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Hindu Marriage is a sacrament that has been conceived to achieve a variety of worldly and spiritual goals. Some forms of hurt, untruthful or betrayal may involve a marriage relationship that may significantly impact the forgiveness behaviours of one or other members of married couples influencing their flourishing. The study examined the role of some biographic features, the forgiveness of self, others and situations in shaping the well-being of married Hindu couples. Employing a correlational design, the study recruited 300 married Hindu couples with the age ranging from 25 to 50 years by snowball sampling. Forgiveness and well-being were measured with the help of The Heartland Forgiveness Scale and Mental Health Continuum. The findings showed that education, age, domicile, occupation and years of marriage and the three types of forgiveness exhibited significant positive correlations with the indices of well-being whereas gender, number of children, nature of family (nuclear or joint), number of family members and socioeconomic status showed negative correlations with the same. Employment status and age emerged as the most significant predictors for hedonic and psychological well-being, respectively. Conversely, others' forgiveness did the same for social and eudaimonic well-being and flourishing. Indian socio-cultural conditions, the conceptualization of Hindu marriage and relevant earlier studies have been used to discuss the findings. Some biographic attributes, inclination towards a postmodern lifestyle and others' forgiveness seem to shape the well-being outcomes of married Hindu couples. Directions for future researchers have been discussed.

The present review describes the effects of complex environmental factors on the fate and behaviour of TiO2 nanoparticles in the soil compartment.

Due to their remarkable properties, the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) such as graphene and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) are increasing. These CNMs can enter the freshwater environment via numerous routes potentially exposing various organisms. The current study assesses the effects of graphene, f-MWCNTs, and their binary mixture on the freshwater algal species Scenedesmus obliquus. The concentration for the individual materials was kept at 1 mg L− 1, while for the mixture, both graphene and f-MWCNTs were taken at 0.5 mg L− 1each. Both the CNMs caused a decrease in cell viability, esterase activity, and photosynthetic efficiency in the cells. The cytotoxic effects were accompanied by an increase in hydroxyl and superoxide radical generation, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and mitochondrial membrane potential. Graphene was more toxic compared to f-MWCNTs. The binary mixture of the pollutants demonstrated a synergistic enhancement of the toxic potential. The oxidative stress generation played a critical role in toxicity responses, as noted by a strong correlation between the physiological parameters and the biomarkers of oxidative stress. The outcomes from this study emphasize the significance of considering the combined effects of various CNMs as part of a thorough evaluation of ecotoxicity in freshwater organisms.

Synthesis of a novel, reduced graphene oxide TiO2 nanoleaflets composite as a photocatalyst for the removal of trinitrotoluene explosive from water is reported.

Influence of several physicochemical factors on the sedimentation and transport of nSiO2 in the aquatic environment.

2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), a nitro-aromatic explosive commonly used for defense and several non-violent applications is contributing to serious environmental pollution problems including human health. The current study investigated the remediation potential of a native soil isolate, i.e., Indiicoccus explosivorum (strain S5-TSA-19) isolated from collected samples of an explosive manufacturing site, against TNT. The survivability of I. explosivorum against explosives is indirectly justified through its isolation; thus, it is being chosen for further study. At a TNT concentration of 120 mg/L within an optimized environment (i.e., at 30 °C and 120 rpm), the isolate was continually incubated for 30 days in a minimal salt medium (MSM). The proliferation of the isolate and the concentration of TNT, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium ion were evaluated at a particular time during the experiment. Within 168 h (i.e., 7 days) of incubation, I. explosivorum co-metabolically degraded 100% TNT. The biodegradation procedure succeeded the first-order kinetics mechanism. Formations of additional metabolites like 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2-DANT), and 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), were also witnessed. TNT seems to be non-toxic for the isolate, as it reproduced admirably in TNT presence. To date, it is the first report of Indiicoccus explosivorum, efficiently bio-remediating TNT, i.e., a nitro-aromatic compound via different degradation pathways, leading to the production of simpler as well as less harmful end products. Further, at the field-scale application, Indiicoccus explosivorum may be explored for the bioremediation of TNT (i.e., a nitro-aromatic compound)-contaminated effluents.

BackgroundAlthough self-affirmation has been reported to enhance well-being and other positive life outcomes in normal adults, little is known about its capacity to restore and preserve well-being in adults with depressive tendencies. The current study attempts to expound the restoring and preserving capacity of self-affirmation for well-being in Indian adults with non-clinical depressive tendencies.Participants and procedureThe study used a sequential research design. Eighty participants (22-27 years) with depressive tendencies were chosen through purposive sampling and were randomly assigned equally to the experimental and control conditions. Their depressive tendencies and well-being were measured through standard scales at three intervals: pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up.ResultsThe study used a sequential research design. Eighty participants (22-27 years) with depressive tendencies were chosen through purposive sampling and were randomly assigned equally to the experimental and control conditions. Their depressive tendencies and well-being were measured through standard scales at three intervals: pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up.ConclusionsThe findings showed that self-affirmation helps to restore well-being as well as preserve it after a significant gap, which is evi-dent in higher well-being mean scores of the experimental group taken at post-intervention and follow-up intervals. The positive effects of self-affirmation on well-being may have remained active even after the cessation of the intervention due to the underly-ing mechanisms of enhanced self-worth, positive values, inner strengths, positive attributions and interpersonal relationships.

Objective: The study explored the impacts of restrictions on the perceived psychological distress and health outcomes in children by their mothers who acted as their full-time caregivers during the...

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT), a nitro-aromatic explosive commonly used for defence and several non-violent applications is contributing to serious environmental pollution problems including human health. The current study investigated the remediation potential of a native soil isolate i.e., Planomicrobium flavidum (strain S5-TSA-19) against TNT. At a TNT concentration of 120 mg/L with a specified environment, the isolate remained incubated for 30 days in a minimal salt medium (MSM). Regular growth of the isolate, the concentration of TNT, nitrate, nitrite and ammonium ion were evaluated at a particular time during the experiment. Within 168 hours (i.e., 7 days) of incubation, P. flavidum co-metabolically degraded 100% TNT. The biodegradation procedure succeeded the first order kinetics mechanism. Formation of additional metabolites like 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2-DANT) and 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), were also witnessed. TNT seems to be non-toxic for the isolate, as it reproduced magnificently in explosive presence. For TNT degradation, the nitro-reductase enzyme was observed to be responsible. This is so far the first reporting of Planomicrobium flavidum, efficiently bioremediating TNT i.e., a nitro-aromatic compound via different degradation pathways, leading to the production of simpler as well as less harmful end products. Further, in the near future, at the field scale application Planomicrobium flavidum may be explored for the bioremediation of TNT (i.e., a nitroaromatic- compound) contaminated effluents.

Nano silica (nSiO

Biodegradation ability of a native bacterial species Pelomonas aquatica strain WS2-R2A-65, isolated from nitramine explosive-contaminated effluent, for octogen (HMX) and hexogen (RDX) under aerobic...

The basic goal of the study was to explore the nature and mechanisms of self-compassion through which it shapes perceived positive mental health outcomes of the adults. Using a qualitative research...

Aim This study explored the nature of spiritual beliefs and their role in regulating various life outcomes of cancer survivors. Method A heterogeneous sample of thirty diagnosed cancer patients with age ranging from 18 to 75 years participated in the study. The study employed a qualitative research design which involved semi-structured interviews and the thematic analysis of the audiotaped contents of these interviews. Results The analyses led to five themes regarding the spiritual beliefs of the participants. The identified themes were: “optimistic change towards life”, “fighting spirit towards life”, “enhanced trust in family and friends”, “improved realistic self-perception”, and “positive thinking with future orientations”. Conclusions The findings of the study showed that spiritual beliefs represented a complex phenomenon comprising cognitive, affective and behavioural components. Spiritual beliefs also carried many positive outcomes to regain and maintain psychological balance, well-being, quality of life and health. It also facilitated the patients to have strong desires to compensate their losses due to ill health by setting and achieving higher spiritual, social and interpersonal goals by carrying out social services, sacrifice and altruistic deeds.

In this manuscript, RDX (Royal Demolition eXplosive) and HMX (High Melting eXplosive) were removed from water that is mainly polluted by military activities. Two different forms of magnetic graphen...

2,4,6-Trinitrophenol (TNP), an explosive utilized for artillery munitions, ends up polluting water and soil. This study targets the treatment of TNP contaminated water via adsorption technique. A comparative adsorption study using pristine rGO (reduced graphene oxide), α-Fe2O3/rGO, bare α-Fe2O3 and physical mixture of α-Fe2O3 & rGO has been carried to select the most suitable adsorbent. To understand the mechanism of adsorption of TNP on α-Fe2O3/rGO adsorption isotherms were applied on adsorption data. The adsorption kinetics followed pseudo second order kinetic model. The mechanism of adsorption changed significantly with change in pH. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 769.23 mg · g−1. Regeneration studies indicated that the adsorbent can be used up to 3 times without significant decrease in adsorption efficiency. Magnetic nature of adsorbent allowed its easy segregation from the contaminant solution upon application of external magnetic field. To assess the adsorption efficacy of α-Fe2O3/rGO in real water under ambient condition, TNP was spiked in ground water samples collected from adjoining district that had high TDS (Total dissolved solids). The Langmuir adsorption capacity of 164.24 mg · g−1 was attained with substantial decrease in TDS. Thus α-Fe2O3/rGO proves to be an efficient adsorbent for nitrophenols and can be used commercially for waste water treatment.

Researchers have unanimously suggested forgiveness to be closely linked with a host of positive life outcomes for people across all developmental periods. The scientific endeavours have largely been confined to the study of adults’ forgiveness mostly employing quantitative methods and, thus, have oversighted the study of children’s forgiveness despite its similar and noticeable relevance to their life outcomes. To bridge this gap, this study aims to explore the nature, attributes and perceived consequences of forgiveness for children. The study was carried out on full-time mothers of 4 male (5-10 years) and 4 female (4.50-9.50 years) children of the same local community. The mothers were interviewed about the nature of perceived wrongdoings, emotional, social and cognitive concomitants of forgiveness of their children. The contents of the interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim followed by their analysis by the Thematic Analysis Method. The findings showed that the children’s transgression related to their immediate and tangible realities of life. The significant others played a facilitative role in their learning phase of forgiveness. The children easily accepted their wrongdoings. Some personality attributes regulated the understanding of their wrongdoings. Moreover, children’s forgiveness was more explicit and, thus, easy to understand spontaneously. The understanding and acceptance of wrongdoings of the children were generally guided by their preferences, relationships, moods and concreteness. In essence, the children’s forgiveness evinced close links with their social, emotional and interpersonal developments. The findings have been discussed considering the current empirical findings pertaining to the children’s forgiveness and some cultural concerns. The implications and directions for future research have been discussed along with some limitations.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03402-0.

Rapeseed-mustard is one of the most important oilseed crops and providing a major source of edible oil in the world besides having other economic importance like leafy vegetables, ornamentals, and hedge crops. However, the genetic diversity present in the Brassica gene pool has not been investigated in detail. To address this problem, a study was conducted on 76 genotypes of B. juncea including cultivars, exotic lines, registered genetic stocks, advanced breeding lines, and germplasm lines. The genetic diversity was analyzed with the help of 50 polymorphic SSR and EST-SSR markers. For these genotype-marker combinations, a total of 126 alleles were amplified. Using molecular and phenotypic data, the dendrogram was constructed based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and Manhattan dissimilarity coefficient and linkage algorithm UPGMA. All the genotypes were grouped into 5 clusters based on their dissimilarity matrix. Population structure analysis grouped the genotypes in 8 clusters and various degrees of admixture was also observed. The grouping of genotypes appears effective as per their pedigree. The marker data was found more accurate to characterize the diversity and study the population structure than the quantitative trait data. The results of the present investigation will provide useful information for the identification of important alleles for future studies and pave the way to enhance genetic gains in Indian mustard.

Demand for edible oil from crops like groundnut, mustard and soybean, is increasing and likely to increase further. In this regard, Indian mustard seeds were treated with microwaves (MW), to investigate the possibility of enhancing oil yield and nutritional content. MW pre-treatment was given to the seeds of two Indian mustard varieties i.e. PM21 (V(1)) and PDZ1 (V(2)) for 0, 2, 4 and 6 min (H(0), H(2), H(4) and H(6) min respectively). MW treatment with increasing exposure time showed a linear reduction in the glucosinolate and erucic acid content with concomitant increase in oil yield and moisture loss in both the varieties, as evident from correlation and principal component analysis. Antioxidant capacity has increased with the reduction in phytic acid content (1.82) in V(2) at 6 min exposure time with respect to untreated control. Free radical scavenging activity was improved with increasing MW treatment in both the varieties. Therefore, from the obtained results, it is advisable to treat mustard seeds with MW before extraction of oil, because it gives a relatively good oil yield, with enhanced nutritional factors. Moreover, microwaving was effective in reducing glucosinolates and erucic acid also.

An aero-gel based solid solution of titanium and cerium oxide nanoparticles have been used for the first time for ultra fast and trace level removal of arsenic from water. The interconnected long range ordered mesoporous structure was observed from TEM analysis which has been verified as an essential facet for the fast removal of arsenic in this study. The HR-XRD spectra indicated the face centred cubic structure with Fm 3 ¯ m space group. Le-Bail refinement and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of single phase solid solution of Ce1-XTixO2-Y oxide nanoparticles. The HR-XPS and FT-IR study indicated the surface complexation and partial oxidation of As(III) to As(V) via electron transfer mechanism by reduction of Ce(IV) to Ce(III) and Ti(IV) to Ti(III) simultaneously during adsorption process. The kinetics study demonstrated 99% removal of As(III) within 10 min of initiating the adsorption process. The effect of pH and interfering ions confirmed the wide range of applicability for solid solution of titania and cerium oxide nanoparticles over the different environmental conditions for the removal of arsenic. The adsorption capacity for our best adsorbent (Ce0.8Ti0.2O2-y) was found to be 2 × 105 mg kg−1 while the lowest concentration of water body system was 7 μg L−1 which is the minimum concentration of arsenic achieved by any metal oxide based adsorbent.

2,4,6-trinitrotoluene or TNT, a commonly used explosive, can pollute soil and groundwater. Conventional remediation practices for the TNT-contaminated sites are neither eco-friendly nor cost-effective. However, exploring bacteria to biodegrade TNT into environment-friendly compound(s) is an interesting area to explore. In this study, an indigenous bacterium, Pseudarthrobacter chlorophenolicus, strain S5-TSA-26, isolated from explosive contaminated soil, was investigated for potential aerobic degradation of TNT for the first time. The isolated strain of P. chlorophenolicus was incubated in a minimal salt medium (MSM) containing 120 mg/L TNT for 25 days at specified conditions. TNT degradation pattern by the bacterium was monitored at regular interval using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometric, by estimating nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium ion concentration and other metabolites such as 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), and 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2-DANT). It was observed that, in the presence of TNT, there was no reduction in growth of the bacterium although it multiplied well in the presence of TNT along with no considerable morphological changes. Furthermore, it was found that TNT degraded completely within 15 days of incubation. Thus, from this study, it may be concluded that the bacterium has the potential for degrading TNT completely with the production of non-toxic by-products and might be an important bacterium for treating TNT (i.e., a nitro-aromatic compound)-contaminated sites.

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have excellent properties such as high electrical and thermal conductivity and mechanical characteristic owing to their outstanding high specific surface area-to-volume ratio. However, there are restrictions for direct utilization of CNTs for processing and fabrication of devices because of their agglomeration tendency, difficulties in controlling morphology and leaching out problem from the composite material which lead to prevent its objective application with its inherent properties. The purpose of using functionalized CNTs (f-CNTs) to get homogeneous CNTs-based nano-composite which leads to enhancement of mechanical, chemical, electrical and thermal properties of composite materials. The surface area and pore size play an important role for removal and sensing of toxicants for environmental applications. Electrospinning is the most suitable technique for tuning the pore size and surface area of material as per requirement. The f-CNTs having various functional groups (hydroxyl, acetic, phenolic, polymer, etc.) improve their dispersion in matrix, water flux, scavenging of toxicants and attachment to the template for the fabrication of various significant devices such as filtration systems, sensors, high strength conducting fibers, etc. In this chapter, we are focusing on different techniques for the synthesis of f-CNTs, f-CNTs-based polymer nano-composites and fabrication of its nano-fibers using electrospun techniques for environmental remediation. The chapter concludes with the future prospect and challenges.

Soil and water get polluted with hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) during its manufacturing, storage and use for civil and military purposes. RDX has toxic effects on living and non-living environment and is a recalcitrant compound. Therefore, the remediation of this compound is necessary. Microbial degradation of RDX can be a suitable and sustainable option to reduce its deleterious impact on the environment. Therefore, the optimization for degradation of energetic munition compound RDX employing the consortium of native bacterial species, isolated from an actual contaminated site, was performed. The experiment was planned with three independent variables (initial RDX concentration, inoculum size of microbes, and duration of the experiment) and three dependent variables (percentage removal of RDX, optical density, and nitrite release). Both independent and dependent variables were analyzed by the response surface methodology (RSM) using the Box–Behnken design. The statistical analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) depicted a high regression coefficient, R2 = 0.9881 with the statistically significant p-value fitted into a quadratic regression model for percentage removal of RDX. Results showed an initial RDX concentration of 40 mg/L, inoculation size 6 mL and a time duration of 12 days was optimal for the reduction of RDX up to 80.4%.

Biodegradation ability of a native bacterial species

2,4,6-trinitrotoluene or TNT, a commonly used explosive, can pollute soil and groundwater. Conventional remediation practices for the TNT-contaminated sites are neither eco-friendly nor cost-effective. However, exploring bacteria to biodegrade TNT into environment-friendly compound(s) is an interesting area to explore. In this study, an indigenous bacterium, Pseudarthrobacter chlorophenolicus, strain S5-TSA-26, isolated from explosive contaminated soil, was investigated for potential aerobic degradation of TNT for the first time. The isolated strain of P. chlorophenolicus was incubated in a minimal salt medium (MSM) containing 120 mg/L TNT for 25 days at specified conditions. TNT degradation pattern by the bacterium was monitored at regular interval using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography mass spectrophotometric, by estimating nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium ion concentration and other metabolites such as 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2-ADNT), and 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2-DANT). It was observed that, in the presence of TNT, there was no reduction in growth of the bacterium although it multiplied well in the presence of TNT along with no considerable morphological changes. Furthermore, it was found that TNT degraded completely within 15 days of incubation. Thus, from this study, it may be concluded that the bacterium has the potential for degrading TNT completely with the production of non-toxic by-products and might be an important bacterium for treating TNT (i.e., a nitro-aromatic compound)-contaminated sites.

Hindu Marriage is a sacrament that has been conceived to achieve a variety of worldly and spiritual goals. Some forms of hurt, untruthful or betrayal may involve in a marriage relationship that may significantly impact forgiveness behaviours of one or other member of married couples influencing their flourishing. The study examined the role of some biographic features, the forgiveness of self, others and situations in shaping the well-being of the married Hindu couples. Employing a correlational design, the study recruited 300 married Hindu couples with age ranging from 25 to 50 years by a snowball sampling. Forgiveness and well-being were measured with the help of The Heartland Forgiveness Scale (Thompson et al., 2005) and Mental Health Continuum (Keyes, 2005). The findings showed that education, age, domicile, occupation and years of marriage and the three types of forgiveness exhibited significant positive correlations with the indices of well-being whereas gender, number of children, nature of family (nuclear or joint), number of family members and socioeconomic status showed negative correlations with the same. Employment status and age emerged as the most significant predictors for hedonic and psychological well-being, respectively. Conversely, others forgiveness did the same for social and eudaimonic well-being and flourishing. Indian socio-cultural conditions, the conceptualization of Hindu marriage and relevant earlier studies have been used to discuss the findings. Some biographic attributes, inclination towards postmodern lifestyle and others forgiveness seem to shape the well-being outcomes of the married Hindu couples. Directions of future researchers have been discussed.KeywordsForgiveness; hedonic well-being; eudaimonic well-being; human flourishing; Hindu married couples.