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Antimicrobial potential of selected fruit peel extracts against multidrug-resistant bacteria: An eco-friendly approach
The rapid rise of multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria due to the misuse of antibiotics necessitates the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of selected fruit peels: Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, Musa acuminata, and Punica granatum. These extracts were tested against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The findings indicated that all four fruit peel extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the selected pathogenic strains. The effectiveness of the extracts followed the following orders: P. granatum > M. acuminata > C. papaya > A. comosus for S. aureus, P. granatum > C. papaya > M. acuminata > A. comosus for P. aeruginosa, and A. comosus > M. acuminata > C. papaya > P. granatum for K. pneumoniae. Notably, K. pneumoniae demonstrated high sensitivity to A. comosus extract with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL. S. aureus inhibition was observed with a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and M. acuminata extracts, while P. aeruginosa showed a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and C. papaya extracts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis along with structural elucidation using Gas chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), identified medicinally significant compounds like Tetracyclononane hexamethyl, phthalic acid, 9-octadecenal, 7-methyl undecane, 2-dodecyl-propanediol in these peels, likely contributing to their antimicrobial activity. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of these fruit peels as effective antimicrobial agents and highlights their role in sustainable waste management. : Author (s). -
Antimicrobial potential of selected fruit peel extracts against multidrug-resistant bacteria: An eco-friendly approach
The rapid rise of multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria due to the misuse of antibiotics necessitates the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of selected fruit peels: Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, Musa acuminata, and Punica granatum. These extracts were tested against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The findings indicated that all four fruit peel extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the selected pathogenic strains. The effectiveness of the extracts followed the following orders: P. granatum > M. acuminata > C. papaya > A. comosus for S. aureus, P. granatum > C. papaya > M. acuminata > A. comosus for P. aeruginosa, and A. comosus > M. acuminata > C. papaya > P. granatum for K. pneumoniae. Notably, K. pneumoniae demonstrated high sensitivity to A. comosus extract with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL. S. aureus inhibition was observed with a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and M. acuminata extracts, while P. aeruginosa showed a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and C. papaya extracts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis along with structural elucidation using Gas chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), identified medicinally significant compounds like Tetracyclononane hexamethyl, phthalic acid, 9-octadecenal, 7-methyl undecane, 2-dodecyl-propanediol in these peels, likely contributing to their antimicrobial activity. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of these fruit peels as effective antimicrobial agents and highlights their role in sustainable waste management. : Author (s). -
Eco-friendly valorization of fruit peels: Physicochemical and functional characterization for feed industry applications
The fruit processing industry generates large amounts of fruit peels as waste. These peels, however, are rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolics, with excellent antioxidant properties. Utilizing them as feed ingredients provides an eco-friendly waste management solution and adds value to the processing chain. This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical (e.g., pH, ash, moisture content, crude lipid, crude fibre, carbohydrates content) and functional properties (e.g., bulk density, tap density, flowability, porosity, water and oil absorption capacities, foaming capacity, stability, and least gelation concentration) of selected fruit peels such as Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, Musa acuminata, and Punica granatum. The findings highlight the potential of the selected fruit peels as valuable feed ingredients. The low bulk density and tap density in M. acuminata peels (0.29 0.01 g. cm-3 and 0.31 0.01 g. cm-3, respectively) helps in enhanced palatability. M. acuminata peels also showed excellent water and oil absorption (5.30 0.10 mL. g-1 and 1.570.05 mL. g-1) and porosity (71.15 2.22), indicating their role as effective food hydrocolloids, improving digestibility and binding properties. Notably, P. granatum, C. papaya and A. comosus peels also demonstrated strong performance across all selected parameters, suggesting their utility in the feed industry. While the ash content was notably high in M. acuminata peels, all fruit peels exhibited high fibre content, which is beneficial for digestive health and gut functionality in livestock. These properties contribute to better feed stability, energy retention, and eco-friendly production, promoting sustainable waste valorization practices. 2025 University of Food Technologies Plovdiv. All rights reserved. -
A Comparative Study of Nutrient Composition, Proteolytic Activity, Phytochemical Profiles, Vitamin C Content, and Antioxidant Properties in the Peels of Selected Perennial Fruits
The escalating global demand for fruits has led to a surge in fruit production, resulting in significant fruit waste, particularly peels. The present study aims to investigate the nutrient content, proteolytic activity, phytochemical levels, vitamin C and antioxidant properties of five perennial fruits, namely Carica papaya (papaya), Selenicereus costaricensis (Red dragon fruit), Ananas comosus (Pineapple), Musa acuminata (Cavendish banana), Punica granatum (Pomegranate) peels of varying ripening stages. Accordingly, two ripening stages for pomegranate, papaya and dragon fruit (PoR1 and PoR2; PaR1 and PaR2; DR1 and DR2, respectively) and three stages for banana and pineapple (BR1, BR2 and BR3; PiR1, PiR2 and PiR3, respectively) were identified based on ethylene gas emission. The elemental analysis showed that fruit peels of Pineapple (PiR3), Banana (BR2), Papaya (PaR2), and Dragon fruit (DR2) showed significantly higher content of macro and micro-elements compared to the other ripening stages. Pomegranate peels exhibited the highest proteolytic activity (5.09 0.98unitsg?1), total phenolics (246.09 0.25mgg?1), total flavonoids (158.27 1.72mgg?1), tannins (103.94 0.09mgg?1), DPPH scavenging activity (129.43 1.34%), and antioxidant activity (127.14 1.35mgg?1 by phosphomolybdate assay). A. comosus peels had the greatest vitamin C levels (95.53 3.52mgg?1). Anti-nutrient analysis revealed safe levels of oxalates, phytates, and alkaloids, except for high oxalate levels in pomegranate peels. Notably, all parameters exhibited an increasing trend with ripening stages, with a decline during senescence in Banana (BR3) and Pomegranate peel (PoR2). This knowledge of fruit peel composition can enhance their utilization by humans, pharmaceutical and food industries, while also contributing to more effective waste management. Our study addresses the pressing need for sustainable fruit peel utilization in the context of escalating fruit production and waste. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to National Academy of Agricultural Sciences 2024. -
Kinetic characterisation of proteases from Punica granatum, Musa acuminata, Carica papaya, and Ananas comosus as sustainable enzyme sources
Proteases are vital industrial enzymes, contributing approximately 60% of the global enzyme market, by facilitating protein hydrolysis. Fruit peels, a major agricultural waste, offer a sustainable alternative for commercial enzyme production. This study investigates the proteases extracted from the peels of Punica granatum, Musa acuminata, Carica papaya, and Ananas comosus, with a primary focus on determining their optimal pH, temperature, and substrate specificity. Additionally, K? and V??? kinetics were assessed to characterize their catalytic efficiency. Optimal proteolytic activity was observed at pH 8 and 30C for P. granatum, pH 7 and 30C for M. acuminata, pH 8 and 30C for C. papaya, and pH 7 and 50C for A. comosus. substrate specificity of protease was assessed using casein, fish meal, soybean meal, black soldier fly larvae, bovine serum albumin, and egg albumin, revealing broad applicability, especially in P. granatum peels. The stability of P. granatum proteases across substrates suggests multiple isoforms or a flexible active site. Kinetic analysis using Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed Vmax and KM values of 8.45 mol/min/mL and 3.81 M (P. granatum), 4.56 mol/min/mL and 10.08 M (M. acuminata), 2.98 mol/min/mL and 2.84 M (C. papaya), and 2.97 mol/min/mL and 11.38 M (A. comosus) respectively. Among the tested fruit peels, P. granatum exhibited the highest reaction rate, while C. papaya demonstrated the highest substrate affinity, making them as promising candidates for feed supplementation and industrial enzyme applications. The broad substrate specificity and high catalytic efficiency of P. granatum further reinforce its potential for use in feed formulations, enhancing protein hydrolysis and improving nutrient availability. These findings highlight the significant potential of fruit peel-derived proteases in promoting sustainable enzyme production and advancing bioeconomic applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Valorization of pomegranate peel waste as a sustainable feed additive: enhancing growth, digestion, immunity, and disease resistance in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii
The growing demand for sustainable aquaculture and eco-friendly feed resources necessitates the development of circular economy strategies that valorize agro-industrial by-products. This study evaluated pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel, a nutrient-rich fruit waste, as a functional and sustainable feed additive in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. A 60-day feeding trial included a control (0X) and five experimental diets (P1P5) supplemented with P. granatum peel protease (0.02X0.10X). Growth, digestive enzyme activity, immune-oxidative responses, and tissue histology were assessed, followed by a 72-h post-challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Growth improved significantly in P4 and P5 (p < 0.05), with the highest specific growth rate (2.14 0.03%/day in P4; 2.13 0.01%/day in P5) and lowest feed conversion ratio (0.39 0.01) in P5. P4 showed the highest protein (240.01 2.68mg/g) and amino acids (148.16 0.83mg/g). Protease activity peaked in P4 (1.55 0.03IU/g), while amylase and lipase remained unchanged. Antioxidant defenses in P5 were elevated, including superoxide dismutase (43.31 0.33%), catalase (1.91 0.05 U/min/mg protein), glutathione S-transferase (1.43 0.01 U/min/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (5.97 0.02 U/min/mg protein), and total hemocyte count (22.80 0.05 10? cells/mL). Histology confirmed improved hepatopancreas structure. P. granatum exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against A. hydrophila (MIC 6.25mg/mL), and in vivo challenge showed the lowest mortality in P4 and P5 (16.25 1.77%) versus control (71.25 1.77%). These results highlight P. granatum peel as a viable circular bioresource, promoting nutrient recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable aquaculture productivity while minimizing reliance on synthetic additives. Future studies should focus on long-term feeding trials and large-scale farm evaluations to further validate the commercial viability of P. granatum peel as a sustainable functional feed additive in aquaculture. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
The effect of dietary supplementation of proteases on growth, digestive enzymes, oxidative stress, and intestinal morphology in fishes A review
Optimizing utilization of nutrients and improving protein digestibility, particularly in the early stages of cultivable species, is a challenging task for the sustainable development of aquaculture. The use of protein-digesting enzymes as a feed supplement is an eco-friendly approach to improve protein digestibility. Exogenous enzymes, particularly proteases, have been shown to improve fish growth, nutrient digestibility, immunological parameters, intestinal topography, and most importantly, water quality. Although there is a clear understanding of the role of proteases and their mechanism of action, their role as a feed supplement in aquaculture remains controversial. In this review, we present updated information on the impact of proteases in improving various development indicators and fish health in general. Based on the information gathered from the current state of knowledge, it is clear that extensive research has to be made to broaden the application of proteases overcoming the drawbacks that could hinder its application in the field. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law. -
A Comparative Study of Nutrient Composition, Proteolytic Activity, Phytochemical Profiles, Vitamin C Content, and Antioxidant Properties in the Peels of Selected Perennial Fruits
The escalating global demand for fruits has led to a surge in fruit production, resulting in significant fruit waste, particularly peels. The present study aims to investigate the nutrient content, proteolytic activity, phytochemical levels, vitamin C and antioxidant properties of five perennial fruits, namely Carica papaya (papaya), Selenicereus costaricensis (Red dragon fruit), Ananas comosus (Pineapple), Musa acuminata (Cavendish banana), Punica granatum (Pomegranate) peels of varying ripening stages. Accordingly, two ripening stages for pomegranate, papaya and dragon fruit (PoR1 and PoR2; PaR1 and PaR2; DR1 and DR2, respectively) and three stages for banana and pineapple (BR1, BR2 and BR3; PiR1, PiR2 and PiR3, respectively) were identified based on ethylene gas emission. The elemental analysis showed that fruit peels of Pineapple (PiR3), Banana (BR2), Papaya (PaR2), and Dragon fruit (DR2) showed significantly higher content of macro and micro-elements compared to the other ripening stages. Pomegranate peels exhibited the highest proteolytic activity (5.09 0.98unitsg?1), total phenolics (246.09 0.25mgg?1), total flavonoids (158.27 1.72mgg?1), tannins (103.94 0.09mgg?1), DPPH scavenging activity (129.43 1.34%), and antioxidant activity (127.14 1.35mgg?1 by phosphomolybdate assay). A. comosus peels had the greatest vitamin C levels (95.53 3.52mgg?1). Anti-nutrient analysis revealed safe levels of oxalates, phytates, and alkaloids, except for high oxalate levels in pomegranate peels. Notably, all parameters exhibited an increasing trend with ripening stages, with a decline during senescence in Banana (BR3) and Pomegranate peel (PoR2). This knowledge of fruit peel composition can enhance their utilization by humans, pharmaceutical and food industries, while also contributing to more effective waste management. Our study addresses the pressing need for sustainable fruit peel utilization in the context of escalating fruit production and waste. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to National Academy of Agricultural Sciences 2024. -
Bromelain improves the growth, biochemical, and hematological profiles of the fingerlings of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
A 6-week-long feeding trial experiment was conducted to study the efficacy of Bromelain, a blend of proteolytic enzymes present in pineapple wastes on growth performance, biochemical, and hematological profiles of the fingerlings of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. For this, 240 Nile tilapia fingerlings (9 0.11 cm) were fed a commercial diet, supplemented with different levels of pineapple peel extract (PPE) at 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratios. After 45 days of the feeding trial, growth parameters, biochemical constituents, and the level of blood cells were assessed. It was found that the growth parameters such as weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and specific growth rate were increased (p < 0.05) along with the total protein and amino acid content and few hematological parameters; whereas the feed conversion ratio was found to be reduced significantly (p > 0.05) without changing the white blood cell count with PPE supplementation. Thus, the PPE can be a potential feed supplement in Nile tilapia aquaculture. 2022 Gopal Raaj et al. -
Toxic Effects of Nanoparticles on Fish Embryos
Nanoparticles are used widely in the in-drug delivery, diagnostics, cosmetics, paints, electronics, fabrics, solar cells, medicines etc. Their wide application is due to their special properties which include minute size, high reaction rate, increased surface area and quantum effect. Despite their multiple applications, nanoparticles have harmful effects too due to their improper disposal causing their entry into the aquatic environment greatly threatening the ecological security as well as our health. Zebra fishes (Danio rerio) are used more commonly for the evaluation of toxicity and are considered a promising animal model. Studies on Salmon and Labeo rohita have also been used for toxicity evaluation. Nanoparticles affect the embryo more easily than the adult since the embryo are more sensitive. Hence it becomes important for us to study the effect of the nanoparticles on the embryo of the fishes. These nanoparticles have the ability to cross the chorion layer and affect the developing embryo. Since the fishes are a part of the food chain, when these organisms get affected they will eventually harm the humans too. This review focuses on the effect of metal nanoparticles (NPs) like gold(Au), silver(Ag), copper(Cu), platinum and metal oxides nanoparticles like titanium dioxide, aluminium oxide, copper oxide, nickel oxide zinc oxide on the embryonic development of fish embryos. When compared to the other nanoparticles (NPs) like silver, copper and platinum, it has been observed that the gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) showed no toxicity to embryos of zebrafish though few studies contradict this. Aluminium nanoparticles showed no toxicity and role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in enhancing the toxicity of nanoparticles have also been discussed. 2021 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the efficiency and scalability of using algae as a biomass feedstock for biofuel production
Sustainability is paramount to preserving essential resources for future generations. The widespread use of fossil fuels generates significant pollution, severely impacting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through phenomena such as acid rain. Despite their rapid growth, high photosynthetic efficiency, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, algae have become a viable alternative biomass feedstock for biofuel production. This review explores the efficiency and scalability of algae-based biofuels, focusing on key factors such as biomass yield, lipid content, and conversion technologies. Algae have a higher lipid yield compared to traditional biofuel feedstocks such as corn or soybeans, making them an attractive option for large-scale fuel production. However, several obstacles hinder the widespread adoption of algae-based biofuels, including high production costs, energy-intensive cultivation, and water consumption. This paper also examines the efficiency and suitability of various cultivation technologies, including open ponds and photobioreactors, for large-scale production. Algal biofuel production could become more economically viable and environmentally sustainable through the integration of carbon capture technology and wastewater treatment. Advances in genetic engineering and metabolic optimization are further increasing lipid productivity, offering promising prospects for large-scale applications. This review additionally provides an analysis of genetic engineering techniques aimed at increasing biofuel yields. The study emphasizes the potential of algae-based biofuels to serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, highlighting these innovative approaches. While the evaluation acknowledges that algae-based biofuels can reduce dependency on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change, it also notes that further research and development are necessary to overcome current financial and technological challenges. This review explores the recent advancements in algae cultivation, harvesting techniques, and biofuel extraction processes. Its goal is to present a comprehensive understanding of the current state of algae as a sustainable and effective feedstock for biofuel production, along with future prospects. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Unraveling connections with artificial sweeteners and their impact on human health: A comprehensive review
There is a recent trend showing an uptick in the artificial sweetener's usage, particularly the nonnourishing variety. The allure of a low-calorie choice that lets people indulge in their sweet tooths while consuming less calories overall is what motivates this. Children's food products often contain a substantial number of artificial sweeteners due to their properties that aid in moisture retention, act as fillers, and serve as bulking agents. This article provides a comprehensive overview of artificial sweeteners and influences in human wealth. Studies have linked the use of artificial sweeteners to premature birth, highlighting the teratogenic potential of these compounds, particularly in beverages. Pregnant women who incorporate nonnutritive sweeteners into their diet during pregnancy are more likely to have children with birth defects, as indicated by studies on the subject. Artificial sweeteners should not be added to food for children because studies show that eating them while a child's body is still developing might disturb the balance of gut microbiota and cause potential problems like heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. The ingestion of nonnourishing sweeteners has adverse effects on the fertility of both men and women. Studies indicate that exceeding the recommended daily consumption that the FDA has set for artificial sweeteners can result in conditions of infertility for both genders. Additionally, there is a connection between the onset of cancer and the use of artificial sweeteners. Presently, a considerable amount of research relies on animal models rather than human ones, creating a notable gap in research. The limitation of extensive human model studies represents a drawback in validating results. Furthermore, there is a necessity for increased research focused on advancing techniques that can minimize the adverse effects of artificial sweeteners, making them more suitable for addressing issues related to obesity and various types of diabetes. 2024 The Author(s). eFood published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. on behalf of International Association of Dietetic Nutrition and Safety. -
Geopolitical shockwaves: the Russia-Ukraine wars impact on BRICS financial markets
The Russia-Ukraine War triggered global financial market turmoil and disrupted the global supply chain, including agriculture and energy. This study explores the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on BRICS nations stock markets, highlighting varying degrees of volatility and contagion effects. It examines the extent of contagion in the BRICS stock markets and their financial linkages by employing the multivariate DCC-GARCH model. The study reveals sensitive turbulence in Russian markets post-crisis, influenced by its direct involvement in the conflict. Brazil and China experienced higher market volatility after the event, and Brazil shifted its financial linkages with the global market. Conversely, the Indian market experienced eased overall volatility, but its financial linkage with Russia has increased due to its trade partnership. In the post-event period, China and South African markets indicate structural market decoupling. The long-term volatility persists over the short-term volatility of BRICS market dynamics. This study underscores the implications for investors and policymakers, emphasising the need for adjustments in monetary and fiscal policies to stabilise financial markets amid geopolitical uncertainties. 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
ESG or financial METRICS? What Retail Investors Really Look for in Decision-making
With the increasing global emphasis on responsible investing, this study explores the tradeoff between ESG and traditional financial metrics in shaping the investment decisions of retail investors in India. A within-subject experimental design was employed at Christ University, India, involving an initial sample of 75 participants, with 55 completing all three experiment rounds. The sample respondents evaluated masked stock profiles across three rounds, where updated financial and ESG information on masked stock was provided at each round. The results indicate that though ESG metrics are getting attention among retail investors, financial metrics are still the main determining factor for investment. It was found that ROE (52 responses), 3-year CAGR Net Profit (36 responses), and P/E ratios (48 responses) are the most influencing factors to make investment decisions. Similarly, ESG factors (Governance, Environmental, and Sustainability scores) are also frequently mentioned, with 74 citations. Retail investors mainly consider profitability and view ESG as risk-mitigating or neutralizing factors. While evaluating the ESG factors, retailers mainly look at the firms environmental concerns, followed by governance and social factors. This result contrasts with the previous studies in this domain, where the literature emphasized governance factors more than environmental factors. These results highlight the integration of ESG elements, as retail investors remain with favorable returns and sacrifice sustainability. Further, this study spots the need for better and quantifiable ESG performance reports to consider alternative data comparable to financial data for better investment decisions. Suresh Gopal, Saravanakrishnan V., Elangovan N., 2025. -
Crude complexities: sectoral asymmetries in the Indian stock market response to oil price changes
While many studies have examined the impact of oil price changes on stock market returns, most overlook the asymmetric impact on disaggregated sectoral indices. This study addresses this gap by examining the sector-specific impact of oil price changes in India, one of the largest oil-importing economies. Using monthly data from April 2008 to July 2025 collected from the Bloomberg database, we employed both linear and Non-linear ARDL models to explore the asymmetric impact in short- and long-run relationships. The findings reveal significant heterogeneity in the sectoral responses to oil price changes. While the FMCG, media and pharma sectors do not exhibit cointegration with oil prices, other sectors, namely banking, auto, metal, energy, IT, financial services, and real estate, asymmetrically responded to oil price changes. The negative oil price changes cause stronger and short-run sectoral responses than the positive changes, as confirmed by the Wald test and GIRFs. The error correction terms are negative and statistically significant for all the sectors, which confirms a long-run equilibrium and mean-reverting behaviour. This establishes that sectors react differently to positive and negative oil price changes in the long run. Investors must account for the non-linear relationship between these variables and take appropriate action when forming portfolio strategies. The results suggest that policymakers should monitor and find alternative energy sources to avoid sector-specific vulnerabilities during oil price fluctuations. 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING POWER AND RISK-TAKING BEHAVIOUR IN INDIAN HOUSEHOLDS
This study aims to examine the impact of decision-making power on risk-taking behaviour in household economies in India. It further explores the relationship between decision-making power, perceived risk-taking behaviour, and actual risk-taking behaviour. Further, the study employs the primary data collected through a structured questionnaire. The snowball sampling method was adopted to gather data from 312 retail investors in the study area. The response rate for the sample size is 91.50%. An OLS regression model was constructed to measure the frequency of trading habits as a proxy for the respondents' risk-taking behaviour. The results indicate that decision-making power significantly impacts investors' risk-taking behaviour in Indian household economies. Additionally, decision-making power has a significant impact on perceived risktaking behaviour. The findings of this study show how decision-making power influences the risk-taking behaviour of retail investors. This study adds value to the literature on behavioural finance and household economies. The results will pertinently support retail investors' decision-making skills in unbiased investment decision-making. 2025 by the author(s). -
Siri the Healing Mother: Relational Dynamics Between Mother and Child in a Matrilineal Society
The Siri cult revolves around an oral tradition from Tulunadu in Dakshina Kannada (South Canara), India, featuring a story that unfolds over 15,683 lines. It tells the myth of Siri, a remarkable woman, and her lineage. During the famous Siri Jatre (which means festival), women are possessed by the spirits of Siri and her descendants, such as Abbaga and Daraga. This article explores the ritual space of the Siri cult as a transformative arena for women, where the boundaries between myth and reality blur, allowing for collective healing and psychic reintegration. The ritual performances, particularly during the Siri festival, facilitate a trance-like state in which women embody Siri and her struggles, experiencing emotional release. Through communal participation and embodied identification with Siri, women reclaim their repressed emotions, anxieties, and desires, forging new alternative narratives of motherhood, femininity, and divine womanhood. Importantly, Siris divine presence offers women a symbolic anchora figure who legitimises their grief and challenges male-dominated ideals for women to be obedient, nurturing, and submissive. Taking a psychoanalytical lens, this article examines the ritual space of the Siri cult through the framework of object relations theory to explore the psychic processes. The rituals allow women to externalise their inner conflicts and repressed desires, processing their grief and trauma through symbolic enactment. By situating the Siri cult within a psychoanalytical framework, the study reveals how the myth of Siri functions as a transformative object, allowing women to bridge their individual suffering with communal strength, ultimately achieving a sense of psychic integration and empowerment. 2025 Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad -
Transformational Impact of COVID-19 on Savings and Spending Patterns of Indian Rural Households
COVID-19 has spread across the globe at a shocking level and significantly affects the world economy. The pandemic has significantly impacted rural households, the primary workforce for industrialized urban areas, in every sector of rural businesses, including agriculture. Furthermore, the dearth of employment in the primary industry has also adversely influenced rural inhabitants livelihood and financial decisions. COVID-19 changed the perception of people regarding their income and expenditure. This study is intended to analyse the transformation of savings and spending of rural households during COVID-19. A questionnaire was developed using a Likert scale to elicit study variables, and the collected data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results showed that all types of savings had a positive and significant relationship with the savings motive of rural households during COVID-19. Further, customary and spontaneous spending had a positive and significant relationship spending pattern of rural households. Rural inhabitants were interested in compromising their spending and other forms of savings to have more emergency savings. Earlier studies have examined either the savings or the spending pattern of rural households, and studies on both savings and spending by rural households are very few. The present study thus adds to the existing literature in the field. The Author(s) 2022. -
Impact of Celebrity Credibility in Social Advertising: A Systematic Review of Rahul Dravids Anti-tobacco Campaign Endorsement
Tobacco cessation programs have had their share of hits and misses. While state-controlled organizations invest in such programs every year, it is hard to trace their effectiveness. This is a bigger challenge when celebrities are enrolled to endorse such programs. Several studies that track celebrity endorsements for marketing commercial products have validated the influence of celebrities on brand-related outcomes. This study provides a systematic review of a celebrity endorsement of an anti-tobacco advertisement. To conduct a systematic review of a celebrity endorsement, we examined the responses of celebrity fans on source (celebrity) credibility factors and their attitude towards the social cause endorsement. A sample of 258 celebrity fans was surveyed using a questionnaire. The survey instrument contained a 15-item scale to measure celebrity factors of physical attractiveness, expertise and trustworthiness. Further, demographic details, social media activity and cigarette consumption details were captured along with cognitive and affective responses towards the anti-tobacco endorsement featuring the celebrity. It was found that physical attractiveness and trustworthiness of the celebrity were found to be influencing the attitude of the fan towards social cause. In addition, the study revealed the significant influence of education on attitude towards social cause in contrast to age and gender as evident in previous studies. The study provides very important insights for advertisers of social causes on effective use of celebrities as part of their communication campaigns. 2021, School of Management Sciences. All rights reserved. -
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.