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The Himalayan Ecosystem and Development Paradigm: A Sustainability Perspective
The Himalaya is physically and biologically very complex and diverse. It is one of the youngest and loftiest of the mountain systems of the world. It is a biodiversity rich area having a distinctive climatic impact on lives of people in Asia. Major rivers of the region originate from the Himalayan Mountains providing the source of water for a large mass of population. Himalaya is a house to many crops of the world, natural wealth as well as indigenous societies and knowledge system. It is a rich repository of plant and animal wealth providing a source of livelihood to millions of people in the Asian region. Its significance lies in the fact that it has been recognised as among the 34 global biodiversity hotspots. Due to anthropogenic activitiesdriven by the economic development modellike mining, road construction, dam construction, tourism, infrastructure development et al. and climate change there has been wide spread damage to fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The consequences of such developmental activities has far reaching consequences on the future of Himalayan ecosystem altering the course of nature and impacting human lives and societies depending on Himalaya and hence unsustainable for the earth. It is predicted that the anthropogenic activities in and around Himalayas shall have significant consequences regionally and globally raising questions about natural resources, ecology, sustainability, loss of habitat by species, human rights, livelihood of people in the region. The present model of development solely premised on the anthropocentricism has caused enormous harm to Himalayan ecology. It has ignored the traditional conservation model adopted by traditional inhabitants bringing great destruction to the Himalaya which has global implications. In the light of the above this chapter will discuss the consequences of anthropogenic activities on the Himalayan ecosystem. Moreover, it will explore the sustainability of anthropogenic activities and how that can be helpful to the planet. Moreover, it will offer few suggestions for the improvement of the Himalayan ecosystem which will be advantageous to the present as well as future generations. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
The hesitant Pythagorean fuzzy ELECTRE III: An adaptable recycling method for plastic materials
In this research article, introduce a novel decision making method called HPF-ELECTRE method by extending the ELECTRE III (ELimination and Choice Expressing REality) method with HPF (Hesitant Pythagorean Fuzzy) set. The efficiency of the new method is testing in the plastic recycling problem. One of the most hazardous domestic materials is plastic. The low biodegradability nature of plastic is a serious threat to the environment and to human life. Plastic is a synthetic chemical that do not belong to the natural world. Owing to the non-biodegradability, the only way to deal with this modern-world problem is recycling. Finding a suitable recycling method for disposing and recycling plastic materials is a major research issue. Propose the HPF-ELECTRE III method to find out the adaptable recycling method for plastics materials. The outranking in HPF-ELECTRE III method expand on concordance and discordance acceptability value values. Established method is an effective tool for decision making problems. 2020 Elsevier Ltd -
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. -
The Future Warfare with Multidomain Applications of Artificial Intelligence: Research Perspective
We live in a period when historical fiction has become current reality. With our future being automated, using AI on a daily basis will only get more convenient. Making military weapons to detect, monitor, and engage a human being with attacks may all be done in the privacy of one's own garden. There is a plethora of AI software out there that can be readily integrated into combat weapons. The automobile industry is already incorporating AI into vehicles to assess driving circumstances and give augmented reality to drivers via heads-up displays in order to assist avert accidents. Similarly, artificial intelligence will be utilized to study the battlefield and give soldiers with augmented reality information via heads-up displays and weapon control systems. Since AI is not a single technology, it has been argued that it might be used by the military in a variety of ways. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) activities, as well as processing and interpreting sensor data and geographic imaging analysis, are all examples of AI. Artificial intelligence has the potential to reduce human involvement in conflict, whether it is employed for combat robots or data analysis. AI has the potential to profoundly alter the nature of war. The article mainly focussed on warfare technologies and applications. The main aim of this review is to understand the current applications being used in armed forces and proposed technologies of artificial intelligence. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
The future of urban life: The technological and humanistic dimensions of cognitive cities
A smart city implies realising sustainable city growth enabled by technology-based intelligent solutions to give its citizens a good quality of life. Information and communication technologies play a crucial role as the nerve centre of the smart city for collecting and analysing data from various sources, like mobile, social media, and sensors. The Internet of things (IoT) and big data (BD) also play a critical role in smart city infrastructures, changing how we analyse patterns and trends in human behaviour. Smart cities generate massive amounts of data and therefore need many flexible ways to process data and implement solutions. Recently, cognitive analytics have attracted the attention of researchers and practitioners worldwide as a technology-based innovative solution. It is a novel approach to information discovery and decision-making which uses multiple intelligent technologies such as statistical machine learning, deep learning, distributed artificial intelligence, natural language processing and visual pattern recognition to understand data and generate insights. A cognitive smart city refers to the convergence of emerging IoT and smart city technologies to realise cyber-physical social systems, their generated big data from sensing to communication and computing, and artificial intelligence techniques for all aspects of collaborative computing in sensors, actuators and human-machine interfaces. The field of humanities typically approaches the concept of cognitive cities from a cultural, philosophical, and humanistic perspective. Humanities scholars examine how cities shape our thoughts, beliefs, values, and experiences and how they impact our collective memory and identity. They consider the role of cities as sites of cultural production and consumption and explore the social and political implications of urbanisation and technological advancement. This paper aims to highlight the connection between technology and the humanities in the context of cognitive cities. The paper will explore the technological aspects of cognitive cities and their cultural, humanistic, and philosophical implications. 2023 Author(s). -
The Future of the Gig Professionals: A Study Considering Gen Y, Gen C, and Gen Alpha
This article aims to analyze the reasons behind the gig economys growth considering the present and future. From few empirical pieces of evidence, it is clear that the gig economy took shape after the 2008 great economic recession, where unemployment rose in leaps and bounds along with voluntary job leaving. In recent times, the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the primary reasons for the forced rise of the gig economy. Strategically and practically speaking, from the economic point of view, the gig economy is dominated by Gen Y and Gen C and will be dominated by Gen Alpha soon. However, there are very fragile differences between Gen Y, C, and Gen Alpha; all three generations are lashed together in the name of tech-savvy and flexibility-seekers. Thus, this article justifies the influence of technology generations and the rise of the gig economy. There is less research work exclusively on Gen Y, C, and Alpha. Still, regarding the gig economy in light of the great economic recession and COVID-19, this new work highlights originality. Future researchers working on Gen Alpha and Gen C can explore the role of digital technologies in changing routine life and its impact on their personal life and career life. Technology has been a significant reason for the sprung-in gig jobs. However, it can also have adverse outcomes, which has scope to be explored. Thus, this research may be a catalyst for future research works in similar lines. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022. -
The future of smart contracts: Pioneering a new era of automated transactions and trust in the digital economy
The future of smart contracts in decentralized finance (DeFi) is a dynamic and evolving field that holds immense potential for transforming traditional financial systems The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with smart contracts is enhancing their capabilities, enabling efficient processing of data and intelligent decision-making. Smart contracts provide an open and effective replacement for traditional financial structures as they continue to gain popularity. The potential of smart contracts to improve transparency, optimize operating procedures, and transform industries like healthcare, finance, and education is what will determine their future. To support blockchain-based apps and grow the DeFi ecosystem, smart contract platforms like Polkadot, Cardano, and Ethereum must continue to innovate and evolve. The future of smart contracts is largely being shaped by the possibility of multi-chain smart contracts, the incorporation of AI and machine learning technology, and the support for decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). 2024, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
The future of business management with the power of distributed systems and computing
Distributed systems and computing have emerged as key technologies for businesses seeking to improve their operations, decision-making, and customer experience. In this chapter, we examine the potential of distributed systems and computing for the future of business management. We analyze the key characteristics and advantages of distributed systems and computing for business management, including improved scalability, flexibility, and availability, as well as increased efficiency and reduced costs. We also discuss the various applications of distributed systems and computing in business management, including inventory management, supply chain optimization, customer relationship management, financial management and accounting, data analytics, decision-making, and collaboration and communication. We also explore the emerging trends and technologies in distributed systems and computing, including edge computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence, and their potential implications for the future of business management. Furthermore, we discuss the opportunities for research and innovation in the field of distributed systems and computing, including the development of new algorithms and protocols, the exploration of novel applications, and the investigation of the social and ethical implications of distributed systems and computing. In conclusion, distributed systems and computing offer a powerful set of tools for businesses seeking to enhance their performance and competitiveness in the digital age. However, the adoption of distributed systems and computing also entails a range of challenges and risks that must be addressed through careful planning and management. By embracing the potential of distributed systems and computing while also addressing its challenges, businesses can position themselves for success in the increasingly interconnected and digital world of the future. 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved. -
The fractional-order marriagedivorce mathematical model: numerical investigations and dynamical analysis
In this research, we present a fractional-order mathematical model that simulates the ongoing phenomenon of marriage and divorce, which significantly impacts human lives. The model is defined within the LiouvilleCaputo framework and incorporates different states and parameter values. Specifically, the model consists of four state variables that describe the statuses of married, divorced, or troubled couples, as well as the interactions between these states. We conduct a stability analysis for the proposed model and calculate the equilibrium points, revealing the conditions for a stable solution. Moreover, we establish the existence, uniqueness, and boundedness of the models solution using the Banach fixed point theorem. The global stability of the obtained equilibrium points is investigated using the Lyapunov function, revealing a globally stable solution with specific conditions. To obtain the results, we employ a multi-domain collocation technique that utilizes orthogonal generalized Romanovski polynomials. These polynomials offer the advantage of achieving higher-order accuracy without requiring a large number of basis functions. We assess the accuracy of the proposed technique by calculating the residual error. Furthermore, we conduct simulations with various parameter values and fractional orders to demonstrate the techniques effectiveness under different scenarios. The results confirm the techniques ability to provide accurate outcomes across multiple scenarios. To enhance result validation, a comparison with real data from the USA is introduced for both married and divorced individuals. This elucidates the significance of the proposed fractional model in providing a deeper understanding of the dynamics and behavior of the solution and its impact on the populations lives. By introducing and analyzing this model, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics and implications of marriage and divorce phenomena. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to SocietItaliana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
The FPTC act, 2020 a blinkered vision
In the name of empowering farmers, the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 has displayed a blinkered vision of an integrated supply chain-by undermining the importance of Agricultural Produce Market Committee markets in a competitive and inclusive agri-food market system. By overlooking many important aspects, the law has taken a quantum leap in the wrong direction. 2021 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
The flow analysis of Williamson nanofluid considering the Thompson and Troian slip conditions at the boundary
In this article, the impact of Joule heating on the thermal performance of Williamson nanofluid is analyzed under the influence of viscous dissipation along with the Joule heating. Also, the flow is subjected to Thompson and Troian slip conditions that directly influence the velocity of the flow at the boundary. Meanwhile, to achieve the even distribution of nanoparticles in the nanofluid, gyrotactic microorganisms are dispersed whose motion is due to the virtue of density gradient. The heat conduction at the surface is governed by the convective condition which allows the interpretation of the Biot number. The mathematical model is constructed employing these presumptions using partial differential equations, which are then subsequently reduced using similarity transformations to get the ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The RKF-45 numerical approach is used to solve the nonlinear ODE system thus acquired, and the findings are validated by comparing them to the previously published works. The results of this study showed that the higher values of thermophoresis and Brownian motion parameters cause more heat conduction. Also, the rise in the Eckert number that relates to the internal friction enhances the temperature conducted by the nanofluid. Meanwhile, the Lorentz force helps in controlling the flow velocity. 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
THE FEDERAL DYNAMICS OF INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY: Issues, Concerns and Trends
Participation of regional governments in foreign policy is a global phenomenon, which has been described as constituent diplomacy or Para diplomacy. It is a phenomenon that includes a cocktail of factors like globalisation, economic liberalisation, diffusion of technology and the decentralisation of political power. Dependence of coalition governments on regional parties in India has resulted in a subtle power shift when it comes to foreign policy prioritisation and perceptions. There is a new activism in the making and implementation of Indian foreign policy. The chapter analyses the domestic imperatives impacting on India's foreign policy. The assertion and expectations of regional parties have been contingent on the leverage they have within a coalition like the NDA and the UPA. States are now even bringing foreign and security issues to the bargaining table, thereby providing the regional parties a variety of participatory opportunities. Conduct of India's foreign policy is no longer the exclusive domain of the federal government in India. At any given time, domestic compulsions influence how states act and react to various foreign policy issues and events, and hence engaging state governments in foreign affairs can be a force multiplier for Indian foreign policy. 2024 selection and editorial matter, M.J. Vinod, Stefy V Joseph, Joseph Chacko Chennatuserry and Dimitris N. Chryssochoou; individual chapters, the contributors. -
The feasibility analysis of load based resource optimization algorithm for cooperative communication in 5G wireless ad-hoc networks
Efficient allocation of resources is crucial in wireless ad hoc networks (WANETs) as spectrum assets are costly. Cooperative communications were introduced as a solution to the problem of limited spectrum availability. In this approach, numerous nodes share their resources and increase the bandwidth available to end-users. This research investigates the practicality of a new algorithm that optimizes resources based on load for Cooperative Communications in 5 G WANETs. The algorithm consists of two components. Initially, a distributed algorithm for forming a topology is suggested. This algorithm employs a load-based approach to explore network conditions and efficiently choose the most suitable topology. An optimization algorithm that relies on a greedy strategy is suggested. In this approach, the chosen nodes send their bits to the receiver to maximize the attainable system throughput. A thorough simulation study is conducted to evaluate the overall performance of the proposed algorithm in assessing existing methods. The proposed model obtained 94.72 % energy efficiency, 91.69 % network throughput, 94.72 % spectrum utilization, 27.47 % network delay, 24.08 % packet loss rate, 94.38 % signal-to-noise ratio, 93.91 % data transfer rate, 95.87 % error detection rate, and 94.28 % link reliability rate. The results demonstrate that the suggested algorithm significantly enhances the system and the overall network performance compared to existing approaches. The proposed approach is feasible and environmentally friendly for optimizing bandwidth in 5 G wireless ad hoc Networks. 2024 The Authors -
The family strengths of the Lambhanis of Bellary district /
The study titled The Family Strengths of the Lambhanis of Bellary District aimed at identifying and exploring Family Strengths of the Lambhanis their perpetuation. The study was based on the Family Strengths Model using an Interpretivistic Research Philosophy and a Grounded Theory Research Paradigm within a Qualitative Framework. The sample of the study was taken through a key informant. The participants were from Dasarhalli Thanda, Bellary District, Karnataka. They were all adults both men and women. Three Focus Groups were conducted and the interviews were unstructured, data was collected until Data Saturation was reached. The data was recorded/taped, translated and transcripts written. The data gathered was then coded based on the Grounded Theory Method proposed by Strauss and Corbin (1998). -
The Factors Impacting Parental Choice in Picking Non-public Schools for Their Children
The purpose of the study was to investigate the school related factors influencing parental choice of private schools in the city of Bangalore. The study intended to analyze factors affecting parents choice of private schools in Bangalore, to discuss the extent to which various factors influence parents choice of private schools. The study used descriptive survey design. The target population of this study consisted of all parents of students studying in private primary schools in the city of Bangalore. A total sample of 180 parents was drawn purposively from Bangalore. The tool used for collecting the data was a self-constructed questionnaire which included 32 statements were prepared on the basis of a 5-point Likert scale. The study identified seven distinct factors affecting the parents decision of choosing a private school. Among these the factor that was seen to have most significant influence on parents decision to choose a private was school environment. The second most important factor that parents considered was the School quality. Third, parents considered curricular activities offered by school. Next, parents considered Quality of instruction while choosing a school. However, student welfare, parental involvement and proximity to the area of residence were considered less important by parents when choosing a school. The Author(s) 2021. -
The facile and efficient organocatalytic platform for accessing 1,2,4-selenadiazoles and thiadiazoles under aerobic conditions
The first organocatalytic approach towards synthesis of rarely explored 1,2,4-selenadiazole and thiadiazole scaffolds have been devised using corresponding carboxamides as substrates. The transformations were realized using two distinct conditions in the presence of catalytic vitamin B3 or thiourea under aerobic conditions. Developed methods overcome the associated limitations of previous reported approaches and the desired products were obtained in high yields and selectivity without the formation of toxic side-products. 2018 Elsevier Ltd -
The Experience of Transition From Being A Breast Cancer Patient to Survivor: Treatment Experience of Naturopathy/ Yoga
Women's experience of breast cancer and conventional treatment is challenging and demanding. The period after completion of first line of treatment for the removal of cancer, is known to be stressful. Women have to rebuild their life by accepting their illness and the limitations it brings on. They suffer from a wide range of psycho social issues such as low self esteem, body image concerns, difficulties in role functionality, added to which they must also deal with residual symptoms and a compromised state of health after undergoing invasive treatments such as surgery/ chemotherapy. The treatment plan does not adequately address these concerns which are critical for adjustment to life after treatment. Many women are increasingly looking for alternative treatments for support, which reflects their unmet needs. Naturopathy functions in a holistic domain that aims to help patients move towards a better state of health and treats every individual's experience as unique. Hence the present study aimed to understand the process of transition from being a patient to becoming a survivor, focussing on the treatment experience of Naturopathy. Six women participated in semi structured in-depth interviews and provided details about their life. Based on the phenomenological approach, data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Themes that emerged have been organised into Life before diagnosis, Living with cancer and Surviving breast cancer, in order to understand the meaning participants' attached to their whole experience. Participants of the study found the treatment experience of Naturopathy to be helpful in enabling their transition towards becoming a survivor and regaining a sense of normalcy in their life. They associated positive feelings/ emotions during the process of therapy, and felt empowered through a greater sense of awareness and control over their body/mind Key words: Naturopathy, Breast cancer, Treatment experience, Cancer Survivorship -
The Experience of Meditation among Long Term Sahaja Yoga Practitioners and its Role in Facilitating Well Being and Managing Stress
Meditation is increasingly becoming a popular practice and is used as a strategy for stress management, coping with illness and spiritual growth. It is estimated that meditation is being practiced by a hundreds of millions worldwide (Deurr, 2004). However, results of the published studies on meditation have often been interpreted to be inconsistent (Shear, 2007). This could be attributed to the modification and westernisation of the original ancient meditation practice (Manocha,2008). Also, it is not clearly understood how the experience of meditation leads to stress management and well being. Hence, Sahaja yoga which is based on the classical understanding of meditation and begins with Self realization or Kundalini awakening was chosen for investigation for the present study. The present study aims to understand the experience of meditation among long term meditators and understand its role in facilitating well-being and management of stress. To achieve this 6 long term meditators were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide and were also requested to make diary entries of their daily meditation experience. All the participants were full time working adults. Interpretative phenemonological analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts. The results of the study indicate that Sahaja yoga meditation practice aids its practitioners to attain thoughtless awareness and experience ??Sahaja and ??witness states which is accompanied by experience of indescribable bliss and peace. These states were found to create a sense of well-being among the practitioners and also had a significant role in facilitating physical, psychological, social and spiritual well-being and helped in the management of stress as well. Since, participants found it easy to balance it with work and family responsibilities it can be recommended for working adults. Key words: meditation, Sahaja yoga, stress, well-being. -
The Experience of Flow among Kathak Dancers
Flow is a state of optimal experience proposed by Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi (1975). Flow is the holistic experience that people feel when they act with total involvement and is characterized by intense engagement and enjoyment. The flow state has been explored diverse contexts such as art, music, theater, education and sports. The main contribution of flow studies to positive psychology involves adding value, purpose and enjoyment to subjective experience, thereby leading to a richer and intentional life existence. Dance is one such activity that increases enjoyment by integrating ones awareness with oneself and the surroundings. Kathak is a form of North Indian Classical dancing that lays emphasis on speed and rhythm. The present study aims to analyze the experience of flow in the context of Kathak performance. It also seeks to describe the experience of flow by linking challenge in the performance and skill of the dancer, the importance of feedback in performance and the unique competencies that enable a person to enter and maintain the state of flow. Seven Kathak dancers from Bangalore were interviewed in order to analyze how they experience flow. The research paradigm employed was phenomenology and in-depth interviews were used to gather data. Thematic analysis was the technique used in the study to generate themes. The findings of the study state that the dancers perceive Kathak as a challenging dance. The dancers perception of their skills influences their flow experience during performance. The Guru was seen to be an influential person whose feedback was considered valuable. The response from the audience and the dancers own self reflection were also important sources of feedback. The dancers had identified different purposes for performing Kathak. They were all motivated by their inner drives. The dancers also experienced a transformation from their personal selves when they were immersed in the dance. Self-confidence was seen to be an important facilitator of flow whereas anxiety was seen to be a major inhibitor. The results will be able to help dancers understand the importance of optimal experiences during dancing. An awareness of the what facilitates and inhibits flow can lead dancers to intentionally work on having clearer goals, better concentration, less self consciousness and raising the challenge level for themselves. The findings can be applied to dance therapy and also contributes to both research of dance and the relationship between dance and psychology in India. Keywords: Flow, experience, Kathak, challenge, feedback.