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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Potential of Bacillus velezensis, an Endophytic Bacteria Isolated from Alternanthera philoxeroides for Plant Growth Promotion and Bioremediation Properties
The current work was done to analyse the bioremediation and plant growth promotion (PGP) traits of endophytic bacteria isolated from Alternanthera philoxeroides from Bellandur Lake, Bangalore, India. Twenty-nine endophytic bacteria were isolated and tested for their PGP traits like indole acetic acid (IAA), ammonia, nitrogen fixation, 1-aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylate (ACC) deaminase production, phosphate solubilization etc. Endophytic bacterium, BEBAphL1 obtained from leaves of A. philoxeroides exhibited significant plant growth promotion properties and the isolate was identified as Bacillus velezensis OQ874364 using 16S rRNA sequencing. The bacterium showed potential IAA, ammonia production, nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and ACC deaminase production. The results indicate that this endophyte is promising as a growth-promoting inoculant, reducing the reliance on chemical inputs in conventional agricultural practices while enhancing nutrient uptake and stress resilience in plants. B. velezensis exhibited tolerance to high levels of chromium (500 mg/L) and NaCl (15%) and was also able to decolourize Congo red by 70% at 0.005% concentration of dye. Characterization of dye samples pre- and post-bacterial treatment was done using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The findings of the study indicate that B. velezensis shows promise as a plant growth stimulator capable of withstanding heavy metal exposure and breaking down dyes. The Author(s) 2023. -
Exploring the potential of Andrographis paniculata for developing novel HDAC inhibitors: an in silico approach
Cancer is one of the dreaded diseases of the twentieth century, emerging the major global causes of human morbidity. Cancer research in the last 15 years has provided unprecedented information on the role of epigenetics in cancer initiation and progression. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are recognized as important epigenetic markers in cancer, whose overexpression leads to increased metastasis and angiogenesis. In the current study, thirty-four (34) compounds from Andrographis paniculata were screened for the identification of potential candidate drugs, targeting three Class I HDACs (Histone deacetylases), namely HDAC1 (PDB id 5ICN), HDAC3 (PDB id 4A69) and HDAC8 (PDB id 5FCW) through computer-assisted drug discovery study. Results showed that some of the phytochemicals chosen for this study exhibited significant drug-like properties. In silico molecular docking study further revealed that out of 34 compounds, the flavonoid Andrographidine E had the highest binding affinities towards HDAC1 (?9.261 Kcal mol?1) and 3 (?9.554 Kcal mol?1) when compared with the control drug Givinostat (-8.789 and ?9.448 Kcal mol?1). The diterpenoid Andrographiside displayed the highest binding affinity (-9.588 Kcal mol?1) to HDAC8 compared to Givinostat (-8.947 Kcal mol?1). Statistical analysis using Principal Component Analysis tool revealed that all 34 phytocompounds could be clustered in four statistical groups. Most of them showed high or comparable inhibitory potentials towards HDAC target protein. Finally, the stability of top-ranked complexes (Andrographidine E-HDAC1 and HDAC3; Andrographiside-HDAC8) at the physiological condition was validated by Molecular Dynamic Simulation and MM-PBSA study. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Exploring the potential application of Cr2AlC MAX phase as an emerging electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
A three-dimensional (3D) chromium carbide ceramic type, H-phase (211) categorized as Cr2AlC, MAX phase has garnered enormous attention in recent times due to its unique structure and bonding, surface area, thermal stability, and thermo-electrical conductivity, and hydrophilicity. A simple synthesis approach is proposed for obtaining layered Cr2AlC, MAX phase, with X-ray diffraction data and SEM morphology confirming the formation of the H-phase. The electrocatalyst Cr2AlC is being utilized for electrocatalytic water splitting application. The Cr2AlC is observed to exhibit an overpotential and Tafel slopes of 215 mV/88.3 mV dec? 1 for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 376 mV/96.5 mV dec? 1 for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, demonstrating good stability for up to 7200s. This study establishes a straightforward method for producing emergent material, Cr2AlC MAX phase, and highlights its promising applications in water electrolysis, hydrogen evolution, and oxygen evolution reactions. Qatar University and Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Exploring the Plausibility of Pre-Purchase Decision Process in User Acceptance of Smart Wearable Technology Devices
The market for smart wearable technology products is growing rapidly. Although wearable technology is still in its early stages, a longer-term outlook is required. This study inspected the existence of consumers pre-purchase stage for smart wearable technology devices. It further analyzed the factors that influenced customers decisions in the pre-purchase phase. The methodology adopted was quantitative, using which 240 users of smart wearables were given a structured questionnaire to fill up. The Smart PLS 3.0 software was used for structural equation modeling and path analysis. The results indicated that customers go through a pre-purchase decision journey. Their decisions are influenced by individual characteristics, product description, information source utility, data usefulness, trust, visibility of the product, and demonstrability. Together, these factors resulted in the customers successful transition from the pre-purchase stage to the purchase decision stage. 2022, Associated Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd.. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the Photocatalytic and Cytotoxic Potential of Quassia indica-Derived Bimetallic Silver-Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites
In response to the escalating need for nanomaterials characterized by enhanced properties and reduced environmental impact, this study addresses critical challenges associated with conventional nanomaterial synthesis methods, particularly focusing on concerns related to environmental toxicity and economic feasibility. In this study, we report the eco-friendly synthesis of silver-zinc oxide nanocomposites using leaf extracts of Quassia indica (QI- Ag: ZnO NC). The synthesized QI- Ag: ZnO nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED). The photocatalytic activity of the biosynthesized QI- Ag: ZnO NC was evaluated against several textile dyes. Reactive Blue-220 exhibited the highest percentage of degradation (99.97%), closely followed by Reactive Blue-222 (99.37%), while Reactive Red-120 displayed significant degradation (94.62%). Remarkably, these nanocomposites exhibited significant photocatalytic degradation of the tested dyes, suggesting their potential application in wastewater treatment for dye removal. Furthermore, phytotoxicity studies were conducted to assess the impact of the nanocomposites on plant growth and brine shrimp mortality. To evaluate their cytotoxicity, the nanocomposites synthesized were assessed using the MTT assay on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. These findings suggest that QI- Ag: ZnO NCs have promising applications in environmental remediation and cancer therapy, opening avenues for further advancements in the arena of nanomaterial synthesis and utilization. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024. -
Exploring the Opportunities of AI Integral with DL and ML Models in Financial and Accounting Systems
With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), today's fast financial landscape increasingly promises the most efficient and accurate processes for decision-making in accounting practices. On the other hand, the opacity of models represents a truly difficult challenge, given that transparency and accountability are key for using AI in making financial decisions. This is a research paper that focuses on the explanation of an XAI model application as a way of improving transparency in financial decision-making within the accounting field. The paper begins by outlining how transparency is important and opens the room for trust and understanding in the process of financial decision-making. Traditional black-box AI models, although able to provide remarkable predictions, usually exhibit low interpretability; this entails that stakeholders may have a small degree of understanding regarding the rationale behind the decisions. This provides a cloudy appearance not to hamper trust and supports compliance with regulatory standards like GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). The proposed work applies to the accounting domain and brings about some of the different XAI techniques that are designed under this domain. The following techniques aim at demystifying the AI algorithms for effective AI stakeholders' understanding of the model predictions and underlying decision-making processes. 2024 IEEE. -
EXPLORING THE NEXUS: DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS OF URBAN LOCAL PUBLIC SPACES AND CHILDRENS PLAY BEHAVIOR IN BANGALORE, INDIA
Research in the field of childrens play highlights its diverse benefits on developmental requisites. Specifically, parks and playgrounds emerge as key public spaces in an urban environment, which facilitates a range of play experiences conducive to developmental processes. The main aim of the study is to examine the design characteristics of formal public spaces that influence play behavior of children and the supervision modalities in the Indian context. To achieve this objective the study investigated a park and playground in a rapidly developing neighborhood in Bangalore. Systematic observations were conducted to observe childrens play opportunities with respect to the physical environments including adult supervision modalities. The outcomes reveal that childrens play in the urban context is a supervised activity. The study demonstrates a strong correlation between the age demographics and utilization patterns of play spaces. Though affordances for functional play and rule based games were exhibited in these public spaces, the research found minimal occurrences of Constructive, Imaginative and Exploratory play. Implications for planning and design includes adopting an age-responsive approach to accommodate diverse developmental needs and preferences of children while integrating natural and manipulable materials to enhance play value of play spaces. 2024, Jomard Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the Nexus: An in-depth analysis of brand activism's influence on consumer behaviour
This study delves into the intricate relationship between brand activism and consumer behavior, aiming to unravel the nuanced dynamics that underlie contemporary market influences. Employing a comprehensive analysis, the authors investigate how brands' engagement with social and environmental causes resonates with consumers, shaping their attitudes, preferences, and ultimately, their purchasing decisions. The research employs a multi-faceted approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies to capture the depth and breadth of brand activism's impact. By examining real-world examples and conducting surveys, the authors seek to discern patterns and correlations that illuminate the mechanisms through which brand activism leaves an indelible mark on the modern consumer landscape. The findings promise to provide valuable insights for marketers, businesses, and scholars alike, offering a deeper understanding of the evolving interplay between corporate values, social responsibility, and consumer choices in today's dynamic marketplace. 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Exploring The Multifaceted Benefits Of Strobilanthes Jomyi P. Biju, Josekutty, Rekha & J. R. I. Wood : A Comprehensive Pharmacognostic Investigation On Its Medicinal And Insecticidal Properties
Plant-based medication, is an established practice in Indian medicine, initially newlineinvolvedin the direct use of raw plant parts for treating various health conditions. Later, valuable components are identified, isolated, and utilized to treat diseases. The newlineStrobilanthes Blume genus has a rich therapeutic history around the globe, especially in countries such as India, China, Myanmar, and Thailand. Strobilanthes jomyi, a recently identified species found in Kerala, India is still in wide use by tribal communities in the Kasaragod district for wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the microscopic, macroscopic, organoleptic, fluorescent, physicochemical, mineral composition, phytochemical, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, antioxidant, anthelmintic, insecticidal, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity activities of S. jomyi leaves, stem, and root. The different vegetative parts were subjected to Soxhlet extraction using methanol as a newlinesolvent and analysed using standard Protocols. Macroscopic andmicroscopic examinations revealed non-glandular trichomes and paracytic stomata in the leaves, raphides in the stem and petiole, and tannin cells in the root. Cystoliths were observed only in the petiole. Powder analysis exhibited the presence of fibres, trichomes, palisade cells, spiral xylem vessels, bordered pit vessels, and raphides. The leaves contained higher phenolics, flavonoids, carbohydrate, protein, proline, and chlorophyll content compared to the root and stem. The methanolic extract of leaves showed higher antioxidant activities than the root and stem. GC-MS analysis identified bioactive compounds such as 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol, phytol,squalene, phenol, neophytadiene, and lupeol in the root, stem, and leaves. All vegetative partsof S. jomyi exhibited excellent anthelmintic activity, with the highest newlineobserved in the leaves, followed by the root and stem. Insecticidal activity was only newlineobserved in the leaf extract. Anti-microbial and anti-cancerous activities were remarkable newlineacross all vegetative parts. -
