to their nominal operating temperature (160C180C) during the start-up process. Several strategies, such as direct electrical heating, coolant/gas channel heating, catalytic hydrogen-oxygen combustion, etc., are proposed in the literature to assist the heating for quick start-up situations. However, little knowledge exists on the transient thermomechanical stresses induced during the start-up heating process due to non-uniformity in heat supply and disparity in thermal properties of the cell components. The objective of the present research is to analyze the thermal gradients and thermal stresses developed in the HT-PEMFC structure during the start-up with various heating methods discussed in the literature, as well as during the cell operation by exploiting the Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) approach. The use of polyalkylene glycol (Fragoltherm S-15-A) based Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) in the coolant channel has substantially improved the start-up time due to the high Nusselt number. However, a significant gradient in temperature distribution is observed during the preheating process, which resulted in great inhomogeneous stresses in the membrane, particularly in the in-plane direction. Interestingly, the degree of uniformity in membrane current density distribution during cell operation is increased. A detailed heat analysis in the cell showed that the heat generated in the cell due to electrochemical reactions is sufficient to raise the cell temperature from 120C to operating temperature in a short time. Being subjected to a compressive stress of above 40 MPa, which is higher than the ultimate strength of a typical acid doped PBI membrane, the electrolyte is the most vulnerable component during the start-up. Hence, to inhibit the concomitant effect on cell performance and degradation, a novel start-up strategy should be implemented. 2021 Elsevier Ltd -
Protection Against SIM Swap Attacks on OTP System
One-time password-based authentication stands out to be the most effective in the cluster of password-less authentication systems. It is possible to use it as an authentication factor for login rather than an account recovery mechanism. Recent studies show that attacks like SIM swap and device theft raise a significant threat for the system. In this paper, a new security system is proposed to prevent attacks like SIM swap on OTP systems, the system contains a risk engine made up of supervised and unsupervised machine learning model blocks trained using genuine user data space, and the final decision of the system is subject to a decision block that works on the principles of voting and logic of an AND gate. The proposed system performed well in detecting fraud users, proving the systems significance in solving the problems faced by an OTP system. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Optimal location and parameters of GUPFC for transmission loss minimization using PSO algorithm
Transmission losses are one of the major losses faced by our power system. Reduction of transmission losses will benefit us by saving a large amount of power. The transmission losses can be reduced by placing FACTS devices in the power system. Among all the FACTS devices Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) and Generalized Unified Power Flow Controller (GUPFC) are the best. Incorporating the GUPFC in to the power system and placing it to the optimal location and setting its output to optimal values can reduce the transmission losses. This paper explains the way to locate the optimal location of GUPFC and finding the optimal setting using PSO algorithm to reduce the total transmission losses. Voltage variation is taken as the criteria for finding the location and PSO is used for finding the settings of GUPFC. This study is conducted on an IEEE 14-bus system using MATLAB software. 2017 IEEE. -
Prospects of Medical Tourism - A Study on the Management Trends and Practices of the Prominent Participants of Hospital Sector in South India
International Journal of Research in Commerce & Management, Vol-3 (12), pp. 73-76. ISSN-0976-2183 -
COVID-19 pandemic, risk-reduction strategies and crisis management in the travel insurance sector
Travel has always been considered to be a risky affair as there are multiple uncertainties associated with it. Though the tourism industry has developed sophisticated methods to manage these risks, there are still certain uncontrollable and unforeseen circumstances that might affect the physical, emotional, and mental state of travellers. The result would be a huge financial burden for the traveller and increased frustration towards the tour operator. The concept of travel insurance was introduced to relieve travellers of such unforeseen risks while travelling. Moreover, the Covid 19 pandemic has instilled a sense of fear and doubt among the minds of travellers which affects their travel decision-making to a large extent. Destinations and tourism suppliers have introduced various risk reduction strategies and methods to resolve this issue. This paper focuses on understanding the concept of risk associated with travel, the various dimensions of risk management, and the key strategies adopted by tour operators and suppliers to minimize such risks. 2023 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. -
Tools and technologies for the governance of knowledge management
Knowledge management is a consolidation of various endeavours and disciplines. This chapter assesses the space of knowledge management and examines the significance of running a successful business with an efficient management system. To have a smooth management in a company, all the employees in the company need to access all the required information, which may be comprised of documents, collaboration of teams, policies in various departments, etc. All of these require an efficient knowledge management system. A framework for characterising the various tools and techniques available to knowledge management practitioners are well explored in the chapter. 2022, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
PANDEMIC-INDUCED CRISES IN TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY AN INDIAN CONTEXT
This paper aims to examine the pandemic-induced crises psychological and physical distress experienced by the employees during the Covid19 pandemic and the implications on job loss and job characteristics from all domains of the hospitality industry in India. The study is designed to explore the pandemic-induced tourism crisis along with emotional, mental, and physical effects. An in-depth qualitative exploration was used and a tool comprising of data sets include representatives from aviation, resorts and hotel segments, tour operators, and travel agents. The researchers used a semi-structured questionnaire that had two sections and explored industry concerns, HR strategies, and employee distress through a multi-stage process involving coding and content analysis. The study analyzed the pandemic-induced crises at the micro and macro levels and grouped them under three essential dimensions such as; organizational and industry concerns, organizational HR policies, and employees psychological distress. The subthemes under these dimensions can contribute to scale validation. The subthemes grouped under the three major dimensions have come out as a theoretical model of how the pandemic has affected professionals at these three levels. The findings as items can be validated through descriptive research in quantitative terms forming the future scope. The study analyzed the perceptions of professionals in the tourism and hospitality business amid the pandemic and concludes that a proactive HR policy can minimize employees psychological distress. 2022 Editura Universitatii din Oradea. All rights reserved. -
Analogy of Social Entrepreneurship and Community Empowerment: An Inclusive Tourism Approach with Technological Intervention
Destinations overall development is ascertained by its conscious measures toward inclusive engagement with responsible business practices. The social enterprises functioning in the tourism system engage the disadvantaged communities responsibly for economic prosperity and community empowerment. Tourism social entrepreneurship is an innovative mechanism toward social upliftment by enhancing the benefits and contemplating through the core issues of host communities. This chapter focuses on case lets on communities, particularly those located in less-developed regions of India, who encounter various social problems. A sustainable community development through tourism leads economic growth in developing marginalized communities and economically empowers the low-income localities. Technological intervention for community empowerment and better engagement is the need of the hour. It is instrumental to understand the ideology of social entrepreneurial opportunities for community empowerment. Tourism relies on multiple industries and it is challenging in delivering desired community development goals. Adaption of techno-enabled system toward community development can build the entrepreneurship capacity of marginalized communities. Technological interventions for empowering the community toward rural development is the thrust dealt in the proposed chapter. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2024. -
Sinking houseboats and swaying home stays: community resilience and local impacts of COVID-19 in managing tourism crisis in Kerala
Purpose: The tourism sector of the state of Kerala in India is highly vulnerable and has been extensively impacted by the global pandemic disaster. This paper aims to analyze the impact of COVID-19 (Corona virus pandemic) on houseboat operators and homestay managers. Design/methodology/approach: This paper indicates a multi-stakeholder assessment method to examine various pandemic disaster facets through a structured discussion with different destination stakeholders. This study examines qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews from homestay owners, houseboat operators and government designators in Kerala. This study proposes a conceptual community resilience competency framework that could facilitate speedy crisis management responses. In this study, the sample comprises of nine respondents who play a pivotal role in the travel business, comprising the public sector, private sector, NGO's and community leaders. Findings: The qualitative findings identify Indias and the state of Kerala's roles in handling crisis management scenarios over internal strategies and strategy formulation. The results indicate that the supplementary industry practitioners explore tactical and strategic management initiatives to sustain their businesses. The dynamics of stakeholder engagement adopted by the state is given prominence. Originality/value: This study suggests mechanisms to re-establish the brand image and the possible strategies and suggestions that could help in the survival of the Kerala tourism industry in the post-disaster period. The new normal has been substantiated in the study by incorporating strategies and precautionary methods adopted by the homestay and houseboat operators so as to address the guests' safety concerns. 2021, International Tourism Studies Association.