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Learning Science: A Joyful Experience
Learning science and particularly subjects like chemistry is challenging for the gen zee students. The imaginative and thoughtful interventions by the teachers can tackle this to a great extent and make it enjoyable for the learners. This manuscript examines the basic concepts of learning sciences and the role of teachers in facilitating a joyful learning. A set of techniques for good learning to be reinforced and a set of wrong techniques which needs to be avoided are looked into. Concepts like adult learning, significance of history of science and lifelong learning are also discussed. This manuscript provides a good reading for the teachers who are new to the profession and students of science. 2025 National Science Teaching Association. -
Scientific Social Responsibility: A Means to Sustainability and Environmental Fairness
Science and scientific research lead any country in its journey of progress. At some point in history there are instances where scientific discoveries resulted in global disasters. We are living in an era of enormous threats to sustainable development. Multitudes of our brethren remain to live in poverty and are denied a life of dignity. There are growing disparities within and among nations. This made a rethinking on the entire process of scientific education and research in terms of its social commitment which resulted in government of India coming up with a policy document. This paper takes a close look at this policy document released by the department of science and technology government of India apart from looking at some of the global practices and suggestions. 2026 National Science Teaching Association. -
Exploring Socio-Political Factors and Quality of Life Among LGBT Individuals in India
The quality of life of queer individuals in India is a result of a complex sociopolitical climate which is what this study aims to explore through qualitative methodology. Previous research has explored the social factors that impact the wellbeing of LGBT individuals in western countries, while the impact of politics on the wellbeing of marginalized groups is still largely unexplored. Through thematic analysis, this study found that family support and peer networks are the two most important social structures that determine the quality of life of LGBT emerging adults in India, whereas the impact of politics on wellbeing depends on the level of political awareness of the participants and their socio-political privilege in terms of caste, class and gender. However, there were significant differences in the relevant factors that affect the quality of life for cisgender and transgender participants which leaves room for further research. The findings indicate intra-community conflicts and changing dynamics within the community, and there needs to be extensive research on understanding the intersectionality of different identities within the community and their impact on the lives of queer individuals. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Deconstructing the Homonormative Spaces: Mapping the Politics of Queering of Geographical Space in South Asian Narratives
A homonormative space is an extension of queer identity. It exemplifies an exclusionary spatial arrangement shaped by the liminality of its queer occupants. These spaces become exclusive geographical orchestrations, often mystified in their transient presence. Homonormative space can manifest in two primary ways: one with a fixed spatial arrangement frequented by queer individualssuch as parks, cinemas, or cafand the other marked by spatial liminality. Both types depend on their boundaries within a dominant heteronormative infrastructure and the prevailing tolerance levels under which queerness is expressed. A third configuration is the virtual homonormative space. These digital environments are less vulnerable to physical regulation and offer ephemeral, subversive possibilities for queer utopic futurity, aligning with Baudelaires notion of the transient, the fleeting and the contingent. However, both physical and digital queer spaces can also reproduce class-based exclusions. Bourgeois conventions often dictate access to visibility and safety, necessitating a materialist feminist critique. Neoliberal logics commodify queerness and reinforce exclusion through economic gatekeeping. This paper examines the anatomy of homonormative spaces in contemporary South Asia. Through close readings of queer South Asian poetry, it explores how space is queered, surveilled, tolerated, and erased, and how neoliberalism shapes spatial belonging and queer imaginaries. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Cinematic Witnessing as Queer-Affirmative Expressive Arts Practice: A Phenomenological Study of Vicarious Healing Among LGBTQIA+ Elders in India
This study examines the therapeutic and expressive potential of queer-themed Indian cinema as an arts-based intervention for LGBTQIA+ elders with trauma histories, positioning film-viewing as a structured modality of reflective witnessing and vicarious healing. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological design, the research engaged 12 LGBTQIA+-identified elders (six trans women and six cisgender gay men), aged 6073 years in India to explore how mirror scenes in cinema activate emotional resonance, memory retrieval, and identity integration. Narrative data from two rounds of in-depth interviews revealed four cross-cutting thematic clusters, Quiet Survival, Reclaiming Worth, Healing Mirrors, and Chosen Kinship, demonstrating how film functions as a psychologically containing, aesthetically mediated space for meaning-making. Grounded in intersectionality, affect theory, queer-affirmative trauma frameworks, and expressive arts therapy, the findings illustrate how cinematic encounters support affect regulation, narrative re-authoring, and embodied self-recognition. The study also highlights how caste, class, gender identity, and historical criminalization under Section 377 shape viewers readiness for and access to media-based healing, with trans Dalit elders articulating cinema as both an emotional refuge and a site of political affirmation. Overall, the research contributes an empirically anchored model for integrating film into creative arts therapies, offering a culturally responsive conceptual pathway for trauma-informed elder mental health practice within similar socio-cultural contexts. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
On estimation of extropy for non-negative data with application on uniformity testing
{Poisson weights-based density estimator is used to estimate the extropy function to the non-negative data}. The traditional class of nonparametric extropy estimators, typically constructed using kernel density estimators with symmetric kernels, is not well suited for non-negative data. To address this limitation, we propose two Poisson-weights-based density estimators that are naturally adapted to the non-negative domain. The asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators are rigorously established, providing theoretical support for their use. A comprehensive simulation study demonstrates that both estimators outperform their conventional kernel-based counterparts in terms of bias and mean squared error. Furthermore, we introduce uniformity tests based on extropy and obtain their critical values through simulation. The practical utility of the proposed methods is illustrated through analyses of real data sets. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Computational and Experimental Evaluation of Serpentine Bipolar Plate Designs for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
The performance of a fuel cell is greatly affected by various parameters, with bipolar plates being a key component. The design of flow channels within these plates, whether serpentine, parallel, or interdigitated, directly impacts reactant distribution, water management, and pressure regulation. These aspects are essential for optimizing the fuel cells efficiency and functionality. In this study, six different designs of bipolar plate flow fields with serpentine patterns are explored, and these designs are simulated using computational fluid dynamics. The designs include various configurations, including serpentine flow with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 channels and a quadrant serpentine flow. Through analysis of pressure and velocity distributions, the serpentine flow, the 2-channel design emerges as the most efficient, providing balanced pressure distribution and low velocity. Subsequently, these bipolar plates are fabricated using milling centers and tested in a computerized fuel cell workstation, with results compared to those of a conventional single serpentine bipolar plate. Experimental findings reveal that the serpentine flow, 2-channel design exhibits a 5% improvement in performance compared to the traditional single-channel fuel cell design. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Mythistorical Construction of Divinity and Femininity in Early Mohiniyattam Manuals
The history of Indian classical dances has been shaped by nation-building ideologies that constructed a culturally sanctioned past. For Mohiniyattam, a classical dance from Kerala, dance manuals have constructed a religious and gendered narrative, often relying on myths to comprehend its fragmented history. This paper explores the mythistorical narratives in the dance manuals of four early Mohiniyattam practitioners: Kalamandalam Kalyanikutty Amma, Kalamandalam Sathyabhama, Dr. Kanak Rele, and Bharati Shivaji. Through textual analysis and contextual interpretation, we explain how mythistorical accounts of divinity and femininity shape the sociocultural and bodily dynamics of the performance and the performer. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Exploring Spiritual Beliefs and Quality of Life Among Transwomen (Hijra) in South India
The study aims to explore and investigate the relationship between spiritual beliefs and quality of life (QoL) among transwomen (Hijra) in South India. In one way, discrimination faced by transwomen in religious spaces may contribute to weakened spiritual beliefs, which may contribute to poor quality of life. In other ways, spiritual beliefs help them to improve their quality of life. Hence, it would be essential to explore how transwomen of different faiths relate spiritual beliefs to mental health and QoL. This study is a quantitative cross-sectional exploration of a sample of 302 transwomen selected using convenient sampling from five states of South India. The tools were culturally validated (n = 15) before being used for the study, and the reliability of the Spiritual Belief Scale (SBS), ? = 0.886; Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), ? = 0.926; and Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-Brief), ? = 0.953 was confirmed. Spearmans correlation, multiple linear regression, and mediation analysis were conducted to understand the relationship among the variables. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between spiritual beliefs and QoL. Depression, anxiety, and stress have a significant negative relationship with QoL. Spiritual beliefs are strong predictors of the QoL of transwomen, and they mediate the connection between depression, anxiety, stress, and QoL. This study emphasizes addressing transwomens mental health and QoL through counseling approaches that integrate and reinforce their spiritual beliefs. The findings show the urgent need for targeted culturally sensitive interventions and longitudinal studies to address these factors and enhance the well-being of the transwoman community. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Virtual leadership program for adolescents with muscular dystrophy: a process evaluation
Children with muscular dystrophy go through the challenge of moving into adolescence compounded with the challenge of living with a debilitating muscle disease. This paper describes the process evaluation of a group leadership program for adolescents with muscular dystrophy. A five-day online program was conducted for 14 participants, 12 males, and 2 females, between 13 and 18 years, beneficiaries of Mobility in Dystrophy (MIND) trust, Kerala, India. The sessions, which lasted around one and a half hours each, focused on self-discovery through a participatory strength-based approach. The participants feedback was thematically analyzed. The process evaluation parameters, fidelity, dose delivered and received, reach, and context were found to be effective. The 100% attendance of the participants and their perceived improvement in self-confidence, self-awareness, friends circle, skills-set, and leadership were identified as positive outcomes. Psychosocial intervention programs through the online platform, with structured follow-ups for adolescents with life-limiting conditions would be beneficial. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Womens perceived social support through self-help group: case study of Kudumbashree from capital district of Kerala
This study examines Kudumbashree, a womens self-help group (SHG) with a strong emphasis on microcredit, in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala state in India. It is a valuable program because it provides access to credit and savings mechanisms, fosters a sense of agency, decision-making power, and social support among women in these areas. The study explores the demographic characteristics of members, their involvement in SHGs, and compares perceived social support levels across different demographic groups. The study uses a cross-sectional survey of 502 women using an extensive demographic questionnaire and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) questionnaire. The study participants were mostly older, married women who were primarily housewives from both nuclear and joint families, predominantly in rural areas. Many women had been SHG members for over a decade and actively participated in meetings and decision-making. The study revealed that women with lower education levels, rural and those saving more than 300 INR monthly perceived higher social support from family and overall. Considering that women in rural India averaged around 250 INR in daily earnings from casual labor during 2022, the fact that a substantial number of participants saved more than 300 INR monthly highlights the significance of their savings. The study contributes to the understanding of Kudumbashree SHGs and emphasizes their role in providing social support, financial empowerment, and a sense of community. The study also highlights the need for ongoing support and capacity building to further enhance their impact. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Impact of porous nanoparticles on the electro-optical and dielectric parameters of nematic liquid crystals for display applications: Cost effective approach
In this study, several vital electro-optical and dielectric properties of nematic liquid crystal (NLC) dispersed with porous carbon nanoparticles (PCNP) with three different concentrations were measured. NLCs are birefringent materials. Increased birefringence was observed for NLC-PCNP composites. Dielectric study was also performed for NLC dispersed with PCNPs. Dielectric anisotropy was found to be increased for PCNP dispersed NLC system. Contrast ratio was also measured for NLC dispersed with PCNP, and it is found to be enhanced. Decreased threshold voltage was observed after dispersing PCNP into NLC. High birefringence reduces the cell gap so this work may be applicable in the making of flat panel displays (FPDs). 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Numerical study on magnetohydrodynamics micropolar Carreau nanofluid with Brownian motion and thermophoresis effect
The current work explores the investigation of the influence of nonlinear thermal radiation on unsteady, magnetohydrodynamics boundary layer flow of micropolar Carreau nanofluid past a stretching sheet. Viscous dissipation, internal heating, Brownian motion, heat source/sink, thermophoresis, chemical reaction, and Joule heating effects are considered in the study. To analyze the model, the governing partial differential equations are rephrased and written in the non-dimensional form with the relevant dimensionless quantities. To obtain the solutions, the nonlinear non-dimensional governing equations are numerically solved using finite difference approximation. The impact of every significant flow parameter on fluid motion, micro-rotation, temperature, concentration, surface drag, heat, and mass transfer rates are presented through plotted graphs and tables. It is noted from the study that the fluid flow and angular motion increase, whereas the temperature declines with higher values of the micropolar constant. Further, it is noticed that thermal distribution is a rising function of radiation parameter, and due to the nonlinear thermal radiation effect, there is an increase of 4.903% in temperature distribution when compared to linear thermal radiation. To support the validity of the solutions, a comparison was made with notable results from the existing literature for the specific case of this study. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Analysis of a mathematical model of the aggregation process of cellular slime mold within the frame of fractional calculus
The pivotal aim of the present study is to find the solution for a nonlinear system describing the aggregation process of cellular slime mold by using (Formula presented.) -homotopy analysis transform method. The coupled system is considered within the frame of the Caputo fractional operator. We examine three different cases with distinct values of sensitivity function (Formula presented.), (Formula presented.) and (Formula presented.) to exemplify the efficiency and applicability of the considered scheme. We capture the nature of the obtained results with respect to the fractional order, with distinct initial conditions, and illustrate them using 2D and 3D plots for particular values of the parameters. The considered scheme offers parameters, which help to adjust the convergence region, and we plotted the ?-curves to dissipate the effect in the present framework. Moreover, some simulating and important behavior of the considered model using attained results shows the prominence of the hired operator while analyzing the coupled equations and confirms the competence of the projected scheme. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
New discrete trigonometric distributions: estimation with application to count data
In this research, we contribute to the development of original discrete distributions for count data analysis. We elaborate four new and different discrete trigonometric distributions with two parameters based on a discretization of the so-called sin-Weibull, cos-Weibull, tan-Weibull, and type II tan-Weibull distributions. We investigate the advantages of the proposed distributions and their trigonometric nature for capturing count data. In particular, some fundamental distributional properties of the discrete sin-Weibull distribution are derived. Subsequently, we turn it into a statistical model. Parameter estimation by the maximum likelihood and proportion of zeros and ones methods are then discussed. A simulation study is carried out to evaluate some frequentist properties of the developed methodology. As the study focuses mainly on the practical aspect, the applicability of the proposed models is evaluated using real-count datasets from various fields. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Efficacy of in-person versus digital mental health interventions for postpartum depression: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Aim: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of in-person and digital mental health interventions in addressing Postpartum Depression. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, the protocol for this meta-analysis was registered at the Open Science Framework (Retrieved from osf.io/wy3s4). This meta analysis included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) conducted between 2013 and 2023. A comprehensive literature search identified 35 eligible RCTs from various electronic databases. Inclusion criteria focused on pregnant women over 18 years old, encompassing antenatal depression and up to two years postpartum. Diagnostic interviews or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were used to establish PPD. Digital interventions included telephonic, app-based, or internet-based approaches, while in-person interventions involved face-to-face sessions. Results: The meta-analysis revealed a moderate overall effect size of ?0.69, indicating that psychological interventions are effective for PPD. Digital interventions (g = ?0.86) exhibited a higher mean effect size than in-person interventions (g = ?0.55). Both types of interventions displayed substantial heterogeneity (digital: I2 = 99%, in-person: I2 = 92%), suggesting variability in intervention content, delivery methods, and participant characteristics. Conclusion: Digital mental health interventions show promise in addressing PPD symptoms, with a potentially greater effect size compared to in-person interventions. However, the high heterogeneity observed in both modalities underscores the need for further research to identify key drivers of success and tailor interventions to diverse populations. Additionally, the choice between digital and in-person interventions should consider individual needs and preferences. Ongoing research should further investigate and optimise intervention modalities to better serve pregnant women at risk of PPD. 2024 Society for Reproductive & Infant Psychology. -
The secret sauce: factors influencing the effectiveness of virtual influencer endorsements
Riding on the waves of growing popularity, virtual influencers (VIs) are reshaping the influencer marketing landscape. The proliferation of generative AI has further accelerated their commercial adoption, with global brands such as Chanel, Prada, and Balenciaga entering into endorsement deals with these artificial entities. Nevertheless, the extant literature remains fragmented and inconclusive in assessing the effectiveness of such endorsements, thereby necessitating a comprehensive inquiry into what makes VIs effective endorsers. To address this gap, the current study employs the Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM) methodology and is the first to provide a comprehensive hierarchical framework that organises the disparate findings into a structured, multi-stage cascade of effects. In addition, a MICMAC analysis is conducted to determine the relative importance of each factor based on its driving and dependence power. The findings offer actionable implications for VI creators, advertisers, and brand managers, alongside expanding the current body of literature. 2025 Advertising Association. -
Indian perspectives on single-session therapy: an initial qualitative study with psychiatric social workers
Single-Session Therapy (SST) is an emerging approach to mental-health service delivery that maximises the value of a single clinical encounter. It is gaining traction globally for its brevity and potential to address mental health concerns. This study explores perspectives of five Psychiatric Social Workers (PSWs) at a premier Indian psychiatric institute regarding SSTs suitability for the Indian population. Hybrid thematic analysis of a focus group discussion reveals both promising potential and significant challenges for adapting SST to the Indian context. Although participants noted that intentional one-time visits are currently uncommon at their institution, they identified SST as a responsive intervention for addressing caregiver burden and preventing relapse, suggesting its value as a responsive and opportunity-based intervention. Participants raised practical concerns regarding session structure, time constraints, and unpredictability of client return. Despite these cautions, they recognised SSTs potential to widen access to care in India. The discussion emphasises on need for specialised training, supervision, regulatory frameworks, and broader mental health promotion efforts to incorporate SST as a viable therapeutic intervention delivery method. This preliminary investigation serves as a valuable springboard for further research on the potential of SST in a country like India. 2026 GAPS. -
Fluorescent chiral nematogens derived from naturally occurring moieties
We discuss the synthesis and characterisation of new non-symmetric liquid crystal dimers of cholesteryl n-(4-formyl-2-methoxyphenoxy)alkanoates by tethering cholesterol and vanillin. Spectroscopic characterisation such as IR, 1H and 13C NMR used to confirm the molecular structures. Mesophase properties are assessed using polarising optical microscopy (POM) and differentially scanning calorimeter (DSC). All the dimers in the series display liquid crystalline phase particularly cholesteric and smectic A* phases. Additionally, a UV-Vis study showed that the molecules self-assemble into H-aggregates with strong fluorescence emission. DFT studies provide insights into molecular geometry, electronic structure, and energy states, enabling detailed estimations of chemical behaviour and interactions. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Tele-law for legal education: exploring service learning in Indian law schools
The tele-law programme started in 2017 in India is an initiative to provide free online legal consultation to any citizen throughout India. The tele-law platform, and its mobile application, is accessible to any citizen in need of legal aid who can use it for getting consultation through empanelled lawyers. The application currently faces issues in accessibility due to illiteracy and the digital divide. This paper attempts the integration of the tele-law framework with legal aid clinics for achieving the two-fold objective of service learning for law students as well as ease of access to legal aid for beneficiaries. The paper analyses the barriers to legal aid highlighting the unmet legal aid needs in India and examines the tele-law schemes framework. After examining the legal framework, the responses from law school clinics in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India, and the survey responses of law students on service learning, the paper proposes a framework for involving law students in tele-law for case registration, beneficiary assistance, and legal advice. The paper concludes by recommending a model for integrating tele-law to enhance service learning in legal education, which can be applied by legal aid clinics around the globe. 2025 The Association of Law Teachers.