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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. -
50 years of statehood in Sikkim: a comprehensive study of the healthcare system
Sikkim is one of the smallest states located in the Eastern Himalayas of India. This paper is framed within the context of Sikkim commemorating 50 years of democracy on 16 May 2025, following its integration into the Indian Union on 16 May 1975. Over the past five decades, Sikkim has claimed several accolades; the state was declared Indias first fully organic state in 2016 and acclaimed as the best performing small state in cleanliness and most improved small state in governance in 2020. However, there are some paradoxes in Sikkims developmental paradigm. This paper focuses solely on the healthcare system in Sikkim, exploring various aspects such as the allocation of budget to the health sector, the condition of health institutions, the execution of different health programmes and schemes, the accessibility of health facilities, and the availability of human resources. An additional significant factor is the reliance of the states population on other states for healthcare services. Furthermore, it examines the factors that contribute to the increasing disparity between planning and implementation. 2026 The Round Table Ltd. -
Hedging with the Indo-Pacific: why Southeast Asia might benefit from embracing the construct
ASEANs engagement with the Indo-Pacific is often framed as a strategic shift, but this paper argues it is instead a continuation of its established hedging strategy. Drawing historical parallels, particularly Thailands colonial-era diplomacy, the article examines how ASEAN balances major power competition while preserving autonomy. By assessing ASEANs economic and security engagements with China and the United States, the paper highlights how hedging remains essential amidst intensifying geopolitical tensions. The Indo-Pacific framework does not require ASEAN to choose sides but reinforces its flexibility. ASEAN centrality, as enunciated by many global powers, has given much impetus to the organisation to continue with the hedging strategy. As the USChina rivalry deepens, hedging offers ASEAN the best path to stability and strategic relevance. 2025 The Round Table Ltd. -
Colonial legacies and regional separatism: comparative analysis of statehood demands in Coorg and North Bengal
This article presents a comparative study of statehood demands in two distinct regions of IndiaCoorg (Kodagu) in Karnataka and Darjeeling region of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengalhighlighting how historical, cultural and political legacies have shaped regional separatist movements in these areas. By analysing the influence of colonial administration, regional identity and political marginalisation, this study uncovers the underlying drivers of these statehood demands and situates them within Indias broader socio-political landscape. The research employs a comparative framework supplemented with primary data to explore the complexities of regional movements, focusing on the interplay between cultural identity, economic disparities and the perceived neglect by central and state governments. The article also delves into how these demands challenge Indias federal structure, raising critical questions about regional autonomy, governance and the management of diverse identities within a democratic framework. Through a nuanced analysis of historical records, political discourse and socio-economic data, this study provides insights into the enduring nature of these movements and their implications for Indias federal polity. By addressing the factors that sustain such demands, the paper contributes to the scholarly discourse on identity politics, regional autonomy, and the governance challenges associated with statehood movements in Indias pluralistic society. 2025 The Round Table Ltd. -
Unveiling the therapeutic potential of azopyridine derivatives for trypsin inhibition: a DFT and In-Vitro approach
Heterocyclic azo derivatives have emerged as promising scaffolds for drug development. This study focused on the synthesis, computational analysis, and biological evaluation of a series of azopyridine derivatives (1a, 1d, 1 g, 1 h, 1 m, 1p, and 1s) as potential trypsin inhibitors. Density Functional Theory calculations indicated that derivative 1 h exhibited the lowest HOMO-LUMO energy gap 3.167 eV and was characterised as a soft molecule, suggesting strong binding capabilities. Molecular docking studies confirmed that 1 h binds favourably to the active site of trypsin with a glide score of ?6.581 kcal/mol and binding energy of ?29.95 kcal/mol. Along with docking studies, the stability of the trypsin-1 h complex was further analyzed using molecular dynamic simulations at 200 ns. The results showed that the ligand molecule 1 h bound strongly at the active site of trypsin. In-vitro enzyme assays determined the IC50 value of the molecule as 100 M, demonstrating enhanced potency. These results indicate that AzPy derivatives, particularly 1 h, hold considerable promise as therapeutic agents for inflammatory disorders and cancer, paving the way for further exploration in drug development and targeted therapies. Further research is warranted to explore 1hs efficacy, safety, and structure-activity relationships. Highlights: DFT studies were used to classify molecules based on their softness and hardness. Molecular docking, simulation, and in-vitro studies have identified potential anti-trypsin activity of candidate molecules. Experimental and computational calculations were in close agreement. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Photophysical and antitubercular studies on newly synthesised structurally architectured sulphonamide
This study presents the synthesis and characterisation of four mono-azo sulphonamide derivatives through diazo-coupling electrophilic substitution reactions. The structural analysis of the synthesised molecules was conducted utilising FT-IR, 1H-NMR and HR-MS techniques. Absorption and fluorescence maxima of the synthesised molecules were determined across solvents of varying polarity to explore Solvatochromic behaviour. Density functional theory was employed to elucidate electronic and optical properties, including the computation of HOMOLUMO energies using Gaussian 09W software, with comparisons to experimental data. Molecular electrostatic potential 3D plots identified electrophilic and nucleophilic sites. Solvent interactions were evaluated using KamletAbboud Taft and Catalan parameters. Further, global chemical reactivity descriptors were estimated to ascertain chemical reactivity of the molecules. Additionally, the effectiveness of the colourant anti-tubercular activity was evaluated using in vitro and molecular docking techniques. The biological activity results reveal that methyl-pyridone and barbituric acid coupled with sulphamethizole (SMP and SMB) displayed excellent anti-tubercular activity compared with the standard Gentamycin. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Exploring Drivers of Healthcare Utilization amongthe Working and Non-Working Elderly Population: Insights from LASI
Background: The elderly population of India has been growing exponentially over the past few decades, caused by a decline in fertility and an increase in life expectancy. The growth eventually has transcended the disease burden on the public healthcare system. This calls for a need to evaluate the healthcare utilization pattern of the elderly based on their socioeconomic and working condition. Methods: Study used access to public and private healthcare services to measure healthcare utilization. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to understand utilization patterns by working status and some selected sociodemographic parameters. All the results were reported at a 95% confidence interval. Results: Using the data from the first wave of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) with a sample of 22,680 older persons 60 years and above. The study identified that 50% of the working elderly access private services; however, 26% access public healthcare services. It was found that the working status of the elderly alone did not influence access to healthcare services, but education is also an essential indicator for utilizing healthcare services. Further, factors such as gender, marital status, religion, wealth, tobacco usage, self-rated health, ADL and IADL were significant predictors of healthcare services utilization for the elderly. Conclusion: This study suggests that there are not many differences found among working and non-working status with healthcare utilization, although some sociodemographic indicators are associated with the utilization of healthcare services, highlighting that increasing health needs among the elderly requires strengthening the quality and appropriate public investment in health. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Convergence of Health Expenditure and Health Outcomes in Central Europe and the Baltic Region
This research work examines the convergence of health expenditure in Central Europe and the Baltic region. The study reveals the absolute convergence in per capita health expenditures, indicating similar health outcomes for all eleven countries of the region. However, there is a divergence in health expenditure and outcomes across the eleven countries. Notably, public health expenditure diverges in Denmark, Estonia, Finland, and Norway, while, private health expenditure converges in Poland, Russia, and Sweden. Despite an overall convergence in life expectancy at birth across the countries, mortality rates due to non-communicable diseases only converge in Estonia. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Consuming Appetites, Disappearing Meals: Things Becoming Food in Chana Porters The Thick and the Lean
This paper aims to highlight the complex entanglements between the material and metaphorical meanings of food in literature through a close reading of Chana Porters The Thick and the Lean (2023). The novel follows the appetites and aspirations of three women in an alternative world where good food is taboo and culinary pleasures are forbidden; instead, abstinence from eating is hailed as the ultimate form of devotion. Drawing on Emma Roes conceptualization of things becoming food, this paper examines the mechanism through which foodstuff gainsor fails to gainmeaning in Porters food-averse universe. It argues that the novel challenges conventional perceptions of female appetites by reconfiguring edibility as constituted through intercorporeal as well as discursive practices. The paper approaches this process as a form of translation, contending that Porter integrates content and form to highlight the resistive potential of food and female appetites in capitalist food systems. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
The Heart of Education: Being Called to Teach
A calling to teach inspires educators to nurture and challenge students, creating a reciprocal relationship where both students and teachers grow, learn, and contribute to a vibrant, compassionate community of lifelong learners. 2025 Childhood Education International. -
Microstructural evolution and damping response in ARB-processed ZK60 alloy
This study investigates the effect of microstructural evolution on the damping behaviour of ZK60 magnesium alloy processed via Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB). ARB was employed at 300C for up to four cycles, significantly refining the grain structure and altering dislocation and precipitation behaviour. Comprehensive microstructural analysis revealed the formation of fine equiaxed grains (?6.7 m), dissolution of coarse precipitates, and increased dislocation density. TEM and Selected Area Diffraction (SAD) patterns confirmed dynamic recrystallisation and uniform grain orientation, while XRD patterns exhibited peak broadening and intensity changes, indicating crystallite refinement and texture evolution. Damping results showed substantial improvements in the ARB-processed alloy, particularly at low-to-mid frequencies, with up to 21% higher damping capacity than the base alloy. This enhancement is attributed to increased grain boundary sliding, dislocation interactions, and refined precipitatematrix interfaces. Both alloys exhibited similar damping responses at higher frequencies, suggesting saturation of energy dissipation mechanisms. 2025 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. -
Influence of shot peening on microstructure and electrochemical behavior of al-Cu alloy; [Influence du grenaillage sur la microstructure et le comportement.]
The current study explores the effects of shot peening on the microstructural evolution and corrosion behavior of precipitation-hardened Al-Cu alloy. Microstructural analysis revealed significant grain size reduction from 100 m to 6.5 m, and this process improves grain boundary density, reduces precipitate size from 2 m to 0.5 m, and ensures a uniform elemental distribution, effectively mitigating galvanic corrosion risks. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirms the homogenisation of alloying elements. At the same time, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis highlights crystallographic modifications, including refined crystallite size, redistributed secondary phases, and compressive residual stresses, contributing to enhanced strength and fatigue resistance. Corrosion behavior studies reveal a dramatic reduction in weight loss from 0.09 mg to 0.03 mg and a corrosion rate decrease from 3.5 10?3 mpy to 1.5 10?3 mpy, along with a noble shift in corrosion potential from ?1150 mV to ?775 mV. As observed in optical microstructures, grain refinement, residual stress introduction, and uniform surface characteristics lead to a significant shift from severe to mild corrosion attacks. Impedance analysis demonstrated improved corrosion resistance in the shot-peened alloy, evidenced by higher charge transfer resistance (Rct) and lower double-layer capacitance (Cdl). 2025 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. -
Real-Time Data Fusion Algorithm for Multi-Modal Environmental Sensor Networks Using Kalman Filtering and IoT Integration
Fusion of heterogeneous, noisy, and asynchronous multimodal data streams is essential to environmental sensor networks, given the computational, memory, and energy constraints of IoT devices. This paper introduces a real-time data fusion framework integrating hybrid adaptive Kalman filtering, distributed edge computing, and seamless IoT connectivity. The proposed framework incorporates three key innovations. First, a hybrid adaptive Kalman filtering mechanism employs the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) sigma-point technique, augmented with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks and fuzzy logic, for dynamic noise correction and robust nonlinear state estimation. Second, a three-tier distributed fusion architecture employs edge computing for local data processing, reducing network latency, communication overhead, and energy consumption. Third, a modular Service-Oriented Architecture enables seamless IoT integration, remote data access, and adaptive system reconfiguration. The framework also incorporates multi-criteria fault detection that combines chi-square tests, sequential probability ratio tests, and LSTM-based predictive compensation during sensor failures. Experimental validation employed 150 sensors for urban air-quality monitoring, industrial facility surveillance, and water-quality measurement. Sensor nodes utilized ESP32-S3 microcontrollers with LoRa communication, while Raspberry Pi 4 devices served as edge gateways connected to AWS IoT infrastructure. Compared to standard Kalman filtering, the proposed method achieved: (i) 25.2% reduction in root mean square estimation error, (ii) 41% energy reduction driven by 70% communication savings through predictive transmission and edge compression, (iii) sub-100 ms end-to-end latency representing 54% improvement, and (iv) robust performance maintaining below 10% degradation at 15% sensor failure rates. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Adaptive Mesh Networking Protocol for Self-Healing Electrochemical Sensor Networks in Environmental Monitoring Applications
Sensor networks for environmental monitoring must be robust, flexible, and long-lasting, and comprehensive reviews and evaluations of adaptive mesh networking protocols for self-healing to enable autonomous operation under challenging environmental conditions are needed. The purpose of this study was to conduct an extensive review and assessment of adaptive mesh networking protocols for the self-healing of electrochemical sensor networks used in environmental monitoring. The Adaptive Mesh Networking Protocols enable the distributed autonomous sensors (distributed over vast areas or through obstructions) to dynamically route their collected data, recover when nodes fail, and extend their life (in real-time). In evaluating adaptive mesh networking protocols, we reviewed several key features, including self-healing mechanisms, adaptive routing algorithms (including their mathematical representations), methods for achieving energy efficiency, and mechanisms for securing data collection from autonomous sensor networks. Our simulation results show that our proposed adaptive mesh networking protocol achieves greater than 98% packet delivery success, even with up to 30% of nodes lost. Furthermore, we have shown that our approach can reduce the energy consumption of autonomous sensors by up to 87.5% compared to existing non-adaptive approaches. Our demonstration of real-time monitoring dashboards and a comprehensive performance analysis of the autonomous sensor networks demonstrates the feasibility of implementing adaptive mesh networking protocols into large-scale environmental monitoring projects. A significant area of focus for future research will be sensor-level self-correction to address bio-fouling remediation. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Exploring cultural contexts of dog ownership Mental health and satisfaction with life among university students in India
The rising social value of pet ownership is infuenced by social media and evidence of positive efects on well-being, leading to a rise in dog ownership in younger generations. However, the mental health outcomes of this broader shif, especially in India, have not been studied. The study explored the association between dog owners relationships, mental health, and satisfaction with life among university students. A cross-sectional correlational design was used with 250 students aged 1825 who were either dog owners or without pets. The dog owners responded to the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale, apart from the Mental Health Continuum and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results showed a non-signifcant diference between mental health and satisfaction with life between dog owners and non-pet respondents. A positive relationship could not be established between dog ownership, mental health, and satisfaction with life. The dogs gender and breed infuenced the owners emotional bonding and interactions. Low perceived costs were related to a strong emotional bond with the dog, highlighting the complex nature of the pet ownership experience. Dog ownerships efect on students well-being is not universal and might depend on various individual, cultural, and contextual factors. Exploration of these human-animal interactions is warranted. 2025 John Benjamins Publishing Company. -
Influence of gravity modulation on the initiation of Rayleigh-Bard convection in ferro-nanofluids
The study investigates the influence of sinusoidal (sine wave) and non-sinusoidal (square wave, triangular wave, and sawtooth wave) gravity modulation on Rayleigh-Bard Convection in ferro-nanofluids (FNF) using both linear and nonlinear stability analyses. Controlled fluid systems are important in application situations, and hence, we have considered gravity modulation approach to control. The linear analysis based on the Venezian method is performed to determine the Rayleigh number of the problem, while the nonlinear analysis is carried out by solving the non-autonomous Lorenz equations to evaluate the heat transfer coefficient through the Nusselt number. Free-free and rigid-rigid boundary conditions for both upper and lower plates are considered along with isothermal and iso-nano concentration conditions. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the influence of initiation of convection and heat transfer in FNFs. This research focuses on analyzing the effects of various dimensionless parameters on the onset of convection and heat transfer. The results indicate that the magnetization parameters destabilize the system and enhance heat transfer. Among the four wave forms considered, square wave gravity modulation is found to facilitate greater heat transport compared to other forms of gravity modulation. In addition, the presence of ferro-nanoparticles advances the initiation of convection and enhances heat transfer. The novelty of this study lies in analyzing unconsidered aspects of gravity modulation, together with magnetic effects and nanoparticles, on the onset of convection and heat transfer in FNFs using both linear and nonlinear stability approaches. 2025 Author(s). -
Hyperchaos in a three-dimensional non-autonomous system
This paper extends the weakly nonlinear stability analysis reported by Francis et al. [J. Eng. Math. 139, 5 (2023)] to cover post-convective regimes of the gravity-modulated Rayleigh-Bard convection in a Newtonian liquid, bounded by rigid-free isothermal boundaries. Weakly nonlinear stability analysis is performed by considering second harmonics in the Fourier series expansion of temperature, while the second harmonics in the velocity field is neglected owing to the assumption of small-scale convective motions. The occurrence of hyperchaos within the three-dimensional non-autonomous system is observed, induced by modulation, emerging for varying, random combinations of frequency and amplitude values. This result has not been reported in the literature before, to the best of the authors' knowledge. Bifurcation analysis is carried out for varying combinations of modulation parameters. It is found that gravity modulation, in general, stabilizes the convective system under consideration. 2025 Author(s). -
Global stability analysis of thermofluid convection in an inclined porous layer with viscous dissipation, throughflow, and local thermal non-equilibrium effects
The onset of thermal convection in an inclined porous medium under the effect of viscous dissipation with throughflow, using a local thermal non-equilibrium model, is investigated. Darcy's law is used to describe the flow. The stability of the flow is analyzed through linear and nonlinear analyses. A linear instability analysis of disturbances in the form of rolls is performed through the normal mode technique, while the energy method is applied for nonlinear stability analysis by defining an energy functional. The boundary eigenvalue problem that emerges in the two analyses is solved using the boundary value problem solver (bvp4c) in MATLAB R2023a. The impact of the inter-phase heat transfer parameter, H, the porosity-modified conductivity ratio, ? , inclination angle, ? , and the stability parameter, ? ? , on the critical Rayleigh value, R a c ? , is systematically analyzed. The accuracy of the linear instability thresholds are validated with those reported in the existing literature. The results of linear and nonlinear theories have been compared. The study reveals that the inter-phase heat transfer parameter enhances flow stability, while the inclination angle serves as a stabilizing factor in the linear analysis but as a destabilizing factor in the nonlinear analysis, indicating the possibility of sub-critical motion. The stability across all inclination angles depends on ? ? ; specifically, ? ? acts as a stabilizing influence at smaller inclinations but exhibits a monotonic destabilizing effect at larger inclination angles. 2025 Author(s). -
Regulation of axisymmetric Rayleigh-Bard convection using boundary temperature coupling of the two circular plates
Controlled delay of regular, chaotic, and periodic regimes of instabilities is studied in the problem of axisymmetric Rayleigh-Bard convection in a vertical cylinder. A feedback control is assumed at the boundaries, which leads to a coupling of the two boundary temperatures. A classical type solution is impossible in such a situation. Hence, a novel series solution procedure is adopted to arrive at the generalized Lorenz model. Due to feedback control, delayed onset of regular convection is observed and the percentage of such a delay as a function of the controller gain parameter, K , is reported. The changes in the pitchfork bifurcation point, the homoclinic orbit, and the Hopf bifurcation point due to feedback control are highlighted with the help of a bifurcation diagram. This diagram shows that the influence of feedback control is to advance the onset of homoclinic bifurcation and delay the onset of Hopf bifurcation. The results indicate that feedback control shows preference for Hopf bifurcation and is antagonistic toward homoclinic bifurcation. The shortening of the time of existence of the strange attractor intermittent with a periodic/quasi-periodic state, which is preceded by the fully periodic motion as K increases is observed using the largest-Lyapunov-exponent plot, the bar-code plot, and the bifurcation diagram. The results coming out of the Kaplan-Yorke dimension reiterates the results depicted by other indicators concerning the influence of K on chaos. The practical importance of the control strategy that is used in the paper is also mentioned in the paper. 2025 Author(s). -
Soret-driven thermosolutal convection in bidispersive porous medium with vertical throughflow
This article investigates thermosolutal convection in bidispersive porous medium with Soret effect and vertical throughflow. The Oberbeck-Boussinesq approximation assumed and fluid flow obeys Darcy's law. Local thermal equilibrium is considered between solid and fluid phases. We analyze the system stability through linear instability, nonlinear stability (energy method), and weak nonlinear analysis. The expression for Ra is derived analytically, using the Galerkin orthogonalization technique. The Ginzburg-Landau equation is derived to get deep insight into convective amplitudes, also we explore the heat and mass transfer in the system by defining Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. The research delves into the influence of various physical parameters on the system's stability. The solutal Rayleigh number and Soret number have destabilizing property, whereas the Lewis number, momentum transfer coefficient, and permeability ratio have the stabilizing nature. The sub-critical region decreases as the Soret number increases. The strong buoyancy force delays the heat transfer and mass transfer by disrupting existing mass transfer. The critical Rayleigh number maintains symmetry over the upward and downward throughflow. The less area under the curve for average Nusselt and Sherwood number over permeability ratio implies total heat and mass transfer alleviating. 2025 Author(s).