1 Programme of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Assam
down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 Faculty of Allied
and Healthcare Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India;
3 Programme of Botany, Faculty of Science, Assam down town University,
Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
1 Faculty of Science, Assam down town University,
Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 Department of Zoology, Nagaland
University, Lumami, Nagaland 798627, India; 3 Faculty of Allied and
Healthcare Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
Comparative Botanical
Assessment of Six Thunbergia sp. (Acanthaceae) from Assam,
India (Page 15 - 21)
Nayan Pathak 1*,
Prasenjit Bhagawati 1*, Ashish Kar 2, Tahchin Ahmed
3
1 Department of Botany, Assam down town
University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 The Energy and Resources
Institute (TERI), NERC, Guwahati, Assam, India; 3 Barkhetri College,
Nalbari, Assam, 781126, India
Detection and Quantification
of Pesticide Residue of Emamectin benzoate Using a Nanomaterial-Based
Sensor (Page 43 - 47)
Baharul Islam 1,
Devabrata Sarmah 2, Sunandan Baruah 2,3*
1 Faculty of Engineering, Assam down town
University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 Centre of Excellence in
Nanotechnology, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India;
3 Dept. of Electronics & Communication, Assam Skill University,
Mangaldoi, Assam 784125, India
1 Programme of Microbiology, Faculty of Science,
Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 CPMS College
of Allied & Healthcare Sciences, PEWS Group of Institutions, Guwahati, Assam 781026,
India; 3 Guwahati Neurological Research Centre Hospitals, Guwahati, Assam
781005, India
Correlation Between Fear of
Falling, Functional Mobility, and Fall Incidence Among Patients with Subacute
Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study (Page 53 -
57)
Siva Sankar Kalita
1, B. C. Sarma 1*, Simi Hazarika 2
1 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences,
Assam down town University, Guwahati 781026, India; 2 Faculty of
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
SCHROTH EXERCISE IN ADOLESCENT
IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS
Effect of Schroth Exercise in
Adolescents with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Prospective Pilot
Study (Page 58 - 62)
Simi Hazarika 1,
Dapkupar Wankhar 1, Siva Sankar Kalita 2
1 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences,
Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 Faculty of
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
Awareness of Risk
Factors and Preventive Strategies for Knee Osteoarthritis in Individuals with
Diabetes (Page 63 - 67)
Trishna Kakati 1,
Swapnav Borthakur 2*
1 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Science, Assam
down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 Department of
Family Medicine, down town Hospital, Guwahati, Assam 781006, India
Box–Behnken-Driven
Optimization and in vitro Characterization of Sustained-Release Rizatriptan Matrix
Tablets for Improved Migraine Treatment (Page 68 -
73)
1,3 Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam down
town University, Guwahati, Assam, India; 2 School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Andhra Pradesh, India;
4 School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Centurion University of
Technology and Management, Odisha, India
Combined Effects of Endurance
Training and Kinesio Taping on Breathlessness and Functional Capacity in Patients
with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (Page 74 -
82)
Parijat Ghatak 1,
Pranjal Gogoi 2*
1 Faculty of Physiotherapy, Assam down town
University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 Downtown Hospital, Guwahati,
Assam 781006, India
Advancements and Limitations
in Intraocular Pressure Assessment: A Comprehensive Review of Goldmann Applanation
Tonometry and Schiotz Tonometry in Contemporary
Ophthalmology (Page 83 - 89)
Smita Das 1,
Shrabani Kalita 1*
1 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences,
Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
Effectiveness of Government
Sponsored Skill Development Programs in Reducing Gender Inequality: A Policy Impact
Study on Women’s Empowerment (Page 108 - 113)
Pallabi Neog 1,
Jyoti Prasad Kalita 1*
1 Faculty of Commerce and Management, Assam down
town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
Promoting Performing Arts for
Regenerative Cultural Tourism: A Study in Darrang District of Assam,
India (Page 121 - 125)
Himadri Singh
1,2*, Pramod Kumar 1
1 Faculty of Commerce and Management, Assam down
town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 Institute of Hotel
Management, Guwahati, Assam 781005, India
Retail vs Group Health
Insurance in India: A Comprehensive Review of Trends, Challenges, and Policy
Implications (Page 144 - 149)
Amit Kumar Bhaumik
1,2*, Seema Sharma 1
1 Faculty of Commerce and Management, Assam down
town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India; 2 ICICI LOMBARD General
Insurance Company Ltd, Mumbai, India
1 Programme of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
2 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
3 Programme of Botany, Faculty of Science, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Delarbre (Polygonaceae) is widely used in Assamese folk healing practices
(‘jhaar-phuk’) and is traditionally recognized by indigenous and tribal communities as an effective insect
repellent for vector control. The species naturally thrives in waterlogged habitats and plays an important
role in maintaining the stability of the wetland ecosystem. Understanding its spatial distribution is
therefore crucial for ecological assessment and conservation planning. A year-long field survey was
conducted from January to December 2024 at five GPS-tagged sites in Khamrenga Beel, Assam, selected based on
local knowledge and field observations. Plant abundance data were recorded and analyzed in relation to
physicochemical water parameters. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was generated using 30-m-resolution ASTER
DEM data, with GIS support from Aaranyak NGO, to assess the influence of topography on species distribution.
Spatial interpolation and heatmap visualization were performed in QGIS using the Inverse Distance Weighting
(IDW) method. The DEM analysis combined with field observations revealed that P. hydropiper exhibited
maximum abundance in low-lying, moisture-retentive zones of the wetland. The highest plant density was
observed in central depressions characterized by persistent waterlogging, whereas reduced abundance occurred
in elevated areas and zones affected by agricultural disturbance. The results indicate that elevation and
hydrological conditions are key determinants of P. hydropiper distribution, with anthropogenic influences
contributing in varying degrees. This study underscores the species’ strong adaptation to saturated
environments and highlights its potential application in wetland management and phytoremediation. The
integration of DEM-based GIS analysis is demonstrated as an effective approach for understanding plant
distribution patterns and supporting conservation strategies in flood-prone wetland ecosystems.
Keywords:Khambrenga Beel, Persicaria hydropiper, Digital Elevation Model (DEMs), Heatmaps
RESEARCH ARTICLE:
ZOOPLANKTON DIVERSITY IN WETLAND
Zooplankton Diversity as a Bioindicator of Water Quality Degradation: A Study in Silsako
Beel, Guwahati, Assam, India
1 Faculty of Science, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
2 Department of Zoology, Nagaland University, Lumami, Nagaland 798627, India
3 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
Freshwater wetlands are increasingly threatened by urbanization and associated anthropogenic disturbances,
leading to deteriorating water quality and biodiversity loss. This study investigated zooplankton diversity,
abundance, and community composition in relation to physicochemical characteristics along a pollution
gradient in Silsako Beel, an urban wetland on the Brahmaputra River floodplain in Assam, India. Monthly
sampling was conducted from January to December 2024 at twelve stations categorized as low-impact,
moderately polluted, and highly polluted. Zooplankton samples were collected with a 60 µm plankton net and
identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level, while key physicochemical parameters were analyzed using
standard methods. A total of 16 zooplankton taxa, belonging to Cladocera, Copepoda, and Rotifera, were
recorded. Cladocera was the most diverse and abundant group, accounting for 50.61% of the 8,200 individuals
collected. Species richness declined with increasing pollution intensity, whereas overall zooplankton
density increased from 2,070 ind./L at low-impact sites to 3,860 ind./L at highly polluted sites, indicating
a shift toward communities dominated by pollution-tolerant taxa. Sensitive species such as Daphnia magna and
Mesocyclops pehpeiensis were absent from highly polluted areas, whereas rotifers were more prevalent under
degraded conditions. Elevated nutrient concentrations, increased total dissolved solids, and reduced
dissolved oxygen, particularly during the monsoon season, were identified as the primary environmental
drivers of zooplankton community structure. The study demonstrates that zooplankton diversity and abundance
provide valuable indicators of ecological condition and highlights their utility for biomonitoring and the
sustainable management of urban freshwater wetlands.
Keywords:Urban wetland, Anthropogenic pollution, Zooplankton density, Cladocera, Copepoda and
Rotifers
RESEARCH ARTICLE:
COMPARATIVE BOTANY
Comparative Botanical Assessment of Six Thunbergia sp. (Acanthaceae) from Assam, India
Nayan Pathak 1*, Prasenjit Bhagawati 2*, Ashish Kar 3, Tahchin Ahmed
4
1,2 Department of Botany, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
3 The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), NERC, Guwahati, Assam, India
4 Barkhetri College, Nalbari, Assam, 781126, India
Thunbergia Retz. (Acanthaceae) comprises ornamental flowering plants that also exhibit marked invasive
tendencies. This study presents a comparative botanical analysis of six species, viz., Thunbergia erecta, T.
alata, T. fragrans, T. coccinea, T. laurifolia, and T. grandiflora, integrating evidence from taxonomy,
morphology, anatomy, biogeography, and ethnobotany. Distinct growth habits separate the shrubby T. erecta
from the climbing species, with variations in leaf and floral traits providing reliable diagnostic
characters. Anatomical observations reveal shared generic features, including diacytic stomata and the
absence of cystoliths, alongside species-specific micromorphological traits. A strong association between
climbing habit and invasive potential is identified, particularly in T. grandiflora, supported by adaptive
anatomical traits and ethnobotanical applications linked to various cultural and medicinal uses. The
synthesis highlights connections between plant form, ecological performance, and human use, and outlines
future research directions involving genomic and allelopathic approaches.
Coprophilous macro fungi play an important ecological role in nutrient cycling and are increasingly relevant
to biopharmaceutical research due to their bioactive compounds. This study documents the diversity and
ethnomedicinal uses of coprophilous macro fungi in the Udalguri district of Assam, India. Ethnomedicinal
information was collected through structured questionnaires administered to residents and traditional
healers. Eleven species across different taxonomic groups were documented. These fungi were traditionally
used to manage ailments such as burning sensations, itching, pox, skin disease, body pain, eczema, and minor
physical injuries. The study highlights the need for further pharmacological validation and the conservation
of fungal ethnomedicinal knowledge. With growing scientific evidence of antimicrobial, anticancer,
anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory potential in several coprophilous taxa, the present work provides a
foundation for future biochemical and pharmacological screening.
Keywords:Bioprospecting, Coprophilous fungi, Ethnomedicine, Medicinal mushrooms, Traditional
knowledge
REVIEW ARTICLE:
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT- CAPSICUM CHINENSE JACQ
Bhut jolokia (Capsicum chinense JACQ): A Review of Agronomic Practices, Phytochemistry,
Genomics, and Medicinal Importance
Mitali Baruah 1, Minakshi Bhattacharjee 1, Robinson C Jose 1, Rajeev
Sarmah 1*
1 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Assam Downtown University,
Guwahati-781026, Assam
The King chili (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is renowned for its spiciness (Scoville Heat Unit (SHU): 1,013,040;
Guinness Book of World Records, 2006) and pungency. The plant is native to Northeast India (NEI), with
Nagaland (GI 99) holding the geographical indication (GI). The plant is in demand for its fruit, which has
nutraceutical and pharmaceutical benefits. Despite these advantages, the number of cultivars seems limited
by the intensive maintenance required during the growing stage and by inconsistent heat, as evidenced by its
fifth-place ranking among the world's hottest chilies. The plant requires extensive care and proper
management during cultivation; hence, only a few farmers from Nagaland, Assam, and Manipur cultivate it. The
inconsistency in hotness may be linked to its high genetic variability, as evidenced by more than 30
varieties that likely result from frequent cross-pollination. The fruits (chilies) of Capsicum chinense Jacq
are highly perishable, so they are preserved through drying, pickling, condimenting, and fermentation.
Ensuring the safe consumption of these products and investigating their ethnomedicinal claims requires
further extensive research. This review includes a package of practices for cultivation, management, and
maintenance during the growing stages; explores the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical values; discusses
traditional health claims; and considers future prospects for expanding the number of cultivars.
Keywords:Capsicum chinense Jacq, Essential oil, Ethno-pharmacological uses, Growth and
Management
REVIEW ARTICLE:
ANTIDIABETIC POTENTIAL OF CULINARY SPICES
Antidiabetic Potential of Traditional Culinary Spices from Northeast India: A Systematic
Review
Diabetes mellitus is rapidly expanding worldwide due to population growth, urbanization, and unhealthy
lifestyles, with India experiencing a particularly sharp rise in cases, contributing substantially to the
global burden. Northeast India, noted for its rich biodiversity, has several traditional culinary spices
with intriguing anti-diabetic properties. This review assesses bioactive ingredients, mechanisms of action,
and preclinical and clinical trial data on eight major spices, i.e., Allium sativum L. (Garlic), Coriandrum sativum L. (Coriander), Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger), Capsicum annuum L. (Chili), Curcuma longa L.
(Turmeric), Amomum subulatum Roxb. (Cardamom), Cinnamomum verum J. Presl (Cinnamon), and Cinnamomum tamala
(Buch. -Ham.) T. Nees & C. H. Eberm. (Indian bay leaf). Key information on bioactive substances, mechanisms
of action, experimental models, and clinical outcomes was compiled to assess their applicability to
antidiabetic activity. Significant bioactive compounds in the selected spices acted through multiple
mechanisms, including increased insulin sensitivity, reduced oxidative stress, improved GLUT4-mediated
glucose uptake, suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis, inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, and
stimulation of insulin secretion. Traditional spices from Northeast India have substantial antidiabetic
properties, as supported by mechanistic and experimental evidence. Nonetheless, more standardized clinical
trials, dosage optimization, and investigations of herb-drug interactions are needed to validate clinical
efficacy and ensure safety.
Keywords:Diabetes mellitus, North Eastern India, Spices, Antidiabetic properties, Traditional
medicine
RESEARCH ARTICLE:
NANOMATERIAL-BASED SENSOR
Detection and Quantification of Pesticide Residue of Emamectin benzoate Using a
Nanomaterial-Based Sensor
Baharul Islam 1, Devabrata Sarmah 2, Sunandan Baruah 2,3*
1 Faculty of Engineering, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
2 Center of Excellence in Nanotechnology, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026,
India
3 Dept. of Electronics & Communication, Assam Skill University, Mangaldoi, Assam 784125,
India
Ensuring the safety and quality of tea products requires accurate detection of pesticide residues, such as
Emamectin Benzoate, which is commonly used in tea cultivation. Conventional methods for detecting pesticide
residues in tea products, such as LC-MS and GC-MS, are inefficient and costly due to their time-consuming,
labor-intensive, and insensitive nature. This study introduces a sensor composed of ZnO nanorods designed to
detect the pesticide Emamectin Benzoate. The 15 mM sensor has been developed and tested using spiked samples
at different concentrations of Emamectin Benzoate pesticides. The sensor shows good selectivity and
sensitivity by using ZnO nanorods. The sensing method works by monitoring changes in the resistance of
electrodes made of ZnO nanorods when they come into contact with different concentrations of the Emamectin
Benzoate pesticide. The sensor effectively identifies concentrations ranging from 0.001% to 1% V/V. The
spike sample test demonstrates that the sensor works effectively, as it can precisely differentiate between
varying concentrations of the pesticide Emamectin Benzoate. This sensor was designed to help tea producers
rapidly and economically detect this pesticide, ensuring the safety and superior quality of tea products.
1 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, CPMS College of Allied & Healthcare Sciences,
PEWS Group of Institutions, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
3 Department of Microbiology, GNRC Hospitals, Dispur, Guwahati, Assam 781005, India
Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen associated with multidrug resistance
(MDR), posing a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. This is a hospital-based study that
investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profile of A. baumannii isolates from a tertiary
care hospital in Guwahati, Assam, India. Clinical samples from inpatient and outpatient departments were
identified using conventional microbiological methods and the VITEK2 Compact system. Antimicrobial
susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method in accordance with the
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. A total of 163 non-duplicate isolates were
recovered, predominantly from inpatient departments and respiratory specimens, particularly tracheal
aspirates. A statistically significant association was observed between respiratory specimens and MDR A.
baumannii isolates (p = 0.020). The isolates exhibited extensive resistance across multiple antimicrobial
classes, with a high proportion identified as MDR. In contrast, minocycline and tigecycline showed greater
susceptibility. These findings highlight the increasing burden of A. baumannii in Northeast India and
emphasize the need for effective antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures.
Correlation Between Fear of Falling, Functional Mobility, and Fall Incidence Among Patients
with Subacute Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study
Siva Sankar Kalita 1, B. C. Sarma 1*, Simi Hazarika 2
1 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati 781026,
India
2 Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
*Corresponding author: B. C. Sarma, Email: sarmabc27@gmail.com
Abstract
Falls are common during the subacute phase of stroke recovery. Several factors contribute to falls in stroke
patients. Fear of falling can affect an individual's behaviour and interfere with rehabilitation. The
present study was made to establish the relationship between the functional mobility of subacute ischemic
stroke patients and their fear of falling and falls. Fifty-five stroke patients in their first six months
after their first ischemic stroke were selected for a cross-sectional study from rehabilitation centers in
Assam, India. The Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I) was used to measure the fear of falls.
Functional mobility was measured using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG). The number of falls in the last three
months was noted. Pearson correlation was used for analysis. The average age was 58.6±9.8 years. The average
time taken for TUG was 19.6±6.2 seconds, and the average score for FES-I was 34.8±8.9. FES-I and TUG had a
strong positive correlation (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Fall incidence showed a moderate correlation with TUG
(r=0.49, p<0.001) and FES-I (r=0.54, p<0.001). In survivors of subacute ischemic stroke, fear of falling
is found to have a substantial relationship with decreased functional mobility and increased risk of
falls.
Keywords:Stroke, Functional mobility, Falls Efficacy Scale-International, Timed Up and
Go Test, Correlation
RESEARCH ARTICLE:
SCHROTH EXERCISE IN AIS
Effect of Schroth Exercise in Adolescents with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Prospective
Pilot Study
Simi Hazarika 1, Dapkupar Wankhar 1, Siva Sankar Kalita 2
1 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
2 Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine commonly found in
adolescents and is associated with trunk asymmetry, decreased pulmonary function, and poor body image.
Conservative treatment of scoliosis, including specific exercises like the Schroth method, has gained
clinical relevance. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the Schroth corrective exercise
technique on trunk rotation, pulmonary function, and cosmetic deformity in adolescents with AIS. This
prospective interventional study was conducted over a 6-month period at a physiotherapy center. Fifteen
adolescents with AIS, aged 12-16 years and with a Cobb angle of 10°–40°, were included in the study.
Significant reduction in ATR was found (11.60±1.99° to 8.20±1.61°, p<0.001). Significant improvement in
pulmonary functions was found in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF (p<0.001). WRVAS score significantly
reduced from 19.60±1.99 to 15.00±1.60 (p<0.001). This six-month Schroth exercise program has been shown
to improve trunk asymmetry, pulmonary function, and perceived cosmetic deformity in patients with AIS.
Awareness of Risk Factors and Preventive Strategies for Knee Osteoarthritis in Individuals
with Diabetes
Trishna Kakati 1, Swapnav Borthakur 2*
1 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Science, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
2 Department of Family Medicine, down town Hospital, Guwahati, Assam 781006, India
Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition that significantly affects quality of life, especially among
diabetic women, who are at higher risk due to metabolic and inflammatory factors. Despite its high
prevalence, awareness of knee OA, its prevention, and the importance of sociodemographic and anthropometric
variables remain low in this population. Understanding diabetic women's level of awareness is critical for
identifying knowledge gaps and their relationships with parameters such as age, education, BMI, and
socioeconomic position. The present pilot study aims to address these gaps by providing insights to inform
targeted educational and preventive interventions to reduce the burden of knee OA in this high-risk group.
After providing consent, 30 diabetic women participated in this pilot study, which used a predesigned
questionnaire with 20 questions assessing their level of awareness. Results indicated that the level of
awareness is moderate. The study demonstrates inadequate understanding of knee osteoarthritis among diabetic
women, underscoring the critical need for educational programs to increase information about the problem.
Keywords:Anthropometry, Age, prevention, Physical activity, Knee Osteoarthritis, Women
RESEARCH ARTICLE:
OPTIMIZATION STUDY OF DRUG RELEASE
Box–Behnken-Driven Optimization and in vitro Characterization of Sustained-Release
Rizatriptan Matrix Tablets for Improved Migraine Treatment
1 Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam, India.
2 School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management,
Andhra Pradesh, India.
3 Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam, India.
4 School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management,
Odisha, India.
To investigate and optimize the factors influencing the formulation of rizatriptan sustained-release matrix
tablets prepared by wet granulation. The Box-Behnken 3-factor, 3-level design proposed 29 formulations with
varying concentrations of a first polymer (X1), a second polymer (X2), binder (X3), and diluent (X4), and
considered the following dependent variables: hardness, thickness, weight variation, and dissolution time.
All powder blends exhibited excellent flow properties. The Box-Behnken design recommended an optimal
formulation containing 41.981 mg (X1), 20.691 mg (X2), 3.96 mg (X3), and 119.638 mg (X4). Compared with
previous formulations, the enhanced formulation released medication at a sustained rate for more than 11.5
hours. As a result, the optimized formulation was selected as the best. The test results suggest that the
Eudragit polymer matrix, which prolongs drug release, makes using Eudragit polymer in tablet manufacturing a
viable method for producing a sustained-release dosage form.
Combined Effects of Endurance Training and Kinesio Taping on Breathlessness and Functional
Capacity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Parijat Ghatak 1, Pranjal Gogoi 2*
1 Faculty of Physiotherapy, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
2 Downtown Hospital, Guwahati, Assam 781006, India
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation, reduced exercise
tolerance, and dyspnoea. Pulmonary rehabilitation, including endurance training, is a cornerstone of
non-pharmacological management. Kinesio taping (KT) has emerged as a supportive intervention to enhance
respiratory muscle efficiency. The objective of the study was to evaluate the combined effects of Endurance
training (ET) and diaphragmatic Kinesio taping (KT) on dyspnoea and functional capacity. Participants were
randomly allocated to three groups: Group A (ET + KT), Group B (ET only), and Group C (Standard care). Group
A demonstrated significant improvements in both dyspnoea (median MMRC 2 to 1, p=0.011) and functional
capacity (5STS: 23.7s to 22.0s, p=0.011). Group B showed a non-significant trend towards functional
improvement without a reduction in dyspnoea. The study concluded that Endurance training significantly
improves functional capacity in patients with COPD, and that the addition of diaphragmatic Kinesio taping
provides further benefit by reducing dyspnoea.
Advancements and Limitations in Intraocular Pressure Assessment: A Comprehensive Review of
Goldmann Applanation Tonometry and Schiotz Tonometry in Contemporary Ophthalmology
Smita Das 1, Shrabani Kalita 1*
1 Faculty of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is an essential part of ophthalmic examination, especially for
diagnosing glaucoma. Various tonometry techniques have been developed over time. Goldmann applanation
tonometry (GAT) has been considered the reference standard due to its high reproducibility and standardized
methodology. Conversely, Schiotz tonometry, which is based on the indentation principle, is an older but
historically significant method still used in specific low-resource settings. This review focuses on the
principles, applications, advancements and limitations of both GAT and Schiotz tonometry. GAT is more
reliable but affected by corneal thickness and biomechanics. Schiotz tonometry is less accurate and affected
by ocular rigidity, yet it is cheap, portable, and readily available. Recent advances such as digital
correction models have increased the horizon of IOP measurement. A moderate understanding of the two
techniques remains relevant in clinical practice for determining the most suitable technique based on
patient attributes.
Accommodative dysfunction is a widespread binocular instability marked by focusing difficulties, leading to
clinical symptoms such as decreased vision, eye strain, and reduced productivity. The review aims to clarify
the causes, clinical signs, and treatment options for this condition. A thorough review of the literature
indicates that refractive errors and other binocular vision problems contribute to accommodative
dysfunction. This review provides updated knowledge about accommodative dysfunction and binocular vision,
highlighting the importance of treatment strategies. By synthesizing existing evidence, it guides clinical
practice and suggests future research directions in binocular vision and accommodative dysfunction.
Climate change has intensified eco-anxiety, especially among young adults, with implications for their
psychological well-being. This study examined the relationship between eco-anxiety and subjective well-being
(SWB) among young adults in South and Northeast India, two regions with distinct ecological vulnerabilities.
A cross-sectional, correlational-comparative design was used, with 162 participants (ages 18-35) completing
the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results
indicated that eco-anxiety was significantly higher among participants from Northeast India, whereas no
regional differences were observed in positive or negative affect. Eco-anxiety was strongly associated with
negative affect but unrelated to positive affect. Regression analysis showed that eco-anxiety was the
strongest predictor of negative affect. Findings suggest that eco-anxiety plays a central role in shaping
negative emotional experiences among Indian youth, underscoring the importance of resilience-building and
supportive interventions.
1 Clinical Psychologist (RCI Registered), Programme of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and
Social Sciences, Assam down town university, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
2 Programme of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Assam down town
University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
This review examines the complex relationship between aggressive behaviour and emotional expression, drawing
on results from more than 50 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025. The review explores
emotional expression across social, digital, developmental, biological, and educational contexts. It also
analyses how emotional regulation influences aggression. Most evidence shows that both under-regulation and
overly suppressiveness of emotions often contribute to elevated aggression levels. Gender norms have emerged
as significant moderators; men displayed higher rates of physical aggression linked to emotional
restriction, while women exhibited it in psychological distress due to socialized emotional control. This
study identifies a research gap on the long-term impacts of emotional competency. To reduce aggression,
education and clinical settings must adopt emotionally intelligent, gender-sensitive strategies.
Gender inequality in employment and economic participation remains a persistent challenge. Skill development
has emerged as a central policy instrument for promoting inclusive growth. This study examines the
effectiveness of government-sponsored skill development programs in reducing gender inequality and fostering
women’s empowerment, focusing on employment outcomes, income enhancement, and social transformation. The
analysis highlights that while programs have increased employment, long-term empowerment remains uneven due
to structural constraints such as occupational segregation and socio-cultural barriers. Findings suggest
women acquiring market-relevant skills experience improvements in employability and decision-making
autonomy. However, the concentration of women in low-growth sectors reduces transformative potential. The
study concludes that programs serve as effective tools only when embedded within broader institutional and
labor market reforms.
The Bodo traditional handloom is central to the Bodo community and a torchbearer for Bodo culture. The Bodo
tribe’s traditional handloom is centuries old and has been passed down through many generations. Bodo women,
in particular, are closely associated with handloom weaving. Economic factors such as capital and
investment, employment generation, and the viability of Bodo handloom have been taken into consideration.
The irony is that, although artisans are highly skilled, they do not know how to market their products
properly. The Bodo traditional handloom should be included as a Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) and a Value
Addition Course (VAC) under the New Education Policy (NEP), 2020, to attract the younger generation. Hence,
it is the duty of every individual to preserve this enduring culture and tradition.
Promoting Performing Arts for Regenerative Cultural Tourism: A Study in Darrang District of
Assam, India
Himadri Singh 1,2*, Pramod Kumar 1
1 Faculty of Commerce and Management, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026,
India
2 Institute of Hotel Management, Guwahati, Assam 781005, India
Contemporary tourism statistics show negligible visitor arrivals in the Darrang district, despite its wide
variety of traditional performing arts, including Ojapali and Deodhani dance. This study explores the
potential to develop cultural tourism in Darrang through a regenerative tourism framework that prioritizes
community well-being. A convergent mixed-methods approach was adopted. Findings reveal high community
readiness, with 88.6% confidence in tourism potential. However, major structural constraints, such as
financial limitations (65.7%) and inadequate marketing (57.1%), continue to inhibit development. The study
identifies a “cultural richness–economic absence” paradox and proposes a phased regenerative framework
beginning with community-led cultural festivals. The research introducing the concept of “pre-tourism
assessment,” emphasizing the importance of baseline conditions prior to development.
Keywords:Regenerative tourism, Cultural tourism, Performing arts, Darrang district, Assam,
Community development
RESEARCH ARTICLE:
PILGRIMAGE TOURISM
Economic Impact and Development Opportunities of Pilgrimage Tourism of Assam, India
Srilekha Bhattacharjee 1*, Pramod Kumar 1
1 Faculty of Commerce and Management, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026,
India
Pilgrimage tourism represents a unique intersection of spiritual practice and economic activity, especially
in culturally rich regions such as Assam. This study assesses the economic potential and development
opportunities of pilgrimage tourism in the state by examining its impacts on local communities, service
providers, and other stakeholders. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study explores expenditure patterns,
service quality, and the roles of institutions in promoting sustainable religious tourism. The study
highlights the need for improved infrastructure, service quality, and digital support.
Keywords:Pilgrimage tourism, Religious travel, Tourism in Assam, Spiritual Tourism, Sustainable
tourism
RESEARCH ARTICLE:
ENGLISH LITERATURE
Gender, Conflict, and Family Bonds in Shashi Deshpande’s Novels
Nakibur Rahman 1*, Sagarika Mahanta Das 1*
1 Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
The study explores the complex interplay of gender, conflict, and family bonds in the novels of Shashi
Deshpande, one of India’s foremost contemporary women writers. Her fiction offers profound insight into the
lived experiences of middle-class Indian women as they navigate the terrain of patriarchy and personal
aspiration. Through close readings of selected novels such as The Dark Holds No Terrors and That Long
Silence, this research highlights how Deshpande portrays women’s struggles for identity within familial
structures. The analysis examines gendered expectations that shape roles as daughters, wives, and mothers,
revealing how these generate psychological conflicts. These conflicts catalyze introspection and eventual
self-realization. This study emphasizes women's inner strength and resilience in the face of
marginalization.
Keywords:Gender, Family bond, Conflict, Patriarchy, Family struggle
RESEARCH ARTICLE: NARRATIVE
LITERATURE AND CINEMA
The Namesake: The Novel and the Adapted Indian Film Reflecting Upon the Relationship between
Literature and Cinema
Shibani Das 1*, Gautam Sarma 1*
1 Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam
781026, India
Through close study of Jhumpa Lahiri's novel “The Namesake” (2003) and its film version directed by Mira
Nair (2006), this study investigates the relationship between literature and film. It examines how Gogol
Ganguli, a second-generation immigrant navigating cultural hybridity, is portrayed in both media. While
Lahiri's text uses introspective prose to convey psychological complexity, Nair's film uses visuals and
music to translate these tensions into an emotional language. This study demonstrates how the adaptation
process transforms the written text into a creative cinematic experience by examining narrative decisions
and visual metaphors. It contends that the work exemplifies the fruitful relationship between literature and
film, expandings the meanings of the other within postcolonial discourse.
Keywords:Adaptation studies, Diasporic identity, Jhumpa Lahiri, Mira Nair, Postcolonial cinema,
Literature and film
RESEARCH ARTICLE: SHORT
COMMUNICATION:
ASSISTED NURSING EDUCATION
Effect of Video Assisted Teaching Programme on Knowledge of Cranial Nerve Assessment among Nursing Students
Manashi Sengupta 1*, Rapbanshemphang Lamin 2
1 Faculty of Nursing, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
2 Pratiksha College of Nursing, Guwahati, Assam 781026, India
A comprehensive patient assessment is essential for high-quality care. It underpins rehabilitation by
guiding clinical reasoning. This quantitative pre-experimental one-group pre-test-post-test study assessed
the effectiveness of a Video-Assisted Teaching Program (VATP) on knowledge of cranial nerve assessment among
50 third-year B.Sc. (Nursing) students. Pre-test results showed that 6% had inadequate knowledge. Post-test
findings demonstrated significant improvement, with 68% achieving adequate knowledge and none showing
inadequate knowledge. The post-test mean score (21.5 ± 3.13) was significantly higher than the pre-test mean
score (16 ± 3.45), confirming the effectiveness of the VATP.
Keywords:Nursing education, Video Assisted Teaching Programme, Cranial Nerve Assessment
REVIEW ARTICLE:
HEALTH INSURANCE IN INDIA
Retail vs Group Health Insurance in India: A Comprehensive Review of Trends, Challenges, and
Policy Implications
Amit Kumar Bhaumik 1, 2*, Seema Sharma 1
1 Faculty of Commerce and Management, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam 781026,
India
2 ICICI LOMBARD General Insurance Company Ltd, Mumbai, India
*Corresponding author: Amit Kumar Bhaumik, Email: amittrng@gmail.com
Abstract
The Indian health insurance situation has undergone dramatic changes, yet coverage and efficiency deficits
persist. This systematic review synthesizes retail versus group models of health insurance in India. While
group insurance has unrestricted access and cost benefits, it remains limited to the formal sector. Retail
insurance is limited by affordability constraints and low consumer trust. Public schemes such as Ayushman
Bharat have enhanced access but struggle with gaps in informal sector workers. The paper finds operational
inefficiencies and low portability as serious issues. The study concludes with policy suggestions for
establishing inclusive, hybrid insurance products attuned to India's socioeconomic reality.
Keywords:Health Insurance in India, Retail vs Group Health Insurance, Universal Health Coverage,
Ayushman Bharat, Informal Sector Health Coverage
