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The role of meditation and mindfulness in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a scoping review
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) presents multifaceted challenges affecting womens reproductive, metabolic, and psychological systems, consequently impacting their psychological and emotional well-being. The utilization of meditation and mindfulness interventions (MMIs) is found to be increasing for the management of PCOS. This scoping review systematically explored the current literature to identify the type and application of MMIs for PCOS management. A systematic search of literature was conducted using CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases for identifying studies conducted on the usage of MMIs in women diagnosed with PCOS, irrespective of age. The comprehensive search identified 14 trials (comprising 17 citations) meeting inclusion criteria, involving 723 participants across various age groups. Among these, nine were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while the remaining comprised non-RCTs. Several types of MMIs, including Rajayoga of Brahmakumaris, Yoga Nidra, OM cyclic meditation, unspecified forms of meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction programs, mindful yoga, and mindfulness-based activities, were used. Outcomes were predominantly assessed in psychological domains (n=11), followed by anthropometric (n=9), quality of life (n=7), and metabolic metrics (n=7). The review findings suggest the integration of meditation with conventional treatment modalities. Preliminary data indicate that MMIs have the potential to improve psychosocial well-being and quality of life among PCOS-affected women. However, adequately powered studies with extended follow-up periods are required to investigate the mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of MMIs, particularly concerning reproductive outcomes and weight management. Furthermore, diligent monitoring and reporting of adverse events and adherence are essential for a comprehensive understanding of MMI utilization in PCOS management. Copyright 2024 Rao, Pena, James, Phadke, Grover, Blendis, Choudhary and Kampegowda. -
The Role of Mega-events In Promoting Sustainable Behaviour: A Multi-group Analysis Using Micom
This study investigates the influence of participation in mega events, like Dubai Expo 2020, on factors related to environmentally responsible behavior. Data from 361 UAE respondents were collected, examining environmental concern, social and personal norms, ethical obligations, and perceived behavioral control. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and Multi-Group Analysis tested the hypotheses. The results showed that environmental concern, ethical ideologies, and perceived behavioral control had stronger impacts on the intention for responsible behavior in event attendees than in non-attendees. Attendees also demonstrated a stronger positive impact on sustainable consumer behavior. These findings offer valuable insights into environmental psychology, sustainability, consumer behavior, and event management, and can inform strategies for promoting sustainable behavior in industries such as travel, tourism, and hospitality. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
The Role of Mega-events In Promoting Sustainable Behaviour: A Multi-group Analysis Using Micom
This study investigates the influence of participation in mega events, like Dubai Expo 2020, on factors related to environmentally responsible behavior. Data from 361 UAE respondents were collected, examining environmental concern, social and personal norms, ethical obligations, and perceived behavioral control. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and Multi-Group Analysis tested the hypotheses. The results showed that environmental concern, ethical ideologies, and perceived behavioral control had stronger impacts on the intention for responsible behavior in event attendees than in non-attendees. Attendees also demonstrated a stronger positive impact on sustainable consumer behavior. These findings offer valuable insights into environmental psychology, sustainability, consumer behavior, and event management, and can inform strategies for promoting sustainable behavior in industries such as travel, tourism, and hospitality. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
The Role of Nanoparticles in Response of Plants to Abiotic Stress at Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Levels
In recent years, the global agricultural system has been unfavorably impacted by adverse environmental changes. These changes in the climate, in turn, have altered the abiotic conditions of plants, affecting plant growth, physiology and production. Abiotic stress in plants is one of the main obstacles to global agricultural production and food security. Therefore, there is a need for the development of novel approaches to overcome these problems and achieve sustainability. Nanotechnology has emerged as one such novel approach to improve crop production, through the utilization of nanoscale products, such as nanofertilizer, nanofungicides, nanoherbicides and nanopesticides. Their ability to cross cellular barriers makes nanoparticles suitable for their application in agriculture. Since they are easily soluble, smaller, and effective for uptake by plants, nanoparticles are widely used as a modern agricultural tool. The implementation of nanoparticles has been found to be effective in improving the qualitative and quantitative aspects of crop production under various biotic and abiotic stress conditions. This review discusses various abiotic stresses to which plants are susceptible and highlights the importance of the application of nanoparticles in combating abiotic stress, in addition to the major physiological, biochemical and molecular-induced changes that can help plants tolerate stress conditions. It also addresses the potential environmental and health impacts as a result of the extensive use of nanoparticles. 2023 by the authors. -
The Role of Perceived Organisational Support in Predicting Organisational Commitment and Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Professional Organizations
The study examined the "role of perceived organisational support in predicting organisational commitment and organisational citizenship behaviour in professional organisations". The primary data was acquired through a questionnaire from 200 respondents (employees from the finance and technology sectors) via a stratified random sampling technique. Excel and SPSS 26 were utilised for data analysis, and Statistical tools such as Anova, regression and correlation were used. The results demonstrated that perceived organisational support (POS) positively influences organisational commitment. Moreover, it has been found that perceived organisational support (POS) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) in professional organisations have a substantial correlation, and there are significant differences in the perception of organisational support, commitment, and OCB among professionals working in the technology and finance sectors. This study can assist decision-makers and managers in the finance and technology sector in creating a comprehensive plan for organisational support and development programs that effectively include employees in their job responsibilities. The study provides valuable insights into the importance of perceived organisational support in fostering organisational commitment and citizenship behaviour. 2024, Creative Publishing House. All rights reserved. -
The role of perception in recruitment processes
Perception is a crucial factor in recruitment processes that can significantly impact candidate selection, interviewer biases, and the recruitment experience. This chapter explores the role of perception in recruitment by discussing the perception process, factors that influence perception, and the effects of perception on recruitment. It offers strategies for overcoming biases and improving perception in recruitment practices, such as training and education, structured interviews, transparent communication, and positive candidate experience. By understanding the impact of perception on recruitment, recruiters and human resource professionals can design effective recruitment processes that attract suitable candidates and promote a diverse and inclusive workforce. Recognizing the role of perception has broader implications for organizations, as it can foster a culture of inclusivity where individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. This chapter provides insights into how perception affects recruitment and offers practical strategies for improving recruitment practices. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The role of personal harmony and organisational citizenship behaviour in enhancing job satisfaction of teachers working in Indian higher educational institutions during the COVID-19 catastrophe in the VUCA world
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a good example of a Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) world. Higher educational institutions (HEIs) have faced a massive hit because the jobs in this industry have become unexpected. Considering the most valuable assets 'Teachers' crunched in the VUCA crisis, the study intends to determine if personal harmony (PH) and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) would enhance teachersjob satisfaction (JS). Design/methodology/approach: Data are collected from the teachers of Indian HEIs and teachers who have experienced the impact of the COVID-19 catastrophe (VUCA). Considering the pandemic restrictions, data have been collected through an online survey (N = 364). Practical Implications: PH is an individual's internal quality and attribute that cannot be developed on force or situational need. Even in an uncertain situation, teachers have tried their best to contribute through professional service. Hence, people who possess PH contribute their best even though unsatisfied with their jobs. Originality/value: This study has focused on finding the relationship between two different variables, PH and OCB (which has not been explored in Asian countries, majorly in India, where it has a vast cultural diversity and structure influencing the educational policies) that hinders the factors influencing JS, where these two variables are highly influenced by hygiene factors such as values, culture, ethical standards, personal belief, leadership styles, and fair treatment showcased by the organisations/institutions. 2024 The authors. Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited. All rights reserved. -
The Role of Prescriptive Analytics on Product Availability Towards Improved Customer Loyalty in Quick Commerce
Quick commerce (Q-commerce) has transformed retail by enabling ultra-fast deliveries, requiring optimised product assortment and inventory management. While traditional e-commerce offers a broad product range and competitive pricing, its delivery limitations led to Q-commerces emergence, ensuring fulfilment within 30min to a few hours. This study applies prescriptive analytics, machine learning and optimisation algorithms to enhance decision-making in Q-commerce. Advanced forecasting models, such as LSTM networks, improved demand forecasting with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.25 and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.35, reducing inventory costs by 10%. Linear programming optimised product mix, increasing sales by 15%. LSTM demonstrated high accuracy in predicting demand patterns, ensuring the availability of high-demand products while minimising overstock. Market Basket Analysis (MBA) revealed significant product associations, streamlining fulfilment centre operations and enhancing cross-selling strategies. Market Basket Analysis (MBA) using the Apriori algorithm identified key product associations, reducing picking times by 20% and boosting order value by 12%, contributing to a 15% rise in overall sales. Personalised recommendation systems using collaborative and content-based filtering increased conversion rates by 20% and customer retention by 15%. Despite these advancements, challenges in computational feasibility and synthetic data applicability persist. Future research should focus on real-time analytics and adaptive inventory strategies to enhance scalability and efficiency. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026. -
The Role of Psychoactive Drugs in the Onset of Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Comparative Study of Alcohol and Drug Abusers
Psychoactive substances influence mood, cognition, and personality, with emerging synthetic drugs presenting new challenges. This study examines the impact of psychoactive drug use on the development of dissociative identity disorder (DID), comparing alcohol and drug abusers. A total of 120 participants (60 alcohol abusers, 60 drug abusers) from Suman Ellen Trust in Bangalore were assessed using standardized psychological instruments, including the Addiction Severity Index, Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule, Drug Abuse Screening Test, and Dissociative Experiences Scale. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative (ANOVA, Pearson correlation) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methodologies to analyze dissociative symptoms and substance use patterns. Findings revealed a significant difference in DID prevalence between alcohol and drug abusers (F = 55.88, p <.01), with drug abuse showing a strong positive correlation with dissociative symptoms (r = 0.790, p <.01). The study highlights the need for integrated clinical approaches addressing both substance use disorders and dissociative pathology. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to clarify causal mechanisms and develop targeted intervention strategies. 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
The role of psychological capital in shaping climate anxiety across generations
Background: Climate change has transitioned from a distant environmental issue to an immediate psychological reality that profoundly affects how individuals perceive their future and well-being. This study investigates generational differences in climate anxiety and examines the role of psychological capital (PsyCap) as a potential protective resource through the lens of Environmental Identity Theory (EIT). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 participants in Kerala, India, comprising Generation X (33.6%), Millennials (29.9%), and Generation Z (36.5%). Climate anxiety was measured using the Climate Anxiety Scale (Clayton & Karazsia, 2020), and PsyCap was assessed through the PCQ-12, encompassing hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and multiple regression, with effect sizes and confidence intervals reported. Results: Significant generational differences emerged for both cognitiveemotional impairment (F(2,381) = 3.83, p =.023) and functional impairment (F(2,381) = 6.15, p =.002). Gen Z reported significantly higher anxiety levels than Millennials (p =.045, d = ? 0.29*) and Gen X (p =.011, d = ? 0.35*). Regression analyses indicated that PsyCap and generation jointly predicted cognitiveemotional (R = 0.04, p =.008) and functional impairments (R = 0.056, p =.001), with self-efficacy emerging as a significant negatively associated with functional impairment (B = ? 0.12, p =.043). Conclusion: Gen Z experiences greater emotional and functional impacts of climate anxiety compared to older cohorts, while self-efficacy offers a modest buffering effect for functional impairment. These findings underscore the need for interventions that strengthen psychological resources and adaptive coping to mitigate climate-related distress among younger populations. The Author(s) 2026. -
The role of psychoneuroimmunology in mental health disorders: The intertwined pathways
The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), detailing the interactions between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system in relation to mental health disorders. It discusses how psychological stress can affect immune function, leading to altered neurotransmitter function and contributing to conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. The chapter also explores the influence of gut microbiota on the immune system and brain function and emphasizes the therapeutic implications of understanding PNI pathways for developing innovative and potentially life-changing treatments for mental health disorders. Overall, the chapter highlights the interconnected pathways of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems and advocates for a holistic approach to mental health care. 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The Role of Real Exchange Rate in Indias Service Export: Do Remittances Inflows Matter in Post Liberalization-Era?
This study assesses the effects of real exchange rate and remittance inflows on India's total service exports, comprising traditional and modern service exports, spanning the annual data from 1990 to 2020. The control variables for the service export function include developments in the banking sector and the stock market and net inflows of foreign direct investment. The ARDL model is the estimating technique of the present study. The real exchange rate has an adverse effect on total, traditional, and modern service exports, according to the long-run outcomes of the ARDL model. Remittance inflows are interestingly shown to support modern service exports while impeding total and traditional service exports. The growth of the banking sector is beneficial for traditional and total service exports, but it has a negative impact on modern service exports. All service exports are benefited by stock market development; however, net FDI inflows negatively impact all forms of service exports. Based on these results, thepolicymakers in India are advised to maximize the effective utilization of remittance inflows in traditional service exports. Additionally, proactive intervention by the central bank is recommended to mitigate the adverse effects of the real exchange rate on traditional and modernservice exports. This study also provides valuable insights for thepolicymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance India's service export performance while navigating the complexities of real exchange rates, remittance inflows, and financial factors. 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Japan KK, part of Springer Nature. -
The Role of Real Exchange Rate in Indias Service Export: Do Remittances Inflows Matter in Post Liberalization-Era?
This study assesses the effects of real exchange rate and remittance inflows on India's total service exports, comprising traditional and modern service exports, spanning the annual data from 1990 to 2020. The control variables for the service export function include developments in the banking sector and the stock market and net inflows of foreign direct investment. The ARDL model is the estimating technique of the present study. The real exchange rate has an adverse effect on total, traditional, and modern service exports, according to the long-run outcomes of the ARDL model. Remittance inflows are interestingly shown to support modern service exports while impeding total and traditional service exports. The growth of the banking sector is beneficial for traditional and total service exports, but it has a negative impact on modern service exports. All service exports are benefited by stock market development; however, net FDI inflows negatively impact all forms of service exports. Based on these results, thepolicymakers in India are advised to maximize the effective utilization of remittance inflows in traditional service exports. Additionally, proactive intervention by the central bank is recommended to mitigate the adverse effects of the real exchange rate on traditional and modernservice exports. This study also provides valuable insights for thepolicymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance India's service export performance while navigating the complexities of real exchange rates, remittance inflows, and financial factors. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Japan KK, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
The Role of Regular Meditation Practice, Trait Mindfulness, and Psychological Characteristics in Affective Startle Modulation: A Psychophysiological Study
Meditation practices, including mindfulness, are linked with adaptive emotional processing and regulation. Although startle response modulation among meditators has been studied using habituation and prepulse-induced startle inhibition paradigms, affective startle modulation, which refers to potentiation by negative stimuli and attenuation by positive stimuli (both relative to neutral stimuli), remains unexplored. This study examined how regular meditation practice, dispositional mindfulness, and affective difficulties influence affective modulation of the acoustic startle reflex. Seventeen meditators and thirty non-meditators were exposed to pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant images while their eye-blink startle responses were recorded. Participants also completed self-report measures of dispositional mindfulness, alexithymia, emotion regulation difficulties, depression, anxiety, and stress. Meditators, compared to non-meditators, reported higher dispositional mindfulness, particularly in the Observing and Non-reactivity domains, lower stress, and fewer difficulties in goal-oriented behaviour during negative emotions; they also had longer startle onset latencies, potentially indicating lower state anxiety, across the entire experiment regardless of the valence of visual images. Higher dispositional mindfulness correlated with lower scores on alexithymia, emotion regulation difficulties, depression, anxiety, and stress across the pooled sample. These findings suggest that mindfulness, whether cultivated through meditation or as a trait, reduces negative emotionality, highlighting its potential for emotional regulation and stress reduction. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
The role of religious and financial factors in eudaimonic well-being among Indian adults
Purpose: The available literature has explored the various psychosocial determinants of well-being to some extent. The earlier works have focused primarily on hedonic well-being with little focus on eudaimonic aspects. Therefore, this study aims to understand the role of parentchild religious attendance during childhood, religious connectedness, and financial-material stability on eudaimonic well-being among adults in India. Design/methodology/approach: The authors used the India data from Global Flourishing Study Wave 1 that addressed flourishing among adults above 18 years. The authors considered 9,076 Indian adults and used descriptive and correlation statistics. In addition, the authors conducted path analysis and t-test. Findings: The likelihood of eudaimonic well-being increased with parentchild religious attendance during childhood (= ?0.044, p < 0.01) along with religious connectedness (= ?0.112, p < 0.01) and financial-material stability (= 0.145, p < 0.01) as an adult. In addition, a significant difference existed in terms of religious connectedness and eudaimonic well-being with income and perceived feelings about income. Originality/value: This study emphasizes financial stabilitys relevance in well-being and suggests the importance of considering religious factors during childhood and adulthood. Emphasizing factors influencing eudaimonic well-being is relevant due to its influence on mental health and quality of life. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
The role of religious and financial factors in eudaimonic well-being among Indian adults
Purpose: The available literature has explored the various psychosocial determinants of well-being to some extent. The earlier works have focused primarily on hedonic well-being with little focus on eudaimonic aspects. Therefore, this study aims to understand the role of parentchild religious attendance during childhood, religious connectedness, and financial-material stability on eudaimonic well-being among adults in India. Design/methodology/approach: The authors used the India data from Global Flourishing Study Wave 1 that addressed flourishing among adults above 18 years. The authors considered 9,076 Indian adults and used descriptive and correlation statistics. In addition, the authors conducted path analysis and t-test. Findings: The likelihood of eudaimonic well-being increased with parentchild religious attendance during childhood (= ?0.044, p < 0.01) along with religious connectedness (= ?0.112, p < 0.01) and financial-material stability (= 0.145, p < 0.01) as an adult. In addition, a significant difference existed in terms of religious connectedness and eudaimonic well-being with income and perceived feelings about income. Originality/value: This study emphasizes financial stabilitys relevance in well-being and suggests the importance of considering religious factors during childhood and adulthood. Emphasizing factors influencing eudaimonic well-being is relevant due to its influence on mental health and quality of life. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
The Role of Semiotics in Digital Marketing: Study on Consumer Interpretation and Brand Communication
This paper aims to examine the concept of semiotics with an emphasis on the manner in which consumers analyse brand messages through signifying practices. Being the science of meaning, semiotics in central to the formation of perception towards brand image and communication. Given the proliferation of digital communications in many different channels, it is vital for modern marketing to engage with semiotic features. Hence, the present research uses semi structured interviews as its data collection method to explore how consumers assign meaning to visuals and the symbols used to depict them as a means of gaining their attention and securing their attention and loyalty. Research results indicates semiotic assets including picture, iconography, and storyline boost brand familiarity/identity and consumer bond. Culture- sensitive signs enhances perception and ensure that messages passed do not create confusion. These observations present marketers with valuable information useful when developing cultural and interpretational strategies in the market. 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. -
The role of service customisation and process innovation in enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement in pet care services: Evidence from India and the UAE
This study examines the impact of pet care service quality on customer satisfaction and engagement, with a focus on the moderating effects of service customization and process innovation in India (Study 1) and the UAE (Study 2). Using an adapted SERVPERF model, data was collected from 221 Indian and 238 UAE pet owners and analyzed through PLS-SEM and multi-group analysis (MGA). Findings reveal that in India, assurance, reliability, and responsiveness significantly influence customer satisfaction, which enhances engagement, but service customization and process innovation showed no significant moderating effect. In the UAE, reliability is the sole driver of satisfaction, while service customization and process innovation significantly moderate the satisfaction-engagement relationship. The PLS-MGA results confirmed that the moderating effect of service customization and process innovation was significantly stronger in the UAE than in India, suggesting that UAE consumers place greater value on personalized and technology-driven services, while Indian consumers prioritize fundamental service quality dimensions. These findings provide theoretical contributions by extending SERVPERFs applicability in the pet care industry and managerial implications for service providers aiming to optimize customer experience, engagement, and retention in emerging markets. 2025 American Society for Quality. -
The Role of Smart Education in a Complex World
The role of smart education is vital as societies confront rapid technological, social, and economic transformations. Smart education, driven by digital technologies, data analytics, and adaptive learning systems, personalizes learning experiences, enhances accessibility, and fosters critical thinking skills essential for the 21st century. In a world characterized by uncertainty and interconnectivity, education systems must evolve to prepare learners for dynamic, multidisciplinary challenges. By integrating innovation with inclusivity, smart education enhances academic outcomes and equips individuals to navigate complexity, collaborate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development goals. The Role of Smart Education in a Complex World explores how technology-driven, adaptive learning systems transform education to meet the demands of an interconnected world. It examines how smart education fosters critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning to prepare individuals for complex global challenges. This book covers topics such as special education, digital technology, and gamification, and is a useful resource for educators, sociologists, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and scientists. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The role of social antecedents in enhancing psychological safety for women in software development organisations: a mixed-methods investigation
Purpose: This paper aims to study the social influences on psychological safety among women employed in software development organisations in India. By integrating conceptual and practical perspectives, the research aims to provide insights into developing inclusive workplace environments for women. Design/methodology/approach: A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. In the first phase, qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 senior women managers to explore enablers of psychological safety and identify key antecedents, including supervisor support, coworker support, trust and social embedding. In the second phase, a quantitative survey using a five-point Likert scale was distributed to 300 women in operational roles, yielding 250 valid responses for statistical analysis. Findings: The results indicate that social embedding mediates the impact of trust and supervisor support on psychological safety. Furthermore, trust moderates the relationship between supervisor support and social embedding. Both coworker and supervisor support influence trust, which enhances psychological safety, underscoring the significance of social relationships in shaping workplace experiences. Practical implications: The paper provides valuable insights for firms seeking to develop HR policies and leadership practices that promote psychological safety for women. By emphasising the role of social embedding and trust, companies can create inclusive and supportive environments that enhance job engagement, retention and overall well-being. Originality/value: This research is a pioneering effort to explore the role of social antecedents in psychological safety among women in an emerging economy, contributing to the wider discourse on gender, workplace culture and organisational behaviour. 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited.