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Antimicrobial potential of selected fruit peel extracts against multidrug-resistant bacteria: An eco-friendly approach
The rapid rise of multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria due to the misuse of antibiotics necessitates the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of selected fruit peels: Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, Musa acuminata, and Punica granatum. These extracts were tested against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The findings indicated that all four fruit peel extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the selected pathogenic strains. The effectiveness of the extracts followed the following orders: P. granatum > M. acuminata > C. papaya > A. comosus for S. aureus, P. granatum > C. papaya > M. acuminata > A. comosus for P. aeruginosa, and A. comosus > M. acuminata > C. papaya > P. granatum for K. pneumoniae. Notably, K. pneumoniae demonstrated high sensitivity to A. comosus extract with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL. S. aureus inhibition was observed with a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and M. acuminata extracts, while P. aeruginosa showed a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and C. papaya extracts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis along with structural elucidation using Gas chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), identified medicinally significant compounds like Tetracyclononane hexamethyl, phthalic acid, 9-octadecenal, 7-methyl undecane, 2-dodecyl-propanediol in these peels, likely contributing to their antimicrobial activity. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of these fruit peels as effective antimicrobial agents and highlights their role in sustainable waste management. : Author (s). -
Analyzing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practices and Ethical Leadership in Promoting Sustainable Business: A Structured Equation Modelling Approach
This study investigates the pivotal role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices and ethical leadership in promoting sustainable business development across diverse regions of India, specifically focusing on Goa, Kerala, and Gujarat. Employing a quantitative approach, data was collected from a sample of 300 respondents through a structured questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale. The survey assessed perceptions of CSR initiatives, the influence of ethical leadership, and their combined effect on sustainability outcomes within the regional business landscape. To analyze the data, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was conducted using Smart PLS software, enabling the evaluation of complex relationships and the validation of hypotheses. The findings reveal a strong, positive correlation between ethical leadership and CSR engagement, both of which significantly contribute to sustainable business practices. The study highlights that organizations adopting responsible and transparent business practices, guided by ethical leadership, are more likely to enhance their long-term sustainability and contribute to regional development. Furthermore, the research underscores the growing relevance of integrating CSR into core business strategies to align with sustainable development goals (SDGs). By incorporating a machine learning perspective, the study also suggests avenues for future research in predictive modeling and CSR impact assessment. This research adds value to the existing literature by contextualizing CSR within Indias varied socio-economic environments and offers practical insights for policymakers, business leaders, and sustainability advocates aiming to foster ethical and responsible business ecosystems across the country. The Author(s) 2025 This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits the use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source is given by providing a link to the Creative Commons license and changes need to be indicated if there are any. The images or other third-party material in this article are included in the articles Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the articles Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. -
Artificial Intelligence Driven Integrated Hydraulic and Pneumatic Pressure Control Systems for Advanced Regulation of Shut-off Valves
This study presents the design and implementation of an Integrated Hydraulic and Pneumatic Pressure Control System (IHPPCS), emphasizing the development of advanced regulating and shut-off valves (ARASVs) to improve precision, responsiveness, and operational safety across diverse industrial processes. By synergistically combining the strengths of hydraulic and pneumatic technologies, the proposed system addresses critical limitations of conventional fluid control methods, offering enhanced adaptability under dynamic load conditions. The Advanced Regulating and Shut-Off Valve (ARASV) serves as the system's core component, incorporating precision-engineered mechanismssuch as spring-loaded diaphragms and pistonsto regulate fluid pressure with high accuracy. Regulating valves ensure consistent pressure levels, while shutoff valves function as critical safety devices, instantly isolating flow during overpressure events. This dual-function architecture enhances both performance stability and system protection. Technical analysis of the ARASV design reveals significant advantages, including minimal response time lag, reduced hysteresis, and high repeatability under cyclic operation. The integrated approach enables real-time pressure modulation, improving energy efficiency and reducing mechanical wear. Practical evaluations conducted in simulated industrial environments confirm the superior control, fidelity and reliability of the IHPPCS. The findings underscore the transformative potential of hybrid fluid power systems in next-generation industrial automation. By merging the force density of hydraulic systems with the speed and flexibility of pneumatics, the IHPPCS represents a scalable, intelligent solution for complex pressure control requirements. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable and intelligent control systems, paving the way for more efficient, safe, and adaptive industrial operations. The Author(s) 2025. -
Artificial Intelligence based Smart Pneumatic Tools for Industrial Applications
This study presents the development and evaluation of a next-generation pneumatic instrument integrated with intelligent technologies aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability in advanced manufacturing environments. The system features smart sensors, adaptive learning algorithms, and real-time adjustable control mechanisms, enabling it to function effectively under extreme operating conditions. It handles fluid velocities up to 15.2 m/s and pressures as high as 720 kPa, demonstrating robust structural integrity and reliability. Notably, the instrument maintains precise control over material deformation with an accuracy of 0.05 mm, even under mechanical stress levels reaching 180 MPa and at a Reynolds number of 350,000. The embedded smart sensors facilitate instantaneous responsiveness to fluctuations in material behavior, dynamically optimizing both force application and energy efficiency. This results in a significant 30% reduction in power consumption, with operational power decreasing from 280 W in high-pressure scenarios to just 150 W under standard conditions. Furthermore, the tool exhibits superior thermal management, maintaining operational temperatures below 65 C. Its self-calibrating functionality, driven by intelligent algorithms, ensures consistent output, minimized error margins, and enhanced safety over extended use. Compared to traditional electrically driven systems, this intelligent pneumatic tool offers a more sustainable and cost-effective solution by reducing energy demand and extending service life. The integration of advanced sensing and control systems transforms conventional pneumatic tools into adaptive, high-performance devices suitable for modern, eco-conscious manufacturing setups. This research highlights the transformative potential of intelligent pneumatic systems in driving productivity, reducing operational costs, and supporting the transition to greener, more sustainable industrial practices. The Author(s) 2025. -
CONTINUANCE USAGE IN ONLINE TRAVEL PLATFORMS: THE ROLE OF RELATIONSHIP QUALITY
The Internet has become a quick significant information and shopping resource, especially for the tourism sector. With the development of secure information systems, travel plan and booking have become increasingly dependent on technology. As a result, travel platforms today have a significant impact on tourists choices and experiences. Based on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory, this study examines the factors influencing consumers continuance use intention toward travel-related purchase platforms. Specifically, it aims to investigate on how platform features affect relationship quality and continuance use. Data was collected from users with prior experience using travel platforms through a structured questionnaire, employing purposive and convenience sampling methods. The analysis was conducted using AMOS software to test both direct and indirect effects. The findings reveal that informativeness and privacy & security significantly impact relationship quality but do not influence continuance use. In contrast, customer support affects continuance use but does not have a significant impact on relationship quality. Moreover, relationship quality has a mediating effect between travel platform attributes and the continued use intention. The findings provide insights for enhancing long-term user engagement on travel platforms and offer key theoretical and practical implications. This study contributes to the body of literature on online travel by enhancing the knowledge on the continued utilization of online travel websites based on relationship quality . The findings also provide platform developers and tourism stakeholders to formulate credible and user-friendly web-based travel platforms that will necessitate frequent usage and facilitate long term competitiveness. 2026, Editura Universitatii din Oradea. All rights reserved. -
A TALE FROM GODS OWN COUNTRY: WALKING WOUNDED HILLS AND STRATEGIES TO RESTORE THE PARADISE
This article examines how a destination in crisis recoup after a devastating disaster and how the stakeholders are impacted by the disaster and explores the need of a strong destination governance policy in crisis situation. In the crisis settings the study includes a qualitative approach to understand the stakeholders impact and disaster assessment process that examines various facets of the natural disaster through a structured discussion with the impacted stakeholders. The studys primary focus is on the crisis management strategies adopted by the impacted district, Wayanad; to tackle the challenges that localities face within the devastating situation. This study proposes a framework that could facilitate speedy crisis management responses. The findings indicate the role of governing bodies, in handling crisis management scenario over internal strategies and strategy formulation. The dynamics of stakeholder engagement and tactical perspectives adopted by the state in the given prominence. This study examines how the Governing bodies and practitioners of the local governing authority; interpret the crisis situation and explores the tactical and strategic management initiatives for repositioning and rebranding tourism. The natural calamity has had a significant impact on the Livelihood and Topography of Wayanad, Kerala, India, making it extremely susceptible. This study aims to investigate how community resilience and rehabilitation were impacted by the natural catastrophe and the response of the key stakeholders. Design/ Methodology/ Approach The study analyses the impact of disaster and examine a multi-stakeholder assessment to capture varied dimensions of the disaster through a structured conversation. The research engages a qualitative approach and the data is captured through semi-structured interviews from the local community, tour operators, and destination management companies in Wayanad. A conceptual framework for community resilience competencies is proposed in the study, which may help with quick crisis management responses. The study's sample consists of key stakeholders; including representatives from the tourism industry, including leaders from the community, and local residents. The qualitative findings identify the disaster recovery strategies while, handling crisis management scenarios and examines the resilience mechanism adopted at the disaster struck regions by the stakeholders. The results strongly indicate; an imperative need for a good governance as an archetype for practitioners to lead with tactical and strategic measures to sustain the vulnerabilities. Lack of pre-disaster communications and protocols were missing elements leading to the devastating scenario during the disaster. Mechanisms for boosting tourism was lead well with the help of travel influencers and repositioning the destination image. Along with possible strategies and ideas that can help Wayanad's tourism industry, particularly in the post-disaster phase, this paper indicates strategies to restore the destinations brand identity and reputation. The study supports the "New phase of Normalcy" by including ideas and mitigative measures that the public sector should implement to address safety concerns. The State has well begun with the new reinstating tourism strategy through the new campaign Ente Keralam, Ennum Sundaram (My Kerala Ever Beautiful). 2025 Editura Universitatii din Oradea. All rights reserved. -
WOMEN'S SENSE OF BELONGING: MODERATING ECONOMIC, SOCIOCULTURAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ON COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Despite the tremendous development in the literature on sustainable tourism, the focus remains especially on government regulation and international cooperation. As will be seen, the present study is rare in adopting a bottom-up approach that focuses on the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of the communities. Therefore, this study aims to explore the positive impacts of community-based tourism, including economic, sociocultural, and environmental factors, on sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, it investigates the moderating role of women's sense of belonging in such relationships. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to analyze the survey results from 183 Omani women. The participants were selected via convenience sampling, therefore facilitating efficient data gathering over the course of the investigation. Convenience sampling was approved given the exploratory nature of the study and the need to gain understanding from a particular demographic group - Omani women - who significantly participate in community and tourism-related activities in Oman. Data gathering ran from January 21 to the end of February 2024. The authors and research assistants distributed the questionnaires to local markets, cultural institutions, university students and community gatherings, among other places, in order to get a diverse sample of Omani women. The study findings illustrate that economic and environmental variables significantly influence sustainable tourism development within the community-based tourism framework; however, sociocultural aspects show a lesser association. Interestingly, women's sense of belonging functions as a crucial moderating factor, amplifying the positive outcomes of economic and environmental factors on tourism sustainability. The results of the study considerably progress the theoretical knowledge of community-based tourism (CBT) by defining the complex connections between economic, social, and environmental components as well as the moderating function of a feeling of belonging (PS). This research delivers important practical uses to policymakers and tourist planners as well as community leaders in Oman who aim to develop community-based tourism. Environmental stewardship holds significant importance because its positive moderation effects strengthen the connection between ENV and STD, according to study findings. 2025 Editura Universitatii din Oradea. All rights reserved. -
Long-term adaptation study of bacterial isolates of plant growth-promoting bacteria in heat-stressed conditions
In many bacterial species, there is still a lack of comprehensive research and characterization of the basic mechanisms behind bacterial adaptation. Furthermore, it's still unclear if prokaryotes can learn by association and adaptation. Since Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) are essential to the preservation of plant physiology and growth across a range of stress scenarios, PGPB can be utilized to analyze this adaptation of bacteria under stress. This study examines the initial findings on adaptive flexibility in PGPB under conditions of heat stress. The performance of the isolated PGPB receiving both periodic and non-periodic heat stress was compared to that of the control group. Characteristics such as ammonia and siderophore production, phosphate utilization, and amount of indole-3-acetic acid produced, as well as antioxidant activities like DPPH activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity were analysed. Following heat stress treatment, it was clear from the isolated PGPB that those under periodic stress were able to outperform the PGPB exposed to non-periodic stress in comparison to the control. When compared to the other isolates in our investigation, the two novel strains of Paenibacillus alvei SJ6 and Paenibacillus alvei SJ8, among the four isolated PGPB have demonstrated the greatest capacity to respond to sporadic heat stress. Therefore, preliminary evidence for the existence of history-dependent adaptation has been examined in this work. (2026), (University of Food Technologies Plovdiv). All rights reserved. -
Eco-friendly valorization of fruit peels: Physicochemical and functional characterization for feed industry applications
The fruit processing industry generates large amounts of fruit peels as waste. These peels, however, are rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolics, with excellent antioxidant properties. Utilizing them as feed ingredients provides an eco-friendly waste management solution and adds value to the processing chain. This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical (e.g., pH, ash, moisture content, crude lipid, crude fibre, carbohydrates content) and functional properties (e.g., bulk density, tap density, flowability, porosity, water and oil absorption capacities, foaming capacity, stability, and least gelation concentration) of selected fruit peels such as Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, Musa acuminata, and Punica granatum. The findings highlight the potential of the selected fruit peels as valuable feed ingredients. The low bulk density and tap density in M. acuminata peels (0.29 0.01 g. cm-3 and 0.31 0.01 g. cm-3, respectively) helps in enhanced palatability. M. acuminata peels also showed excellent water and oil absorption (5.30 0.10 mL. g-1 and 1.570.05 mL. g-1) and porosity (71.15 2.22), indicating their role as effective food hydrocolloids, improving digestibility and binding properties. Notably, P. granatum, C. papaya and A. comosus peels also demonstrated strong performance across all selected parameters, suggesting their utility in the feed industry. While the ash content was notably high in M. acuminata peels, all fruit peels exhibited high fibre content, which is beneficial for digestive health and gut functionality in livestock. These properties contribute to better feed stability, energy retention, and eco-friendly production, promoting sustainable waste valorization practices. 2025 University of Food Technologies Plovdiv. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the linkage between digital transformation, green innovation, and carbon neutrality: Implications for business sustainability
Achieving business sustainability progressively depends on alignment of digital transformation, green innovation and carbon neutrality initiatives. This study aims to identify and prioritize the key factors to achieve green innovation and carbon neutrality. Based on the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the Grey Ordinal Priority Approach (G-OPA) is applied to evaluate the relative importance of factors under uncertainty using insights from 14 industry experts. The results highlight 16 critical factors, with "Digital orientation", "Innovation capability"and "Optimizing energy consumption structure"as three most influential factors that businesses must address to effectively integrate digital transformation strategies with sustainability initiatives. The study contributes a structured understanding of how digital transformation drives sustainability and provides practical guidance for managers and policymakers pursuing carbon-neutral strategies. 2026 Ashish Dwivedi et al. -
Ayurvedic Ethics: Traditional Foundations and Contemporary Relevance
Ayurveda is a widely practised traditional medical system in India in which clinical practice and moral philosophy are intrinsically linked. Classical concepts, such as Sadv?tta (good conduct) and Chikits? Chatu?p?da (four pillars of treatment), define physician duties, patient care, and community responsibility, reflecting a holistic approach to health. This short communication examines how these frameworks, rooted in historical and cultural contexts, can inform contemporary debates on medical ethics. It explores their continuing relevance in strengthening patientphysician trust, promoting equitable access to care, and shaping the moral responsibilities of healthcare providers in an era of increasing commercialisation. Drawing on these enduring principles, the paper argues that Ayurvedic ethics can offer culturally grounded yet adaptable guidance for modern medical practice. By integrating these insights into present-day discourse, Ayurvedic ethics contribute to inclusive, context-sensitive, and ethically robust approaches to healthcare ethics that address both local traditions and the universal principles of compassionate, ethical medical care. Journal of Research on History of Medicine. -
The Prevalence of Alcohol and Tobacco Use Among Adolescents aYoung Adults in Bengaluru, India
Background: Substance use can affect scholastic performance. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of alcohol and tobacco use and associated outcomes of their use among adolescents and young adults. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in Bengaluru, India, over the period of September 2017 to September 2021. The study participants included students enrolled in pre-university courses, undergraduate colleges, and higher secondary classes (11th and 12th grades). Upon obtaining consent/assent, the study participants completed a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire covering basic demographics and history of alcohol and tobacco use and their associated characteristics. Data were summarized using frequencies, medians (IQR), and proportions with 95% CI; sex-wise differences were assessed using Chi-square test and odds ratios, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Results: A total number of 4093 students participated in the study including 54.41% (n=2227) male and 45.59% (n=1866) female students. Lifetime alcohol use was reported by 33.33% (95% CI: 31.8834.79; n=1364) and tobacco use by 17.84% (95% CI: 16.6719.04; n=730) of the study participants. Curiosity was the most commonly reported reason for initiating alcohol (55.2%) and tobacco use (48.8%). Among alcohol consumers, 12.4% reported having sought help to quit, with no significant sex-wise difference (OR 1.234; 95% CI 0.8861.719; P=0.213). In contrast, 34.2% of tobacco users reported having sought help to quit, which was significantly more common in men than women (OR 1.483; 95% CI 1.0802.037; P=0.015). Conclusions: Alcohol and tobacco use appeared more common in Indian adolescents in our study compared with previously reported rates in the countrys general population. Therefore, appropriate interventions should be planned in early school/college days by the concerned authorities. 2026, International Journal of School Health. -
Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) Aware Signal Shaping in UFMC: An Adaptive Orthogonal Precoding and Gaussianized Companding Approach
Universal Filtered Multi-Carrier (UFMC) is a promising waveform for 5G and beyond wireless systems due to its superior spectral localization and low-latency characteristics; however, its high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) significantly degrades power amplifier efficiency and causes nonlinear distortion and out-of-band (OOB) emissions. To address these limitations, this paper proposes an Adaptive Hybrid Orthogonal Precoding with Gaussianized Companding (AHO-PCG) framework for PAPR-aware UFMC transmission. The proposed approach integrates adaptive orthogonal precoding, Gaussianized Dynamic Companding (GDC), and Selective Subcarrier Companding (SSC) within a joint optimization loop to balance PAPR reduction, signal fidelity, and spectral containment. Gaussianization reshapes the signal amplitude distribution to suppress extreme peaks, while adaptive precoding dynamically selects suitable orthogonal transforms based on signal characteristics, and SSC limits nonlinear processing to dominant peak-contributing subcarriers. Simulation results under 3GPP LTE-compliant parameters using QPSK, 16-PSK, and 64-QAM demonstrate that AHO-PCG achieves up to 4.4 dB PAPR reduction at a CCDF of 10-3, reduces EVM to 2.9%, suppresses OOB emissions to 42 dBm, and improves BER by up to an order of magnitude compared to baseline UFMC. These gains are achieved with a modest processing overhead, making the framework suitable for real-time 5G baseband implementations and extensible to future 6G waveform designs. 2026 Mahendrapublications.com, All rights reserved. -
Analysis of skip-lot sampling plan of Type 3 with multiple reference criteria
In the modern quality control segment, the skip-lot sampling plan is still significant among all others plans due to rising production volumes and the demand for cost-effective inspection methods that will yield high-quality outputs. Unlike other sampling plans, while inspecting a submitted lot, a skip-lot plan is economically advantageous and ensures high quality. The skip-lot sampling plan utilizes single sampling plan (SSP) or double sampling plan (DSP) as the reference plan during both normal and skipping inspections. However, using these plans as the reference can lead to bias, favouring either the producer or the consumer. In this paper, a novel approach is illustrated where the skip-lot sampling plan of type 3 is having the provision of two different reference plans in the normal and skipping phases. The proposed plan is termed as the Multi-Reference Skip-lot Sampling Plan of type 3 (MR-SkSP-3). The plan is then compared with the help of performance measures such as operational characteristic (OC) function and average sample number (ASN). The comparison is done between the proposed plan and existing skip-lot sampling plans which use single sampling plan or double sampling plan as reference plan in both inspection phases. The comparison is made based on performance measures with graphical and tabulated illustrations. The comparative analysis proves that the proposed plan successfully balances the satisfaction of both producers and consumers. By leveraging the strengths of conventional skip-lot sampling plans that use single reference plans, it achieves superior performance. 2026 The Korean Statistical Society, and Korean International Statistical Society. All rights reserved. -
RESPONSIBLE AI-READINESS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: VALIDATING A DUAL-MODEL FRAMEWORK FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT
Aim/Purpose This study validates a responsible artificial intelligence (AI) framework designed to strengthen AI-readiness among higher education faculty in India. Background With the increasing use of AI in education, faculty require structured support; however, faculty development models for responsible AI integration remain limited. Methodology A mixed-methods pilot study with ten humanities and performing arts faculty used a dual-model evaluation approach. Three sessions from the framework were implemented, and data were collected through knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) surveys, cognitive-affective-psychomotor (CAP) performance rubrics, and reflective responses. Contribution This study validates a dual-model framework for faculty development regarding responsible AI readiness. Findings The adapted KAP survey demonstrated strong reliability, with higher AI knowledge associated with more positive attitudes. However, knowledge did not consistently translate into practice, highlighting the need for structured hands-on learning. CAP-based performance assessments and reflections indicated improved ethical awareness, critical engagement, and foundational AI-integration skills. Recommendations for Practitioners Institutions should embed structured AI-training for faculty, with authentic instructional tasks. Recommendations for Researchers Future research should test this approach across larger and more diverse institutional contexts. Impact on Society Developing AI-ready faculty can foster ethical and future-focused learning environments. Future Research Future studies should expand across disciplines and examine longer-term outcomes. (2025), (Informing Science Institute). All rights reserved. -
FROM CLASSROOMS TO CLICKS: EXPLORING STUDENT ATTITUDES AND CHALLENGES IN THE SHIFT TO DIGITAL LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Aim/Purpose This study is a cross-sectional survey that explores attitudes towards online classroom engagement, online assessments, exams, and challenges in digital learning. Background Educational institutions have adopted digital platforms with varying degrees of success. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted researchers and academics to reflect on digital interventions and their impact on pedagogy, learning, and assessment. However, in the present circumstances, online teaching, learning, and assessment will require learners to bring their own ethics, unrestrained by external institutional rules. Methodology The sample consisted of 1,017 students in higher education across India. The researchers developed a tool, the Digital Learning Scale, which was built on three factors: attitude towards online classroom engagement, attitude towards online assessments, and challenges in digital learning. This tool was used to collect data. Contribution The study results prove the effect of online learning and online assessments in higher education institutions. Findings The significant findings of this study are: (1) approximately 50% of the students prefer that there should be a balance between online and offline teaching, learning and evaluation; (2) there is significant positive high correlation between the last online exam and last offline exam scores; (3) there is significant positive correlations between attitudes towards online class engagement, attitude towards online assessments and exams and challenges in digital learning; (4) 65% of the students agree that digital learning increases social isolation; (5) 55% of the students agree that incidence of cheating by the students in online exams is evident. Recommendations Educational institutions should invest in robust strategies to promote academic for Practitioners integrity, provide technical support, and offer training programs that equip students with the necessary digital skills for achieving successful learning outcomes. Impact on Society There is a pressing need to prioritise digital literacy and integrity initiatives. Future Research Five years post-pandemic, research should be conducted in higher education institutions on the impact of online learning. (2025), (Informing Science Institute). All rights reserved. -
THE INFLUENCE OF STEM ATTITUDE, 21ST CENTURY SKILLS, AND TECHNOLOGY USE ON STUDENT OUTCOMES: A MEDIATION MODEL ANALYSIS
Aim/Purpose This study aims to investigate the relationships between students attitudes toward STEM subjects, 21st-century skills, and technology use, and how these factors influence STEM career interest and subjective well-being among adolescents in the 21st-century classroom. Background While positive attitudes, skill acquisition, and digital learning have been individually studied, their combined effect on students career aspirations and subjective well-being remains underexplored. Addressing this gap can show how these factors work together to support adolescent development. Methodology This study was grounded in established theories of learning and motivation. It employed a statistical method, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), to test a conceptual model. Data were collected from 1,302 students (grade levels VIII-XII) across 30 schools in Kerala, India. Also analysed were the mediating effects of mathematics and science engagement, teacher efficacy, and teacher leadership. Contribution This research offers a combined model that reveals how students attitudes, skills, technology use, and classroom teaching practices are connected. These factors are shown to influence both career motivation and well-being. Together, the findings provide a broader and clearer picture of modern education. Findings Students with positive attitudes toward STEM showed more engagement in learning. Effective and supportive teachers also influenced them. This influence shaped their career interest. Their well-being was improved indirectly through this engagement and career motivation, but their direct impact on well-being was limited. The model demonstrated good fit indices, supporting its structural validity. By addressing the gap in integrative models that link learner attitudes, competencies, technology use, and instructional mediators to both career and well-being outcomes, this study contributes a holistic framework for understanding adolescent development in modern classrooms. Recommendations Teachers should focus on fostering STEM-positive attitudes. They can enhance for Practitioners engagement through inquiry-based methods. They should also integrate 21st-century skills into everyday classroom activities. Teacher professional development should include leadership training and technology-enhanced pedagogy. Purposeful and regulated technology integration should be prioritized to avoid negative impacts on student focus and well-being. Recommendations Future research should explore the longitudinal effects of these variables across for Researchers diverse educational contexts and age groups. Alternative indicators of academic success beyond grades should be considered. These indicators could examine how digital and thinking skills apply across different subjects. Impact on Society By identifying pathways to both academic and emotional development, the study supports policy and curriculum reforms. These reforms aimed at preparing future-ready learners capable of contributing to innovation-driven economies while maintaining adaptability. Future Research Investigations should extend to virtual or immersive environments, examine differential impacts across demographic groups, and develop standardised tools for measuring digital literacy and well-being in diverse settings. (2025), (Informing Science Institute). All rights reserved. -
TRANSFER LEARNING TECHNIQUES AND APPROACHES FOR PREDICTIVE MODELING OF DISEASE OUTCOMES
Aim/Purpose In this research work, we have developed a predictive model that focuses on utilizing knowledge from the related domains. Background A serious public health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, is dengue fever, a viral infection passed by mosquitoes. Accurate early prediction of disease outcomes is essential for both efficient patient management and ef-fective use of resources. More complex methods are required since conven-tional prediction models could be faulty with limited labeled data and complex feature interactions. Methodology We propose a new strategy integrating deep attention mechanisms with trans-fer learning to enhance prediction modeling of dengue disease outcomes. First pre-trained on a large, linked dataset of common viral illnesses, a deep neural network enables the model to learn generic properties. We then iteratively im-prove our pre-trained model using a specific dengue dataset. Incorporating a deep attention mechanism allows for the focus on the most relevant features, improving interpretability and accuracy. Contribution Among logistic regression, random forests, and basic deep learning methods, current models reveal poor accuracy and dependability in forecasting dengue disease outcomes. These models sometimes fail to sufficiently depict the com-plicated interactions among clinical variables, especially under conditions with limited data. Findings The proposed method outperforms more traditional models pretty strongly. Our model acquired in the training phase an accuracy of 0.92, precision of 0.91, recall of 0.90, and F1-score of 0.90. It maintained high performance on testing with an accuracy of 0.91, precision of 0.90, recall of 0.89, and an F1-score of 0.89. Similar patterns were indicated by an accuracy of 0.90, precision of 0.89, recall of 0.88, and an F1-score of 0.88 validation results. The model also demonstrated a lowered loss (0.21, 0.23, 0.24 in training, testing, and vali-dation, respectively), higher true positive rates (0.90, 0.89, 0.88), and lower false positive rates (0.10, 0.11, 0.12). Deep attention methods and transfer learning offer a robust and effective strategy for predictive modeling of dengue disease outcomes, therefore considerably boosting accuracy and dependability. This approach offers considerable possibilities for dengue-endemic patient manage-ment and resource allocation. Recommendations for Researchers Investigations should prioritize the validation of the algorithm in various healthcare environments to assess its efficacy in clinical application. Future Research In future research, this work can be enhanced using several deep learning algo-rithms to achieve better accuracy and performance. This article is licensed to you under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. When you copy and redistribute this paper in full or in part, you need to provide proper attribution to it to ensure that others can later locate this work (and to ensure that others do not accuse you of plagiarism). You may (and we encourage you to) adapt, remix, transform, and build upon the material for any non-commercial purposes. This license does not permit you to use this material for commercial purposes. -
Financial Freedom, social Capital, and the Development of Rural Women Entrepreneurship in India; [?????????? ???????, ?????????? ??????? ? ???????? ??????????????????? ????? ???????? ?????? ? ?????]
Human resource development can only be achieved by promoting female entrepreneurship. There is a very low level of female entrepreneurship in India, especially in rural areas, which has recently been a cause for concern. Women are now aware of their existence, privileges, and employment circumstances.The subject of this research is female entrepreneurs in rural India, their contribution towards society, problems faced by women entrepreneurs in India, and initial steps taken by the administration for their development in Indias rural region. The research is explanatory. The primary data is used in the paper. The self-structured questionnaire was circulated to the women entrepreneurs in rural India. The data collected was analysed using a targeted sampling method in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences programme, followed by a study of the statistical results. During the survey, 44 respondents were interviewed. The results showed that among the most significant challenges were womens family responsibilities, gender inequality, financial difficulties, low risk inclination and competition between men and women. It was concluded that the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs could be addressed through appropriate incentives, training, encouragement, social recognition of their entrepreneurial capabilities and appropriate family support. Victor M., Elangovan N., Halaswamy D., Sonia M., 2024. -
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF IPE AND IE-AFFECTED PATIENTS USING A MODIFIED PSO AND ANFIS
Epilepsy, a complex neurological disorder, is particularly challenging to diagnose and manage when driven by genetic factors. This study focuses on the analysis of Idiopathic Partial Epilepsy (IPE) and Idiopathic Epilepsy (IE) in both children and women, using a novel approach combining Modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) with a 9-rule Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS). Four feature extraction techniquesDiscrete Wavelet Transform (DWT), Shearlet Transform (SLT), Contourlet Transform (CLT), and Stockwell Transform (SWT)are employed to process electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. The performance of the proposed MPSO-ANFIS model is evaluated and compared with existing methods. Results indicate that the SWT-ANFIS-MPSO method achieves superior classification accuracy for both IE and IPE patients, highlighting its potential to improve epilepsy diagnosis and treatment strategies. 2025, Institute of Mechanics of Continua and Mathematical Sciences. All rights reserved.