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Enhancing mobility management in 5G networks using deep residual LSTM model
Mobility management is an essential component of 5G networks to provide mobile users with seamless connectivity and efficient cell transition. However, increasing user mobility, device density, and the diversity of service requirements all pose significant challenges to achieving optimal mobility management. This article describes a novel method for improving mobility management in 5G networks that employs a deep residual Long Short-Term Memory model. Deep learning and LSTM, a type of recurrent neural network, are used in the proposed model to identify temporal dependencies and patterns in user mobility data. The model learns to predict future user locations and mobility patterns by training on historical mobility data, allowing for proactive resource allocation and handover decisions. We incorporate residual connections into the LSTM architecture, inspired by the residual learning framework, to address the inability of traditional LSTM models to capture complex temporal dynamics. This allows the model to effectively incorporate long-term dependencies and improves prediction accuracy. Furthermore, we incorporate the mLSTM model into the mobility management framework of 5G networks. The model continuously obtains real-time user location updates and predicts future user positions, allowing for proactive handover decisions. The network can optimize resource allocation, reduce handover latency, and improve user experience by leveraging anticipated mobility patterns. We test the proposed method by simulating it extensively with real-world mobility traces. The results show that the mLSTM model accurately predicts user mobility and outperforms conventional methods in transition performance. The model is not affected by changing network conditions, user mobility patterns, or service specifications. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Encountering risk with resilience for experiences: a case study on tourism in a conflicted tourist destination
Purpose: This paper aims to unravel how tourists balance their novel experiences with risk perceptions, psychological resilience and behavioral intentions. Additionally, it explores how tourists' personalities moderate the relationship between experiences and travel intentions. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 234 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a diverse group of tourists who recently explored the Srinagar region to capture their perspectives. The data obtained was analyzed using Smart PLS-SEM. Findings: This study revealed that the impact of perceived terror risk on behavioral intentions is not statistically significant. Instead, tourists' experiences significantly influence psychological resilience and behavioral intentions. Tourists with higher resilience are inclined to perceive these experiences as aiding in managing negative feelings. Research limitations/implications: The study's focus is confined to one conflict zone within the country due to research constraints, excluding other areas. Practical implications: This research provides practical insights for destination management authorities and highlights areas for improvement for tourism service providers and the government in the Srinagar region, as well as other conflict regions. Emphasizing mutual respect between locals and tourists can foster community-based tourism, enhancing the region's appeal and promoting positive intentions for all involved parties. Social implications: This study examines how local communities in conflict-affected areas adjust to and manage the presence of tourists, with an emphasis on building resilience and support systems. Additionally, it explores how travel decisions and behaviors are influenced by tourists' perceptions of safety and how these perceptions can influence broader societal attitudes toward areas affected by conflict. Evaluating the local population's economic reliance on tourism may result in changed social dynamics, as well as possible exploitation or over-reliance on industry. Promoting mutual understanding and cultural interchange between locals and visitors may have a positive impact on efforts to promote social cohesion and peacebuilding. Originality/value: This study broadens the scope of the existing literature on destination attributes in conflict zones, offering a unique perspective on the intrinsic features of this issue. The solutions proposed in this study contribute a novel dimension to the current literature. 2024, International Tourism Studies Association. -
Nonlinear stability analysis of double-diffusive convection in KelvinVoigt fluid with chemical reaction
The influence of Rayleigh friction and chemical reaction on the onset of double-diffusive convection in a NavierStokesVoigt (NSV) fluid layer is investigatedby conducting linear instability and nonlinear stability analyses. The fluid layer is subjected to isothermal conditions and chemical equilibrium at the boundaries. The solubility of the dissolved component exhibits a linear dependency on temperature. The analysis is conducted for two distinct cases: the fluid layer is heated and salted from the bottom (case-1), and the fluid layer is heated from the bottom and salted from the top (case-2). Analytical expressions for the thermal Rayleigh number are obtained for both linear and nonlinear theories, and these expressions depend on KelvinVoigt, Rayleigh friction, solutal Rayleigh, Lewis, Prandtl, and Damkohler numbers. Including the Rayleigh friction term in the NSV fluid model improves the stability of the system and hence instabilityoccurs with less ease. For lower solutal Rayleigh numbers, convection commences in the stationary mode and subsequently transitions to the traveling wave mode occurred in case-1. The Damkohler number plays a significant role in the linear instability thresholds. It is also found that the KelvinVoigt number acts as a stabilizing factor for oscillatory mode convection. The comparison between linear and nonlinear thresholds unveils the region characterized by subcritical instability. 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
The times of jeopardising free speech
Press freedom is at stake in India, which holds a dismal rank of 159 among 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index 2024. While dissent and democracy ideally go hand in hand, a glance at the present situation in India suggests that these terms are perceived as antonyms in practice. The state is exerting its repressive power over dissenters, particularly targeting media outlets that do not align with the states interests. The media has a great responsibility and obligation to the citizens to bring out real stories with diligence and truthfulness. In India, the depiction of socioeconomic and political realities is mostly done at utmost risk and with an air of uneasiness. The truth remains elusive to the majority of the public, as they receive information from a restrained source constantly under government surveillance. This article aims to analyse the current situation of media and democracy in India with reference to freedom of speech and expression. The writing is an outcome of analysing the past and present sociopolitical contexts in India concerning the concept of free speech. The Author(s) 2024. -
In situ growth of octa-phenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocages over fluorinated graphene nanosheets: super-wetting coatings for oil and organic sorption
Superhydrophobic surfaces offer significant advantages through their hierarchical micro/nanostructures, which create optimal surface roughness and low surface energy, making the development of robust surfaces essential for enhancing their physical and chemical stability. Here, we introduce in situ growth of octa-phenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (O-Ph-POSS) nanocages over multi-layered fluorinated graphene (FG) nanosheets through hydrolysis/condensation of phenyl triethoxysilane in an alkaline medium to produce a robust POSS-FG superhydrophobic hybrid. The efficient in situ growth of O-Ph-POSS nanocages over FG nanosheets was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, PXRD, SEM, TEM, TG analysis, 29Si NMR spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms and XP spectroscopy. The as-synthesized O-Ph-POSS over FG becomes superhydrophobic with a water contact angle (WCA) of 152 2 and a surface free energy (SFE) of 5.6 mJ m?2. As a result of the superhydrophobic property and robust nature of the POSS nanocage, O-Ph-POSS over FG nanosheets revealed the absorption capability for oils/organic solvents ranging from 200 to 500 wt% and were applied to coat onto the polyurethane (PU) sponge to effectively separate various oils and organic solvents from water mixtures, achieving separation efficiencies between 90% and 99%. Importantly, O-Ph-POSS-FG@Sponge still retained a separation efficiency of over 95% even after 25 separation cycles for hexane spill in water. The sponge efficiently separates toluene and chloroform using a vacuum pump, achieving flux rates of up to 20 880 and 12 184 L m?2 h?1, respectively. Weather resistance tests of O-Ph-POSS-FG@Sponge, prepared at intervals of 1 week and 1 year, showed that aged samples retained similar WCA values to freshly prepared sponges, confirming their long-term durability and performance. Mechanical stability assessments indicated that O-Ph-POSS-FG@Sponge maintained superhydrophobic properties, with WCA values of 151 2 for tape peeling and emery paper treatments and 150 2 for knife cutting, highlighting its excellent stability under physical deformation. Additionally, leveraging the exceptional resistance of O-Ph-POSS, the superhydrophobic O-Ph-POSS-FG@Sponge exhibited excellent stability and durability, even under supercooled and hot conditions during oil/water separation. Optical microscopy analysis of O/W and W/O emulsions, both stabilized by a surfactant, revealed complete droplet separation, further confirming the O-Ph-POSS-FG@Sponge's effectiveness for emulsion separation applications. The present work provides a straightforward method for the large-scale production of robust, superhydrophobic materials suitable for cleaning up oil spills on water surfaces. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
You are not Sikkimese enough: Understanding collective action tendencies of old settlers in Sikkim using SIMCA
The current study analyses the motivators and inhibitors of collective action tendency using the Social Identity Model of Collective Action (SIMCA). The study was conducted with a minority and state-based repressed group known as the old settlers in Sikkim, India. The old settlers are a community that have been historically settled in Sikkim prior to the state's merger with India in 1975. They are racially and ethnically different from the majority population of northeasterners in Sikkim and face both institutional and interpersonal discrimination. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 11 old settlers was taken to delineate SIMCA variables moral conviction, identity, injustice and efficacy within the context of northeast India. Collective action was motivated through moral conviction via principles of equality and unequal treatment and outsider status, identity via politicisation of identity, creation of social movement organisations, injustice via anger and fraternal resentment and efficacy via marches and legal recourses. Collective action was inhibited through moral conviction via denial of violation, identity via acculturation, injustice via fear and efficacy via learned helplessness. These findings indicate that in state-based repressed groups, collective action tendencies must be understood from a context-specific lens that attempts to understand both motivating and inhibitory factors. 2024 Asian Association of Social Psychology and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. -
Examining three distinct rheological models with flexoelectric effect to investigate Love-type wave velocity in bedded piezo-structure
The transference of the surface seismic wave at the loosely bonded common interface of a visco-piezo composite structure is examined in the current work. With the flexoelectric effect taken into account, the structure is composed of a viscoelastic layer embedded on a piezoelectric substrate. The shear stiffness of the upper layer is thought to be described by a KelvinVoigt model. An analytical separable of variable method is used to derive the complex dispersion relation for both electrically open and short circuit scenarios. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the significant influence of several influencing parameters on the wave's phase velocities and attenuation coefficients. Additionally, a graphic comparison of three rheological models the Maxwell, Newton and KelvinVoigt models is covered. Results indicate that the attenuation curve pertaining to the Maxwell and Newton model is lowest than on the KelvinVoigt model. Some major outcomes are highlighted here as: the prominent influence of bonding parameter is well-proportional to the phase velocity and inversely proportional to the attenuation coefficient, and flexoelectricity has an intensive impact on both phase velocity and attenuation coefficient curves. This theoretical study leads to understanding the piezo-flexo coupling and its potential application to design the sensors, actuators, energy harvesters and nano-electronics. 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
An in-Depth Analysis on the Cumulative Effect of Co and Sintering Temperatures on the Formaldehyde Sensing Attributes of NiO
In-depth studies are availing to explore and utilize the sensing attributes of p-type NiO nanostructures. However, the surface functionalization of NiO using Co for gas sensing along with varying temperature profile is a novel attempt till date. The research succeeded in synthesizing pure and substituted NiO via co-precipitation route and assessed the sensing capability of the samples by testing with 10 different target gases. The Co doped NiO sintered at 500C exhibited promising sensing performance within a concentration range of 1100ppm, notably achieving a high response of 7817 for 100ppm HCHO at room temperature. The proposed sensor demonstrated rapid response and recovery times (9s and 8s), and it successfully passed stability tests conducted over a 30-day period and repeatability tests consisting of eight cycles. The work paved a way to the implication of the prepared sensor as a breath analyzer to detect lung cancer due to its appreciable formaldehyde sensing characteristics. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Labelling of human breast cancer cells with PEG/biotin encapsulated B-type Y2O3: Eu nanophosphors for fluorescence detection
The development of non-toxic quantum dots (QDs) for fluorescence labelling of cancer cells can bring significant advancements in the disease detection. Such findings can effectively replace the conventional toxic fluorescent probes by virtue of its tunable optical characteristics. Through this work, we present the development of an efficient fluorescent probe based on B-type Y2O3: Eu QDs for labelling MCF 7 cell lines. The QDs surface was encapsulated by poly ethylene glycol (PEG) along with tumour targeting ligand, biotin. The luminescence capability of the QDs were established through photoluminescence experiments. The QDs were tested to be non-toxic through MTT assay. Fluorescence detection experiments on MCF 7 cells using the nanophosphor established the material's potential to serve as an efficient probe for cancer cell detection. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Populism and the question of sovereignty in democracy with special reference to India
The sovereign manner of decision-making in a democracy is reckoned extremely crucial to stable governance. It is unfortunate, therefore, if the question of sovereignty acquires public attention predominantly in the wake of totalitarianist tendencies. It is the case now that with the emergence of several populist voices and nationalist sentiments, contemporary democracies actively debate the question of democratic sovereignty. This article is a critique of the complacency arising out of what is often wrongly perceived as the reassurances of the letter, or for that matter the spirit, of the constitutions of liberal democracies. Regardless of whether populism is traced within the electoral context or outside of it, the question of sovereignty offers a vantage point for understanding it from a theoretical perspective. In this regard, the article utilises the insightful yet contrasting notions of democratic sovereignty put forward by the philosophers Giorgio Agamben and Jacques Derrida. They approach the question of sovereignty from historical and/or linguistic points of view, illuminating the notions of sharing, sovereign violence and its overarching theological underpinnings. The articles findings, purposes and effects are meant to be educational and cultural in the first place. It employs, for the purpose of exemplification, a commentary on the Indian democratic scene. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Effectiveness of Learning Management System (LMS) in Sustainable Learning and Development among Bank Employees
Learning Management Systems in the form of E-Learning platform is currently an evolving scenario for the primary means of delivering various courses across educational, business, industries and vocational learning environments in the form of Learning and Development activities in all the sectors. LMS is a challenging and resource-intensive task requires demanding substantial knowledge, time, and effort. Consequently, there emerged a necessity in both research and practical applications to establish the personalized usage process of an LMS. Despite its significant impact on the outcomes of such an Information System (IS), the usage process has to be analysed. The researcher developed a conceptual model to delineate with set of factors to influence LMS course in Learning and Development Practices in industry context. Researcher revealed specific set of factors such as interface design, content presentation format, transfer of learning, and feedback mechanisms significantly impact learner satisfaction among Bank employees in their Learning and Development activities. Moreover, learner satisfaction depends on the application platform and content. The findings offer a valuable insight to design a corporate education system, with the quality content delivery and practical delivery. By considering these results, designers can develop more integrated and effective LMS to cater the needs and satisfaction of Learning and Development activities among Bank employees. 2024, Creative Publishing House. All rights reserved. -
The International Capital Flows and Domestic Savingsdomestic Investment Nexus: A Comparative Evidence Between Heterogeneous Developing Regions
Drawing inspiration from Feldstein and Horiokas (1980) (FH) puzzle, our study elucidates the impact of remittances and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on domestic savings and investment in two disparate yet globalized developing regions: Latin America and the Caribbean and South Asia. Utilizing an extensive dataset spanning from 1984 to 2021 and employing diverse methodologies, including Dynamic System generalized method of moment, DriscollKraay standard error, fully modified ordinary least squares, and dynamic ordinary least squares, our findings reveal that remittances exert a positive influence on both domestic investment and savings across both regions. However, South Asia predominantly directs remittance inflows towards investment, while Latin America and the Caribbean exhibit a propensity towards saving these funds. As for FDI, the primary developing region predominantly channels these funds into investment, whereas the lower region prioritizes savings. The impact of control variables manifests varied effects across both regions. Ultimately, our study underscores the pivotal role of foreign remittances in supporting investment and savings, underscoring the profound influence of economic growth on these dynamics. This accentuates the imperative for governments to proactively allocate financial resources to optimize economic growth and fortify financial frameworks. Moreover, focused strategies are indispensable for adeptly managing foreign inflows while navigating external shocks such as international repayments, external debt, and aid. Additionally, enhancements in monetary and fiscal policies are imperative to sustain competitive interest rates and foster stable macroeconomic conditions, thereby fostering conducive environments for both public and private domestic savings. JEL Classification: F24; F3; P33; C23; O18 2024 The Author(s). -
A Pilot Study on Detection of Microplastics for Environmental Monitoring Using Inland Lakes as Ecological Indicators
The waterbodies of a city play a major role in its biodiversity and ecological well-being. The main aspect of this study was to select lakes close to urban areas that are affected due to garbage dumping or have wastewater treatment plants inlets in them and check for microplastics (MPs) presence in them. Seetharampalya and Puttenahalli lakes in Bangalore both showed the presence of microplastics in their water and bank sediment soil samples, which were segregated by the wet peroxide oxidation process. In scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, the microplastics segregated from the water of Seetharampalya lake were found to be clumped and in clusters of uneven form and shape. Microplastics extracted from the soil of Seetharampalya lake were found to have sheet, like structures with occasional dumps or clusters. The microplastics sorted out from Puttenahalli lake water were uneven and had roughly rectangular structures. The soil microplastics recovered from Puttenahalli lake were found to be sheaths of globular masses. The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis majorly showed presence of carbon and oxygen. In Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, characteristic peaks at 719/cm and 1469/cm were observed. Similarly, in x-ray diffraction (XRD), the 26 values around 20 could be seen in all four samples. This is the first reported study of microplastics in these lakes of Bangalore. 2024 - Kalpana Corporation. -
Testing the Diversifying Asset Hypothesis between Clean Energy Stock Indices and Oil Price
In theory, geopolitical risk and political uncertainty can directly affect energy markets. Fluctuations lead to the cost of clean energy sources as they compete with traditional energy. The purpose of this study is to analyse financial integration and test the diversifying asset hypothesis between clean energy indices, specifically the Clean Energy Fuels (CLNE), Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy (CELS), S&P Global Clean Energy (SPGTCLEN), TISDALE Clean Energy (TCEC.CN), Wilderhill (ECO) and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stock indices, over the period from 1 January 2018 to 23 November 2023. Analysing the results reveals a scenario where most of the clean energy indices show cointegration with each other, indicating long-term relationships that reflect common trends in the clean energy sector. However, the relative independence of the WTI suggests that Oil still acts as an important and potentially diversifying external factor for investors focused on sustainable energy. Structural breaks in 2021 and 2022 in several indices point to significant events that have altered market dynamics, possibly including changes in environmental policies, technological innovations and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cointegration evidence and structural breaks provide valuable information for building investment portfolios. Investors can consider the WTI to diversify portfolios dominated by clean energy assets, taking advantage of Oils relative independence. On the other hand, the high correlation between clean energy indices suggests that, within this sector, diversification options are more limited, requiring careful analysis of the specific characteristics of each index and the macroeconomic forces affecting them. 2024, Econjournals. All rights reserved. -
Assessing anticancer properties of PEGylated platinum nanoparticles on human breast cancer cell lines using in-vitro assays
This study describes the in-vitro cytotoxic effects of PEG-400 (Polyethylene glycol-400)-capped platinum nanoparticles (PEGylated Pt NPs) on both normal and cancer cell lines. Structural characterization was carried out using x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy with an average crystallite size 5.7 nm, and morphological assessment using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of spherical platinum nanoparticles. The results of energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed a higher percentage fraction of platinum content by weight, along with carbon and oxygen, which are expected from the capping agent, confirming the purity of the platinum sample. The dynamic light scattering experiment revealed an average hydrodynamic diameter of 353.6 nm for the PEGylated Pt NPs. The cytotoxicity profile of PEGylated Pt NPs was assessed on a normal cell line (L929) and a breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results revealed an IC50 of 79.18 ?g ml?1 on the cancer cell line and non-toxic behaviour on the normal cell line. In the dual staining apoptosis assay, it was observed that the mortality of cells cultured in conjunction with platinum nanoparticles intensified and the proliferative activity of MCF-7 cells gradually diminished over time in correlation with the increasing concentration of the PEGylated Pt NPs sample. The in vitro DCFH-DA assay for oxidative stress assessment in nanoparticle-treated cells unveiled the mechanistic background of the anticancer activity of PEGylated platinum nanoparticles as ROS-assisted mitochondrial dysfunction. 2024 IOP Publishing Ltd. All rights, including for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies, are reserved. -
Computational investigation into the structure, effect of band gap energies, charge transfer, reactivity, thermal energies and NADPH inhibitory activity of a benzimidazole derivative
This work contains computational investigations of a benzimidazole derivative consisting of density functional theory, electronic structure and biological evaluation of a benzimidazole derivative. Density functional theory evaluation were conducted, starting from geometry optimisation, followed by the molecular electrostatic potential, spectral analyses, polarizability studies and thermodynamic analyses via the frequency calculations. Solvent frontier molecular orbital analyses, impact on the properties of the molecule were modelled with the IEFPCM model of solvation. Topological analyses helped to ascertain the molecule's electronic structure. Biological assessment included pharmacokinetic property evaluation and molecular docking. Pharmacokinetic descriptors were generated using online tools and the molecule was assessed for its efficacy as a drug molecule by comparing with the rules concerning drug-likeness and analysing the descriptors relating to absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity of the molecule. Docking of the molecule with the two targets, 7D3E and 3A1F, yielded a good binding energy of ?7.39 and ?5.81 kcal/mol respectively. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
A proposed framework for crop yield prediction using hybrid feature selection approach and optimized machine learning
Accurately predicting crop yield is essential for optimizing agricultural practices and ensuring food security. However, existing approaches often struggle to capture the complex interactions between various environmental factors and crop growth, leading to suboptimal predictions. Consequently, identifying the most important feature is vital when leveraging Support Vector Regressor (SVR) for crop yield prediction. In addition, the manual tuning of SVR hyperparameters may not always offer high accuracy. In this paper, we introduce a novel framework for predicting crop yields that address these challenges. Our framework integrates a new hybrid feature selection approach with an optimized SVR model to enhance prediction accuracy efficiently. The proposed framework comprises three phases: preprocessing, hybrid feature selection, and prediction phases. In preprocessing phase, data normalization is conducted, followed by an application of K-means clustering in conjunction with the correlation-based filter (CFS) to generate a reduced dataset. Subsequently, in the hybrid feature selection phase, a novel hybrid FMIG-RFE feature selection approach is proposed. Finally, the prediction phase introduces an improved variant of Crayfish Optimization Algorithm (COA), named ICOA, which is utilized to optimize the hyperparameters of SVR model thereby achieving superior prediction accuracy along with the novel hybrid feature selection approach. Several experiments are conducted to assess and evaluate the performance of the proposed framework. The results demonstrated the superior performance of the proposed framework over state-of-art approaches. Furthermore, experimental findings regarding the ICOA optimization algorithm affirm its efficacy in optimizing the hyperparameters of SVR model, thereby enhancing both prediction accuracy and computational efficiency, surpassing existing algorithms. The Author(s) 2024. -
Use of blockchain technology for smart health-care services: a critical perspective of ethnic minority group
Purpose: The essence of blockchain governance is a far departure from the cryptocurrency or Bitcoin that has led to innovation and changing the outline of medical services. The major challenge in medical services is the lack of accessibility of medical services and lack of awareness. A large group of the population belonging to an ethnic minority has a high rate of complications, re-operation and graft rejection. To connect with a minority group and address privacy and safety issues, blockchain-based e-health-care services have massive potential in the medical industry, especially from the perspective of the social aspect. Design/methodology/approach: The study proposed a framework that describes the complex interplay of different stated factors, including perceived ease of use, trust, perceived usefulness and perceived security and privacy. The paper uses structural equation modeling to understand the ethnic minority groups readiness to adopt blockchain-based e-health-care services. Findings: It was found that all the direct relationships between variables are supported by the findings and have a significant positive relationship with the adoption intention. The tested framework will help regulatory bodies and marketers to develop support health-care service mechanisms for ethnic minority groups by addressing their issues related to security and privacy. Originality/value: Blockchain-based e-health-care services have massive potential in the medical industry, although, its actual diffusion has not been explored much, with particular reference to an ethnic minority group. This study will explore the diffusion of smart health-care services with respect to ethnic minority group. 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Effects of 12 Weeks Core Strength Training on Bio-motor Fitness Abilities among College Level Soccer Players
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week core strength training (CST) program on bio-motor fitness components among college-level male soccer players aged 18 to 23 years. Methods: Sixteen male soccer players participated in this study. They were divided into an experimental group that underwent a CST program and a control group that maintained their regular training routine. The CST program, integrated into the regular soccer training schedule, included exercises such as planks, bridges, and various forms of crunches, progressively increasing in intensity. Upper body explosive strength was assessed using a backward medicine ball throw, lower body explosive power using a standing long jump and countermovement jump, and change of direction speed using an agility test. Sprint performance was measured with 15m and 30m linear sprint tests. Results: The CST group showed significant improvements across all measured variables. Notable percentage changes were observed in the 15m sprint (4.08%), 30m sprint (1.56%), upper body strength (6.87%), standing long jump (4.66%), countermovement jump (15.69%), and change of direction speed (12.35%). Effect sizes indicated substantial enhancements in standing long jump (g = 1.634, p = 0.001), countermovement jump (g = 7.110, p < 0.001), and change of direction speed (g = 3.142, p = 0.001). The control group did not exhibit significant changes in any variables. Conclusion: A 12-week core strength training program, consisting of three sessions per week, significantly improved bio-motor fitness components in college-level soccer players aged 18 to 23 years. These findings support the inclusion of CST in soccer training regimens to enhance athletic performance. 2024 by authors, all rights reserved. -
A Mixed-Methods Study on Experiencing in Indian Couples During Gottman's Intervention of Dreams-Within-Conflict
In Gottman Couple Therapy (GCT), the intervention of Dreams-within-Conflict (DWC) helps break down a gridlocked issue between couples through deeper emotional expression and experiencing (in-counseling exploration of emotions). The current study examined experiencing in a single session of DWC for N = 30 individuals (15 couples) using multiple methods such as self-assessment questionnaires, observation rating and coding of the video recording, and feedback interviews. The before and during DWC best experiencing video segments were selected and rated by two raters independently on the experiencing scale (ES) for partners. The changes in experiencing mode and peak scores (ESM and ESP) during DWC were investigated in the presence of individual characteristics of attachment (anxiety and avoidance) and relationship mindfulness traits. A paired-samples t-test showed a significant increase in experiencing for both partners. Hierarchical linear modeling analysis indicated that gender (women) significantly and positively predicted ESM. ESP was predicted positively by gender (women) and negatively by avoidance, though the results were not conclusive. Thematic analysis was used to look at the Indian couples' experiencing as shared by them in order to better grasp the therapeutic implications. The qualitative findings confirm the quantitative results that couples outside of intervention utilized experiencing levels 13 predominantly and moved to 34 levels during best experiencing segments of intervention. Couples reviewed positively to the emotional experiencing techniques used during the DWC intervention. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023.