Communities in Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women - AULIB-IR Central Library
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Bacteria programmed to eat up a tumour. Can this revolutionise cancer treatment?
(Times of India, 2026-03-04) Times of India
UoM develops3D sponge from bovine boneto stop severe bleeding
(India Express, 2026-03-07) Binita Jaiswal
Parent’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice on Pre-requisite Skills for Children with Autism and its Influence on Parents Mental Health and Self-efficacy- A Sensitization Study
(AVInashilingam, 2025-08) SeemaSaikia; Guide - Dr. RamyaBhaskar
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that requires intensive and continuous care, where parents play a vital role in both management and day-to-day support. Parents serve not only as primary caregivers but also as consistent facilitators of their child’s learning and socialisation, making them critical partners in intervention processes. Nevertheless, the present study has focused on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of parents of children with autism on pre-requisite skills. These pre-requisite skills, which include social, communication, and self- help abilities, are essential for children to progress in learning and independence, leading towards vocational development. Without a clear understanding and effective practice of these skills at home, interventions often lose continuity and efficacy. Thus, the present study was undertaken with the objective of assessing the KAP of parents regarding pre-requisite skills, while also evaluating the effect of a sensitization programme designed to enhance parental knowledge, attitude, and practice in this domain. In addition to KAP, the study also addressed a crucial but often overlooked dimension: the mental health of parents themselves and their self- efficacy. Parenting a child with autism is stressful and emotionally taxing, often contributing to
poor mental health outcomes and reduced self-efficacy among parents. In recognition of this challenge, the study simultaneously aimed to assess parents’ mental health and self-efficacy, while examining the impact of the sensitization programme on these parameters as well. The study was conducted in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.Out of the 16 special schools shortlisted for the present study, only 5 schools accepted to be a part of the
research, and 143 parents of children with autism consented to participate. The study followed an action-based cross-sectional design by adopting a purposive sampling technique. The study was also approved by the Institutional Human Ethics Committee of the University (approval No. IHEC/19-20/HD/46).For the present study, four assessment scales were chiefly used, such as a self-developed tool to elicit socio-demographic profile
of parents of children with autism, which includes the gender of parents, qualification, occupation, family income, number of siblings, types of family, and area of residence. ALikert scale consisting of 35 items each was developed by the researcher to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of parents towards pre-requisite skills. The items covered the aspects of scheduling, attention, socialisation, self-control, self-advocacy, safety,
communication, and imitation. The tool was tested for reliability and validity. Face validity and content validity were done, and the feedback and suggestions from subject experts were considered and incorporated to further refine the scales.The reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha reliability test, with scores of 0.94 for knowledge, 0.84 for attitude, and 0.79 for practice,showing an excellent, very good, and good reliability of the scales, respectively. Validity was tested using principle component analysis (PCA) where the sampling adequacy was also found to be adequate for KAP with 0.760, 0.846, and 0.645, respectively and Bartlett’s test of Sphericity showed the significant level with cumulative percentage of 69.240 for knowledge, 69.652 for attitude, and 69.201 for practices, which were in the acceptable ranges. Standardised tools such as Mental Health Inventory (MHI) by Jagdish and Srivastava 2005, and Early Intervention Parents Self- Efficacy Scale (EIPSES) by Guimond, Wilcox, &Lamorey2008, were utilized to assess parents’ mental health and self-efficacy.The baseline findings of the study revealed that parents of children with autism demonstrated average to low levels of knowledge, unfavourable attitudes, and low to average levels of practice regarding pre-requisite skills. This indicated that while some awareness existed, a lack of comprehensive understanding and consistent application remained barriers to supporting children effectively. Parents’ mental health levels were found to be poor to very poor, highlighting the significant emotional strain and stress endured by families. Self-efficacy levels were also reported to be average to low, reflecting a lack of confidence among parents in their ability to handle the complex and demanding requirements of raising a child with ASD. These findings underscored the
need for sensitization/interventions that simultaneously address both skill-based awareness and the psychosocial challenges parents face.A sensitization programme was planned and conducted, specifically designed for this research, aimed at equipping parents with an improved understanding of pre-requisite skills and strategies to effectively support their children in everyday situations. Of the larger pool, 30 parents were placed in the experimental group and another 30 in the control group for the sensitization component of the study.Statistical analyses revealed that paired t-tests demonstrated meaningful differences between pre- and post-test scores when compared with the control group, showing small to medium effect size in knowledge and attitude, as well as practice, respectively. These findings suggest that while knowledge improved modestly, the programme was particularly effective in reshaping parental attitudes and practice areas. Repeated measures – ANOVA was conducted to examine the sustainability showed that there was no significant variance in the experimental group’s post-test scores and follow-up scores. This was observed both at the first follow-up (after a 10-day interval) and the second follow-up (after a month’s interval), indicating that the improvements were largely retained. However, a slight decline was observed across follow-ups, implying reinforcement over time is necessary. In terms of parental mental health and self-efficacy, the experimental group showed significant improvements compared to the control group, with medium effect sizes, indicating meaningful changes in the mental health state and self-efficacy levels of parents. Repeated measures - ANOVA again confirmed that these improvements were largely sustained across follow-up assessments, although some minor declines were evident, indicating consistent reinforcement and long-term support mechanisms are necessary for enduring impact. The findings from this study carry important implications, highlighting the critical need to focus on parents not only as caregivers but also as individuals who require knowledge, skills, emotional resilience, and confidence to manage the demands of raising a child with ASD. Training programmes should therefore be designed to be holistic, integrating both informational and psychosocial support elements. The study points to policy and practice implications. There is a strong case for embedding parent sensitization and support programmes within the infrastructure of special schools and community health systems. Policymakers and practitioners should consider establishing formalized parent training modules as a routine part of early intervention services. In conclusion,this study demonstrates that while parents of children with autism often begin with limited knowledge and confidence, when parents are supported with knowledge, attitude, practice, mental health care, and self-efficacy, the outcomes can be transformative for both children and parents contributing to better developmental outcomes for children with autism and a healthier, more resilient family system. Keywords- Autism, Parents, Pre-requisite skills, Mental health, Self-efficacy, Sensitization
Effect of High Intensity Interval Training Aerobic Training and Concurrent Training on Selected Physical Physiological and Skill Performance Variables among Football Players
(Avinashilingam, 2025-07) Eswari S; Guide - Dr.T.Shanmugavalli
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Aerobic Training (AT), Concurrent Training (CHAT) and Control group (CG) on selected physical, physiological, and skill performance variables among football players. Football demands a high level of fitness, combining speed, agility, endurance, and technical proficiency. To identify the most effective training method, the following objectives were formulated: To examine the effects of HIIT on selected performance variables; To assess the influence of aerobic training on physical and skill outcomes; To evaluate the combined effects of HIIT and AT (concurrent training); and to compare the effectiveness of these three training methods.Hundred intercollegiate male football players aged 18–21 years, with at least two years of playing experience, were randomly divided into four equal groups (n=25 each): Group I (HIIT), Group II (AT), Group III (CHAT), and Group IV (CG). The intervention lasted for Twelve weeks, with each group undergoing its respective training protocol three
days per week under controlled conditions. Physical variables assessed included Muscular strength, Muscular endurance, Speed, Power, Agility and Cardiovascular Endurance; physiological variables included heart rate and VO₂ max; and skill performance variables included, passing, kicking, dribbling and shooting. Pre- and post-test data were collected, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to analyze the results, controlling for pre-test differences. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. All four groups showed statistically significant improvements in most measured variables. However, the Concurrent Training group (CHAT) demonstrated the
most comprehensive enhancement across all physical, physiological, and skill performance domains, with several variables reaching high statistical significance. In conclusion, Concurrent Training, which combines the strengths of both HIIT and aerobic training methods, was found to be the most effective in enhancing overall football performance. Keywords : High-Intensity Interval Training, Aerobic Training, Concurrent Training,
Football, Physical Fitness, Skill Performance, VO₂ max, ANCOVA, Objectives.
Exploring the Dasya Bhakti from the selected Dasa Sahityas
(Avinashilingam, 2025-12) Sajitha Suku. B; Guide - Dr.V.Janaka Maya Devi
Worship began in primitive times where early humans used simple rituals to connect it with natural elements like the Sun, Fire, Water and many more. Overtime, worship took on a variety of forms with the change of living situations and society.Man developed different kinds of approaches to express their devotion and connect with the God. Navavidhabhakti, or the nine methods of devotion, which was mentioned in Srimad Bhagavata Purana is a significant sighting that made worship more personalised and inclusive. These paths of devotion supported the devotees to choose a suitable approach of worship that worked best for them. Nine types of devotion which makes up Navavidhabhakti are Sravanam, Keertanam, Smaranam, Padasevanam, Archanam, Vandanam, Dasyam, Sakhyam, and Atmanivedanam. Among these, Dasya Bhakti is unique that emphasizes humbleness, obedience, service and surrender to the Supreme. Dasya Bhakti incorporates aspects of all other seven bhaktis within itself, thus making it a comprehensive and all-inclusive form of worship.The lyrics of several types of Compositions expressively convey Dasya Bhakti. However, the dedication of servitude to God is most deeply emphasized and beautifully portrayed in Haridasa Sahitya, written by Haridasa saints who adhered to Dvaita Vedanta. These compositions mainly highlight the servant-master connection using simple language, making spiritual lessons understandable to the common people. This thesis is entitled as ‘Exploring the Dasya Bhakti from the selected Dasa Sahityas’, which includes five chapters excluding Introduction and Conclusion. The first chapter serves as an introduction to the evolution of worship started from the nature worship prevailed from the primitive period till the modern period, including the evolution of Navavidhabhakti. The second chapter details the uniqueness and servitude mode of Dasya Bhakti and the core connection of Dasyam with the Haridasa Sahitya composed by Haridasa saints. The third chapter details the elaborated life sketch of Sripadaraja, Vyasaraja, Vadiraja, Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa and Vijayadasa and chapter four is a detailed lyrical analysis of the selected Compositions of the above selected Haridasas, to bring out the core Dasalakshanas [characteristic features of Dasyam] depicted in the lyrics. The fifth chapter analyses selected six compositions of the selected Haridasas, each with one musical aspect. Only a few aspects of musical analysis have been carried out on selected compositions because the primary emphasis of this thesis is to reveal Dasalakshanas through lyrical analysis. The aim of this thesis is to explore eighteen significant Dasalakshanas, which authentically represent the fundamental dasa qualities (qualities of a soulful devotee), by lyrically analysing selected eighteen compositions (Haridasa Sahitya), composed by selected six Haridasas. Each of these Dasalakshanas provides insightful advice for developing a urposeful and well-rounded living in the present.
Effectiveness of Reiki and Existential Therapy in Managing Body Pain Intensity and Insomnia Among Women
(Avinashilingam, 2025-07) Sathya M; Guide - Dr. S. Gayatridevi
Women play a vital role in every culture and are multifaceted. Being a woman is a disguised blessing. They face problems or challenges in their day to day life either socially or physically. Body pain and Insomnia are the remnants of this age of high demand and stress. Reiki and Existential Therapy is an integrated model of noninvasive alternative therapy and psychotherapy that has the potential to reduce symptoms of insomnia, pain and improve holistic well-being. A total of 124 participants aged 36-64 were selected by purposive sampling, with 30 participants in the Reiki intervention group, 31 in the Existential therapy group, 32 in the integrated therapy group and 31 in waitlist control group who were randomly assigned. The research design is Before, After and Follow-up with Waitlist Control Group Design (Randomized Control Trial method). A mixed method approach was used for pain and insomnia assessment among the participants. Assessments were done using the Brief Pain Inventory (Cleeland, 1994) and Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS) (Croenlein 2013). Intervention to the three experimental groups was given over a period of three months with 18 sessions. Pain and insomnia were reassessed after the intervention, and a follow-up was also done after 3 months using the same tools. The data was analyzed using the Design Expert Software version 13 for Response Surface Methodology (RSM) for process optimization, SPSS 29 for repeated measures MANOVA and Atlas ti 25 for qualitative analysis. Results revealed that Reiki and Existential therapy (integrated intervention model) is more effective in reducing the levels of Pain and insomnia among women. Interventions to overcome pain and insomnia can significantly improve the well-being and overall mental health of women. Keywords: Pain, Insomnia, Middle Adulthood Women, Reiki, Existential Therapy
'Higher education is key to eliminating inequality and powering economy'
(The Hindu, 2026-02-13) The Hindu
தேசிய கீதத்துக்கு முன்னதாக வந்தே மாதரம் பாடல் இசைக்க உத்தரவு
(இந்து தமிழ், 2026-02-12) இந்து தமிழ்
The biology of belief,optimism,and good health
(The Hindu, 2026-02-22) The Hindu
அம்மாவின் அர்ப்பணிப்பில் ஓர் ஐ.ஏ.எஸ்.,!
(தினமலர், 2026-02-08) தினமலர்