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Is it morally justified to create disabled designer babies?
This research paper explores the questionwhether it is morally permissible for an auditory impaired parent to create an auditory impaired offspring? It makes an epistemological inquiry into the experiences of persons with auditory impairments to make an informed decision on the question at stake. There is a general attitudinal bias against the disability. On the contrary, arguments have been raised that a parent with auditory impairment may have a moral right and a liberty to have a specially designed deaf baby. It is argued that a deaf parents desire to have a deaf child, stems from their need to relate linguistically and culturally with the child. It is also in the best interest of the child and the parent. Such arguments seem grossly misguided and are often countered with arguments of open future, and the costs of disability. This research paper seeks to inquire into the epistemic challenges in examining the validity and the soundness of these arguments. It engages into the arguments and counter arguments with respect to whether auditory impairment is a disadvantageous condition to find that deafness does involve an element of harm though it is not only and only harm. It argues against the proposition that laws permitting abortion in case of foetal anomaly are eugenic. It uses Kantian theory to delve into the moral permissibility of the use of genetic engineering for the creation of impairment and enhancement. In the light of moral, ethical and jurisprudential considerations it finds that it is morally impermissible to use genetic interventions to create impairments or enhancements, as it strikes at the humanity in the designer babies and uses them as a means for the satisfaction of desires. 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU). -
Is Mindfulness a Key Characteristic of a Jugaad Leader?
The practice of mindfulness has its roots in Eastern religions. Both Hinduism and Buddhism emphasize the need to be calm and to focus on the present moment. This concentration is called mindfulness. In the Indian subcontinent, there is a specific tradition for innovation and creativity that produces the best possible results, even among resources that are often sparse. This approach is called Jugaad. It is increasingly being used as a management technique. Companies in South Asia are adopting Jugaad as a practice to reduce research and development costs and use unconventional approaches to maximize resources for a company and its stakeholders. Tang (The leaders guide to mindfulness. Pearson UK, Harlow, 2018) noted that mindfulness from a context of jugaad creativity or innovation allows individuals to enter a childlike state of creativity. Mindfulness promotes a directed awareness and allows one to look at problems or issues from different perspectives-not only from a clients or customers perspective, but also from that of a child-encouraging further reflection. A mindfulness approach calms the mind before a creative or brainstorming session, which can foster insight and clear the mind for an aha moment in the jugaad innovation process. Often, a successful jugaad creative process requires breaking down psychological barriers in a team-e.g., fear of doing something wrong, fear of ideas being stolen by others. A mindful approach to such issues helps team members meditate and relax, creating a safer space for creative exploration, as these exercises can teach listening and acknowledgement of each individual. Also, the associated creativity and innovation process helps to understand the problem to be solved and generate ideas from it. The mindfulness approach promotes the flexibility and clarity needed for a jugaad approach (Tang, The leaders guide to mindfulness. Pearson UK, Harlow, 2018). The following are the results of the Jugaad leadership survey conducted among managers in India. Managers felt that Jugaad leadership involves leading by example, appreciation and recognition. Also fundamental is leading with humility, openness to receiving feedback, and awareness of ones own thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness also includes language and behavior, the ability to recognize peoples needs, and an intuition in situations that require change. All of these characteristics make it clear that the Jugaad leader is a mindful person and also show that he or she practices mindfulness while guiding, interacting with, and motivating his or her team members. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022. -
Is my culture influencing me?: Client experiences of mental illness and psychotherapy in a transitional Indian culture
The client therapy experience has been the focus of many bodies of literature in psychotherapy, even across cultures. While researchers have emphasized on the use of indigenous approaches in Indian psychotherapy, how much of this is applicable in the present scenario? The experience has become increasingly tricky to understand given the complexities arising from the influence of urbanization and westernization. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the experience of mental illness and psychotherapy in modern day India. Using the integrated, holistic idea of the person and their needs, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with ten cis-gender, urban Indian participants between 21 and 39years of age. Data analysis using thematic analysis uncovered the global theme of Transitional Culture Impacting the Therapeutic Experience. The major organizing themes and basic themes have been elaborated as well. In essence, the study concludes that the increased awareness and acceptance of psychotherapy in urban India, combined with the exposure to Western methodologies, may be related to an increase in the expectations for similar therapeutic services. Implications and recommendations have been discussed. The Author(s) 2023. -
Is Open ready for investment? A venture capitalists dilemma
Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the case study, student will be able to discuss valuation of new-age ventures and understand how it is different from the valuation of organisations with a longer history; analyse the considerations (quantitative and qualitative) while evaluating investments in new-age ventures; and develop a framework involving the various dimensions of investment readiness. Case overview/synopsis: The fintech space in India has seen an upsurge of activities since 2016. The growth of Paytm, RazorPay and many such ventures and the drastic improvements in this ecosystem have been significant catalysts for this segment of new-age tech companies. Funding and valuations have seen a sharp increase, especially when businesses worldwide felt the after-effects of the pandemic, with India being home to a large number of unicorns, second only to the USA. Open Financial Technologies Ltd (OPEN TECH) is one such venture that claimed its spot as the 100th unicorn of India within a span of five years since inception. With a strong focus on disrupting the banking sector in India, this neo-bank aspires to be the equivalent of Stripe in India and eventually be a strong competitor in the international market. Richard ONeil is an active investor in the fintech space, based out of the UK, and he is currently looking to expand the market by considering investment options. In the process, Richard and his team have identified India as a viable and competitive market, as new venture support and funding are increasingly emphasized through policies such as Startup India, Make in India and many such more to sustain and propel its benefits. As the team was exploring ventures worth investing, Open Financial Technologies caught their attention. However, Richard, given his experience across fields and being a seasoned private equity investor, realised that valuing new-age companies is as much an art as it is a science. Multiple quantitative and qualitative aspects need to be considered while relevance of traditional valuation techniques to put a value on such entrepreneurial ventures is questioned. At this juncture, he finds it crucial to evaluate the investment readiness of OPEN TECH. This case allows students to understand how valuation of new ventures is different from that of established companies and analyse the crucial factors worth considering while evaluating an investment proposal as a venture capitalist, which eventually helps shape the funding pitch of an entrepreneur in the space. Complexity academic level: This case study can be useful for students undertaking graduate- and executive-level courses on business valuation and strategy and entrepreneurship, as well as entrepreneurial finance elective at the undergraduate level. One could use this case in courses on entrepreneurship and innovation, such as an introductory course on entrepreneurial finance and a course on venture capital and private equity. It also allows discussion on fintech and neobanking and the valuation of privately held companies. Supplementary materials: Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code: CSS 1: Accounting and finance. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Is robotics education and training gender dependent? A suggestive robotics syllabus for teacher training
Application of robotics is rapidly increasing in all fields of life. Though robotics education became popular in the 21st century, its teaching and training has not gained much importance across the world, especially in developing and low-income countries. There are various reasons for its neglect and one of them could be gender-science stereotypes. Research studies are yet to explore the reasons for its slow emergence. The present study explores the need and training for educational robotics considering the role of students, teachers, teacher-educators and parents, determining whether it is gender-dependent or not. The study also proposes to come up with a syllabus for robotics training. The study employs exploratory, sequential, qualitative-quantitative mixed-method research design and applies purposive sampling techniques. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews, including five science teacher-educators, five science teachers, and five trainee teachers majoring in sciences to understand the need, scope and benefits of robotics education. They recruited 100 high school students, 50 teacher-educators, and 100 parents to test whether their interest in robotics is gender-dependent through Chi-square analysis. The study revealed the need for robotics education under four themes and seven subthemes. It has been found that the interest of students and parents and the readiness of teacher-educators for robotics education is gender-dependent. The study came up with a suggestive syllabus for robotics training. It recommends that future researchers should focus on the implementation of robotics teaching for teacher and school education. 2021 Authors. -
Is the effect of oil price shock asymmetric on the Indian stock market? Firm-level evidence from energy-intensive companies
Purpose: This paper aims to examine the asymmetric impact of the oil price increase and decrease on stock returns at the firm level. Design/methodology/approach: To ascertain the impact oil price can exert on the stock price at the firm level, this study uses panel structural vector auto regression with various linear and nonlinear measures of oil price shock on a data set, containing 1,168 firms listed in Indian stock markets. This study also considers stock index returns, Fama-French factors and inflation as control variables. Findings: This paper finds evidence that at firm level, net oil price increase and decrease have an asymmetric impact on stock returns. Other oil price shock measures, namely, shock because of oil price increase and decrease, do not show any sign of asymmetric impact on stock returns. Originality/value: The comparison of firm-level return on its response towards oil price fluctuation can give valuable insights into a firms features. 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Is the Electronic Market the Way Forward to Overcome Market Failures in Agriculture?
This paper examines the performance of agricultural markets through analysing the primary data from 856 farm households in six states along with secondary data. It argues that adequate physical and storage infrastructure is crucial even for the functioning of the electronic market, and other related policy measures are needed to have a significant improvement in agricultural marketing. The results indicate that farmers obtained 3.75% higher prices in these markets vis-vis the prices received before selling to these markets. This is significant as the prices plummeted by 8.34% in the manual transactions. 2022 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
Is there a Broad-Basing process in the Indian economy?
Chapter 8 is by Malini L. Tantri and Shruthi Mohan Menon. They answer the title question, Is There a Broad-Basing Process in the Indian Economy?' with the help of three criteria: food security, poverty and unemployment. Though economic growth in terms of GDP has been significant in the last two decades, the achievements on the fronts of food security, poverty reduction and employment growth have not been equally impressive. The states which have high levels of poverty are showing a slower decline in poverty. The number of the poor is declining, though still high. Employment growth is taking place mainly in the non-farm sector, but it is in the farm sector where there is a crisis. Even within the non-farm sector, informal employment is increasing more than the formal. Thus a large portion of the workforce - in agriculture and also non-farm sector - does not have job security, paid sick leave, medical reimbursement and retirement benefits. Economic growth has not yet brought the marginalised into the mainstream of the advantaged. The authors recommend greater stress on employment generation, skill creation, a boost to education and health sectors ensuring benefits to the marginalised, and a massive push to the village economy. 2020 selection and editorial matter, M. V. Nadkarni. -
Is There a Dark Side to Work Passion? Insights on Well-Being and Performance in the Evolving Knowledge Economy
Purpose: Work passion (WP) inspires employees to discover more profound meaning and fulfilment in their careers. However, is there a dark side to WP? This paper aimed to explore the answer to this question and test the mediating role of employee well-being in the relationship between WP and perceived performance. Design/Methodology/Approach: We employed a quantitative survey method, and 107 executive-level leaders, referred to as CXOs, participated. We administered the WP Scale, developed by Vallerand et al. (2003), further modified to suit the workplace by Ho et al. (2011), the Employee Wellbeing Scale developed by Pradhan and Hati (2019), and the Perceived Performance Scale developed by Karneli et al. (2015) for collecting data. We used Process MACRO (Model 4) for mediation analysis. Findings: The conclusions of the study indicated that while obsessive passion (OP) had a negative impact on workers well-being, harmonious passion (HP) had a positive influence on employee well-being. Both HP and performance, as well as OP and performance, were mediated by well-being. HP positively impacted performance, while performance was negatively impacted by OP. Practical Implications: The findings have numerous advantages for executive-level leaders, allowing them to strengthen employee well-being and organizational performance. They should first concentrate on creating a positive environment at work that encourages an HP. Second, the adverse impacts of OP on performance and well-being can be minimized by using programs designed to promote mental health, such as stress management tools and wellness initiatives. Originality/Value: This paper added to the body of research and knowledge by distinguishing between the different types of consequences (both positive and negative) of WP on employee well-being and performance. Organizational leaders, particularly CXOs, can gain insights from the papers contributions regarding the significance of creating a supportive work environment that maximizes HP and prevents obsessive behavior. 2025, Associated Management Consultants Pvt. Ltd.. All rights reserved. -
Is there spill-over effect among metals?
This paper was aimed at examining the existence of volatility spill-over between precious and industrial metals by estimating Multi-variate GARCH model. Metals chosen for this study were aluminium, copper, gold and silver. Data from 1st march 2004 to 31st March 2018 were used for the analysis. Significant clustering effect was found in the variance of all the metals studied. Significantly strong volatility spill-over was found between aluminium and copper when compared to other metals. It was also noted that the persistence of volatility spill-over between copper and aluminium is the least among other metals. Since there is significant spill-over between aluminium and copper, portfolio managers are advised to avoid investing in them together in their portfolios. 2019 SERSC. -
Is your phone ruining your well-being? Exploring the role of phubbing and mobile phone usage addiction on the well-being of users
Background: The consumption of mobile screen time is increasing day by day. When a person engages with the mobile phone for an extended period of time, it depicts addiction and escapes from the surroundings, leading to phubbing behavior. Therefore, this study investigates mobile phone addiction and how phubbing behavior affects psychological well-being. In addition, this paper examines the moderating role of self-determination theory in the aforesaid relationship. Methods: To examine the cause-and-effect relationship among the examined variables, PLS-SEM is used as a statistical tool for analysis. The data was collected from 450 participants via a survey through mall-intercept method, using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Results: The results exhibited that mobile phone addiction is a significant determinant of phubbing behavior and well-being. The results also indicated that phubbing behavior negatively influences the well-being of the mobile phone user. It was also found that need satisfaction theory moderated the relationship between mobile phone usage, phubbing behavior, and well-being. The role of gender and time spent on mobile phones as control variables was also found to be significant. Originality: This current study offers insights into mobile phone addiction, phubbing behavior, and well-being, offering theoretical and practical implications fordigitalhealth, underpinned by the need satisfaction theory on the mobile phone user. The Author(s) 2026. -
Islanding detection technique of distribution generation system
Islanding is a condition in which the micro grid is disconnected from the main grid which consists of loads and distribution generation. Islanding is required whenever there is a fault and whenever the maintenance is required. Under normal condition or stable condition, the system works under constant current control mode. After islanding the system switched to voltage controlled mode. There are different methods that can be used to detect islanding situation such as active and passive methods. In this paper DQ-PLL detection technique used for detecting islanding condition is carried out. This paper also explains in detail the advantages of DQ-PLL method for islanding detection The implementation is validated by using MATLAB/SIMULINK software. 2016 IEEE. -
Isolation and Characterization of Antidermatophytic Bioactive Molecules from Piper longum L. Leaves
Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) commonly known as "long pepper" is a well known medicinal plant in ayurveda. Different parts of this plant, such as root, seed, fruit, whole plant etc. are used traditionally in various ailments. Here we have investigated the antidermatophytic activity of sequentially extracted petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water extracts from P. longum leaf against Trichophytonmentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. tonsurans, Microsporum fulvum and M. gypseum. Better activity of chloroform and methanol extracts was observed. The chloroform extract was selected for further study and the MIC value was recorded as 5.0 mg ml-1 against the test organisms. In the chloroform extract, tannins and phenolic compounds were detected. Further activity-guided fractionation of chloroform extract by silica gel column chromatography yielded nine major fractions. Among these, fraction-1, 4, 5 and 7 showed higher antidermatophytic activity. Fraction-4 on further purification by repeated column chromatography yielded a potential antidermatophytic fraction showing MIC value of 0.625 mg ml-1 against T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum as determined by broth microdilution method. The major compounds were identified as 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (C24H38O4] (41.45 %), 2,2-dimethoxybutane (C6H14O2] (13.6 %) and ?-myrcene (C10H16) (6.75 %) based on GC-MS data. 2012 Association of Microbiologists of India. -
Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) from the rhizosphere of Spinacea oleracea L.
As the years pass by, there is an increase in abiotic stress conditions around the environment that directly or indirectly affect agriculture around the world. Therefore, there is a dire need to increase the sustainability of plants. Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) play an important role in maintaining the physiology and growth of plants under various stress conditions. This study looks into the isolation and characterization of different PGPB from Spinacia oleracea L. and their tolerance against salinity and commonly used commercial pesticides against the Spinacia family. The techniques used are isolation by serial dilution, 16sRna sequencing, characterization of different PGPB assays for confirmation such as ammonia production, catalase test, phosphate solubilisation, potassium solubilization, siderophore production, indole-3-acetic acid production, biofilm formation assay, halotolerance and tolerance study using Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). PGPB were isolated and characterized from Spinacia oleracea L., which was under an abiotic stress environment. Isolates were Bacillus clarus, Bacillus licheniformis, Paenibacillus alvei SJ6 and Paenibacillus alvei SJ8, having quantities as high as 78.10.004 mgL-1 phosphate solubilization, 43.8 mgL?1 of indole-3-acetic acid production, 14.5660.011 psu of siderophore production and 0.62 0.027 mol mL?1 of ammonia production. All isolates also had considerable amounts of halotolerance up to 10%, whereas Bacillus licheniformis had 12.5% halotolerance. The bacterial isolates had considerable tolerance against commonly used commercial pesticides against green leafy vegetables such as chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin combination and fungicides such as mancozeb. Therefore, this study looks into the isolation of potential plant growth promoting bacteria that have considerable amount of halotolerance and pesticide tolerance. 2025 World Researchers Associations. All rights reserved. -
Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) from the rhizosphere of Spinacea oleracea L.
As the years pass by, there is an increase in abiotic stress conditions around the environment that directly or indirectly affect agriculture around the world. Therefore, there is a dire need to increase the sustainability of plants. Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) play an important role in maintaining the physiology and growth of plants under various stress conditions. This study looks into the isolation and characterization of different PGPB from Spinacia oleracea L. and their tolerance against salinity and commonly used commercial pesticides against the Spinacia family. The techniques used are isolation by serial dilution, 16sRna sequencing, characterization of different PGPB assays for confirmation such as ammonia production, catalase test, phosphate solubilisation, potassium solubilization, siderophore production, indole-3-acetic acid production, biofilm formation assay, halotolerance and tolerance study using Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). PGPB were isolated and characterized from Spinacia oleracea L., which was under an abiotic stress environment. Isolates were Bacillus clarus, Bacillus licheniformis, Paenibacillus alvei SJ6 and Paenibacillus alvei SJ8, having quantities as high as 78.10.004 mgL-1 phosphate solubilization, 43.8 mgL?1 of indole-3-acetic acid production, 14.5660.011 psu of siderophore production and 0.62 0.027 mol mL?1 of ammonia production. All isolates also had considerable amounts of halotolerance up to 10%, whereas Bacillus licheniformis had 12.5% halotolerance. The bacterial isolates had considerable tolerance against commonly used commercial pesticides against green leafy vegetables such as chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin combination and fungicides such as mancozeb. Therefore, this study looks into the isolation of potential plant growth promoting bacteria that have considerable amount of halotolerance and pesticide tolerance. 2025 World Researchers Associations. All rights reserved. -
Isolation and characterization of polyhydroxyalkanoate producing halotolerant Bacillus subtilis SG1 using marine water samples collected from Calicut coast, Kerala
Halotolerant bacterial strain isolated from the Calicut coast, Kerala, India, was screened for its potential ability to synthesize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using Sudan black B and Nile blue staining. The quantitative analysis for PHA production was done in modified M9 media and a PHA yield of about 1.52 g/L was observed with the most potential isolate SG1. Further, the biochemical and molecular characterization of the PHA-producing halotolerant bacteria was done using standard biochemical tests and 16 s ribosomal RNA sequencing respectively and the isolate was identified to be Bacillus subtilis SG1. Further, the PHA recovery was done using solvent extraction method employing acetone and diethyl ether followed by precipitation using chloroform with a maximum PHA yield of 1.52 g/L. Further, the material properties of the extracted polymer were studied using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermo gravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Further investigations are necessary to optimize PHA production and to carry out its application study in various fields. 2024 Sneha Grigary, et al. -
Isolation and Screening of Chromium-Tolerant Bacteria from Wetland Rhizosphere for use in Sustainable Bioremediation
Heavy metal contamination by hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] remains a major ecological threat due to its toxicity and persistence. This study investigated chromium-tolerant rhizospheric bacteria associated with Typha domingensis collected from Doddagubbi Lake, Bengaluru. Twelve isolates were obtained and exhibited diverse colony morphologies, where Gram staining classified the isolates into six Gram-positive and six Gram-negative strains. Physiological screening revealed broad adaptability with several isolates (DL4, DL6, DL11) tolerating up to 7.5% NaCl and DL11 showing thermotolerance up to 50C. pH profiling indicated that multiple strains (DL2, DL4, DL6, DL7, DL8) sustained growth up to pH 10. Biochemical tests showed widespread catalase activity and notable proteolysis, citrate utilisation and amylase production. Molecular identification grouped the isolates into eight taxa, including Brevibacillus brevis, Bacillus subtilis, Paenibacillus cookii, Kocuria rhizophila and several Pseudomonas species. Chromium tolerance assays demonstrated clear differentiation between highly tolerant isolates (DL1, DL2, DL8, DL9), which showed uninterrupted growth from 10100 mg/L Cr(VI) and moderately tolerant isolates that declined beyond 60 mg/L. Quantitative OD??? measurements further confirmed that the highly tolerant group retained OD values >0.55 at 80100 mg/L, whereas sensitive strains dropped below 0.05. These results highlight the strong bioremediation potential of T. domingensisassociated rhizobacteria for Cr(VI)-contaminated environments. 2026, World Researchers Associations. All rights reserved. -
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Isolation of Fungal Endophytes From Hulimavu Lake Flora and Characterization and Optimization of Fungal Enzymes
The present work was aimed at isolating fungal endophytes from Hulimavu Lake, newlineextracting their secondary metabolites and fungal enzymes to subsequently probe the newlinebiological properties of these fungal endophytic bioactive compounds and enzymes. newlineHulimavu Lake, known for its notoriously high levels of pollution contributed by newlineanthropogenic factors, was chosen for this study with the literature-evidence backed newlinehypothesis that plant habitat stress also positively favors the type and quanta of bioactive compounds with novel features produced by its endophytes. Literature survey was performed to identify the probable types of plants found in this lake that could be used for the study and these were subsequently collected, identified and processed under laboratory conditions. These plants were authenticated by a certified botanist and were identified as Alternanthera philoxeroides, Ricinus communis and Persicaria glabra. Fungal endophytes were then isolated from different plant parts collected and were screened using preliminary LCB staining followed by DNA sequencing analysis. Based on ITS region sequencing, nucleotide homology and phylogenetic tree mapping, these fungal endophytic cultures were identified as Aspergillus niger, Talaromyces amestolkiae, Cladosporium phaseolorum and Diaporthe phaseolorum. Crude extracts obtained from these fungal endophytes displayed bacterial growth inhibition and significant free radical scavenging/ reduction potential that was comparable to standard ascorbic acid, hence depicting antioxidant activity of these extracts. Owing to their biological properties these crude extracts were further tested for cytotoxic properties on newlinedifferent models like that of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker s yeast), Artemia salina newline(Brine shrimp) and MCF-7 cell line. The presence of fungal endophytic enzymes like newlineprotease, amylase, laccase and lipase was detected qualitatively and estimated newlinequantitatively. -
