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Natural polymer-based hydrogels as prospective tissue equivalent materials for radiation therapy and dosimetry
Natural polymer-based hydrogels have been extensively employed in tissue engineering and biomedical applications, owing to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. In the present work, we have investigated the efficacy of hydrogels such as agarose, hyaluronan, gelatin, carrageenan, chitosan, sodium alginate and collagen as tissue equivalent materials with respect to photon and charged particle (electron, proton and alpha particle) interactions, for use in radiation therapy and dosimetry. Tissue equivalence has been investigated by computing photon mass energy absorption coefficient (?en/?), kinetic energy released per unit mass (KERMA), equivalent atomic number (Zeq) and energy absorption build-up factors (EABF) relative to human tissues (soft tissue, cortical bone, skeletal muscle, breast tissue, lung tissue, adipose tissue, skin tissue, brain) in the energy range of 0.01515MeV. Ratio of effective atomic numbers (Zeff) have been examined for tissue-equivalence in the energy range of 10keV1GeV for charged particle interactions. Analysis using standard theoretical formulations revealed that all the selected natural polymers can serve as good tissue equivalent materials with respect to all human tissues except cortical bone. Notably, sodium alginate, collagen and hyaluronan are found to have radiation interaction characteristics close to that of human tissues. These results would be useful in deciding on the suitability of a natural polymer hydrogel as tissue substitute in the desired energy range. 2021, Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine. -
Nature inspired algorithm approach for the development of an energy aware model for sensor network
The unique and strong characteristics of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) have paved a way to many real time applications. Nevertheless, the WSN has their own set of challenges likewise data redundancy, resource constraints, security, packet errors and variable-link capacity etc. Among all, management of energy resource is of high importance as the efficient energy mechanism increases the lifespan of the network. Thereby providing good Quality of Service (QoS) demanded by the application. In WSN even though the energy is required for data acquisition (sensing), processing and communication, more energy are consumed during communication where transmission and retransmission of packets are quite often. In WSN data is transmitted from source to destination where at the destination site the data are analyzed using appropriate data mining techniques to convert data into useful information, and knowledge is extracted from that information to aid the user in efficient decision making. The transmission of data can be either through a single hop or via multiple hops. In single hop, a node is just a router where as in multi hop the node acts as both data originator and router. Thus, consuming more amount of energy and in a multi hop if any of the nodes fails it leads to many large retransmissions thus making a system highly susceptible for energy consumption. Many researchers have dedicated and devoted their time, energy and resources in order to come up with better solutions to answer this problem. This chapter is one such effort to provide a better solution to reduce the energy consumption of sensors. Here, the beauty of DBSCAN clustering technique has been fully exploited in order to develop a spatiotemporal relational model of sensor nodes, followed by the selection of representative subset using measure trend strategy and finally meeting the criteria for identifying the best optimal path for transmission of data using few nature inspired algorithms like Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), Bees Colony Optimization (BCO), and Simulated Annealing (SA). 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Nature of music engagement and its relation to resilient coping, optimism and fear of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented lockdowns, a work from home culture, social distancing and other measures which badly affected the world populace.Individuals over the globe reported experiencing several psychosocial and psychosomatic problems.Nevertheless, this pandemic allowed us to be with ourselves, to understand the importance of healthy lifestyles and to devote time to our passions and hobbies when we were socially isolated.Against this background, the present study was undertaken to explore the nature of peoples everyday musical engagement and to examine how the experience and functions of music were related to resilient coping, life orientation and fear from COVID-19.In an online survey, a total of 197 participants responded to a questionnaire designed to assess the nature of musical engagement (level of musical training, functional niche of music, listening habits and involvement in musical activities), functions of music (FMS), resilient coping (BRCS), life orientation (LOT-R), and fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S).Results indicate that for most of the respondents, music listening was a preferred activity during the pandemic which resulted in positive effects on their mood, heart rate and respiratory rates.More than 80 per cent of respondents reported music as a source of pleasure and enjoyment and claimed that it helped to calm them, release their stress, and help them relax.Significant positive correlations were found between the functions of music (memory-based and mood-based), optimism and resilient coping and mood-based functions of music and optimism were found to predict resilient coping among individuals.These results suggest that meaningful and active music engagement may lead to optimism which may result in effective resilient coping during the crisis.Moreover, reflecting upon our everyday musical engagements can promote music as a coping skill. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Asma Parveen and Rajesh Verma; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Nature's Lament: A Comparative Psychoanalytical Reading of Childhood Trauma in Select War Narratives
Sustainable Development has become an inevitable need of the hour. This paper problematizes the trauma of children as represented in the narratives, Beasts of No Nation by Uzodinma Iweala and A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. The incomprehensibility of trauma, it's varied representation in fiction, dissociation of child psyche, and its detrimental effect on children is substantiated using psychoanalytic theory of trauma proposed by Cathy Caruth and contemporary trauma theorists. The paper argues the atrocities children are forced to be involved into, causes profound trauma in themselves leading to, encumbering of sustainable developmental goals. A comparative study of interpretive textual analysis is employed to study the havoc the society endears as a result of war, that wrecks the child, hindering the overall sustainable development. As it voices out the voiceless trauma of children the paper also aims in divulging the decisive influence of the select literary narratives in sensitizing the society in achieving societal as well as environmental sustainability. The Electrochemical Society -
Navigating AI and chatbot applications in education and research: a holistic approach
Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors influencing AI/chatbot usage in education and research, and to evaluate the extent of the impact of these factors. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative methods. It is based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected through an online survey. In total, 177 responses from teachers were included in this study. The collected data were analyzed using a statistical package for the social sciences. Findings: The study revealed that the significant factors influencing the perception of the academic and research community toward the adoption of AI/interactive tools, such as Chatbots/ChatGpt for education and research, are challenges, benefits, awareness, opportunities, risks, sustainability and ethical considerations. Practical implications: This study highlighted the importance of resolving challenges and enhancing awareness and benefits while carefully mitigating risks and ethical concerns in the integration of technology within the educational and research environment. These insights can assist policymakers in making decisions and developing strategies for the efficient adoption of AI/interactive tools in academia and research to enhance the overall quality of learning experiences. Originality/value: The present study adds value to the existing literature on AI/interactive tool adoption in academia and research by offering a quantitative analysis of the factors impacting teachers' perception of the usage of such tools. Furthermore, it also indirectly helps achieve various UNSDGs, such as 4, 9, 10 and 17. 2024, Abhishek N., Sonal Devesh, Ashoka M.L., Neethu Suraj, Parameshwara Acharya and Divyashree M.S. -
Navigating brand equity in personal care: Examining the influence of direct-to-consumer brands and the mediating power of brand image
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered consumers to buy products online, leading t o unprecedented and unforeseen growth in the e-commerce sector. Therefore, the revolution made by Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands went unnoticed. Unlike the conventional approach, which took years to build brand trust and equity, the DTC business model allows companies to grow exponentially with their presence in personal care online marketplaces. Therefore, the rise of DTC brands empowers small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, mainly because the return on ad spend (ROAS) for these brands is a huge problem when compared to giant companies. Also, branding in tier 2 and tier 3 markets has triggered new hurdles as consumers need to build brand trust to pay or transact online. The present research examines how a DTC website and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) can enhance the effectiveness of branding for direct-to-consumer brands. The study employed a quantitative methodology by analyzing the survey-based research design, with 389 respondents who were aware of and/or used DTC personal care brands in India participating. The present studys findings demonstrate that website attractiveness and electronic word-of-mouth enhance DTC brands and minimize costs developed to advertise a product, increasing ROAS. Further research studies would broaden DTC brands' knowledge by investigating the impact of e-commerce and social media channels on enhancing consumers' brand equity or purchase intention. 2024 Conscientia Beam. All Rights Reserved. -
Navigating Financial Waters: Exploring the Intersection of Algorithmic Trading and Market Liquidity Dynamics
Algorithmic trading has ushered paradigm shift in trading. The market regulators although welcome this new technological advancement but are still keeping a tight leash. This can be owing to the contradicting and inconclusive evidence of its implications and impact on market microstructure. This study focuses on liquidity which is an integral part of a thriving stock market. We aim to examine if there is a statistical significance between volume of algorithmic orders and market capitalization. The liquidity provision is measured using Amihuds Illiquidity measure which is a proxy for measuring illiquidity. The liquidity measure is examined for chosen 8 stocks based on their market capitalization. The volume of algorithmic orders is examined using the Limit Order Book (LOB) data obtained from the BSE and orders for 23 trading days have been considered. We observe that large capitalization stocks display higher liquidity and algorithmic traders are able to contribute significantly to liquidity when compared to non-algorithmic traders. It was also looked at if there was a big difference in the amount of algorithmic trading done on stocks with big and small capitalization. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
NAVIGATING FOR PEACE IN THE CONUNDRUMS OF RELIGION AND LAW
It is a critical question whether unrestricted freedom of religion is detrimental to the development of peace. Recently the religious dictate of wearing a hijab has come in conflict with the prescription of uniforms at educational institutions. This led to large-scale violence and unrest in society. It raised concerns about the scope of the right to freedom of expression, protection of religious expression, the overarching requirement of a need for public order, and reasonable accommodation of diversity in society. This research explores these issues in the context of educational institutions by critically analysing the laws and operative principles and the role of law and religion in promoting social cohesion and integrity. It addresses the counterarguments of reasonable accommodation and argues that the concept of reasonable accommodation fails to address deep-rooted structural inequalities, and in an education setup prescription of uniforms is justified as it portrays higher values of equality, development, and peace. 2022 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (DVK, Bangalore),. -
Navigating green synthesized metal-based nanoparticles as anti-inflammatory agent Comprehensive review
The biosynthesis of nanomaterials is a vast and expanding field of study due to their applications in a variety of fields, particularly the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Various synthetic routes, including physical and chemical methods, have been developed in order to generate metal nanoparticles (NPs) with definite shapes and sizes. In this review, focused on the recent advancements in the green synthetic methods for the generation of silver, zinc and copper NPs with simple and eco-friendly approaches and the potential of the biosynthesized metal and metal oxide NPs as alternative and therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Inflammation is a body's own defense mechanism that can become chronic inflammation affecting healthy cells. Owning to the size-based advantages of NPs which can mitigate in theses medical conditions and serve as anti-inflammatory drugs. The factors influencing their physicochemical properties, toxicity, biocompatibility and mode of action to formulate an effective nanomedicine in the treatment of inflammation. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Navigating parental drug addiction and psychopathology: Impact on children's educational success and well-being
This chapter examines the anthologies of children who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity linked to their parents' problems, such as substance abuse and psychopathology. In navigating the complexities of the family unit, personal coping mechanisms and community and peer support arise as critical components. These anecdotes emphasize the capacity for favourable consequences resulting from providing individuals with educational and social support networks. This underscores resilience's profound complexity when confronted with difficulties within the family unit. 2024 by IGI Global. All Rights Reserved. -
Navigating parenting challenges: Supporting adolescents struggling with addiction in achieving educational success and well-being
A comprehensive and collaborative approach involving institutions, mental health professionals, parents, and educators is imperative in addressing adolescent addiction. Stakeholders make valuable contributions to the recovery process by engaging in coordinated treatment, fostering open communication, providing family counselling, addressing educational and emotional needs, and cultivating supportive environments. The collective endeavour promotes resilience, thereby guaranteeing immediate and enduring achievements. The convergence of shared responsibilities, ongoing support, and comprehension of the intricate nature of adolescent addiction generates a formidable catalyst for constructive transformation. The collective endeavour provides families and adolescents with optimism, restoration, and a more promising trajectory. 2024 by IGI Global. All Rights Reserved. -
Navigating real estate purchase decisions: an interplay of influential factors
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between social trends, peer influence, personal attitudes regarding real estate purchase decisions, perception of long-term property value and the mediating effect of hedging in influencing property and real estate purchases. Design/methodology/approach: Using a combination of quantitative surveys, this study aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the factors influencing real estate buying decisions. Data were obtained from 399 young consumers in four Indian cities. Using structural equation modeling, the suggested conceptual framework is examined. Findings: The studys findings suggest that attitude plays an important role in influencing real estate purchase decisions. Young adults also tend to look for long-term gains or value when purchasing a home. Developing durable products for the customers is the best way to grow business, according to the results. Originality/value: To the best of the authors knowledge, this is the first paper that examines the role of sentimental, personal and financial factors in real estate purchase decisions. The study provides insights into how these factors interact and affect the decisions of consumers in real estate. The authors hope that the findings will be useful for real estate professionals to better tailor their services to meet the needs of their customers. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Navigating resource scarcity in a changing climate: AI-powered perspectives on mental health
In the backdrop of the extensive global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental crises have, to a certain degree, taken a back seat. The pandemic-induced scarcity mindset, emphasizing immediate short-term needs over long-term considerations, has played a role in this shift in priorities. This scarcity mindset, prevalent during the pandemic, poses a risk to pro-environmental behavior and may contribute to environmental degradation, thereby heightening the likelihood of future pandemics. This chapter advocates for a reevaluation of pro-environmental actions, emphasizing their role in addressing various human needs, especially during periods of scarcity. AI-driven chatbots possess the capability to significantly enhance accessibility to affordable and efficient mental health services by complementing the efforts of clinicians. To safeguard pro-environmental behavior, we propose a reconceptualization that positions these actions not merely as value-laden or effortful but as pragmatic measures essential for resource conservation, particularly in times of scarcity. The study explores, the intricate dynamics of resource scarcity, climate change, and mental health, employing AI-powered perspectives to navigate this complex interplay. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Navigating the digital frontier: Trends, innovation, and challenges in industry 5.0
Industry 5.0 is a shift in industrial processes involving robots and AI, enhancing efficiency and customization. International organizations are implementing Industry 5.0, leveraging cognitive virtual minds, AI, additive technologies, and 5G networks. However, Industry 5.0 presents challenges such as job displacement by low adaptability machines and requires substantial investments to transform existing industrial setups. Creative thinking, cybersecurity, and human-machine collaboration are essential for overcoming these challenges. Cyber-Physical system integration, cybersecurity, IoT, AI, and human-machine collaboration are key strategies. Continuous learning, virtual training, and digital twin technology are essential for a skilled workforce. Collaboration is essential for tackling complex digital issues, and organizations must anticipate future trends and prepare for technological breakthroughs. Ethical thinking and responsible AI practices are also crucial. Industry 5.0 is a transformative journey involving advanced technologies into manufacturing processes. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Navigating the digital transformation landscape: Implications for accounting
Digitalization brings significant changes to the world, particularly in industries where information technology is essential. Accounting is one profession that has benefited from digital developments. The goal of this chapter is to synthesize recent academic studies on accounting digitalization and provide some suggestions for future research. Because of the short- and long-term effects of environmental factors on both the corporate and financial sectors, it is clear that business leaders and investors must measure and manage environmental risks to address the impact on business and society. This chapter aims to contribute to these critical discussions by providing new insights of digitalization, tax avoidance, reporting, accounting, and green finance. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Navigating the doctoral programme: A journey metaphor in heutagogical context
The journey towards a doctoral degree, the highest academic degree, is challenging. It is a journey full of emotions and experiences that provides a feeling of achievement and fulfilment. The doctoral research process is sometimes overwhelming, and scholars are lost in the wilderness of the activities. Navigating a social science doctoral programme, including the business and management streams, requires understanding the pathways and the nuances. This paper presents metaphors of the doctoral journey that helps scholars in developing a better mindset and plan an enriching journey. The methodology used is a qualitative-conceptual metaphor analysis. The study considers the heutagogical framework and develops analogies from the travel and tour domain and applies it to the doctoral programme. The paper compares self-guided tours, Driver Vs Passenger, Roller coaster, pilgrimage model and self-experience that the scholars need to take up in their doctoral journey 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Navigating the dynamic interplay of fear of failure and social cognition in the digital era
This chapter delves into the intricate relationship between fear of failure and our ability to perceive, interpret, and respond to social cues (i.e., social cognition). This chapter will examine the theoretical foundations of fear of failure and how it manifests across cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social dimensions. Drawing from empirical research, it will provide real-world insights into how this fear can profoundly affect social interactions. The chapter highlights interventions, such as CBT and mindfulness practices, designed to address the fear of failure and enhance social cognition. It will further explore the dynamic interplay between fear of failure, social cognition, and the evolving landscape of online interventions. As the digital realm shapes our social interactions, understanding how fear of failure influences social cognition in the online context and how online interventions can mitigate its impact is of paramount importance. This chapter seeks to present a thorough summary of these interconnected variables. 2024, IGI Global. -
Navigating the emotional maze: Understanding Adolescent suicidal ideation using CNN-LSTM model
Teenage suicidal ideation is on the rise, which emphasizes how crucial it is to recognize and comprehend the variables that contribute to this problem. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), which are complex machine learning models capable of analysing intricate relationships within a network, are one possible strategy for addressing this issue. In our study, we employed a CNN-LSTM hybrid model to explore the complex relationships between teen suicide ideation and various risk variables, including depression, anxiety, and social support by analysing a substantial dataset of mental health surveys, seeking patterns and risk factors associated with suicidal thoughts. Our objective was clear: identify adolescents prone to suicidal ideation. With 24 parameters and a sample size of 3075 subjects, our model achieved an impressive F1-score of 97.8%. These findings provide valuable insights which helps in developing effective preventive interventions to address adolescent suicidal ideation, finding out the important patterns and risk variables related to suicidal thoughts. The study results offer important direction for developing preventive interventions that successfully address adolescent suicidal ideation. 2024 - IOS Press. All rights reserved. -
Navigating the ethical landscape of artificial intelligence: Challenges, frameworks, and responsible deployment
In artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) has become a game-changing concept that allows systems to learn from experience and get better without explicit programming. This chapter explores the main ideas, techniques, and applications of ML, offering a succinct introduction to the field. The first step in the process is to gain a basic understanding of supervised learning, which is the process by which algorithms learn to make predictions or judgements from labelled training data. Next, we introduce unsupervised learning, which emphasizes finding patterns in unlabelled data and frequently results in interesting findings and clustering. To emphasize the importance of reinforcement learning in decision-making processes, the paradigm is presented where agents learn by interacting with an environment and receiving feedback. Ideas related to ML, such as feature engineering, model assessment, and the balance between variance and bias, are discussed. The significance of quality data in ML applications is emphasized, along with the impact of data pretreatment on model performance. It also clarifies how neural networks, a branch of ML, simulate the workings of the human brain. The ability of deep learning, a branch of ML that makes use of multi-layered neural networks, to handle challenging tasks such as speech and picture recognition is being investigated. In order to emphasize the necessity of responsible ML model deployment and usage, practical factors are emphasized, including the significance of ethical considerations and responsible AI. The final section of the chapter offers a preview of MLs future, discussing issues and trends that practitioners and researchers should be aware of. This chapter essentially functions as a thorough introduction to ML principles, providing an overview of the wide range of ML approaches, applications, and ethical issues that support the technologys transformative potential across a range of industries. 2025 selection and editorial matter, G. Sucharitha, Anjanna Matta, M. Srinivas and Sachi Nandan Mohanty; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Navigating the Future of Intelligent and Smart Manufacturing A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis (2012-2024)
Intelligent and smart manufacturing is at the forefront of a digital revolution in the manufacturing industry. This chapter reveals how key technologies have developed and converged during the period 2012-2024 by analysing 1046 articles from the Web of Science database. Literature was compiled into ten distinct clusters: Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), Services (Applications), Gateway, Industry 4.0, Heuristic, Cutting Force, Remote Maintenance, and Fabrication. Each cluster is measured by its degree, modularity, density, citation analysis metrics and help in predicting the impact and about their interrelations in research within these domains. Further, the major focus is on Industry 4.0 principles and the evolving research landscape that promptly helps in findings and the rapid adoption of advanced computational methods. With this analysis, the most influential authors, articles, and journals will provide insight for building collaborative networks and intelligent manufacturings intellectual structure. This study nonetheless delivers an overview of previously published research; in addition, it also illustrates trends and openings that provide a significant underpinning to support subsequent academic endeavours and their application in practice. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Alka Chaudhary, Vandana Sharma, and Ahmed Alkhayyat individual chapters, the contributors.