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Queer healing in altered states: A critical interpretive synthesis of psychedelic therapy inqueer and non-binary individuals
As psychedelic-assisted therapies gain prominence, queer and non-binary individuals remain largely marginalized within this emerging field. This Critical Interpretive Synthesis (CIS) reviews 44 empirical studies (20142024) to explore how queer experiences are represented and erased in psychedelic research. Guided by queer theory, intersectionality, and post-psychiatry frameworks, the synthesis reveals a dominant biomedical paradigm, 36.7% of studies where clinical trials often lack disaggregated data on gender-diverse participants or fail to recruit them adequately due to structural barriers or oversight. In contrast, qualitative studies (32.7%) emphasized identity affirmation, somatic healing, and community care. Yet, only 10.2% of research meaningfully addressed intersecting oppressions. Three core themes emerged: clinical exclusion and epistemic violence, embodied healing through altered states, and grassroots queer psychedelic practices. The findings call for queer-affirming, intersectional, and decolonial methodologies that center lived experience and politicized healing. Reimagining psychedelic science through justice-based lenses is vital to ensuring these therapies serve as pathways to collective liberation rather than reinforce systemic marginalization. 2025 The Author(s). Open Access statement. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium for non-commercial purposes, provided the original author and source are credited, a link to the CC License is provided, and changes if any are indicated. -
Teleneuropsychometry Solution in Resource-Constrained Setting An Initial Experience in Adults With Brain Tumors
Background. Teleneuropsychometry constitutes a sophisticated technological innovation that enhances access to specialized neuropsychological services for patients situated in geographically remote or resource-limited contexts. When optimally utilized, teleneuropsychometry emerges as an advanced modality for bridging the gap between patient and neuropsychologists, facilitating timely preoperative cognitive evaluations. Methods. The study delineates two case reports of brain tumor patients who underwent teleneuropsychometric assessment prior to surgical interventions while also critically analyzing the complexities inherent in establishing such a service. Results. Both patients successfully completed the assessments with minimal assistance, providing valuable insights into their cognitive abilities. These insights enabled the medical team to customize surgical planning and anticipate potential risks. Conclusion. The findings reinforce the growing body of evidence supporting the feasibility of teleneuropsychometric assessments in a resource-constrained environment and highlights their broader applicability within the domains of neuro-oncology. 2025. Sekar et al. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-BY). -
EEG Signatures of Resilience Across Individuals With High and Low Anxiety
Background. Over the past decade, psychological resilience has become a key focus in psychological science. However, most research relies on self-report and psychosocial assessments to explore resilience across different populations and contexts. Methods. This two-phased study examined resilience using self-reported measures and EEG recordings. Phase 1 involved a cross-sectional analysis of resilience and anxiety in young adults using correlation and regression analysis. Phase 2 utilized a grouped experimental design with EEG resting-state recordings to compare high- and low-resilience individuals. EEG data were collected using a 64-channel Geodesic Sensor Net, NetAmps 400 Amplifiers, and NetStation Acquisition 5.0 Software. Spectral analysis was performed for group comparisons. Results. Significant EEG differences emerged between high- and low-resilience groups in the anterior midline, right frontal, right central, left parietal, and right parietal regions. Alpha band differences were predominantly frontal and right-sided, while beta band differences were posterior and left-sided. Conclusions. Results of the two phased study bridge the gap between psychosocial measures and electrophysiological measures in the study of resilience and anxiety. A conceptual model based on the findings is outlined to guide future research to investigate the mechanism between resilience and clinical presentations of anxiety and/or depression at the psychosocial and electrophysiological level. Copyright: 2025. Gupta and Reddy. -
Does Fintech Usage Alter the Relationships Between Financial Literacy, Behaviour and Well-Being? Evidence from India
The emergence of fintech has rapidly transformed the way people manage their finances, yet its impact on personal financial outcomes remains relatively understudied. This study aims to examine how fintech usage (FTU) influences the relationship between financial literacy (FL) and financial well-being (FWB) through financial behaviour (FB) using a moderated mediation model. Using a proprietary dataset, the hypothesised relationships are analysed applying the PROCESS macro in IBM SPSS Statistics. The analysis reveals that FB is a partial mediator in the FL-FWB equation, while FTU negatively moderates the relationship between FL and FB. However, FTU does not significantly moderate the relationship between FL and FWB. The findings carry significant implications for policymakers and fintech service providers. Policymakers should strive to include a digital literacy component in financial education programs to better equip individuals to navigate todays digitalised society, while fintech companies should focus on designing products that complement users FL and facilitate the adoption of financially healthy behaviours. Copyright 2025 Shamli Prabhakaran, Mynavathi L. -
Phytofabricated Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Leea crispa Leaf Extract: Antituberculosis and Anticancer Activities
Aqueous extracts of Leea crispa used for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with the supplementation of the external capping substance, were determined by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The synthesized nanoparticles were examined for their antituberculosis and anticancer activities. The presence of phytoconstituents available for reducing silver ions and to form the AgNPs was confirmed using FTIR analysis. The XRD and TEM examination validated the AgNPs spherical particle shape and size of 15 to 85 nm and their face-centered cubic crystal form. Additionally, the FTIR spectrum revealed variation in the band values in the range 1384.0 to 3419.4 cm-1, respectively, and the EDX noted a strong band at 3 keV induced the presence of metallic silver. The AgNPs exhibited comparatively potential anti-tuberculosis activity (0.2 to 100 g/mL) respectively. Alternatively, various doses of AgNPs, 12.5 to 400 g/mL documented considerable activity towards the human breast cancer cell lines. The percentage of cell viability increased at 12.5g/mL and declined at 400 ng/mL concentrations of AgNPs solution. The AgNPs synthesized from L. crispa exhibited potential activity against life-threatening tuberculosis and cancer cells. 2025, North Carolina State University. All rights reserved. -
Green Purchase Intention: Understanding the Role of Environmental Beliefs, Health Consciousness and Perceived Behavioural Control; [Intenci de compra ecolica: comprensi do papel das crenzas medioambientais, a conciencia sanitaria e o control conductual percibido]
Consumer awareness of environmental issues has steadily increased, with environmental values significantly shaping purchase intentions. Essential to environmental sustainability are ecological packaging and ecological products. This study examines the impact of green product knowledge and green packaging on environmental beliefs, health consciousness, perceived behavioural control and consumer purchase intention, focusing on Visakhapatnam (India). A quantitative survey was conducted using purposive sampling, targeting individuals who are familiar with green products. Data from 306 respondents were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and AMOS. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to validate the conceptual framework. The results indicate that green product knowledge, environmental beliefs, health consciousness, and perceived behavioural control have an impact on green purchase intention, whereas green packaging does not. These findings emphasise the importance of psychological and informative factors for shaping environmentally friendly consumer behaviour. This study contributes to the existing literature on sustainable consumer behaviour, especially related to green fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). It provides practical insight to marketers, decision-makers, and environmentalists who aim to promote environmentally friendly FMCG products. Additionally, focusing on significant psychological and behavioural factors allows for designing strategies that help the environment and improve public health. University of Santiago de Compostela. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) ) License -
I Woke Up Already Hurting: Postcolonial Affect in Tanya Tagaqs Split Tooth
Indigenous writing with postcolonial themes foregrounds the erasure and marginalization that result from colonialism. The genre-disrupting, coming-of-age novel Split Tooth (2018) by Inuit author Tanya Tagaq explores the personal and public life of a young Inuk woman from one of the Indigenous communities in the Canadian Arctic region. Split Tooth focuses on themes like the disappearances and deaths of Indigenous women, Inuit cultural settings, sexual assault, precarity, and violence. The novel meanders through emotions such as fear, shame, and grief, and can be analyzed through the theoretical framework of postcolonial affect. Postcolonial affect primarily examines the diverse emotional states of the colonized as indicators of the crisis that arises from colonization. The objective of the analysis is to highlight the delineation of affect in Split Tooth, as Tagaq blends the personal and the political in her narrative. Postcolonial affect is used for the theoretical examination of appropriation and violence that constitute the precarity of Inuit people, particularly women. 2025, Faculty of Philology, University of Bialystok. All rights reserved. -
Liquid gold: assessing groundwater quality at the historic Kolar gold fields, Karnataka, India
To assess ecological sustainability and resilience, it is necessary to periodically examine various ecological properties in areas with high pollution and contaminant risks. Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in Kolar, Karnataka, showcases one of India's most contaminated zones because of the extensive gold mining and its lingering effects. In KGF, the quality of groundwater has been severely reduced as there exist extensive mining tailings, locally referred to as cyanide dumps, which have been neglected for several preceding years without proper disposal strategies. The current approach focuses on the water pollution caused by heavy metal deposits in the KGF region. Groundwater samples were sampled from Oorgam, an abandoned region in KGF, and subsequently filtered for water quality examinations. The investigation documented concentrations of several metals, including cadmium (0.068 0.0024 ppm), lead (0.288 0.0016 ppm), nickel (0.058 0.0047 ppm), and chromium (0.23 0.0235 ppm) and have met the standard specifications in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO). Prominent pH disparity was documented amongst the experimental samples, with a detectable pH drop in the aqua-purified water in comparison to the positive control. The test results imply that the water samples collected from KGF remain unpotable for consumption or irrigation due to the persistence of high levels of heavy metal concentration. This study underscores the urgent requirement for a remedial approach to ensure water safety for drinking and irrigation in the area. 2025 Brawijaya University. All rights reserved. -
An efficient ZnO and Ag/ZnO honeycomb nanosheets for catalytic green one-pot synthesis of coumarins through Knoevenagel condensation and antibacterial activity
This study pioneers the synthesis of porous Ag/ZnO nanosheets, focusing on their role as a catalyst in Knoevenagel condensation. Notably, these nanosheets display exceptional catalytic efficacy and captivating antibacterial properties. The research delves into the Ag/ZnO catalysts recyclability and proposes a potential reaction mechanism, marking the first comprehensive exploration of Knoevenagel condensation on porous Ag/ZnO nanosheets. Key findings underscore the successful synthesis of coumarin derivatives using various o-hydroxy benzaldehyde and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, with nano-Ag/ZnO serving as a catalyst via a monomode microwave-assisted approach. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and UVVis spectroscopy were used in conjunction with other physicochemical methods to characterize the synthesized catalytic samples. The method boasts advantages such as high product yields, brief reaction durations, and the ability to reuse the catalyst for multiple cycles. The Ag/ZnO nanosheets, functioning as an acid catalyst, activate carbonyl groups and facilitate their interaction with methylene-containing active molecules. In addition, antibacterial activity assessments demonstrate the superior effectiveness of Ag/ZnO nanocomposites compared to ZnO nanosheets against Staphylococcus aureus germs. This multifaceted study not only advances catalytic synthesis but also unveils promising biological applications of porous Ag/ZnO nanosheets. 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston. -
The Impact of International Remittances on Public Debt Sustainability in Kerala: Evidence from the FMOLS Approach
Remittances from Keralas migrant workers and professionals constitute a vital financial inflow, surpassing their relative significance in most other Indian states. With public debt nearing 60 % of NSDP, these transfers offer a potential buffer for debt sustainability. Applying Oates theory within Bohns debt-sustainability framework using an FMOLS model, and validated through Johansen testing, this study examines the remittancedebt nexus from 1980 to 2023. FMOLS results indicate a deterioration of debt sustainability despite substantial remittance inflows. The findings emphasize the need to reduce market borrowings, enhance the fiscal role of remittances, and promote policies supporting formal transfer channels, source diversification, remittance-linked investment, and financial literacy among migrant households to strengthen Keralas long-term fiscal resilience and enable more productive use of remittances. 2025 the author(s), published by De Gruyter. -
Memes as ensemble of illocutionary acts
As digital communication continues to shape discourse, memes have emerged as a potent tool for conveying messages. Previous studies on internet memes have focused on various aspects such as humor generation, speech acts, and political communication. Although there are studies on speech acts and memes, research specifically examining speech acts within subcultures is scarce. This paper aims to fill that gap by examining the illocutionary acts in political memes within a subculture. To understand how illocutionary acts function in memes, 50 political memes that appeared during the Kerala state assembly election were analyzed using the framework of speech acts. The analysis revealed that memes often contain multiple illocutionary acts. Additionally, it was observed that a single meme can encompass several illocutionary acts simultaneously. This study highlights the complexity and richness of political memes as a form of communication within subcultures, demonstrating how they can convey layered and multifaceted messages through the use of illocutionary acts. 2025 the author(s), -
Sonographic measurement of placental volume: a comparative analysis of two-dimensional and three-dimensional sonographic techniques
To evaluate the correlation between a simple two-dimensional (2D) sonographic method and the gold-standard three-dimensional (3D) method for estimating placental volume during early to mid-pregnancy. Placental volume was measured using both 2D and 3D ultrasound techniques in 58 pregnant patients between 11 and 22 weeks of gestation. All participants had normal term pregnancy outcomes. The correlation between the two methods was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. A strong positive correlation was observed between the 2D and 3D placental volume estimates (Pearson's r=0.93, p<0.001), indicating high agreement between the two measurement approaches. The simpler 2D sonographic method shows excellent correlation with the 3D gold-standard technique and may serve as a feasible alternative for placental volume assessment, particularly in low-resource settings where access to advanced equipment is limited. 2026 the author(s) -
Maternal circulating sFlt-1/placental growth factor is a biomarker of fetal death associated with placental lesions of maternal vascular malperfusion
Objectives: Fetal death is a major pregnancy complication, with rates of 5.5 per 1,000 births in the United States and substantially higher in India (24.7/1,000) and Pakistan (44.5/1,000). Maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) is the most frequent placental lesion associated with fetal death, occurring in 58 % of fetal deaths and 31 % of preterm neonatal deaths in South Asia. Angiogenic imbalance, characterized by a low placental growth factor (PlGF) to soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) ratio, has been associated with MVM and fetal death in high-income countries. We examined whether maternal serum concentrations of PlGF, sFlt-1, and their ratio differ between mothers with and without MVM among stillbirths and preterm neonatal deaths in India and Pakistan. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis used data from the PURPOSe study (Project to Understand and Research Preterm Pregnancy Outcomes and Stillbirths in South Asia). Maternal blood was collected at delivery, and placental histopathology was classified according to the Amsterdam criteria. Serum PlGF and sFlt-1 were measured using Elecsys immunoassays, with analyses stratified by gestational age. Results: Placental MVM was present in 44-57 % of stillbirths and 31-38 % of preterm neonatal deaths. Between 28 and 36 weeks, women with MVM had significantly lower PlGF and higher sFlt-1 and sFlt-1/PlGF ratios (p<0.001). A tenfold decrease in PlGF or increase in the ratio was associated with MVM (OR 0.5 and 1.7, respectively). Conclusions: The maternal sFlt-1/PlGF ratio identifies pregnancies with fetal or neonatal death associated with placental MVM, particularly between 28 and 36 weeks' gestation. 2025 the author(s) -
The Paradigm of Party Autonomy: Towards a Viable AI-Driven Pre-Arbitration Framework in India
Arbitration proceedings in India are adversely affected by multiple adjournments and procedural uncertainties in the courts. To ensure limited judicial intervention, certain procedural tasks can be automated via artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the efficiency of the arbitration process. The objective of the paper is to examine the current state of the Indian judicial framework and assess the procedural feasibility of incorporating AI to address arbitration-related limitations. The research employs a thematic review of the literature to assess the use of AI in dispute resolution proceedings. In addition, using a comparative research methodology, the study critically analyzes the technological and policy-related initiatives taken by both India and China in their respective judicial systems. Findings suggest that reliance on the party autonomy principle in arbitration is a solution to the limitations that disincentivize governments from implementing AI-powered automation in dispute resolution. The paper, therefore, recommends an integrative approach to AI technology that partially automates arbitration proceedings in the courts. 2026 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston 2026. -
Intelligent predictive hiring model and personality assessment
Selecting the right candidates is essential for organisational success, yet traditional hiring methods often fall short. This research introduces an advanced approach integrating natural language processing (NLP), personality assessment, and deep learning to improve candidate selection. NLP extracts key attributes from job descriptions and resumes, while personality assessments evaluate candidate suitability. A fusion of LSTM and RNN models predicts job fit using a dataset of job roles, resumes, and MBTI personality types. Pre-processing includes tokenisation, encoding, and data splitting for training and testing. The model architecture combines embedding layers with LSTM units, optimised using binary cross-entropy loss and accuracy metrics. Results show that this fusion model outperforms traditional algorithms, improving job matching accuracy. This research enhances recruitment by leveraging AI-driven insights. Future work will refine predictive models, integrate additional data, and address ethical concerns to ensure fairness and transparency, fostering a more efficient and equitable hiring process. Copyright 2026 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Relationship between psychological contract and organisational commitment: an empirical investigation on airline cabin crew
The study explores the link between organisational commitment (OCO) and psychological contract (PCO) among airline cabin crews. The study also investigates the moderation effect of the type of organisation and work experience in the relationship between PCO and OCO. A theoretical model with hypothesised relationship is developed and tested empirically using structural equation modelling with the data generated by means of a questionnaire survey conducted among the airline cabin crew. The study finds that: 1) There is a direct connection between PCO and OCO in the case of both employee PCO and employer PCO; 2) type of the organisation moderates the relation between: a) employers PCO and employees PCO; b) employers PCO and OCO. We also found that the relationship between the PCO and OCO is moderated by the organisation type in the case of cabin crew working for private airlines but not for government-owned airlines. Since a favourable PCO is favourably correlated with OCO, the studys findings would assist airline operators in identifying the critical PCO dimensions that influence their OCO and helping them implement appropriate steps to increase their commitment to their staff. Copyright 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
How tourist motivations shape perceptions of service quality at pilgrimage sites
Previous research has not adequately examined how various tourist motivations affect perceived service quality at pilgrimage destinations. This study seeks to investigate the effect of various motives religious pilgrimage, votive offerings, leisure, and meditation on service quality perceptions at seven Jyotirlinga pilgrimage destinations in North India. A cross-sectional survey of 1047 visitors was carried out, and data were analysed through one-way ANOVA to determine significant differences between visitor groups. For multiple comparisons, Bonferroni and Games-Howell post hoc tests were used depending on the homogeneity of variances. The results show differences in service quality perceptions, specifically in desired facilities, safety and security, and transportation. Pilgrims interested in religious devotion emphasised safety, whereas leisure travellers gave more importance to the quality of facilities available and transportation. These findings have practical implications for pilgrimage site management, highlighting the importance of making targeted improvements in service delivery to meet the expectations of various visitor segments. Copyright 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Regulatory data protection for global economy of biopharmaceuticals: comparative legal analysis with focus on innovative biopharma in India
This provides a new global economy of biopharmaceuticals with an exclusive right over clinical data, meaning that no other person or persons may use them for a specified period. This study, therefore, offers a critical analysis of complementary protection granted to biopharmaceuticals by patents and regulatory data protection (RDP) globally with respect to innovation, competition, and access to medicines. This study probes the effectiveness and the challenge RDP is making using statistical analysis, financial modelling, and comparative analysis of the regulatory framework in Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Emergency Market Authorization (EMA). The justification for this combination is that RDP fosters innovation due to the protection of clinical trial investments, which provides a drive for the introduction of innovative biologics but does not inhibit the launch of biosimilars. With RDP, though they are very different in what they do, patents have created an enabling environment to make sustainable innovation in biopharmaceuticals accessible. International regulatory hurdles have to emerge so that a balance that advances both innovation and affordability becomes the norm within biopharma. Copyright 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
The influence of sustainability risk management on supply chain sustainability and profitability of medical technology firms
The primary objective of this study is to determine how sustainability spending can help build sustainable supply chains. This study also assesses the sustainability of five firms with respect to four dimensions; profitability, sustainability spending, risk rating, and sustainability risk management. Data was collected through unstructured interviews with biotechnology and medical technology industry personnel. Key sustainability risk factors that created a ripple effect along the supply chain were identified. The supply chain surplus and risk management strategies were evaluated. Technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used to rank the firms on their sustainability and risk management practices. The critical sustainability risks identified are inventory management, logistics/ transportation, waste management, energy consumption, supplier sustainability, material handling, and plant or facility management. Findings reveal that firms investing in sustainability risk management face better prospects of developing supply chain sustainability and profitability. Copyright 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Quantum technologies outreach and AI
Quantum computing is one of the buzzing technologies in this modern computational era. Quantum computing is purely based on quantum mechanics as few dormant applications and advanced studies of quantum computers are integrated with quantum mechanics. This paper highlights the seven perspectives of quantum computing which is essential to get deep insights of quantum computing. The seven prerequisites are superposition, decoherence, entanglement, linear algebra, classical mechanics, quantum Fourier analysis and many body systems. The main objective of this paper is to find few stupendous impacts of this computing which will complement and explore various applications of artificial intelligence like weather pattern identification, traffic prediction, e-mail spam filtering, logistics optimisation, etc. This paper discusses visions of the top quantum computing companies and their contributions to quantum technologies. In this paper, a comparative analysis has been presented between quantum computing and classical computing. The major challenges which quantum computing faces have been addressed. Copyright 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.