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Slow Violence in Vikram Chandras Sacred Games: An Ecocritical Reading
This article gives insight into the ways in which enforcement and institutional vigilante activities portrayed in Vikram Chandras Sacred Games foreshadow the urban thicket of garbage dump yards and slum dwellings. The text will be analyzed from an ecocritical perspective to establish aspects of slow violence and its explicit and implicit results. Chandras plotline, regarding several entangled human tragedies against the background of refuse, urges a study of the novel through the lens of waste studies. However, he fails to address the reasons for the characters opinion of Mumbai being uninhabitable and infamous for treating human life as expendable. The novelist also seems to normalize the issues of inequalities in waste management and justifies the anthropocentric utilitarian perception of resources. The depictions of Mumbai gang wars against a disturbingly overlooked state of dilapidated lives and misplaced ideologies mention waste as being both created and ignored. Such representation also compels a close reading of consumerism and criminal aspiration. 2023, University of Zadar. All rights reserved. -
A Comparative Analysis of Blockchain and Large Language Models in Enhancing Telehealth Data Security
Healthcare is rapidly moving toward utilizing technologies that enhance the delivery, management, and security of healthcare. Telehealth has greatly streamlined access to medical care, especially in managing chronic diseases. The rapid development of IoT devices and digital health records posed critical challenges in data security and privacy, among other operational issues. A centralized system is vulnerable to breaches, and therefore, there is a need for more robust and decentralized solutions. There are risks involved in the current centralized system and a new stronger decentralized system is required. The blockchain has a way of providing safe, immutable ledgers with which health data can be managed; however, its static security measures need to be improved in the context of the kind of risks and at- tacks that may appear these days. This research looks to introduce Large Language Models into blockchain-based telehealth systems. LLMs enhance blockchain security through real- time detection of threats, anomalous behavior, and optimized execution of smart contracts as LLMs contain advanced processing and pattern recognition. This system combines both the merits of blockchains decentralized architecture and the intelligent analytics of LLMs to bring a dynamic and scalable framework of telehealth security, which enhances data privacy, operational transparency, and system resilience. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Econometric investigation of sectoral contributions to remittance inflows in Kerala using the VECM framework
The sustained outmigration from Kerala has significantly contributed to the surge in remittance inflows, which have become a critical driver of the states economic advancement. As India maintains its position as the worlds largest recipient of remittances, Kerala remains one of the most prominent subnational beneficiaries. Although remittances have historically played a pivotal role in shaping Keralas developmental trajectory, there is a growing imperative to channel these financial inflows into productive investments across various sectors of the economy. Within this context, an undisturbed system analysis identifies agriculture, industry, and services as key sectors potentially influenced by remittance flows. The present study utilises the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) framework to investigate the sector-specific contributions to Keralas remittance-induced economic growth. This econometric approach facilitates an examination of both the long-term equilibrium relationships and short-term adjustments among the variables. The empirical findings highlight the differentiated impact of each sector, with particular emphasis on the significant role played by the agricultural and industrial sectors in attracting and sustaining remittance flows. The Author(s) 2026. -
The Impact of International Remittances on Public Debt Sustainability in Kerala: Evidence from the FMOLS Approach
Remittances from Keralas migrant workers and professionals constitute a vital financial inflow, surpassing their relative significance in most other Indian states. With public debt nearing 60 % of NSDP, these transfers offer a potential buffer for debt sustainability. Applying Oates theory within Bohns debt-sustainability framework using an FMOLS model, and validated through Johansen testing, this study examines the remittancedebt nexus from 1980 to 2023. FMOLS results indicate a deterioration of debt sustainability despite substantial remittance inflows. The findings emphasize the need to reduce market borrowings, enhance the fiscal role of remittances, and promote policies supporting formal transfer channels, source diversification, remittance-linked investment, and financial literacy among migrant households to strengthen Keralas long-term fiscal resilience and enable more productive use of remittances. 2025 the author(s), published by De Gruyter. -
Performance improvement of triple band truncated spiked triangular patch antenna
In this paper, the design of a novel triple band triangular microstrip patch antenna with inset feed is proposed. The triangular patch is designed for a resonant frequency of 2 GHz. The inset feed is placed at a depth of 1/3rd of height from the bottom of the patch for improved return loss. The insertion of two slots and two tabs causes the antenna to resonate at multiple frequencies. The proposed antenna resonates at three frequencies: 1.939 GHz, 2.515 GHz and 3.212 GHz. The truncation of the edges of the patch and the tabs improves the gain and directivity of the antenna. 2016 IEEE. -
An Effective Time Series Analysis for Equity Market Prediction Using Deep Learning Model
A stock Exchange is a market where securities are traded. Every day, billions are traded at various stock exchanges across the world. In recent years prediction of movement of stock market is regarded as fascinating and has created a demand in financial market time series prediction. A precise forecasting of equity market is needed to provide higher returns for investors. Since there is high complexity in predicting stock market profits, developing models for it becomes difficult. The data mining and machine learning techniques has played an important role in Prediction of stock market movement. This study attempted to develop a deep learning model using Recurrent Neural Network for forecasting movement in the National Stock Exchange of India's benchmark broad based stock market index(NIFTY 50) for the Indian equity market. In this paper the NIFTY 50 index and INFYOSYS Ltd historical data from Yahoo finance companies has been selected for forecasting and analysis. 2019 IEEE. -
Exploring the Mediating Influence of Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion on the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Post-Traumatic Growth among Young Adults in India
Through the course of the last few decades researchers have observed that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) can act as a breeding ground for transformative positive changes to develop in the face of adversity. This process of enhanced growth is systematically studied as Post Traumatic Growth (PTG). Though there is an existing association between ACE and PTG, yet there is a paucity of studies that explores the mediating variables in this relationship. The current study aims to explore the role of self-compassion (SC) and psychological flexibility (PF) between ACE and PTG among Indian young adults. The study was conducted on 298 Indian participants who were in the age bracket of 1825years. The study variables were assessed using self-administered rating scales. Participants were screened for ACE using Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire. Additionally, Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory- Short Form were other tools used. The results have indicated that both Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion mediate the relationship of ACE with PTG. The current findings have emphasized on the role of Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion in moving towards Post Traumatic Growth. These findings reassert that Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion are foundational to Acceptance Commitment Therapy and highly useful especially while working with trauma affected populations. The Author(s) 2024. -
ALIGNING INVESTMENTS WITH VALUES: CREATING PORTFOLIOS BASED ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND NIM
Purpose: This research discusses the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its link to a financial performance metric called net interest margin (NIM) in the context of non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). CSR initiatives can lead to long-term sustainability and improved financial performance, attracting investors seeking to align their investments with their values. Need for the Study: The research composes portfolios based on financial companies CSR performance and NIM ratios to help investors understand the difference between CSR and financial performance, making investment decisions based on their portfolio goals and values. Striking a balance between sustainability and the financial performance of financial companies, will help investors find a suitable balance between portfolios for investment purposes. Methodology: The authors used data from 55 financial companies for daily returns from 20142015 to 20212022 and used descriptive statistics to measure the performance of portfolios. Findings: The findings suggest that financial companies in India have improved their CSR scores over time, indicating an increased focus on integrating socially responsible practices into their operations. The data also show that NBFCs are catching up with banks regarding CSR scores, and some NBFC portfolios even outperform banks regarding returns. However, the study also highlights the need for some companies to focus more on CSR and business operations. Practical Implications: The results serve as a benchmark for financial companies to assess their relative CSR performance, highlighting the need for companies to focus on integrating socially responsible practices into their operations and guiding areas where companies can improve. 2024 by Ishfaq Hussain Bhat, Shilpi Gupta and Satinder Singh Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Investor Perspectives: Evaluating the Impact of CSR on Excess Returns in Financial Companies
This research aims to provide insights into Corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance and its impact on portfolio performance. The research would contribute to the broader understanding of how investors can achieve financial success and positive societal impact through the CSR performance of financial companies. This study uses 56 financial companies data from 20132014 to 20212022. Seemingly unrelated regression has been used to examine the impact of FAMA and French factors on the return of different portfolios. The findings of this research are significant for Banks and NBFCs, which shows that all the factors of the FAMA and French model are significant in showing the portfolios results. This study demonstrates that banks with better CSR performance yield higher expected returns than NBFC portfolios. This finding confirms that increased socially responsible activities yield better returns for banks. It showed that more socially responsible companies provide better financial returns than those not focusing on these issues. This suggests that when companies invest in being responsible and doing good for society, it can lead to better financial results for them and the investors. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
Responsible and sustainable lending by Financial institutions: a literature Review
The subject of the study is to use an extensive literature review to evaluate how academic research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is developing. The journals and papers in the ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Taylor&Francis databases served as the foundation for this literature review. The purpose of the study is to highlight essential papers, referenced journals importance, and potential future study directions. Determinants that impact the CSR performance of an organization are governance, profitability, firm characteristics, and minimum expenditure. The impact of CSR has been measured using accounting-based market value, risk, excess return on a stock, and moral capital. All the variables are discussed with strongly supported literature and then concluded by giving a framework. The novelty of our study is that it analyses new research trends while concentrating on the CSR research frontiers. The conclusion identifies possible areas for scientists to further develop their expertise, including sustainable and responsible financing and ESG strategy. Sachdeva S., Ramesh L., 2023. -
Measurement of Corporate Social Responsibility of Financial Companies in the Indian Context
Purpose: This study aimed to measure the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of financial companies (banks and NBFCs) in India. This paper used content analysis to quantify the CSR performance of financial companies. Financial institutions loan money to businesses utilizing assets owned by saving bank account holders, thereby heightening their societal responsibility. Methodology: Data from 63 financial companies listed on the National Stock Exchange from 20142015 to 20202021 were considered. Cronbachs alpha, descriptive statistics, and z-score test were used in this research to check the reliability and normality of the CSR scores. Findings: The results showed that private sector banks proactively participated in social activities compared to public sector banks (PSB) and non-banking financial institutions (NBFCs). Scores of CSR improved during the study period. Practical Implications: The study will allow future research because every issue and factor considered in the scale needs attention to benefit humankinds future generations. Calculated CSR scores could be used to measure the impact on the financial performance of companies. Originality: Unlike prior research on corporate social responsibility, the current work built a model to measure the CSR of financial companies. 2023, Associated Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd.. All rights reserved. -
Impact of moral and exchange capital on media favourability of financial companies in India
Purpose The purpose of this study is to illuminate the influence of institutional and transactional corporate social responsibility (CSR) on media sentiments in financial companies in India. This study is conducted to understand how different CSR strategies impact media perceptions, influencing the reputation and public image of financial companies in India. Design/methodology/approach This study examines the data of 56 National Stock Exchange-listed financial companies for eight years of data from 20142015 to 20212022. Panel data regression were used to analyse the data; fixed and random effect models were chosen based on the Hausman test results. Findings Financial companies moral and exchange capital negatively impact the medias favourability of financial companies in India. Diagnostic tests like autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity are also conducted to check the effectiveness of research models. Originality/value Although prior research has examined the effect of CSR on media sentiments, little is known about the impact of moral capital and exchange capital on media favourability of financial companies in India. 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited -
Risk management of technological accidents triggered by natural-hazards (Natech): A review of relevant indian legislation
The ill-effects of technological sites on the environment have been researched substantially across the world with particular reference to pollution. However, the threats posed by the environment to technological sites have rarely been studied. Such events, where natural forces trigger technological accidents, are called Natech accidents. It has been observed that developed countries are aware of this emerging hazard and they have responded to it by creating various legislative frameworks for managing Natech risk. In contrast, in developing countries, it has not yet received due attention. The present study has been done to understand the Indian perspective of the legal framework for Natech risk reduction. The study revealed that India has an elaborate legislative framework for disaster risk identification and management. Though there is attention to routine disaster risk, the risk from natural forces to the technological sites is rarely considered. Apart from recognizing natural forces as a threat, no specific legislation is available for Natech risk reduction. A developing country like India must manage the risk posed by natural forces to its technological infrastructure. There is a need for specific legislation to manage Natech risk, which will be an initiating force for the state of the art Natech risk management. 2021, World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Mechanical and tribological investigation on al lm4/tic composite fabricated through bottom pouring method
In the present investigation LM4 reinforced 6 wt% Titanium Carbide particles composite was developed by stir casting bottom pouring method. The cast composite specimen was obtained in a cylindrical shape of dimensions 50 mm dia and 100 mm length. The composite specimens were prepared for mechanical and tribological test as per ASTM standards. The obtained results reveal that the mechanical properties are high as compared to the as cast LM4 alloy specimens. Microstructure analysis confirms that the uniform distribution of TiC particles. Tribological test was performed using pin-on-disc machine based on Taguchi's design of experiments. L27 orthogonal array was selected by changing test parameter like applied load (10, 20, 30 N), sliding distance (600, 800, 1000 m) and sliding velocity (1.5 m/s, 2.5 m/s and 3.5 m/s). The most influencing test parameters were identified by using S/N ratio and ANOVA. The wear results reveled that wear rate increases as applied load increases, and it decreases with decrease in velocity. Also wear rate decreases as sliding distance increases and at some point, it became linear. The applied load was found to be most dominating (77.61%), sliding velocity (10.44%) and sliding distance (4.47%) are less dominating factors. Worn surface morphology was studied to understand the type of wear. 2021 elsevier ltd. all rights reserved. -
Exploring novice Indian school counsellors' experiences collaborating with teachers and administrators
Previous studies have shown that collaboration between school counsellors and other stakeholders such as teachers and administrators leads to improved outcomes for students and a better school climate. The current qualitative study explored the experiences and perceptions of novice school counsellors in India regarding collaboration with teachers and administrators. The sample included 11 novice school counsellors working in five different cities who were recruited using purposive sampling. The thematic analysis of the data collected via semistructured interviews revealed six main themes: 'Counsellors' perceptions about collaboration', 'Collaboration with teachers', 'Collaboration with administrators', 'Challenges faced during collaboration', 'Strategies helpful in collaboration' and 'Impact of training'. Implications discussed include the need for school counsellors to advocate for their role, the need for training programs to prepare stakeholders for collaboration, and the need for policies to integrate the role of a school counsellor into schools. The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press. -
Experimental Design of Interoperable Smart Lighting for Elderly Care
Smart Home attains an active role in elderly care. Vision impairments caused by aging makes elders more dependent and affects the circadian rhythm or body clock. Some vision impairments can be improved by providing additional lighting. Smart lighting is the leading solution in providing adequate quality of lighting which helps elders to perform their daily activities independently. Various smart lighting solutions for elderly care are proposed in past and failed to consider about the energy loss due to over lighting. Additionally, the solutions are more independent in nature and not integrable to existing smart home solutions. To provide a solution to these ongoing challenges, an experimental design has been proposed to manage the adequate quality lighting for elderly people by controlling the illuminance and color temperature of the light with a feedback mechanism. Also, this experiment has integrated into a popular smart home platform. The proposed design keeps monitoring the ambient lighting and maintains the room's illumination as required for elderly individuals. The functional behaviors of the experimental design are evaluated using a testbed. The result shows that the proposed design reduces the energy usage more than 50% along with providing adequate lighting for elderly individuals. In addition, this experimental design promises that the proposed method can be easily integrated into any existing smart home solutions with its native scripting framework. 2024 IEEE. -
Integrating LLMs into Smart Home Architecture: Design, Implementation, and Experimental Insights
Smart home systems are a key application of the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. These devices are either directly or indirectly connected to a network in order to perceive actions based on user willingness or sensing. As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) advances, Large Language Models (LLMs) are growing increasingly potent. Agents with LLM capabilities could be very supportive for smart home systems because of their natural language comprehension. In this paper, we introduce an LLM-powered smart home agent with real-time connectivity to smart home devices. This proposal has been experimented with and evaluated with typical smart home use cases. This experimental architecture illustrates a realtime scenario of a standard smart home, where sensors, lights, and switches are interconnected in a multi-tiered environment. The sensor, gateway, and switch modules are connected to the smart home edge server via a Web of Things (WoT) interface. The experiment has been conducted with various types of smart home use case prompts, including status requests, control requests, automation requests, and reasoning requests. The outcome of the experiment indicates that the addition of LLM to smart homes excels in natural conversational patterns compared to keywordbased agents. The prompt response time, which is unsuitable for time-sensitive tasks like anomaly detection, is a drawback, and edge LLMs could be a solution. 2025 IEEE. -
Palliative care in duchenne muscular dystrophy: A study on parents' understanding
Introduction: Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disease of childhood, which has clear progression. The international standardized care guidelines for DMD suggest that palliative care is essential for the affected children. Objective: To explore the parent's understanding of palliative care services available for children with DMD and the challenges faced by them in utilizing the same. Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative exploratory study was conducted among six families of boys diagnosed with DMD. A semi-structured interview guide with prompts was used to conduct in-depth interviews which lasted for an average of 1 h. Thematic analysis was done to identify the pattern or themes. Results: The major themes identified were 'palliative care, living with DMD, awareness about palliative care services and challenges.' Awareness about palliative care services is the dominant theme identified as influencing rest of the experiences narrated by the parents of children with DMD. Discussion: Integration of palliative care services from an early stage of the illness can help the child to make transition from one stage to another stage of the illness. To ensure the utilization of the available palliative care services, there is a need to create awareness about it among the general public. Conclusion: Introducing the concept of palliation of symptoms and ensuring quality of life of the child with DMD by accessing the available services can aid the parents to reach out for help for their child. 2021 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved. -
Virtual leadership program for adolescents with muscular dystrophy: a process evaluation
Children with muscular dystrophy go through the challenge of moving into adolescence compounded with the challenge of living with a debilitating muscle disease. This paper describes the process evaluation of a group leadership program for adolescents with muscular dystrophy. A five-day online program was conducted for 14 participants, 12 males, and 2 females, between 13 and 18 years, beneficiaries of Mobility in Dystrophy (MIND) trust, Kerala, India. The sessions, which lasted around one and a half hours each, focused on self-discovery through a participatory strength-based approach. The participants feedback was thematically analyzed. The process evaluation parameters, fidelity, dose delivered and received, reach, and context were found to be effective. The 100% attendance of the participants and their perceived improvement in self-confidence, self-awareness, friends circle, skills-set, and leadership were identified as positive outcomes. Psychosocial intervention programs through the online platform, with structured follow-ups for adolescents with life-limiting conditions would be beneficial. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Telehealth Services for an Adolescent with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The neuropalliative approach in a hospital setting for neuromuscular disorders is essentially multidisciplinary in focus and involves co-ordinated interventions. This case report describes an intensive case management approach through telehealth services provided from a hospital context in South India for psychosocial interventions for an adolescent with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Case management interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic were provided through sixteen sessions over the telephone, focusing on need assessment, service plan development, implementation, co-ordination, and monitoring. Major strategies were crisis management, supportive psychotherapy, and cognitive-behavioural strategies. Adaptations made to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic using telehealth facilities can be incorporated into routine clinical practice in low-resource settings. IMPLICATIONS Telehealth, which emerged as a viable option for providing effective psychosocial care during the COVID 19 pandemic, could be adopted to complement routine clinical care in low-resource settings. 2024 Australian Association of Social Workers.