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Exploring Socio-Political Factors and Quality of Life Among LGBT Individuals in India
The quality of life of queer individuals in India is a result of a complex sociopolitical climate which is what this study aims to explore through qualitative methodology. Previous research has explored the social factors that impact the wellbeing of LGBT individuals in western countries, while the impact of politics on the wellbeing of marginalized groups is still largely unexplored. Through thematic analysis, this study found that family support and peer networks are the two most important social structures that determine the quality of life of LGBT emerging adults in India, whereas the impact of politics on wellbeing depends on the level of political awareness of the participants and their socio-political privilege in terms of caste, class and gender. However, there were significant differences in the relevant factors that affect the quality of life for cisgender and transgender participants which leaves room for further research. The findings indicate intra-community conflicts and changing dynamics within the community, and there needs to be extensive research on understanding the intersectionality of different identities within the community and their impact on the lives of queer individuals. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Enhancing the biodegradability and environmental impact of microplastics utilizing Eisenia fetida earthworms with treated low-density polyethylene for sustainable plastic management
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in food packaging and agricultural mulching, but its disposal generates macro, meso and microplastics that infiltrate the food chain and carry harmful substances. The present study aimed to improve remediation strategies for soils contaminated with LDPE and enhance the survivability of Eisenia fetida. The study dissolved LDPE in trichloroethylene and treated it with starch, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid and acetic acid, initiating thermo-oxidative reactions. The treatment decreased LDPE's crystallinity index from 48.48% to 44.06% (single treatment), 44.06% to 40.02% (double treat-ment) and 40.02% to 32.98% (triple treatment), achieving a 15.5% reduction in crystallinity. LDPE microplastics with 40.02% crystallinity showed lower mortality rates in Eisenia fetida earthworms compared to those with 44.06% and 32.98% crystallinity and untreated LDPE. When introduced to E. fetida, microbiota in the earthworm casts included unidentified species from Pseu-domonas and Zoopagomycota, known polyethylene degraders. Microbial analysis of treated LDPE microplastics showed changes in gut microbiota, including potential degraders from Aeromonas and Malassezia restricta. XRD (X-ray diffraction techniques analyses) and FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) analyses provided insights into distinct LDPE degradation patterns, identifying hydroxyl and carboxylic groups as functional groups. The study also investigated the ability of altered mi-croflora with treated microplastics to degrade LDPE, favouring decreased earthworm mortality rates. The crystallinity index of treated polyethylene further reduced from 40.02% to 23.58% after 21 days of exposure to E. fetida. This research advances the understanding of oxidised plastics' ecological impacts and will help to develop environmentally sustainable and biodegradable LDPE. Author (s). -
Fragile pillars of food security: exploring the challenges of availability, accessibility, and quality for global food regime; [Pilares freis da seguran alimentar: explorao dos desafios de disponibilidade, acessibilidade e qualidade para o regime alimentar global]
Hunger is a critical issue impacting a greater part of the world. Food distribution systems are failing millions of people, thereby leading to the crisis of food security. Various international declarations, like the UDHR and the ICESCR, have designated food and basic nutrition as integral elements of human rights. Therefore, provision for adequate and affordable food to all has become the dominant value for relevant regulatory and policy regimes. The problem is particularly sensitive to war-like events as is revealed by troubling statistics emerging against the backdrop of Covid-19, Russia-Ukraine War, and Israel-Hamas crisis. All these recent events have increased global food security concerns. This paper evaluates the fragile nature of food security in its multidisciplinary dimension. The methodology undertaken is a combination of quantitative and qualitative analytical mechanisms to explore the multidimensional issues of food insecurity. A systematic approach has been taken to identify food availability, food accessibility, food utilization, and environmental vulnerability as the intrinsic obstacles to any regulatory intervention. In this context, the paper analyses challenges to food accessibility as the core problem of right to food and food sovereignty regimes. It signifies the connection between the structural notion of accessibility and the legal concept of right to food through food sovereignty. It analyses the causal linkages between the problem of food security and other fundamental policy challenges, like poverty, unemployment, and social inequality. The international nature of the crisis is also manifested in the classic developed-developing nations divide. It, consequently, highlights the structural inefficiencies of the powerful international bodies, like the WTO, the World Bank, and the IMF. The comprehensive nature of the problem is explored through the idea of food sovereignty, which signifies the cultural sensitivity of food and nutrition. Food insecurity is not merely a productivity problem. The paper, therefore, suggests a consumer-centric model of food distribution and accessibility as an optimal and practical model for public policy and regulations. 2024 Centro Universitario de Brasilia. All rights reserved. -
Publication stress amongst scholars and faculties: a concern of mental health
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the seemingly entrenched culture of publish or perish on academics and lecturers mental health in academia. From an autoethnographic perspective, personal experiences of stress, anxiety and burnout are articulated and considered in terms of broader system issues within academia. Design/methodology/approach: Using personal reflections on publication pressure and combining that with the broader existing literature on mental health in academia, this paper, like the ones mentioned above, has been written with autoethnography as the research mode. Autoethnography is a research method that allows for profoundly exploring personal experiences but frames them in a broader academic context, thereby allowing for a qualitative analysis of academics mental health challenges. Findings: The pressure to publish in high-impact journals puts a person under a level of mental health stress that includes feeling anxious, feeling like an impostor and suffering from burnout. Therefore, this very unfitting competitive environment requires institutional support and strategies to mitigate the stress associated with publication. Originality/value: This paper offers an autoethnographic view of the mental health difficulties in academia, providing a firsthand account of the emotional toll of academic publishing. This paper fleshes out the burgeoning discourse surrounding mental health within higher education by connecting personal experiences with systemic issues, pointing to changes in culture and structure. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
I am lost in that reality, and I'm just playing the game: a qualitative study exploring gaming behaviour and its effect on young adults in India
The current study aims to explore gaming behaviour among young adults in India and its effects on their physical and emotional health, productivity, interactions, and social life. Data were collected from 12 avid gamers through in-depth semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the global theme and organise themes from the data. The global theme was the exploration of contemporary gaming behaviour. The habit theme included the origin of the game, practice, and change over time, while the effects theme focused on the physical and emotional health, productivity, interactions, and social life of young adults who engaged in gaming. The findings suggest that gaming behaviour has become an established habit among young adults in India, significantly affecting various aspects of their lives. The study highlights the need for increased awareness of the potential negative consequences of excessive gaming and emphasises the importance of moderation in gaming. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT: ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES
Employee engagement is the emotional connection and dedication that employees feel towards their organisation. It is a term used to describe how dedicated, enthusiastic and involved employees are towards/with their job and the organisation they work for. Antecedents are the variables that influence and contribute towards employee engagement, while consequences are the outcomes linked with employee engagement. Attrition of intellectual capital, disengagement with work, issues of conflict with students, lack of job satisfaction, etc. in the centres of higher education are becoming a burgeoning problem and constructive employee engagement is seen as the solution to these issues. The present study aims to examine the factors responsible for employee engagement as well as the outcomes that are derived due to effective implementation of employee-engagement practices. Data has been collected from 117 faculty members of higher-education institutions from South India using simple random sampling. Data has been analysed with the help of Excel, SPSS and AMOS, using statistical tools like T-test, ANOVA and SEM. The proposed model reflects strong positive association between antecedent variables like autonomy, rewards and recognitions, and fair and equitable treatment and employee engagement, and job satisfaction, organisational commitment and intention to stay as the outcomes of employee engagement. 2024 Published by Faculty of Engineering. -
Design of a new curve based cipher
This work aims to develop a model with curve based cryptographic scheme which supports Confidentiality and Authentication at low computing resources and equal security. T TARU PUBLICATIONS. -
Investigating Salt-Finger Convection Under Time-Dependent Gravity Modulation in Micropolar Liquids
This paper investigates how gravity modulation affects salt-finger convection in a micropolar liquid layer confined between two parallel, infinitely long plates separated by a thin gap. The system is heated and has solute added from above. The study uses linear stability analysis to examine when and how salt-finger convection, driven by the salt-finger process, begins. To analyze this, the partial differential equations governing the system are solved numerically using normal mode analysis. The Venezian approach is applied to find the critical Rayleigh number and the solutal Rayleigh number, which are key to understanding the onset of convection. Also, the paper explores how different micropolar fluid parameterssuch as the coupling parameter, micropolar heat conduction parameter, couple stress parameter, and inertia parameteraffect the system when gravity modulation is present. It is found that gravity modulation can either stabilize or destabilize convection, depending on its frequency. At very high frequencies (approaching infinity), the effect of gravity modulation becomes minimal, having little impact on the convection process. The paper also examines the relationship between the critical Rayleigh number and the solutal Rayleigh number, which are related to heat and solute concentration, respectively. 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Discrete financial in sentimental analysis using exploring patterns and trends
In todays rapidly evolving financial environment, its crucial for investors and decision-makers to effectively analyze stakeholder communications to gain valuable insights. This research conducts a comprehensive evaluation of a range of models that utilize machine learning, such as CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), LR (Logistic Regression), Doc2vec, and LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory), to determine their efficacy in interpreting investors sentiments and predicting business assessments and trading dynamics. The justification for preferring deep neural architectures compared to conventional data analysis lies in the challenge of handling extensive amounts of diverse and unorganized data. Deep learning techniques have shown impressive capacity in automatically detecting complex characteristics and unveiling concealed patterns within written records, rendering them well-suited for sentiment analysis in financial dialogue. This research questions the notion that depending exclusively on data from a solitary origin leads to persistently effective investment moves. In fact, stakeholder communication is impacted by numerous influential elements, leading to diverse sentiments and sentiments. Through our comparative assessment, we aim to illuminate how various deep learning models can adeptly capture the intricate nuances of sentiment within fiscal messaging. 2024, Taru Publications. All rights reserved. -
Gendered Informality: An Assessment of Operational Attributes and Entrepreneurial Performance of Female-Owned Enterprises in Jharkhand
The present study utilises the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO)s 73rd round unincorporated non-agricultural enterprise data to analyse diverse operational and economic attributes of female-owned enterprises and their influence on enterprise performance with regard to enterprises gross value added (GVA) in the state of Jharkhand. The study additionally endeavours to ascertain the correlation amidst the operational attributes and the type of enterprise owned (established or own account) in the state. From a methodological standpoint, the current inquiry incorporates exploratory and regression analysis to give a comprehensive understanding of female entrepreneurship in Jharkhand and its gender differentials. The study findings indicate that specific attributes such as enterprise registration, account maintenance, enterprise locating outside the household premises, expanding and perennial status have a positive association with the GVA of the female-owned enterprise. It further highlights that female entrepreneurs, especially from marginalised backgrounds, view entrepreneurship as a necessity rather than a choice. There exists a notable gender disparity, with majority of enterprises owned by females predominantly operating within residential premises. Moreover, female involvement in a well-established enterprise is substantially lower compared to male workers, thus indicating an inverse correlation between the nature of the enterprise and its employment framework. 2024 Institute of Rural Management, Anand, Gujarat, India. -
CONVECTIVE INSTABILITY IN POROUS MEDIA: IMPACT OF CHEMICAL REACTION ON MAXWELL-CATTANEO COUPLE-STRESS FERROMAGNETIC FLUIDS; [??????????? ??????????? ? ???????? ???????????: ????? ???????? ??????? ?? ?????????? ??? ?????????-???????? ? ????????????? ???????]
The current study analyzes the initiation of convection in a Maxwell-Cattaneo couple-stress ferrofluid within a porous layer, considering the effects of a chemical reaction. Small perturbations are applied to the fluid under the assumption of a zero-order energy release chemical reaction. The system is cooled from the upper layer while maintaining a steady temperature at the lower boundary. We employed linear stability analysis and determined Rayleigh number using the Galerkin Method (GM). This study emphasizes the influence of magnetic, chemical, Maxwell-Cattaneo, and couple-stress parameters on the initiation of ferro-convection. The findings indicate that both magnetic and chemical reaction parameters hasten the initiation of ferro-convection, while the porous medium and couple-stress parameters have a stabilizing effect. Notably, it is demonstrated that the destabilizing effects of chemical reactions and magnetic stresses can be effectively regulated in the presence of couple-stresses. The solutions provide insights into the potential application of ferromagnetic fluids for controlling efficient heat transfer mechanisms. 2024 Oles Honchar Dnipro National University. -
SECURE DOMINATION IN TRANSFORMATION GRAPH Gxy+
In this paper, we characterize graphs for which the secure domination number of the transformation graph Gxy+ is 1 or 2. Also we prove that for any connected graph G with at least 4 pendant vertices, the secure domination number is greater than or equal to the secure domination number of the transformation graph G-++. We also find a bound for the secure domination number of G-+ when G is a tree. 2024 Jangjeon Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences and Physics. All rights reserved. -
Mechanics of SH and anti-plane SH waves in orthotropic piezoelectric quasicrystal with multiple surface effect
Significant restrictions have been found in the selection of piezoelectric materials and the direction of wave propagation in earlier studies on surface acoustic wave sensors. The primary goal of the current work is to investigate how wave propagation direction influences the performance of SAW macro- and nano-sensors in an effort to remove such barriers in the technological revolution of SAW sensors. A proposed model is established to study Shear Horizontal (SH) and anti-plane SH wave propagation in piezoelectric materials with surface effects. The theoretical forms are constructed and used to present the wavenumber of surface waves in any direction of the piezoelectric medium, based on the Extended Stroh formalism. In addition, we take into account surface elasticity theory in order to obtain the phase velocity equation based on the wavenumber expression. The model incorporates surface elasticity, piezoelectricity, and permittivity to account for nanoscale surface phenomena. Two configurations are examined: an orthotropic piezoelectric material layer over an elastic framework and a piezoelectric material half-space with a nano substrate. Analytical expressions for frequency equations are derived for both symmetric and anti-symmetric waves. Numerical results highlight the critical thickness of the piezoelectric layer, where surface energy significantly influences dispersion properties. The effects of surface elasticity and density on wave velocity are analyzed, revealing a spring force-like influence on boundaries. The research investigates SH wave transmission in anisotropic, transversely isotropic piezoelectric nanostructures. The findings could aid in designing SAW devices and piezoelectric sensors, as well as producing more effective surface acoustic wave sensors, based on recent theoretical work summaries. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
EXPLORING THE NEXUS: DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS OF URBAN LOCAL PUBLIC SPACES AND CHILDRENS PLAY BEHAVIOR IN BANGALORE, INDIA
Research in the field of childrens play highlights its diverse benefits on developmental requisites. Specifically, parks and playgrounds emerge as key public spaces in an urban environment, which facilitates a range of play experiences conducive to developmental processes. The main aim of the study is to examine the design characteristics of formal public spaces that influence play behavior of children and the supervision modalities in the Indian context. To achieve this objective the study investigated a park and playground in a rapidly developing neighborhood in Bangalore. Systematic observations were conducted to observe childrens play opportunities with respect to the physical environments including adult supervision modalities. The outcomes reveal that childrens play in the urban context is a supervised activity. The study demonstrates a strong correlation between the age demographics and utilization patterns of play spaces. Though affordances for functional play and rule based games were exhibited in these public spaces, the research found minimal occurrences of Constructive, Imaginative and Exploratory play. Implications for planning and design includes adopting an age-responsive approach to accommodate diverse developmental needs and preferences of children while integrating natural and manipulable materials to enhance play value of play spaces. 2024, Jomard Publishing. All rights reserved. -
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. -
Comparing the roles of cryptography and blockchain technology in relation to Internet of Things
Cryptography and blockchain technology are super important for keeping all our smart devices safe in the Internet of Things (IoT) which can be considered as social security. As more and more of our gadgets connect to the internet, we really need to make sure theyre secure. This article talks about how we can use blockchain technology with IoT devices. Introduction and literature survey provides the challenges of having cryptography and blockchain technology in relation to Internet of Things, the proposed methodology provides the limited internet speed, and how blockchain affects how fast our devices can work and compare the cryptography attributes and blockchain technologies with the IoT world. To maintain the data safe and securely and provide the integrity and provide the high throughput, the Weight Allocation Authority (WAA) gives priority to users based on their characteristics. The Secure Hash Algorithm-512 helps make bigger data smaller. This work deals with the Hybrid Weighted Algorithm (HWA) and how IoT devices can improve the faster data transmission securely. WAA and HWA algorithms canalso create a safe and decentralized system that can quickly stop any bad transactions. 2024, Taru Publications. All rights reserved. -
Experimental Investigation of Salt Hydrate Phase-Change Material (Shape-Stabilized) Applied to a Solar Collector
A complex element of water heater by solar power involves the requirements of storage tank, which not only occupies considerable space but also adds com-plexity to the plumbing and installation procedures; this research marks the initial endeavor to practically utilize shape-stabilized (SS) phase-change material (PCM) within a tank-less, evacuated tube with direct absorption (ET-Direct Absorption) solar collector. The primary objective was to tackle challenge of storage of the solar power. A PCM (salt hydrate) was proposed, with different component concentrations explored to determine the most effective mixture. Once the optimal compound was identified, it underwent rigorous testing over numerous cycles to ensure its sustainable its storing capabilities. Additionally, the planetary system was charged in dormancy mode (without flow of water) and subsequently discharged at the rate of flows of 15, 25, and 35 liters per hour (LPH). Results indicated a note-worthy improvement in efficiency of the heat system in the stasis mode, which increases from 62 to 80% with the utilization of this heat storing cum collecting unit. Moreover, it was observed that transitioning from a rate of flow of 1525 LPH had minimal impact on the collec-tors heat gain, but using a rate of flow of 35 LPH sig-nificantly reduced efficiency of discharge. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Assessing stimulusorganism responses in impulse buying among young consumers on online platforms using a hybrid BWM-ISM approach
With the advent of online buying habits, this study employs three stages (identify, rank, and decode relationships) approach to investigate the enablers of online impulse buying behavior (OIBB) among young consumers. First, literature review in the backdrop of stimulusorganismresponse (SOR) framework was used to identify and experts opinions were used to validate 21 enablers of OIBB. Next, hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approaches, namely the bestworst method (BWM) was used to assign weights and rank; and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to decide mutual relationship among the top ranked enablers. Results indicate that promotion, product variety, and product quality are the top ranked enablers of OIBB among young consumers. The study develops a hierarchical model to simplify complex relationships among key enablers, clarifying impulse buying through the first-time use of the BWM-ISM approach in OIBB research. This enables marketers and e-commerce sellers to better prioritize critical enablers of OIBB. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply 2024. -
Green Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles Using Semecarpus anacardium Linn leaf Extract: Examination of Anticancer Activity and its Apoptosis Induction
Nanotechnology and biomedical sciences enable diverse molecular and cellular applications. Plant-mediated biosynthesis of nanoparticles, a green chemistry approach, offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods. This study focuses on developing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-NPs) using Semecarpus anacardium Linn (SAL) leaf extract (termed SAL@HA-NPs) as a capping agent and reducing agent. The presence of needle-shaped nanostructures was verified using SEM and TEM investigation. The presence of well-defined rings in the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns provided evidence for the polycrystalline nature of the SAL@HA-NPs). The XRD spectrum exhibited clear peaks that closely corresponded to the hexagonal patterns of HA, indicating a mean crystalline diameter of 54.25nm. The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of biomolecules from Semecarpus anacardium Linn leaves on the surface of the nanoparticles. The suspension of SAL@HA-NPs displayed a polydispersity index of 0.445 and demonstrated excellent stability, as indicated by the zeta potential of -32.2 mV, as observed in the DLS tests. The SAL@HA-NPs exhibited a harmful effect on the HeLa cervical and HepG2 liver cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 52g/mL. Fluorescence microscopy revealed the deformation of the damaged cell membrane, fragmentation, and cell death following treatment with SAL@HA-NPs. The Annexin V-FITC and PI staining confirmed the mode of apoptosis by flow cytometric analysis. Thus, the SAL@HA-NPs acquired in this study could have a crucial impact on the biomedical domain of cancer treatment. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
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.