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Smart Beta Investing in India : Portfolio Construction, Implementation, and Evaluation
The smart beta strategies, having marked their footprint in the developed markets in the last decades on the backdrop of the failure of active investing, are capturing emerging markets such as India recently. In this regard, the study attempts to examine the performance of smart beta strategies in long-only, multifactor, and alternative indexing frameworks in India. The study builds alternatively weighted (AW) univariate portfolios. Firstly, the cap-weighted (CW) single-factor portfolios are built. Subsequently, the portfolios are alternatively weighted and compared to the CW portfolio. Next, the CW multifactor portfolios are built and compared with singlefactor portfolios. Finally, the AW multifactor portfolios are built and newlinecompared with CW multifactor portfolios. All the portfolios are tested for their significant performance relative to the risk-free rate, market, and alpha under factor models. The portfolios were constructed from the constituents of NIFTY 500, adjusting for survivorship bias. The sample period spanned over 21 years from 01/10/2000 to 31/09/2021. The hypotheses were tested using the One-Sample T-test or Wilcoxon Signed Rank test for the difference in return, based on return distribution, and the Wald test for the difference in alpha and exposure using the Seemingly Unrelated Regression framework. The portfolios were constructed and analyzed using Python. We find mixed evidence of factor presence; the factor portfolios built on market data such as Illiquid, Winner, Stable, and Size offered better performance than those built on fundamental data such as Value, Strong, and Conservative. The Integrated portfolio does not differ from Mixed and single-factor portfolios, except for underperformance against the Illiquid portfolio. The alternative weighting offered mixed performance at single and multifactor levels. -
Isolation, Identification and Characterization of A Potential Probiotic Bacteria and its Application in Aquaculture
In the current study, Bacillus subtilis PKB1 was isolated from dried anchovies and identified using morphological and biochemical analysis followed by 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The antibacterial and anti- haemolytic properties of the bacteria were also examined. Probiotic qualities were assessed by measuring the isolated strain's tolerance to artificial gastric juice. To assess the isolated strain's capacity for stress tolerance, additional exposure to varied pH, temperature, and organic solvent concentrations was given. Bacillus subtilis in MRS medium produced exopolysaccharide (EPS) which was purified and a maximum yield of 1928mg/L was achieved. The novel exopolysaccharide was purified and characterized to be a heteropolysaccharide. The polysaccharide present had a molecular weight of about 20 kDa overall. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, and methylene groups in the EPS. The extremely cross-linked structure of the EPS with lumps that resembled spikes was revealed by atomic force microscopy. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that it possessed rough, asymmetrical lumps. Emulsification activity was also observed in the EPS. The current study's findings suggested that this EPS might make a good candidate for further applications. Utilizing probiotics derived from unconventional sources may improve the variety of probiotics accessible for use in aquaculture procedures. Probiotics are used in the field of aquaculture in order to improve immunity and to protect against pathogenic microbes. Species such as Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio parahaemolyticus are responsible for increasing mortality, decreasing production efficiency and forcing antibiotic overuse. In this study, the role of the isolated probiotic in promoting growth performance in Nile tilapia was examined using growth and challenge studies. The experiment was conducted for a duration of 30 days. Weight gain, histology and mortality rates were studied in the presence and absence of pathogenic microbes. Bacillus subtillis PKB1 supplementation for Nile tilapia helped to maintain the integrity of gill filaments and improved survivability and weight gain when used at a concentration of 1x104 CFU/ml. The study showed that the isolate improved the survival rate of Nile Tilapia against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Aeromonas hydrophila. -
Legal Aid Education in Karnataka: A Critical Analysis
Legal Education has witnessed major transformations since the last few decades. The Constitutional ideals of justice, have been the foundational philosophy of legal newlineeducation in India. Consequently, legal aid has been a crucial link in the entire gamut newlineof advancing the values of justice. However, these purposes and ideals have undergone newlinemutations over the years. Aligned to these ideals, the Bar Council of India, had newlineintroduced legal aid as an important pedagogic tool that can fulfil twin mandate of providing justice to the common man and at the same time, train the students of law in newlinethe necessary skills and imbibe values in their journey of professional and social newlinecommitments. The history of legal aid is not new, in India and in the global context, yet legal aid as an educational tool is undermined and least prioritized in institutions that impart legal education. This could be attributed to various reasons, priorities of the institutions, ambiguity in understanding and working towards these goals. With the emergence of National Law Universities and various types of institutions on one hand and the newlineproportional rise in the number of students pursuing legal education on the other hand, newlinecreates a vast arena for the institutions to augment the existing resources in contributing to the societal needs. There have been various studies that have been conducted which focus on certain newlineaspects of law school clinics, specifically in creating Access to Justice. But there have newlinebeen limited studies in considering legal aid as an educational tool in terms of Teaching, newlineLearning and Research. There has been lack of evidence based approach that are employed to understand impending issues that hamper the effective working of legal aid within an institutional set-up. Hence the current study focuses on how the internal and external pressures act on legal aid within four different types of institutions across the state of Karnataka. -
Paired curves on riemannian manifolds
The thesis examines certain curves in Riemannian manifolds, which exist in one-one correspondence with other curves. This correspondence is described by means of a rigid link between the frame vectors allied newlineto these quotpairedquot curves. The Combescure transformation is made use of to exhibit that one of the paired curves can be obtained as an infinitesimal deformation of the other. The correspondence between the paired curves is exploited to formulate expressions relating the curvature and torsion functions of one with the other. newlineThe primary setting for this study is the Euclidean space R3, with brief considerations of 3-dimensional Riemannian space forms(i.e. Riemannian manifolds of constant sectional curvature). The exponential map is the desired tool of analysis in the latter case. The major classes of curves treated are the Mannheim class of curves in R3 and their partner curves. Further, with the help of the newlinenotion of the osculating helix, a new class of curves called constantpitch curves are defined, which are seen to naturally arise in motion analysis studies in theoretical kinematics. Constant-pitch curves are newlinealso shown to be inherent counterparts of Mannheim curves by means of a deformation. newlinePivotal properties of Mannheim and constant-pitch curves are established and a few examples are put forth. Integral characterizations of both curves are derived in terms of their spherical indicatrices. A newlineconsequence of this to geometric modeling problems involving energy functionals and also to the study of elastic curves is discussed. newlineCertain ruled surfaces generated by Mannheim and constant-pitch curves which occur as axodes associated to a rigid body motion are newlinedetailed and their applications to kinematics are studied. Further, the nature of paired curves in connection with tubular neighbourhoods/surfaces are investigated. newline -
English language traning for core course instruction in commerce courses :
Tracing the scope and growth of English in the globalised world, this research focusses on helping the learners to improve their English language proficiency through core course instruction. The research has identified the scope of study in the Commerce discipline of higher education setting. The study aims to locate the possibility of learning and improving general vocabulary for the purpose of communication. It traces the existing studies in integrating English language in core course content at various levels and establishes the gap in the study. The mileage that English Language Teaching has covered in the past few decades is far newlinefrom listing. However, areas of study that might seem familiar and established still newlineseem to provide more scope for research. English language, no doubt has become newlinethe medium of instruction in most of the higher education settings. Students get newlineexposed to different course content through English, and training teachers for various skills has become an important quarter in the education setting. With each passing generation, there is a need to create a training approach that suits the lifestyle, advancements in various forums and needs of the learners. This research attempts to create a training module for the purpose of equipping teachers with the ability to teach English, which is the medium of instruction, through core course instruction in the higher education scenario. The research provides a module that could serve as a model for teachers to use language effectively and equip their learners not just with the knowledge of the subject, but also the knowledge of the language through which the content is delivered. The purpose of this study is to highlight the need for a holistic understanding of the language used for content delivery and also to enable students to be able to use the language inputs received here, in daily life communication too. -
Relationship Between Industry-Associated Value Premium and Firm Risk Charaterstics on Stock Returns : Evidence From Indian Stock Market
The body of academic literature consistently debates that firms with low PB (price to book) outperform firms with high PB characteristics. This study examines whether the academic literature-promised value premium has any industry association in the Indian equity market and tests the existence of other anomalies: size, investment, profitability, and R&D, in explaining the cross-sectional variability of stock returns. The study considers all BSE-listed firms actively trading between 1999-2021, using time-series, multivariate, and cross-sectional models on each industry-level portfolio. Results indicated that a significant value premium exists in 18 out of 21 industry groups. Both industry and firm-level value premiums are identified; however, the firm-level premium seems more prominent. The value premium is most substantial in small-cap value stocks of value-and-growth-oriented industries, large-cap value stocks of value-oriented industry groups, then small-cap growth stocks of value-and growth-oriented industries and large-cap growth stocks of value- and growth-oriented industries. Interestingly, the sub-period analysis revealed variation in the value premium, indicating that the industry-associated value premium has been relatively low in the current decade. It is due to decreasing tendencies in industry returns and increasing PB in industries. The study explores R&D premium and compares existing factor premiums. Results showed that India's annualized average R&D premium is significantly higher than the current value, profitability, size, and investment premiums, particularly for highly R&D intensive firms. To check the robustness of the findings, the study used the multivariate GRS (Gibbons Ross Shanken) test and the regression models. It confirmed that size and value premiums are the most prominent determinants of industry-level equity returns. The profitability and investment premiums also influence industries' returns. Investors who seek to allocate assets within and across industries are likely to have predictable and stable returns. -
Mindfulness-Based Emotional Intelligence : Impact on Psychological Well-Being of School Teachers
Psychological well-being of school teachers is vital for healthy student engagement and a conducive classroom environment. This study sought to understand the role of mindfulness and emotional intelligence in the newlinepsychological well-being of school teachers. It was conducted in two phases. The first phase, through the survey method, sought to establish the relationship between mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and newlinepsychological well-being of school teachers. 125 female school teachers from Bangalore, India, drawn through convenience sampling, were surveyed. The tools used were the Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire, Assessing Emotions Scale, Scales of Psychological WellBeing, and demographic details sheet. Results revealed positive and newlinemoderate to strong associations between the variables (r = 0.38 to 0.65). Moreover, mindfulness and emotional intelligence explained 45% of the variance in psychological well-being, as opposed to 42% by mindfulness alone. The second phase was a pre and post-experimental study. After random assignment to study (N = 19) and comparison (N = 29) groups, the study group underwent a seven-session mindfulness-based emotional newlineintelligence intervention through an online platform. The participants were assessed on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and psychological well-being before and after the intervention. Results revealed that emotional intelligence showed a significantly increased post-intervention, but mindfulness and psychological well-being did not. -
Interplay of illustration narration and metaphor in kolam art with reference to South Indian traditions
The goal of this research was to understand Kolam, from a three layer perspectives: illustration, narration and metaphor, which is practiced for centuries by women in Tamil Nadu, India. The elements of Kolam are dots and lines made with rice flour at the labyrinth of a house every morning. Although the art appears simple in structure when analyzed layer after layer it unfolds unfathomable encoded meanings of a living culture. Previous studies undertaken overlooked the correlation of illustration, narration and metaphor in Kolam which is argued in this study to be the heart of this art. The study used qualitative multimethod approach throughout the research process. Data was collected from multiple sources of selected rural and urban areas of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka with multiple methods. The description, analysis and interpretations lead to the conclusion that a Kolam narrates deep seated legends and living experiences passed over from generation to generation through an art form. Kolam is not just an art practiced in society, but an art that binds together the life of a society. An insider lives and continues the culture through it; an outsider learns to appreciate and respect the culture by it. -
Synthesis, Adsorptive Properties and Applications of Modified Aluminum Oxyhydroxide-PVA Films
Over the past few years, there has been an increasing interest in polymer films and newlinemetal-incorporated polymer films because of their distinctive characteristics and newlinepotential applications. The effectiveness of alumina or modified alumina polymer films newlineas adsorbents or catalysts is greatly influenced by their surface properties, texture, chemical composition, and thermal stability. This thesis describes the synthesis of aluminum oxyhydroxide - polyvinyl alcohol composite films by sol-gel method. The synthesized films were modified by incorporating transition metals and cross-linking agents depending on the desired application as a catalyst or adsorbent. The synthesized films were characterized using different techniques, like powder X-ray diffraction studies (pXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), Raman spectra, BrunauerEmmett-Teller surface area (BET), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) isotherm, atomic newlineforce microscopy, optical profilometry, thermogravimetric analysis, Scanning electron newlinemicroscopy (S.E.M), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the newlinestructural and textural properties. The films were deployed as adsorbents for the removal of heavy metals and dyes from water as well as catalysts for industrially important organic transformations. The results of the characterization studies were used to correlate the surface characteristics and adsorptive capacities of the fabricated films. The films were found to have tuneable surface properties and enhanced adsorptive newlinebehaviour, which could be modified as per the application. Transition metalincorporated films exhibited remarkable adsorption properties for the elimination of heavy metals and organic dyes from aqueous solution. The adsorption reaction kinetics newlinewere investigated to ascertain the rate and mechanism of the reaction to improve the newlineefficiency, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability of the reaction. -
Secure authentication frame work for cloud
The growing popularity of cloud based services is prompting organizations to consider shifting applications and data onto cloud. However, organizations dealing with highly sensitive information are apprehensive of moving its applications and data to public cloud owing to concern about security of its information. It is hence incumbent on service providers that only legitimate Users will access its services and resources in cloud. newlineVerifying authenticity of remote users is a necessary pre-requisite in a cloud environment before allowing access to secure resources/services/ applications. The simplest and most commonly used user authentication mechanism is password based authentication. However, Users tend to choose easy to remember password, and many a times use same password for multiple accounts, which makes it often the weakest link in security. Furthermore, service providers authenticating Users on the basis of password, stores password verification information in their databases and such authentication schemes with verification table are known to be vulnerable to various attacks. newlineFrom the perspective of authentication requirements, service providers in a cloud environment can be broadly categorized into two. Those service providers dealing with highly sensitive information and working in a regulated environment can be grouped into category one as in those offering services for sectors like health care, finance. These providers require a strong and secure authentication mechanism to authenticate its users, without any additional functionality. Similarly, there is a second category of service providers dealing with secure information but operate in a collaborative environment as providers providing their applications bundled through a web portal. To provide the Users with a seamless authentication experience, while accessing multiple services during a session, the second category of service providers prefer to have Single Sign-on functionality. -
Understanding Nonsense Verse : A Study of Select Works of Sukumar Ray
Among all the literary genres created and cultivated over the ages, Nonsense verse newlineperhaps emerges as one of the most challenging to comprehend. Nonsense verse often employs subversion (language, syntax, logic, etc.) as its tool and usually leaves the readers in a state of confusion. A look into the limericks of Edward Lear would bear newlinetestimony to this fact. For readers and researchers, the quest for meaning has newlineunravelled many literary and philosophical pursuits. One such possibility, therefore, newlinecould be the attempt to comprehend and critically analyse the unique literary genre newlinetermed Nonsense verse. From the multiple understandings and debatable definitions newlineof verse forms, one striking and rare genre evolves into nonsense poetry. Following newlinethe cue, this thesis purports to seek sense and meaning from what is labelled newline nonsense . It depicts that the functionality of existing, creative stylistics in language newlineand understanding and the text s contextual placement bring out the sense in nonsense. As Edward Lear mastered this art form in the West, Sukumar Ray crafted this genre in India, though he was not the only one. The thesis traces the evolution of nonsense verse in India, literary and folk, to understand the possible functionality of this genre as it exists in India. As the study shows, the writer who made the most contributions to this evolution was Sukumar Ray. Therefore, understanding the evolution and function of Indian nonsense verse become the object of the study, and an in-depth, contextual study of the select poems of Sukumar Ray, the national pioneering writer of nonsense, becomes the subject. This research attempts to unearth a fresh approach to re-evaluating the function of nonsense verse and possibly confer upon it a more considerable eminence. The thesis aims to provide comprehension and newlinecredibility to the genre through the study of select works of Sukumar Ray. -
Isolation, Screening and Characterisation of Endophytes from Madiwala Lake for Biosurfactant, Bioremediation and Plant-Growth Promotion Properties
The significant surge in population, combined with the degradation of the environment, has imposed substantial stress on worldwide food newlinesecurity. The concerning pace of population growth, along with escalating environmental harm due to heightened industrialization, newlinehas indeed exerted considerable pressure on the global food provision. Considering the existing situation, the sustainable approach to enhance agricultural yield and facilitate environmental bioremediation entails utilizing endophytes that reside within plants. Endophytic microorganisms possessing the capacity to promote plant growth and exert biocontrol can significantly boost plant development amidst fluctuating environmental factors, both biotic and abiotic in nature. The current research aimed to extract bacterial and fungal endophytes from Alternanthera philoxeroides and newlineAlternanthera paranichoides and evaluate their potential for enhancing plant growth and controlling pests. Among the isolated newlineendophytic bacteria, Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited various characteristics conducive to plant growth, leading to enhanced newlinegermination and vegetative growth in Vigna unguiculata plants. The isolate exhibited good Indoleacetic acid (IAA) production newline(48.752.95 g/mL) and potassium solubilization (2.130.07 ppm). The IAA production by K. pneumoniae was further enhanced by 4- fold using the RSM optimization to 195.662.51 g/mL. The newlineendophytic bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis newlineshowed good extracellular enzyme production and antimicrobial activity along with plant growth promotion. The endophytic bacterium B. amyloliquefaciens showed good newlinebiosurfactant production and bioremediation efficiency. The strain displayed notable resistance to Cr and Pb concentrations upto 2000 mg/L. It was found to possess maximum metal removal efficiency for Pb, 92.3% at pH 9 and 86.2 at 25 oC. -
Application of Hydrogel in Paddy Field for Soil Moisture Retention and Yield Optimization
Agricultural sustainability is essential to enhance food and water security, particularly in the context of climate change. To ensure food security and to protect water resources, agricultural and irrigation practices need to be amended with innovative technology that conserves water and increases productivity. In the recent past, applications of hydrogels in agriculture have received substantial attention among researchers as well as among farmers. Paddy is the core crop for the vast newlineparts of the world. The present study elaborates on various aspects of hydrogels such as classifications, ideal properties for agricultural application, analysis of soil characteristic changes for pre and post crop newlineseason, irrigation water quality analysis for crop season. BPT 5204 and NDLR 07 varities of paddy had been experimented in this study. newlineVerification of hydrogel degradation was conducted using Fourier transform infrared (ft-ir) spectroscopy. The experimental methods for determining hydrogel properties were given specific attention to properties such as swelling, retention, slow release, and degradation which are vital for agricultural sustainability. Hydrogel experiments have demonstrate significant improvement in water consumption, water use newlineefficiency, crop growth and yield parameters. The reduction in water footprint in major crops such as paddy and wheat through hydrogel might establish a shift towards sustainable irrigation practices if adopted on a large scale. Integrating innovative solutions with environmental-friendly newlinehydrogels in the coming decades will contribute to the pursuit of achieving newlinesustainable development goals. The application of hydrogel as soil conditioners was identified as a possible solution. to increase water use efficiency in irrigation and optimization of crop yield. The study points towards developing a framework for the evaluation of the suitability of hydrogel for agricultural applications when get scaled up to regional level. -
The Transnational Influence of Energy on Cultural Practices : A Study on Kuttanad Wetland Systems
The phenomenon of the extensive Kerala-Gulf migrations has exerted a significant influence on the socio-economic development and local cultures of the state. This study newlineinvestigates the evolving cultural perceptions and practices in the region with the rapid migrations, employing the conceptual framework of energy as a guiding lens. Energy is viewed as the fundamental and material fuel communities engage with to shape and organise their cultures. By situating the research in the field of Energy Humanities, it interrogates the role of shifting energy regimes and transnational energy systems in specifically shaping the local community s relation with the land and environment. The study focuses on Kuttanad, a wetland-based region in Kerala, historically known for its intense paddy cultivation and rice production. Wetland environments play a significant role in environmental sustainability by sustaining the carbon cycle and exist as complex biodiverse ecosystems. The study employs a mixed-method qualitative approach by combining ethnography and textual analysis that form the primary data for analysis. The selected novel Moustache (2020) by S. Hareesh translated by Jayashree Kalathil serves as the primary text. In ethnography, methods like semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and focus-group discussions were utilised to directly obtain insights from the newlineparticipants perspective. The collected data was systematically coded and analysed to newlineexplore an underlying energy unconscious within the culture. The findings present early agrarian Kuttanad as an organic-based energy regime with flow and animate forms as newlineprimary sources of energy that act as agency and effect in shaping local cultures. It newlinehighlights the overlooked aspect of energy s influence on the social dynamics, power newlinestructures, and everyday values and practices of local cultures. -
Collaboration between gram panchayat and women self-help groups on rural development in karnataka
Mahatma Gandhi said, Indiaand#8223;s development relays on development in rural India. To see a developed India, we must develop villages in India. India is trying to improve the living standard of rural people since Independence. Government, Non-Government Organizations, Voluntary Groups, and many individuals are making continuous efforts for decades to improve rural condition. There is a positive change and growth, but the achieved results are not satisfactory in relation to need, the available resources, opportunities, and the efforts made. What are the root causes of failures? Are there necessary coordination and collaboration among the development efforts to optimize the fruits and minimize the loss of human and material resources? Gram Panchayat Institutions and Self-Help Groups by women are two of major efforts which became very powerful means to empower and develop rural people. The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 became a land-mark by establishing Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRI) in Indiaand#8223;s effort for rural development and reaching out the democracy to grass-root level by newlineforming Panchayat Raj Institutions with three tier system. The Reservation policy of 72nd newlineAmendment Act was another turning point in empowering effort. NGOs initiated Self-Help newlineGroups in India in early 1990s and later Government also supported and promoted the newlineinitiative. Will the Collaboration between the Gram Panchayat Institutions and Women SelfHelp Groups enhance development of rural area through higher level of Community newlineParticipation is the research question here. newlineThere are many writings, studies and evaluations on Gram Panchayat Institutions and SelfHelp Groups by women to assess the existing condition, and to make the efforts more efficient and effective towards rural empowerment and development. Still, studies on impact of collaboration between Gram Panchayat and Women Self-Help Groups on rural newlinedevelopment are missing. -
Effectiveness Of Internet-Delivered Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training On Perceived Cognitive Functions Among College Students With Borderline Personality Traits : A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial
As emotions have a profound effect on cognitive functions, individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) exhibit significant deficits in higher order thinking abilities. College students with BPD are susceptible to emotional experiences that may challenge their abilities to gain control over intrusive thoughts/emotions and flexibly cope during emotionally demanding situations. Emotional experiences may thereby weigh down newlinetheir capacity for effective affect-laden cognitive processing. In view of the high newlineprevalence of BPD among college students and the efficacy of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in treating emotional dysregulation, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of internet-delivered DBT - Skills Training (DBT-ST) on perceived executive functioning and affect-laden cognitive processing among college students with the traits/presence of BPD. In this non-randomized controlled trial, 36 college students with the traits/presence of BPD were included. Thirteen DBT-ST sessions were attended by the study group, while thirteen Behavioral Activation sessions were attended by the control group. The DBT-ST protocol included the Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation modules. The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions for Adults was used to evaluate executive functioning based on self-report. Affect-laden cognitive processing was assessed using the Cognitive Control and Flexibility Questionnaire. The impact of the intervention on the outcome variables was examined using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. The results of the study showed that participants in the study group who underwent DBT-ST significantly improved their abilities to initiate, plan and organize current and future-orientated task demands as well as to organize everyday environment, while the participants in the control group showed no such improvements. -
A study on women benificiaries of national rural health mission with special a reference to barwani district madhya pradesh
Regardless of several growth-orientated policies implemented by the government, the widening economic, regional and gender disparities are posing challenges for the health sector. The health status of Indians, especially women is still a cause for serious concern, especially that of the rural population. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched by Government of India with a view to bring about dramatic improvement in the health system and health status of the people, especially those living in rural areas. The study aimed to understand the knowledge level of women beneficiaries on NRHM related services. The study further focussed on understanding the extent of availability and accessibility, challenges faced and the benefits received by women. The research work was carried out in three Village Panchayats of Barwani district in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Multi stage sampling method was adopted to select the sample group for the study. The study was conducted among 278 women beneficiciaries of NRHM. The researcher used 120 item semi structured and validated interview schedule for collecting the data. The study results show that there is a need to strengthen the grass root level interventions in terms of strengthening the sub-centres and involvement of Gram Panchayat in fulfilling the health mission objectives of the country. test indicated significant association between Caste and electricity at home and Knowledge about NRHM among women. The Correlation between the knowledge scores and benefits scores was significant (r = .705, Pgt.001). The study suggests having effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms at all levels with clearly designed indicators and means of verification to ensure the success of the programme. newline -
Physicochemical Modifications on Fibrous Substrates for Sensing and Separation Applications
Fibers are forms of matter characterized by flexibility, fineness, and a high length-tothickness ratio, embodying properties such as large surface-area-to-volume ratio, newlinecontinuity, flexibility in surface functionalities, superior mechanical performances, ability to absorb dye and moisture, etc. Fibers can be transformed into coils, yarns, or fabrics by twisting or overlapping, resulting in fibrous substrates that are self-standing, flexible, and possessing excellent mechanical properties and large specific surface areas. The porosity, functionality, hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, and functional characteristics for desirable applications can be achieved by various modifications of the fiber substrates. Physical (e.g., composite material blending, coating) and chemical (e.g., surface hydrolysis, chemical crosslinking) methods have been used to modify fiber substrates. These physicochemical modifications render the newlinefibers suitable for specialized applications such as food packaging, food spoilage newlinedetection, and wastewater treatment. Existing modification strategies for preparing indicators for food quality monitoring are newlinenot user-friendly, equipment-free, and cannot be used without training and expertise. Newer approaches to the modification of fiber substrates are thus essential to provide newlinesuitable indicators for household settings. There is also a requirement for straightforward methods that quantifies the color to indicate the quality of food and newlinefacilitates its use in domestic environments without personal expertise or laboratory newlinesetup. In this regard, we focused on developing simple physicochemical modifications of fibrous substrates for food-quality monitoring. In our first work, natural jute fiber was subjected to delignification to incorporate pH-sensitive anthocyanins. This indicator was used as a point-of-care colorimetric indicator for monitoring fish quality. -
East west interfaces in 20th century india:
In the twenty-first century, the Western world is seeking a greater understanding of the people and nations of Asia, India in particular. The thesis, East West Interface in 20th century India: Analysis of Western women s responses is an attempt to illuminate at least an aspect of that interface during a given period of the past, so as to help shed some light on the newlinepresent day Western approach to India. Throughout the colonial period, Western women got attracted to India. However, during the 20th century, arrival of four eminent Western women from diverse backgrounds, with different intentions had far-reaching impact for India. Katherine Mayo, Margaret Elizabeth Noble, Annie Besant and Madeline Slade, not only got actively involved with the Indian society but in their own ways contributed towards newlinetransforming the Indian society. newlineThey left an overwhelming impact on the Indian political fabric. The thesis aims to analyze the contribution of these four outstanding Western women and attempts to understand how Indian socio-political and cultural structure got influenced by and drew inspirations from them. This work also attempts to add to the process of evolution newlineof understanding the East by the West. newline -
Effect of Museum Visit Intervention on Learning and Attitude Towards History
Place-Based Education is an education where learning happens in a place. The place could be museum, garden, palace, library etc. Place-based education is useful for the discipline of History as places are the existing evidence of past historical events. Therefore, students in History discipline can use place-based education for effective learning of history. The study attempts to find out the effect of museum visit intervention on learning and attitude towards newlinehistory. The study brings out how Museums act as an active agency to learn history. The study employed Quasi-experimental model with pre-test, post-test and follow-up post-test. Through purposive random sampling method, the participants were selected from 6th grade students of secondary schools of ICSE board located in the urban area of Kolkata in India. 120 students are included in the study group of the research (control group=60, experimental group=60). For the purpose of measuring museum visit intervention on learning and attitude towards history, researcher made achievement test and attitude scale with 5 point Likert scale was used. newlineThe instruction was provided in accordance with the History Course Curriculum of ICSE newlineboard. Experimental group visited the museum whilst the control group did not visit the newlinemuseum. Data analysis was conducted through SPSS program version 29. The result of the newlinestudy revealed that students of the experimental groups have performed better in comparison to the students of the control groups in learning and attitude towards history. Therefore, there is a recommendation to include museum visits pedagogies in the scope of social studies in History discipline.