Abstract Modern Indian fiction in English has explored the inner lives, struggles, and aspirations of women, highlighting their quest for recognition and dignity within family and society. This paper examines Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel Sister of My Heart, focusing on Sudha's journey toward autonomy and selfhood. Divakaruni portrays women negotiating tradition, familial obligations, and personal freedom, within both Indian and diasporic contexts. Sudha's experiences emphasise resilience,... Modern Indian fiction in English has explored the inner lives, struggles, and aspirations of women, highlighting their quest for recognition and dignity within family and society. This paper examines Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel Sister of My Heart, focusing on Sudha's journey toward autonomy and selfhood. Divakaruni portrays women negotiating tradition, familial obligations, and personal freedom, within both Indian and diasporic contexts. Sudha's experiences emphasise resilience, self-assertion, and the pursuit of a meaningful existence. The study also examines how Divakaruni integrates cultural nostalgia, folklore, and Bengali linguistic markers, while questioning whether these cultural anchors suffice for women negotiating transnational and patriarchal spaces. Read More Read Less

Abstract This study investigates the biosoftening of lignin in sugarcane bagasse using the white-rot fungus Pleurotus sajor-caju through solid-substrate fermentation. Bagasse, a ligno cellulosic waste rich in lignin (21%), was inoculated with fungal spawns and incubated for five weeks. Lignin was extracted weekly via alkaline delignification and analyzed using UV spectroscopy and FT-IR to assess structural changes. Results showed a progressive decline in lignin yield-from... This study investigates the biosoftening of lignin in sugarcane bagasse using the white-rot fungus Pleurotus sajor-caju through solid-substrate fermentation. Bagasse, a ligno cellulosic waste rich in lignin (21%), was inoculated with fungal spawns and incubated for five weeks. Lignin was extracted weekly via alkaline delignification and analyzed using UV spectroscopy and FT-IR to assess structural changes. Results showed a progressive decline in lignin yield-from 62.2% at week 0 to 15.38% by week 5-indicating effective fungal degradation. UV scans revealed reduced absorbance at 260-280 nm and shifts in max, suggesting cleavage of aromatic rings and demethoxylation. FT-IR analysis confirmed the breakdown of key lignin structures, including aromatic skeletal vibrations (1600-1510 cm-1), O-H stretching (~3420 cm-1), and ether linkages (1120-1030 cm-1), alongside the emergence of carbonyl groups (~1720 cm-1), signaling oxidative depolymerization. These modifications enhance lignin's reactivity, making it more suitable for resin synthesis, particularly lignin-phenol-formaldehyde (LPF) resins. The study demonstrates that P. sajor-caju offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to chemical softening methods, reducing environmental impact while valorizing agricultural waste. The findings support the use of white-rot fungi in sustainable bioprocesses for industrial lignin modification and the production of bio-based polymers. Read More Read Less

Abstract Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, sustainable biofertilizer produced through the combined action of earthworms and microorganisms on organic waste. It enhances soil fertility and plant growth by supplying essential macro- and micronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, etc.) in bioavailable forms, improving soil structure, water retention, and aeration. Crucially, vermicompost contains plant growth regulators-such as auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins-and humic substances that stimulate seed germination,... Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, sustainable biofertilizer produced through the combined action of earthworms and microorganisms on organic waste. It enhances soil fertility and plant growth by supplying essential macro- and micronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, etc.) in bioavailable forms, improving soil structure, water retention, and aeration. Crucially, vermicompost contains plant growth regulators-such as auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins-and humic substances that stimulate seed germination, root development, and nutrient uptake. Research shows it boosts plant biomass (up to 78% in shoots), cropyield (averaging 26% increase), and quality (e.g., higher vitamin C and sugar content in tomatoes). It also strengthens plant health by inducing systemic resistance against pests and diseases, suppressing pathogens such as Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, and enhancing tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as drought and salinity. Economically, vermicompost reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, lowers input costs, and improves profitability-evidenced by a growing global market projected to reach USD 270.25 million by 2030. Its role in sustainable and organic farming is pivotal, promoting circular nutrient management, soil restoration, and ecological balance. The document concludes that vermicomposting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution essential for regenerative agriculture, with future research needed to optimize large-scale systems and integrate it with other sustainable practices like precision farming and biofertilizers. Read More Read Less

Abstract Digital transformation (DT) has become a key driver of educational innovation, reshaping teaching and learning processes in higher education. In India, the integration of digital tools, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and hybrid classrooms, has accelerated, particularly under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This study evaluates the impact of digital transformation on student learning outcomes in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Tamil... Digital transformation (DT) has become a key driver of educational innovation, reshaping teaching and learning processes in higher education. In India, the integration of digital tools, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and hybrid classrooms, has accelerated, particularly under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This study evaluates the impact of digital transformation on student learning outcomes in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Tamil Nadu, India. A mixed-method approach was adopted, involving a survey of 300 students and interviews with 30 faculty members from selected government and private colleges. The findings reveal that digital transformation significantly enhances accessibility, engagement, and academic performance. However, challenges such as digital fatigue, limited infrastructure in rural institutions, and insufficient faculty training in digital technologies persist. The study concludes that while digital transformation has a measurable positive impact on student learning outcomes, its long-term success in Tamil Nadu depends on inclusive digital strategies, continuous faculty development, and strong institutional support. Read More Read Less

Abstract The study examines Tamil Nadu's scholarly output using Scopus data (n = 15,239 publications). Findings reveal a sharp decline in annual production following a peak in 2020 (5,935 publications) to 321 in 2024, possibly reflecting postpandemic research slowdowns. Engineering, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, and Medicine dominate subject-wise contributions, highlighting applied, socio-economically relevant research. The most prolific author, Ganapathy, D. (79 papers), is not among... The study examines Tamil Nadu's scholarly output using Scopus data (n = 15,239 publications). Findings reveal a sharp decline in annual production following a peak in 2020 (5,935 publications) to 321 in 2024, possibly reflecting postpandemic research slowdowns. Engineering, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, and Medicine dominate subject-wise contributions, highlighting applied, socio-economically relevant research. The most prolific author, Ganapathy, D. (79 papers), is not among the top cited, whereas Kumar, G. (70 papers) leads in citations (13,468), illustrating that productivity does not guarantee impact. Highly cited works include global collaborations, such as Klionsky et al.'s Autophagy guidelines (1,209 citations), as well as locally relevant studies, such as Sathish's materials research. Journal output is concentrated in conference proceedings (e.g., Materials Today: Proceedings), suggesting a culture of fast publishing. Regression analyses show that publication count explains only ~10% of citation variance, confirming that impact depends on factors beyond volume-such as author reputation (the h-index correlates moderately with citations, r = 0.67), collaboration, and topic relevance. National agencies, especially India's Department of Science and Technology, are the primary funders. The state's h-index stands at 84. The study underscores the need for balanced research evaluation, improved researcher disambiguation, and strategic publishing to enhance global visibility. Read More Read Less