Chelonian Research Foundation

A REVIEW ON TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HERBICIDES ON AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM

Devika Rani H K, Parimala B — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Herbicides are essential in modern agriculture but pose severe risks to aquatic ecosystems, particularly fish. This review examines herbicides' biochemical and genotoxic impacts on fish species, addressing oxidative stress, metabolic disruptions, hormonal interference, DNA damage, and mutations. Herbicides like glyphosate, atrazine, paraquat, and 2,4-D have been linked to enzymatic inhibition, reproductive abnormalities, and genetic mutations with extensive implications for aquatic biodiversity and human health. Case studies provide further insights into specific herbicides' effects, such as glyphosate’s role in oxidative stress, atrazine's endocrine disruption, and paraquat’s genotoxicity. Continuous monitoring, regulation, and alternative solutions are crucial to reduce these harmful effects and protect aquatic life and public health.

THE ROLE OF MRI IN DIAGNOSING NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Qahtani, Moayad Alwi Abdalwahed and Noura Saud Alonizi — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable tool in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders. Ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and brain tumors are examples of conditions for which MRI scans provide crucial clinical information.

MRI produces images by subjecting the body to a magnetic field, and then using radio-frequency pulses to stimulate the emission of energy from atomic nuclei. The resulting signals are used to reconstruct images that encode structural or functional information about the brain. Structural scans visualize the anatomy in cross-section at high resolution. Functional MRI (fMRI) renders maps of cerebral activity and metabolism. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tracks the flow of water molecules along the white-matter tracts and thereby reveals connective pathways.

AWARENESS, PERCEPTION AND ATTITUDE REGARDING NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMME AMONG HEALTH CARE STAKE HOLDERS-AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Maggi Mariyam Vargison*, Preethi Maria Mathew — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction The Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a critical aspect of healthcare, has gained attention for its potential to address healthcare shortages and improve clinical care. This study aims to assess the awareness, perceptions, and attitudes towards the Nurse Practitioner Program (NPCC) among healthcare stakeholders in India, exploring the role of demographic variables such as gender, age, academic qualifications, and professional experience. Methods- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 healthcare stakeholders, including BSc final year students, staff nurses, and doctors from intensive care units (ICUs). Demographic data were collected alongside measures of general awareness, program understanding, perception, and attitude towards NPCC. Chi-square tests were performed to assess associations between demographic variables and stakeholders' perceptions and attitudes towards the program. Results- The study found that the majority (67%) of respondents were female, with 40.66% under 25 years old. Awareness about the NPCC program was generally high, with 78.7% recognizing the program, while understanding varied by aspect-70.8% were aware of eligibility criteria, and 85.7% recognized the regulatory body. Perceptions regarding the NPCC program were positive, with 84.6% of participants demonstrating high awareness of NP roles and 76.3% acknowledging the program's potential to improve clinical competence. Age and academic qualifications were found to have no significant impact on perceptions, while a significant association was observed between age and attitude towards the NPCC program (p < 0.05). Discussion- Overall, healthcare stakeholders displayed substantial awareness and positive perceptions of the NPCC program. However, despite the positive attitude towards NP roles, there was no significant impact of gender, academic qualifications, or professional experience on participants' perceptions and attitudes. Age emerged as the only demographic factor significantly influencing attitudes towards the program, highlighting the importance of age-related factors in shaping professional outlook

PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS AND FACULTY REGARDING SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING- AN EXPLORATORY STUDY.

Aradhana Eli Rao, Preethi Maria Mathew — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Self-directed method allows the student to empower themselves and take total control on their personal growth and increase their educational level. Self-directed learning allows the student to self-motivate themselves to not only reply solely on traditional classroom setting but methods like online studying, seminars, conferences and going through various research data bases for indebt study of their topics It extends beyond the classroom and into all aspects of life. Materials and methods: A quantitative research approach and exploratory study design was used. A sample of 200 nursing students and 10 nursing faculty of nursing institute was selected using non probability convenient sampling technique. Data was collected by 22 structured questionnaire which was validated by 5 experts. Data was using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (chi square test). Results Nursing students: 164 (82%) of the 200 students that took part in the study were female, with the remaining 36 (18%) being male. Of the total number of pupils, 85 (42.5%) were under 21 years old, and the remaining 115 (57.5%( were above 21, 96 (48%) were in their first year of B.Sc. Nursing, 52 (26%) were in their second year of B.Sc. Nursing, 38 (19%) were in their third year of B.Sc. Nursing First-year P.B.B.Sc. nursing students made up 10 (5%) of the total students, and second-year students made up 4 (2%). Nursing Faculty: 10 faculties that took part in the study 1 (10%) were Male and 9 (90%) were Female, 10 (100%) faculties were above 21 years of age, all 10 (100%) had completed their Masters in Nursing. The results indicated that most participants held positive views on self-directed learning, with 69% of students and 70% of faculty expressing favorable perceptions. The study also found significant association between demographic variables (Gender and Academic Qualification) and perceptions of SDL.

Conclusion: The findings reveal that majority of the nursing students and faculty have positive perception regarding self-directed learning.

INDONESIAN TRADITIONAL HERBAL MEDICINE AS AN ANTI-VIRAL AGENT

Retno Widyani, An Nuur Budi Utama, Rianty Aryani Putri — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background. Traditional herbal medicine has been effectively used to treat various diseases for hundreds or even thousands of years, as mentioned in ancient manuscripts, textbooks, and pharmacopoeias. Since ancient times, herbal therapy has played a crucial role in combating infectious diseases. BPOM distribution permits are needed to maintain the safety of drugs in circulation. A distribution permit is a permit for Drugs and Food produced by manufacturers and/or imported by importers of Drugs and Food that will be distributed in the territory of the Republic of Indonesia based on an assessment of safety, quality, and usefulness.

Aims. This study aims to investigate the legal process of HV Care as an antiviral, as per the Indonesian Food and Drug Control Agency (BPOM).

Method. The experimental method is used in the research, from preparing raw materials to processing, until it becomes a finished product, followed by the legal process to obtain a distribution permit.

Result. The herbal medicine formulation utilizes extracts obtained from vendors who have already received certification from BPOM. The raw materials are then mixed according to the predetermined dose, mashed, sifted, and packaged into capsules. The distribution permit process is submitted to BPOM through various stages, including registration and laboratory results for the submitted formula, as well as the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for formula preparation.

Conclusion. HV Care is an herbal medicine with the composition of meniran (Phyllanthus Urinaria Folium), Temu mango (Curcuma amada Rhizome), Curcuma Zanthorrhiza Rhizome, Sambiloto ( Andrographis Paniculata Folium). It is helpful as an antiviral for HIV sufferers in particular and other viral diseases. HV Care has been processed by the standards of the Indonesian Food and Drug Control Agency (BPOM) and holds a POMTR223008931 distribution permit, enabling it to be distributed in the community.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORKERS IN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Mohammed Abdulrahman Alzeneadi and Sarah thani alruwaili — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mental health support is fundamental to individuals’ ability to cope with and recover from trauma, stress, and resolve everyday problems. Those who have good social support in their lives demonstrate greater resilience (Conway, 2016). For a wide range of social, psychological, and biological reasons, social workers are often uniquely qualified to provide such support (Boland et al., 2021). This importance is especially apparent in the healthcare setting where a social worker is often the first person an individual will turn to for assistance. Regardless of whether the issue is a common worry or a more serious form of disorder, mental health support is a critical facet of a health professional’s role.

MICROBIOME OF HYOPHILA INVOLUTA (HOOK.) A. JAEGER IN QUANTIFYING CHROMIUM IMMERSION AND BIOACCRETION

Selva Ganapathy Muthusamy — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metal adulteration in aquatic source is difficult to identify and their presence can result in bioaccretion and biomagnification. The present work objectives to assess chromium immersion and bioaccretion by Hyophila involuta (Hook.) A. Jaeger. H. involuta was collected from Pachamalai Hills. The plant was eroded and air dried. The dried thallus was immersed in 50 ml potassium dichromate solution with a chromium concentration of 170μg/ml. Biomass concentration and treatment duration was optimized with biomass ranging from 0.5 g to 3 g and days of immersion from 1 to 3. The thallus showed high levels of chromium immersion. With 24 hours of immersion, 0.5 g biomass removed 17.8 % chromium from water. With increase in biomass concentration there was increase in chromium removal with maximum removal of 82 % when 3 g biomass was used. In day two, 3 g biomass removed 94 % chromium from water and in day 3, biomass concentration from 2 g to 3 g could bring down the detectable range of chromium to zero. Cell wall of bryophytes is thought to have net negative charges that can bio absorb cations. No major studies are there utilizing this ability of bryophytes. Hyophila is common taxa in Tamil Nadu and hence the ability of H. involuta in bioimmersion of chromium can be exploited in water treatment plants.

EVALUATING COGNITIVE THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY DEMENTIA PATIENTS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN CHENNAI SENIOR CARE FACILITIES

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Senile dementia combined with depression is a growing concern among elderly populations, especially those residing in institutional care. Cognitive decline and depressive symptoms often coexist, significantly impairing quality of life. There is an urgent need for non-pharmacological interventions to address these challenges in geriatric settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of selected cognitive strategies in reducing senile dementia with depression, and to explore the lived experiences of elderly residents in geriatric homes in Chennai district, India. Methods: A mixed-method pilot study was conducted in two geriatric homes. Although initially designed as a quasi-experimental study with randomized assignment to study and control groups, the sampling approach was modified to purposive sampling due to feasibility constraints. The intervention group received structured cognitive strategies, while the control group received routine care. Quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-intervention assessments of dementia and depression, whereas qualitative data were obtained using in-depth interviews to explore residents’ experiences with the cognitive interventions. Results: The findings revealed significant improvement in dementia and depression scores among the intervention group compared to the control group. Additionally, demographic factors such as age, religion, marital status, educational background, presence of health problems, and family visitation patterns were significantly associated with the effectiveness of cognitive strategies. Qualitative analysis identified five major themes: improved cognitive performance, enhanced mood, positive attitude shifts, better sleep quality, and an overall optimistic perception of life. Participants emphasized the supportive and engaging nature of the interventions, which contributed to improved psychological well-being. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that selected cognitive strategies are effective in reducing levels of senile dementia with depression among institutionalized elderly. These findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive interventions into routine geriatric care practices. Such approaches can promote mental health, resilience, and overall quality of life among older adults in residential settings.

THE EFFECT OF COAL WASTE BOTTOM ASH SURALAYA STEAM POWER PLANT AS A GROWING MEDIUM FOR OIL PALM SEEDLINGS

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study was to compare the combination of planting media, including soil and solid organic fertilizer type, and bottom ash. The experiment used the Randomized Complete Block Design method. The design was achieved through a combination of organic fertilizer types A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, and M, along with soil media. The number of treatments consisted of thirteen, repeated three times. The ratio of planting media 67% soil and 33% Solid organic fertilizer bottom ash D type (organic material derived from legumes and Tithonia diversifolia can provide a height of oil palm seedlings 28.57 cm at the age of twelve weeks after planting (WAP). At the same age and the same combination ratio, ion uptake and absorption of the best of potassium (K) by oil palm seedlings. The good Shoot Root ratio was given by a combination of media, 67% soil and 33% solid organic fertilizers, and bottom ash. Similarly, in the oil palm rhizosphere, the balance of media 67% soil and 33% solid organic fertilizer bottom ash was found to contain microorganisms Lactobacillus sp, Streptomyces sp, and Bacillus sp

SUSTAINABILITY AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CULINARY TOURISM: A STUDY OF FOOD TOURISM PRACTICES IN MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA

Manoj Patkar, Prof. (Dr.) Gurdip Singh — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines the viability and economic benefit of culinary tourism in Mumbai, Maharashtra but especially makes an analysis on how local food has helped preserve both traditions and economic prosperity. The research relied on quantitative information of 240 tourists and 60 restaurant owners whereby the questionnaires and interviews employed by the study focused on six dimensions such as aspects of sustainability perceptions, spending patterns, and promotion of Maharashtrian cuisine. The analyses were done in terms of descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS v26 and Excel 365.The results indicate that two-thirds of the tourists pursue sustainable food choices and are more satisfied with the use of such practices. There was a high positive correlation (r = 0.68) between the amount of resources utilized by restaurant to sustain its operations and monthly revenue. Findings of the regression results were that sustainable practice and knowledge on local cuisine remarkably forecasts repeat visitation and tourist expenditure (R 2 = 0.57). The research paper finds that sustainable culinary tourism can not only contribute to cultural identity, but can make restaurants economically viable. Based on these insights, one can say the strategic marketing and a long-term integration of local food heritage should be promoted as part of tourism planning.