Browse Items (11810 total)
Sort by:
-
EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF VELVET BEAN, MUCUNA PRURIENS (L) SEED ON GROWTH AND GONADAL DEVELOPMENT OF MONO-SEX COMMON MOLY POECILIA SPHENOPS (VALENCIENNES, 1846)
Mucuna pruriens, a rich source of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine, commonly known as L-DOPA and a precursor to dopamine, holds potential as a natural nutritional supplement. This study aimed to delve into the impact of incorporating M. pruriens seed powder (MpSP) into the feed on growth parameters and gonadal development of mono-sex common molly (Poecilia sphenops). The fish population was divided into three experimental groups, such as G1, G2, and G3, and a control group (C), each comprising 20 individuals. Over 45 days, the experimental groups were nourished with a commercial diet bolstered by MpSP in different concentrations (5, 7 and 10g/kg of feed, respectively). In contrast, the control group was provided with a regular diet devoid of the supplement. At the end of the experiment, MpSP demonstrated significant modulation (p<0.05) of growth performance metrics, including specific growth rate (SGR), length gain rate (LGR), body mass gain (BMG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Impressively, even the lower concentration of MpSP (5g/kg diet) yielded substantial increments in sperm count (p<0.05) and gonadosomatic index (GSI). These findings were corroborated by histological changes that reflected enhanced testicular development, consistently outperforming the control group. These outcomes collectively suggest the potential of velvet bean seed powder as a feasible, natural, and costeffective dietary supplement for enhancing growth and testicular development in mono-sex P. sphenops. (2024) West Bengal Veterinary Alumni Association. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the Professional Problems Faced by Beginning Counsellors
Counselling Education at a Post-graduate level is of recent origin in India. Every year a number of students who complete their Post-graduate studies (M.Sc.) in Counselling get employed in various settings. As trainees their issues related to practice of counseling get addressed in training sessions, in supervision and through other means like personal therapy. Nothing is conclusively known about their status as beginning counselors. The aim and objectives of the study were exploring the professional problems faced by beginning counselors and the ways in which they are coping with them and their suggestions to cope as individuals and the ways in which the training institutes could help them to cope. The study was done by conducting two focus group discussions (FGD) of six beginning counselors and personal in-depth interviews of three beginning counselors who were working in different settings like Clinical-rehab, School and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). While three school counsellors, two counsellors working in clinical-rehab settings and one EAP counsellor formed the participants of FGD, one counsellor from each of these settings who was not part of FGD was interviewed personally. While for the FGDs, the researcher used the self-constructed guide, for the interviews, the findings of FGD data which formed the Interview Schedule. Both the FGDs and the interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed and analyzed with conventional content analysis. Data from both the FGDs and interviews were included to form the Results. The findings show the various professional problems faced by the beginning counselors and the coping strategies used by them and their suggestions for coping with their professional problems at an individual level and at an institutional level. Implications for professional development, training of counsellors and scope for future research are presented. Key Words: Beginning Counsellors, Professional Problems, Coping, Professional Development. -
Exploring the Psychosocial Challenges and Strengths of Indigent Adolescents: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Counsellors Insights
Background: The Bronfenbrenner bioecological model of human development provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interactions between individual factors and environmental influences on adolescent mental health, such as limited access to resources, exposure to violence and trauma, and parental neglect. While discussing the challenges faced by at-risk adolescents, it is important to focus on the strengths of resilient adolescents living in similar conditions. These individual differences are the precursors in determining their futures. Methods: The present study aimed to explore the psychosocial challenges and strengths of indigent adolescents. Eight counselors who had been working with indigent adolescents for at least three years in school or NGO settings were identified through a snowball sampling design and interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Results: Reflexive thematic analysis of the interviews was done using Braun and Clarks protocol to identify themes. Challenges faced by indigent adolescents were a lack of parental supervision, vulnerability to cybercrime, emotional dysregulation, engagement in drug use, ambiguity in life aspirations and career goals, and societal mistrust and bias. The strengths identified were empathy, reconciliation dynamics and forgiveness, a yearning for change, a love of learning, help-seeking and help-providing behavior, attachment to religion and festivals, and a sense of gratitude and hopefulness, which indigent resilient adolescents display to navigate through their challenging lives. A detailed discussion of these challenges and strengths, along with their various dynamics, has also been provided. Conclusion: Identifying both the difficulties and strengths of indigent adolescents would promote more strength-based approaches to preventive and promotive mental health programs. 2024 The Author(s). -
Exploring the Relationship between Clean Energy Indices and Oil Prices: a Ten-Day Window approach
This paper aims to assess the comovements between clean energy indices, namely the Clean Energy Fuels (CLNE), Nasdaq Clean Edge Green Energy (CELS), S&P Global Clean Energy (SPGTCLEN), TISDALE Clean Energy (TCEC.CN), Wilderhill (ECO), West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stock indices, over the period from 1 January 2018 to 23 November 2023. We used 10-day windows to analyse the duration and nature of the shocks. Granger causality tests revealed that 20 of the 30 possible pairs showed significant movements, with the WTI influencing all the clean energy indices, highlighting its global importance. CELS also showed a robust influence on all pairs, while SPGTCLEN had a significant but less far-reaching influence. The CLNE and ECO indices showed limited influences, suggesting the potential for diversification, the TCEC.CN proved to be independent and a determining factor for portfolio diversification. The Impulse Response Functions (IRF) confirmed significant movements between CELS, SPGTCLEN and WTI, reflecting the market's response to policies and adjustments in expectations. Fluctuations in oil prices substantially affect clean energy indices, highlighting the interconnectedness and volatility of these markets. In conclusion, these results indicate that despite the growth of clean energy, the sector is still influenced by fluctuations in the fossil fuel market. 2024, Creative Publishing House. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the Relationship between Environmental Cognition, Pro-Environmental Behavior, and Mental Health among Adolescents: A Narrative Review
Introduction: Adolescents cognition, behavior, and attitudes are essential for environmental conservation; hence, the physical environment is inevitable in their mental health. The environment can influence adolescents sense of support, freedom, and the stimulation they seek in life. Environmental factors such as pollution, weather, lifestyle changes, and working conditions significantly influence adolescents' mental health. Knowing and learning about environmental cognition and its influence on adolescents is vital. Objective: To understand the relationship between environmental cognition, pro-environmental behavior, and mental health among adolescents with the help of a narrative approach. Methods: The present article employed a narrative review. Research articles were taken from four databases, PubMed, Research Gate, Web of Science, and Science Direct, using the PRISMA procedure from 2000 to 2023. The data was collected from various databases and narrowed down for the results. Results: This study proves a strong relationship between environmental cognition, pro-environmental behavior, and adolescents' mental health. Twenty-six selected research studies out of 45 initial studies state that solid environmental cognition may lead to enhanced pro-environmental behavior, which is crucial to adolescents mental health and well-being. Furthermore, pro-environmental cognition wholly mediated the relationship between environmental behavior and mental well-being. Conclusion: Implications of this study concentrate on developing focused interventions, creating urban planning policies, and developing adolescent-friendly community designs, which are solid pillars for promoting mental health. Adolescents must be motivated to protect the environment to become pioneers of pro-environmental behavior. The Author(s). 2024 Open Access. -
Exploring the relationship between esg performance and profitability in Indian power companies
This study aims to assess the relationship and impact of Indian power companies' environment, social, governance (ESG) scores on firm performance. Since 2022, CRISIL Ratings Ltd publishes yearly ESG scores for 225 companies in India. The final 'ESG' score is a composite of individual scores for the three metrics: 'Environment', 'Social', and 'Governance'. This study intends to examine the influence of ESG scores on financial profitability measured by both net profit ratio and return on investment. The existence and degree of association between the variables is measured using correlation and simple linear regression analyses, respectively. The findings suggest that the overall ESG composite score is positively and significantly associated with firm profitability and moderately associated with returns. The 'Governance' metric stands out which has a strong and positive relationship with profitability in particular. These findings advocate that by investing in ESG initiatives, the chances of better financial performance are improved. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the responsibility of journalists while reporting the sensitive issues: Khandamal case study /
Press is the watchdog of the democracy. Unending search for truth and fair reporting are the hallmarks of true journalism. With an increasing trend of competition among the media organizations and the rush to break the latest to the world, depth research on the beat gets diluted. There are other factors like time constraint, nature of the story, language and the geographical barriers etc. limit the validity and the accuracy of the beats that are covered. -
Exploring the role of E-servicescape dimensions on customer online shopping: A stimulus-organism-response paradigm
With limited empirical evidence and an incomplete understanding of e-servicescape environment, its effects on e-commerce websites still needs to be explored. Hence, the study understands and assesses the effects of e-servicescape environment on customer purchase behavior, considering the moderating role of gender. The stimulus-organism-response framework was adapted to formulate a conceptual model, in which the e-servicescape (stimulus) features were modelled as an antecedent of customer trust (organism) on website that directs customer behaviour of purchase intention (response). To conduct an analysis, a data sample of 304 responses was collected from those who have earlier used e-commerce websites using a structural equation modelling technique. Results of the study shows that e-servicescape dimensions are a strong predictor of trust that strongly impacts customer purchase intention. Results further reveal that in an online environment, the gender gap is depleting as it impacts all three dimensions of the e-servicescape on customer behavior which remains consistent for both groups. Copyright 2020, IGI Global. -
Exploring the Role of Multi-Catalytic Sites in an Amorphous Co-W-B Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Amorphous materials are used in multitude of catalytic applications, including electrocatalytic water-splitting. Identification and investigation of active sites in amorphous catalysts are rarely reported, mainly owing to the complexity of the systems. Herein, we report an amorphous bifunctional Co-W-B electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The optimized Co-W-B catalyst showed promising overpotential values of 97 mV (HER) and 292 mV (OER), respectively, to achieve 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH, with good stability. The promoting effect of W in Co-B was investigated experimentally, while computational tools were used to identify all the possible catalytic sites in an amorphous Co-W-B model and classify the most preferred sites for HER and OER. The presence of multi-catalytic sites with specific selectivity toward HER and OER was observed, which explained the bifunctional activity of Co-W-B. This study will foster better understanding of the origin of catalytic activity in similar amorphous systems. 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. -
Exploring the role of plant oils in aquaculture practices: an overview
As the global demand for seafood surges, the expanding aquaculture industry faces a pressing need for viable aquafeed ingredients. The raw material for fish oil is limited and expensive due to unpredictable fishery resources in the fishing zones and the overexploitation of wild fisheries, underscoring the urgency of finding alternatives. This review explores diverse plant oil sources, including soybean, rapeseed, linseed, and algal oils, emphasizing their crucial role in nutritionally balanced aquafeeds. These oils support aquatic animals growth, health, and development, influencing membrane structure, energy storage, and hormone production. Genetically modified oilseeds (GM), such as camelina and canola, offer a controlled nutrient content, enabling customized nutrient profiles. This comprehensive review provides an overview of different plant oil sources, elucidates their nutrient profiles, and assesses their potential applications in aquaculture. The discussion encompasses their impact on growth, feed efficiency, lipid profile, health, immunological status, disease resistance, and overall performance of both freshwater and marine fish. Furthermore, the review compiles relevant data on the current status of genetically modified plant oils and explores their potential integration into aquaculture practices. In summary, substituting plant oils for fish oil in aquafeed presents a promising solution to aquaculture industry challenges to meet nutritional requirements for fish. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Exploring the role of Python in self-supervised contrastive learning for generating medical imaging reports
This chapter investigates Python's involvement in self-supervised contrastive learning (SSCL) for medical imagery with report generation. The research highlights the relevance of SSCL as a method for creating medical imaging reports and the benefits of implementing it using Python. The literature review gives a complete overview of SSCL approaches in medical imaging and shows the advantages of SSCL implementation using Python libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Keras. The study's methodology describes the research topics, survey design, methods of data gathering, and analytic procedures. The study named SSCL-GMIR findings indicate that several practitioners utilize SSCL in medical imaging using Python modules. This study highlights Python's significance in implementing SSCL for creating medical imaging report documents, offering researchers and practitioners a more efficient and effective method for producing accurate and informative reports and diagnoses. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the role of social media influencer marketing in the tourism sector
The growing popularity of social media influencers (SMI) increasingly encourages destinations to use social media influencer marketing (SMIM) for their promotional campaigns. SMIs demonstrate the power of an individual based on certain factors employed to influence a broad segment of audience, and when it is used for marketing purposes, it is known as SMIM. SMIM is a part of the social media marketing that exercises all the commercial marketing techniques via social media channels. SMIM has impacted many industries including tourism, but looking at the progressive growth of SMIM today, it is surprising that such little attention had been paid to this area. However, while there is increasing use of SMIM by tourism organizations, there is a lack of research and limited knowledge on the roles of SMIM in travel and tourism. This chapter sheds light on the use of SMIM in the tourism sector where existing literature on the SMIM, its factors, and the influence of SMIM on the tourism sector by distinct authors are reviewed to identify the effectiveness of SMIM in the travel and tourism industry. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the role of social media marketing in the education sector
The educational system across the world is undergoing a transition and is affected by numerous factors encompassing technology to psychology. The traditional model of face-to-face teacher-led learning approach has been gradually shifted to student-centric and outcome-based learning. Though the intellect and learning capacities among students differ in many aspects, personalized attention of the teacher to student and practical exposure to subjects are considered as few significant areas of concern in curriculum and pedagogy. The late 2000s witnessed the dawn of many EdTech companies proclaiming personalized attention and experiential learning through online platforms. EdTech companies make fine use of social media marketing and adopt well-thought-out strategies to reach out to the student segment and parents. The prime objective of this chapter is to study the role of social media marketing strategies in capturing student segments and the influence that makes on parents' purchase decisions. 2022, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the Role of structurally modified Molybdenum disulfide composites with Prussian blue analogues as counter electrode catalysts for bifacial Dye-Sensitized solar cells
The present study aims to utilize Mn, Ni, and MnNi Prussian Blue Analogue (PBA) embedded MoS2 composites as Pt-free Counter Electrode (CE) in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). Therefore, Ni-PBA, Mn-PBA, and MnNi-PBA were synthesized using a simple ageing procedure followed by a Hydrothermal method to prepare modified MoS2 composites. The crystalline structure, shape, surface area, and elemental oxidation state were analyzed using various studies. Also, the nanosheets formation around cubic structure further shows large numbers of active sites resulting in the high catalytic behaviour of the composites. Among the various composites, the Modified MoS2 based on MnNi-PBA, which was coated using a simple spin-coating procedure, exhibited the smallest ?EPP separation and the highest JRED value due to the rapid redox reaction at the CE/electrolyte interface and catalytic current. The maximum efficiency of 8.25 % was achieved for MnNi-PBA based composites, surpassing pristine MoS2 (6.72 %) and Pt (7.58 %) under front illumination (100 mW/cm2). Under rear illumination, the cell demonstrated a higher efficiency of 4.96 %, attributed to the high transmittance of the material-coated CE, making it suitable for bifacial applications. 2024 International Solar Energy Society -
Exploring the Roots of Customer Adaptability Through the Landscape of Physical Retail Environments
This research delves into the intricate dynamics of customer adaptability within the realm of brick-and-mortar retail, examining the pivotal role of managing customer knowledge capabilities. As traditional retail spaces evolve in response to technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors, understanding the antecedents of customer agility becomes paramount. Drawing on insights from customer knowledge management literature and retail studies, this paper elucidates the nuanced interplay between customer adaptability and the strategies employed to harness and leverage customer knowledge. Through a comprehensive analysis of the contextual landscape of physical retail environments, we uncover the underlying factors that influence customer adaptability. By illuminating these connections, this study offers valuable insights for practitioners and scholars alike, contributing to a deeper understanding of how organizations can effectively navigate the evolving retail landscape to enhance customer experiences and foster sustainable growth. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Exploring the synergy of IIoT, AI, and data analytics in Industry 6.0
This chapter delves into the transformative intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and data analytics within the context of emerging Industry 6.0. As industries continue to emerge towards greater connectivity and automation, the chapter delivers a comprehensive analysis of the convergence of these cutting-edge technologies in reshaping the industrial landscape. It explores the synergistic relationships among IIoT, AI, and data analytics, examining their collaborative potential to enhance efficiency, productivity, and decision-making processes. The chapter begins by offering an in-depth overview of Industry 6.0, highlighting the technological advancements and paradigm shifts that characterize this era. Subsequently, it dissects the role of IIoT as a pivotal enabler, connecting physical devices and systems to facilitate real-time data exchange. The incorporation of artificial intelligence is explored as a premeditated augmentation, empowering machines to learn, adapt, and optimize operations autonomously. Simultaneously, the chapter investigates the significance of advanced data analytics techniques in extracting actionable insights from big data, fueling informed decision-making and predictive maintenance strategies. Furthermore, the chapter delves into practical applications and case studies showcasing successful implementations of this triad in diverse industrial sectors. 2025 selection and editorial matter, C Kishor Kumar Reddy, Srinath Doss, Lavanya Pamulaparty, Kari Lippert and Ruchi Doshi; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Exploring the top ChatGPT libraries for powerful conversational AI
This research analyzes the need for top ChatGPT libraries and their usage today. It focuses on the features, benefits, and drawbacks of ChatGPT through in-depth interviews to uncover nuanced insights into library preferences and usage patterns. The findings reveal diverse perspectives among developers, highlighting preferences for libraries based on ease of integration and customization. Participants emphasize the significance of user-friendly interfaces and robust documentation in shaping positive experiences with ChatGPT libraries. Additionally, themes emerge around the need for continuous updates to address evolving AI challenges. Through in-depth insights from developers, the study elucidates the importance of user-friendly interfaces, adaptability, and efficient documentation, providing valuable guidance for developers seeking to optimize their conversational AI projects. This research contributes essential qualitative dimensions to the evaluation of ChatGPT libraries, offering actionable insights for the development community. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the use of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities: experiences from Haryana, India
Purpose: Covid-induced lockdowns have increased the importance of technology in education. Though access to technology as well as availability of the internet remain a major concern for a lot of children in the global south, children with intellectual disabilities are disadvantaged even more as most of the e-content is developed keeping in mind the average learner. Materials and methods: Unstructured interviews were conducted with children with intellectual disabilities studying in government schools in Haryana as well as their teachers and parents. Thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted to understand the use-patterns of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities. Results: Findings suggest that these children are learning to use mobile phones on their own or with some support and are able to navigate the complexities of these smartphones quite well. They use these devices mostly for their entertainment. This paper then reflects on the need and strategies to develop these technologies in ways that they can be used as effective tools for teaching children with intellectual disabilities, especially in the inclusive education system in developing countries. Conclusion: The paper reflects on the need to develop technology and tools using flexible and exploratory designs to enhance the learning processes for children with intellectual disabilities from the lower income strata.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION This study highlights the importance of being able to use mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities belonging to low income families. Following this, the article argues for designing of mobile phones suitable for use by children with intellectual disabilities using playfulness and explorations, and Building e-content keeping the elements of playfulness and exploration which can enhance the learnings of this group of students which is often ignored. 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Exploring the Use of the Therapists Self in Therapy: A Systematic Review
Purpose: This systematic qualitative review explored how psychotherapists use their self in therapy within the psychotherapy literature. It sought to examine the key documented ways through which the therapists self is intentionally used in therapy and the process of using the therapists self. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, databases including PubMed, ProQuest, APA PsycArticles, and APA PsycINFO were searched. The review question How do therapists use their self in therapy? guided the search using derivative keywords. Of the 149 screened articles, 20 underwent full-text review, and only four studies met inclusion criteria. Findings: All studies that met the inclusion criteria were from the West. Therapeutic self-disclosure (TSD) emerged as the primary way through which therapists used their self in therapynotably, the only way documented in the studies reviewed. Studies discussed the nature, rationale, influencing factors, and effectiveness of TSD. This article elaborates upon the themes from the reviewed studies. It critically examines existing literature, lists avenues for future research, and discusses implications for psychotherapy practice. Conclusions: The review underscores a significant gap in empirical qualitative research regarding therapists use of their self beyond TSD in therapy. There is an urgent need for further exploration in this domain. 2024 The Author(s). -
Exploring the various methodologies of auditing the variables in a food supply chain and suggesting integrated audit framework
In recent years, the food supply chain has faced huge uncertainties, which has led to increasing interest in effective supply chain management in the industry. By considering the five key system inputs (purchasing, receiving, storing, processing, distributing) that are indispensable in the supply chain, the company can first take action to stabilize the supply chain performance, and secondly to improve its effectiveness by reducing uncertainty in the supply chain and operational capabilities. This paper outlines the key drivers and uncertainties in the food supply chain and describes a structured supply chain audit that can be used to measure the effectiveness of the supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to study the existing audit framework and regulations for food safety in the food supply chain and examine the flaws in the existing framework and build a consolidated single framework that incorporates the best practices and fills the gap of the existing audit frameworks for food security. 2020, Institute of Advanced Scientific Research, Inc.. All rights reserved.