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Factor investing: evidence of long-only factor portfolios from the Indian market
The study examines the performance of long-only factor portfolios in the Indian market. An extended 8-factors model and well-known factor models are used to analyse the exposure and risk-adjusted performance of factor portfolios. The results reveal a mixed portfolio performance: market-driven factors like illiquid, winner, stable, and small offered better performance than those based on fundamental data like value, strong, and conservative. While the market factor is the primary return driver, the SMB and HML factors are the other standard return drivers. The portfolios showed exposure to the specific factor they are constructed upon, except for the strong portfolio. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Exploring Drivers of Healthcare Utilization amongthe Working and Non-Working Elderly Population: Insights from LASI
Background: The elderly population of India has been growing exponentially over the past few decades, caused by a decline in fertility and an increase in life expectancy. The growth eventually has transcended the disease burden on the public healthcare system. This calls for a need to evaluate the healthcare utilization pattern of the elderly based on their socioeconomic and working condition. Methods: Study used access to public and private healthcare services to measure healthcare utilization. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to understand utilization patterns by working status and some selected sociodemographic parameters. All the results were reported at a 95% confidence interval. Results: Using the data from the first wave of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) with a sample of 22,680 older persons 60 years and above. The study identified that 50% of the working elderly access private services; however, 26% access public healthcare services. It was found that the working status of the elderly alone did not influence access to healthcare services, but education is also an essential indicator for utilizing healthcare services. Further, factors such as gender, marital status, religion, wealth, tobacco usage, self-rated health, ADL and IADL were significant predictors of healthcare services utilization for the elderly. Conclusion: This study suggests that there are not many differences found among working and non-working status with healthcare utilization, although some sociodemographic indicators are associated with the utilization of healthcare services, highlighting that increasing health needs among the elderly requires strengthening the quality and appropriate public investment in health. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Trends in virtual influencers (VIs): A bibliometric analysis and SPAR-4-SLR protocol
This study aims to comprehensively understand qualitative and quantitative information about the current trends in VIs. It examines 106 articles published in Scopus-indexed journals between 2020 and 2024. The analysis was done with the help of Biblioshiny, an R-developed online application from the Bibliometrix package, and VOSviewer software for analytical and visualization purposes. This study was conducted using the SPAR-4-SLR protocol. The findings showed that recent years have been more productive, and many authors have demonstrated their interest in studying the VIs. Recent trends are social media, virtual reality, marketing, social networking, etc. The study employs a systematic review and bibliometric analysis to extract valuable insights from the extensive body of literature. These insights suggested several areas for future research, providing a roadmap for future researchers to proceed with their research in this area. The comprehensive scientific cartography of the area has yet to be presented; therefore, this study aims to synthesize the current knowledge frameworks within the field and determine the dominant research patterns in the specific area of investigation. 2024, Malque Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Modelling for working capital efficiency: integrating SBM-DEA and artificial neural networks in Indian manufacturing
Purpose: This study aims to present an innovative predictive methodology that transitions from traditional efficiency assessment techniques to a forward-looking strategy for evaluating working capital management(WCM) and its determinants by integrating data envelopment analysis (DEA) with artificial neural networks (ANN). Design/methodology/approach: A slack-based measure (SBM) within DEA was used to evaluate the WCME of 1,388 firms in the Indian manufacturing sector across nine industries over the period from April 2009 to March 2024. Subsequently, a fixed-effects model was used to determine the relationships between selected determinants and WCME. Moreover, the multi-layer perceptron method was applied to calculate the artificial neural network (ANN). Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the relative significance of key predictors on WCME. Findings: Manufacturing firms consistently operate at around 50% WCME throughout the study period. Furthermore, among the selected variables, ability to create internal resources, leverage, growth, total fixed assets and productivity are relatively significant vital predictors influencing WCME. Originality/value: The integration of SBM-DEA and ANN represents the primary contribution of this research, introducing a novel approach to efficiency assessment. Unlike traditional models, the SBM-DEA model offers unit invariance and monotonicity for slacks, allowing it to handle zero and negative data, which overcomes the limitations of previous DEA models. This innovation leads to more accurate efficiency scores, enabling robust analysis. Furthermore, applying neural networks provides predictive insights by identifying critical predictors for WCME, equipping firms to address WCM challenges proactively. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Sociocultural aspects of the medicalisation of infertility: a comparative reading of two illness narratives
This paper is a comparative reading of variations in the medicalisation of infertility caused by sociocultural aspects, in two illness narratives by patients: Elizabeth Katkins Conceivability (2018), a story of navigating a fertility industry with polycystic ovarian syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome in America and Rohini Rajagopals Whats a Lemon Squeezer Doing in My Vagina (2021), a discussion from India of a growing awareness of medicalisation in treatment of unexplained infertility. For this purpose, it first charts scholarship on illness narratives and medicalisation, noting a historical association. Following this, it shows how infertility, a physiological symptom of reproductive incapacity or failure to show clinical pregnancy, is generally medicalised. This paper reads the texts as showing hitherto unaddressed sociocultural aspects of infertilitys medicalisation. At the same time, drawing from existing sociological and anthropological scholarship, it shows how a reading of sociocultural aspects in medicalised infertility nuances understanding of its medicalisation. This comparative reading attends to sociocultural values and norms within the texts, including pronatalism, fetal personhood, kinship organisation, purity/pollution, individual reliance, sacred duty and so forth. It draws from scholarship on embodiment, rhetorical strategies and the language of medicine. It also shows how a patients non-medicalised, affective history ofdeep sickness caused by the biographical disruption of infertility is not that of apoor historian. In laying out the particularisation of such sociocultural values and norms across America and India, medicalisations migration from its origins to the margins reveals subjectivised, stratified reproduction in infertility illness narratives. This paper is part of a turn in scholarship away from understanding the medicalisation of infertility as naturalised and decontextualised. Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. -
The impact of excess CSR expenditure on firm value anddividend payout in India: ananalysis using firm age andsize dynamics
Purpose: The paper looks at the impact of excess amount of CSR expenditure (CSRE) in relation to mandatory CSRE in an Indian context on dividend payout (DP) and firm value (FV) where CSRE is mandatory, as well as how this relationship varies between firms based on their age and size. Design/methodology/approach: A sample of the 657 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) from 201415 to 202021 is used in the study, for which spending on CSR was mandatory. A two-step generalised method of the moment is employed to examine the relationship between the variables of interest. Findings: The results show that excess CSREs neither increase the firms valuation nor benefit shareholders' economic benefits, i.e. dividend distribution. However, a deeper analysis reveals that excess CSRE is positively associated with FV in the case of smaller firms and also positively corresponds with DP in the case of younger firms. Originality/value: The present study explicitly considers the excess CSR spending beyond the mandated requirements. It investigates whether such spending contributes to firms improving their valuation and explores its connection to DPs. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2024-0136. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Impact of Digital Storytelling on Middle School Students' Attitudes Toward English Language Learning
The integration of digital storytelling (DST) into teaching has significantly influenced educational development, especially English language acquisition. This study examines the impact of DST-integrated pedagogy on students' attitudes and perceptions toward learning English. In a quantitative study using an experimental design, 200 middle school students were purposively selected and divided into control and experimental groups. The control group received the traditional method of language teaching, while the experimental group received the DST method. Data were collected through a survey and analysed using descriptive and Wilcoxon test. The results suggest that exposure to DST positively influenced students' attitudes and led to better understanding, engagement, and motivation in learning English in the treatment group. This suggests that incorporating DST into English lessons can improve teaching quality and students' overall progress. Further analysis is needed to fully explore the potential of DST-based instruction in developing language acquisition skills. 2024 IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Sibling Bereavement Among Young Indian Adults
This qualitative study explores the bereavement experiences of 12 surviving siblings in India, focusing on familial, societal, and cultural influences. Six themes emerged: The Demanding Familial Role, Isolation That Accompanies the Grief, Damaging Impact of Society, Positive Role of Friends and Family, Support Systems, and Continuing Bonds. Participants often felt the burden of supporting their parents, leading to personal grief suppression and isolation, exacerbated by societal stigmas. Conversely, empathetic friends, supportive extended family, and professional resources like therapy provided crucial coping mechanisms. Continuing bonds with the deceased offered comfort and connection. The study highlights the need for comprehensive support systems tailored to cultural and societal contexts. It emphasizes the importance of public awareness and education to foster a supportive response to bereavement. Further research with larger, more diverse samples is recommended. The Author(s) 2024. -
Cognitive technology in human capital management: a decision analysis model in the banking sector during COVID-19 scenario
Cognitive technologies are products of the artificial intelligence (AI) domain which execute tasks that only humans used to perform. The impact of cognitive technologies on the management of human capital (HC) has a massive effect in the banking sector. This paper studies the transformation of cognitive technology to human capital management (HCM) in the banking sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study draws data from 201 bank employees working in private, public, and foreign banks using a multi-stage sampling method in India. A number of hypotheses were framed and tested using multivariate and regression analyses. The results from the study indicate a significant change in the performances of bank employees statistically during the transformation of cognitive technologies. Cognitive technologies such as payment, product customisation, self-services, workload alleviation, automated back-office function, and a personalised experience significantly contribute to the HCM. 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Influence of Self-Compassion, Self-Reflection, and Insight on Interpersonal Competence in Emerging Adults
Social relationships have been declining over the years, especially after the pandemic. Therefore, it becomes important to understand what influences ones social relationships. The present study investigated the influence of self-compassion, self-reflection, and insight on interpersonal competence among emerging adults. It also aimed to understand if having a psychology background in education and experience of therapy is associated with the participants levels of self-compassion, self-reflection, and insight. Using convenience sampling, a sample of N = 335 undergraduate and postgraduate students was selected to answer the Self-Compassion Scale Short Form, Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, and Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire that were circulated electronically along with a consent form. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression indicated that self-compassion, self-reflection, and insight each have positive relationships with interpersonal competence with self-compassion and self-reflection together significantly predicting 13.5% variance in interpersonal competence. Analysis using independent samples t-test indicated that there are significant differences in self-reflection and insight scores between those who have experience in psychology education and therapy and those who lack them. These findings strengthen the understanding that aspects of oneself are related to their social relationships and strengths and problems in one domain could be linked to the same in others. Future research can focus on developing interventions aimed at improving interpersonal competence through self-compassion and self-reflection. Further, influence of other aspects of self on interpersonal competence can also be explored to strengthen the proposed theory of relationship between self and others. Associao Brasileira de Psicologia 2024. -
Does geopolitical risk alleviate the sticky cost behavior of firms? Evidence from India
This study explores how geopolitical risk (GPR) affects the sticky cost behavior of firms. Using a piecewise linear regression analysis on 11,180 firm-year observations from India for the period 20112020, we discover that GPR reduces asymmetry in the cost behavior of firms. These results imply that GPR incentivizes firms to adopt a more cautious approach to cost management practices in order to mitigate bankruptcy risks. Nevertheless, we find that financial constraints limit the ability of GPR to moderate the stickiness in the cost behavior of firms. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Society for Reliability Engineering, Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM), India and The Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden 2024. -
Impact of Digital Storytelling on Motivation in Middle School English Classrooms
Motivation is a key factor in the learning process, especially in language acquisition. This research examines the effects of using digital storytelling (DST) on motivation in English classrooms. The study, which used a mixed methods approach, involved 100 middle school students in Bengaluru selected through convenience sampling. Data collection methods included questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Students were divided into experimental and control groups, with the former receiving DST-integrated instruction and the latter being taught using traditional methods. The results of the quantitative analysis showed a positive influence on motivation in the experimental group compared to the control group. Qualitative results showed that implementing DST increased students' motivation, engagement, and understanding of the English language more effectively than traditional teaching methods. Further research is encouraged to explore the full potential of DST to improve student language skills and motivation. 2024 IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
THE GREAT RESET AND THE NEARTERM IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CHINESE ECONOMY: A POST PANDEMIC OUTLOOK
The Great Reset has had a severe impact on the Chinese economy, with implications domestically, and on the global supply chain. One consequence has been the decline in the overall market demand in China, with a significant negative impact on infrastructure development and the labour industry. A unique aspect is a survey is to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on innovation and integration of digital technologies in China. The authors analyse the impact of the Great Reset on the Chinese economy, the implications on the supply chains that China is a crucial part of, and the global implications thereof. (2023), (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul). All Rights Reserved. -
Exploring Female Narratives of Sexual Intimacy and the Social Suppression of Desire
Exploring the construction of sexual identities by women, this research attempts to provide an experiential understanding of sexual intimacy in young adulthood through critical narrative analysis of the accounts of ten unmarried cis-gender women, located in the postmodern feminist paradigm and drawing from contemporary psychoanalytic tradition. The study highlighted the lack of discourse on female desire and pleasure (that is not fetishised, penalised, or ostracised) in the hetero-patriarchal socio-cultural fabric of India and how it manifests in the sense of shame, guilt, and self-doubt in the navigation of sexual intimacy. The social matrix, including the influence of family and partner dynamics and cultural and generational differences, was observed to play a prominent role in the evolution of individual perceptions of sexual intimacy. Analysing the narratives through a feminist lens foregrounded the predominance of male satisfaction and pleasure, the sense of obligation towards male partners, the infringement of boundaries and compromise, and the performativity in sexual experiences, thus calling attention to the female struggle of realising and practising sexual agency. The research indicates the need to critically examine the pervasive phallocentrism in the experience of sexual intimacy and the marginalisation of female sexual desire due to the suppression of female sexuality in the patriarchal hierarchy of power distribution. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
RETAIL INVESTORS PARTICIPATION IN INDIAN CORPORATE BOND MARKET: A CRITICAL STUDY
A developed and vibrant corporate bond market provides an important means of financial resources to corporate, in addition to bank financing. It brings transparency and prudence into financial system and helps in minimizing risks in financial system through diversification. The main objective of this study is to find out the various issues and hurdles faced by retail investors and come out with appropriate suggestions in this regard. A modest attempt has also been made to understand the present status of the Indian corporate bond market in reference to retail investors participation. The study reveals that, in spite of sincere efforts of policymakers, the participation of retail investors in Indian corporate bond market are negligible. It has also been observed that the important issues of retail investors are related to safety of principal, returns, liquidity and tax benefits. It is expected that the suggestions made in this paper, if implemented, will definitely helpful in attracting retail investors to Indian corporate bond market. 2024 Published by Faculty of Engineering. -
Problem-Based Learning for Critical Reflections on Skill-based Courses Using DEAL Model
Higher education institutions focus on i mpr ovi ng bot h sof t ski l l s and engi neer i ng proficiencies among students. The learning progress requires a systematic assessment to know the areas of improvement to meet global competitiveness. Self-reflections and critical reflections on knowledge, skill, and behavior are crucial for an industry-ready graduate. Our work deals with conceptualization, course design, and rubrics design to achieve critical reflections on the graduate outcomes of the students. We have designed the rubrics to assess the behavioral and engineering skills needed to solve complex engineering problems that can be solved better as a team for life-long learning and developing ethical interpersonal skills. Our assessment patterns also helped students achieve higher-order thinking skills through experiential learning. 2024, Rajarambapu Institute Of Technology. All rights reserved. -
Implementation of vendor-managed inventory in hospitals: an empirical investigation
This research aims to determine critical success components for implementing the vendor-managed inventory (VMI) and test their influence on the inventory in Indian hospitals. The independent and dependent components of the research are identified from the extensive literature review. The independent variables are top management commitment, supply chain strategy, business process integration, continuous improvement, resource sharing, and information technologies adoption. The dependent variable identified is the adoption of vendor-managed inventory. The study results suggest that the proposed latent variables significantly impact the VMI and significantly contribute to VMIs implementation and sustainability. The study highlights the importance of VMI in Indian hospitals, and therefore, it will help the management focus on the VMI for enhanced operational efficiency. Previous studies have not empirically tested the impact of the suggested practices for VMI in Indian hospitals. The analysis would help evaluate VMI adoption in Indian hospitals. Copyright 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Retrospective analysis of International Journal of Procurement Management (20072021)
International Journal of Procurement Management (IJPM) is a journal of international repute that publishes original and peer-reviewed research in the business, management, and accounting domain. The journal reached its 15th year of publishing in 2021. This study provides a comprehensive overview of 456 publications using the bibliometric data analysis technique. The study focuses on the contribution of IJPM to the knowledge domain through publishing trends, authorship patterns, dominant authors, prominent articles, nature of studies, and thematic analysis. Co-occurrence of all keywords, co-authorship, citation and co-citation analysis of authors, countries, and institutions is performed through VOS Viewer software. The findings of the study emphasise the relationship of IJPM to different fields. The analysis also provides key insights into the evolution of the domain over time. Copyright 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Spatial variations of landslide severity with respect to meteorological and soil related factors
Landslides, a prevalent natural disaster, wreak havoc on both human lives and vital infrastructure, making them a significant global concern. Their devastating impact is immeasurable, necessitating proactive measures to minimize their occurrence. The ability to accurately forecast the severity of a landslide, including its potential fatality rate and the scale of destruction it may cause, holds tremendous potential for prevention and mitigation to reduce the risk and the damage caused by a landslide to infrastructure and life. In this study, the spatial variability in severity of landslides (in terms of mortality rates) and its dependence on various meteorological, geographical and soil composition has been attempted to be established. To do this, Ordinary Least Squares (global) and various Geographically Weighted (local) models have been employed to observe the varying relation between mortality rates and its various causative factors. Existence of geographical heterogeneity in the relationships is also investigated. The spatial pattern of landslide mortality and its associations with various causative variables in the South Asian Region are investigated and analysed. Through this, insights into targeting of prevention and mitigation measures for landslides based on a given location can be obtained by studying the various forms of heterogeneous spatial associations observed. The outcomes highlight that the local models in the form of Gaussian GWR and Poisson GWR outperform their global counterparts by a huge margin with better R2 and Adj R2 values. In comparison with Poisson GWR and Gaussian GWR, it is seen that Poisson GWR outperforms Gaussian GWR in terms of Mean Absolute Error, Mean Squared Error and Corrected Akaike Information Criterion. Furthermore, several intriguing local relationships patterns are also noted. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024. -
Metallic silver and copper oxide nanoparticles: Uses in food preservation and impacts on the environment
This review examines the applications of metallic silver and copper oxide nanoparticles in food preservation, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize food packaging and reduce environmental pollution through enhanced waste management strategies. Synthesis of these nanoparticles via green methods including bacteria-, fungi-, and plant-mediated approaches have been discussed. The antimicrobial properties and toxicity of silver and copper oxide nanoparticles have been evaluated highlighting their efficiency in inhibiting microbial growth and extending the shelf life of food products. Regulatory policies governing the use of these nanoparticles in food packaging have been analyzed along with the exploration of active packaging technologies that leverage their unique properties. By integrating advances in nanotechnology with better food formulations, this review underscores the transformative impact of silver and copper oxide nanoparticles on food safety and environmental sustainability, offering insights into the future directions for research and newer applications. 2024