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Exploring Socio-Political Factors and Quality of Life Among LGBT Individuals in India
The quality of life of queer individuals in India is a result of a complex sociopolitical climate which is what this study aims to explore through qualitative methodology. Previous research has explored the social factors that impact the wellbeing of LGBT individuals in western countries, while the impact of politics on the wellbeing of marginalized groups is still largely unexplored. Through thematic analysis, this study found that family support and peer networks are the two most important social structures that determine the quality of life of LGBT emerging adults in India, whereas the impact of politics on wellbeing depends on the level of political awareness of the participants and their socio-political privilege in terms of caste, class and gender. However, there were significant differences in the relevant factors that affect the quality of life for cisgender and transgender participants which leaves room for further research. The findings indicate intra-community conflicts and changing dynamics within the community, and there needs to be extensive research on understanding the intersectionality of different identities within the community and their impact on the lives of queer individuals. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Negotiating Memories of Trauma in Kazuo Ishiguros A Pale View of Hills
Kazuo Ishiguros debut novel A Pale View of Hills (1982) resembles other twentieth-century novels in emerging out of what Anne Whitehead calls the three interrelated contexts of postmodernism, postcolonialism and a postwar legacy, which allows authors to set family stories in a broader, universal, and historical context (Whitehead 81). In the novel, Etsuko, a survivor of the Nagasaki bombing, recalls her traumatic experience of migrating to England following the fatal bombing on August 9, 1945. The novel focuses on the feelings of guilt and trauma associated with Etsukos escape from a difficult life in post-World War II Nagasaki to a more comfortable life in Britain to avoid raising her child in the aftermath of the atomic destruction. The public trauma and shock of the nuclear attack on Nagasaki form the backdrop for Etsukos personal narrative. Although the bomb does not injure the characters in the novel, the aftermath of this catastrophic event affects their lives profoundly. Kazuo Ishiguros A Pale View of Hills is a memory narrative of Etsuko, the protagonist, in conversations with her younger daughter Niki in England. The novel shows Etsuko recalling her past life in Japan in a desperate attempt to come to terms with her older daughter Keikos suicide. Her meditations take her back to her past in Japan, where she had developed a short friendship with Sachiko and her disturbed daughter Mariko. Etsukos dubious narration that exposes several parallels between her life and her friend Sachikos life indicates the possibility of Etsuko and Sachiko being the same person. The chapter discusses how the novels narrative strategies act as a coping mechanism for the displaced Etsuko, who endures the traumatic experience of migration. Etsukos indeterminate and ambiguous narration reflects the complexity and elusiveness of the act of migration, which disrupts her sense of identity and leaves her torn between her past and present self. The chapter shows how Etsukos confessions of her failing memory paradoxically make her seem more reliable. The chapter also discusses how Ishiguros novel, through Etsukos recollection of traumatic memories, calls attention to the emotional and psychological ramifications underlying the process of migration that not only makes migrants doubtful about their initial decision to migrate but also forces them to re-evaluate that decision constantly. Engaging with trauma and memory studies theorists such as Dominick LaCapra, Cathy Caruth, Maurice Halbwachs, Astrid Erll, Birgit Neumann, and Ansgar Nning, the chapter depicts how Etsukos discontinuous narrative, which permits her to redirect her trauma of Kiekos suicide to a self-constructed story, has a therapeutic impact on her psyche. Finally, the chapter argues that though the novel centers around an incident of historical significance, its modernity lies in its depiction of the trials of a life in exile and the psychological complexity induced by the act of abandoning ones homeland and starting a new life elsewhere. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Srirupa Chatterjee and Sharada Chigurupati; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Occupational Stress: A Review of Police Narrative
Cambridge research suggests that 90% of police officers have responded to being exposed to trauma and one out of five to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In India, trauma among the emblem of manpower is still a word of fancy or rather cowardly in the twenty-first century. So, to apply the seminal concept in Indian police, the phrase Occupational Stress is somehow better suited even though police experience the gruesomeness of death, suffering, and cruelty closer than many professions. The medics and police see the teething reality of biopolitics that can surely leave a permanent scar in the individual memory. Soft-skill training is a modern solution, and the awareness is spreading worldwide. Occupational stress is a collective state where several contributing factors cause a sense of anxiety and trauma in the subject. In police, it is caused by public rage toward the institution, their hues and cries, the departmental pressure following the chain of command, and an undeniable political influence. The mighty law-keepers might seem to possess the sceptre of power, but the fate of their mission, postings, and promotion politics is modulated quite abruptly. This study is an extension of broader research that follows a review of literature, including memoirs written by top cops of the Indian police force, and it surveys a corpus of newspaper articles demonstrating trauma-informed policing. The study explores the concept of Occupational Stress, its prevalence, contributing factors, and consequences through a qualitative method and a critical discourse analysis of the selective police narrative. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Horror and the body: Corporeal transformations and postcolonial motifs in Satyajit Rays Neel Atonko and Khagam
The genre of postcolonial Gothic questions imperial power structures and exposes the anxiety and violence embedded in colonization. It combines imperial Gothic tropes with regional narratives. This article analyses two short stories by Satyajit Ray, Neel Atonko (The Indigo Terror) and Khagam, examining how Bengali horror fiction uses and subverts Gothic tropes through corporeal transformation. It discusses the babu/bhadralok (westernized Indian men) culture from a postcolonial perspective, and argues that the supernatural transformations depicted in the stories indicate the instability of colonial identity. The human body becomes the primary site through which colonial oppression and resistance are portrayed. Using Homi Bhabhas concept of mimicry, Julia Kristevas discussion of the abject, and Xavier Aldana Reyess analysis of body gothic, this article examines how the stories critique the violence of colonial ideology through postcolonial motifs that situate the white man in a powerless position, thereby challenging established power structures of imperial Gothic. 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Parkinsons Disease Progression Prediction using Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that affects people over time and significantly lowers their quality of life. Patients with PD experience both motor and non-motor symptoms. Through clinical evaluation, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) is used to quantify the severity of Parkinson's disease. No definitive diagnostic tests for PD currently exist. Emerging machine learning techniques show potential to forecast future UPDRS scores for making informed medical decisions and enable better disease management. This paper studies research leveraging proteomic data to forecast PD prognosis, focusing on advanced machine learning techniques like CatBoost Regressor, ElasticNet, XGBoost Regressor, RandomForest Regressor, ExtraTrees Regressor and DecisionTree Regressor. 2024 IEEE. -
A Novel Ensemble based Model for Intrusion Detection System
In the present interconnected world, the increasing reliance on computer networks has made them susceptible to multiple security threats and intrusions. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) is essential for shielding these networks by detecting and mitigating potential threats in real-time. This research paper presents an in-depth study of employing the Random Forest algorithm for building an effective intrusion detection System. The proposed IDS uses the power of the Random Forest algorithm, a popular ensemble learning technique, to detect various types of intrusions in network traffic effectively. The algorithm integrates more than one decision trees to produce a robust and accurate classifier, capable of handling large-scale and complex datasets typical of network traffic. The proposed system can be used in various industries and sectors to protect critical assets, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of computer networks. Evolving cyber threats have encouraged further research into ensemble analytics methods to increase the resilience of Intrusion Detection Systems in an ever-changing threat landscape. 2024 IEEE. -
Circular supply chains in manufacturingQuo vadis? Accomplishments, challenges and future opportunities
Circular approach in manufacturing supply chain (SC) operations yields multiple benefits through optimal utilisation and consumption of resources. This study maps the scope and structure of circularity in the manufacturing SC discipline and explores the evolution of the domain over time. We review 946 journal articles published between 2013 and September 2023. Our study identifies key drivers and barriers to circular economy (CE) deployment in manufacturing SC operations, bibliometric parameters, emerging research themes, decision support tools, theories and applications. Using the theory extension approach, we propose a strategic framework to fortify the deployment of circularity in SCs. This comprehensive study renders a methodological contribution through combined descriptive content analysis and bibliometric and network analyses to evaluate the circular manufacturing SC operations concepts, theories and applications. We posit that manufacturing firms require to deploy innovation-led approaches to embed the CE strategies in their SC operations. We find that the studies investigating green skill development and circularity-culture adoption can facilitate manufacturers to understand the efficacy of circularity in their SC operations. The findings of this study can facilitate the practitioners to identify the links between the CE approaches and their strategic implications and examine CE implementation at the strategic level. 2024 The Authors. Business Strategy and The Environment published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Predictive Analysis of the Recovery Rate from Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Estimation of recovery rate of COVID-19 positive persons is significant to measure the severity of the disease for mankind. In this work, prediction of the recovery rate is estimated based on machine learning technology. Standard data set of Kaggle has been used for experimental purpose, and the data sets of COVID cases in Italy, China and India for these countries are considered. Based on that data set and the present scenario, the proposed technique predicts the recovery rate. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Perception of paid news among media students in Bangalore /
Gone are the days when advertising were among the major source of revenue for media organizations. The recent past has witnessed the rise of paid news in media organizations where they get paid to publish favourable news about a person or organization. This practice is s serious blow to the journalistic ethics of the country. -
Embracing Sustainability: Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Promoting Green Growth Amidst a Competitive Business Environment in India
In today's ever-evolving business environment, the synergy between corporate achievement and societal accountability highlights the critical importance of integrating sustainability through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This article explores CSR's pivotal role in cultivating green growth amid the intricacies of a highly competitive business environment. Starting with an examination of CSR's evolution and components, the narrative highlights the need for a paradigm shift in business strategies amidst global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. Central to this transformation is the integration of sustainable practices, emphasizing eco-friendly measures and operational efficiency. The article delves into the multifaceted benefits of CSR, illustrating how companies can shape a positive corporate image by aligning with consumer preferences and ethical considerations. Crucial elements such as stakeholder engagement and collaboration are emphasized, showcasing successful CSR initiatives that foster sustainable development through cooperative efforts. Additionally, the article underscores CSR's role in navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, emphasizing the importance of proactive compliance for sustained business viability. In an era where investors increasingly consider Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, the article positions CSR as a magnet for socially responsible investments. It elucidates how a commitment to sustainable practices not only attracts investors but also fuels innovation, fostering market differentiation and enhancing a company's competitive edge. Ultimately, the article contends that incorporating CSR into corporate strategy is not merely a response to societal expectations but a strategic imperative for businesses seeking resilience, relevance, and prosperity amidst intense competition and global challenges. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Factors Affecting the Risk Perceptions of Cryptocurrency Investors
This study explores risk perceptions in cryptocurrency investments among Indian investors. It employs a multistage random sampling survey of 228 investors. Four key factors influence this perception: conceptual clarity, investment education, awareness of investment options, and fear-induced psychological factors. The overall risk perception of crypto investors is high. Based on our findings, we suggest that the Indian government should organize an awareness campaign to create awareness and educate investors about cryptocurrency. Policymakers and investment managers should focus on transforming high-risk investors into lower-risk investors through education and support, fostering a more favorable investment environment. 2024 The Institute of Behavioral Finance. -
I Was One of Them: The Journey of Return Migrants Becoming Subagents in Keralas Recruitment Networks
Kerala has long been a prominent hub for international labour migration, with a unique phenomenon of return migrants transitioning into subagents supporting blue-collar workers navigating recruitment networks. These returnees leverage their personal migration journeys to address challenges faced by prospective migrants. Yet, little is known about what motivates them to assume this role and how they contribute to the broader migration process. This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of return migrants turned subagents, shedding light on their motivations and the ripple effects of their work on migration systems. Drawing on 22 in-depth interviews, the findings reveal three interconnected themes: (1) utilizing lived migration experiences to build empathy and trust; (2) creating a bridge between aspirants and recruitment agencies through cultural and procedural expertise; and (3) fostering a sense of purpose by addressing systemic challenges they once faced. These insights demonstrate how return migrants unique positionality enhances recruitment efficiency and reliability, offering micro-level support to migrants and meso-level improvements to recruitment systems. This study contributes to the growing literature on migration facilitation by highlighting the transformative role of return migrants in reshaping recruitment practices, with implications for migration policy, workforce mobility, and sustainable recruitment frameworks. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025. -
An integrated care model for elderly in home countries: the role of social work and legal services for transnational families
The need for integrated care for the elderly has grown globally due to ageing populations and the increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions. Many elderly individuals, particularly those in transnational families, face challenges in accessing adequate care and support, as their family members may be dispersed across different countries. This study addresses the role of social work and legal services in supporting elderly individuals in their home countries, focusing on transnational families. The integration of social work practices and legal frameworks is crucial in providing effective care for the elderly in these complex family dynamics. The research explores the challenges faced by elderly individuals and their families, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between social work professionals and legal experts. The study proposes an integrated care model that combines these services to enhance the well-being and rights of elderly individuals in home countries, offering insights into how this model can be applied in transnational family settings. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Institute for Social and Economic Change 2026. -
A comparative study of Ravi Chopra's Mahabharata(1988) on Doordarshan and Siddharth Anand Kumar's Mahabharat (2014) on Star Plus /
Portrayal of characters on both Ravi Chopra’s Mahabharata and Siddharth Anand Kumar’s Mahabharata on Star Plus. Identifying the costumes of characters of old Mahabharata and new Mahabharata. Identifying the visualization and special effects in both old and new Mahabharata. -
Spray dried nano oxide ceramics for free flowing plasma spray coating powders and battery material processing
Advanced materials are widely used in electronics, aerospace and automobile industry devices and also in substances synthesized for food, medical and pharmaceutical industries. The quality of the base material powder has high influence on the resulting material body (the product) which goes into the manufacture of the device. To name a few (a) flowable ceramic powders from agglomerated nano ceramic powders for plasma spray coatings with the right sprayable powder characteristics (b) advanced graphene encapsulated nano ceramic oxide powders with uniform conductive coating layers as promising electrodes in Li-Ion batteries, (c) advanced bio-ceramic oxides such as hydroxy-apatite ceramic materials with right amounts of moisture, density and composition consistency as bone and dental implants in bio-ceramics research are examples. Among the many processing methods to achieve the base powders from nano ceramic raw materials the most capable and efficient is 'Spray Drying' which results in powders with high purity with well-defined properties. Complex composite by spray drying is achieved where the 'matrix host' material is encapsulated by the 'guest layer' with special properties. This paper illustrates results pertaining to experimentation via spray drying and microscopic investigation by using SEM associated with EDS on (a) Yttria stabilized zirconia plasma sprayable powders for Thermal Barrier Coatings application and (b) nano yttria stabilized zirconia incorporated into microns sized alumina powders for enhanced densification, to understand the significant role of process parameters on uniformity and consistency of the spray dried products. Information based on review on spray dried Li-ion battery materials is also included. Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd. -
Antecedents of organic food consumption in Delhi NCR
The consumption of organic food in increasing rapidly in the country. It has a significant impact on the environment, individuals and public health. This is an attempt to understand the antecedents of organic food and try to re-establish the relationship between the attributes of organic food, the utilitarian and hedonic attitudes and consumer purchase intentions. The SOR model has been used to support the theoretical framework for conducting the research on organic food products. The nutritional values, sensory appeal, environmental concern price and natural content of organic food products have significant and positive relationship on utilitarian and hedonic attitudes of the consumer. Even utilitarian and hedonic attitudes have a positively strong relationship on consumer purchase intentions for organic food products. 2021 Ecological Society of India. All rights reserved. -
Covid stimulating organic food consumption: Exploring factors of consumer buying behaviour
The outburst of coronavirus pandemic has forced people to rethink about their eating habits, what do they eat, where they get their food from, and how the food is produced, stored, and prepared. Statistics confirms that there is a significant growth in awareness level for organic foods in the global market. The purpose this study is to explore the factors leading to the perception and attitude for the purchase of organic/healthy food in the immediate context of food crisis in India. The questionnaire was used to implement the study and data was gathered from 387 respondents from the Delhi NCR, India. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used for the data analysis. The finding reveals eight factors named as natural content, nutritional content, sensory appeal, environmental concern, attitude, lifestyle, perceived value and purchase intentions, leading to consumption of organic food. These results reflect the shift in nutritional content and natural content are the two most important variable leading to organic food consumption. 2021 Ecological Society of India. All rights reserved. -
Evolutionary multiple instance boosting framework for weakly supervised learning
Multiple instance boosting (MILBoost) is a framework which uses multiple instance learning (MIL) with boosting technique to solve the problems regarding weakly labeled inexact data. This paper proposes an enhanced multiple boosting frameworkevolutionary MILBoost (EMILBoost) which utilizes differential evolution (DE) to optimize the combination of weak classifier or weak estimator weights in the framework. A standard MIL dataset MUSK and a binary classification dataset Hastie_10_2 are used to evaluate the results. Results are presented in terms of bag and instance classification error and also confusion matrix of test data. 2021, The Author(s). -
Factors Affecting the Risk Perceptions of Cryptocurrency Investors
This study explores risk perceptions in cryptocurrency investments among Indian investors. It employs a multistage random sampling survey of 228 investors. Four key factors influence this perception: conceptual clarity, investment education, awareness of investment options, and fear-induced psychological factors. The overall risk perception of crypto investors is high. Based on our findings, we suggest that the Indian government should organize an awareness campaign to create awareness and educate investors about cryptocurrency. Policymakers and investment managers should focus on transforming high-risk investors into lower-risk investors through education and support, fostering a more favorable investment environment. 2024 The Institute of Behavioral Finance. -
Health Care Still a Costly Affair: Covariates of Out-of-Pocket Expenditure on Health Care in India with Special Reference to Empowered Action Group States
This article investigates the covariates of out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) on health care, with a special focus on the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states of India. These states are economically weaker and vulnerable. For analysis, the study uses a nationally representative databasethe India Human Development Survey (IHDS I, 20042005 and IHDS II, 20112012)by applying the log-linear regression method. Four regression models have been specified in the article. The pooled regression method is applied to check the robustness of the models. Results identify that factors such as the location of the respondent, education, waiting time in hospitals, household expenditure per capita and the location of the hospital play a significant role in determining the OOPE on health care in India. Among other factors, waiting time in the hospital and the distant treatment location result in higher opportunity costs for better treatment facilities, hence increasing the burden on OOPE. The study concludes with suggestions based on these covariates, especially for the EAG states. 2024 Indian Institute of Health Management Research.