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Banana peels as a cost effective substrate for fungal chitosan synthesis: optimisation and characterisation
Massive accumulation of unprocessed banana peels enthralls sustainable issues as they are eventually dumped as landfills leading to emission of obnoxious gasses. To avoid these persisting challenges the present study shims lights on chitosan production from the characterised fungal strain using banana peel hydrolysate as an effective medium. Substantial amount of carbohydrate in banana peels serves as a potential solution for fungal chitosan production in a view to attain a circular bioeconomy and repurposed for synthesis of beneficial products in a cost effective manner. Presence of fermentable sugars in banana peels qualifies them as a feasible substrate which could be exploited for scaling up of fungal chitosan synthesis. Screened isolate was subjected to statistical optimisation using formulated medium to elucidate the influential factors that had significant effect on chitosan production. The harvested chitosan biomass was characterised through standardised techniques and evaluated for further studies. Statistical optimisation reveals that ammonium nitrate (5 g/L), pH (6) and incubation time (144 hrs) were the three PBD variables that had a greater influence on fungal chitosan yield. The validated developed model exhibited maximum yield of 200 mg/L, a 4.4 fold increase than unoptimised medium (45 mg/L). These findings emphasise the fermentative synthesis of chitosan through valorisation of banana peel prop up a complementary approach in concomitant with preserving renewable resources and bioproduct formation. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Constructing healing narratives: a culturally grounded intervention for tribal women survivors of intimate partner violence in India
Intimate partner violence (IPV) profoundly disrupts womens sense of self, relationships, and belonging, with particularly severe consequencesfor marginalized and indigenous women. This paper reports findingsfrom a pilot study on the development and preliminary implementationof a culturally grounded mental health intervention for tribal women survivors of IPV in Wayanad, Kerala, India. The intervention was developed in response to the limited cultural relevance of main stream trauma-focused models in indigenous contexts and was informed by constructivist, psychodynamic, narrative, and cognitive-behavioural principles. Ten tribal women aged 1850 participated in a five-session group-based programme that integrated indigenous cultural expressionssuch as folk songs, rhythmic movement, clayart, and storytellingwith therapeutic processes aimed at meaning-making, emotional regulation, and identity reconstruction. Sessions emphasized symbolic expression and collective reflection, enabling participants to externalize traumatic experiences and renegotiate personal narratives within a culturally familiar and emotionally safe space. Qualitative reflections indicated notable shifts from shame, self-blame, silence, and social isolation toward emerging narratives of resilience, agency, and connection. Participants reported enhanced emotional expression, strengthened coping strategies, and increased community support. Overall, the findings underscore the feasibility and cultural relevance of art-based, constructivist interventions for tribal women survivors of IPV. Future research should employ larger samples and mixed-methods designs to assess long-term outcomes and adaptability across diversetribal contexts. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Unpaid care labour in India: a feminist and intersectional analysis of lived experiences
The article offers an expanded feminist analysis of Unpaid Care Labour (UCL) by integrating a personal narrative style grounded in feminist theory, intersectionality, and ecological economics, drawing on qualitative data from five focus group discussions conducted in India. Through participant narratives, the article unpacks themes such as time poverty and the double burden, health implications and emotional well-being , economic dependency and intersectional inequities, cultural policing and social norms, and transformative pathways and policy gaps. While participants articulated the strain of time poverty and the double burden of juggling paid and unpaid work, the intensity and coping mechanisms varied markedly by caste and class context. Lower-caste women faced compounded strain due to limited support and infrastructure; in contrast, upper-caste women experienced emotional stress from societal expectations. The study foregrounds how caste-based hierarchies, economic precarity, and patriarchal norms intersect to shape womens caregiving realities in differentiated yet overlapping ways. It argues that public policy must move beyond tokenistic acknowledgements and instead invest in care infrastructure, legal protections for domestic workers, and campaigns that shift cultural perceptions of care as a shared societal responsibility. Recognizing, redistributing, and reducing UCL is essential to fostering gender justice and inclusive development. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
HIV-related stigma as a mediator between perceived social support and reasons for non-disclosure of self-HIV status among children and adolescents living with HIV
Children and adolescents living with HIV face complex decisions about disclosing their HIV status, influenced by social, emotional and contextual factors, including perceived support and experiences of stigma. This study examined the relationship between perceived social support, HIV-related stigma and motivations for non-disclosure, and assessed whether stigma mediates the link between social support and non-disclosure among young people living with HIV. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 participants aged 1018 years receiving antiretroviral therapy at a tertiary hospital in northern India. Participants completed standardized measures of perceived social support, HIV-related stigma and non-disclosure motivations. Higher social support was associated with lower stigma, and greater stigma predicted stronger non-disclosure motivation. Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of social support on non-disclosure through stigma, indicating partial mediation. Findings underscore the central role of stigma in disclosure decision-making. Interventions that enhance supportive relationships and reduce stigmatizing attitudes in families, schools and healthcare settings may promote healthier coping and developmentally appropriate disclosure. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Mechanical and moisture resistance properties of flax and jute fiber embedded epoxy composites for lightweight structural applications
Natural fiber-based materials are increasingly used as substitutes for traditional materials in structural applications. This research evaluated the mechanical and moisture resistance characteristics of unidirectionally oriented Flax and Jute fiber-embedded Epoxy Composites (FJEC) for lightweight structural applications. The inclusion of nano clay in the natural laminates creates more energy-absorbing sites, which improves the ability to withstand impact forces compared to FJEC. The material strength of nano clay-infused hybrid composite attained 94.46 MPa, 98.44 MPa, and 92 KJ/m2 tensile, flexural and impact strength. The consequences of water absorption and humidity exposure to the materials revealed that nano clay helps to reduce the diffusion of water into the surface of the laminate. The nano clay-infused hybrid composite is subjected to Freeze-Thaw (Fz-Tw) cycling under both partial and complete immersion scenarios to analyze the durability and resilience of the composite. The performance loss in nano-clay-infused laminate is caused due to the prolonged exposure to water and thermal stress. The damage factor for a partially and completely immersed hybrid material is 1.2% and 2.2%, respectively. These findings highlighted the need for considering environmental conditions while designing and utilizing fiber incorporated materials in various applications. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Therapeutic romanticism: Khalil Gibrans journey from rebellion to spiritual healing
This article argues that Khalil Gibrans Romanticism functions not merely as literary expression but as a poetic mechanism for processing trauma, cultivating resilience, and fostering relational awareness, especially in contexts of exile and existential fragmentation. To operationalize this reading, the study employs a literary micro-model: Van der Kolk and Fisleriss Dissociation and the Fragmentary Nature of Traumatic Memories used to map The Madman (1918) as the ruptured phase, where fragmentation, irony, and self-estrangement externalize pain; while Seligmans PERMA model frames The Prophet (1923) as the integrative phase, where meaning, relationships, and transcendence articulate universalist healing. By juxtaposing alienation and flourishing, the analysis highlights Gibrans movement from rebellion to harmony, revealing poetrys potential as a therapeutic medium for personal and collective crises. 2025 National Association for Poetry Therapy. -
Effect of poetry intervention on emotional intelligence among Indian young adults
This study examines the impact of poetry intervention on emotional intelligence (EI) among young Indian adults using purposive sampling and the Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (EIQ-30). Thirty participants with low EI scores were selected through criterion sampling and divided into Experimental and Control groups. A concurrent embedded design was employed, with pre- and post-test assessments analyzed using Paired Sample t-tests. Results indicate a significant improvement in EI due to the poetry intervention. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed six key themes: Navigating Inner Struggles, Personal Development and Coping, Acceptance and Growth, Social Bonds and Interactions, Artistic Social Engagement, and Reunion Dynamics and Expectations. These findings highlight poetrys potential to foster emotional expression, self-awareness, and social connection. The study underscores poetry as a transformative tool for personal growth and meaningful interpersonal engagement, contributing valuable insights into its role in enhancing emotional intelligence and promoting psychological well-being. 2025 National Association for Poetry Therapy. -
Curriculum for class nine CBSE poetry teaching with the integration of REBT based on NEP 2020
This study examines the effectiveness of a learner-centered poetry curriculum integrated with Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) techniques in addressing adolescents' emotional and behavioral challenges. As found in the Checklist - Curriculum Designs by Nicolas Frichot [Frichot, N. (2024). Checklist - Curriculum designs. Research Gate, February, 0-1. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.30357.09441], the researcher understands it is befitting to develop the curriculum for poetry teaching in class 9th based on the learner-centered approach. Aligned with NEP 2020, the curriculum was implemented by five teachers from different schools. This research evaluates the impact of this integrated approach on students' attitudes, behaviors, and the ability to overcome personal obstacles. To assess the curriculum's impact, participant teachers completed post-implementation interview questionnaires. Additionally, a survey of English teachers in Bhopal was conducted to gauge their knowledge of NEP 2020 and REBT. A focused group of five teachers from diverse backgrounds provided further insights through a Google Form questionnaire. 2025 National Association for Poetry Therapy. -
Poetry writing can enhance character formation in school students through the application of rational emotive behavior theory
This study explores the role of poetry writing and the ABC model of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in promoting character development and moral behavior among students. The study used DAS SF1 and SF2 and assessed poetic talent using a poetry attitude and knowledge test. Forty-eight students were selected using the purposive method from five Convent schools, along with five teachers. Following a two-month intervention of 30 sessions, the researcher conducted interviews to evaluate the methods efficacy. Content analysis of the integrated poetry writing and REBT program was performed using NVivo, while both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS. The study found significant positive correlations between the integration of REBT and improved behavior, suggesting that incorporating poetry writing into the curriculum can enhance students behavior and attitudes. 2024 National Association for Poetry Therapy. -
Reimagining Automotive Manufacturing with Generative AI: A Technolology-Organization-Environment Perspective
Generative AI (Gen-AI) is transforming industries, and the automotive sector is no exception. Auto Component Manufacturing (AutoCM) organizations face strong pressure to adopt Gen-AI for competitiveness, yet little research has examined adoption factors in this context. This study investigates the determinants of Gen-AI adoption in AutoCM firms using the Technology-Organization-Environment framework. A model was developed and tested through survey data from 490 managers, validated via PLS-SEM. The findings reveal key predictors of adoption: perceived intelligence, data quality, absorptive capacity, IT infrastructure, top management commitment, vendor support, competitive pressure, and government support. Results further show that adoption intention drives potential use of Gen-AI, but this relationship is weakened by concerns over Gen-AI hallucination. This research identifies crucial drivers of Gen-AI adoption in AutoCM, extends TOE framework literature, and provides actionable insights for practitioners to strategically harness Gen-AIs transformative potential in the sector. 2025 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
ChatGPT and Me: A Dual Factor Examination
ChatGPT advances human-like conversations based on prompts and has been popular among students. ChatGPT offers advantages, but students have also experienced disadvantages, which affect their intention to use it. Drawing on this concern, this research uses a mixed-method approach. For study 1, 45 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Based on these responses, 10 constructs were identified. Using a Dual-factor approach, we categorized convenience, perceived enjoyment, perceived interactivity, learner autonomy, personalization and AI quality as Enablers and technological insecurity, poor information quality, diminishing critical thinking, and plagiarism as Inhibitors. For Study 2, data was collected through a questionnaire from 525 respondents. Structural equation modeling was employed to find support for all the Enablers and Inhibitors except plagiarism. The study also tested the moderating role of FOMO between enablers and students ChatGPT usage intention. This study contributes to the theoretical underpinnings of ChatGPT usage and provides practical implications for educators, learners and developers. 2025 International Association for Computer Information Systems. -
Is ChatGPT Enhancing Youths Learning, Engagement and Satisfaction?
Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational practices necessitates the understanding of the influence of tools such as ChatGPT. Self-determination Theory (SDT) has been used to examine the impact of ChatGPT usage by students for the improvement of perceived learning, engagement and satisfaction. The moderating role of students AI literacy between ChatGPT and the antecedents of intrinsic motivation, autonomy, competence and relatedness. The data was collected through questionnaire from 481 students and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings of the study shows that ChatGPT usage impacts students perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness, enhancing intrinsic motivation. Also, there is a moderation of AI literacy between ChatGPT usage and these psychological needs. This study extends SDT to student interactions with ChatGPT and underscores the pivotal role of AI literacy. The findings contribute to the discourse on AI and education, offering valuable perspectives on students use of ChatGPT and its effect on their academic experience. 2024 International Association for Computer Information Systems. -
A novel univariate feature selection with ANOVA F-test-based machine learning model for Intrusion Detection Framework of Robotics system
Robotic systems have become popular across various industries, ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to logistics and space exploration. However, increasing the integration of robotic systems into critical infrastructures exposes devices to cybersecurity threats. The intrusion detection system (IDS) plays a vital role in safeguarding the systems from malicious activities and unauthorized access. This paper presents a novel, robotics-aware IDS framework incorporating hybrid feature selection and tailored classification strategies for robotic system. To evaluate the efficacy of the presented framework, an algorithm is also designed and tested using multiple machine-learning techniques. The NSL-KDD dataset is utilized for training and evaluating machine learning models due to the inclusion of a wide range of attack scenarios and normal instances. The results demonstrate that the proposed IDS effectively classifies cyberattacks relevant to robotic systems. The presented framework is also evaluated against existing IDS approaches in robotic systems. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach exhibits better results in terms of accuracy, robustness, and adaptability to emerging cyber threats. 2025 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Exploring the potential of Andrographis paniculata for developing novel HDAC inhibitors: an in silico approach
Cancer is one of the dreaded diseases of the twentieth century, emerging the major global causes of human morbidity. Cancer research in the last 15 years has provided unprecedented information on the role of epigenetics in cancer initiation and progression. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are recognized as important epigenetic markers in cancer, whose overexpression leads to increased metastasis and angiogenesis. In the current study, thirty-four (34) compounds from Andrographis paniculata were screened for the identification of potential candidate drugs, targeting three Class I HDACs (Histone deacetylases), namely HDAC1 (PDB id 5ICN), HDAC3 (PDB id 4A69) and HDAC8 (PDB id 5FCW) through computer-assisted drug discovery study. Results showed that some of the phytochemicals chosen for this study exhibited significant drug-like properties. In silico molecular docking study further revealed that out of 34 compounds, the flavonoid Andrographidine E had the highest binding affinities towards HDAC1 (?9.261 Kcal mol?1) and 3 (?9.554 Kcal mol?1) when compared with the control drug Givinostat (-8.789 and ?9.448 Kcal mol?1). The diterpenoid Andrographiside displayed the highest binding affinity (-9.588 Kcal mol?1) to HDAC8 compared to Givinostat (-8.947 Kcal mol?1). Statistical analysis using Principal Component Analysis tool revealed that all 34 phytocompounds could be clustered in four statistical groups. Most of them showed high or comparable inhibitory potentials towards HDAC target protein. Finally, the stability of top-ranked complexes (Andrographidine E-HDAC1 and HDAC3; Andrographiside-HDAC8) at the physiological condition was validated by Molecular Dynamic Simulation and MM-PBSA study. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
You have to budget within the money you have: Intersections of immigration, health, and food insecurity in the South Bronx
This study explored food insecurity in the Bronx using a community-based participatory approach, including 38 interviews with food pantry users, four interviews with social service administrators, and two focus groups with 12 pantry staff and providers in New York City. Using a phenomenological framework, we identified three key themes: (1) negative impact of immigration status on food insecurity, (2) competing financial demands and limited access to social service assistance; and (3) adverse effects on physical and mental health. Findings highlight the relationships between food insecurity and immigration status. The costs of securing legal residency and sending remittances home contributes to the financial strain and poor health outcomes among immigrant communities in the South Bronx. Immigrants faced additional barriers that exacerbated these vulnerabilities, including language barriers and limited access to social services. With rising food costs due to inflation and uncertainties regarding potential cuts to federal food assistance programs, addressing food insecurity in the Bronx has never been more critical. Ensuring equitable food access for all Bronxites requires developing trusted relationships with immigrant communities and strong community partnerships with local social service organizations. 2025 Urban Affairs Association. -
The Role of Psychoactive Drugs in the Onset of Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Comparative Study of Alcohol and Drug Abusers
Psychoactive substances influence mood, cognition, and personality, with emerging synthetic drugs presenting new challenges. This study examines the impact of psychoactive drug use on the development of dissociative identity disorder (DID), comparing alcohol and drug abusers. A total of 120 participants (60 alcohol abusers, 60 drug abusers) from Suman Ellen Trust in Bangalore were assessed using standardized psychological instruments, including the Addiction Severity Index, Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule, Drug Abuse Screening Test, and Dissociative Experiences Scale. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative (ANOVA, Pearson correlation) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methodologies to analyze dissociative symptoms and substance use patterns. Findings revealed a significant difference in DID prevalence between alcohol and drug abusers (F = 55.88, p <.01), with drug abuse showing a strong positive correlation with dissociative symptoms (r = 0.790, p <.01). The study highlights the need for integrated clinical approaches addressing both substance use disorders and dissociative pathology. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to clarify causal mechanisms and develop targeted intervention strategies. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Modeling of non-Gaussian time series in the presence of measurement error
Measurement error in time series refers to inaccuracies or deviations in recorded data that can distort the true underlying patterns, potentially leading to biased estimates and misleading conclusions in statistical analysis. AR models with non-Gaussian errors are crucial for accurately capturing real-world time series data with skewness, heavy tails, or outliers, leading to better forecasts and more reliable statistical inferences. Our focus in this study is on an optimal estimating function (EF) method that accounts for measurement error while estimating the parameters of AR(1) with logistic innovation. The asymptotic properties of the obtained optimal EF are also proved. The simulation study shows that incorporating measurement error into the model yields better estimates compared to ignoring its presence when measurement error exists. This shows that ignoring the measurement error leads to biased estimates. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
SwinTransConv and Tab-FCNN: a novel SwinTransConv neural network features and tab-fully connected neural network in pap smear images for cervical cancer classification
The primary objective of this paper is to delineate a Deep Learning (DL) methodology for cervical cancer from Pap smear imagery. In the interest of augmenting the quality and equilibrium of the dataset, the initial phase involved executing ROI detection on the Pap smear images. ROI detection is executed using YOLO V4 model in the input Pap smear images for detecting superficial, intermediate and parabasal layers. Then, the segmentation phase is performed to delinate cytoplasm and the nucleus, employing the YOLOv11 model. Subsequently, the feature extraction is executed by the proposed SwinTransConv, which integrates the Swin Transformer with a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to yield a robust and hierarchical representation of salient cellular features. The derived features act as input for the classification phase, for which a Tabular-Fully Convolutional Neural Network (Tab-FCNN) model is proposed by combining Tabular Network (TabNet) and Fully Convolutional Neural Networks (FCNN). TabNet identifies significant features from the input dataset utilizing attention-based mechanisms tailored for tabular data, whereas FCNN enhances the final decision-making process by assimilating complex feature interactions. Experimental findings state that the proposed approach reached an accuracy of 97.9%, a sensitivity of 95.4% and a specificity of 99.4%. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
A study on comparisons of additive regression frailty models to counter heterogeneity: Bayesian strategies and case study
Historically, the primary goal of conventional survival study methods has been to reduce the frequency of failures over time. If the associated observed and unobserved variables are not known when studying such events, this can have detrimental effects. Frailty models offer a tempting solution for investigating the impact of unknown variables in such a case. In this article, we assume that frailty affects the hazard rate. We find that the weighted Lindley frailty models, which use general versions of the Weibull and log-logistic type II distributions as the baseline distributions, are a reliable method for ensuring the influence of endogenous variability. The parameters involved are estimated according to different loss functions using the Bayesian structure as the basis of Markov Chain Monte Carlo. Bayesian evaluation strategies are then implemented to evaluate the models. The results are demonstrated on known data of kidney infections. It is shown that the novel models outperform those based on the inverse Gaussian and gamma frailty distributions. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Telehealth Services for an Adolescent with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The neuropalliative approach in a hospital setting for neuromuscular disorders is essentially multidisciplinary in focus and involves co-ordinated interventions. This case report describes an intensive case management approach through telehealth services provided from a hospital context in South India for psychosocial interventions for an adolescent with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Case management interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic were provided through sixteen sessions over the telephone, focusing on need assessment, service plan development, implementation, co-ordination, and monitoring. Major strategies were crisis management, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive-behavioural strategies. Adaptations made to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic using telehealth facilities can be incorporated into routine clinical practice in low-resource settings. IMPLICATIONS Telehealth, which emerged as a viable option for providing effective psychosocial care during the COVID 19 pandemic, could be adopted to complement routine clinical care in low-resource settings. 2024 Australian Association of Social Workers.
