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Navigating the Labyrinth: Trauma and Memory in Donna Tartts The Goldfinch and Nathan Hills The Nix
This paper delves into the intricate interplay between trauma and memory in 21st-century American fiction, with a specific focus on Donna Tartts The Goldfinch (2013) and Nathan Hills The Nix (2016). Through a comparative analysis of these novels, the study explores how characters navigate the labyrinthine complexities of trauma and its impact on memory, identity, and narrative construction. Grounded in the theoretical framework of Dan P McAdams Narrative Identity Theory, the study employs a rigorous interdisciplinary approach, synthesizing textual analysis with theoretical inquiry to illuminate the nuanced dynamics at play within the selected texts. The paper examines how trauma disrupts and reshapes memory, leading to fragmented recollections, haunting flashbacks, and the blurring of past and present. Additionally, it investigates how memory serves as a tool for both coping with and perpetuating trauma, shaping characters perceptions of themselves and the world around them. 2025 IUP. All Rights Reserved. -
Framing and Unframing the Divide: Analyzing the Representation and Softening of the India-Pakistan Mental Border in Popular Narratives
The paper attempts to address how popular narratives challenge the rigid notions of national borders by foregrounding shared histories and emotional solidarities. In this context, the paper critically analyzes Kabir Khan-directed Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015, film), the rap song Humsaye Maa Jaye (2019, song) by Bushra sisters and Akhil Katyals The Border Speaks (2019, poem). In contrast to the general understanding of geographical borders as lines of division, the paper argues that art becomes the medium to transcend the physical borders by creating a sense of togetherness between the socially and culturally interrelated people of India and Pakistan. The subsequent narratives give voice to the concerns of common people through their characters, dialogues and song lyrics. The paper argues that such cultural productions offer powerful counter-narratives to state-sponsored discourses, thereby reframing the border not as a site of enmity but as a space of human connection. 2025 IUP. All Rights Reserved. -
ON L(2, 1)-ORDER SUM SIGNED GRAPH OF A FINITE GROUP
In this paper, we have constructed a color-induced signed graph of an algebraic graph, called the L(2, 1)-order sum signed graph of a group. Based on the nature of the group, the L(2, 1)-span of the order sum graph is obtained and the structural aspects of thus obtained L(2, 1)-order sum signed graph such as planarity, chordality, etc. have been investigated. We have also defined an automorphism which turns out to be the only possible automorphism on the graph and have investigated the structural aspects of the graph such as edge transitivity and vertex transitivity. Further, a line-signed graph of L(2, 1)-order sum signed graph, which is a line graph with a signing protocol defined for the edges, has also been introduced. We have also explored the regularity of the line-signed graph. 2025 Sciendo. All rights reserved. -
Screening, isolation, characterization, and optimization of BSH activity from potential probiotic isolates from various sources
Bile salt hydrolase (BSH)-producing probiotics can assimilate cholesterol from the body through de novo synthesis. The BSH enzyme was found in 23 of 513 isolates accessed from various sources. Five of the 23 BSH-positive strains have been selected for further study, based on their BSH activity, compared to two positive controls, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus lactis. The Grams nature of the strains was determined and further examined for hemolytic activity, gelatinase, and catalase assay as per Indian Council for Medical ResearchDepartment of Biotechnology recommendations. Two Enterococcus faecalis (CGz3 and CGz4) strains with ?-hemolytic, negative catalase, and gelatinase activity are selected for probiotic characterization, evaluating the organisms surface hydrophobicity, autoaggregation tests, tolerance to lysozyme, gastric acidity, bile salt and gastric juices (pepsin and pancreatin). The strain which withstands the harsh gastrointestinal conditions was considered for further experiments. To establish a standardized method to quantify the BSH activity of the potential probiotic isolate, substrate utilization was performed by screening sodium glycocholate (GCA) and taurocholic acid (TCA) at different concentrations. The optimal BSH activity was observed at the 16th hour and 0.1% (v/v) GCA. Based on the standardized protocol, factorial optimization of process parameters, such as pH, inoculum percentage, temperature, and revolutions per minute (RPM) was carried out for increased BSH activity. The optimal BSH activity was observed at pH 5.5 and 1% inoculum (v/v). The highest BSH activity was obtained at 40C and 200 RPM. Among the other BSH-positive strains, E. faecalis CGz3 shows the best probiotic potential. The strain would be further studied for its ability to alleviate symptoms associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), using a cell line-based study and associated gene regulation. In conclusion, E. faecalis CGz3 would have the potential to be used as a dietary supplement to treat metabolic disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia and NAFLD/metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. 2025 Koushik Koujalagi and Alok Kumar Malaviya. -
SUSTAINABLE CHOICES, GENERATIONAL VOICES: UNRAVELING THE GREEN BUYING BEHAVIOR OF MILLENNIALS AND ZOOMERS USING THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR
Younger generations have begun to change their purchasing behaviour in response to growing environmental concerns and global sustainability efforts. This research evaluates the eco-friendly shopping habits of Zoomers (born 19972012) and Millennials (born 19811996) in India. The research employs the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to analyse how the stewardship model, subjective norms, perceived consumer effectiveness, environmental attitudes and ecological values influence green product buying behaviour. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 391 respondents across urban, semi-urban, and rural regions using a structured questionnaire. The relationship between the constructs were examined using structural equation modelling (SEM). The results indicate that environmental awareness (? = 0.558) has a strong positive influence on green purchasing behaviour, followed by social influence (? = 0.225). Environmental awareness is significantly driven by attitude towards the environment (? = 0.430) and ecological values (? = 0.356). Social influence is primarily driven by subjective norms (? = 0.338) and perceived consumer effectiveness (? = 0.187), whereas stewardship orientation has a negligible effect (? = 0.025). The model explains 50.7% of the variance in green purchasing behaviour (R = 0.507), 51.1% in environmental awareness (R = 0.511), and 28.4% in social influence (R = 0.284). The findings confirm the presence of an attitudebehaviour gap, where positive environmental attitudes do not consistently translate into actual purchasing behaviour because of various influences such as price sensitivity and the non-existence of sustainable products. This study contributes to the literature by extending TPB through the inclusion of ecological and social mediators and by providing comparative insights into generational differences in an emerging market context. The results provide useful implications for marketers and policymakers to create focused strategies that encourage sustainable consumption. 2026, School of Environmental Science, Universitas Indonesia. All rights reserved. -
'Angry Young Women': Evolving Forms of Female Resistance in Contemporary Bollywood Cinema
This paper explores the representation of select female characters from two contemporary Hindi filmsLipstick Under My Burkha (2016) and Gully Boy (2019)to trace the emergence of the angry young woman archetype within the broader framework of contemporary Indian cinema. The protagonists in these films confront their marginalisation across multiple intersecting axesclass, religion, and gender. Through nuanced roles, they navigate their personal and political struggles, breaking traditional norms by expressing anger, both violent and silent, as forms of resistance. This shift marks a departure from the stereotypical portrayals of women in earlier Bollywood films, where they were relegated to roles of victims, damsels in distress, or moral custodians of Indian values. The paper focuses on how female characters in recent Bollywood films deploy anger not only to challenge or subvert patriarchal structures but also as a tool for asserting new forms of agency and autonomy. This evolving depiction of anger signals a broader reconfiguration of female empowerment, where rage becomes a means of self-expression, identity formation, and personal liberation. 2025 Australian National University, Dept. of Gender, Media and Cultural Studies. All rights reserved. -
Design and Development of Novel Nut-shaped SRR unit cell and analysis of DNG property
This paper presents design and development of a novel Nut-shaped Metamaterial Split Ring Resonator as a unit cell. Metamaterials with negative permittivity and permeability play a crucial role in improving the antenna performance. The unit cell comprises of two Split Ring Resonator with a thin transmission line connecting them. This structure measures a size 12 mm x 12 mm on the FR4 substrate of 16 mm x 16 mm x 1.6 mm. The shape of the unit cell developed in this work has been evolved using nature-inspired fractal geometries on a FR4 substrate. The simulation in the frequency range 2-4 GHz and the retrieval of negative medium properties have been carried out using HFSS 18.2 and MATLAB respectively. The fabrication and experimental verification have also been performed. Using the transmission S#$ and reflection S$$ properties the double negative medium properties have been studied using both the Nicholson-Ross-Weir as well as the Transmission-Reflection methods. Comparison of simulation and experimental results of both the methods exhibit the existence of negative medium properties of the unit cell within the selected frequency range. The proposed unit cell exhibits the Effective medium ratio value of 8.16 and 7.45 at 3.06 GHz and 3.35 GHz. This type of DNG SRR unit cell is recommended for Electromagnetic Energy harvesting applications. 2025, Advanced Electromagnetics. All rights reserved. -
Does Fintech Usage Improve or Impair Financial Behavior? Evidence from Indian millennials
The fintech revolution has transformed the landscape of personal finance, but its impact on individual financial behavior remains underexplored. Addressing this gap, the present study examines how fintech usage interacts with financial literacy to shape financial behavior among Indian millennials. Using a proprietary dataset, the study employs PLS-SEM to assess the moderating role of fintech usage in the relationship between financial literacy and financial behavior, considering both objective and subjective dimensions of financial literacy. The findings indicate that while financial literacy positively influences financial behavior, using fintech weakens this association. This negative influence is especially evident among users who overestimate their financial competence. The direct impact of fintech usage on financial behavior is also negative, showcasing the need for fintech services that complement users' financial literacy and promote financially healthy behaviors. These findings shed light on the darker side of fintech adoption and have significant implications for policymakers, fintech service providers, and consumers, emphasizing the need for tailored financial literacy programs that promote responsible fintech usage and encourage financial discipline. 2025 Academy of Taiwan Information Systems Research. All rights reserved. -
PERSPECTIVES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON THE RELEVANCE OF CRITICAL DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP IN FOSTERING ONLINE RESPONSIBILITY AND CRITICAL THINKING
The responsible use of technology and cyber ethics requires promoting digital citizenship education. However, digital citizenship does not include issues related to equality, justice, or accessibility in digital and internet-based education. Critical digital citizenship practices address some of these issues. The aim of this research study is to explore secondary school teachers perspectives on the relevance of critical digital citizenship in promoting online responsibility and critical perspectives. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 secondary school teachers from two different schools. Thematic analysis was used to interpret their views and opinions, and four main themes were identified. All participants agreed that critical digital citizenship is important for teaching and learning in promoting critical online per-spectives. Many teachers felt that there are knowledge gaps in this area, so intervention programs are needed for teachers and learners. 2026, Grand Canyon University. All rights reserved. -
Decoding the Surge in Rural Employment Understanding the Post-pandemic Shift in Rural India
The increase in the rural workforce during and after the lockdown was primarily driven by women entering self-employment in agriculture, where earnings remain significantly low. The movement from casual work to self-employment in the agricultural sector also underlines a larger shift in dynamics in rural areas, arguably exacerbated by the pandemic. The non-manufacturing sector, most importantly the construction sector, absorbed men in the post-pandemic situation, but the same shift is not observed among women. 2026, Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
PERSONALIZED SLEEP SIGNATURE: A NOVEL APPROACH TO UNVEIL PAEDIATRIC SLEEP BEHAVIOUR WITH TRANSFORMER ATTENTION MECHANISM AND GRAPH ATTENTION NETWORKS
Sleep disorders manifest differently across individuals, making accurate diagnosis and treatment highly complex. Even within the same diagnosis, there can be variation in sleep architecture among patients, which makes generalization across people difficult. Traditional sleep analysis methods rely on manual scoring and fixed diagnostic criteria, which fail to capture subject-specific variability in sleep patterns. To address this, we propose a data-driven Personalized Sleep Signature (PSS) approach that learns individualized sleep behaviour using AI models. This study introduces the PSS framework, combining Transformer-based Attention and Graph Attention Networks (GATs) to model nuanced sleep characteristics. We utilize the Nationwide Childrens Hospital Sleep Data, a paediatric Polysomnography (PSG) dataset containing EEG and physiological parameters such as ocular movements, EMG activity, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. From this, we extract sleep epoch features and demographics to form Sleep Signature Groups that reflect common behavioural patterns. Unlike conventional classification, our method captures personal variability and delivers individualized sleep hygiene guidance. The model achieved 94% accuracy in detecting sleep patterns, outperforming traditional methods. Beyond clinical applications, it can be integrated with wearable sensors (e.g., Fitbit, Oura, Apple Watch) to personalize wake/sleep routines and environments. It also enables early detection of sleep disorders and aligns daily schedules with individual chronotypes to enhance well-being. By focusing on sleep behaviour rather than rigid diagnostic categories, this approach supports non-pharmacological, personalized interventions backed by scientific evidence. Our work opens the door to precision sleep medicine, offering actionable insights for clinicians, researchers, and technology innovators. Little Lion Scientific. -
ON THE SECURE EQUITABLE DOMINATION IN GRAPHS
A secure equitable dominating set S of a graph G is a dominating set in which for any vertex v ? V (G) \ S there exists at least one vertex u ? S such that u ? Ne(v), where Ne(v) indicate the equitable neighbourhood of v, and if we swap the vertex u with v, the equitable domination property of the graph will be unharmed. ?esec(G) represents the secure equitable domination number of G, which is the cardinality of the minimum secure equitable dominating set in G. The improved bounds of the secure equitable domination number of some fundamental kinds of graphs are established in this study. Furthermore, we incorporate specific results based on the diameter, girth, and degree. Additionally, we determine the bounds of the secure equitable domination number of specific special classes of graphs. I??k University, Department of Mathematics, 2025; all rights reserved. -
Connecting Inner Competencies with Workplace Behavior: Influence of Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence on OCB in IT and Non-IT
Emotional and spiritual intelligence are recognized as key resources that impact workplace behavior. This study explores their relationship with organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), the voluntary actions that improve organizational effectiveness. Using Self-Determination Theory and Social Exchange Theory, the research examines how these intelligences vary across demographic groups and their roles in OCB. Data were collected from 450 employees (272 males and 178 females) in IT and non-IT sectors using simple random sampling. Participants had experience levels from under 5 to over 11 years in their organizations. Standardized self-report measures were used, and the data were analyzed with t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, regression, and mediation analysis. The study found that females scored higher in spiritual intelligence and OCB, while emotional intelligence showed no gender differences. Married and more experienced employees exhibited higher emotional intelligence and OCB, whereas unmarried and less experienced individuals had increased spiritual intelligence. No significant differences were noted between IT and non-IT sectors. Emotional intelligence predicted OCB, but spiritual intelligence did not. Limitations included a cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reports. The findings suggest that organizations should prioritize emotional intelligence training and adapt engagement strategies based on employee demographics for a more effective workplace. NAJP. -
Smart-Beta Strategies in India: Analysis of Performance and Exposure of BSE Strategy Indices
The study examines the performance and exposure of BSE strategy indices and also compares them between the pre and post-covid periods. Though the monthly returns of some of the indices were significant, no indices outperformed the Sensex across the sample periods. On the risk-adjusted terms, quality, momentum, and low-volatility indices offered a significant alpha in the pre-covid, but post covid, all indices failed. The indices, except momentum, performed better in post covid compared to pre-covid but are insignificant due to the post covid high volatility. Momentum and value indices offered a predominant performance in the pre and post covid periods respectively, while the dividend index failed in both periods. While the market factor is the prominent driver of return for the indices, the size effect on their performance is insignificant across the sample periods. The indices, irrespective of their pre-covid exposure, gained significant exposure to loser stocks post covid. Though the exposure varied between pre and post covid, the change in the exposure was not significant except for the quality and dividend indices. They offer limited intended factor exposure and some extent of unintended exposure, as in the case of the momentum index in the pre-covid period. Indian Institute of Finance.. -
British Rule and Environmentalism in Wayanad The Curious Case of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja
[No abstract available] -
Balancing Innovation and Tradition: An Analytical Study of the Interface between Intellectual Property and Cultural Appropriation in India
India, with its rich and diverse cultural heritage, is vulnerable to practices which may undermine its traditional knowledge. Intellectual Property (IP) rights, while designed to protect innovation and creativity, can also play a crucial role in safeguarding traditional knowledge. Cultural appropriation, which essentially refers to the unauthorized use of indigenous knowledge and practices by foreign entities who exploit these lesser-known art forms, expression or traditional knowledge relating to lifestyle and well being with an objective of commercial exploitation, has increasingly become a concern in the global south, including India. There have been several instances of cultural appropriation like patent claims on Indian traditional knowledge which have been part of local customs since time immemorial by misrepresenting the origin of the product or diluting the traditional knowledge and portraying it as a scientific breakthrough. Therefore, this paper explores the intersection of cultural misappropriation and protection under IP laws for appropriators in the context of India's heritage. This paper examines the challenges faced by indigenous communities in protecting their traditional knowledge such as loss of traditional knowledge, economic disadvantages and disrespect to the community. This paper highlights the importance of balancing the rights of indigenous communities with the broader public interest in accessing and enjoying cultural heritage. The study aims to focus on bottlenecks in the current IP system that fail to adequately protect traditional knowledge from misappropriation. It also explores the ongoing debates around fair benefit-sharing mechanisms, the importance of maintaining a traditional digital library that is accessible to all and the need for a sui generis system that aligns with the unique characteristics of traditional knowledge. The study advocates for stronger legal protections, ethical considerations and raising awareness across nations about the value of traditional knowledge which are crucial for fostering respect and preventing further exploitation. Moreover, recommendations are explored to suggest safeguarding the cultural heritage of indigenous communities in India against the backdrop of global intellectual property regimes by implementing robust IPR protection for traditional knowledge that can safeguard against unauthorized use and exploitation. 2025 Department of Law, University of North Bengal. All rights reserved. -
Level Up or Log Out? Exploring the Multifaceted Effects of Internet Gaming on Youths Life: Emotional Intelligence, Coping Behavior, Aggression, Procrastination & Quality of Life
Emotional Intelligence, coping mechanisms, aggression, procrastination, the quality of life are the psychological factors of students well-being examined in this study, which also emphasizes the multifaceted impacts of online gaming on youths. It reveals subtle discrepancies in results through analysis of variance involving gamers and non-gamers. Concerns continue to exist regarding the potential adverse effects of gaming despite its extensive implementation among college students. The findings indicate that individuals who engage in gaming demonstrate diminished levels of emotional intelligence, as evidenced by challenges in proficiently comprehending and regulating emotions. Moreover, excessive discontentment and procrastination result from the tendency of gamers to utilize fewer adaptive coping mechanisms when confronted with stressors. These results highlight the complex relationship between internet gaming and quality of life, which indicates that gamers generally encounter less favorable consequences than those who do not engage in gaming. By illuminating these inconsistencies, the study enhances the comprehension of the varied impacts of online gaming on young adults lives. This highlights the criticality of developing adaptive coping mechanisms and fostering positive gaming behaviors to minimize negative consequences. The research highlights the necessity for interventions that target the well-being of young gamers, with implications that transcend the realm of academia and the real world. Furthermore, it emphasizes the substantial societal ramifications associated with the increasing prevalence of online gaming and its influence on young individuals. This study provides novel perspectives on the intricate nature of online gaming and its consequential effects on diverse facets of the student experience. 2025 RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FOR ALL. -
Assessing the Implementation of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices: Key Findings and Policy Strategies
Climate change poses a significant threat to global agriculture, jeopardizing food security and the livelihoods of millions. The agricultural sector's vulnerability is evident in altered precipitation patterns, rising temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events. This study examines climate smart agriculture (CSA) as an adaptive approach to boost productivity, enhance resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Focusing on Chhattisgarh, India a region reliant on rain-fed agriculture this research assesses farmers' attitudes toward climate change and CSA adoption, identifying both challenges and opportunities. The findings reveal a mixed adoption of CSA practices, with preferences for water-smart, knowledge-smart and weather-smart technologies. Key barriers include economic constraints, insufficient awareness and limited government support. However, a high adoption rate (72.5%) of knowledge-smart practices, such as improved seed varieties, underscores the importance of agricultural institutions and information dissemination. The study recommends enhancing support for energy and carbon-smart technologies, improving access to agricultural insurance and bolstering knowledge-sharing initiatives. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, agricultural extension services and farmers in promoting climate-resilient and sustainability in Chhattisgarh. 2025 - Kalpana Corporation. -
On Proper Diameter of Certain Classes of Graphs
An edge coloring of a graph is said to be proper edge coloring if no two adjacent edges receive the same color. A graph G is said to be properly connected if there exists a properly edge colored path between every pair of vertices. For a properly connected graph G with a k-edge coloring c, the proper diameter of a graph, pdiamk (G) is the maximum proper distance between any distinct pair of vertices in G. We investigate the proper diameter of various classes of graphs that are 2-colored and provide bounds on the values of pdiam2(G) for these graphs. Palestine Polytechnic University-PPU 2025. -
Compressive Sensing Based Compression Algorithm for the Audio Signal
Nyquist sampling is used in the conventional digital converter to convert the analog audio signal to digital audio data. Traditional approaches, such as Nyquist sampling, require high sampling rates, leading to large datasets. After sampling, the digital audio data is often compressed using algorithms like Moving Picture Experts Group Layer-3 Audio Coding (MP3), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), or other codecs to re-duce the file size for storage or transmission. Recently, Compressive Sensing (CS) has been used instead of Nyquist Sampling. Instead of sampling at the Nyquist rate, Com-pressive Sensing samples the signal at a much lower rate. The recovery of the original signal from these fewer samples is possible through minimization techniques. Hence, in the proposed algorithm, we use Compressive Sensing for audio compression. The basis matrix for Compressive Sensing is generated by exploring different transform matrices. The proposed algorithm leverages the principles of Compressive Sensing to enhance audio compression by reducing the number of samples needed and using efficient recovery techniques, resulting in a high compression rate suitable for modern audio applications. 2025.