Browse
Recent Submissions
Item A Descriptive Study on Second Order Bipolar Fuzzy Structures(Avinashilingam, 2025-03) Muthamizhselvi S; Guide - Vijayalakshmi V MThe present study is focused on second order bipolar fuzzy structures. The concepts such as second order bipolar fuzzy sets and second order bipolar fuzzy topological spaces following both Chang and Lowen sense are introduced. Relations between first and second order bipolar fuzzy topological spaces and relations between crisp topological spaces and second order bipolar fuzzy topological spaces are analysed. Second order bipolar fuzzy continuity is introduced and its properties are discussed. The definitions of first order and second order bipolar fuzzy product topology are introduced. Relations between first and second order bipolar fuzzy product topology and relations between crisp product topology and second order bipolar fuzzy product topology are examined. The concept of first and second order bipolar fuzzy gradation of openness are introduced. A new definition of first order bipolar fuzzy topology induced by first order bipolar fuzzy radation of openness is given. Relations between first order bipolar fuzzy gradation of openness, second order bipolar fuzzy gradation of openness and first order gradation of openness are discussed. Results related to second order bipolar fuzzy topologies induced by second order bipolar fuzzy gradation of openness are obtained. Five types of second order bipolar fuzzy compactness are introduced. Results related to second order bipolar fuzzy compactness are obtained. Second order bipolar fuzzy matrix is introduced. Operations such as addition, multiplication and complement of second order bipolar fuzzy matrices are given and definitions like transpose, trace and identity of second order bipolar fuzzy matrix are presented. Also properties like associative law and distributive law are verified. The working procedure of second order bipolar fuzzy TOPSIS method is given and an optimal solution for a decision making problem on selecting a best project proposal submitted for project funding is obtained.Item Exploring the 𝜹 – Semiclosed Sets in Topological Spaces and Applications in Decision Making Problem(Avinashilingam, 2025-08) Rathika S L; Guide - Sivakamasundari KThis thesis is dedicated to the novel concept 𝜆𝑔 𝛿𝑠 - closed sets after defining Λ𝛿𝑆 – sets and (Λ,𝛿𝑆) – closed sets. Using Λ𝛿𝑆 – sets and (Λ,𝛿𝑆) – closed sets many characterizations of 𝛿 – semi D, 𝛿 – semi T, 𝛿 – semi R, extremally disconnected, hyperconnected and submaximal spaces are obtained. Some weaker forms of (Λ,𝛿𝑆) – open sets in the name of s(Λ,𝛿𝑆) – open, p(Λ,𝛿𝑆) – open, 𝛼(Λ,𝛿𝑆) – open and 𝛽(Λ,𝛿𝑆) – open sets are introduced and their properties are studied. 𝜆𝑔 𝛿𝑠 – closed sets are defined using the operator Λ and 𝛿 – semi closed sets which is situated precisely between δ - semiclosed sets and δgs - closed sets. The behaviour of 𝜆𝑔 𝛿𝑠 – closed sets in various spaces such as semi 𝑇1, semi-regular space, almost weakly Hausdorff spaces, and 𝑇3 4⁄ – spaces are discussed and interesting characterizations are obtained. The properties of 𝜆𝑔 𝛿𝑠 – closed sets are discussed and the new concept is compared with other closed sets in literature. Properties associated with 𝜆𝑔 𝛿𝑠- closed sets including neighborhoods, limit points, derived sets, frontiers, boundaries, exteriors, and saturated sets are rigorously analyzed. 𝜆𝑔 𝛿𝑠- open sets are investigated through grills in topological spaces. Furthermore, we examine the behaviour of λg δs- continuous functions, showing that while composition is not generally preserved, suitable modifications to the continuity conditions are given to the restore composition. This work also addresses various types of 𝜆𝑔 𝛿𝑠- continuity and irresoluteness. Two types of homeomorphisms namely λg δS – homeomorphisms and λg δS∗ - homeomorphisms, are developed and their properties obtained. Notably, it is observed that the collection of all λg δS∗ - homeomorphisms forms a group when composed together. The study of 𝜆𝑔 𝛿𝑠- closed sets are extended to two new frameworks: Hesitant fuzzy soft topological spaces and Pythagorean nano topological spaces. Lastly, we propose and illustrate an application of these concepts in multi-attribute decision making (MADM) in Pythagorean nano topological spaces, supported by a real-life example.Item “Fiesta Feminina”: Blurring the Boundaries of Gender in Select Feminist Fairy Tales(Avinashilingam, 2025-07) Meena Shankar; Guide - Dr.S.Kalamani“Fiesta Feminina”: Blurring the Boundaries of Gender in Select Feminist Fairy Tales The Feminist Fairy Tale genre as an inversion of the fairy tale genre, celebrates the innate strength of women re-envisioned in feminist post cultural thought. The reworking of the cultural norms and shared beliefs of the traditional gender roles and patriarchal values crafted by the male authored European canon of fairy tales which is part of children‟sliterature is analysed. The present study “„Fiesta Feminina‟: Blurring the Boundaries of Gender in Select Feminist Fairy Tales” challenges the objectification of women in the select fairy tales of Perrault, Grimm and Andersen through the reworked genre. It attempts to showcase the inversion of gender constructs using the template of gender as a prism of analysis to subvert the gendered socio-cultural frameworks imposed on women in the traditional tales. The objectives of the thesis are to contextualise the subversion of gender roles, to dismantle gendered norms through deposing patriarchal dominance and to express how culture naturalises as normative, certain hegemonic practices through powerful discourses. The thesis addresses the dynamics of power and gender to redefine the construct called „woman‟. The thesis showcases how similar gender concerns are addressed by the select feminist authors who hail from different geographical nations across cultures. All the texts celebrate women, gender and „beyond gender‟ in feminist fairy tales to blur the boundaries of gender. The thesis focuses on the intersection of feminism and the feminist reworkings through theoretical readings on women‟s writing and gender studies by throwing light on how men and women were seen as binaries due to gender polarization in a patriarchal social order. An investigation into the feminist perspectives of gender and sexuality in the select works namely, The Moon Ribbon by Jane Yolen, Feminist Fables by Suniti Namjoshi, The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter, Kissing the Witch by Emma Donoghue, Her Stories by Virginia Hamilton and Sweeping Beauties by the Irish Feminist Collective addresses the context of gender and genre of the postmodern feminist fairy tales by combating the prejudices of sexism and gender. The feminist fairy tales were neither identified as a genre nor discoursed as a subject of debate of comparative study across cultures involving the select authors in feminist fairy tale scholarship or in fairy tale studies in World literature. They were not subject to close analysis to explore the plains of gender subversion, motherhood studies, emerging new woman identities, the disillusioned feminine mystique, and the emerging intersectionality of the genre. The thesis is divided into six chapters which includes introduction and conclusion. The core chapters depict how the genre is re-imagined and contextualised by celebrating women and gender by blurring the boundaries of gender. The thesis presents an overview of women studies, feminist ideologies and gendered reworkings. It juxtaposes the fairy tale and feminist fairy tale corpus and addresses the gendered and sexual identities and patriarchal paradigms of the genre. The study introduces the texts and the writers taken up for analysis, underscores the need to interrogate the “happily ever after” of fairy tales from feminist and gendered standpoints. The male-controlled tyrannical expressions of patriarchy in the male authored texts question the socio-cultural literary aesthetics. The research breaks the myth of the selfsacrificing woman and redeems children‟s literature by comprehending the ambit of gender and genre. The objectification of the female and the victimisation of the feminine as cultural erasure inspire the discovery of a new feminine ethos by presenting the intersection of gender and genre in the select feminist fairy tales. The thesis celebrates gender in the select works and champions the „New Woman‟, „the feminine mystique‟, „performativity of gender‟, „matricentric feminism‟ „self-actualisation‟ and intersectionality‟ to weave a tapestry to efface the hegemonic aesthetics of the patriarchal paradigms of the sugar-coated tales to emancipate women. The conclusion sums up the study with the major findings, limitations and scope for further study. The study revisions the enrichment of children‟s literature and society by the academia, through gender positive initiatives of social relevance to envisage a world beyond gender.Item Antiurolithiatic Potential of Spermacoce articularis L.f. through In Vivo and In Silico Analysis(Avinashilingam, 2025-04) Gopika S; Guide - Dr. M. K. NishaKidney stone disease is common with limited treatments and high recurrence.Spermacoce articularis is being explored as a safer natural option for its antioxidant and anti-urolithiatic potential. The study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the pharmacognostic, phytochemical, antioxidant, and pharmacological properties of S. articularis with a focus on its potential antiurolithiatic activity. Pharmacognostic studies, including organoleptic and fluorescence analysis, revealed distinct characteristics among leaf, stem, and root samples. The leaf and stem extracts exhibited a richer phytochemical profile using methanol, ethanol, acetone, and aqueous solvents than the root extract. The quantitative analysis exhibited a significant amount of both primary (proteins and carbohydrates) and secondary metabolites (alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids), indicating a rich profile of biologically active constituents. Among all the solvent extracts, the stem methanol and leaf ethanol extracts of S. articularis demonstrated the highest antioxidant potential in all enzymatic, non-enzymatic, and radical scavenging assays. The S. articularis stem methanol extract (SASM) was found to have the highest dissolution of calcium oxalate crystals through nucleation and aggregation assays, outperforming the leaf ethanol extract. Consequently, further in vivo studies were conducted using the SASM at two doses (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) on renal calculi-induced Wistar albino rats, and the results confirmed positive efficacy, with a significant reduction in calcium oxalate crystal deposition and prevention of renal tissue damage, compared to the standard cystone group. To identify the active compounds responsible for the anti-urolithiasis activity, chromatographic methods such as TLC, HPTLC, and GC-MS were employed. TLC and HPTLC analyses confirmed the presence of terpenoids and phenols in the stem methanol extract. GC-MS profiling detected 40 bioactive compounds, and 25 organic compounds from various functional groups were selected for molecular docking. In silico analysis showed D-mannitol had high binding affinities to Tamm-Horsfall Protein, Calcitonin, and Calcium oxidoreductase. Molecular dynamics simulations suggested D-mannitol may inhibit calcitonin hormone, supporting its potential in kidney stone treatment. The top 10 hit compounds obtained from docking also showed favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Overall, the study highlights that S. articularis is a valuable natural resource that warrants further investigation for the development of anti-urolithiasis treatments.Item Biological Evaluation of Pillar[5]arene-Isatin Inclusion Complexes to Combat Wound Infections(Avinashilingam, 2025-01) Jothi Nayaki S; Guide - Dr. D. KavithaWound infections have become a serious threat at the global level due to biofilm forming bacterial pathogens. There is a need for the development of alternative strategies to prevent complications of drug resistance. Natural compounds have been a prime choice for microbial treatment but have a poor pharmacokinetic profile. To circumvent these challenges, a suitable drug delivery system is of paramount importance, utilizing the host-guest complexation to protect the drug from premature degradation and deactivation. Hence, the current study was designed to explore the host-guest inclusion complexes for the prevention and treatment of wound infections. Isatin, an alkaloid isolated from the Couroupita guianensis Aubl. flower, was selected as the drug molecule owing to its traditional use in treating various infections. Likewise, pillar[5]arenes (P[5]A) and bis-ethanolamine functionalized pillar[4]arene[1]quinine (BEA) were selected as supramolecular hosts to capture isatin into their electron-rich cavities to reinforce the controlled release and targeted activity. The pharmacokinetic profiles of the selected hosts revealed their potential druggable nature. The synthesized P[5]A and BEA were characterized by proton NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy which revealed that P[5]A exhibited a superior capacity to encapsulate isatin in comparison with BEA. Job’s plot analysis validated the 1:1 binding stoichiometry between P[5]A and isatin, highlighting the specificity and stability of the formed complexes. Further, the synthesized P[5]A-isatin inclusion complexes showed enhanced antibacterial properties and exhibited strong membrane-damaging potential. P[5]A-isatin inclusion complexes have proved their antibiofilm potential against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The isatin was found to be released from the P[5]A-isatin inclusion complexes in a controlled manner as validated by various mathematical models. The formulated P[5]A-isatin inclusion complexes based ointment showed significant wound healing effects in vitro with 90% wound closure within 48 hours and was found to be non-toxic. Conclusively, the synthesized pillar[5]arene-isatin inclusion complexes have proved to be unique for combating wound infections and promoting the wound healing processes in an effective manner. Keywords: Biofilms, Controlled drug release, Isatin, Pillar[5]arene, Wound healing.Item Starch Characterization, Functional Properties, Prebiotic Potential of Unripe Banana Flours and Development of Ready-to-Eat and Ready-to-Cook Products(Avinashilingam, 2025-04) Haripriya A; Guide - Dr. S. Uma MageshwariThe increasing demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) foods reflects a shift toward convenience-driven consumption. Parallel to this, consumers are increasingly inclined to choose healthier food products over conventional options, a trend driven in part by the growing incidence of non-communicable diseases associated with lifestyle changes.Incorporating functional ingredients such as dietary fiber, prebiotics, and antioxidants enhances their nutritional value, fuelling their market growth. Bananas are nutrient-dense fruits, and unripe banana flour has gained recognition as a valuable functional ingredient due to its high resistant starch and dietary fiber content. These properties make unripe banana flour a promising ingredient for health-oriented ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) products. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of unripe banana flours (UBFs) from Musa paradisiaca cultivars Peyan (ABB) and Monthan (ABB) as functional adjuncts in RTE and RTC products by examining their nutritional, physicochemical, prebiotic, and antioxidant properties, as well as assessing the nutrient composition, acceptability, prebiotic potential, and predicted glycemic index of the developed RTE and RTC products.In phase 1 of the study, a baseline online survey assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of 500 respondents regarding RTE and RTC foods using a structured questionnaire. Phase 2 of the study involved selection, procurement, and authentication of Musa paradisiaca cultivars, Peyan (ABB) and Monthan (ABB). The physical characteristics of the fruits and the ripening stage were determined, and unripe banana flours (UBFs) were prepared. Starch morphology, compositional analysis, and evaluation of functional properties were carried out with standard protocols in phase 3. In phase 4, nutrient and phytonutrient composition were analyzed, alongside antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus and antioxidant potential by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Prebiotic potential was assessed using the growth promotion of selected probiotics- Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus paracasei. The predicted GI of the unripe banana flours was determined. Phase 5 included the development, standardization, and comparison of RTE and RTC products of 15%, 30%, and 50% PUBF and MUBF incorporation with 100% wheat flour controls for sensory acceptability. Based on favorable sensory results, products containing 30% PUBF and 30% MUBF were further analyzed for nutrient composition, physicochemical properties, and shelf- life stability. In phase 6, the prebiotic potential and the predicted glycemic index (eGI) of PUBF-based cookies and noodles were estimated. The purchase intent for PUBF-incorporated cookies and noodles was also evaluated using a 5-point scale. The study provided insights into consumers' knowledge, attitudes, and consumption patterns of functional foods. The study population was predominantly young, with 62.75% in the 20–30 years age group, followed by 27% in the 31–40 years group and 10.25% in the 41–50 years group. Females constituted 75% of the sample, indicating stronger participation from younger women, particularly those aged 20–30 years. Overall, 76% of participants were aware of functional foods and nutraceuticals, with 29 % recognizing raw banana and sweet potato as functional foods. Notably, 52% of respondents preferred the inclusion of functional ingredients in ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) foods, highlighting a growing interest in convenient yet health-conscious dietary choices. Unripe bananas (Musa paradisiaca) were selected for their rich resistant starch, dietary fiber, availability, and versatility as a functional ingredient. Given the diverse banana cultivars, selective exploration was essential, and Musa paradisiaca Peyan (ABB) and Monthan (ABB) were chosen for their indigenous presence in Southern India, abundant availability, underutilization, and limited research. Unripe Banana flours (UBFs) were prepared by the method outlined by Kumar et al. (2019) where in the ripening stage-1 bananas were peeled, sliced, treated with citric acid, tray-dried at 50 °C for 48 h, milled, sieved (60-mesh), and stored in airtight bags. UBF had a creamy, pale-yellow hue, and the flour recovery was 30.45 % for Peyan flour (PUBF) and 23.25 % for Monthan flour (MUBF). SEM images showed intact starch granules, and XRD analysis revealed relative crystallinity of 8.91% for PUBF and 13.06% for MUBF. Total starch content ranged from 83 % to 86 %, with both varieties containing 23% amylose. Both cultivars contained 44% resistant starch and 13% dietary fiber. The gelatinization temperature of banana flours ranged from 85.6 to 88.3°C, with UBFs showing good hydration and gelling properties. The Musa paradisiaca cultivars had an appreciable amount of polyphenolics and flavonoids, exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli, and demonstrated significant antioxidant potential. The unripe banana flours (PUBF and MUBF) demonstrated prebiotic potential, and the unripe banana flour from Peyan (PUBF) had a low estimated glycemic index (eGI) of 54.39, while MUBF had an eGI of 57.60, categorizing it as medium-GI. RTE and RTC products with 30% PUBF and MUBF were well-accepted for their sensory attributes. The incorporation of unripe banana flours significantly enhanced the dietary fiber and resistant starch (RS) content of the developed products compared to the wheat flour controls. Control cookies contained 8.54 g/100 g dietary fiber and 1.41g/100g RS, whereas PUBF and MUBF cookies exhibited higher values of 10-11 g/100g fiber, with RS contents of 12.53 and 10.03 g/100g,respectively. Muffins prepared with UBFs contained approximately 4 g/100 g dietary fiber and resistant starch, in contrast to lower values in the control. Similarly, cereals with PUBF and MUBF recorded appreciable RS levels of 6.27 g/100 g and 5.17 g/100 g, respectively. In noodles, RS decreased substantially on cooking, from 12.28 g/100 g to 2.1 g/100 g in the control; however, UBF noodles retained markedly higher RS (36 g/100 g in dry form, 11–12 g/100 g when cooked). A similar trend was observed in pasta, where UBF incorporation yielded 36–37g/100g RS in the dry state and 11–12g/100g after cooking, compared with 15.12 g/100g and 3 g/100g in the control, respectively. The RTE and RTC products had acceptable shelf life with good microbial standards, peroxide value, and free fatty acid value. Fermentation of 30% PUBF-based cookies and noodles with selected probiotics resulted in a decrease in pH and an increase in optical density and colony count, with prebiotic index values exceeding one, indicating positive effects on probiotic growth. PUBF-based cookies and noodles exhibited medium eGI values of 62.85 and 63.28, respectively, compared to higher eGI values for their control counterparts. The purchase intent of PUBF cookies and noodles was favorable, confirming the potential of PUBF as a functional ingredient for low- glycemic, health-enhancing foods.This study recommends incorporating unripe banana flours from Musa paradisiaca cultivars Peyan and Monthan into food formulations to enhance health benefits, addressing the growing demand for nutritious and convenient food options.Item Development of Non-metallic All Solid-State Sodium Battery using Sulfide Anode and Phosphate Cathode(Avinashilingam, 2024-12) Priyanka P; Guide - Dr. B. NaliniAs a potential alternate to current Lithium-ion battery technology, sodium has gained focus due to the fact that sodium is abundant on earth’s crust by 2.3% and India is the third country in producing sodium salts across the globe. It is more appropriate to focus and work on Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) with a purview to bring up a technology that is devoid of any restricted atmosphere for assembly and should be capable of sufficing the demand of energy as well. The development of room-temperature All Solid-State Sodium Batteries (ASSSBs) has prompted significant research. Among various electrode materials, sulfide (Copper sulfide) and alloy-based (Tin antimonide) anode materials and polyanionic type cathode (Sodium iron phosphate) are prospective combination yet to be studied among all solid-state sodium battery electrodes. Based on the vast literature survey, copper sulfide (CuS- theoretical capacity 560 mAhg-1) and tin antimonide (Sn2Sb3 – theoretical capacity 753 mAhg-1) are preferred anodes for SIBs. CuS is prepared by two different methods to find a suitable method with higher yield, higher capacity and stability. The solid-state reaction method (SSR) is found to be a suitable method and the sample is pulverised with Sn2Sb3 to reap maximum advantages from the alloy-based anode. Thus, the CuS (SSR) pulverised with Sn2Sb3 provides a good electrochemical activity without any secondary alloy formation and the issues of stability still prevails. Hence, carbon sources are added to CuS anodes to improve the performance of the anodes. Among which the sodium alginate derived carbon (SAC) is found to be the best and this CuS (SAC) when pulverised with Sn2Sb3 could provide 84.6% capacity retention as the best anode. As a cathode, maricite NaFePO4 phase is chosen and this phase is found to be electrochemically inactive hence trivalent and tetravalent dopants of Lanthanum and Zirconium are introduced. Among all the dopant concentration evaluated, the 0.02 Zr doped sample showed higher specific capacity and capacity retention over cycling. Hence, the chosen anode and cathode are assembled as a full cell in a thick-film geometry with standard PVA-NaOH electrolyte. The constructed best performing full cell could achieve a specific capacity value of 164 mAhg-1 at 0.1 Ag-1 over 2000 cycles. The assembled non-metallic All Solid-State Sodium Battery constructed with sodium alginate derived bio-carbon added CuS pulverised with Sn2Sb3 as anode and NFP doped with 0.02 concentration of Zr as cathode with PVA-NaOH stand-alone membrane as an electrolyte achieved as energy density of 110 WhKg-1 and power density of 66.5 WKg-1. This type of non-metallic all solid-state sodium batteries are the initial device assembly taken for the future scope since it does not need any controlled environment.Item Empowerment of Tribals through Financial Inclusion(Avinashilingam, 2024-09) Esther Jansi M; Guide - Dr. G. SanthiyavalliFinancial inclusion has emerged as a significant element in fostering economic growth and reducing the level of poverty, particularly among marginalized communities. For tribal populations in India, financial inclusion remains a significant challenge due to historical exclusion, geographic isolation, and limited access to financial services. The Nilgiri district, situated in the Western Ghats, is home to several indigenous tribal groups who have faced persistent socio- economic disadvantages despite various policy interventions. In recent years, there have been concerted efforts by both government and non- governmental organizations to improve financial inclusion in India. Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and various financial inclusion programs aim to extend financial services to underserved populations, including tribal communities. However, the effectiveness of these programs in enhancing financial empowerment among the tribal groups in the Nilgiri district remains underexplored.The Nilgiris district is characterized by its unsique geographic and cultural landscape, which includes a diverse mix of tribal groups with distinct traditions and economic practices. The six primitive tribal groups selected for the study include Toda, Paniya, korumba, Kota, Kattunayakan, Irular.This study represents a broad spectrum of indigenous cultures and economic status, making the Nilgiris district a relevant and significant area for this research. The diversity within these groups provides a rich context for examining the various dimensions of empowerment and identifying specific needs and challenges A multistage sampling technique was employed to ensure a representative sample of 420 respondents from the six tribal groups. This approach involved selecting tribal groups from different regions of the district and then conveniently choosing participants within each group. The study used a combination of descriptive statistics to outline demographic and socioeconomic profiles, mean score analysis to evaluate average empowerment levels, ANOVA and T-tests to detect significant differences between groups, and multiple regression analysis to explore the relationships between various factors and determining empowerment outcomes. This study provides a detailed examination of financial, social, and economic empowerment among tribal communities in the Nilgiris district. The results indicate that these communities face significant challenges in achieving financial empowerment, with low levels of access to financial resources, limited economic opportunities, and restricted social inclusion. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address these challenges and improve the overall well-being of tribal populations. By implementing the recommended policies and programs, stakeholders can contribute to enhancing economic, financial and social empowerment, ultimately supporting the sustainable development and prosperity of these Ethnic minorites. Keywords : Empowerment, Financial inclusion, Banking operations, Sustainable development Tribal communityItem Sustainable Solutions: Edible Millet Tableware as a Substitute for Single-Use Cutleries in the Food Service Sector(Avinashilingam, 2025-06) Devatha S M; Guide - Dr. PA. RaajeswariThe widespread utilization of single-use plastics, driven by its convenience and low cost in food packaging has fostered a throwaway culture that possess significant environmental risk on biodiversity. The present study aims to develop edible tableware from millets (Pearl millet and sorghum) as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic cutlery. The millet tableware is functionally enhanced by germinating and roasting the millets and enriched with antioxidant-rich flower powder (Hibiscus and Rose). The physical, technological, and nutritional properties of pearl millet and sorghum grains were assessed. Germinating the millets improved flour yield and reduced antinutritional factors, while roasting enhanced water and oil absorption, reduced moisture content, and increased total phenolic content. Functional properties indicated that processing millets reduced crystallinity of millet flour. Roasted pearl millet tableware exhibited higher nutrient content, particularly in fiber, iron, and phosphorus, while sorghum tableware excelled in carbohydrates, protein, and calcium. Roasted tableware also showed an improved textural property, whereas germinated millet tableware demonstrated reduced hardness and water absorption rate. Drop test revealed that roasted tableware had higher resilience than its germinated counterparts. The flower- enriched millet tableware exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties. Roasting and flower enrichment significantly improved the nutritional profile, particularly carbohydrate, protein, fiber, and iron content. The enrichment also introduced distinct sensory attributes, with high consumer acceptance in the liked moderately and liked very much categories of nine-point hedonic scale. The flower-enriched cup and spoon maintained its structural integrity upto 20 minutes, while bowl, katori and plate hold upto 30 minutes at cold and hot temperature without water absorption and the tableware remained intact upto 60 minutes at cold temperature that suits for serving hot and cold food and beverages. It exhibited minimal microbial load and weight gain over the storage period of 120 days. Brine shrimp lethality assay confirmed millet tableware as safe to consume with a mortality rate of 10 per cent due to bioactive compounds. It degraded completely within 12 days in wet topsoil. The present study demonstrates the potential of millet tableware, especially roasted and flower-enriched variants, as sustainable, biodegradable, and functional alternatives to single-use cutlery. It provides an eco-friendly solution for culinary and packaging applications that can be utilized in food service sector including hospitality, entertainment, catering and food courts. Key words: sorghum, pearl millet, edible flower, single-use cutlery, millet tableware, biodegradabilityItem Operators and Measures on Cubic Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and their Applications in Image Processing(Avinashilingam, 2025-02) Priyadharshini M; Guide - Dr. D. JayanthiCubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets are efficient on handling hybrid information by combining interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets with intuitionistic fuzzy sets. The primary objective of this thesis is to introduce diverse operators and measures on cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets and applying them in multi-criteria decision-making and image processing. Several operators on the cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets under P-order, such as the arithmetic mean (@), geometric mean ($), multiplication operator (*), necessity (□) and possibility (◇) operations, are defined. The concept of modal operators like 𝒟 ( ), ℱ ,𝛽 , 𝒢 ,𝛽 , ℋ ,𝛽 and 𝒥 ,𝛽 are introduced on cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets. Moreover, several operators of the cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets, such as concentration, dilation, contrast intensification, and normalization under the P-order are provided.Properties of these operators for cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets are comprehensively studied and demonstrated. Cardinality and relative cardinality on cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets are defined and some properties are analyzed. The axioms of cubic intuitionistic fuzzy entropy are introduced and extended several families of entropy measures from interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy sets to cubic intuitionistic fuzzy situations. Furthermore, new entropy measures based on distance measures are proposed. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate whether the suggested entropy measures are reasonable or not. A similarity measure on cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets is introduced and additional similarity measures based on the geometric model, set-theoretic approach, and matching function are discussed. A numerical example illustrates the effectiveness and significance of the proposed operators and measures in solving a multi-criteria decision-making problem. Also, a comparative study is presented between intuitionistic fuzzy sets, interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets, and cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets. The application of cubic intuitionistic fuzzy sets in image processing is discussed, specifically focusing on contrast intensification operators in image enhancement under P-order and the use of cubic intuitionistic fuzzy similarity measures in image recognition. The proposed algorithm, implemented in MATLAB, delivers superior results compared to existing approaches. Finally, summary and conclusion are provided, along with future research directions.Item Optimization of In vitro Micropropagation, characterization of Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Cynanchum tunicatum (Retz.) Alston – A rare Medicinal Plant(Avinashilingam, 2024-12) Deepika K; Guide - Dr. S. AmuthaCynanchum tunicatum (Retz.) Alston is a rare medicinal plant known for its therapeutic potential, has significant attention due to its biologically active compounds with various pharmacological properties. In this preent study, macroscopic charectic feature and internl structure of leaf, stem and root were analysed. Optimization of sterilization techniques used for to overcome the low germination percentage. Hence, optimiztion enhanced the in vitro seed germination of C. tunicatum with different concentration of sodium hypochlorite (NaHCl3) and mercuric chloride (HgCl2). Abiotic factors were also standardized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The seeds of C. tunicatum were inoculated on MS medium absence of PGRs. With the help of abiotic factors, the maximum germination rate (96%) was achieved. In vitro explants such as leaves, nodes, internodes and root were produced friable and organogenic calli, these calli were used for mico-propagation. Somatic embryos were obtained and different stages were analysed with the help of microtome sectioning. The in vitro seed germination and micropropagation studies have been proven capable of promoting disease free plants. This study explored the phytochemical profiling, biological activities, and potential applications of C. tunicatum extracts in pharmaceutical and biotechnological fields. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenolic compounds in both wild plant and in vitro calli, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Molecular docking revealed the discovery of new drug from C. tunicatum. Bioactive compounds were obtained from GCMS analysis of C. tunicatum associated with the primary drug pathway for human colorectal cancer. The highest affinity score was achieved between chromone and 6GUE protein responsible for cancer. The findings underscored the potential of C. tunicatum as a promising candidate for future drug formulation for cancer.Item An Integrated Framework for COVID and Pneumonia Disease Prediction using Optimized Deep Learning Models(Avinashilingam, 2025-02) Kalaiselvi S R; Guide - Dr. R. VijayabhanuMODIFIED EXTREME LEARNING MACHINE ALGORITHM WITH DETERMINISTIC WEIGHT MODIFICATION FOR INVESTMENT DECISIONS BASED ON SENTIMENT ANALYSIS Abstract: The trading of stocks contributes to the growth of the commodity economy by driving a significant quantity of capital into the stock market, which improves the organic configuration of corporate capital through capital concentration. Consequently, the stock market is seen as a measure of the financial activity of a nation or area. Specifically, since it can precisely depict the supply dynamics of the stock market, the trading price of the stock frequently acts as a measure of the price and quantity of the stock. Timely and precise stock price prediction and analysis are essential for both investor decision-making and the constancy of the national economy by increasing returns and decreasing risks. Consequently, researching stock projections can help depositors make wise decisions that will advance society and yield rewards for themselves. The intricacy of financial time series presents challenges that ML can handle with its strong data processing skills. Consequently, there are a lot of opportunities for ML and finance together, but there hasn't been enough research done in this field. Furthermore, the stock market is not entirely objective and does not always follow scientific principles due to humans' emotional, psychological, and behavioral traits. Recent studies have also demonstrated that investor sentiment may play a significant influence in stock market investing.The present study proposed a modified extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm with deterministic weight adjustment to increase the precision and dependability of sentiment analysis-based investment decision-making. To capture investor mood, the approach incorporates financial sentiment research from news articles, social media, and market patterns. With deterministic weight initialization (DWM), the ELM algorithm achieves more consistent model performance than standard ELM techniques that use random weight initialization. The suggested model is a potent tool for sentiment-driven investing strategies since it shows improved prediction accuracy, quicker learning, and robustness in financial forecasting.Item Determinants of Risk and Resilience among Youth and the Effect of Sensitization Programme(Avinashilingam, 2025-05) Fenny Leferty Kharpuri; Guide - Dr.Ramya BhaskarYouth are the most energetic slice of the population in any country, the future of tomorrow. Youth constitute an integral developmental phase marked by transitioning from childhood to adulthood, characterised by unique cognitive, emotional and social changes. This period encompasses stages of maturation that neither occur in early childhood nor can be delayed until adulthood. It is often expounded by exploring roles and identities, relatively unbound from rigid social expectations, yet progressively shaped by emerging responsibilities and societal norms. Out of the 1.2 billion people living in India, 54 percent are below 24 years of age. Youth lifestyles are of concern. This study examines youth as a formative period that prepares individuals for active participation in the broader social collective. This study explores the concept of risk and resilience among youth. It discusses various factors influencing risk factors and resilience components among the youth. The review of relevant literature highlights the importance of fostering resilience in adolescents and youth involved in various risk factors to support their overall well-being. Understanding the underlying risk factors and process of risk is crucial to the identification of those adolescents and youth who are most in need of early intervention, whereas clarification of protective factors and process of resilience can inform the design of sensitisation and intervention to strengthen those at greatest risk. The primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of risk behaviours and levels of resilience among youth, followed by the objectives to analyse the interrelationship between risk and resilience factors, to explore the socio-demographic predictors of risk and resilience and to examine the effect of the sensitisation programme on the risk behaviours and resilience among the youth. In the pursuit of these goals, risk and resilience research has focused on several levels of analysis. An action-based cross-sectional research study was designed to target youth from both urban and rural areas within the Coimbatore jurisdiction, Tamil Nadu. A sample of 1710 youth aged 18-22 years was selected for the study using a simple random sampling technique from the city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu state. The self-made demographic questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic information. The Youth Risk Behaviour Scale 2019 was administered to study the risk behaviours, and the Resilience questionnaire 2017 was also used to assess the youth’s response to resilience. The study also emphasised the sensitisation programme to be conducted to enhance resilience and reduce risk based on the prevalence of risk factors among the selected youth. A sensitisation programme for the youth after obtaining permission from the college administrators. A total of 184 youth were selected using a controlled randomised selection technique, where 122 youth were taken as the experimental group based on their willingness to participate in the programme, and 62 youth were taken as the control group (waitlist). The sensitisation programme was conducted for 2 weeks (4 days per week), consisting of 16 sessions (2 sessions per day) using validated educational content, through delivering lecturers/awareness, clearing doubts, tailoring messages to the students to make them aware on various topics such as unhealthy and abusive risks, the cycle of addictions, problem solving skills, strengthening protective factors and providing counselling sessions if asked and required. Data was collected from the experimental and control groups after the sensitisation programme (post data), and post data collection was done at two intervals . The first post-data was collected after 10 days of the programme, and follow-up data was collected after a gap of a month. The pre-sensitisation scores were taken from the data collected during the II phase (before sensitisation). The sensitisation programme was conducted by the investigator with the help of a trained clinical psychologist. As part of the research framework and the study objectives, multiple levels of analysis was carried out, where the socio-demographic markers which includes age, gender, educational qualification, type of family, area of residents, parents education and occupation and family annual income served as the independent variables and the dependent variables constituted the risk factors (safety issues, attempting suicide, substance use, sexual behavior and health issues) and resilience components (self-belief, optimism, purposeful direction, adaptability, ingenuity, challenge orientation, emotional regulation and support seeking). Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) were used to determine the prevalence of risk behaviours and levels of resilience among youth. Subsequently, canonical correlation analysis was conducted to explore the interrelationship between risk and resilience factors. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the socio- demographic predictors of risk and resilience. To examine the effect and sustainability of the sensitisation programme on the risk behaviours and resilience among the youth, paired sample t test, independent t test and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were applied. The study depicted that most youth experienced moderate to high levels of risk behaviours such as driving safety issues, bullying, smoking, tobacco use, alcohol, sexual behaviour, body weight, eating habits physical activities and health related issues, and moderate to low levels of resilience in the components of self-belief, optimism, purposeful direction, ingenuity, challenge orientation, emotional regulation, and support seeking. A significant interrelationship emerged between risk behaviours and resilience components, indicating that engagement in risky behaviours tends to reduce resilience, indicating high substance use and health issues, lowers ingenuity, challenge orientation, and adaptability. Conversely, low protective factors in youth increase susceptibility to risky behaviours like lower support seeking increases attempting suicide, and higher self-belief lowers the substance use. Socio-demographic markers were also identified as influential in shaping both risk behaviours and resilience of youth, indicating particularly, the gender and age of the youth, educational and occupational backgrounds of parents, family income, and area of residence were evident in shaping youth direction. These factors were linked to both heightened vulnerability to risk behaviours and reduced resilience capacities. The effectiveness and sustainability of the sensitisation programme in preventing risk and promoting resilience were examined. Findings revealed that participants in the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in resilience scores and reductions in risk behaviours at both post-test and follow-up stages. In contrast, the control group exhibited minimal or no statistically significant changes across the same measures. The significant differences in mean scores between the experimental and control groups provide strong evidence for the programme’s efficacy. Nonetheless, it is important to note that certain dimensions of resilience did not show substantial improvement in the follow- up phase, underscoring the necessity for ongoing, targeted interventions to support long- term behavioural change and the continued development of youth resilience. Based on the study's findings, several implications emerged for youth, college administrators, educators, parents, families, communities, and policymakers. These stakeholders must actively engage in sensitisation, intervention or awareness programmes to address the resilience and risk factors affecting young people. The study recommends efforts for fostering healthy development, positive mental health, and overall well-being. Early identification of at-risk students is crucial, along with initiatives to strengthen student–teacher relationships, enhance family involvement, and integrate mental health services on campus through accessible counselling. Keywords: Youth, Risk Behaviour, Resilience Components, Sensitisation Programme, Socio-demographic Markers.Item Fantasy and Reality at Crossroads: Exploring Mythical and Mortal Worlds in Select Novels of Rick Riordan(Avinashilingam, 2024-12) Devika Kakkat; Guide - Dr. Chitra SivasubramaniamRick Riordan’s children’s fantasy adventure, Greek mythological retelling series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, a major popular fiction sensation, has captured a place in mainstream status in the world of literature. A deep dive into the plot and narrative structures of the first five novels in the series, The Lightning Their (2005), The Sea of Monsters (2006), The Titan’s Curse (2007), The Battle of the Labyrinth (2008), and The Last Olympian (2008) using the theories of Julia Kristeva’s Intertextuality, William H. Gass’s Metafiction, Linda Hutcheon’s Historiographic Metafiction, Jean Francois Lyotard’s Incredulity towards metanarratives, the conventional models – Gustav Freytag’s ‘Freytag pyramid’, Northrop Frye’s criticism of myth, John Gardner’s ‘Fichtean Curve’, Tzvetan Todorov’s narrative theory of equilibrium, Vladimir Propp’s narrative structure, Joseph Campbell’s ‘monomyth’ or the Hero’s Journey, John Clute’s structure of fantasy, and Christopher Vogler’s ‘Mythic Structure’ and character functions as identified by Vladimir Propp, Joseph Campbell, Christopher Vogler, and A. J. Greimas’s concept of actants, help to illuminate the elements of fantasy in the plot of the select novels with the potential to be transcribed into the reality of readers, thereby cementing it’s significance among readers of all age groups. The realistic themes represented in its mesmerising armoury of fictional, mythical world like social justice, diversity and inclusivity, ecology, dark themes such as the death and loss of loved ones, psychology, emotions, and contemporary concerns of growing up cements it’s status as a narrative self-portrait and a reviser of grand narrative traditions. The study demonstrates a subversion of the conventional structural and narrative models in the select novels that provide authentic voices which are reflective of true life. It highlights the transformative power of children’s fantasy literature, suggesting alternative ways of thinking through aesthetic and social advocacy that instils the message of living with the awareness of one’s culture.Item Refugeehood Dematerialised: An Analysis of Agency in Select Refugee Narratives(Avinashilingam, 2025-05) N. Lavanya; Guide - Dr. M. Anjum KhanRefugee narratives in English literature encapsulate the extensive problems of the individuals on becoming non- citizens due to several reasons. These narratives examine the factors that lead to statelessness and explores their predicament as refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers or immigrants. The narratives written by refugees themselves or an author with personal interest and proper research on refugees, provide authentic depiction of their ordeal. Further, these literary works advocate for solutions, urging those in power and society at large to take meaningful steps toward improving the lives of refugees. As a result, the present thesis scrutinises seven such refugee narratives: A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi, The Boat People by Sharon Bala, First, They Erased Our Name by Habiburahman, Little Daughter by Zoya Phan, City of Thorns by Ben Rawlence, How Dare the Sun Rise by Sandra Uwiringiyimana, and The Milk of Birds by Sylvia Whitman, which includes memoirs, biographies and fiction. The thesis makes a modest attempt to investigate into refugee crisis with special focus on human agency. It uses Hannah Arendt’s theoretical concept, namely, ‘statelessness,’ ‘right to have rights,’ ‘banality of evil’ and ‘plurality’. The thesis identifies that refugeehood remains a profound challenge, stripping individuals of their political, social, cultural, economic, legal, and bodily agency. It critically examines the erosion of these forms of agency and explores refugees’ resilience through the assertion of autonomy and through their continuing struggle for survival in the face of systemic and enduring adversity with the help of political theories of Hannah Arendt. It also tries to contemplate on few possible solutions for alleviating the hardships of refugees all over the world.Item Unveiling the Anticariogenic Properties of Medicinal Plants and Development of a Polyherbal Dentifrice(Avinashilingam, 2025-01) Gaayathiri Devi E; Guide - Dr. M. K. NishaDental caries, a prevalent multifactorial infection, results from the interaction between acid-producing microorganisms and a diet high in carbohydrates. This study harnesses the potential of a polyherbal remedy that offers a holistic approach to promote overall dental health and combat tooth decay with its natural antibacterial properties. To identify effective oral agents twelve plant extracts, Achyranthes aspera root (AAR), Acalypha indica leaf (AIL), Azadirachta indica leaf (AZL), Abrus precatorius leaf (APL), Barleria cuspidata leaf (BCL), Euphorbia hirta leaf (EHL),Ficus benghalensis prop root (FBP), Piper betle leaf (PBL), Psidium guajava leaf (PGL), Pongamia pinnata leaf (PPL), Tridax procumbens leaf (TPL), and Solanum virginianum fruit (SVF) traditionally used by local tribal populations in Thottakombai Hill, Erode district of Tamil Nadu, were studied. Methanol extracts of AAR, BCL, EHL, FBP, PBL, PGL, PPL, TPL, and SVF demonstrated a higher phytochemical content and exhibited stronger DPPH radical scavenging activity than other plants. Furthermore, clinical plaque isolates, such as Streptococcus mutans (SMU), Streptococcus salivarius (SSA), Streptococcus oralis (SOS), Streptococcus parasanguinis (SPSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Acinetobacter baumannii (AB), and Candida albicans (CA) were significantly susceptible to AAR, BCL, EHL, FBP, PGL, and SVF. Hence, further investigation of phytocompounds from these six plants through molecular docking studies revealed a high binding affinity for glucosyltransferase-C, a key virulence factor synthesized by SMU. Consequently, all six plants were optimized for the development of a polyherbal dentifrice (PHDF) in toothpowder tablet form. The PHDF demonstrated low toxicity, and showed the presence of essential minerals proving its safe use. Furthermore, PHDF effectively reduced the pH, and hydrophobicity of SMU, thereby eradicating its biofilm formation and outperforming marketed standards. The network pharmacological approach provided valuable insights into PHDF’s mechanism of action, highlighting its potential as a promising natural remedy for the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Thus, this study validates the formulation’s strong effect against oral pathogens and suggests a novel, comprehensive approach to oral health care.Item Exploring the Anti-Cancer Potential of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. in Gastric Cancer using In Vitro and In Vivo Models(Avinashilingam, 2025-04) Yangchen Dolma Kom; Guide - Dr. R. KarthiyayiniIntroduction: Rhododendron arboreum Sm. is an evergreen small tree that belongs to the family Ericaceae, that has been traditionally used to treat various human ailments. This proposed study focused on exploring the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and anticancer potential of R. arboreum, particularly against gastric cancer. Methodology :The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of R. arboreum leaves and flowers were conducted using standard methods. Functional groups were identified and characterized by FT-IR, NMR and GC-MS. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, H2O2, LPO and FRAP assays. Cytotoxic effects on AGS gastric cancer cells were measured by MTT assay. In vivo analysis, the gastric cancer was induced in C57BL/6 mice with AGS cells, followed by oral treatment with R. arboreum extracts and standard drug for eight weeks. Post-treatment, histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed. In silico studies, the SwissADME predicted the ADME properties and drug-likeness of active compounds. Network pharmacology identified target proteins linked to gastric cancer with PPI networks analysed via STRING and Cytoscape. Functional enrichment highlighted key pathways using DAVID and ShinyGO. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding of bioactive compounds to cancer-related proteins, supporting their therapeutic potential. Results : The proposed work involved a comprehensive analysis of aqueous, methanol, ethanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts of leaves and flowers showed the presence of diverse bioactive compounds. In quantitative analysis, the methanol extracts of both leaf and flower were significantly higher when compared to ethanol and acetone. Exploring the Anti-Cancer Potential of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. in Gastric Cancer using in vitro and in vivo models. Abstract : The antioxidant potential of the leaf extracts possessed stronger radical scavenging capabilities when compared to the flower extracts. For instance, the DPPH and ABTS test showed IC50 values of 56.8±1.91 μg/mL and 60.7±2.13 μg/mL for leaves and 67.3±2.95 μg/mL and 65.9±1.97 μg/mL for flowers respectively. Similarly, In H2O2 and LPO assay, the leaf extracts exhibited higher inhibition rates when compared to the flower extracts. Whereas, the FRAP assay indicated that the flower extracts had superior reducing power, with activity increasing at higher concentrations than the leaf extracts. In the cytotoxicity assay, the methanol extracts inflicted substantial damage to the AGS gastric cancer cell line. Whereas the anti-cancer potential of R. arboreum was evidenced by significant suppression of tumour growth in C57BL/6 mice model. In GC-MS spectrum revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds and cross-referencing with IMPPAT database identified ten compounds, which binds to 113 proteins, with 22 linked to gastric cancer via GeneCards. Cytoscape revealed a binary network with 10 nodes and 35 edges. ShinyGO identified 20 cancer-related enriched functions, including EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance Among the identified compounds, quercetin showed the highest binding constant, with molecular dynamics confirming stable protein-ligand interactions over 100 ns. Conclusion This research highlights the significant phytochemical, antioxidant and anticancer properties of Rhododendron arboreum leaf and flower extracts. The in vivo results showing significant tumour suppression, alongside the identification of quercetin as a key bioactive compound providing a strong foundation for further investigation of R. arboreum as a source of novel anticancer agents for gastric cancer. These findings pave the way for exploring the molecular mechanisms and potential as a plant -based therapeutic for gastric cancer. Future research will aim to strengthen the correlation between in vitro and in vivo results through detailed pharmacokinetic studies and exploring its efficacy against other cancer types to expand its translational applications.Item Physicochemical Characteristics Safety of Under Utilized Selected Natural Food Colourants and Development of Food Colour Sensor(Avinashilingam, 2024-12) Yoshia Leela J; Guide - Dr. PL.Sridevi SivakamiA global looming situation over food safety and quality is that the synthetic food colourants more than the permissible level are being added in foods, causing concern over human health. This study has focused on the impacts of synthetic food colourants stratified through a survey conducted among the selected random samples of food vendors (N=100) and home makers (N=100) in Northern region of Coimbatore city, Tamilnadu, along with which, supermarkets and shops (N=150) were surveyed for popular brands of synthetic food colourants. Equivalent natural food colouring sources were studied, where annatto seeds (Bixa Orellana), eucalyptus bark (Eucalyptus grandis), madder roots (Rubia cordifolia), roselle petals (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and tamarind seeds (Tamarindus indica) were selected. The natural sources were subjected to the processes of aqueous extraction and powdering of the natural substance. Tamarind seeds did not leach out any colour and was ruled out. The shelf life of the natural colourants were monitored in room temperature of 27ºC till tenth day and refrigeration of 5ºC till fifteenth day, where a slimy layer was found at the bottom of the glass bottles in the aqueous extracts which were confirmed to be microbial growth. Microbial assay for fungal and bacteria identification of species were done through Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol Agar Medium and Nutrient Agar Medium, respectively. Then, primary toxicity study was done with brine shrimp assay for all the selected natural food colourants, in which roselle petals showed higher toxicity and was omitted from further analysis. Chemical analysis for antioxidants and phytonutrients were analysed in the samples of annatto seeds, eucalyptus bark and madder roots from which all the substances showed less antioxidant properties and presence of maximum of six to nine metabolites out of 17 metabolites of phytonutrients were present. The aqueous extracts were unstable and started to degenerate the colours, thus further processing was done with powdered substances. Inductive Coupled Mass Spectrometer (ICPMS) analysis was done to detect the heavy metals toxic to human health. In ICPMS, madder root powder had high amount of lead (3.28560 μg), cadmium (0.05162 μg) and chromium (5.48116 μg). Thus, it was not further analysed. During characterization, annatto seeds powder was amorphous in nature with less loss of mass in it, whereas eucalyptus bark powder was crystalline in nature and had a heavy loss of mass whenever there was increase in temperature, while the colours of both the substances were stable. The characterised powders were optimized to determine the level of consumption through an eight weeks (56 days) in vivo study, which revealed that annatto seeds powder can be consumed 3 mg/kg of body weight and eucalyptus bark powder of 6 mg/kg of body weight. The animals were sacrificed, the vital organs were harvested and no significant changes were found in histology and hematological parameters, when compared with the reference ranges. Then to analyse their safety in foods, the selected natural food colourants were incorporated into selected recipes of sweets, snacks and fruit preservatives in accord with the optimized level. Then the natural colour incorporated recipes were checked for discolouring and were evaluated organoleptically which showed an overall of good acceptability ranging between three to four points in five points hedonic scale rating, rated by the selected panel members. Keeping the rating in mind, the researcher has developed a sensor that detects the toxicity in the food colours which hinders the safety of the foods, with the RGB values in the Colour sensor was operated to detect the level of permissible limit prescribed by the FSSAI for each colourant to reveal the level of toxicity present in the solid foods added with commercial food colourants.Item Effectiveness of Developmentally Appropriate Practice-Based Curriculum Framework on Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Skills of Preschoolers(Avinashilingam, 2025-05) Kongkona Sonowal; Guide - Dr. K. Arockia MaraichelviThe early years of a child’s life are crucial for holistic development, laying the foundation for physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Between ages 3 and 8, children acquire essential skills that influence their academic success and lifelong learning. Recognising this, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) has gained global and national focus. In India, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 prioritises universal access to quality ECCE and foundational literacy and numeracy. Despite this, significant gaps remain in ECCE delivery, with issues of quality, access, and equity hindering children’s development. The major challenge is the lack of developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive pedagogical framework to support Emergent Literacy and Numeracy, essential skills of school readiness. These gaps underscore the urgent need for context-specific, evidence-based interventions to translate policy into effective classroom practice. Furthermore, the systematic review conducted in the initial stage using the PRISMA model substantiates the critical and persistent challenges in India’s ECCE system, underscoring a significant disconnect between ECCE policy intentions and on-ground implementation. The findings of the systematic review not only identified the systemic barriers but also pointed towards actionable reforms in terms of DAP’s five key dimensions as outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Henceforth, with a realisation that adopting DAP is not just a pedagogical choice, but a strategic imperative to achieve equitable, inclusive, and high-quality early education in India. In response to this need, the present study was undertaken with the primary objective of developing a DAP-based curriculum framework focused on Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Skills of preschoolers. Secondary objectives included assessing skill acquisition under the existing pedagogical framework, examining the impact of socio-demographic factors on these skills, and implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of the DAP-based curriculum in enhancing these foundational skills. The study was conducted in two sequential phases. Phase I employed a cross- sectional research design to establish a baseline understanding of the Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Skills of preschool children. A sample of 281 children, aged 3 to 6 years,was drawn from five private ECCE centres in Coimbatore District, of Tamil Nadu. An “Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Pack”, a modified version of the North Carolina Kindergarten Common Core Standards (2017), was used as the assessment tool, which was tailored to suit the Indian context. The assessment tool included 22 items divided between Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Skills. The Emergent Literacy comprised 13 items, with a focus on Reading Skills such as Phonological awareness, Print awareness, and Listening comprehension. Writing Skills involving Alphabet and Number writing. Emergent Numeracy Skills contained 9 items, covering key areas such as Number and operation, Data analysis, measurement, Algebra and pattern making, Geometry and spatial awareness. Moreover, socio-demographic markers - such as age, gender, birth order, parental educational and occupational status - were collected to identify patterns or disparities in skill acquisition across different backgrounds. Percentage analysis and ANOVA were carried out in the subsequent phase. Phase II of the study adopted a "Before and After with Waitlist Control Group" design. A total of 62 children, aged 4–5 years, from four of the preschools of phase I were selected and equally divided into an experimental group and a control group. A Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)-based curriculum framework focused on Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Skills was developed, drawing on the HighScope and Head Start curricula, with significant adaptations to suit the specific needs and contextual realities of Indian preschools. The curriculum was implemented over a period of 70 working days by the educators who were trained for 7 days. A pre and post-assessment test was conducted using the same adapted tool from Phase I, and results were analysed using ANCOVA statistics.Key findings of Phase I revealing the existing levels of Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Skills demonstrated that the educators' practices were particularly effective in fostering Listening comprehension and Number writing skills. While some children aged 3 to 4 and 4 to 5 were in the gaining stage in Print awareness, mastery level in Phonological awareness, and Alphabet writing, and just approaching level in all indicators of Numeracy Skills. Over a quarter of 5–6-year-olds remained at lower performance levels across these areas. These findings further confirm the need for a suitable pedagogical framework grounded in DAP. Further, significant associations were identified between various socio- demographic factors and these foundational skills. Birth order influenced Listening comprehension and Number operation skills of the preschoolers, with first-borns performing better. Writing skills and Number and operation were linked to the type of ECCE centres. Fathers’ education was significantly related to Number writing, Geometry and spatial awareness, and Algebra and pattern-making, while mothers’ education influenced Listening comprehension, Phonological awareness, and Algebra and pattern- making. Fathers’ occupation was associated with Print awareness, and mothers’ occupation impacted Listening comprehension, Geometry and spatial awareness, and Algebra and pattern-making Skills. The key findings of Phase II revealed that except for Listening comprehension, all other indicators of Emergent Literacy and Numeracy showed significant positive effects following the DAP-based intervention, with moderate to high effect sizes demonstrating the curriculum’s effectiveness. Phonological awareness had a large effect size of 78%, reflecting the success of rhyming and phoneme manipulation activities. Print awareness improved moderately by 25%, showing increased engagement with print. Writing skills saw notable gains, with Alphabet writing improving by 27% and Number writing by 54%, highlighting the impact of structured, age-appropriate, play-based activities. Numeracy skills also improved significantly across domains: Number and operations (43%), Data analysis and measurement (64%), Algebra and pattern-making (41%), and Geometry and spatial awareness (54%). Thus, the developed DAP-based curriculum framework holds strong potential to bridge existing gaps and significantly enhance preschoolers’ Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Skills. Additionally, aligning ECCE efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) - ensures that such initiatives contribute to inclusive and equitable quality education for all children, promoting lifelong learning opportunities and supporting broader social and economic development. Key words : ECCE, NEP, Preschoolers, DAP, NAEYC, Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Skills,Emergent Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Pack, Preschoolers, ANCOVAItem Energy Efficient Congestion Control Techniques in Wireless Sensor Networks(Avinashilingam, 2024-06) Vanitha G; Guide - Dr. P.AmudhaIn Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), the congestion is controlled by many strategies like congestion detection and avoidance. The rate control is one of the most significant strategies for mitigating the congestion. The priority based rate control algorithms have been proposed in the literature to overcome the congestion due to transmission of the Real Time (RT) data together with the Non-Real Time (NRT) data,but congestion in a network still remains a challenge. The RT data traffic may often be bursty in nature, combined with the high priority NRT data makes the problem more compounded. Neither the fair allocation of bandwidth on different nodes nor prioritizing the traffic class suffices to overcome congestion in a network. As a long queue might sometimes use more than half of the buffer, leading to significant packet loss and delay, a Proficient Rate Control (PRC) algorithm is proposed in the first phase of research by considering Weighted Priority Difference of Differential Rate Control (WPDDRC) with an adaptive priority based system to address the buffer occupancy and queue size. Each child node's input packets are accumulated in one of two virtual queues on a single physical queue, one for low priority traffic and another for high-priority traffic, both are made possible by the PRC algorithm. When a packet is successfully received, the PRC determines whether there is congestion in the virtual queue and then adjusts the transmission rate of child node accordingly. The PRC technique may control the consequent buffer overflow and congestion in WSN by considering the priority of each traffic type and the current queue status. The Proficient Rate Control with Fair Bandwidth Allocation (PRC-FBA) method is proposed in the second phase of research, with the principles of traffic type priority and equitable assignment of bandwidth. The Signal to Noise Interference Ratio (SINR) model is used for bandwidth distribution in WSN which is used to balance between fairness and performance. Next, a novel utility factor for bandwidth is given in terms of productiveness and fairness. The approximate solution is derived from the sum of the node-to-node computation and the allocation of time slots. Then, the problem has been framed as a non-linear programming problem, partitioned into two halves and the 2-phase approach has been adopted. During the first stage, the connections between nodes are calculated, and in the second stage, time slots are allotted with the goal of optimizing the utility factor. As a consequence, WSNs are able to increase their efficiency and achieve more equitable bandwidth distribution. Proficient Rate Control Data Aggregation Fair Bandwidth Allocation (PRCDA-FBA) is proposed in the third phase of research that makes use of a powerful data aggregation mechanism to maximize the equitable consumption of battery life across all involved nodes. On the other hand, Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) is used to reduce transmission frequency, increased network channel capacity, which enhanced overall network throughput. The network coding path combines data for transmission to the next hop, increasing channel usage and reducing packet redundancy in the network. When congestion occurs, an adaptive methodology is triggered in which node transmits data using network coding to decrease packet dropping rate. In addition, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) recurrent neural networks, which can learn long-term dependencies, enhance the bandwidth allocation of PRCDA-FBA. They have a temporal dimension that allows them to determine patterns in data sequences. The bandwidth utilized in the past events with parameters like packet drop rate, energy, priority of packets and delay of packets are used to predict the future bandwidth requirements of path. In the fourth phase of research work, Enhanced Priority Rate Control Data Aggregation Fair Bandwidth Allocation (EPRCDA-FBA) is proposed to further save energy utilization and improve network life time. The major purpose of this work to ensure that Quality of Service (QoS) standards are met in terms of delayed data delivery,reduced energy consumption of energy-intensive nodes and increased network lifespan. This protocol's priority-based technique of regulating data transfer rates considers the node's spare processing capacity of node. Then, a prediction model is utilized to work out how much of a dip in node transmit power can be tolerated without significantly impacting the packet delivery ratio. Then, to avoid overhearing energy-critical nodes, a priority of nodes for delivering traffic classes of packets is determined using a combination of energy.