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The current research investigation aimed to screen the bioactive compounds in the latex of Calotropis gigantea L. and evaluate its antibacterial and antioxidant properties towards clinical applications. The chemical moiety and volatile compounds of the latex of C. gigantea were detected by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and GC–MS analysis. The antibacterial activity was assessed using wound-inducing pathogens by well diffusion method. In addition, the antioxidant properties were determined through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. The functional groups of O–H stretch, diketonic bonds, C–O, C–N, O–C bonds, and consecutive C–H bonds were observed in the latex of C. gigantea. The major bioactive compounds were 5H-3,5a-Epoxynaphth[2,1-c]oxepin, Cholesta-5-en-3-ol, 24-propylidene-, dodecane, Lup-20(29)-Ene-3,28-Diol, (3.Beta)-, Veridiflorol, and Lanosta-8,24-dien-3-ol, acetatate, (3.beta.). Oxazole derivatives were found in the latex of C. gigantea, proved by GC–MS analysis. The aqueous-mixed latex exhibited maximum antioxidant activity as compared to methanol-mixed latex. Aqueous-mixed latex and methanol-mixed latex inhibited the growth of K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, S. pyogenes, Micrococcus spp., S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The present study clearly reveals that latex of C. gigantea has rich bioactive compounds with significant biological activities, and can be employed to produce a novel herbal formulation against wound-inducing pathogens.

Latex of C. gigantea was used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by the green chemistry approach. The crystalline size, shape, and purity of as-synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized through scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. Crystalline, spherical ZnO NPs with an average size of 21.8 nm were formed. In addition, the biological properties of the ZnO NPs, such as antioxidant and antibacterial activity, were evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay and the agar well-diffusion method. The highest free radical scavenging activities of 83.11 ± 1.89 % were observed at a concentration of 350 μg/mL of C. gigantea latex-mediated ZnO NPs. The latex in the C. gigantea latex-mediated ZnO NPs inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The maximum zone of inhibition was found in P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. C. gigantea latex-mediated ZnO NPs have significant biocompatibility and broad-spectrum antibacterial properties against wound-causing bacteria and, therefore, can be suggested for use in the formulation of novel creams or gels for healing applications.

The world today is experiencing rapid urbanization, leading to prominent urban ecological problems. Evaluating urban ecological quality is crucial for monitoring environment-centered initiatives. The Akkulam-Veli Lake Basin, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, is threatened by rapid urbanization. The present study proposes a comprehensive evaluation of the ecological quality by the Remote-Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), based on the four indexes: greenness (NDVI), wetness (WET), dryness (NDSBI), and heat (LST), from 2000 to 2023. The interrelationship between RSEI and land use has been studied to properly analyze human activities’ effects on the study region’s ecological quality. Results indicated that the mean values of RSEI experienced a drastic decline from 0.733 in 2000 to 0.645 in 2015, and further declined to 0.611 in 2023, indicating an overall deterioration in the status of ecological quality in the Akkulam-Veli Lake Basin. Moreover, Moran’s I index of 0.556 in 2000, 0.554 in 2015, and 0.552 in 2023 show that the sample RSEI values have a strong positive autocorrelation with adjacent values in the study area. The study provides evidence for the need for systematic urban planning and serves as a scientific reference for policymakers to manage the ecological qulaity of urban areas effectively.

BACKGROUND Anganwadi Workers have been the frontline workers providing a package of services to the children below 6 years of age, pregnant and lactating mothers as well as females in the reproductive age group, under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Programme. Promoting the health and socio-demographic status of this frontline force is critical to improve the delivery of services. Ultimately, this will improve the outcomes of the ICDS scheme. METHODOLOGY The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban area among 31 Anganwadi Workers. The convenience sampling technique was used to conduct the study. Socio-demographic profile and health status of the Anganwadi workers was recorded in pre-designed and pre-tested proforma by interviewing them. The data was then analysed and interpreted using suitable statistical methods. RESULTS 31 Anganwadi workers were included in the study. 28(90.32%) subjects were in the age group of >40-58 years. 29(93.55%) subjects were having health problems at the time of study (p

Airway ultrasound has been increasingly used in correct positioning of endotracheal tube. We hypothesize that a safe distance between endotracheal tube tip and carina can be achieved with the aid of ultrasound.

The rapid emergence of drug resistant pathogens is a major threat which has warranted the development of alternative strategies to combat infectious diseases. In this work, we have tested the anti-virulent activity of Meldrum’s acid activated furan (MAF) and 1,3-dimethyl barbituric acid activated furan (BAF) against Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was found that MAF significantly reduced the violacein production and biofilm formation of C. violaceum at sub-inhibitory concentrations. The quorum sensing (QS) regulated virulence factors of P. aeruginosa including biofilm formation, motility, pigment production, and elastase activity were also found to be reduced considerably at sub-inhibitory concentrations of MAF. Additionally, MAF downregulated the expression of genes in the QS circuitry of P. aeruginosa, demonstrating the potential of MAF in lowering the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa. In silico studies demonstrated the potential of MAF to compete with the signaling molecules of C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa for the QS receptor interaction. In vivo studies using Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrated the anti-pathogenicity of MAF by enhancing the survival of P. aeruginosa-infected C. elegans. These results suggest that activated furan compounds could be potential inhibitors of QS-mediated virulence factors in C. violaceum and P. aeruginosa, encouraging their use in combating multidrug-resistant pathogens.

The outline of our work delineates the isolation and evaluation of sun screening activity of melanin producers such as Pseudomonas mosselli STGRDS1, Pseudomonas putida STGRDS3, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens STGRDV11, Bacillus subtilis STGRDV5 and Bacillus cereus STGRDT12. All of the isolates were tested against the fungal melanin STGRDM1, which was used as control throughout the study. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of formulated creams containing 5% and 10% of melanin was determined with values ranging from 1.96 ± 0.008 to 26.33 ± 0.061; further, the transmission spectroscopy was used to calculate the percentage of protection factor that stipulates the potentiality of pigments showing sunscreen effect.

Foodborne pathogens are the main threat and cause of food poisoning. The majority of food infections have been related to the biofilm formation of foodborne pathogens in the food industry. Shewanella putrefaciens (KX355803, GRD 03), a Gram-negative pathogen isolated from mackerel fish, was identified and recognized as a food spoilage bacterium and a strong biofilm producer. The adhesion or attachment ability of Shewanella putrefaciens was determined on steel, plastic, glass, PVC and wood. NB (Nutrient broth), LB (Luria-Bertani broth), TSB (Tryptic soy broth) and BHI (Brain heart infusion broth) were enriched with glucose and shows optimum for bacterial adhesion. In the microtiter plate method (MTP), the strong attachment was observed at 48 and 72 hours of incubation and significant differences were obtained at p < 0.05. As the incubation period increases, the OD value (Optical density) of samples also increase. Biofilm formation is the major cause cross-contamination, and shows resistance to certain disinfectants, which leads to environmental stress tolerance. This study suggested with optimum biofilm production of isolate from fish by using glucose enriched media on different substrates, also comparing different growth media provide a detailed idea about biofilm-forming ability at different incubation time intervals.

Antilisterial bacteriocin producing strain were isolated from milk samples and were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and found to be of genus Enterococcus faecium. The bacteriocin ALC102 were partially purified by Amberlite XAD-16 adsorption followed by column chromatography. The biofilm formation capacity of Listeria monocytogenes MTCC 657 were evaluated by tube method and CV binding assay. Biofilm formation on different abiotic substrates were also evaluated. Among three substrates stainless steel had a strong biofilm formation followed by glass and aluminum foil. From the results of biofilm eradication studies, the bacteriocin ALC102 showed almost similar activity of commercial bacteriocin nisin on all the substrates at 45°C, 30°C, 4°C and -20°C. Based on CBD® biofilm eradication assay, the eradication potential of ALC102 and nisin were found to be similar on high (45°C) and freezing (-20°C) temperatures. From the study, antilisterial bacteriocin ALC102 found to be able to inhibit the biofilm formed Listeria monocytogenes MTCC 657 at different temperatures and different incubation periods (24h, 48h and 72h). The biofilm eradication potential of antilisterial bacteriocin ALC102 was similar to nisin. Neither incubation temperature nor incubation period doesn’t altered the activity of the bacteriocin. So this bacteriocin can be considered as a potential competitor in food industry and we strongly recommend the use of this bacteriocin from Enterococcus faecium GRD AA in the food preservation industry to a higher temperature (45°C) to freezing temperature (-20°C).

Problem considered: The study of changing families and the effect on changes in the health of family members is important for planning health policy and programs. Kerala is in fast epidemiological transition and the ‘Kerala model of development’ is famous. The state had the matrilineal family system and now has a social milieu maintaining a high burden of non-communicable diseases for which lifestyle modification through family-level interventions is a suggested solution.The specific objectives were to explore the changes in families, understand the health effects of changing families on family members, and describe stakeholder's perspectives on access and utilization of health services. Methods: 92 in-depth interviews and 17 focus group discussions were conducted in three representative districts in Kerala. Participants from different age groups from urban and rural settings were separately studied. Results: The reported changes were, related to nuclearization, role functions of women, elderly care, food habits, parenting styles, type of marriage, household-level decision making, and health service utilization. The linkages of these changes to the perceived health status were also explored. Conclusions: The reports of stakeholders threw light on poor social penetration of health programs, explanations for new parenting styles, elderly care, and changing behavior of adolescents. The study revealed intergenerational conflicts and gives recommendations for better health care in the community.

Early adolescence a period of transition between childhood and late adolescence, is where one experiences dramatic changes physically, and psychologically. These transitions cause cognitive, emotional, and social changes. The developmental changes that occur during this period cause varying degrees of disturbance in them. The period of transition leaves its mark on the individual's behaviour, as they feel unsure of themselves and insecure in their status. This intrudes them to be aggressive, self conscious and withdrawn. When an individual's behaviour is unusual for a particular age, this leads to poor adjustment, and is termed as behavioural problems. Schools play a significant role in the early adolescents' development because of the environment they provide. Though researches have been carried out focusing school environment of early adolescents, the investigators were interested to find if institutional variables can be significant contributors to the behavioral disorders exhibited by early adolescents. The study was designed to investigate the impact of institutional variables on behavioral disorders in early adolescents, studying in Standard IX. Random Sampling Technique was done on the basis of nature of the school, locality of school, type of school and medium of instruction to draw the sample size of 1275. Self constructed tool on Behavioral Disorders was used. Collected data were analyzed using statistical techniques such as t-test, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). The statistical results revealed that institutional variables significantly contributed to the behavioural problems in early adolescents. There should be some guidance service in each school, in order to provide some strategies for managing the behavioral problems among early teens as well as reducing the problem at this stage.

Increasing basal energy expenditure via uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-dependent non-shivering thermogenesis is an attractive therapeutic strategy for treatment of obesity. Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) channel activation by cold and cold mimetics induces UCP1 transcription and prevents obesity in animals, but the clinical relevance of this relationship remains incompletely understood. A review of TRPM8 channel agonism for treatment of obesity focusing on menthol was undertaken. Adipocyte TRPM8 activation results in Ca2+ influx and protein kinase A (PKA) activation, which induces mitochondrial elongation, mitochondrial localization to lipid droplets, lipolysis, β-oxidation, and UCP1 expression. Ca2+-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species activate UCP1. In animals, TRPM8 agonism increases basal metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis, oxygen consumption, exercise endurance, and fatty acid oxidation and decreases abdominal fat percentage. Menthol prevents high-fat diet-induced obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and liver triacylglycerol accumulation. Hypothalamic TRPM8 activation releases glucagon, which activates PKA and promotes catabolism. TRPM8 polymorphisms are associated with obesity. In humans, oral menthol and other TRPM8 agonists have little effect. However, topical menthol appears to increase core body temperature and metabolic rate. A randomized clinical control trial of topical menthol in obese patients is warranted.

Polyaniline (PANI) wrapped, carbon nanotube (CNT)/and exfoliated MoS2 composite (PANI/CNT/e-MoS2) based electrodes are developed for applications as high-quality supercapacitor electrodes by a facile and effective in-situ oxidative polymerization method. Exfoliation of single/bilayer MoS2 nanosheets via electrochemical method and incorporation of CNT in PANI/e-MoS2 composite are confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Electrochemical properties of PANI/CNT/e-MoS2 electrode are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge techniques. The incorporation of CNT in PANI/e-MoS2 composite provides maximum utilization of PANI nanowires to achieve maximum capacitance. Composite electrode based on PANI/CNT/e-MoS2 shows high specific capacitance of 532 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 as well as good rate capability from 1 A g−1 to 10 A g−1. Symmetric supercapacitor assembled using PANI/CNT/e-MoS2 composite electrode exhibits good cycling stability and 80% capacity retention after 4000 cycles and gives energy density of 11.8 Wh kg−1 and power density of 3785 W kg−1. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis ensures much lower equivalent series resistance of the PANI/CNT/e-MoS2 electrode. Besides, CNT acts as active electrode material in PANI/CNT/e-MoS2 composite and also provides more active sites for insertion and extraction of ions. This electrode design provides a facile and promising approach for improving the electrochemical performance of PANI based electrodes.

Background and Aims: Supraglottic airway devices have several roles including maintenance of a clear upper airway during general anesthesia. We primarily compared the efficacy of Baska mask (BM) and laryngeal mask airway supreme (LMAS) for the rate of first time successful placement and the seal pressure. The secondary outcome measures included laryngopharyngeal morbidity and the correct positioning of the gastric port. Material and Methods: A sample size of 30 was calculated in each study group. A total of 70 study participants were included in the statistical analysis of which 36 patients were in the BM group and 34 patients were in the LMAS group. Results: The BM was successfully inserted in 28 patients (77.8%), whereas LMAS was successfully inserted in 33 patients (97.1%) in the first attempt (P = 0.028). The mean oropharyngeal seal pressure in the BM group was higher (33.28 ± 6.80 cm H2O) than compared to the LMAS group (27.47 ± 2.34 cm H2O) with a P value

In this paper, Machine learning techniques have been employed for preparation and estimation of 96 Mo (n, p) 96Nb reaction data. The experimental data of 96 Mo (n, p) 96Nb reaction available in the EXFOR database was retrieved, analyzed and processed using renormalization and data cleaning techniques. Estimation of the renormalized experimental data with outlier and without outlier, over the entire neutron energy range, was then performed using machine learning regression algorithms of Ordinary Least square, Ridge, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Support Vector Regressor. The results obtained were then compared and it was observed that the data preparation plays a significant role in data quality.

Pre-processing of neutron reaction cross-section is essential in the nuclear data evaluation. This work aims to pre-process experimental cross-section data of 241 Am (n, 2n) 240 Am neutron reaction. Pre-processing of the experimental data includes re-normalization, removal of the outliers, integrating multiple cross-section values at single energy to single cross-section value, and regression on the cleaned experimental data. To remove outliers from the data, standardized residual and studentized residual have been used. For integration of multiple cross-section values to single cross-section value, the weighted average method has been used. Regression on the cleaned experimental data has been accomplished using the Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Polynomial Regression (PR), and the performance of both regression methods has been studied using statistical indices such as the determination of coefficient (R2) and the sum of the square of residual (SSres).

Major challenges faced by the human population in recent times include population increase, resource depletion and deterioration of environmental quality. The scarcity of food for the rising population is a critical issue faced by the world in wake of the unpredicted change in climatic conditions. The aquaculture industry plays an important role in solving global food scarcity. It is projected that the share of fish for human consumption originating from aquaculture is projected to increase from 52% (average for the period 2016–2018) to 58% in 2028. The major adverse impact of the traditional aquaculture systems includes the effect on water quality and secondary pollution causing serious damage to the aquatic resources. Improving water recycling efficiency and reducing the discharge of wastewater are the major factors contributing to sustainable aquaculture system. The present study compares the various aquaculture wastewater treatment technologies and their role in achieving sustainability. Recirculation systems in aquaculture units are found to be more effective in managing the volume of wastewater since only 10% of the total volume of water is replaced per day and hence more sustainable. Constructed wetland systems have reported high efficiency in the treatment of wastewater containing nitrogen compounds with NH4-N removal of 86—98% and NO2-N removal efficiency exceeds 99%. The cumulative energy demand of RAFT (Rafter System) and MFBS (Media-Filled Beds System) in Coupled Aquaponics Systems (CAPS) has been reduced to 46.8% and 53.2% which is very less than conventional units. The study of the use of local and low trophic level biomass like microalgae as feedstock was found to reduce the environmental impacts of fish farming with added benefit of biomass production and lipid production. The algae harvesting efficiency of above 90% has been achieved by using proper coagulants in various units. The study of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture operation, combining fed aquaculture with organic extractive aquaculture was found to improve the shellfish output by 20%, and profit was over 230% and 68% greater than that in finfish and shellfish isolated monocultures. The development of more efficient reactor systems and a holistic, integrated approach to wastewater treatment can ensure sustainable aquaculture systems which helps to maintain sustainability in the water -food -energy system.

Early adolescence is a period of transition when the individual changes physically and psychologically from a child to an adult. This transition involves physical, cognitive and socio- emotional changes. The developmental changes that occur during this period cause varying degree of disturbance. The changes they undergo sometimes results in behavioural disorders where they exhibit inappropriate types of behaviour even under normal circumstances. In early adolescence as in all other stages of life, behaviour is the result of interaction between the individual and environment. Early adolescence features increased activity, increased aggressiveness, decreased dependence upon the adults and greater scope for social interaction. The journey through this period becomes easier when parents are involved in adolescents' lives. The parental relationship with early adolescents and the type of home in which they grow are main factors in shaping their behaviour development. Positive parenting encourages early adolescents to be independent but still places limits and controls on children's actions. A positive home environment can raise the early adolescents to be more socially competent and emotionally healthy. By providing a warm, supportive and congenial environment parents can help their teenagers acquire normal behaviour in this stage. Schools can help the parents by organizing educational programmes which will help parents handle their children's issues.

Of all the equalities man possesses, creative thinking has been the most important for his well being and advancement. Creativity means to make, to bring into being, to originate or to invent something. Scientific aptitude is considered to be a unique or unusual potential or ability of an individual to acquire general knowledge and skill in scientific fields. This era is witnessing a great importance of creativity and imagination in our every day lives. Development of science has conquered almost all spheres of life. The issue of developing creativity and scientific aptitude in school children is challenging to teachers, and the investigator is interested to find the correlation between creativity and scientific aptitude. Research on creativity has mainly focused on the contributions of terms of creativity and co relational studies of creativity with self concept, intelligence, personality and achievement. There are several aspects of creativity and scientific aptitude on which clear cut answers are yet to be found by sustained research. The study was designed to investigate the correlation between creativity and scientific aptitude in standard VIII students. The sample taken was 251 and random sampling technique was done on the basis of sex, nature of the school, locality of residence, locality of school, type of school, parental education and parental occupation. Creativity tool by Baquer Medhi (1985) and a self constructed tool for scientific aptitude were used. Collected data were analyzed using statistical techniques such as t-test, analysis of variance and Pearson's product moment correlation. Correlation analysis revealed that there is no significant relation between creativity and scientific aptitude with respect to background variables. In this study the investigator draws the conclusion that students who are highly creative may not have scientific aptitude up to the mark. Students who are interested in science and thereby developing their skills and abilities may not always be creative in nature.

Early adolescence is the period where the transition from child to adult takes place gradually. A major physical and cognitive change during this period is accompanied by social and emotional development. The growth spurt in this period makes them stronger and plays an important role in developing self identities. The journey through this crucial period becomes easier when the entire school community is concerned with adolescents' lives. School climate has a deep and marked impact on the behaviour development of early adolescents. Positive school climate can be viewed as foundation of safety, pride, respect, trust and motivation on which a school can build the structure of real success. Creating a positive school climate takes the work and commitment of the entire school community. Physical, social and academic dimension of school climate influence early adolescent behaviour to a great extent. A suitable positive learning environment fosters youth for a productive, contributive and satisfying life in a democratic society. Researches show that school climate influences adolescent behavioural and emotional problems. Behavioural problems can be externalizing and observable such as aggression, bullying and fighting; and internalizing problems like anxiety, withdrawal and loneliness. Safe, caring, supportive, participatory and responsive school climate tends to promote greater attachment to school as well as provide optimal foundation for social and emotional development. When every school aims at creating such a congenial climate, its impact in early adolescents will manifest in their better learning and responsible behaviour which finally makes them accomplished human beings.