Volume 13 | Issue 5 |

 Abstract

The Aim of this research is to formulate and evaluate a herbal gel that contains extract from the leaves of Cymbopogon Citratus . There is increased scientific evidence that plants posses a vast and complex arsenal of active ingredients which have the ability to calm or smooth the skin as well as restore activity, heal and protect the skin. Majority of cosmetic products are applied over skin for various purpose like beautification , protection etc. Herbal Cosmetic contains natural nutrients to boost and supply consumer satisfaction because of relatively fewer side effects compared to synthetic cosmetic.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Anti-acne, Anti-microbial, Gel, Lemongrass oil, Carbapol 934

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

In today's world, visually impaired individuals encounter numerous challenges in daily activities such as recognizing objects, identifying currency denominations, and reading printed text. To address these difficulties, we propose a real-time Android-based assistive application that leverages deep learning models for independent navigation and interaction. The system integrates the YOLOv8 object detection algorithm for both general object and currency recognition, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for text extraction, and Text- to-Speech (TTS) technology for audio feedback. Gesture-based swipe interactions enable users to seamlessly switch between functionalities, enhancing usability without requiring visual cues. Experimental evaluations demonstrate that the YOLOv8 model achieves an object detection accuracy of 94.5% and currency recognition accuracy of 95.2% across various lighting and environmental conditions. The OCR module yields a text extraction accuracy of 91.3% with minimal latency. The application achieves real-time processing speeds with an average inference time of 180 milliseconds per frame on a standard Android smartphone. By operating fully offline, the system ensures privacy, fast response, and accessibility. The proposed solution empowers visually impaired individuals to perform daily tasks independently, offering a practical, scalable, and highly effective assistive technology.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Assistive Technology, Blind Assistance, Object Detection, YOLOv8, Currency Recognition, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Text-to-Speech (TTS), Gesture-based Interaction, Real-time Processing, Mobile Application

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This paper explores the multifaceted relationship between William Shakespeare's literary influence and the evolution of Assamese cinema, with specific emphasis on Hemanta Kr Das' film Othello (2014). It investigates how Shakespeare's plays have been culturally appropriated, adapted, and reinterpreted within the socio-political landscapes of Assam. The study examines the historical trajectory of Shakespeare's influence in Assamese literature, theatre, and film, analyzing early adaptation efforts, the role of pioneering playwrights and filmmakers, and the complex politics of identity and otherness embedded within these works. Through a detailed case study of Das' Othello (2014), the paper interrogates themes of racial and cultural marginalization, societal stratification, and the fluid boundaries of cultural authenticity. The analysis situates these adaptations within theoretical frameworks of cultural appropriation, hybridity, and postcolonial identity, illustrating how regional narratives reconfigure universal themes to address local realities. This research paper focuses on the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's global motifs in regional contexts and highlights the transformative potential of cultural adaptation in shaping notions of identity, belonging, and resistance.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Keywords: Shakespeare, Assamese cinema, adaptation, cultural appropriation, identity

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This study investigates the potential use of coconut shell as a partial replacement for conventional coarse aggregate in concrete production. With the increasing global demand for construction materials and growing environmental concerns, finding sustainable alternatives has become imperative. Coconut shells, an agricultural waste material available abundantly in tropical regions, present a promising solution. This research examines the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete with varying percentages (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) of coconut shell replacement. Tests were conducted to determine workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, and water absorption characteristics. The results indicate that up to 20% replacement yields concrete with acceptable mechanical properties for non-structural applications, while providing significant environmental benefits through waste utilization and conservation of natural resources. This study contributes to sustainable construction practices by demonstrating the viability of coconut shell as an alternative aggregate material.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Coconut shell aggregate, sustainable concrete, waste utilization, eco-friendly construction, mechanical properties, partial replacement

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of exclusive breastfeeding among 100 mothers with children aged 0-6 months. A structured questionnaire was administered to gather information on the mothers' demographic variables, their knowledge regarding exclusive breastfeeding, and their practices. The study used purposive sampling to select participants and employed a face-to-face interview method for data collection. The findings revealed that 43% of mothers had good knowledge, 39% had average knowledge, and 18% had poor knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding. In terms of practice, 58% of mother's demonstrated good practices, while 29% showed moderate practices and 13% exhibited poor practices. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between education level and breastfeeding practices. The mean knowledge score was 4.21 (70.17%), and the mean practice score was 3.35 (67.06%). The study highlights the need for enhanced educational interventions, especially for mothers with lower educational backgrounds, to improve breastfeeding knowledge and practices. The findings suggest that targeted programs addressing barriers to exclusive breastfeeding could help in promoting better health outcomes for infants.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Exclusive breastfeeding, Knowledge, Practice, Mothers, Infant health, Educational interventions, Breastfeeding practices, Cross-sectional study

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Buchi Emecheta's The Joys of Motherhood offers a powerful critique of gender roles and power dynamics in colonial and postcolonial Nigerian society. The novel centers on Nnu Ego, a woman whose identity and social worth are tied to her ability to bear children, particularly sons. Emecheta explores how traditional gender expectations, intensified by colonial economic changes, marginalize women and restrict their autonomy. Nnu Ego's experiences illustrate the harsh realities of motherhood when defined by patriarchal and cultural expectations rather than personal fulfillment. The novel presents a society where power is predominantly patriarchal, and women derive social capital primarily through their roles as mothers and wives. Nnu Ego's pursuit of joy through motherhood becomes a burden, as she sacrifices her personal needs, financial independence and emotional well-being for her children. Yet, this sacrifice does not guarantee her empowerment or respect. Emecheta juxtaposes traditional Igbo values with the emerging Western capitalist order introduced through colonial rule, revealing how both systems exploit and disempower women differently. While Igbo customs idealize women as life-givers, colonial structures offer limited employment to men and even fewer opportunities to women, forcing women like Nnu Ego into economic dependence. Emecheta also highlights intergenerational gender conflict and the transformation of women's roles over time. Nnu Ego's daughters and peers seek education and independence, challenging traditional expectations. In contrast, Nnu Ego clings to cultural norms, only to find that her children do not reciprocate her sacrifices. This disillusionment underscores a central irony in the novel: the so-called "joys" of motherhood often yield suffering, invisibility, and powerlessness. Emecheta uses this irony to criticize the romanticization of motherhood in African patriarchal culture and to question the cost of a woman's worth being measured solely by her reproductive ability. Ultimately, The Joys of Motherhood interrogates the intersections of gender, power, and societal transformation. Emecheta gives voice to women caught between tradition and change, exposing how both patriarchal traditions and colonial modernity fail to liberate them. Through Nnu Ego's tragic story, Emecheta calls for a redefinition of womanhood that values agency, education and equality over silent sacrifice. The novel remains a landmark feminist text that speaks to the enduring global struggle for gender justice and female empowerment.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Buchi Emecheta, The Joys of Motherhood, Gender roles, Patriarchy, Power dynamics, Motherhood, Colonialism, Nigerian society, Female identity, Economic dependence, Reproductive labor, Tradition vs. modernity, Feminist literature, Cultural expectations, Women's empowerment.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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This study investigates the anti-ulcer activity of the ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa linn (Root) against Aspirin induced and Pylorus ligated ulcers. Gastric ulcer disease is caused by an imbalance between mucosal defense factors and injurious factors, such as acid and pepsin. Ulcers caused by pylorus ligation result from increased gastric acid and pepsin accumulation, leading to auto digestion of gastric mucosa and breaking down the gastric mucosal barrier. NSAIDs are frequently associated with peptic ulcers. The anti-ulcer effect is supported by decreased aggressive factors like gastric volume, decreased free and total acidity, and increased resistance factors like pH. The anti-ulcer agent may protect the mucosa from acid effects by selectively increasing prostaglandins, which have a vital protective role. The mucosal defense mechanism may be due to the epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa, which are impermeable to H+ ions and form a physical barrier. The ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa linn (Root) was evaluated using the aspirin induced ulcer model, showing dose-dependent inhibition percentages of 53.26% and 63.23% compared to the ulcer control. The standard drug Ranitidine HCL (20mg/kg) showed a percentage inhibition of 71.48% when compared to the ulcer control. The study also found that the extract can reduce reactive free radicals that might cause oxidative damage to tissue. It also reduced polymorphonucleur infiltration, TNF expression, and ROS formation in peptic mucosa. The anti-ulcerogenic activity of the extract may add to its beneficial effect against peptic ulcer disorder.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Peptic Ulcer, Annona squamosa linn, Acid Secretion, Inflammation, Mucosa

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This dissertation explores the vital role of nature in Canadian poetry through an in-depth study of the works of Al Purdy, one of Canada's most celebrated poets. Al Purdy's poetry, often hailed for its raw honesty and nationalistic tone, intricately weaves the Canadian landscape into the very fabric of his verse. This study seeks to understand how Purdy uses natural imagery, landscapes, and rural settings not merely as backdrops but as active elements shaping national identity, personal memory and poetic consciousness. The research begins with a theoretical framework rooted in ecocriticism and Canadian literary studies, situating Purdy within the broader context of Canadian nature poetry. It traces how Canada's geography--its forests, lakes, harsh winters, and remote towns--becomes a source of poetic inspiration and philosophical contemplation. Through selected poems, including "The Country North of Belleville," "Wilderness Gothic" and "Trees at the Arctic Circle," this study examines how Purdy's portrayals of nature express both awe and ambivalence. Nature is seen not just as beautiful or sublime but also as indifferent, harsh and deeply influential in shaping human experience. One key aspect of the analysis focuses on how Purdy's representations of nature reflect his complex relationship with Canadian identity. Unlike the Romantic idealization of nature, Purdy's verse often reveals a rugged realism, acknowledging the tension between humans and their environment. This tension mirrors the struggles of national definition in a postcolonial Canada, where landscape plays a central role in constructing a sense of belonging and cultural uniqueness. The dissertation further discusses Purdy's contributions to defining a distinctly Canadian voice in poetry, where nature is central to both linguistic expression and national discourse. Additionally, this work explores the intersection of personal memory and physical environment in Purdy's poetry. His use of autobiographical elements and regional specificity highlights how nature acts as a repository of memory and identity. The rural and northern settings in his poetry become metaphors for the poet's inner life and collective Canadian consciousness. The research also examines Purdy's influence on subsequent generations of poets who continue to draw from Canada's natural environment as a source of literary and ideological meaning. In conclusion, this dissertation asserts that Al Purdy's engagement with nature is not merely descriptive but deeply thematic and philosophical. His poetry challenges readers to see the Canadian landscape as a dynamic force--one that shapes, resists, and reflects the evolving identity of the nation and the individual. This study contributes to the understanding of Canadian literature by reaffirming the centrality of nature in its poetic tradition and highlighting Al Purdy's unique role in that legacy.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Al Purdy, Canadian poetry, Nature, Landscape, Ecocriticism, National identity, Canadian literature, Wilderness, Rural imagery, Environmental consciousness, Memory, Postcolonialism, Realism in poetry, Autobiographical elements, Poetic voice.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man is a powerful exploration of the African-American experience in 20th-century America, centered on the theme of identity and the quest for personal and collective freedom. The novel traces the journey of an unnamed African-American narrator who seeks to understand his place in a racially segregated society. Throughout the novel, the concept of freedom is portrayed as elusive, complex, and multifaceted--encompassing political, social, psychological, and existential dimensions. Ellison's protagonist confronts various ideologies and institutions that promise liberation--such as the college that promotes accommodationism, the Brotherhood that claims to fight for equality, and even the violent radicalism embodied by Ras the Exhorter. However, each system attempts to define the narrator's identity for him, restricting his individuality and silencing his voice. The paradox of freedom is exposed: systems that claim to offer liberty often impose control under the guise of order and progress. The narrator's invisibility symbolizes this repression, as society refuses to see him as a unique human being, reducing him to a stereotype or function. The novel critiques both white and Black power structures that seek to manipulate the individual. Through a series of disillusionments, the narrator gradually realizes that true freedom cannot be found in conforming to prescribed roles, ideologies, or identities. It is only when he retreats from society--into the metaphorical "underground"--that he begins to understand the need to define himself on his own terms. Invisibility becomes both a curse and a source of power; by embracing his invisibility, he begins to see beyond the illusions and false promises of freedom offered by others. Ellison presents freedom as a personal journey rooted in self-awareness and the courage to live authentically in a world that denies recognition. The novel ultimately suggests that freedom is not merely external--based on laws or rights--but internal, grounded in individual consciousness, moral responsibility, and creative expression. Ellison's use of jazz-like improvisation, symbolism, and surrealism further emphasizes the existential and cultural dimensions of freedom in the African-American tradition. This study explores how Invisible Man redefines freedom not as an absolute state, but as an ongoing process of self-discovery, resistance and resilience. By highlighting the narrator's movement from naive belief to critical awareness, the novel calls for a deeper understanding of freedom--one that transcends binaries and embraces complexity. Ellison's work remains a profound meditation on the struggles of the marginalized to claim their voice and shape their destiny in a world that renders them invisible.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man, Freedom, Identity, Invisibility, African-American literature, Racism, Ideology, Existentialism, Self-discovery, The Brotherhood, Social oppression, Individualism, Marginalization, Resistance.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This paper presents SmartForm, a unified data collection platform named X Product that integrates AI-powered forms and interactive email submissions. In contrast to traditional data collection tools like Google Forms and Typeform, SmartForm focuses on enhancing user experience, improving response rates, and providing intelligent automation for personalized interactions. The platform is architected on a serverless infrastructure using AWS services, offering scalability, security, and extensibility. With a responsive design, AMP-like embedded email capabilities, and smart analytics, X Product sets a new standard for frictionless digital data engagement across industries, including SaaS, education, and healthcare.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

amp , smart forms , typeform

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition