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Multi-metal phytoremediation using Salvinia molesta: the role of EDDS and SDS in enhancing metal removal efficiency
Significant environmental damage to aquatic ecosystems is caused by heavy metals, and the situation necessitates strategies against the contaminants. The present study was intended to explore Salvinia molestas potential for the phytoremediation of contaminating water to remove three metals: chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd), with an emphasis on the influence of chemical amendments, ethylene diamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), applied independently. Plants were treated for a period of 60 days with single and combined metal solutions supplemented with EDDS (0.050.2%) and SDS (0.52%), and responses were measured through morphological factors and biochemical indicators, including bioaccumulation factor (BAF) with translocation factor (TF) used cautiously due to the floating habit of S. molesta. It was observed that S. molesta was capable of substantial heavy metal accumulation, with the highest accumulation recorded under EDDS amended and SDS amended treatments at elevated metal concentrations. EDDS treatments primarily enhanced metal bioavailability and uptake while maintaining plant growth and physiological stability under moderate metal stress, whereas SDS treatments, particularly at higher concentrations, resulted in increased metal accumulation accompanied by reductions in biomass, chlorophyll content and protein levels, indicating stress driven accumulation linked to altered membrane permeability. The application of EDDS or SDS resulted in higher metal uptake compared to untreated controls, with BAF values reaching 3.8 for Cr, 4.2 for Ni, and 3.5 for Cd; however, maximum accumulation under SDS treatments did not consistently correspond to biologically sustainable phytoremediation performance. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between treatments and control in metal bioavailability following amendment application, highlighting a dose-dependent tradeoff between metal uptake efficiency and plant health. This study represents the first integrated evaluation of EDDS and SDS under multi-metal (CrNiCd) conditions in S. molesta, addressing a major gap in chemical-assisted phytoremediation research. Future work should be aimed at determining the optimum concentrations of these chemical amendments to facilitate the scale-up of phytoremediation projects. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Investigation of the therapeutic potential of daphnetin, derived from Daucus carota leaves, against colorectal cancer: insights from in-silico, DFT, in-vitro, and fluorescence studies on its interactions with proteins
Daphnetin (NAP) has a sophisticated structure containing two oxygen-linked rings, which have long attracted medicinal chemists in the drug discovery process. Daphnetin features a coumarin structure with two hydroxy groups positioned side by side at the 7th and 8th carbons, making it an essential component for developing a novel triple point co-prodrug. We have isolated NAP from the leaves of Daucus carota (commonly known as carrot). NAP showed a good docking score with the EGFR protein obtained from network pharmacology, while molecular dynamics simulations evaluated the stability. ROS generation assays, MTT assays, etc. confirmed that NAP exhibits significant cytotoxic effects on HCT-116 cells. An investigation of the reverse phase interaction of NAP with BSA and ovalbumin, where proteins are added to the ligand solution, demonstrated fluorescence enhancement, ensuing in a observable colour transformation from neutral to blue, through binding-constants of 4.8 104 M?1 and 2.08 104 M?1. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Reclaiming Selfhood: Transfeminine Identity in the Poetry of Justice Ameer and Golden
Despite increased visibility of trans identities in contemporary US discourse, Black transfeminine individuals remain subjected to systemic violence, societal misrecognition, and cultural erasure, exacerbated by the fraught political climate under administrations that alternately advance and restrict transgender rights. This paper explores the transformative potential of Black transfeminine poetry as a site of self-representation and resistance against hegemonic frameworks of gender, race, and identity. Through a close reading of select poems by Justice Ameer and Golden, the analysis highlights how their works challenge cisnormative and patriarchal narratives, reclaim authority over gender representation and illuminate the fluidity of identity as a process of resilience and resistance. Drawing on themes of memory, trauma, community, and agency, this paper situates their poetry as both a critique of systemic marginalisation and a radical act of reimagination. By positioning their works within the broader socio-political context of the United States, the paper underscores how Black transfeminine poetics not only confront societal erasure but also construct spaces of affirmation and liberation. Through these explorations, the paper demonstrates the capacity of poetry to subvert oppressive narratives, assert the multiplicity of identity, and envision transformative possibilities for transfeminine existence. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Exploring Symbolism and Myth in the Motifs of Pashmina Shawls: A Semiotic Analysis
The motifs adorning the pashmina shawl serve as a visual testimony to its association with Persian art, which significantly influenced the region. The advent of Islam in Kashmir during the 14th century ushered in a new era of artistic expression, wherein Muslim artists incorporated floral and arboreal motifs to enhance the esthetic appeal of textiles, architecture, and other facets of material culture. The main objective of this study is to examine the myth and narrative included in motifs found on Kashmiri pashmina shawls in light of Barthess mythological framework. The study reevaluates the paisley motif, attributing its creativity to Kashmiri artisans, and contributes significantly to documenting and conserving Kashmiri textile heritage. Through primary data analysis, it offers fresh insights into the motifs meanings and challenges conventional narratives. This study looked into the significance of floral motifs that are frequently used on pashmina shawls. This study depends upon the conclusions derived from the firsthand information collected from Kashmiri academicians, artisans, and secondary sources. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Breaking down the barrier: exploring queer young adults experience with counselling
This study explores the impact of counselling on the mental health of queer young adults in India. The research uses qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, to understand how counselling impacts their identities and well-being. The study involved 12 participants aged 1825, representing diverse genders and sexual orientations across different regions of India. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: Queer Identity: Recognized, Misrecognized, and Negotiated in Therapy, Queer recommendations for inclusive care, and Empowering queer mental health journey. Each main theme revealed three sub-themes. The study emphasises the importance of therapists competence, empathy, and affirmative practices in creating a supportive therapeutic environment for queer young adults. The participant narratives highlight the complex character of the therapeutic process, going beyond professional interventions to include concepts like belonging, empowerment, and validation. 2026 College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists. -
Nature metaphors in Kalyanikutty Ammas Mohiniyattam body aesthetics
Mohiniyattam is a classical dance tradition from the state of Kerala in India, which is bestowed with a feminine identity. Scholars have theorised this feminine identity as self-enforced, constructed and regional. Unique to Mohiniyattam is the inherent relationship with nature. Nature association can be observed in the tradition of Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, one of the revivalists of Mohiniyattam. This paper will closely read the dance manual Mohiniyattam: Charithravum Aattaprakaaravum by Kalyanikutty Amma, focussing on Ammas use of nature metaphor for body movement. Dance theorist Sondra Fraleighs ideation of the lived and poetic body will be used to understand the experience and expression of nature as a movement quality. Further, Kavya Krishnas theorisation of gender performativity in Mohiniyattam and the discussions on regionality and naturality in movement will bring into effect an ecofeminist reading of Ammas dance aesthetics. This paper will also examine the metaphorical nomenclature that constructs nature as a feminine quality in the body movements and aesthetics of Mohiniyattam. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Nature metaphors in Kalyanikutty Ammas Mohiniyattam body aesthetics
Mohiniyattam is a classical dance tradition from the state of Kerala in India, which is bestowed with a feminine identity. Scholars have theorised this feminine identity as self-enforced, constructed and regional. Unique to Mohiniyattam is the inherent relationship with nature. Nature association can be observed in the tradition of Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, one of the revivalists of Mohiniyattam. This paper will closely read the dance manual Mohiniyattam: Charithravum Aattaprakaaravum by Kalyanikutty Amma, focussing on Ammas use of nature metaphor for body movement. Dance theorist Sondra Fraleighs ideation of the lived and poetic body will be used to understand the experience and expression of nature as a movement quality. Further, Kavya Krishnas theorisation of gender performativity in Mohiniyattam and the discussions on regionality and naturality in movement will bring into effect an ecofeminist reading of Ammas dance aesthetics. This paper will also examine the metaphorical nomenclature that constructs nature as a feminine quality in the body movements and aesthetics of Mohiniyattam. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
When cloth colours become markers of caste identities: ritual performance and caste politics in contemporary Kerala
Keralas caste hierarchy, characterised by untouchability and social exclusion, historically provoked protests demanding temple entry and basic rights for marginalised Hindus. In 2024, during the centenary of the 1924 Vaikom Satyagraha, the annual Ashtami festival at the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple featured women participating in the Poothalam ritual procession and wearing colour-coded blouses that signified caste identities. The temple re-emerges as a ritual space where caste distinctions become publicly visible, which transforms a commemorative event into a site for expressing caste identities. This article argues that the colour-coded blouses worn in the ritual procession reconfigure caste as a performative and embodied marker of identity. The article further demonstrates how ritual practices re-inscribe historical hierarchies in contemporary Kerala. The study analyses media narratives and ritual symbolism to connect the historical struggle for equality with contemporary representations of caste in Kerala and draws on theories of social construction, cultural memory, and subaltern identity. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Environmental value development among preadolescents: a content analysis of reflective responses
Addressing the environmentally detrimental values prevalent in society in the context of rapid climate change is the need of the hour. Combining empathy with cognitive skills such as reflective thinking effectively creates new values among people. The present study attempts to reveal the pattern of environmental value development among 33 preadolescents by reflecting upon the empathy-generating story experiences and the related contents. The study is part of a more extensive quasi-experimental study, and it specifically performs a content analysis on the participants responses in their workbooks. Biospheric nature-related values are the most highly developed, and social justice is the least developed value, implying the need to focus more on the value of social justice. Stories are aids, and reflective thinking and empathetic elicitation are effective techniques for passing environmental values. Empathy generation instead of negative emotions from self-concern and emotion regulation through reflective thinking may be helpful to promote well-being in the context of climate change. Reflective thinking helps environmental value development by enhancing comprehension, emotion regulation, and self-awareness of values, implying a shift from telling the moral of a story to exploring the same through reflective thinking. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Masculinities, tlawmngaihna, and mizo nationalism: Why soft, pretty Mizo men are perceived as a threat
Masculinities are social and cultural attributes, roles and performances typically associated with being men. Through ethnography, this article explores the complicated position of soft masculinity in mizo cultural space and nationalist discourse. It looks at tlawmngaihna (mizo code of conduct) performances as hierarchies that are gendered and explains why mens tlawmngaihna are considered to be more visible and valuable. Using hegemonic masculinity theory, this article argues that mizo nationalism is masculinised which is fuelled by homophobia and anti-femininity. Ultimately, it explains the complexity of soft mizo masculinitys position and how they are involved but are non-visible in mizo cultural space. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Leveraging history to invoke nationalism: from the annals of history to social engineering of present and future in Hindi cinema
Nationalism calls for ones loyalty and affiliation towards their chosen nation. Various versions of nationalism emphasise that one must prioritise said nation above themselves and their personal ethics, hence, allowing the nation to overpower the nationalists individuality. In this article, we use Critical Discourse Analysis to deconstruct the narratives of nationalism as portrayed in two popular films, viz. The Kashmir Files and Uri: The Surgical Strike, which are based on real historical eventsthe exodus of Kashmiri Hindus and the surgical strike by the Indian Army in retaliation to the Uri attack. Both films use narrative strategies to frame key historical events into certain ideological contexts, and hence they serve the populist purpose of swaying viewers opinion in favour of the dominant socio-political class. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
At the frontlines of the invisible: PVDF/MWCNT nanocomposite shields
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites prepared by the solution casting method were examined for their electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI-SE) in the frequency range of the X band (8.212.4 GHz). The study revealed that increasing MWCNT concentration significantly enhances the electrical conductivity, and EMI shielding performance of the PVDF matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed uniform dispersion of MWCNTs within the polymer matrix, contributing to the formation of an effective conductive network. As the MWCNT concentration increased, a transition from insulating to conductive behaviour was observed, with 6 wt% MWCNT composites achieving a conductivity of 0.058 S?cm?1 and an EMI-SE of 22.5 dB. These results demonstrate that PVDF/MWCNT nanocomposites are promising materials for lightweight and efficient EMI shielding applications. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Exploring tourists metaverse experience using destination spatial presence quality & perceived augmentation: metaverse exploration, physical expedition (MEPE)
A recent surge of interest surrounds metaverse tourism, with researchers highlighting its potential to revolutionize the tourism industry and attract new travellers. This article delves into the key features of a tourist's metaverse experience that influence their desire to visit a destination in the real world using systems theory. In addition, the current study also explores the moderating role of FOMO (Fear of missing out) in few of the proposed relationships. The study is a cross-sectional descriptive investigation carried out among Indian tourists chosen based on the simple random sampling technique and is analyzed using the Smart PLS software. The findings of the study reveal that several attributes of a tourist's metaverse experience, including entertainment, interaction, trendiness, novelty, and intimacy, significantly enhance both the perceived quality of spatial presence within the destination and the level of perceived augmentation experienced by tourists. Notably, both these factors then exert a significant positive influence on a destination's brand equity, ultimately explaining tourists' intentions to visit the physical location. Interestingly, the moderating role of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) suggests that the relationship between brand equity and the likelihood of tourists undertaking a physical visit is strengthened as their perceived FOMO increases. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Steering through the pandemic: narrative analysis of school leader experiences in India
The COVID ?19 pandemic has disrupted the regular functioning of schools. Transitioning to online learning posed significant challenges to all stakeholders in the educational system. The continued changes and challenges due to the pandemic require school leaders to make intuitive decisions. School leaders vision and leadership styles can considerably impact successfully managing crises and challenges. The current study looks at the lived experiences of eight school leaders working in India. The data collected using an interview guide was subjected to narrative thematic analysis. The interviews were designed primarily in an open-ended manner to captivate the story of their experiences. The results yielded an understanding of how school leaders navigated through multiple challenges such as transitioning online, attending to student needs, financial challenges adopting crisis and collaborative leadership. The results highlight various personal feelings and experiences that helped the school leaders to hold up during the crisis. School leaders lack training in crisis management, and their mental health needs are neglected. The paper calls for professional support for school leaders in managing professional and personal challenges. The article gives direction for school professionals on focus areas and requirements in Indian schools. 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Steering through the pandemic: narrative analysis of school leader experiences in India
The COVID ?19 pandemic has disrupted the regular functioning of schools. Transitioning to online learning posed significant challenges to all stakeholders in the educational system. The continued changes and challenges due to the pandemic require school leaders to make intuitive decisions. School leaders vision and leadership styles can considerably impact successfully managing crises and challenges. The current study looks at the lived experiences of eight school leaders working in India. The data collected using an interview guide was subjected to narrative thematic analysis. The interviews were designed primarily in an open-ended manner to captivate the story of their experiences. The results yielded an understanding of how school leaders navigated through multiple challenges such as transitioning online, attending to student needs, financial challenges adopting crisis and collaborative leadership. The results highlight various personal feelings and experiences that helped the school leaders to hold up during the crisis. School leaders lack training in crisis management, and their mental health needs are neglected. The paper calls for professional support for school leaders in managing professional and personal challenges. The article gives direction for school professionals on focus areas and requirements in Indian schools. 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
AI and data-driven digital platforms: the case for establishing global minimum standards in competition law
AI and data-driven platforms have the potential to enable foreclosures, exclusionary and exploitative practices, resulting in the distortion of competition in the digital markets. The inherent conundrum of boundary-less AI and data-driven systems and territorial application of competition laws has created problems in cross-border digital markets. Countries have adopted divergent approaches in enforcing competition law, with some following the per se rule to categorically prohibit MFN clauses and others employing the rule of reason, assessing the anti-competitiveness of such agreements based on effects. Moreover, the countries have adopted either ex-post or ex-ante or a combination of both to regulate digital markets, deepening the divergence in competition, allowing AI and data-driven practices to enable regulatory arbitrage. To establish divergences in regulating the digital markets, the research adopts a comparative approach, analysing the competition law statutes and case laws across jurisdictions. Although competition laws must duly account for domestic market conditions, bringing harmonisation in their enforcement across jurisdictions remains imperative. Adopting a global minimum standard for competition law is a necessary step towards bringing consistency in the application of the competition laws across countries and equipping the competition law enforcement body to confront AI and data-driven market distortions in cross-border digital platforms. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Who mourns for her? The death and Re-death of Yakshi
In the Indian cultural lexicon, the term Yakshi refers to an enigmatic supernatural entity whose disposition can oscillate between benign and malevolent. This duality underscores the ambiguity and complexity inherent in traditional Indian narratives concerning gender and paranormal beings. In regional narratives from the southern state of Kerala, Yakshi embodies both demonic and divine essence. This phenomenon reflects a complex interaction between cultural beliefs, supernatural lore, and practices aimed at controlling or neutralising perceived threats from beyond the human realm. This paper focuses on investigating and delineating the progression leading to the death of Yakshi and analysing the subsequent integration into the natural environment. By examining literary/cultural narratives alongside gender and environmental symbolism, this study seeks to understand the transformation of Yakshi from a mythical figure to an intrinsic part of nature, particularly in the ambiguities surrounding Yakshis death, burial and mourning. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Intersecting queer rights and legislative theatre in India: advocacy narrative of power, justice and expression
Queer activism and Legislative Theatre (LT) converge in myriad ways at their intersection, influencing and shaping each other. The present work investigates how LT can help to identify queer marginalisation in the fissured legal paradigm of India. It explores how LT can address the hegemonic silencing of the queer from an advocacy perspective. Our conviction is that the LT challenges the entrenched power structures against a queer-inclusive democratic space, offers a blueprint to advance queer dialogue, and coalition-building for legislation and policy discussions. It is the time when such a potent artistic activism must shape the public discourse. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Locations of environmental marginalisation and resistance: mapping environmental movements in India
This paper intends to revisit some of the environmental movements in India to examine how environmental exploitation intersects with the social locations of those affected, drawing on insights from prominent environmentalists and historians like Madhav Gadgil and Ramachandra Guha. Their work underscores that environmental movements in India often come from the grassroots, driven by the poor. In countries like India, socio-economic marginalisation and poverty intensify the impact of environmental degradation on the poor. Moreover, the concept of development in India remains largely detached from social welfare. Similarly, the compensations for the displacement and other damages caused by unsustainable development are also highly influenced by social hierarchies like caste. The significant involvement of participant protesters from socially and economically marginalised communities in both historical and ongoing environmental movements highlights their vulnerability and underscores the deep-seated inequalities they confront. Their active participation reflects not only their struggle against environmental degradation but also their fight to reclaim and protect their lost land. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
The living archive: memory, design-innovation and cross-cultural life of the pashmina shawls
This research explores the history and modern developments within the realm of pashmina shawl craftsmanship. It explores these shawls over time and influences on their design and craftsmanship used in their construction. From their influences rooted in artistic traditions to the challenges they face today. This research explores the evolution of design, with the adoption of floral patterns prevalent in seventeenth-century India by Kashmiri designers and tracing the subsequent development of a distinctive visual language characterized by innovative adaptations. It examines contemporary trends in the industry, illustrating how traditional craftsmanship has adapted to meet the demands of contemporary fashion. Through this analysis, the research aims to provide valuable insights into the enduring allure and evolving nature of the pashmina shawl art. The article discusses how artisans often hesitate to adopt new designs due to concerns about the time and effort involved in crafting these artefacts. However, there is a willingness among artisans to collaborate with professional designers, offering hope for the conservation of pashmina designs and crafting. Today, these shawls continue to connect the past and the present, it reveals how innovation and adaptation have always been central to the craft. In the present, this legacy is kept alive as artisans reimagine heritage patterns for contemporary audiences. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.