Browse Items (16488 total)
Sort by:
-
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. -
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. -
'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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
HumanWildlife Conflict in Kerala Conservation Policies and the Elusive Ethics of Peaceful Coexistence
The troubled humanwildlife relationship in the highlands of Kerala is a matter of growing concern due to the constant disruption of the lives and livelihoods of the people who share space with wildlife. Debates surrounding the complexities of humanwildlife conflict often persist, largely due to the divide between the environmentalist perception of conservation and the experiences of farmers confronting wildlife-related threats. This study demonstrates that the precarious social and economic circumstances of the farmers and local communities directly affected by the inter-species conflict undermine the skewed discourse promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. 2025, Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
IoT Behavioural Analytics for Retail Engagement
The modern-day retailing world is struggling to provide real-time and hyper-personalised customer interaction in the context of fragmented behavioural data, sluggish analytics, and in-store interventions that are generic. Current Internet of Things (IoT) retail systems are mainly focused on inventory and transactional insights and do not capture more in-depth behavioural and emotional indicators that affect purchase intent and satisfaction. In this context, this paper will suggest an Internet of Things (IoT)-Based Behavioural Analytics Platform to Hyper-Personalised Consumer Engagement in Retail Management (IBAPS-RM). The framework incorporates multimodal Internet of Things (IoT) sensing, edge computing, and cloud intelligence in creating Multimedia Behavioural Digital Twins (Behavioural Digital Twin (BDT) that dynamically change in response to contextual, environmental, and Interaction-driven information. One of the most notable novelties is the Behavioural Fusion Neural Unit (BFNU) (Behavioural Fusion Neural Unit (BFNU)), that conducts real-time sensor fusion between gaze movement, dwell time, gestures, proximity, and purchase latency to determine behavioural intent and launch micro-personalised interventions in the form of adaptive light, context sensitive offers and personalised digital content. Reinforcement learning also enhances engagement policies through continuous optimisation based on feedback. Experimental analysis shows that IBAPS-RM has better engagement intelligence, with over 93% of personalisation accuracy, 73% shorter decision latency, and 64% higher conversion rate than traditional Internet of Things (IoT) retail systems. The suggested solution improves responsiveness, consumer experience, and operational effectiveness, and promotes privacy-conscious behavioural modelling. In general, IBAPS-RM creates a dynamic, proactive retail intelligence paradigm that dedicates behavioural inference to real-time engagement delivery. 2025, International Academic Institute for Science and Technology. All rights reserved. -
TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED SOLUTIONS FOR INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE DESIGN TO SUPPORT TRANSGENDER EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS
The study fills the gap in the current understanding of available legal safeguards and the actual inclusion of transgender workers that, despite constitutional and legislative requirements in India, there is still no equal access to work-related facilities, computerized systems, and company policies. In order to fill this gap, the research will use a User-Centered Design (UCD) methodology, which involves the active involvement of transgender employees in all the phases of requirement collection, co-design, prototyping, implementation, and testing. The model includes adaptive digital platforms, workspace redesign, smart engine, other policy-promoting, and promotes inclusivity with the help of data analytics and feedback loops. Pilot testing and simulated data evaluated parameters, including participation by the user, ergonomic inclusivity, policy-response intelligent, job satisfaction, mental wellbeing, retention, and team functioning. Findings show significant gains compared to conventional HR models with a 95% increment in user participation, 4% increment of ergonomic inclusiveness, 65% increment of policy-response acumen, 4.5-point increment of job satisfaction, 8 % increment of mental wellbeing, 41-point increment of team collaboration and improvement in retention by 20% in three-years. Overall, these results indicate that UCD-based technology-enhanced systems have the potential to decrease the level of exclusion, improve psychological safety, and performance of organizations. This paper finds that sustainable transgender workplace equity must incorporate participatory feedback, inclusive design and technology-based solutions into the system of the organizations, developing scalable and evidence-based programs to enhance inclusion, wellbeing, satisfaction, and retention and creating a supportive and equitable workplace environment. 2025, Technical institute of Bijeljina. All rights reserved. -
DIGITAL TWINBASED INTELLIGENT MONITORING OF INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS USING EXPLAINABLE AI
Industrial systems increasingly rely on Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. However, most existing digital twinbased monitoring solutions depend on static or black-box machine learning models, limiting interpretability, operator trust, and safe deployment in safety-critical environments. In response to these challenges, the author develops the Adaptive Hybrid Digital Twin with Causality-Aware Explainable Artificial Intelligence (HADT-C-XAI) framework to offer transparency and intelligence in industrial monitoring. The framework describes three integrated layers: (i) acquisition of real-time sensors, (ii) continually synchronized hybrid digital twin modeling, which is the integration of physics and data hybrid modeling and (iii) an intelligent analysis layer where LSTM-based anomaly detection is ungraded with explainable feature attribution. A closed-loop learning mechanism updates the model dynamically to adapt to operational drift while generating interpretable fault causes for operator decision support. Experiments were conducted on a multi-sensor industrial testbed containing 120 hours of vibration, temperature, acoustic, and rotational data. The implemented system shows a 94.8% detection accuracy, 95.4% recall, and a 4.1% low false alarm rate, which surpasses standard LSTM (88.5%) and threshold-based monitoring (82.9%). With edge-level inference, detection latency has been reduced to 26-30 ms, which allows for real-time deployment. Results demonstrate that integrating adaptive digital twins with explainable AI improves reliability, transparency, and fault diagnosis while maintaining computational efficiency. The proposed framework provides a scalable and trustworthy solution for predictive maintenance, Industry 4.0 applications, and cyberphysical system monitoring. 2025, Technical institute of Bijeljina. All rights reserved. -
RP-HPLC METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF NAFTIFINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN FORMULATED PRODUCTS: DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION
Background: Naftifine hydrochloride is an allylamine antifungal agent commonly used to treat dermatophyte infections. It inhibits squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in ergosterol biosynthesis, thereby disrupting the integrity of the fungal cell membrane. It exhibits broad-spectrum activity against dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds, and is typically formulated as a 1% topical cream or gel. Methodology: A rapid and robust reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for the estimation of naftifine hydrochloride in a topical cream formulation (2% Naftifast, Zydus), in accordance with ICH and FDA guidelines. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Inertsil ODS column using an isocratic mobile phase consisting of 35% acetonitrile, 40% methanol, 25% water, and 0.8% triethylamine (pH adjusted to 5.5 with acetic acid) at a flow rate of 1.4 mL/min. Detection was performed at 265 nm. Results and Discussion: Naftifine hydrochloride showed a retention time of approximately 4.0 minutes with a total run time of 6.0 minutes. The method displayed excellent linearity over a concentration range of 20120 g/mL (R > 0.999). Recovery studies indicated a mean recovery of 100.4%. Precision was confirmed by relative standard deviation (RSD) values of less than 2%, demonstrating the methods reproducibility. Conclusion: The proposed RP-HPLC method is simple, precise, and time-efficient. It is suitable for routine quality control of naftifine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical dosage forms due to its short analysis time and strong validation performance. 2025 The authors. -
Harnessing mobile multimedia for entrepreneurial innovation and sustainable business growth
This research investigates the role of mobile multimedia platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving innovation and ensuring the sustainability of entrepreneurial businesses, focusing particularly on technology acquisition, integration, and infrastructure. For data collection, the study employed a quantitative research design and surveyed 150 Indian technology firms that had adopted mobile multimedia applications. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data, supported by descriptive statistics, correlation, regression analysis, and mixed methods to understand the adoption and use of digital technologies for innovation activities. The results show that AI-driven applications, when combined with multimedia content and real-time analytics, significantly enhance entrepreneurial innovation by improving operational efficiency, increasing customer engagement, and facilitating expansion into new international markets. Companies utilizing mobile multimedia platforms gain a competitive advantage, translating into long-term business growth and sustainability. This research contributes to the literature on AI and entrepreneurship in the context of digital transformation, highlighting the need for startups to invest in AI-enabled mobile technologies. It equally serves policymakers by informing the regulation of an environment that promotes innovation and business sustainability through digital initiatives. This research addresses a significant gap in the literature by providing evidence on how AI acts as a driver of change and provides insight into the adoption of new technologies in the context of entrepreneurship, an area that remains largely underexplored. 2025, Society of Sytematic Innovation. All rights reserved. -
AI-driven surveillance in India: Reconciling privacy, national security and legal oversight
Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a significant impact on how the surveillance apparatus in India operates. Along with the numerous possibilities, the indoctrination of AI in surveillance mechanisms poses serious privacy concerns. The conflict between state surveillance and the fundamental right of privacy is apparent even at the conceptual level. On the one hand, the rise of advanced surveillance mechanisms has been an abetting factor in this conflict, while on the other hand, many theorists have been at work to find a harmonisation between them. Throughout Indian history, surveillance apparatus has helped thwart threats to national security and maintain the nations integrity. The apparent disadvantage of surveillance can be its intrusion into citizens right to privacy, which poses several legal challenges. This paper explores how incorporating AI in surveillance mechanisms enhances Indias surveillance apparatus and influences the conflict between national security and privacy rights. The paper examines how revolutionary AI technologies such as predictive policing, facial recognition (FRT) and AI-enhanced monitoring systems aggravate the apparent conflict between national security interests and the fundamental right to privacy, as adjudged in the Puttaswamy judgment. The paper critically analyses the existing legal architecture, which consists of the Telecommunications Act and the IT Act, and highlights its shortcomings. Further, the paper traverses how legal frameworks of other jurisdictions such as the European Union (EU) AI Act, the Canadian AI and Data Act (AIDA) and the US regulatory guidelines could guide India in determining a well-rounded regulatory approach. Additionally, the paper proposes adopting a context-based or risk-based approach to AI regulation and the practical challenges therewith in an attempt to harmonise the state security imperative with citizens privacy rights without obstructing technological advancement. The comparative analysis of different regulatory guidelines and legislations and the potential regulations would provide practical insights for the legislature, law enforcement and other stakeholders. The paper ultimately argues that there is an exigence for a comprehensive regulatory framework to conciliate national security and privacy rights in the AI-powered digital landscape. This article is also included in The Business and Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/. Henry Stewart Publications. -
QSPR ANALYSIS OF ANTI-ASTHMATIC DRUGS USING REDEFINED FIRST ZAGREB POWER INDEX
In this paper, we introduce a novel degree-based topological in-dex, the Redefined First Zagreb Power Index (ReZG1P I(G)). Explicit formu-lae for ReZG1P I(G) are derived for several standard graphs. Furthermore, we investigate the quantitative structureproperty relationship (QSPR) of anti-asthmatic drugs. The study reveals a strong correlation between the physicochemical properties of these drugs and their corresponding ReZG1P I(G), reflecting the structural representation of molecules as graphs. Finally, we establish linear and quadratic regression models between the proposed molec-ular descriptor and the physicochemical properties of anti-asthmatic drugs. 2026, MUK Publications and Distribution. All rights reserved. -
AI-Powered Transformation in Home Textiles: Efficiency, Sustainability, and Consumer Experience
Background The home textile sector, including bed linens, towels, and curtains, is under pressure from rising consumer expectations, stricter sustainability standards, and supply chain uncertainties. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a strategic enabler, offering innovative solutions across design, production, quality control, logistics, and customer interaction. Methods The scope includes a scoping review (20152025) of peer-reviewed literature and reputable industry reports, supplemented by documented corporate cases in home textiles. Inclusion required explicit metrics (e.g., yield %, energy or water usage, forecast error) or reproducible descriptions of AI workflows. Results Analysis shows that AI improves efficiency and competitiveness through multiple pathways: (i) trend forecasting and generative design tools; (ii) optimized color matching and dyeing via machine learning and spectral systems; (iii) automated defect detection and predictive maintenance using computer vision and IoT; (iv) cutting-room efficiency through AI nesting algorithms; (v) supply chain resilience with demand sensing and drone-assisted inventory checks; and (vi) blockchain-based platforms that ensure cotton traceability. On the consumer side, AI enhances personalization and supports the growth of smart bedding products. These applications reduce waste, improve product quality, and reinforce sustainability initiatives. Conclusion AI complements rather than replaces human creativity and craftsmanship. Organizations in the home textile industry that embrace AI strategically across design studios, mill operations, and retail channels can achieve measurable improvements in productivity, sustainability, and consumer trust, positioning themselves for long-term competitive advantage. 2025, Textile Association (India). All rights reserved. -
Modeling Flood-Induced Cascading Disruptions in the Indian Electronics Supply Chain Using Influence Network Analysis
This study investigates flood induced disruptions in the Indian electronics supply chain using influence network analysis. Monsoon floods are recurring hazards that significantly impact economic activities, logistics, and industrial productivity. This study integrates district-level rainfall data (2020 to 2025) with supply chain network models to quantify cascading failures. The methodology applies rainfall thresholds (? 300 mm/month) to identify flood-prone districts and constructs a stochastic influence matrix representing inter-firm dependencies. Flood propagation dynamics are modeled iteratively with a propagation coefficient (? = 0.6) and convergence threshold (? = 10-4). The resulting disruption profiles are mapped onto company-level revenues calibrated to India-specific scales, adjusted for disruption durations (two months per year). This approach produces district and company-level economic loss estimates consistent with observed flood impacts (e.g., Chennai 2015 flood losses of USD 3 to 5 billion). Key contributions include linking meteorological hazards to systemic supply chain failures, demonstrating economic vulnerabilities at district and sectoral scales, and providing a framework for resilience planning. 2026 Binghamton University Libraries. All rights reserved. -
Reducing Systemic Bias in Behavioral Targeting Using Explainable AI: The HARMONIA Complex Systems Approach
Behavioral targeting is a key part of the modern advertising web's algorithmic engine. However, it is unclear whether optimization processes worsen bias, promote unchecked spread in filter bubbles or lower overall users' trust levels. This paper introduces HARMONIA (Holistic Adaptive Regulatory Model for Optimizing Non-transparent Intelligent Advertising), a comprehensive, data-driven Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) framework aimed at transforming behavioral targeting via transparency, interpretability, and adaptive ethical regulation. This paper conducted a comprehensive Explorative Data Analysis (EDA) on the public Criteo Display Advertising Dataset, which contains over 45 million records, to identify patterns in high-dimensional user-ad interaction space. This analysis uncovered latent behavioral signals that affect the relevance of ads based on users' online behavior. The analysis identified four interrelated behavioral dynamics: ad fatigue attenuation, diurnal engagement oscillations, device-driven preference divergence, and category-affinity dominance. These dynamics served as the foundational architectural principles for HARMONIA's design. The method uses gradient boosted prediction models and a multilayer explainability stack that includes SHAP for global interpretability, LIME for local surrogate approximation, and counterfactual reasoning for causal transparency. Quantitative evaluation indicates that HARMONIA maintains relevance accuracy (approximately 1.2% CTR), achieves a 31% enhancement in transparency metrics, and a 27% improvement in user-trust indices, while concurrently reducing systemic entropy by nearly one-third. This research redefines personalization to be self-explanatory and ethically sound AI by incorporating explainability as a regulatory mechanism in the adaptive ecosystem of complex digital advertising. This system takes explainable computational marketing from an idea to a full-scale implementation. 2026 Binghamton University Libraries. All rights reserved. -
Complex Systems Mapping of Fiscal Growth Dynamics at Strategic Maritime Chokepoints Using Time-Series Slopes
This study examines how maritime and trading states allocate public resources between defence, health, and economic growth around three strategic chokepoints the Strait of Malacca, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Suez Canal. The analysis extends the classic guns versus butter framing by treating defence and health spending as co-evolving components of an interconnected fiscal-growth system. Using World Development Indicators data (1999-2024), trend slopes are estimated for military spending (% of GDP), healthcare spending (% of GDP), and GDP growth (annual %). Two derived indicators are computed, a defence-to-health slope ratio (military slope/health slope) and a fiscal-balance proxy (health slope - military slope). Augmented Dickey-Fuller tests are used to assess stationarity (unit-root behaviour), and Granger causality tests to examine whether GDP growth temporally precedes changes in spending shares. Hormuz chokepoint states show non-negative health slopes (e.g., UAE +0.1199) alongside negative GDP growth slopes in some cases (e.g., Qatar -0.4754). Suez chokepoint states exhibit negative defence slopes (e.g., Egypt -0.0899) with comparatively small or negative health slopes (e.g., Egypt -0.0211). The United States is included as an external benchmark because it is the largest trading nation by monetary trade volume and is directly or indirectly coupled to chokepoint flows; it shows health +0.1758 and military -0.0116 (ratio -0.0657). These quantified configurations support chokepoint-specific fiscal regimes and provide a compact visual map of security, health, growth dynamics in a small integrated complex systems. @ Binghamton (The ORB), 2026.