Browse Items (9795 total)
Sort by:
-
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. -
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 -
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. -
Clan Culture in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Emphases: Expectations Among School Teachers in India
Understanding the current and preferred organizational culture among school teachers in India is a primary requirement, particularly when the National Educational Policy (NEP) is being implemented. Measuring the competing values using the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) provides information about the dominant characteristics of the organizational culture and the school teachers' preferences. We surveyed school teachers and received 273 responses. Research revealed that clan culture is the overall current and preferred organizational culture type. Many of the results are not a surprise. However, we found that organizational leadership is currently in the hierarchy culture and strategic emphasis is on adhocracy, whereas teachers prefer a clan culture on these dimensions. Teachers expect school leaders to be the ones who facilitate the path to achieve, provide mentoring, and are instrumental in team building. They prefer a culture that provides for the development of human capital, promotes high trust and transparency among teachers, and offers an opportunity to participate in decision-making. This study is unique as it measures schools' organizational culture that has not been done earlier in the Indian context. The results suggest implications on the leadership practices and the strategic emphasis that need to change, in order to facilitate the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). 2022. All Rights Reserved. -
THE VICIOUS LOOP OF BODY SHAMING AND SELF-PROJECTION: AN EXPLORATIVE STUDY OF INDIAN YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 20-30 YEARS OLD
Background: Body shaming leads to much insecurity that is often overlooked. Its impact results in many ways, either in the form of some mental disorder, non-acceptance of oneself, low self-esteem, decreased life satisfaction, etc. The Media adds to it by portraying perceived perfectionism in terms of appearance which at times acts as a trigger to people already suffering or going through these. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the psychological effects of body shaming on young people, and to analyze the role and impact of media in the portrayal of body image issues. Design/Methodology/Approach: A Semi-structured interview of 20 participants was carried forward (10 males & 10 females belonging). All Participants belonged to the age bracket of 20-30 years. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was conducted thereafter. Findings: All the participants mentioned that body shaming has affected their well-being and self-esteem and it led them to body shame others as well. It was also found that media has been marketing body image issues in many ways which created both positive and negative impacts. The following themes were generated based on analysis: age-appropriate body, rituals to fit in, marketing by accepting, after effects, the vicious loop, confusion to/and acceptance. Conclusion: The psychological impact of body shaming is often overlooked and that creates more damage. Similarly, the marketing of body image issues is so popular that often it is used in the form of humour. All of these experiences create a deep impact on people and lead them to the vicious loop of body shaming. 2022, RJ4All Publications. All rights reserved. -
Electro fabrication of molecularly imprinted sensor based on Pd nanoparticles decorated poly-(3 thiophene acetic acid) for progesterone detection
In recent years, scientific community has witnessed substantial interest in the design and engineering of electrodes as sensing platforms towards sensitive and selective detection of hormones. An electrochemical strategy for the detection of progesterone was proposed by generating a composite film comprising of palladium nanoparticles with 3-thiophene acetic acid (3-TAA) coupled with molecular imprinting technology. Progesterone molecule was employed as the template while generating molecular imprints by electropolymerization on the surface of the Carbon Fibre Paper (CFP) electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry were used to analyse the various modified working electrodes (CV). Characterization methods included field emission scanning microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, optical profilometry, and X-ray photon electron spectroscopy. Pd nanoparticles resulted in enhanced sensitivity and molecular imprinting technology contributed to its specificity. Because of the molecular cavities created on the removal of the template molecule, Nyquist plots data showed that the MIP/Pd/CFP electrode had the lowest charge transfer resistance compared to other control electrodes. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Recent advances in functionalization of carbon nanosurface structures for electrochemical sensing applications: tuning and turning
Carbon nanomaterial has garnered interest in the research fraternity owing to the multiple advantages which includes its earth abundance, good electronic conductivity, excellent tolerance to acidic/alkaline media, and very good biocompatibility. Because of the above-mentioned advantages, they have found their way through applications in catalysis, sensing environmental remediation, and biological application. Heteroatom doping and organo-functionalization of carbon materials greatly extends the arsenal of these materials and their potential for a spectrum of application particularly in the field of electrochemical sensing. This review focusses on the creation and development in the design of electrochemical sensors based on the usage of doped and organo-functionalized carbon materials. Emphasis is given on the distinct properties and synergistic effects resulting from functionalization and doping. We hope that this review would throw light into the minds of researchers who would like to tune and turn their work, such that it promotes further activities in this particular field of research. 2021, Islamic Azad University. -
Molecularly Imprinted Scaffold Based on poly (3-aminobenzoic acid) for Electrochemical Sensing of Vitamin B6
Inadequate or excess consumption of Vitamin B6 (Vit B6) can have ill effects on the overall well-being of humans, thereby making it necessary to control their content and composition in the food we consume. A simple sensor is fabricated in this work for Vit B6 detection based on employing an electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) of 3-amino benzoic acid. The poly (3- aminobenzoic acid) (P-(3ABA)) film was electrodeposited by potentiodynamic cycling of potential with and without Vit B6 (template) on carbon fiber paper electrode (CFP). The modified working electrodes were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Field emission scanning microscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Optical profilometry and X-ray photon electron spectroscopy were used for characterization. Nyquist plots revealed least charge transfer resistance at MIP/CFP than other control electrodes due to the molecularly imprinted sites. Under the optimized experimental conditions the developed MIP sensor showed a linear range 0.6 ?M to 700 ?M, with a detection limit of 0.010 ?M. Also a value of the imprinting factor (? = 3.50) indicates very good selectivity of the prepared sensor towards Vit B6 detection over its structurally similar analogues in the analysis of real sample matrices. 2021 The Electrochemical Society ("ECS"). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited.