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NEUROSTIMULATION IN LONG COVID: Advancing Neurocognitive Rehabilitation and Recovery
Neurostimulation techniques are emerging as promising interventions for addressing neurocognitive impairments associated with Long COVID, including brain fog, fatigue, memory deficits and executive dysfunction. Non-invasive modalities such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have demonstrated potential in modulating neural activity, enhancing cognitive recovery and alleviating neuroinflammatory processes linked to post-viral syndromes. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) offer additional therapeutic avenues by targeting autonomic dysfunction, which is often implicated in Long COVID-related dysautonomia and cognitive fatigue. Neuromodulation approaches combined with neurofeedback and cognitive rehabilitation may optimise neuroplasticity and functional outcomes in affected individuals. Wearable neurostimulation devices and home-based therapies further improve accessibility, offering scalable solutions for post-COVID neurorehabilitation. However, challenges such as variability in patient response, optimal stimulation parameters and long-term efficacy require further investigation. Integrating neurostimulation into multidisciplinary rehabilitation frameworks that include cognitive training, exercise therapy and pharmacological support may enhance recovery trajectories. Future research should prioritise personalised stimulation protocols, biomarker-driven treatment strategies and longitudinal studies to establish evidence-based guidelines for neurostimulation in Long COVID. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
COGNITIVE VS. BEHAVIORAL THERAPY IN ADHD: Executive Function Outcomes
This chapter explores the comparative effects of Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) and Behavioral Therapy (BT) on executive functions (EFs)in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Executive dysfunction, a key challenge in ADHD, impairs regulatory control, sustained attention, and task management. Using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design, the study involved eight children aged 712 years diagnosed with ADHD. Participants were purposively sampled and randomly assigned to CRT or BT interventions, delivered thrice weekly over three months. EF was assessed pre-and post-intervention using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-2). Results indicated that both therapies significantly improved executive functioning, but in different domains. CRT was more effective in enhancing working memory and cognitive flexibility, while BT demonstrated greater improvements in inhibitory control and behavioral regulation. These findings emphasize the complementary roles of CRT and BT in targeting distinct executive deficits in ADHD. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
EEG NEUROFEEDBACK: The Brains Capacity for Change and Growth
Electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback is a neoteric tool that uses principles of operant conditioning to modify brain function. This chapter introduces the reader to the foundations of EEG neurofeedback training, highlighting critical studies that led to its development. Neurofeedback research has primarily focused on clinical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The standard protocols of neurofeedback for ADHD are considered to be Efficacious and Specific, Level V in keeping with guidelines of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. However, research in neurofeedback in other domains is still in its infancy. This chapter attempts to familiarize the reader with concepts of EEG that are relevant to neurofeedback. These concepts would include a review of standard band frequencies and electrode placement using the international 1020 system. Neurofeedback has a wide range of applications, from the enhancement of performance to the treatment of severe clinical symptoms. Research pertaining to these applications will be discussed. The evolution of protocols and mechanisms over time in the history of neurofeedback will also be reflected. Outcome measures in neurofeedback have typically focused on EEG and clinical changes following the intervention. The need for other measures will be highlighted, offering implications for both basic and applied research. The chapter will conclude with deliberations on critical issues in the practice and research of neurofeedback. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
Separate Electorate
In colonial India, the category of Depressed Classes was approached through two distinct lenses as a socio-political issue and a moral and cultural issue. Two towering figures represented these perspectives B. R. Ambedkar and M. K. Gandhi. While Gandhi earnestly sought to address untouchability and other socio-cultural challenges faced by Depressed Classes through moral teachings, his approach was contested for being quite ineffective. Ambedkar, on the contrary, viewed the problem as deeply entrenched within religion and culture, advocating for socio-political empowerment as the solution. This chapter maps the historical events leading to Ambedkars successfully lobbying of British India for a separate electorate for Depressed Classes. It examines Gandhis vehement objection to the same based on his understanding that such provision would be detrimental to Depressed Classes, Hinduism, and national unity. Consequently, this chapter analyses how Ambedkar was forced to come to an agreement with Gandhi and sign the Poona Pact that put an end to proposed separate electorate but granted additional reserved seats to Depressed Classes. This chapter provides historical contexts and discusses the debates around the political representation of the minorities to address the larger question of political share of Depressed Classes in Indian electorate. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Debrahmanization
This chapter explores the concept of Brahmanism and its pervasive influence on the caste system in India, emphasizing the need for debrahmanization as a means to dismantle caste-based oppression. Historically rooted in the priestly castes dominance, Brahmanism has shaped societal structures by perpetuating inequality, while debrahmanization seeks to challenge this hierarchical order. This chapter examines the theoretical underpinnings of Brahmanism, including its socio-political ideology, and contrasts it with alternative movements, such as Buddhism, which aim to disrupt Brahmanical supremacy. The process of debrahmanization is positioned as a critical act to create an egalitarian society, advocating for political and intellectual engagement with anti-caste movements. Scholars like Ambedkar, Phule, and contemporary thinkers have advanced this discourse, emphasizing the need to address caste discrimination in all areas of life, including education, literature, and politics. Ultimately, this chapter argues that debrahmanization is a necessary step towards achieving social justice and creating a more inclusive and democratic India. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Dalit Studies
Dalit Studies emerged as a pivotal academic discipline in South Asia in the 1990s with a unique set of research agendas that offer new frameworks for understanding caste, gender and marginalised identities. The field stands out for integrating theoretical frameworks into the lived experiences of caste-oppressed communities. It was shaped by the confluence of material, ideological and intellectual shifts, including the critique of caste-Hindu dominance in academia. By prioritising the experiences of Dalits, it bridges the gap between theory and practice and engages with critical debates on representation, particularly insider vs. outsider perspectives in articulating Dalit experiences. It equips the learners not only with intellectual tools but also with the skills to attain self-reliance and dignity in their socio-political lives. As a critical tool, it calls for a rethinking of knowledge production, methodology and representation. Its growing global relevance is evident in universities across the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, where programs and courses explore the intersections of caste, race, and gender within broader contexts of subjugation and resistance. This chapter traces the evolution of Dalit Studies, examining its theoretical foundations, key concepts and debates, and its growing visibility in academic institutions worldwide 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Dalit Historiography
Dalit historiography positions itself as a direct challenge to the casteist narratives of Brahmanical historiography, which have long dominated historical accounts of India. It critiques mainstream historiographies for being casteist, for excluding Dalit voices, and for misrepresenting Dalit experiences within societal and institutional frameworks. Grounded in the experiences of oppression faced by Dalits, the Dalit historiographic approach seeks to expose the biases of Brahmanical knowledge systems and the exclusionary practices embedded within colonial and nationalist histories. Drawing from Ambedkars critique of positivist history and his call for a history that addresses caste-based inequalities, Dalit historiography emphasises the need for alternative narratives. It underscores the active role of Dalits as key participants in shaping history. Through life narratives, folklore, and oral traditions, it highlights the contributions and experiences of Dalit communities that have long been overlooked. By confronting caste discrimination and advocating for social justice, Dalit historiography aims to dismantle the hegemonic Brahmanical structures and offer a more inclusive and intersectional understanding of history. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Dalit Activism
In the post-Ambedkar era, Dalit activism has expanded beyond traditional modes and methods of protest by adopting diverse strategies. This includes social media campaigns like #DalitLivesMatter, which align with global movements such as #BlackLivesMatter. It signals a shift towards more globalised and intersectional forms of protest. There is a notable transition from an exclusive focus on domestic advocacy to transnational alliances for greater impact. Caste-based oppression has been framed as a violation of fundamental human rights, which demands accountability from both national and international agencies. Many scholars find the gap between international advocacy for Dalit rights and grassroots-level Dalit activism quite concerning. Some scholars believe that Dalit activism has lost much of its transformative potential and revolutionary vigour, and the movement has been reduced to a mere pressure group. These political pitfalls allow us to understand the challenges and complexities of Dalit activism and the factors that shaped its course. This chapter aims to trace the trajectory of Dalit activism and provide a detailed background to facilitate a critical engagement with the concept of activism. It explores its historical progression, strategic shifts, and ongoing struggles to offer a comprehensive view of how Dalit activism has evolved into its current form. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Mahitosh Mandal and Sanjiv Kondekar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Nudging children towards a sustainable toy story
In a world which is under a huge environmental strain, choosing sustainable products can be a significant way to correct the delicate balance. Population explosion and rapid industrialization with low concern about sustainability are affecting our environment faster than anticipated. The present study explores if children can be nudged to choose a sustainable product. A pre-test, post-test experiment design was used to observe the preference of children towards wooden toys and their packaging materials eco-friendliness. An experimental research approach is chosen in the present study, as the main motive for this study is to examine the cause-effect relationships between communications nudge and an increased preference towards wooden toys. The experiment reveals that after gaining knowledge about the benefits of sustainable toys, children preferred wooden toys over the plastic ones. The experiment was conducted on 36 children after taking their parents consent. It was concluded that persuasive communication used as nudge can help children make better choice. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Dipak Saha, Mrinal Kanti Das, Sunil Sahadev, Rabin Mazumder and Soumya Mukherjee; individual chapters, the contributors. -
'Katta local' men, pork and violence: Interspatial politics in Angamaly Diaries
[No abstract available] -
Nautical tigers: Contributions of cholas to India's maritime tradition
India is known for its rich maritime tradition and heritage. Contributions of kingdoms of peninsular India - Sathavahanas, Chalukyas, Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, Cheras - are notable in this regard. Of all the kingdoms, Cholas stood out in their maritime ventures into Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean regions. They not only maintained strong and sophisticated navy (dubbed as "Chola Armada") but also developed ports like Mamallapuram, Kaveripattinam, Korkai, Nagappattinam, Periyapattinam, Devipattinam, Machilipatnam, Thoothukudi, Poompuhar and Arikamedu along the Coromandel coast. Cholas followed what can be called the "Watch East Policy" to mainly safeguard their trade/commercial interests. But the story is not that simple. Rajendra Chola-I went on to occupy Malaysia (then called Kadaram) and assumed the title Kadaram Kondan (one who captured Kadaram) to control the Malacca Straits. He also acquired Java and Sumatra by defeating Sailendra rulers during his digvijaya. As a result, the Bay of Bengal was once called "Chola Lake," Such expeditions not only secured trading rights of Tamil merchant guilds in the region but also brought enormous riches to the then-Chola empire. The amalgamation of projection of military power with underlying commercial interests reverberated later during the European colonization of the region and holds true even today. No wonder, various adages like "Imperial Cholas" and "Barbarians of the Southern Sea" are used in the historical literature to describe Cholas' maritime expansion during the 10th and 11th centuries. Peeking at the Cholas' maritime prowls in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region raises many questions: What was the larger context of Chola's maritime expedition? What were the motives behind? Were they purely commercial or were there cultural, political and military undercurrents? Seen from the current perspective, are there any parallels to maritime tussles among big powers in the region then and now?. 2025 Adluri Subramanyam Raju and R. Srinivasan. All rights reserved. -
India's Role as a Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean Region: Issues, Challenges, and Trends
Since former US Defense Secretary Robert Gates introduced the term 'net security provider' at the Shangri La Dialogue in 2008, India's role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has been much discussed and deliberated. The chapter tries to specify and elaborate on what this entails for India and the countries in the IOR. India's strategic location in the IOR provides distinct advantages and challenges. India cannot remain indifferent to the evolving maritime geopolitics of the region, as well as its geoeconomic interests. Over the years, India's aspiration to be a net security provider in the IOR has been much debated. It reflects India's desire to enhance its strategic presence and reach in the IOR and beyond. An assessment of India's maritime doctrine and strategy is also imperative to understand India's role in the IOR. India's intent to be a net security provider in the IOR has to be backed up by a clear strategy as well as intent. It will also be circumscribed by regional security constraints. The chapter looks at many issues, events, and developments that impact India's role as a net security provider in the IOR, viz., capacity building and enhancement, maritime diplomacy and engagement, maritime security operations, deployment of maritime forces, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. 2025 Adluri Subramanyam Raju and R. Srinivasan. All rights reserved. -
Factors influencing job satisfaction of migrant workers in Coimbatore district
Recent years have seen a rise in the phenomenon of migration for employment, which has resulted in a more diversified and dynamic global workforce. Migrant workers contribute to a variety of businesses and sectors, which is essential to the economic growth of host nations. Their job satisfaction, though, continues to be a major source of worry. This summary gives a general overview of the variables affecting migrant workers job satisfaction, highlighting significant aspects like pay, working conditions, social support, and cultural assimilation. This study intends to shed light on the complex interactions between these variables and their effects on migrant workers overall well-being and job satisfaction through an examination of the literature already in existence and empirical data. The results of this study can help policymakers, employers, and other stakeholders implement initiatives that improve migrant employees job satisfaction, creating more effective, peaceful, and inclusive work environments. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Hafinaz, Hariharan R and R. Senthil Kumar. -
Decoding Quality of Life in Urban Spaces: A Case Study of Nagpur City, India
Urban Quality of Life (QoL) is becoming increasingly important to individuals due to the global increase in urban populations brought on by rapid population growth and urbanisation processes. To accommodate the inflow of people, cities undergo alterations in physical features concurrently. The development of a city is greatly influenced by urban planning. Cities that develop face overcrowding, shoddy urban planning, poverty, high housing costs, and labour shortages incoherently. This may also result in a lack of investment and poor city management. It makes life more difficult for many individuals and may even increase crime and harm the environment (Zhang, X.Q.,2016). This means that policies and rules should emphasise fostering urban development and enhancing infrastructure, such as buildings and services. Policies should focus on what each location requires and employ various techniques, including rules, market tactics, and spatial planning, to ensure that cities flourish in a positive way. Urban Quality of Life (QoL) refers to how enjoyable living is in a town, considering how residents interact with their surroundings (Das, D., 2008). 2025 selection and editorial matter, Uday Chatterjee, Avishek Bhunia, Jyothi Gupta and Krishnendu Gupta; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Urbanisation and Quality of Life: A Comparative Assessment between Developed and Developing Countries
It is widely accepted that rapid and haphazard urbanisation of the planet is the most concrete and finite phenomenon of the changes in global human settlement patterns. Urbanisation, like all human-induced modifications, is a response to socioeconomic, political, or environmental circumstances and is marked by an unprecedented concentration of people in urban areas (Davis and Golden 1954, Oteng-Ababio and Agyemang 2012, Zhang 2016). In general, urbanisation depicts the shift from a rural economy, way of life, and culture to an urban one, often referred to as the proportionate expansion of the urban population. This process occurs during globalisation, as people migrate to urban areas for opportunities and a higher quality of life (Davis 1965, Zhang 2016). While the procedure of urban development in developed nations has been extremely sluggish due to industrial and agrarian revolutions, higher incomes, and high living standards. However, developing nations are experiencing rapid urbanisation due to the expansion of their service sectors, rather than industrialisation (Macbeth and Collinson 2002). Davis and Golden (1954) coined the word over-urbanisation to describe the simultaneous existence of urban misery and rural poverty. Raza and Kundu (1978) argued that urban accumulation and unstable urbanisation lead to population concentration in large cities without increasing their economic foundations (Ray 2017). Worldwide, urbanisation is accelerating quickly, with only 2% of people living in cities in 1800 and 15% in 1900. The 20th century saw significant changes, with urban population growth picking up in the 1950s. By 2008, 3.3 billion people lived in urban areas, marking a historical first. By 2030, it is predicted that more than 6 billion people or 69% of the worlds population will reside in urban areas (UNFPA 2007, UN-Habitat 2008, United Nations 2010, UNDESA 2011, Oteng-Ababio and Ernest 2012, Zhang 2016, https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink xlink:href=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/world/agglomerations/">https://www.citypopulation.de/en/world/agglomerations/). The 2011 Global Report of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme highlights the detrimental effects of urbanisation and climate change on social, economic, and living standards of people and human settlements (UNHABITAT 2011, Yu 2014). Nowadays, a sizable portion of this urban population resides in peri-urban areas, making the management of peri-urbanisation one of the most important concerns in 21st-century sustainable urban development (United Nations 2001, Webster 2002, Dayaratne and Samarawickrama 2003, Webster and Muller 2004, Lin 2006, Aguilar 2008, Watson 2009, Zhao 2013). Prior to 1950, developed countries experienced majority of urbanisation due to industrialisation in Europe and North America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, this trend continues (Zhang 2016, https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink xlink:href=https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/society/urbanization-in-developed-and-developing-countries-around-the-world/4678">https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/society/urbanization-in-developed-and-developing-countries-around-the-world/4678). Now, urbanisation is causing significant impacts on developing nations, with Asia, Africa, and Latin America predicted to account for 54%, 32.5%, and 6.8% of the global increase in urban population, respectively, with the developing world accounting for 93% of projected urban population growth (Zhang 2016). The largest cities in these nations have instead absorbed the urban growth in the developing world (Diego 2009). According to a 2007 UN survey revealed that 88% of developing countries find urban population distribution unacceptable, and the proportion of nations implementing migration restrictions increased from 44% to 74% (Annez and Buckley 2009, Zhang 2016). 2025 selection and editorial matter, Uday Chatterjee, Avishek Bhunia, Jyothi Gupta and Krishnendu Gupta; individual chapters, the contributors. -
A Review of Geospatial Urban Growth Modelling with Applications
The study inspires to know about geospatial model applications used in cities growth. The model is used to represent objects, targets, people interaction, and prediction on the size of city growth. Batty has elaborated in his research on traditional types of data and a combination of GIS data visualization (Batty, 2005). The aim of this chapter to review the list of models that influence urban growth. The objective of the study is to specify the geo-temporal dimension with symbolic representation for types of spatial modelling. Preliminary study has been explained in Tables 15.1-15.2 with conceptual models, analysis models, visualization, or cartographic model. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Uday Chatterjee, Avishek Bhunia, Jyothi Gupta and Krishnendu Gupta; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Strength in compassion: Enhancing caregiver resilience
[No abstract available] -
Kerala's labour market: The impact of inward and outward migration flows
[No abstract available] -
Effect of Mindfulness Based Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (MBDBT) Training on it Employees: An Intervention Based Approach
Mindfulness Based Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (MBDBT) is a recent advancement in mindfulness-based interventions, focusing on helping clients observe their experiences, describe them using verbal labels, and be fully present in the moment and their actions without self-consciousness. This study investigated the effectiveness of MBDBT training on young employees using a mixed-method approach. The research was conducted on a sample of 10 newly joined IT employees in Bangalore, aged 25-30 years, over a 6-week period. The methodology included regular interviews for MBDBT skill training and standardized assessments measuring perceived stress, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and general self-confidence. Assessments were conducted at pre-, mid-, post-, and one-month follow-up sessions. The findings indicate that MBDBT has a significant effect on enhancing mindfulness and cognitive reappraisal while reducing expressive suppression with practice. These results suggest potential benefits of implementing MBDBT training programs for young professionals in the IT sector, with implications for improving their mental well-being and work performance. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. Sundeep Katevarapu, Dr. Anand Pratap Singh, Dr. Priyanka Tiwari, Ms. Akriti Varshney, Ms. Priya Lanka, Ms. Aankur Pradhan, Dr. Neeraj Panwar, Dr. Kumud Sapru Wangnue; individual chapters, the contributors.