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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Synthesis of Inorganic Nanoparticles Using Traditionally Used Indian Medicinal Plants
Considering the exclusive environmental conditions and geological characteristics, Indian flora is extensive and rich in medicinal plants. From primeval times, plant parts and their metabolites have been widely explored for various practices including medicinal as well as culinary. The phytochemicals present in these plants are potential reducing agents for the bio-fabrication of these nanoparticles. The non-toxic nature and combination of the plant phytochemicals with precursor ions act as key aspects for synthesized nanoparticles. The present review highlights the potential applications of Inorganic nanoparticles synthesized from 148 traditionally used medicinal plants present in the Indian geographical region. In addition, parameters that influence the green synthesis of Inorganic nanoparticles such as the extraction methods, solvents used for extraction, the concentration of precursor and plant phytochemicals, pH, temperature, reaction time, and characterization techniques of the nanoparticles are discussed. Thus, the review provides information on the research that has been done in the area of green synthesis using Indian medicinal plants. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. -
One-Pot Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Garcinia gummi-gutta: Characterisation, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-Cancerous and Photocatalytic Applications
Background: Methods like the bio-synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using plant extracts have become promising due to their eco-friendly approach. The study aimed to examine the utilization of Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit phytochemicals as agents in the biosynthesis of Ag NPs, evaluation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancerous properties, as well as the photocatalytic ability of bio-synthesized Ag NPs against Crystal Violet (CV), a triphenylmethane dye. Methods: The characterization of the physical properties of the Ag NPs synthesized via the green route was done using UVVis spectrophotometry (UVVis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Zeta potential analysis, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The dye degradation efficiency of CV was determined using synthesized Ag NPs under UV light by analyzing the absorption maximum at 579 nm. The antimicrobial efficacy of Ag NPs against E. coli, S. aureus, Candida tropicalis, and Candida albicans was examined using the broth dilution method. The antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of the synthesized Ag NPs were assessed using the DPPH and MTT assays. Results: The UV analysis revealed that the peak of synthesized Ag NPs was 442 nm. Data from FTIR, XRD, Zeta potential, SEM, and TEM analysis confirmed the formation of nanoparticles. The SEM and TEM analysis identified the presence of spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 29.12 nm and 24.18 nm, respectively. Maximum dye degradation efficiency of CV was observed at 90.08% after 320 min without any silver leaching, confirming the photocatalytic activity of Ag NPs. The bio-efficiency of the treatment was assessed using the Allium cepa root growth inhibition test, toxicity analysis on Vigna radiata, and Brine shrimp lethality assay. Conclusions: The findings revealed the environmentally friendly nature of green Ag NPs over physical/chemically synthesized Ag NPs. The synthesized Ag NPs can effectively be used in biomedical and photocatalytic applications. Copyright: 2023 The Author(s). -
Overall system performance analysis with distributed generation
Transmission system loadability enhancement using modern techniques are one of the interesting research areas under power system planning studies. This paper address the location of Distributed Generation (DG) in the network not only loadability enhancement but also for transmission loss minimization and voltage stability enhancement. We have proposed a novel strategic approach for DG location and size by considering (N-1) line contingency criterion. The approach is analyzed with IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 30-bus test systems. The results are validating the proposed approach for real-time applications. 2016 IEEE. -
War Strategy Optimization for Optimal Integration of Public Fast Charging Stations in Radial Feeders
In light of rising pollution and global warming, there is need for raising the acceptance rate of electric vehicles (EVs) across the globe for sustainable and clean transportation. However, low-voltage electrical distribution networks (EDN) are necessary to provide the electrical power needed to charge the EV batteries. Due to their radial construction and high r/x ration branches; these networks typically suffer from significant energy losses, inadequate voltage profiles, and low stability margins. Therefore, the performance of EDNs shouldnt be further compromised by the incorporation of EV charging stations. In light of this, this work presents a unique heuristic war strategy optimization (WSO) for integrating fast charging stations (FCS) as efficiently as possible utilizing the voltage stability index (VSI). The effect of equivalent EV load penetration in EDS is initially evaluated in terms of loss, voltage profile, and voltage stability for a certain number of EVs. Simulations are executed for IEEE 15-bus system for three different scenarios. The technological advantages seen in the simulations illustrate the efficiency of the suggested technique for real-time adaptation. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
An autonomic computing architecture for business applications
Though the vision of autonomic computing (AC) is highly ambitious, an objective analysis of autonomic computing and its growth in the last decade throw more incisive and decisive insights on its birth deformities and growth pains. Predominantly software-based solutions are being preferred to make IT infrastructures and platforms, adaptive and autonomic in their offerings, outputs, and outlooks. However the autonomic journey has not been as promising as originally envisaged by industry leaders and luminaries, and there are several reasons being quoted by professionals and pundits for that gap. Precisely speaking, there is a kind of slackness in articulating its unique characteristics, and the enormous potentials in business and IT acceleration. There are not many real-world applications to popularize the autonomic concept among the development community. Though, some inroads has been made into infrastructure areas like networking, load balancing etc., very few attempts has been exercised in application areas like ERP, SCM, or CRM. In this paper, we would like to dig and dive deeper to extract and explain where the pioneering and path-breaking autonomic computing stands today, and the varied opportunities and possibilities, which insists hot pursuit of the autonomic idea. A simplistic architecture for deployment of autonomic business applications is introduced and a sample implementation in an existing CRM system is described. This should form the basis of new start and ubiquitous application of AC concepts for business applications. 2012 IEEE. -
Upgradation of business applications with autonomic computing
Autonomic computing has come a long way since its inception a decade ago and has been positioned as a venerable and value-adding technology for producing and sustaining self-managing, real-time, and resilient systems for the future. A series of concerted efforts by multiple IT companies and academic research laboratories across the world have brought in a number of advancements in this discipline with vigorous study and research. A variety of proven and potential mathematical and computational concepts have been selected and synchronized to arrive at noteworthy improvements in the autonomic systems design, development, deployment, and delivery methods. Having understood the unique value-proposition and the significant achievements in the autonomic computing space, business executives and IT experts are consciously embracing the autonomic idea, which is very generic to be easily embedded in any kind of business and IT systems. However, the penetration of this technology into both IT and business applications has not been as originally envisaged by its creators due to various reasons. The business environment is still filled and saturated with large-scale packaged and monolithic applications. If the autonomic capabilities are innately squeezed into business and IT applications, then there can be major differentiators in how those applications function in seamlessly and spontaneously automating business operations. Both, existing as well as emerging applications can be targeted to become autonomic in their operations, outputs, and outlooks. In this paper, we have described how the leading enterprise packages (ERP, CRM, SCM, and so on.) can be enabled to be adaptive, highly available, secure, and scalable in their actions and reactions. The well-known enterprise applications such as CRM, Online Retail, and Marketing with focus on self-optimization characteristics are described here. A detailed analysis of a Discount Manager in an online retail scenario is also explained. The simulation results obtained clearly show how embedded autonomic capability is very close to human thinking and decision-making ability. 2013 ACM. -
Cholesterol reduction and heavy metal assimilation characteristics of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains isolated from pickle and moor-kuzhambu
Aims: Consumption of fermented foods are known to provide various health benefits. The present study was aimed to isolate novel potent probiotic strains 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. Methodology and results: Cultures isolated from Pickle (CK2) and Moor Kuzhambu (CK3) were identified as different strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus using the 16S rDNA sequence-based bacterial identification method. The study analysed the survival of probiotic strains under the influence of various chemical and natural stimulants. The isolated strains exhibited tolerance to gastric juice and were able to exhibit a broad range of tolerance to varying temperatures, pH, NaCl, solvent, phenol, trypsin and artificial gastric juice. Microencapsulation studies were conducted using alginate and chitosan to increase the shelf life of the isolated probiotic. Preliminary analysis regarding cell surface studies such as autoaggregation, co-aggregations and cell surface hydrophobicity determined the ability of the strains to aggregate on to intestinal cell surface and manifest competitive pathogen displacement. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Remarkable biofilm reduction of 48% to 80% was observed in the probiotic-supplemented samples. Similarly, a reduction of 80% to 85% free cholesterol was noted in cholesterol assimilation assays and heavy metal (Cu+, Pb+, Zn+ and Fe+) assimilation ability was observed. Further studies are required to characterize the nature of the secretory products and their mode of action in the survival and immune enhancement in animal models. 2023, Malaysian Journal of Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. -
Review on Dietary Factors in Fermented Foods and their Efficacy in Disease Management
The process of preservation of various food sources, over time, gave rise to fermented foods. Traditionally, each ethnic group has its distinct fermented food(s) incorporated into their diet, both as culinary enjoyment and nutrition. Fermentation increases nutrient availability and enhances the texture and flavor of the original food. The benefits of fermented food consumption and potential probiotic intake are discussed in this review. The review describes mechanism(s) of action of bioactive components from fermented foods on the human system, their role in health management, and an overview of the role of fermented foods in improving diseases, namely obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hematological cancers, and radiation-induced diarrhea in cancer patients and allergies are briefly reviewed. 2022 Bentham Science Publishers. -
Poetry writing can enhance character formation in school students through the application of rational emotive behavior theory
This study explores the role of poetry writing and the ABC model of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in promoting character development and moral behavior among students. The study used DAS SF1 and SF2 and assessed poetic talent using a poetry attitude and knowledge test. Forty-eight students were selected using the purposive method from five Convent schools, along with five teachers. Following a two-month intervention of 30 sessions, the researcher conducted interviews to evaluate the methods efficacy. Content analysis of the integrated poetry writing and REBT program was performed using NVivo, while both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS. The study found significant positive correlations between the integration of REBT and improved behavior, suggesting that incorporating poetry writing into the curriculum can enhance students behavior and attitudes. 2024 National Association for Poetry Therapy. -
Sibling influence on musical identity in emerging adults
A key characteristic and an important task of emerging adulthood is identity development. Music provides an important context for identity development, especially in emerging adults, and siblings in turn play an important role in the process of identity development. Using a qualitative narrative approach, this study aims to understand the role of siblings in the musical identity development of emerging adults. Five emerging adults between the age range of 1825years were recruited and interviewed individually. Thematic narrative analysis of the transcripts gave rise to 3 themes: Sibling Relationships, Early Identity and Discrepancy, and The Growth Journey. Overall, it was evident that siblings played a crucial role and had a large impact on the identity development process of the participants. This study provided support for Arnett's theory of emerging adulthood, with identity exploration being a defining feature of this developmental period. Further, the study also supported the notion of important others impacting the identity verification process according to identity control theory. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023.