Past Issues

Portrayal of Almighty Shiva towards Shankara: Elucidating Assertive Energy in the work of Devdutt Pattanaik

Abstract

India, an epitomized land of knowledge is a storehouse of rich cultural heritage. In world mythologies, Indian mythologies are very famous because they are always related to civilization, ritual ceremonies, legendary folklore, and many creeds. In Indian mythologies people mainly worship two spiritual powers, male God and female Goddess. Shiva and Shakti are popular among all Gods and Goddess. Popular literature has many genres among which mythology inspired fictional literature is creating waves. This paper has enlightened all the incidents - regarding the God's transformation as a husband, a householder and ultimately the father of two sons. This paper focuses on Lord Shiva & his wife Goddess in different forms like Shakti, Sati and Parvati, where these three forms of Goddess always represents behind the power of Lord Shiva. It is quite interesting that Shiva who had shunned the world and was busy in his Yogic Sadhan, compelled to start a marriage life by the Goddess Shakti. The legend of Shiva is represented by many authors especially the contemporary trend of mythological fiction has witnessed many additions to the corpus of books on Shiva. In the present work, it had been elaborated that how Shiva turned to be departed from hermitic loneliness into the active involvement of mystical power around the world. Devdutt Pattanaik is the prominent writer of mythological writings, that are considered for people who are not familiarized about religious texts but keen to understand the soul of mythology and epics. He documented several books on Shiva, among the most outstanding book is Shiva to Shankara: Giving form to the Formless (2006). Devdutt Pattanaik has described Shiva as an enigmatic and mythical entity in his book.

Vanadium Oxide Nanoparticle-Enhanced Levofloxacin Delivery Against Multidrug-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes

Abstract

The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Listeria monocytogenes represents a growing threat to public health, particularly in foodborne illnesses. In this study, we developed vanadium oxide (V₂O₅)-based nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the antibacterial effect of levofloxacin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, against MDR L. monocytogenes. The NPs were synthesized using a solvent evaporation method to encapsulate levofloxacin, and their physicochemical properties were characterized through various techniques. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed that the NPs had an average size of 85 ± 3 nm, while zeta potential measurements showed a negative surface charge of -21 ± 2 mV, indicating stability in suspension. The encapsulation efficiency of levofloxacin was 72 ± 5%, suggesting an efficient drug loading process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed that the NPs were spherical in shape, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the crystalline structure of the vanadium oxide nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the levofloxacin-loaded vanadium oxide NPs was evaluated against MDR L. monocytogenes using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays and zone of inhibition (ZOI) tests. The MIC value was found to be 0.25 μg/mL, significantly lower than that of free levofloxacin (1 μg/mL), indicating a synergistic effect between the drug and the vanadium oxide NPs. The zone of inhibition was 35 ± 2 mm, compared to 18 ± 1 mm for free levofloxacin.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Biofeedback-Assisted Learning in Enhancing Emotional and Cognitive Outcomes among School Children

Abstract

The present study explores the effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted learning in enhancing emotional regulation and cognitive performance among school children. Emotional regulation is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of academic success, influencing attention, memory retention, motivation, and overall classroom engagement. Traditional pedagogical methods often emphasize cognitive skills while overlooking emotional and physiological factors that affect learning. Biofeedback technology, which provides real-time physiological information such as heart rate variability (HRV), skin conductance, and brainwave activity, offers an innovative approach to promoting self-awareness and emotional self-regulation in students.This quasi-experimental study involved 120 students from grades 6 to 8, divided into an experimental group exposed to biofeedback-assisted learning and a control group following conventional teaching methods. Over a 12-week intervention period, data were collected through standardized emotional regulation questionnaires, physiological monitoring, academic performance assessments in mathematics, language, and science, and qualitative feedback from teachers and students.Results revealed significant improvements in cognitive reappraisal, reduced expressive suppression, and decreased physiological stress indicators among students in the experimental group. Academic outcomes, particularly in mathematics and language, showed a notable increase, and a strong positive correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) was observed between improved emotional regulation and academic gains. Teacher observations and student interviews further highlighted increased engagement, reduced disruptive behavior, and higher satisfaction.

Bioactive-Enriched Spirulina Protein Isolate: Scale-Up for Symbiotic Beetroot Drinks

Abstract

Spirulina platensis (Arthrospira platensis), a GRAS-approved superfood providing 60-70% high-quality protein and bioactives like phycocyanin, β-carotene, and polysaccharides, addresses India's protein malnutrition crisis (20% child prevalence per NFHS-5) but faces sensory and solubility challenges for beverage use. This study optimized spirulina protein isolate (SPI, 68.2% purity) production using response surface methodology (RSM) with high-pressure homogenization pretreatment, alkaline extraction (pH 11.38, 5.2:1 biomass:water, 35 min), and freeze-drying from NBRI 1023 strain cultivated in modified Zarrouk's/Paoletti's media yielding 2.58-2.71 g/L biomass (0.129-0.136 g/L/day). Biomass harvested via centrifugation (96.2% recovery) produced SPI with superior functionality: 65.1% solubility at pH 7, emulsifying activity index 52.3 m²/g, foaming capacity 142% (75% 30-min stability), water/oil holding capacities 2.84/1.92 g/g, thermal stability (TGA onset 223°C, DSC peak 285°C), and native structure (FTIR amide I/II 1652/1541 cm⁻¹). Bioactives enriched 2.8-fold: DPPH IC₅₀ 92 µg/mL, TPC 22.4 mg GAE/g, phycocyanin 142.3 mg/g (purity ratio 2.84). RSM model (R²=0.9674, desirability 0.89) and 20 L photobioreactor scale-up (98.5% efficiency, 2.61 g/L/day) validate industrial SPI production for fortifying beetroot probiotic drinks, targeting 10⁹ CFU/mL viability, 89.6% digestibility, and sensory scores 7.9 while leveraging Haryana's 2.1 Mt/year beetroot supply

Examining the Influence of Macroeconomic Variables on Mutual Fund Returns: A Comparative Study of Developed and Emerging Markets

Abstract

; This study investigates the influence of macroeconomic factors—GDP growth, inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates—on mutual fund returns in developed and emerging markets. By analyzing data from 2015 to 2023, the research employs multiple regression models to compare how these economic indicators affect mutual fund performance in the United States, Germany, and Japan (developed markets) versus Brazil, India, and South Africa (emerging markets). The results show that GDP growth has a more pronounced positive impact on mutual fund returns in developed markets, while inflation has a significantly stronger negative effect in emerging markets. Interest rates exhibit an inverse relationship with mutual fund performance in both categories, but the effect is more substantial in emerging markets due to greater volatility. Exchange rates have a notable impact, particularly in emerging markets, where currency fluctuations are more unpredictable. The study finds that macroeconomic factors explain a larger proportion of mutual fund returns in developed markets (R² = 0.756) compared to emerging markets (R² = 0.632), suggesting that economic conditions in developed economies are more stable and predictable. This paper provides valuable insights for fund managers and investors, emphasizing the need for tailored investment strategies based on the economic context of the market. The findings also have implications for policymakers aiming to stabilize financial markets in emerging economies to improve mutual fund performance.