Browse Items (16481 total)
Sort by:
-
Biological extraction of chitin from fish scale waste using proteolytic bacteria Stenotrophomonas koreensis and its possible application as an active packaging material
Chitin being the second most abundant polymer found in nature has extensive application and versatile material properties including biocompatibility. Extraction of chitin from diverse sources are majorly done using chemical extraction methods using high concentration of alkali that makes the method non eco-friendly and economically non-viable. This calls for eco-friendly methods of chitin extraction from cost-effective substrates through green methods. This research work presents a simplified one-step biological extraction of chitin from fish scales by successive fermentation using Stenotrophomonas koreensis isolated from soil. The fermentative approach for chitin extraction from fish scales using S. koreensis enzyme activity is not reported elsewhere in the available literature to the best of our knowledge. Chitin yield of 28% (w/w) was obtained after the successive fermentation. The extracted polymer was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, the possibility of converting extracted chitin into an active packaging material was explored by chemically, converting it to chitosan followed by analysis of its DPPH scavenging activity. The DPPH radical scavenging activity varied from 67.025 to 80.2%, which corresponds to 0.25 to 2mg/mL of chitosan. The chitosan films fabricated were subjected to biodegradation studies using soil burial method. Biodegradation rate of chitosan films was observed to be 21.49 0.62% (w/w) after 50days of incubation. Thus, the present research work highlights an integrated waste valorization strategy through microbial fermentation for commercially important biopolymer production. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023. -
Valorization of Fish Waste for Chitosan Production: A Sustainable Approach
Fish waste can be used as an ideal substrate for extraction of commercially important bio-polymers like chitosan. Chitosan is a versatile biopolymer with various biological and chemical properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and antimicrobial properties and can be a major applicant in different industries. The present research work focuses on extracting chitosan from fish scale waste through chemical extraction methods. Demineralization in this study is done using 1% HCl for 36 hours at 150 rpm and deproteinization is done using dilute 0.5N NaOH for 18 hours at 150 rpm. The final step deacetylation is done using a concentrated 40% NaOH solution at 90?C for 6 hours. The extracted chitosan had a yield of 12% per 100g of fish scale and characterization was done using FTIR, XRD, TGA and DSC. Further the possibility of fabrication of chitosan films followed by assessing their biodegradability will be the future scope of the work. The Electrochemical Society -
A Short Review on Recent Applications of Chitosan Biopolymer in Gene and Drug Delivery
The battle of the human race with genetic disorders was prevailing from the time immemorial. Revolutions and modernizations in science and technology have clearly improved our understanding regarding the molecular basis of genetic disorders thereby aiding in designing new therapeutic interventions in their treatment and prevention. With the advent and development of gene therapy in the last few decades, promising windows were opened for treatment and prevention of genetic disorders and cancer. Despite of its remarkable significance in medicine, the common practice of using viral vectors as gene delivery agents has created controversies and concerns among the scientific community. This made the research focus on biobased polymers as alternative non-viral vector systems for gene and drug delivery for treating genetic disorders and cancer. Chitosan is a cationic polymer that can be easily tailored to serve as gene and drug delivery due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Their structural integrity and stability have made them widely used for various applications in the biomedical field. Chitosan and its derivatives have gained more attention as vectors for gene delivery and cancer therapy in the past decade. The amenability of structural modification, non-toxicity and high biodegradability of chitosan derivatives can make them prospective carriers for controlled drug delivery in future. 2022 Chemical Publishing Co.. All rights reserved. -
Playing With Differences: Social-Emotional Learning to Reduce Bullying and Promote Inclusivity
Inclusivity is a key indicator for the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. At the school level, bullying mars the appreciation of individual differences and acts as a barrier to inclusivity. The use of social-emotional learning is recommended to promote inclusivity and reduce bullying. Play is an enjoyable form of learning social-emotional skills for all age groups. It is also known to promote positive peer relationships and enable learners to develop a wide range of skills. Hence, educators can incorporate play through digital pedagogical tools and grade-wise play activities to engage students. Resultantly, learners can become emotionally intelligent individuals, sensitive to and respectful of differences. 2023 by IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Survey data on bullying involvement among school-going adolescents in India
The data was collected from 169 school-going adolescents of grades sixth to twelfth from two cities in South India. The data set contains information of the frequency and type of bullying involvement (perpetration and victimization; physical, verbal, and social) among the participants in traditional and virtual classrooms. The data set can be used by all stakeholders to identify the frequency and types of bullying involvement among Indian adolescents. Further, relevant policies and programs can be developed that is tailored to the Indian adolescent population and the specific sociodemographic groups that are most vulnerable. Researchers can also replicate the study in various parts of India to compare bullying involvement among school-going adolescents across different parts of the nation. 2024 The Author(s) -
Mapping the literature on school bullying in India: A scoping review
School bullying has been identified as a major issue among students throughout the world. With around 260 million school students, the largest student population in the world, it becomes essential to investigate this issue in the Indian context. The present work uses the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework for scoping review to examine the nature of research on school bullying in India and identify research gaps to be addressed by future research. The review maps the concepts examined, research approaches used, sample characteristics, data collection methods, researcher characteristics, and nature of publications in relation to bullying. Seven databases - JSTOR, PsycNET, Cochrane Reviews, ERIC, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials - were searched for sources containing the terms bullying and India published in English and between the years 2015 and 2022. Thirty-eight sources selected for the review suggest that existing research in India on school bullying is limited compared to the West and yet provides a guiding light to future researchers. The findings from this review highlight research gaps in the existing literature and outline areas for further exploration. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
In vivo, in vitro and in silico screening of a potent Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor from Trigonella foenum-graecum extract using Zebrafish as a model organism to reduce hypertension
The number of patients suffering from hypertension is on the rise worldwide and there is a need to explore natural products which can supplement current drugs to treat this disease. RAAS (Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System) is one of the factors maintaining blood pressure. In the present investigation, we explored the potential of methanolic extract of fenugreek seeds in inhibiting Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme in the RAAS system, thereby reducing hypertension. In addition to in vivo studies conducted on zebrafish, in vitro and in silico studies were also performed to assess the inhibitory effect of the fenugreek extract on ACE. The bioactive components in Trigonella foenum-graecum revealed by GC-MS were further subjected to docking and binding studies with the receptor protein ACE. Of the various phytochemicals studied, arachidonic acid exhibited the maximum inhibitory effect on ACE. Thus, the present investigation was able to favorably screen a potent ACE inhibitor in Trigonella foenum-graecum extract which shows a potential to be used alone or supplemented with synthetic ACE inhibitors to treat high blood pressure. Further investigations are required to quantify the phytochemical for its inhibitory activity and also to understand the mechanism of inhibition of the enzyme. 2020 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Factors affecting intra-relations of backend cost drivers in multi-brand retail domestic super market under convenience stores format: A customer aligned model of supply-chain optimisation framework /
Asian Journal Of Management, Vol.8, Issue 1, pp.78-86, ISSN: 0976-495X (Print), 2321-5763 (Online). -
Attitude and intention to adopt FinTech services by Indian rural households
FinTech has been a game changer for many business players. Due to financial technology, there is a paradigm shift in how finance-oriented companies operate today. The study aims to identify the factors driving FinTech adoption amongst rural households. A questionnaire with five points Likert scale has been used for data collection. The technology acceptance model (TAM) and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) are used for this study. The study found that factors such as perceived trust, perceived usefulness and perceived risk have a major say in adopting FinTech services. The study is a breakthrough for FinTech companies in identifying factors that induce rural users to adopt FinTech. The study helps to improve the existing FinTech apps to attract and tap the rural segments by focusing on these aspects. Copyright 2026 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Financial Socialisation, Decision-Making Power and Risk-Taking Behaviour of Rural Households: Moderating Mediation Analysis
Financial socialisation (FS) plays a vital role in determining the financial decision-making power and risk-taking behaviour of rural households. The present study investigates the interplay between financial socialisation, gender, and marital status in shaping decision-making power and investment risk-taking behaviour. A quantitative approach was employed, with 312 survey responses collected via a cross-sectional survey method from rural investors in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, India. Financial socialisation was assessed using adapted and validated items from prior studies, while trading frequency was a proxy for risk-taking behaviour. The moderated mediation framework (PROCESS Macro Model 8) was employed to investigate the interplay between the variables. Results show that FS significantly increases womens risk-taking behaviour, but this effect is partly reduced due to their lower decision-making power in rural patriarchal households. For men, the direct effect of financial socialisation on risk-taking behaviour is positive but weaker, with no mediation through decision-making power. Married individuals exhibit more conservative risk-taking behaviour than unmarried individuals due to familial responsibilities. The study also found that education and income do not significantly impact decision-making power, possibly reflecting deeper socio-cultural influences in rural settings. These findings imply that policymakers should design targeted financial literacy programmes to address gender disparities and cultural barriers to financial participation. By promoting inclusive financial socialisation, households can achieve more equitable decision-making processes and risk management, which will improve the financial well-being of rural communities. This study contributes to understanding financial socialisation within patriarchal contexts and offers insights into targeted financial empowerment initiatives. The Author(s) 2026. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage). -
Reinforcement Learning-Driven Energy Management for Battery-Supercapacitor Hybrid Storage in Electric Vehicles
The fast growth of the electric vehicles (EVs) market has increased the requirements towards high power transients, efficiency, and reliability on automotive onboard energy management systems by extending battery lifetime. Pure battery storage systems are similarly subject to frequent peak power demands during rapid acceleration and regenerative braking, and thus suffer from rapid aging. Aiming at this issue, in this paper, an AI-based EMS for a battery-supercapacitor HESS in EVs is developed. Dynamic driving conditions are handled by an RL-based power splitting control strategy which dynamically divides power between lithium-ion battery and supercapacitor in this context. The battery stress is to be minimized with the stabilization of the DC-link voltage and traction power demand. System modeling and validation is carried out in MATLAB/Simulink with the use of typical urban drive cycles. Simulation results show that, compared with a rule-based control of the EMS, our proposed AI-enabled EMS can decrease battery peak current by 38.6%, enhance energy efficiency by 11.2%, and increase cycle life by around 27%. The deviation of the DC-link voltage is limited within 1.8% and such control can be used to reduce total system response time in rapid load transition by 22%. Comparison results reveal that the optimal management framework has better adaptability and stability when compared to the corresponding one under different loads and driving conditions, which are promising for next generation EVs energy management issues. 2026 IEEE. -
High-Efficiency Five-Level Multilevel Inverter for Grid-Connected Renewable Energy Systems: Modeling and Simulation
This paper describes the design of a 5-level multilevel inverter for grid connected renewable energy systems simulated using MATLAB. The inverter developed works with an input voltage of 164 V and a well-regulated output voltage of 325.4 V, with the switching frequency fixed at 20 kHz for efficiency, while controlling the modulation index (M) for proper voltage regulation. The performance review of the inverter such as THD and power factor were simulated with MATLAB. It is found that the voltage quality has been greatly improved and harmonic vicious generation has been diminished when compared with traditional inverter. The high-quality of output voltage provided by the inverter also makes it ideal for use with renewable energy systems. The simulations also demonstrate the efficiency of the inverter when controlling power for grid connection, revealing its capability to offer secure and low-cost renewable energy solutions. Performance evaluations indicate improved voltage waveform quality and higher efficiency of the system, which makes it promising for future renewable energy connected applications. The fact of using MATLAB simulations to verify our designs further proves its feasibility and efficacy in handling the challenges of power conversion in sustainable energy systems. 2026 IEEE. -
Design and Implementation of universal converter using ANN controller
This paper details the hardware implementation of a Universal Converter controlled by an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), utilizing key components such as six Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs), two inductors, and two capacitors for energy storage and voltage smoothing. A Digital Signal Processor (DSP) serves as the core controller, processing real-time input and feedback signals, including voltage and current measurements, to dynamically manage five operational modes: rectifier buck, inverter boost, DC-DC buck, DC-DC boost, and AC voltage control. The pre-trained ANN algorithm generates pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals to control the switching of the IGBTs, optimizing timing and duty cycles for efficient operation. The system effectively accommodates both AC and DC inputs, ensuring stable outputs with minimal ripple by dynamically selecting the appropriate mode based on load requirements. Experimental results demonstrated that the ANN controller maintained total harmonic distortion (THD) below 5% in rectifier and inverter modes while achieving an overall efficiency of 9496% in DC-DC modes. The controllers capability to adapt to real-time feedback significantly improved power conversion quality and reduced switching losses. This study confirms the efficacy of the ANN-controlled Universal Converter in meeting the demands of modern power systems through versatile and adaptive control. The Author(s) 2025. -
High-efficiency stepdown/step-up converter for series-connected energy storage system
This work introduces a novel stepdown/step-up converter designed to optimize the run time of series-connected Battery, whose voltage drops progressively with increased usage, eventually falling below the necessary operating levels. The proposed converter automatically transitions between stepdown, step-up, and stepdown/step-up modes based on a comparison of input and output voltages, with the stepdown/step-up mode restricted to the narrowest range to minimize its lower efficiency in power conversion. It supports an input voltage range from 2.5 to 8V and incorporates a capacitive coupling level shift circuit to maintain the gate-source voltage of the power transistor under 5V, protecting against gate oxide layer damage. Fabricated with 180nm BCD technology, the converters compact size is 1.44mm by 0.73mm. Testing reveals that this converter achieves up to 93% power conversion efficiency, an 11% improvement over conventional models, and supports an output current up to 500mA, a 67% increase, enhancing the performance and longevity of Battery in compact electronic devices. The Author(s) 2025. -
Job satisfaction among women scientists in Karnataka with special reference to Bangalore
Innovations in Science and Technology form the basis of most changes in all world societies. Harnessing these discoveries, for the benefit and progress of various social groups, then becomes the greatest contribution of the community of Natural Scientists within any society. In Bangalore, as in other parts of India, discoveries and innovations are brought about in Science and Technology laboratories, on a daily basis. -
Surface modified CaO nanoparticles with CMC/D-carvone for enhanced anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities
The rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the continued challenge to cancer therapy are in desperate need of developing innovative therapeutic strategies. In this regard, the present research work focuses on the development of CaO NPs and CaO-CMC-Dcar nanocomposites for enhanced antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities. CaO nanoparticles were synthesized by facile one pot chemical approach and eventually functionalized with CMC and D-carvone biomolecules. XRD analysis revealed that the crystallite size for CaO and CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles was found to be 21.18 nm and 17.02 nm respectively. The band gap values obtained for CaO and CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles were 4.44 eV, and 4.25 eV respectively. The CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles show absorption maxima at 292 nm, slightly red-shifted from bare CaO nanoparticles. HRTEM and SEM analysis revealed that the prepared samples were roughly spherical and agglomerated in nature. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) for CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles against MRSA and C. albicans was 20.1 0.3 mm and 21.1 0.2 mm, respectively, significantly higher than that of pure CaO nanoparticles (14.1 0.2 mm and 13.2 0.1 mm) and comparable to standard anti-bacterial streptomycin and antifungal fluconazole discs. Anticancer activity was assessed via MTT assay against MOLT-4 blood cancer cells, where the IC50 values for CaO and CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles were 22.6 ?g/mL and 21.54 ?g/mL, respectively. Additionally, CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity (80 %) compared to CaO (70 %) at 20 ?g/mL, with performance comparable to that of Vitamin C. Experimental results revealed that the CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles exhibited superior biological activity compared to pure CaO nanoparticles. 2025 Indian Chemical Society -
Characterization of bioactive compounds from Saraca asoca and their antibacterial activity against fish pathogens in Oreochromis niloticus
Saraca asoca, known for its therapeutic properties in Ayurveda, is the focus of this study, aiming to identify and quantify the bioactive compounds in its leaf extract using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The study also investigates the antibacterial efficacy of methanol, ethanol and acetone extracts of S. asoca against fish pathogens in Oreochromis niloticus like Vibrio alginolyticus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aeromonas hydrophila through the well-diffusion method. GC-MS confirmed the presence of compounds such as 3- hydroxy biphenyl, n-hexa decanoic acid, oleic acid, octadecanoic acid, 4,5-diethyl octane and 9-tetradecen-1-ol. In contrast, FTIR spectra revealed several significant peaks, indicating the presence of specific functional groups in the S. asoca leaf fraction. The results exhibited high absorbance in the wavenumber ranges of 4000-3500 cm-1, 3000-2500 cm-1, 1800-1500 cm-1 and 1100-950 cm-1. The findings of the antibacterial assay suggest that the methanolic extract exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against bacterial pathogens, with zones of inhibition ranging from 6 0.21 to 18 0.57 mm in size. These results indicate that S. asoca leaf extract contains bioactive compounds effective against the pathogenic bacteria in O. niloticus, supporting the growing shift towards reducing antibiotic use in aquaculture. (2025), (Horizon e-Publishing Group). All rights reserved. -
Identification of bioactive metabolites in Turnera ulmifolia: Preliminary phytochemical screening and FTIR analysis
Turnera ulmifolia L., a member of the Passifloraceae family, is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Though frequently considered a weed, it has been commonly used in folk medicine to treat inflammation, infections, wounds and digestive ailments. Earlier studies have found alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and polyphenols in species from the same genera that contribute to their therapeutic efficacy. Despite its ethnomedicinal value, the phytochemical profile and functional group characterization of T. ulmifolia are still unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of its leaf, stem and root extracts using different solvents (methanol, ethanol, hexane and acetone) and identify key functional groups through FTIR analysis. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites. FTIR analysis further revealed functional groups such as O=C=O, C=C and S=O, which are associated with therapeutic properties. Notably, alkaloids were abundant in leaf extracts, while sulfoxide groups, known for their herbicidal and medicinal effects, were detected in the stem. These findings reinforce the pharmacological potential of T. ulmifolia as a promising source of bioactive metabolites with medicinal and ecological applications. Its capacity to diversify in various habitats and create bioactive molecules under stress points to possible uses in medicine discovery, sustainable agriculture and environmental restoration. This study lays the groundwork for future research to validate its therapeutic potential and explore its integration into modern pharmaceutical and ecological solutions. (2025), (Horizon e-Publishing Group). All rights reserved. -
Microplastic pollution and its ecotoxicological impact: Evidence from Vembanad Lake and zebrafish studies
Microplastic (MP) contamination is a threat to Earth and its aquatic systems by destabilizing ecological equilibrium. This study examined the distribution and impact of MPs in Vembanad Lake, an urbanized estuarine system in Kerala, India. MPs were identified at every sampling location, while sites 2, 3, and 4 exhibited peak contamination levels of 79 MPs/L. A survey among local inhabitants reported a decline in fish populations over many years. Analytical characterization using SEM, EDS, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy revealed the dominance of HDPE, LDPE, PS, PET, PP, and PVC polymers. The presence of chromium (Cr), sodium (Na), aluminum (Al), and silica (SiO?) in MPs further enhances additional toxicity risks. Zebrafish exposed to the prevalent MPs for 21 days exhibited severe epithelial necrosis alongside goblet cell hyperplasia and muscle fiber degeneration, demonstrating systemic cytotoxic effects. These findings underscore the ecological threat of MP pollution and emphasize the urgent need for mitigation strategies to protect aquatic biodiversity. 2025 Elsevier B.V.