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Patients trust in the Indian healthcare system and its impact on the intention to use artificial intelligence-based healthcare chatbots
Purpose: Indian patients have different medicine systems available at the service that alter their healthseeking behaviour (HSB). This study aims to examine the beliefs and behaviour of patients in India towards the healthcare system and how it affects their intention to use healthcare chatbots. Design/methodology/approach: A survey instrument was developed from standard scales and validated by experts. The data was collected from 397 respondents in an urban area and tested using a structural equation model in SAS JMP software. Findings: The study found that awareness and perception of chatbots and distrust on doctors and health systems impact trust in a chatbot. The results show that trust in chatbots influences the intention to use chatbots. The belief in alternative medicine systems and HSB also influence the intention to use chatbots. The study findings also imply that health-care chatbots should cater to HSB and the belief in alternative medicine. Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted only among the urban population because services based on technology are more available in metro cities. Bengaluru is considered the representative population of urban India. Practical implications: The level of disruption that chatbots can provide to the healthcare system makes this study significant. The study findings will help to manage the factors that can enable chatbot inclusivity, as the current system is inaccessible to many patients. Originality/value: This paper addresses an identified need to study patients trust in the Indian healthcare system and their intention to use chatbots. The level of disruptions these chatbots can cause in the health-care system is undeniable and patients trust in these chatbots will eventually transform the health-care sector. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Stock market sensitivity to macroeconomic factors: Evidence from China and India
The purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of Chinese macroeconomic factors on Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) Composite returns and Indian macroeconomic factors on Nifty returns based on monthly data from January 1998 to December 2018. This study adopts quantile regression approach. The QR allows examining the conditional dependence of specific quantile of SSE and Nifty returns with respect to the conditioning factors. The authors present results for two sample periods that are pre-recession and recession period from 1998 to 2008 and the post-recession period from 2009 to 2018. This paper also documents quite interesting and useful results for the entire period. From the results, It is concluded that Chinese consumer price index significantly affects the SSE returns only for lower quantiles. However, Indian consumer price index has a significant and positive impact on the Nifty returns for the upper quantiles. Further, Chinese interest rates and Indian interest rates have no impact on the SSE and Nifty returns respectively across the different quantiles. Moreover, the Chinese exchange rate influence the SSE returns at the extreme dataset. However, the Indian exchange rate is insignificant. It is important to note that the dependence structure of China shows a negligible change during the post-recession period. Conversely, the dependence structure has changed significantly for India post-recession. The implication of this paper would guide stock market participants. 2020 AESS Publications. All Rights Reserved. -
Demystifying the 5G-Advanced communication paradigm
With the massive surge in the increasing number of connected wireless devices, the demand for wireless data bandwidth keeps growing exponentially. Further on, in the beginning, many people were using only one computer. Today everyone has his own computer. But in the days ahead, there will be many digital devices to cogently and cognitively identify and deliver real-time and real-world services to a person. That is the world is tending towards a multi-device communication and computing era. Visualizing and realizing context-aware applications mandate for device computing. That is, devices have to be empowered to be computational, communicative, sensitive, vision-enabled, perceptive, decision-making, intelligently responsive, and action-taking. Leading research analysts and market watchers have forecast that there will be billions of IoT devices and trillions of IoT sensors in the years to unfold. Connecting them to instinctively share their unique capabilities and data with one another as well as with nearby and faraway cloud data platforms demands pioneering and powerful communication capabilities. With this projected growth in mind, the cellular industry looks for advanced wireless communication technologies. to other frequency bands that could possibly be utilized in the development of new 5G wireless technologies. This chapter is dedicated to telling all about the unique capabilities and use cases of 5G Advanced releases (Releases 17 and 18). Let us start with release 17 and then jump into the 18th release. 5G is all set to empower consumers and businesses to realise and use advanced applications and it allows a large number of devices to connect and exchange data faster than ever before. 2025 -
Performance evaluation of ternary blended geopolymer binders comprising of slag, fly ash and brick kiln rice husk ash
The use of industrial and agro-based precursor materials from local sources can achieve desirable properties for geopolymer binders, and thus realize the carbon-efficient sustainable materials in the construction industry. At the same time, the synergy between these precursors can be assessed using the multilevel material investigation, which has not been explored extensively. Moreover, there are limited studies on ternary geopolymer synthesized with rice husk ash from uncontrolled burning source such as brick kilns. Therefore, this study evaluates the performance of ternary blended geopolymer binders comprised of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), fly ash (FLA), and brick kiln rice husk ask (BRHA), implementing the multilevel material approach. The experimental program includes assessment and comparative analyses of the properties of geopolymer binders such as setting time, flow, compressive strength, density, water absorption, and efflorescence. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses examine crystallographic structure and microscopic morphology of the composite binders. The initial setting time ranged from 21 min to 47 min for ternary mixes, in comparison to 21 min to 58 min for binary mixes. GGBFS significantly contribute in setting of binder due to hydration reaction and formation of C-S-H gel. The flow of ternary mixes exhibits standard deviation of 11.42 mm when compared to 20.96 mm of binary mixes. Lower dispersion in flow values suggests improved coaction between GGBFS, FLA, and BRHA. The compressive strength of ternary mixes improved when compared to the binary mixes. The optimum performance of 60 MPa was obtained for G60A40F95R5, which was 25% and 66.67% higher than binary mixes G60F40 and G60R40, respectively. Similarly, ternary mix G70A30F95R5 showed the least water absorption of 2.08% which was 53% and 58.4% lower than the binary mixes G70F30 and G70R30, respectively. The improvement in the properties of ternary mixes was confirmed from XRD analysis, which reveal coexistence of C-S-H along with crystalline SiO2 that positively improve the microstructure of the composite binder. Moreover, SEM analysis showed dense microstructure for ternary mixes when compared to binary mixes, which further validate the improvement in the strength of such binders. The sustainability analysis discloses the enhanced performance of ternary mixes, wherein, G60A40F95R5 showed 19.35% and 46.23% lower carbon dioxide parameter than binary mixes G60F40 and G60R40, respectively. All in all, the multilevel material investigation provides a great avenue to delve in to the best performing ternary mixes which will find desirable applications in construction industry. 2024 The Authors -
Synthesis of SnO2-Sodium alginate-polyethylene glycol-crocin nanocomposite for enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer activity
Bacteria and fungi contribute to antibiotic resistance, posing a growing threat to human health, while cervical cancer remains a significant health concern, impacting women's well-being and mortality rates worldwide. In the present work, the efficiency of formulated tin oxide-sodium alginate-polyethylene glycol-crocin nanocomposites (SnO2-SAPEG-Cro-NCs) on antimicrobial as well as growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in cervical cancer cells was evaluated. The developed nanostructure was exposed to several spectroscopic investigations, including UV, FTIR, XRD, PL, EDAX, DLS studies, and FESEM structural observation. The results of the antimicrobial study revealed increased inhibition zones from 8.5 to 16 mm around the SnO2-SAPEG-Cro-NCs treatment over different pathogens, which proves its antimicrobial efficacy. The findings of the MTT study demonstrated that SnO2-SAPEG-Cro-NCs (0.510 ?g/mL) treatment remarkably inhibited the HeLa cell viability with IC50 concentration of 5 ?g/mL. The SnO2-SAPEG-Cro-NCs-treated HeLa cells also revealed increased intracellular ROS generation at 5 and 7.5 ?g/mL, which may facilitate oxidative stress-mediated cell death. Further, the dual staining and DAPI staining results demonstrated that the SnO2-SAPEG-Cro-NCs treatment effectively increased the apoptosis in the cervical cancer HeLa cells. Overall, the outcomes authorized that SnO2-SAPEG-Cro-NCs is an excellent antimicrobial and anticancer agent for future use. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
How does geopolitical risk affect CO2 emissions? The role of natural resource rents
In a panel dataset of 38 developing and industrialized countries from 1970 to 2021, this study investigates how geopolitical risk and resource rents affect CO2 emissions. After implementing diagnostics, the paper observes significant relationships among CO2 emissions, geopolitical risk, natural resource rents, per capita income, and share of renewable energy in the long run. The panel data estimations show that geopolitical risk, natural resource rents, and per capita income increase CO2 emissions. However, the share of renewable energy is negatively associated with it. The mediation effect of geopolitical risk and natural resource rents on CO2 emissions is also positive. Potential policy repercussions are also discussed. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Application of Epoxy-Asphalt Composite in Asphalt Paving Industry: A Review with Emphasis on Physicochemical Properties and Pavement Performances
One of the failure mechanisms associated with asphalt paving layers, especially on steel deck bridges, is large permanent deformation, which adversely affects its long-term performance in service. Thus, epoxy resin was introduced in asphalt paving industry to tackle permanent deformation of asphalt mixtures due to its thermosetting nature. In this review, epoxy resin as a dominant component of the epoxy-asphalt composite system was first considered, followed by a discussion on its curing methods and curing mechanism. Furthermore, the physicochemical property and mechanical performance of epoxy asphalt and epoxy asphalt mixture were thoroughly examined. Crosslink density of epoxy asphalt dictates its viscosity and thus the allowable construction time. Phase separation and dispersion of asphalt particles in the epoxy matrix was observed for epoxy-asphalt composite, and it showed superior elastic behavior and deformation resistance capability when compared with conventional asphalt materials. Furthermore, epoxy asphalt mixture exhibited significantly higher compressive strength, much better rutting resistance, and superior durability and water resistance properties. However, its low-temperature cracking resistance was slightly compromised. 2021 Yu Chen et al. -
Application of phase change material in asphalt mixture A review
The use of latent heat storage capacity from phase change material (PCM) to regulate asphalt pavement temperature is an innovative way to mitigate temperature-related pavement distresses, such as thermal cracking and rutting. In this review, a detailed discussion on the classification and incorporation methods of PCM in asphalt mixture is presented. Further, the physical and chemical performances of PCM modified asphalts were reviewed, followed by their thermal and mechanical properties. It was observed that temperature related performance of asphalt mixtures can be well controlled in the phase change temperature range. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and n-Tetradecane have been generally used to regulate the high and low temperatures of asphalt pavement, respectively. Mixed results were obtained on rheological properties of binders with PCMs as well as on road performance properties of asphalt mixtures with PCMs. It is important to note that PCMs with high latent heat and thermal conductivity are preferred for effective thermal regulation. 2020 Elsevier Ltd -
Evaluation of test methods for fracture resistance of high modulus asphalt binders from rheological and mechanical perspectives
High modulus asphalt binder (HMAB) has excellent rutting resistance but it might have premature cracking concerns due to its high stiffness. In this study, the intermediate temperature fracture performance of six HMABs was evaluated from a rheological and mechanical standpoint. The linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test, Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter, and pure linear amplitude sweep (PLAS) test were employed for the rheological characterization, while the binder fracture energy (BFE) test and the double-edge notched tensile (DENT) test were implemented to investigate mechanical performance. The results show that HMABs have lower cracking resistance than conventional asphalt binders, and this was due to the insufficient ductility of their internal polymer networks. Of the five test methods, the PLAS, BFE, and DENT tests are highly recommended for evaluating the cracking resistance of HMABs at intermediate temperatures. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Stepwise hydrothermally synthesized gold nanoparticles supported copper metal-organic frameworks as an impedimetric immunosensor for the ultrasensitive detection of pancreatic cancer
Carbohydrate antigen (CA199) is a frequently used biomarker for detecting and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Early detection of pancreatic cancer remains a challenge in routine clinical analyses, including imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. There is an urgent urge to develop robust sensors like electrochemical immunosensors that provide low-priced and sensitive biomarker detection. A potential electrochemical immunosensor comprising Au nanoparticles supported on Cu MOF, HKUST-1 (Au@HKUST-1) on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) was developed via a one-pot stepwise hydrothermal method for the ultralow level detection of CA 199 in human serum using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). CA 199 could be detected in a wide range of concentrations, including 0.01 U mL-1 to 35 U mL-1. Au@HKUST-1/SPCE sensor displayed ultralow levels of detection of CA 199 with a limit of detection (LOD) in PBS as 0.17 U mL-1 and serum as 0.08 U mL-1. The limit of quantification of the immunosensor is 0.53 U mL-1 and 0.26 U mL-1 in PBS and serum, respectively. This work also emphasizes the ultrasensitive detection of pancreatic cancer using CA 199 biomarker in serum samples, and achieved a reliable analytical platform for the detection of CA 199 and other biomarkers. 2025 Elsevier Ltd. -
Introduction to natural language processing: Exploring techniques, applications, and challenges
This book provides a thorough and comprehensive introduction to natural language processing (NLP), a critical field at the intersection of artificial intelligence and computational linguistics. It explores key techniques such as sentiment analysis, which enables the detection of emotional tone in text, machine translation, facilitating the conversion of text between languages, and named entity recognition (NER), which identifies and classifies entities like names, dates, and locations within text data. The book delves into deep learning advancements, particularly the use of neural networks such as transformers and recurrent models, which have revolutionized NLP applications. Readers will gain insights into how these models drive innovations in areas such as text classification, language generation, and speech recognition. In addition to technical concepts, the book also addresses the ethical considerations surrounding NLP, emphasizing the responsible use of AI technologies to mitigate issues like bias, misinformation, and privacy concerns. Practical case studies and real-world examples are included to illustrate how NLP is applied in various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and customer service. This book is an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals seeking to understand the foundational concepts, cutting-edge advancements, and broader implications of NLP, equipping them with the knowledge to innovate and apply these technologies effectively in their respective fields. 2025 River Publishers. All rights reserved. -
Chinese maritime relations with Malabar Coast, 12001500 AD: A quest for naval dominance
China has had a long history of maritime expedition. Its Indian Ocean connectivity, long before European explorers arrived at the Malabar Coast, had made significant impact on the maritime trade in the Indian Ocean region. Chinas expedition to the Southern Asia was aimed to expand the benevolence of Chinese emperor and to establish its suzerainty in maritime trade rather than to establish the permanent position on land. The political dynamics at home caused the rise and fall of the maritime might of China. The famous explorer, Zheng Hes expeditions represented Chinas ambition to expand its control over the Indian Ocean regions. The Malabar Coast with its geographical advantages had developed maritime activities enhancing its commercial fortunes. China had to accept the strength of Malabar kingdoms in terms of political power, trade and commercial advantages. Importantly, Malabar kingdoms did not accept the Chinese assertions of supremacy but engaged with the Chinese on equal terms. An attempt is made here to trace Chinas maritime strategy to expand their power beyond the immediate periphery and establish its supremacy in the Indian Ocean. 2019, 2019 National Maritime Foundation. -
Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara a Christian humanist in dialogue with society
The concepts of humanism, secular and particularly Christian humanism, were very active in the debates of academic circles and related areas for a long time. The application and understanding of Christian humanism in Indian context was felt necessary in the context of the life and contributions of many Christian humanists. St Kuriakose Elias Chavara was a socioreligious reformer of nineteenth century Kerala. His life and that of others were made closer to God and it resulted in getting more meaningful life patterns in the society. His efforts at providing a platform for God experience, education for all, women empowerment, uplift of dalits and the poor and extending concern for the sick and the dying were the fruits of his dialogue with the society. It has got rare parallels in the history of nineteenth century Kerala. 2017 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies. -
Models for Social Responsibility Action by Higher Education Institutions
This book offers 18 chapters on replicable models for social responsibility actions for universities and other academic institutions. The chapters are broadly classified under two major areas: sustainable development models and social sensitisation programmes. The chapters capture the efficient and successful models of social responsibility practiced by Indian and foreign universities. The models are proposed based on the evidence from a rigorous research process. Universities across the world can benefit from the best practices and implement the same successfully. The models will be helpful to universities in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and rank higher on the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). The research-based chapters will have significant benefits to researchers in expanding the domain of social responsibility of higher education institutions. As a text, this book will serve students of higher education in sustainability and social responsibility related courses. 2024 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. -
Inclusive innovation in tourism sector: Gap analysis through impact assessment
The travel and tourism industry is a major catalyst for global economic growth. Inclusivity and equity are indeed significant challenges faced by the service sector. The present study attempts to analyze the attributes of achieving true inclusivity and equity. This requires addressing systemic barriers and biases that can perpetuate unequal opportunities and outcomes towards building a pro-active tourism community. The chapter identifies the inequities already in place as well as untapped prospects for inclusive innovation in the tourism industry by performing an extensive gap analysis and impact assessment. A comprehensive and multi-faceted approach in practicing inclusiveness in the tourism sector demands an innovative pedagogy and unconventional business practices. The chapter highlights the bigger picture of inclusive innovation in tourism, which clarifies how business, society, and technology interact. A smart tourism approach with an integrated technological effort and socially-driven innovation builds the competency of the destinations. The study aims to assess the existing level of inclusion in tourism innovation, which determines significant representational and access gaps while assessing the potential economic and cultural effects of introducing more inclusive practices. As we navigate complex global challenges, from social inequality to environmental sustainability, inclusive innovation offers a path forward. The implications indicated in this chapter benefits the stakeholders with socially driven inclusive innovation. Towards inclusive innovation, equity takes center stage. An inclusive setting ensures collaboration and co-creation and integrating people from diverse backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and community members. Socially engaged stakeholders are aligned with inclusive innovation with insights and experiences, resulting in high relevance and sustainable orientation, thereby fostering growth and development. 2024 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. -
Social tourism and sustainability spectrum: A theoretical evaluation of marginalized community and partnership
The economic and development policies that ignore marginalized communities make the rural front of the society more vulnerable. This chapter examines social engagement and sustainable outlook by emphasizing the linkage between tourism partnership and community engagement through tourism business. This chapter engages research paradigms to integrate varied discourses by assessing tourism with promarginalized community growth paradigm. The chapter is indicative on proactive community empowerment to appreciate an inclusive engagement from a sustainable outlook which aims to pinpoint the tourism business ventures within that aid business and support smallholders in improving their standard of living. The analogy of social inclusive ideology ideates a strategic consideration towards ecologically viable measures and responsible tourism approaches while integrating social inclusivity based on sustainable consciousness. 2024 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. -
Volunteering-based student engagement: A model for student well-being in higher education institutions
Student well-being issues are rising alarmingly, and addressing these well-being concerns takes the predominant focus of higher education institutions, together with competency building. Understanding the importance of student engagement in student well-being, Christ University, Bengaluru, India, adopted a student engagement model based on volunteering. The current paper tries to understand the dynamics between volunteering and student well-being. It explores the relationship between volunteering and personal responsibility, social responsibility, meaning in life, and a helping attitude. It also tries to check whether the relationship between a helping attitude and student well-being is mediated by personal responsibility and social responsibility. Further, it explores whether volunteers and non-volunteers differ in their social responsibility, personal responsibility, and student well-being. A group of 350 students, of which 175 volunteers and 175 non-volunteers, were approached to participate in the study. Post data cleaning procedure, 327 data points qualified for analysis, and it was found that there exists a relationship between volunteering and personal responsibility, social responsibility and helping attitude, and personal responsibility and social responsibility mediated the relationship between helping attitude and student well-being. Results also revealed that volunteers and nonvolunteers differed in their helping attitude, personal responsibility, and student well-being. These findings point towards the fact that the student engagement model based on volunteering has a positive impact on student well-being. A detailed discussion of the application of these findings is provided in the full paper. 2024 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. -
Pandemic recovery strategies: A disaster management tourism framework
Purpose: The leisure industry is colossally impacted by varied types of crisis. Assessing the volatility; an attempt is made towards disaster planning and a response system. This chapter indicates an all-inclusive integrated approach to deal with disasters and narrates conceptual and latest factual findings in the space of disaster management. An efficient and self-equipped attraction demands a competent and efficient disaster management system in place. Methodology: This chapter devises measures to deal with the capacity of a destination during pandemic and proposes recovering strategies for the leisure business. Destination governance and disaster management techniques are well explored in the proposed chapter. Findings: An imperative study of this nature will determine the role of cultural perceptions of varied risk and threats in a pandemic scenario. Innovative practices of disaster governance and Post-disaster recovery strategies are crucial mechanisms for the sustenance of tourism and hospitality sector. Originality-Value: The conceptual ideas and outcomes obtained in this chapter helps policy makers not only to find new strategies to placate the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the organic image of tourist destinations but also assists in accelerating the recovery timeframe just after the pandemic. 2022 Joseph Chacko Chennattuserry, Bindi Varghese, N Elangovan and H Sandhya. -
Imparting Life Skills Through Psychoeducation Among 1st-year University Students to Cope Better with Campus Culture
Psycho-education is an interactive, skill-based programme for all first-year undergraduate students. It serves as a platform for visibility and helps facilitate changes in their preconceived notions about counselling and to end the stigma attached to mental health. Psycho-education sessions are a way to build a comfortable space in a new environment. The main objective is to empower students to handle new phases of life, create awareness of life skills and discuss youth-relevant topics such as managing time, coping with stress, relationships, self-esteem, body image, resilience and addictions. The current probe is designed to assess the awareness of life skills among first-year undergraduate students imparted through Psycho-education sessions to cope better with university life. Modules are designed in such a way that life skills are imparted in a supportive environment. Participatory methods were used. The data analysis showed an improvement in adjusting well to campus culture. The interventions after that led to a surge in the number of students approaching the counsellors for personal counselling. Additional research needs to be undertaken on life skills in higher education, which is apparent from the fact that most universities have no counsellors, and less importance is given to the student's well-being and mental health. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Kennedy Andrew Thomas, Joseph Chacko Chennattuserry and Joseph Varghese Kureethara; individual chapters, the contributors.