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Impact of corporate governance attributes on cost of equity: Evidence from an emerging economy
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to construct a comprehensive Indian corporate governance index in light of the recently introduced Companies Act, 2013, which is further validated by analyzing its impact on the cost of equity of a firm. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the hand-collected data from firms listed on S&P BSE 500 from 2001 to 2016, this index comprises seven equally weighted sub-indices, comprising a total of 43 corporate governance attributes. This index and the sub-indices have further been regressed with the cost of equity of a firm. Findings: The results suggest a negative significant relationship between the overall corporate governance and the cost of equity. The study also suggests that among all the sub-indices, board composition predicts the cost of equity to a greater extent. Other than this, the audit committee sub-index has a negative significant association with the cost of equity. The findings imply that a well-governed firm enjoys ease of access to equity finance from the market. Originality/value: The corporate governance index is based on the recent regulatory reforms introduced in India. The index, with certain changes suitable to the local context, can be applied to similar emerging economies as well. The causal relationship tested using this method is the first one done in India. This study adds to the domain of corporate governance literature with special focus on the construction of an index for an emerging economy. 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
An analysis of the ethical challenges of blockchain-enabled E-healthcare applications in 6G networks
Developments in blockchain technology coupled with rapid developments in network technologies have disrupted traditional business and service models. One such application is in the domain of healthcare. However, the domain's sensitive nature and complexity require blockchain-enabled e-healthcare to ensure utilitarianism while suitably addressing the associated ethical challenges. In this milieu, the paper attempts to identify and evaluate the parameters of ethical challenges associated with blockchain adoption in e-healthcare. This paper contributes to the extant body of knowledge by presenting a critical review of the ethical considerations at the meso level of blockchains in e-healthcare. Based on findings from the literature, the study identified nine parameters of blockchain ethics. Of these, Accuracy and Right to be Forgotten were found to be most critical in terms of ethical dilemmas in healthcare applications. No evidence of ethical dilemma could be found with respect to Accountability and Data Ownership. As these services are deployed over networks, all these challenges are further evaluated in the context of 6G network-based models. This will not only provide the stakeholders with a holistic view of the ethical challenges in various blockchain-enabled healthcare applications but also enable a meticulous transition to the 6G network. 2021 -
MMOF: A Multi-Metric Objective Function for Congestion Detection Under Varying Transmission Ranges in RPL-Based WSN
The Routing Protocol for Low Power Lossy Networks (RPL) is prone to congestion under high traffic. The single-path routing strategy and single-parent selection make RPL energy and resource-efficient only when the traffic is low and uniform. Two Objective Functions (OFs) are defined for RPL, which use single routing metrics-Expected Transmission Count (ETX) and hop count, to select the best parent and path toward the root. However, considering a single metric for OFs is unsuitable for detecting congestion in Lossy Networks (LLNs) applications as each metric has limitations. The current study proposes a novel Multi-Metric Objective Function (MMOF) that combines these two metrics and removes the weakness of the existing OFs. The proposed MMOF works under the nodes' varying transmission ranges (Tx ranges) to reduce the congestion. By changing Tx ranges, we show that the congestion in a fixed topology RPL network reduces, and MMOF can detect this congestion state more accurately than the existing OFs. The research introduces a successful transmission probability metric that makes MMOF more efficient in detecting congestion than ETX and Hop-Count. We prove that considering these two parameters individually is misleading and cannot contribute 100% to detect congestion state. Increasing transmission range can decrease congestion, and MMOF can detect this state transition with 100% accuracy. Simulation results in Cooja show that MMOF outperforms these two metrics and that the robust metric shows a linear relationship with the Tx range. Finally, two quality of service (QoS) parameters are derived to prove the method's efficiency and novelty. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
Unveiling the Dynamics: A Performance Analysis of RPL under Congestion in IoT Network
The Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Network (RPL) is a standardized routing protocol for resource constraint devices deployed in diverse applications in Internet of Things (IoT). RPL is the most efficient protocol which is carefully designed to meet energy efficiency of sensor nodes. However, this protocol is prone to network congestion which is one of most crucial bottlenecks of this protocol. In the current study a thorough analysis of effect of congestion on RPL routing metrics are analyzed. We have designed a congestion scenario using Cooja simulator and analyzed its effects on ETX, Power, Duty Cycle through graphs. The results of the experiments finally outline the critical parameters affected due to congestion in RPL. Grenze Scientific Society, 2024. -
Click, Connect, and Convert: Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Consumer Buying Behavior: A Comprehensive Review
Change is dynamic. If you dont change, the world will change you. This sentence perfectly fits into todays scenario of buying behavior where social media is one of the most powerful tools in determining the dynamic shopping habits of consumers in any sector. Social media plays different roles like an influencer, persuader, and convincer in todays era where the majority of the global population uses the Internet on daily basis. The factors within social media affecting buying behavior are word-of-mouth, website quality, perceived usage, perceived easiness, attitude, perception, price, consumer reviews, product recommendations, customer engagements, social communities, promotional tools (vouchers, movie tickets, gift samples). The data available is too large and generated daily because the number of online users increases on daily basis. This chapter intends to theoretically study the factors and how these factors influence different segments of customers in online buying behavior. The focus is to understand the powerful role of social media in influencing and motivating customers through different social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Secondary sources of data like recent research papers, books, and recent research studies have been considered for the study. Social media is highly influential in purchase decisions. The factors like customer engagements, product recommendations, reviews and opinions, social communities, contests, and free gifts play a major role in creating a positive perception and attitude toward the products thereby influencing and promoting purchases on social media. Marketers should advise companies to encourage users to post pictures along with the product/service on social media, creating awareness and building brand value in consumers minds. With the growing usage of the Internet, it is even estimated to grow exponentially. 2026 by Apple Academic Press, Inc. All rights reserved. -
Transformation of service sectors through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Human interactions with actual and virtual environments are changing as a result of recent advancements in technology like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). The sectors like retail, eCommerce, transport, tourism, real estate, healthcare, education, interior design, customer relationship management, etc. uses this innovative and adaptive technology. The aim of this chapter is to highlight the transformation of different service sectors through the use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) and also to see the recent innovations in this field. It was found that, AR and VR have an impact on various service sectors like retail and eCommerce in the form of virtual testing of products, tourism sector through 360-degree virtual tour, real estate sector through tour of the surrounding without being physically present, healthcare through physicians treating the patient virtually, education in the form of virtual classrooms, etc. 2025 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The Integrated Approach of ESG, SDGs, and Sustainable Finance
In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a popular buzzword. The practice of considering Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions in the financial industry is known as sustainable finance and it results in longer-term investments in sustainable projects and economic activities. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also play a crucial role in the adoption of sustainable practices. Investing in companies and projects that use sustainable ESG practices is already becoming more popular and there is a rising need for finance experts with knowledge of this emerging but specialized area. Stakeholder demands and regulations with an environmental focus will increase pressure on organizations to set public climate-related goals. This study tries to find out the interrelationship between ESG, SDGs and Sustainable Finance. This study also explores popular sustainable finance products available to organizations and the challenges organizations face with sustainable financing. 2026 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. -
Investor's behaviour to COVID-19 vaccination campaign; An event study and panel data analysis in the southeast asian region
This study examines how the COVID-19 immunization campaign has influenced the stock market responses in the WHO Southeast Asian Region. The effects of the immunization campaign on the WHO Southeast Asian countries were different, and the study used event study techniques and panel-data regression models to investigate the impact of the WHO South-East Asian capital market. Some countries like India, Sri Lanka, and South Korea had positive markets that responded to the news, while others did not. The findings of this study suggest that investors make fair assessments and respond to events and announcements, but they tend to have a more visible reaction to negative incidents than to positive news/events. However, after 51 days, the WHO South East region as a whole had internalized the encouraging news. The study has a few limitations, such as a small dataset and period, only a few variables and models, and so on. Future studies could include a few additional countries and periods to produce more significant results. Originality/value- This study contributes to the existing knowledge about the impact of drugs and vaccinations on stock markets. It is the first study to investigate how the WHO Southeast Asian Region's COVID-19 immunization program affects the stock market reaction. The study used keywords such as Immunization campaign, abnormal returns, Cumulative average abnormal returns, Event Study, and WHO Southeast Asian Region. 2025 Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. All rights reserved. -
Adoption of Facial Recognition System for Secured Mobility: Challenges and Future Implications of Using Digi Yatra as a Facial Recognition System
With the incorporation of facial recognition technology into the air travel journey, it is going to alter the passenger experiencetherefore, contactless, efficient, and the least painful processes will be formed. In this regard, through this paper, The authors explore into the Digi Yatra adoption, a biometric verification system newly implemented in Indian airports, where Aadhaar-based identity verification and advanced facial recognition make journeys easy and seamless for passengers. However, Digi Yatra introduces severe challenges for issues concerning the protection of data, regulation compliance, and public trust, though it enhances the operational efficiency of the operation and security. Using the Privacy by Design framework in conjunction with blockchain technology will help Digi Yatra to erase privacy concerns and foster a user-centric approach. This paper brings out the transformational impact that Digi Yatra would have on the aviation sector along with the potential of being a benchmark for other global biometric systems. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
An Improved Security Framework for Vulnerable Intrusions in High Dense Fog Networks
This work presents an advanced security model to prevent vulnerable invasions through highly dense fog networks. Advantages: One of the strengths that fog computing has revealed is how beneficial its native design can be, but on the other hand, one critical aspect to keep in mind is that it brings several fresh security subjects because of its extremely dynamic and decentralized nature. The framework uses anomaly detection and secure communication protocols to identify the potential intrusion into a network. This also includes clustering fog nodes and more frequent network updates to improve security across the whole network. We evaluate our framework by implementing it in simulation experiments. We show that communication among existing trusted peers can be enhanced, whereas non-trusted sources entering the network cannot conduct attacks. Generally, this framework provides an attractive approach to improve fog networks security and renders them more attack-resistant. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025. -
Research Competence of University Teachers in Relation to Organisational Ethos and Research Culture
The standards of research depend on the maintenance and coordination of research activities that are conducted by the universities. The flexibility in ordinance and statutes empowers the universities to frame the guidelines that empower the research competence of the teachers. However, newlinethe existing framework is not adjusted to modern approaches to research competence which creates issues in developing a framework for evaluation for research competence. The objective of the present newlinestudy is to develop and validate a framework for research competence for university teachers. The study measures the relationship between research competence, organisational ethos, and research culture of university teachers. The study used the existing measuring instruments to evaluate newlineorganisational ethos and research culture. Researcher has developed the measurement scale for research competence. The validity and reliability have been done for all the measuring instruments research competence, organisational ethos and research culture. The factor analysis has conducted for newlinethe measuring instrument of research competence. The quantitative data for the study has been taken from the self-reported experience of 451 university teachers. The study found that there was a significant difference in demographic variables such as gender, age, work experience, educational newlinequalification, and subject background with organisational ethos, research culture, and research competence of university teachers. The structural equation model showed the relationship between the components of research competence, organisational ethos, and research culture. The present study can newlineassist policymakers to evaluate the research competence, organisational ethos, and research culture of the university teachers. The study indicates the practical and academic importance of university newlineteachers to enhance research performance. -
How Social Media Marketing Impacts Relationship Quality for Masstige Brands
The Indian fashion industry is witnessing a significant transformation with the prominence of masstige brands. These brands cater to aspirational consumers who seek symbolic value and esthetic appeal without the financial burden of traditional luxury. Upper-middle-class working women in urban India form an influential demographic for such brands. They have a strong presence on digital platforms, are brand-conscious, and are eager to engage with fashion brands that reflect their aspirations, values, and lifestyle preferences. Despite the surge in masstige branding in India, limited studies focus on the influence of digital marketing efforts, particularly social media marketing activities, on the perception of masstige brand value and consumer-brand relationship quality and their impact on electronic word-of-mouth behavior in developing economies like India. The present study tries to fill this gap by proposing a conceptual model grounded in the established relationship marketing theory. A quantitative survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed among upper-middle-class working women in India who actively follow and engage with masstige fashion brands on social media to test the model. Responses were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and AMOS version 20.0. The analysis followed a two-step approach: first, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to assess the reliability and validity of the constructs, and second, a Structural Equation Modeling technique was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The studys results yield several significant insights on the firm and positive influence of social media marketing activities on perceived masstige brand value, significantly influencing relationship quality dimensions. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Do Social Media Marketing Activities Help Create Masstige Brand Value of Fashion Brands Among Upper-middle-class Working Women
Upper-middle-class working women, due to their aspirational consumption behaviour, social mobility and high engagement in fashion trends, are a key segment for masstige brands. Their high involvement in social media makes it the right platform for masstige fashion brands to interact with them for elevated engagement. This study examines the impact of social media marketing activities like entertainment, interaction, trendiness, advertisements and customization on the dimensions of masstige brand value and its subsequent impact on brand loyalty and word of mouth among upper-middle-class working women. A quantitative approach was used to examine the correlation among the identified variables of the study. To analyse the projected relationships of the study, the authors examined the data by following a three-step approach: (a) exploratory factor analysis to identify underlying constructs, (b) confirmatory factor analysis to validate measurement models and (c) structural equation modelling to test hypothesized relationships. Results indicate that masstige brand value is enhanced by strategically designed social media marketing activities, strengthening brand loyalty and encouraging positive word of mouth. The findings of this study offer valuable implications for masstige fashion brands looking forward to optimizing their social media marketing strategies for building long-term consumer relationships. 2026 Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode -
The Road to Marketing Success: Drivers and Barriers in SME Strategy Implementation
Purpose: The paper seeks to present the drivers and barriers to implementing effective marketing strategies by SMEs in India. In this current research, a systematic literature review (SLR) was adopted to collect existing literature; after identifying relevant literature, topic modeling was used to identify significant research themes in the SME sector. Methodology: A semi-structured interview was conducted for data collection by interviewing SME owners and managers, which was analyzed via thematic analysis (TA) to identify different barriers and drivers of SMEs in implementing effective marketing strategies. Findings: The discussion of the study has collated and proposed a combined set of drivers and barriers from all three methodologies. The studys findings highlight that external and internal barriers and drivers impact SMEs implementation of effective marketing strategies in India. Originality: This paper combines three approaches, namely structured literature review, topic modeling, and TA, to identify SMEs different barriers and drivers in implementing effective marketing strategies. 2026 by Apple Academic Press, Inc. -
Consumers Online Shopping Behaviour: A Post-COVID-19 Analysis in India
The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has changed the daily lives of citizens across the globe. As the world begins its slow transition from managing the COVID-19 alamity to recovery and the reopening of economies, its clear that the period of lockdown has had a reflective impact on how people live and how they will continue to lead their lifestyles. The OVID-19 outbreak is not only a health crisis but also one that has invaded our societies and economies. This period will certainly change consumer behaviour in the coming years. However, it is expected that certain behaviours may return to normal after such calamities; nonetheless, since consumers have discovered some new alternatives during this period, they may have changed consumer behaviour. Hence, this study is an attempt to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Indian economy and the modified behaviour of consumers towards the e-commerce sector in India during this pandemic-induced digitalization. 2025 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. -
Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Supply Chain: An academic review, emerging trend & analysis with future agenda and case study
The fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0, is characterized by integrating advanced digital technologies such as cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies are significantly transforming various sectors, including the pharmaceutical industry. Industry 4.0 technologies offer immense potential for enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and sustainability of supply chains. The integration of advanced digital technologies known as Industry 4.0, including cyber-physical systems, IoT, and AI, is reshaping diverse industries towards greater sustainability. This study uses a case study methodology to explore the effects of Industry 4.0 on creating more sustainable supply chains across these sectors. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Pantea Foroudi, Maria Palazzo and Satyendra Upadhyay; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Future-Proofing Sustainable Urban Development: Harnessing Fuzzy Logic for Smart Cities
Urban development is the biggest challenge in this era of rapid urbanization. This chapter proposes a new approach to tackle this challenge by incorporating fuzzy logic in smart cities. Fuzzy logic is known for handling uncertainty and vagueness thus it is a way to navigate the complexities of urban planning and governance. Incorporating fuzzy logic in a smart city framework is an opportunity to improve decision-making, optimize resource allocation, and reduce the risks of urban development. 216This chapter explores many facets of fuzzy logic and sustainable urban development in a legal context. It starts by giving an overview of the urbanization and sustainability challenges and sets the stage for the discussion of fuzzy logic as a tool to address these challenges. The concept of smart sustainable cities is explained, including the principles and components that make up them. Fuzzy logic in smart cities is the central theme of this chapter. By explaining the concept of fuzzy logic and its applications in an urban context, the chapter shows how it can manage the uncertainties of the urban environment. It also investigates the legal implications of incorporating fuzzy logic in urban governance structures. Through regulatory frameworks and case studies, the chapter discusses legal issues and challenges of integrating fuzzy logic in decision-making. The chapter also looks into the need for adaptive governance structures to accommodate the dynamic nature of smart sustainable cities. It proposes ways to integrate fuzzy logic in existing legal frameworks and flexibility and adaptability in urban governance. From case studies to best practices, the chapter gives insights into the successful implementation of fuzzy logic in smart sustainable cities, which are useful for policymakers and urban planners. In summary, the chapter shows the potential of fuzzy logic to future-proof sustainable urban development in the legal sector. To promote interdisciplinary discussion and provide practical recommendations, it contributes to the discourse on using fuzzy logic for sustainable urban governance. This chapter is a trigger for new approaches to urbanization and sustainability in a legal context. 2025 Jenny Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. -
Exploring Legal Structures for Workplace Automation Concerning Employment Law: Professional Identity Crises and Self-Doubt Generated by AI Displacement
The concept of new business models is altering who performs the work, how it gets done and its value across every sector. The lower costs of getting and sharing information have made it possible to use automation algorithms to create activities and make documents. These technology promises beg critical questions about the morality, legality and social implications of replacing or transforming economic institutions we find around us. The international shifts have been more profoundly felt in the workplace than automation and artificial intelligence. The logic of the Industrial Age is no longer valid in our workplace, which exhibits both human and machine intelligence. This rise is challenging traditional labor norms as the professional identity crises and self doubt generated by AI displacement are more and significant in nature. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Navigating New Culture: The Role of Attachment Styles in the Adaptation of International Students in India
Background: International students frequently look for programmes that are not offered in their home countries in order to pursue high-quality education, cultural exposure, professional prospects and personal development while studying abroad. Understanding attachment styles enables people to better comprehend local norms and values, facilitating easier social interactions and minimising misunderstandings, even though adjusting to the host country might be difficult. Purpose: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between attachment styles and sociocultural adaptation among international students in the host country. The studys specific goal was to comprehend how different attachment styles affect international students adjustment to new cultural customs, social norms and values. Methods: The study included 240 international students (male = 120 and female = 120) enrolled in various universities and educational institutions in Varanasi City, Uttar Pradesh, through purposive sampling. Participants were selected between the ages of 19 and 35 years. The Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and Revised Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R) were used in data collection. Results: The findings show that secure attachment style increased sociocultural adaptation, whereas insecure attachment styles decreased it among international students in the host country. A secure attachment style offers consolation, confidence and strong social bonds, all of which significantly enhance international students sociocultural adaptation in India. Conclusion: Social integration of international students may be greatly aided by planning inclusive cultural activities that promote engagement, lower social barriers and create a friendly atmosphere. Educational institutions may foster cross-cultural understanding and improve the overall campus experience for both domestic and international students by giving priority to such efforts. The Author(s) 2026. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage). -
Low Latency based Smart Ambulance Model in Emergency Healthcare
Smart ambulance represents a significant evolution in emergency healthcare,using most advance and innovative new devices, machine and techniques to improve and create new opportunities by the help of engineering methods or any formula or scientific principles to offer solutions to the limitation of traditional emergency medical services. This work focuses on the combination of Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Telemedicine and real time monitoring system to ameliorate response time, enhance patient care and optimize resource allocation in smart ambulance. By examining the performance of smart ambulance compared to traditional ones ,the research emphasize their ability and focuses on strategies to navigate challenges such as traffic congestion, communication delays and inefficient decision making ,and suggest relevant ways to resolve the issue. The result showed a positive and steady increase in the performance of smart ambulance in ensuring faster, more efficient and higher quality of emergency medical services. This paper emphasizes breakthrough ability of smart ambulance system in improving in emergency healthcare outcome and build a bedrock for their wider usages in the medical field. 2025 IEEE.