Christ University

About: Christ University is a education organization based out in Bengaluru, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Convection. The organization has 2267 authors who have published 2715 publications receiving 14575 citations. The organization is also known as: Christ College & Christ University.

Progress in psycho-oncology with special reference to developing countries.

Abstract: Purpose of review Psycho-oncology has completed 25 years. There is growing recognition of the psychosocial needs of persons living with cancer and the role of sociocultural factors in addressing the needs. This review addresses the research in developing countries relating to distress associated with living with cancer and psychosocial care. Recent findings There is growing recognition of the emotional needs, understanding of the sociocultural aspects of the emotional responses of persons, caregivers, role of resilience and posttraumatic growth and spirituality in cancer care. Psychosocial aspects of cancer are largely influenced by social, economic, cultural, religious and health systems. A number of innovative approaches to care like use of yoga, financial and material support and involvement of caregivers have been implemented. A positive development is the increasing professional attention to document and develop innovative care programmes. Summary A significant proportion of the general population are living with cancer. There are significant psychosocial needs largely influenced by social, economic, cultural, religious aspects of the communities. There are a wide range of interventions from self-care to professional care to address the needs. In developing countries, there is need for longitudinal studies of psycho-social experiences, develop interventions that are culturally appropriate, along with enhanced use of information technology along with evaluation of interventions.

Mental health counsellors’ perceptions on use of technology in counselling

Abstract: The objectives of the study were: (a) to explore the self-reported knowledge of counsellors about technology in counselling. (b) to understand the flexibility, usage, and openness to integrating the technology services in their practice, and (c) to identify the problems associated with using technology as a process in counselling. Semi-structured interviews of eleven practising counsellors in Bangalore and Chennai, India, recruited through snowball sampling, were used for data collection. The deductive content analysis of the interview transcripts generated seven concepts, each comprising of several categories. The seven concepts were 'attitude', 'strengths', 'weakness', 'suitability', 'skills and training', 'therapeutic alliance', and 'theoretical approaches'. The analysis revealed that the counsellors preferred face-to-face counselling and were not using technology for their mainstream practice, but all were quite aware of the process, the benefits and costs of using different forms of technology. The study revealed that the counsellors were also aware about the target population and mental health issues for online counselling. This study has strong implications for building additional skills and enhancing training for counsellors to use technology in their counselling practice, along with the formulation of legal and ethical policies, certification and licensing, in order to protect both the clients and counsellors.

Extraction of Graphene Nanostructures from Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera Leaves and Surface Functionalization with Tin Oxide: Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Properties

Abstract: Expeditious evolution of antimicrobial resistance in recent years has been identified as a growing concern by various health organizations around the world. Herein, facile and environmentally benign production of highly antibacterial carbonaceous nanomaterials from Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera leaves is reported. After carbonization and oxidative treatment, smaller graphene domains are formed in Colocasia esculenta derivatives, whereas larger sheetlike structures are observed in the case of Nelumbo nucifera. Smaller particle size makes quantum confinement effects more prominent, as is evident in fine-tuning of the photoluminescence emission after each stage of treatment. The influence of precursor materials on the antibacterial properties of the nanosystems is also demonstrated. When microbiocidal activity was tested against model bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the nanocomposite derived from Colocasia esculenta leaves showed higher activity than the antibiotic drug clarithromycin (control) with a measured zone of inhibition of 40±0.5 mm. This is one of the highest values reported in comparison with plant-based carbon-silver nanosystems. Quantitative analysis revealed that the nanocomposite obtained from Colocasia esculenta leaves has antimicrobial efficacy equivalent to those of commercial antibiotic drugs and is able to eradicate bacteria at much lower concentrations than that obtained from Nelumbo nucifera leaves.