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Crowdfunding is an alternative paradigm for project financing, in which a broad and scattered audience can engage by making relatively small contributions of money. The most common method is to use online platforms that serve as a link between the crowd and the initiatives. The study aims to review the most cited papers on crowdfunding, applying the total citations as the measure of outcome. Scopus database was used to perform citation analysis and select papers. These papers were then filtered for document type and source type with the language of publication being English. This left 1,847 papers, which were adjusted in the descending order of their citations. Only papers published in ABDC-indexed journals were considered. Thus, the top 50 papers were selected. The number of citations ranged from 2,434 to 132 in descending order for the period 2013 to 2020. By highlighting the key features of the top 50 crowdfunding papers cited, the present study seeks to disseminate knowledge that could help researchers recognize key themes, research features, and gaps in existing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to discuss the risk-based policies, procedures, and controls reasonably designed to identify and minimize money laundering and other illicit financing risks associated with Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs). This paper uses the "Pandora Papers" to illustrate the vulnerability of the banking system to money laundering and other illicit financing risks associated with NPOs, and to solidify the hypothesis that effective implementation of risk-based policies, procedures, and controls can help flag illicit funds before a lengthy asset recovery process becomes necessary. This paper determines that adequate policies, procedures, and controls, if implemented, could help manage the money laundering and other illicit financing risks associated with NPOs, and ensure monitoring systems are set up to adequately detect suspicious transactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents English YouTube Stories and Google Forms as an assessment tool to evaluate vocabulary using storytelling techniques, and examines its advantages in the English classroom. The paper explores the current use of Google Forms as an online vocabulary evaluation in English instruction and compares control and experimental group student scores to fill in the gaps that are currently present. A sample of 40 low socioeconomic tertiary level female students (in the age group of 18 to 20 years) with low proficiency in English from Telangana, India, participated in the study. They were all multilingual and multicultural students. The control group, which consisted of 20 students, received no experimental treatment, while the experimental group, which also had 20 students, was given 10 YouTube stories to watch and read the text. The scores for vocabulary knowledge for each story in the form of an assessment were recorded for both groups using Google Forms and compared. The results reveal that YouTube Stories enhance vocabulary development, and Google Forms serve as an ESL assessment tool, which has many advantages like timesaving for teachers, convenience, cost reduction, automatic and accurate score generation and reduced paper waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Input Tax Credit (ITC) is one of the essential features of GST, as it eliminates the cascading effect of taxation. However, in recent times, fraudulent activities to dupe government authorities through tax evasion are rising rapidly. Issuing invoices without the concomitant supply of goods or services is one of the most dangerous and widely used methods to tweak the provisions of GST laws and avail undue or fake Input Tax Credit. This paper aims to analyze the workings and motives behind such invoices. Most importantly, this paper focuses on the current contentious legal issues arising out of post-detection steps taken by the departmental authorities, wherein even a bona fide taxpayer may face actions due to the fault of another party in the transaction. The contentious issues discussed in the present paper are: difficulty in getting bail, denial or reversal of Input Tax Credit, cancellation of GST registration, and attachment of property. The paper focuses on understanding the numerous provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, and the Income Tax Act, 1961 under which offenders can be tried. Lastly, the paper provides ways to tackle the fraudulent activities through new-age technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green financing is able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and support long-term economic growth. The paper presents a systematic literature review, evaluating the research on green finance and sustainability from 2005 to 2023. To perform this review, PRISMA technique was followed. A total of 51 papers selected from Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus were reviewed, and the results show that China is a global pioneer in this area, and research on this concept has been gaining momentum. The findings indicate that publications on the direct effect of green finance on sustainability are available in large number, as compared to those on indirect effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a bibliometric analysis of research on Private Equity (PE) and identifies the key contributors, major countries and institutions, and scope for further research. It uses scientific mapping strategy to meet its goals and employs R studio to extract pertinent data. Scopus and Web of Science—two popular databases—were used to extract the data. The study examines 1698 publications from business, management, finance and econometrics journals. The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics. The status of research on PE is represented through graphical and tabular analysis. Since PE first gained popularity in developed nations like US, UK and Japan, these countries boast a majority of studies on the subject. The PE concept is still relatively new in emerging countries, and there is still opportunity for more research. Future research should focus on issues like investment, venture and market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to essential information resources through mobile devices has become a routine activity. From smart portable notebooks to tablets, smartphones to embedded devices, mobile databases are emerging as a key factor in the mobile computing ecosystem. These devices are handy and user-friendly; users can access information regardless of their geographic location, anytime, utilizing wireless and cellular communications. In addition to the convenience they offer, modern mobile systems exhibit the potential to promote the green computing paradigm and by extension a safer environment for humanity to thrive. The paper presents a concise but concrete review of mobile database systems in the green mobile computing ecosystem. The data source comprises 343 papers from notable repositories: IEEE Xplore, ACM Digital library, Springer and Science Direct. 43 papers were selected for analysis based on meeting the two preset suitability criteria: mobile databases and green computing. The study shows that there is not much literature on mobile database systems vis-à-vis the green computing ecosystem, hence, a promising research niche. The paper concludes that mobile databases are evolving rapidly and there is every possibility that their progress towards maturity could further reduce the energy consumption of mobile devices whose fundamental data store relies on these mobile databases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an extensive bibliometric examination of the literature on job satisfaction among bank employees. It sheds light on the theoretical and conceptual framework in this area to pinpoint the most widely used sources, authors, documents, and countries. Using the Scopus database, 279 papers published between 1974 and 2023 were identified and examined using VoS Viewer and "bibliometrix," an R-tool. There has been an increase in interest in this topic among scholars, as seen by the fact that more than 60% of the studies have been published in the past nine years. The paper reveals that 84.22% of the publications were multi-authored and that Karatepe and International Journal of Bank Marketing are the most wellknown researcher and source, respectively. Given that India is the most productive nation and that Eastern Mediterranean University is a leading affiliation in this subject, it is clear that developing nations are also keen on this subject. The topics of self-efficacy, service quality, and organizational citizenship behavior with job satisfaction were found to be significant and have not yet been fully explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper challenges the traditional focus on mere competency and charisma in the ever-shifting terrain of leadership, arguing they hold limited power in navigating the complexities of modern environments. While proficiency in one's field and magnetic charm remain valuable, they fall short in fostering collaborative, equitable, and sustainable success. Delving into the limitations of both concepts, the paper unveils a broader tapestry of leadership requisites. Emotional intelligence, the cornerstone of building strong relationships and effectively managing team dynamics, takes center stage. Humility, embracing feedback and empowering others, fosters collaborative decision-making. Authenticity, radiating genuineness and trust, creates a foundation for shared commitment. Finally, ethical behavior, anchored in integrity and stakeholder wellbeing, ensures responsible and impactful leadership. Drawing upon scholarly insights and real-world experiences, the paper advocates for a holistic approach to leadership development, one that cultivates a diverse skillset and ethical behavior, enabling leaders to not only survive but also thrive in the demanding landscape of the 21st century. The paper emphasizes the need for a multifaceted leadership equipped to tackle the dynamic challenges of our time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of new technologies in the current digital era has led to new challenges and innovative solutions. Researchers are utilizing this revolution for their study, leading to a significant increase in the number of scientific publications globally. Scientific papers typically appear to be complex and difficult to grasp. Understanding the vital phrase in a complex string of terms is quite challenging, but understanding the vital information is crucial for researchers. A crucial factor in determining, whether a publication among the enormous number of publications, is worthy of being accepted is the success of the publications. Peer reviews, which are provided by reviewers who are typically experts in the field, are used in this approach. It is possible to explore scientific peer reviews and foretell the effectiveness of the publications by using Sentiment Analysis (SA, also referred to as opinion mining). Several Machine Learning (ML) algorithms have been used by researchers to analyze scientific peer papers. This literature review seeks to give a comprehensive account of what researchers have done in this field so far and where the current research stands right now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India marked a significant milestone in the country’s economic and fiscal landscape. As a unified tax structure, GST has replaced a complex web of indirect taxes, streamlining the tax system and enhancing the ease of doing business nationwide. The present paper explores the transformative impact of GST on India’s economy, and its status as the preferred tax structure in the country. The implementation of GST has harmonized tax rates across states, reducing the cascading effect of taxes and eliminating the inefficiencies that characterized the previous system. The tax reform has been instrumental in creating a common national market, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian businesses on a global scale. Moreover, the simplicity and transparency of GST have contributed to improving tax compliance, broadened the tax base, and boosted government revenues. This paper also delves into the economic implications of GST, particularly its impact on inflation, consumption patterns, and overall economic growth. By reducing the tax burden on both consumers and businesses, GST has stimulated economic demand and fostered investment. Additionally, the paper examines the challenges faced during the initial stages of GST implementation, including technical glitches, compliance issues, and continuous updates to the GST framework to address sector-specific concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the efficiency of fabricated solar panels using nonconventional materials--an approach that has significant potential for increasing the adoption of solar energy in resource-constrained environments. The fabrication of solar panels using local materials is presented in the paper. Solar cells are devices that convert solar energy directly into electricity-appropriate tools. Thirty-six cells are connected to form a solar array and six components support the solar array to form a solar panel. These components safeguard the array against the adverse effects of weather-related factors such as hail, airborne debris, moisture, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidation. They also provide mechanical support and electrical insulation. Local materials are used for some of these components. Two types of solar cells are considered: Polycrystalline panel and monocrystalline panel give an average power of 80 W and 60 W, respectively, at an average terminal voltage of 18 V. The performances of the locally-fabricated solar panels are comparable with that of imported solar panels. Monocrystalline solar panel is found to offer higher space efficiency compared to polycrystalline type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing significance of intellectual capital as a fundamental driver of organizational success has spurred a growing body of research focused on its measurement and impact on financial performance and market valuation. This paper provides a thorough review of the literature on this topic, with particular attention to the use of the Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC) model. The review spans a diverse array of studies published in academic journals, books, and conference proceedings. By analyzing these studies, the paper uncovers the theoretical foundations, methodologies, and findings related to the application of the VAIC model in assessing the influence of intellectual capital on financial performance and market valuation. Overall, the findings indicate a positive relationship between intellectual capital, as measured by the VAIC model, and financial performance indicators such as profitability, productivity, and efficiency. Moreover, there is evidence supporting a positive connection between intellectual capital and market valuation, suggesting that investors recognize and reward firms with higher intellectual capital. Nonetheless, the review also highlights several limitations and challenges in the literature, including the inconsistencies in the operationalization of intellectual capital, the complexities of measuring intangible assets, and the potential endogeneity between intellectual capital and financial performance metrics. This review contributes to the existing knowledge base by synthesizing the findings from previous studies and outlining directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty years after the Bretton Woods conference that charted out a road map for post-World War II reconstruction, the global economy is facing troublesome economic imbalances, soaring domestic political tensions over income distribution, flaring international conflict over industrial policies, and the failure of international cooperation in addressing potentially existential governance challenges in attenuating climate change and the governance of the digital transformation, including the new general purpose technologies in the nexus of big data and artificial intelligence. The perceived success of the Bretton Woods architecture in enabling postwar reconstruction has prompted calls for a "new Bretton Woods" to address these contemporary challenges. This paper critically examines the original Bretton Woods framework as conceived by its architects, reviews the extent to which it was actually implemented, the extent to which it worked as planned, and the extent to which it delivered on the aims of its architects. It argues that the benefits realized during the Bretton Woods era were largely products of economic and political circumstances that could not be replicated today--and moreover that the Bretton Woods framework cannot be credited with delivering globalization or faulted for its perceived failings. Further, the paper contends that current geopolitical and economic conditions more closely resemble those which motivated the unsuccessful 1933 London Monetary and Economic Conference and suggests that efforts should be turned to redoing London and attempting to improve upon it rather than trying to return to Bretton Woods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthony Ellis (2011, 13) examines an excerpt from Thomas Elyot's Castel of Health (1541) in which he observes a doctor's conception about growing old: "old age equals the inception of 'bad humor' and calls for professional intervention." The depiction of senescence or biological aging in literature can be analyzed from the perspective of the abovementioned doctor who attaches negative attributes to senescence. This paper focuses on the effects of aging and ageism on Amanda Wingfield from The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams and Ephraim Cabot from Desire Under the Elms by Eugene O'Neill. Both these aging characters are inclined to stick to their habits, lifestyles and preferences they have developed in their earlier years. Their fixation with their earlier lifestyle gives rise to hatred or indifferent attitude of the younger people around them. The paper examines the detachment and disengagement of the two characters from society and their loved ones due to ageism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existential maneuver is a core element of literature. The focus of the paper pertains to the cultural context, notably specific communities endeavoring to embrace new ideologies and the obstacles they face. The paper examines and explains the increasing urgency of confined existential maneuvers and the problems of adapting to a new culture. Mukherjee has authored a medieval metanarrative, The Holder of the World, centered around the character of Hannah Easton, who assumes various roles and personas, including an understanding of American lineage and adherence to Indian customs, and undergoes transformation. The paper analyzes the existential maneuver concept as a transformative motif. It examines how immigrants in literature integrate their identities into a foreign culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A job interview is a two-way affair, where the skill set of the candidate is assessed by the company and the image of the company by the candidate. The success of an interview is not just based on a candidate's academic credentials but also on behavioral aspects, including attitude, body language and paralinguistic features. This part of the interview is generally called Human Resources (HR) interview. The success of job aspirants at HR interview is based on skills agility. Skills agility is nothing but harnessing the right skills at the right time for the right work. To grasp skills agility, a thorough understanding of soft skills is very essential. Soft skills are innate skills that reflect behavioral patterns. A few important soft skills include communication skills, team skills, adaptability and cross-cultural skills. In contrast to hard skills like computer skills or math, soft skills require personal analysis with keen involvement. This paper is an analytical study of soft skills for HR interviews. The major soft skills discussed in the paper are adaptability, interpersonal skills, cross-cultural skills, and growth mindset to be displayed by the candidate during the interview. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective communication is indispensable in Quality Assurance (QA) practices, facilitating the conveyance of findings, recommendations, and insights to stakeholders. This paper explores strategies to enhance communication effectiveness in QA, particularly in scenarios where visual aids are unavailable. Through a comprehensive examination of variables such as verbal clarity, written reports, active listening, empathy and patience, analogies and examples, and continuous improvement, the paper provides insights into navigating diverse communication challenges within the QA domain. By understanding and implementing these strategies, QA professionals can ensure clarity, comprehension, and persuasion in communication, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions and driving success and innovation within the QA landscape. Through ongoing commitment to refinement and growth, QA professionals can elevate their communication skills to new heights, fostering collaborative relationships and driving excellence in QA practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The societal impact of disinformation has become more prevalent in recent years, with many events illustrating these impacts. Nascent academic research has explored these impacts on a more comprehensive, societal scale; however, its influence on the business world has remained relatively unacknowledged. This paper highlights how these impacts can affect businesses and organizations, focusing distinctly on trust between leaders and employees and overall workplace dynamics and cohesion demonstrated through broader impacts. It examines how factors such as diminished critical thinking, increased cynicism and distrust within the workplace highlight the growing issue of managing workplaces in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retail warehouses, also known as distribution centers or fulfillment centers, are facilities used by retailers for storing and distributing goods to their stores or directly to customers. These warehouses play a crucial role in the supply chain, ensuring that products are available when and where they are needed. This paper explores, through a literature review, the significant role played by deep learning in modern retail warehouses, primarily in optimizing various aspects of warehouse operations. Some real-life case studies have also been examined to understand the benefits, prospects and challenges. The paper will be of use for academicians, industrialists and policymakers as it provides insights into real-time implementation of deep learning applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union’s Indo-Pacific strategy was released in September 2021, putting to rest questions about what Europe thinks of the region. While all major powers have come up with their own Indo-Pacific strategy, what makes the EU’s strategy different is a question this paper attempts to answer. The paper is based on the premise of the EU as a ‘normative’ power built on the strong foundation of institutional checks and balances with democracy at its core. Indo-Pacific is a playground for new geopolitics shaped by the contours of geoeconomics. All this makes the EU’s IndoPacific strategy an interesting case to study and identify the shift in the EU’s approach (with limited hard power at its disposal) to normativity and geopolitics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the evolution of the postmodern novel in Indian writings in English, with a specific focus on The Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor. Through a close analysis of the novel's themes, structures, and techniques, the paper argues that The Great Indian Novel represents a significant shift in the trajectory of Indian literature, moving beyond the constraints of colonial and nationalist narratives. Drawing on the theories of postmodernism and postcolonialism, the authors examine how Tharoor's novel challenges traditional notions of history, identity and power, and instead offers a complex and nuanced vision of India's past and present. The study also considers the reception of The Great Indian Novel, both within India and abroad, and discusses its impact on the broader field of Indian literature. Overall, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the postmodern novel in India and its role in shaping contemporary literary discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been a growing global concern over food loss, with studies indicating that anywhere from 20% to 60% of total production is lost within the food supply chain. Consequently, both researchers and practitioners have increasingly turned their focus toward maximizing the availability of food products for society. As a result, researchers have utilized various operations research tools to optimize the food supply chain and aid decision-making processes. This paper presents a literature review of modeling and optimization approaches in perishable supply chain management, with a specific emphasis on minimizing losses throughout the supply chain. The main focus is on perishable foods, and selected research papers are examined based on their objectives, models employed, and solution approaches. The analysis helps identify potential areas for future research in the field of perishable product supply chains, with the overarching objective of reducing losses along the entire supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective monitoring and detection of changes in forest cover are paramount for environmental stewardship and sustainable management practices. However, existing methodologies face challenges in obtaining consistent and high-quality satellite imagery, predicting deforestation-prone areas, optimizing deep learning architectures for change detection, and establishing robust evaluation metrics. This paper makes a comprehensive literature review to examine the progress in deep learning segmentation techniques and their application in change detection using satellite imagery. The key questions guide the investigation, focusing on optimization of satellite image collection, development of predictive models for deforestation risk assessment, enhancement of U-Net architectures for change detection, and establishment of evaluation metrics. Through the review, significant advancements are identified, particularly in integration of attention mechanisms and modified U-Net architectures. Contrastingly, traditional image differencing methods are surpassed by convolutional neural network (CNN) approaches, showcasing superior feature extraction and change detection accuracy. Noteworthy innovations include residual learning, attention gates and spatiotemporal encoders, which enhance segmentation performance. The findings underscore the potential of advanced methodologies to enhance detection and monitoring of changes in forest cover. By drawing insights from related fields such as urban planning and disaster monitoring, the study advocates for a holistic approach to environmental management. Ultimately, this review contributes to the evolution of deep learning techniques for change detection, with a specific focus on advancing forest cover monitoring practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper systematically examines human influence on M&A success, addressing a literature gap by proposing managerial, organizational and behavioral attributes (MOBA) framework. The study uses a systematic literature review and thematic analysis to investigate the impact of executives' traits on M&A success, analyzing 124 studies from 2017 to 2023. It identifies eight key themes: leadership styles, decision-making capabilities, managerial abilities, psychological biases, risk attitudes, stress management strategies, sociocultural factors, and language influences. The MOBA framework, a threedimensional model, is developed to understand the interplay between managerial attributes, behavioral attributes, and organizational factors in M&A success. The paper emphasizes the importance of non-financial metrics for a comprehensive post-merger performance evaluation. It provides insights into managerial capability's impact on performance, revealing connections between various managerial dimensions. The findings are particularly relevant to the banking sector and M&A-intensive industries, highlighting the need for assessing individual characteristics for strategic decision making. The paper suggests future research to refine our understanding of managerial ability in M&A contexts. It enriches our understanding of M&A by studying the interconnections between various managerial aspects, and offers a comprehensive framework for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian government made Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandatory in 2013 by amending the Companies Act, complicating research studies on the topic. This paper is a bibliometric analysis of recent trends in research on CSR in India. VOSViewer is employed to visualize networks such as keyword co-occurrences and author collaborations. With the help of BibExcel, other aspects of bibliometric analysis are carried out. Based on an analysis of 685 papers/retrieved articles from Scopus, the study finds that a company's financial performance has become central to CSR orientation in recent years. Co-occurring keywords suggest that sustainability issue is becoming important and that CSR fosters a positive brand image of companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper seeks to examine the broad trends in research on post-merger customer satisfaction, loyalty, and service quality in the banking sector. It identifies the top contributions to the body of knowledge in the sector in terms of authors, journals, countries, and institutions by examining the relevant literature in this area. The 189 research publications under analysis have a combined 455 authors, with more multiauthor studies than single-author ones. India has the most (111) publications in the dataset, while China has received the most citations overall. Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) from India is the leading research contributor in this area. The network visualization exercise also showed a substantial level of international cooperation in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a systematic review of literature on bank performance. One hundred and nine research papers were selected for the period 1985 to 2018. The selected papers were categorized and assigned codes based on nine study characteristics, namely, context, region, objective, subject, method, sector, topics, results, and study period. The findings reveal the research gaps and scope for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intersection of trade openness and national security in the realm of international trade law constitutes a nuanced and intricate landscape. This paper endeavors to unravel the complexities inherent in this delicate equilibrium, examining legal frameworks within the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)/World Trade Organization (WTO), Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs), and emerging global trends. The foundational principles outlined in GATT, particularly Article XXI, acknowledge the sovereign right of nations to take actions necessary for their essential security interests. However, the broad and permissive nature of this provision introduces challenges related to potential misuse and a lack of robust scrutiny mechanisms. The proliferation of RTAs, each housing unique national security clauses, adds layers of complexity to the overarching legal framework. Divergent standards, conflicting obligations, and the risk of fragmentation highlight the intricate balancing act that nations must perform to reconcile regional commitments with the principles of the global trade governance structure. The paper delves into practical applications and case studies, dissecting the challenges nations face as they navigate the fine line between economic integration and strategic safeguarding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian banks are continuously facing fund scarcity in meeting loan requirements. They have fewer deposits in comparison to the loan demands, which has led to a decrease in the liquidity of banks and nonbanking institutions. To get rid of this problem, banks use several conventional methods, and securitization is one of them. Securitization is known as the construction of security in any financial transaction. The paper seeks to find out whether securitization process can positively impact Indian banking industry, using selected bank performance parameters. The paper first presents the impact of securitization on banks' performance; then it depicts the hurdles to the growth of securitization in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Board size, defined by the number of directors appointed, is regulated by Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013. This mandates a minimum of three directors for public companies, two for private companies, and one for One Person Companies, with a maximum of 15 directors. The paper examines board size practices in listed Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), selecting 70 SMEs from the BSE SME platform based on data availability for the period 2010-11 to 2019-20. These companies are categorized into different sectors. The study employs mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation for analysis. The statistical analysis reveals a significant trend towards larger boards in Indian SMEs over the decade. The mean board size has increased from 3.59 to 6.16, indicating a move towards larger boards. The decreasing coefficient of variation suggests that board sizes are becoming more uniform across these SMEs. This trend reflects a possible adaptation to corporate governance norms and the need for diversified expertise and oversight within these enterprises, despite additional efforts and costs involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 25 years since this author's prior paper on knowledge management, artificial intelligence has come roaring back, delivering significant and sensational innovation, while introducing a panoply of controversial and adverse consequences; at the same time, knowledge management has atrophied and fallen from favor. In the ensuing years, also, philosophy has delivered a new school of thought, object-oriented ontology, which has shaken up the discipline and generated the ongoing debate amongst its adherents. This paper looks critically across all three of these domains, makes reference back to the enquiry and recommendations in the prior paper, and tries to find a new way forward that will engage elements from each and move toward a more beneficial praxis for human knowledge and understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The findings from existing literature on how decision-making is affected by personality traits remain inconclusive and provide only a partial understanding of the influence of personality on investment behavior. Hence, the present study seeks to bring all previous studies together and present a summary in a systematic and comprehensive manner. The paper implements the five-phase framework of Arksey and O'Malley and is backed by PRISMA-ScR guidelines. It reviews the outcomes of 17 studies from different nations and makes recommendations for further explorations. The findings not only integrate the current empirical evidence of a causal relationship between personality and investment decisions, but also reveal significant knowledge gaps in the field of investment decision to guide future research in the domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a rise in missing person cases has posed challenges for law enforcement. This paper explores the various issues surrounding many unresolved cases and aims to uncover the contributing factors. Using a detailed analysis of police records, the study identifies patterns and challenges in resolving missing person cases. By understanding these dynamics, law enforcement agencies can refine strategies to enhance the likelihood of resolution, emphasizing the critical need for effective measures in addressing the growing issue of missing persons. Additionally, the paper proposes an innovative approach to locating missing persons using machine learning (ML) algorithms, specifically support vector machine (SVM) and K-nearest neighbors (KNN). Utilizing facial expressions as the basis for model training, the system swiftly and accurately identifies known individuals. The system, fed with a missing person dataset from Kaggle, outputs the person's identity based on features like gender, age and location. The results are then communicated to the police for further investigation. This streamlined approach enhances the efficiency of the search and identification process, contributing to more effective resolutions of missing person cases. The proposed system serves as a valuable tool for law enforcement in expediting investigations and addressing the critical issue of missing persons in a timely and efficient manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines how Amitav Ghosh's The Hungry Tide and Indra Sinha's Animal's People register the sense of vulnerability and precarity of ecocatastrophic experiences and place these experiences in the collective memory of people. The paper explores the interrelation between detrimental human actions and their impact on both human and nonhuman lives and the dimensions which these narratives construct, adapt, and respond to. The paper discusses the ways in which the authors imagine the calamity, its representation, and narration, portraying the slow, unnoticed, unmeasured, and cumulative disaster. It shows how literary texts, in their cultural bearing, enable the reader to realize that human activity is the common link between environmental disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes the novel The Circle by Dave Eggers from 'reverse spectacle' perspective, which is an inherent mechanism of panopticism. Foucault elaborates on Bentham's panopticism and associates its function with reverse spectacle. Reverse spectacle is a mechanism by which a few people have complete surveillance over a majority, whereas in spectacle, a majority of people have surveillance over a few people. This mechanism is at work in the dystopian novel The Circle. The Circle, a reputed company, conducts surveillance of almost all people around the world with its digital dominance. The company gains supremacy due to its virtual dominance, and uses it to reverse the power structure in the real world. All this is made possible via constant surveillance by the small company over a larger community, i.e., the world. The modus operandi of the company is shown in the paper as an instance of reverse spectacle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the introduction of the National Education Policy 2020, the academic dynamics have been undergoing a massive shift. The demands of present-day classrooms do not stop with knowledge and delivery. It calls for many more skills on the part of educators than these two. What are these skills that the modern educators must possess? How are the modern classes different from the traditional chalk-duster way of teaching? This paper attempts to answer these questions by listing out the essential soft skills that are required for modern-day teachers. It explores the qualities of good educators that can make the classes engaging and the learning process interesting. The paper also highlights the skills, such as digital literacy, emotional intelligence, collaboration, adaptability, communication skills, patience, critical thinking, unbiased cultural understanding and professionalism, needed to be a good educator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of a reliable identity verification system for exams has hindered success in curbing malpractices leading to a decline in the quality of graduates in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper seeks to develop a robust model using transfer learning of a neural network for optimal face detection and recognition during examinations. The model employs modern deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) and machine learning techniques to detect and recognize students, aiding institutions in preventing impersonation and enhancing the quality of graduates. By utilizing transfer learning in deep learning, the paper focuses on creating a facial recognition (FR) system with high accuracy and efficiency for identity verification during examinations. The study collected and utilized 770 datasets, training on 80% and testing on 20% of the data to evaluate model performance. The ultimate aim is to provide a reliable recognition system to combat impersonation during examinations and ensure production of high-quality university graduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose-driven branding is forging impactful connections with consumers and standing out in today's competitive market. It works on the basic principle of why an organization exists in the market and how well it can cater to the customers. This paper offers a deep dive into how purpose-driven brands can differentiate themselves, earn customer loyalty, empower employees, and boost sales, through a comprehensive analysis. Drawing insights from case studies of industry giants like Dove, Nike, and Hershey, the paper unveils the transformative potential of purpose in driving positive change and enhancing brand reputation. The paper further discusses the essential evaluation tools, the importance of authenticity, and how to navigate challenges in maintaining brand integrity. The paper also discusses the connection between the golden circle and purpose-driven branding through the example of The Gluten Free Brothers. The possibilities of purpose-driven branding in inspiring innovation, aligning with ESG principles, and fostering employee motivation are explored. By aligning brand purpose with values, organizations can create meaningful and lasting connections with stakeholders to drive success in a dynamic market. They must embrace purpose-driven branding as a catalyst for meaningful change and long-term impact in the business realm. The paper concludes that purpose-driven branding is not just a branding strategy but a transformative approach that can drive long-term success and impact in the business world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its promise of transparency, security, and decentralization, blockchain technology has seen extensive adoption across a wide range of businesses. However, the energy-intensive nature of typical blockchain networks, especially those based on proof of work (PoW) consensus algorithms, creates serious environmental issues. This paper reviews the developing notion of "green blockchain", with emphasis on cryptocurrencies, concentrating on the principles, technology, projects, and issues connected with establishing environmental-friendly and sustainable decentralized systems. The paper seeks to add to the discussion on sustainable blockchain development by assessing the existing environment and future potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highest level of the emotional connection of any person with a brand is considered brand love. Brand love is the effect of a customer's long-term relationship with the brand. The paper examines the current status of research on antecedents and outcomes of brand love around the world and systematically reviews the existing literature and thematically analyzes the publications on the antecedents and outcomes of the brand love across the globe in international peer-reviewed marketing and management journals and top Indian marketing and management journals for the last 10 years, from 2011-2020. The authors have explored all the published research papers available in four popular online research databases, viz., Emerald Insight, Sage Publications, Science Direct and Taylor & Francis, using the keyword "Brand Love" and identified 370 scholarly papers on 12 different sub-themes across 64 top-rated international journals. The authors have found that the important and repeatedly used antecedents for brand love are hedonic value, brand experience, brand satisfaction, brand image, brand identification, self-expressiveness, brand engagement, brand uniqueness, etc. Similarly, the outcomes are brand loyalty, positive Word-of-Mouth (WOM), willingness to pay a premium, re-purchase intention, brand advocacy, the resistance of negative information, affective commitment, etc. Further, fashion industry products are used mainly for studying the antecedents and outcomes of brand love. The study helps the research community to explore new things about brand love. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to identify the most significant studies and authors, as well as outline the distribution and effects of publications in the field of Asset-Liability Management (ALM) between 1983 and 2023, using bibliometric analysis. The data was extracted from the Scopus database for the period 1983-2023. A total of 488 documents were derived using VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software. The results show that the most productive journal is Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, the most cited author is Li D, and the United States is the top country with the highest level of collaboration in ALM research. Moreover, to know the current trend, a thematic map of keywords is analyzed using Biblioshiny R package and the co-occurrence of keywords using VOSviewer software. The study found that asset-liability management is the trending topic among researchers in 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its implementation on July 1, 2017, Goods and Services Tax (GST) has undergone several phases of adaptation. Key innovations like e-way bill for real-time goods tracking and anti-profiteering measures were introduced to prevent exploitation by suppliers and mitigate tax evasion. However, despite its ambitious goals and potential for digital transformation, GST implementation has faced significant technical and administrative challenges. This paper examines these challenges, including issues with the Model Return System, complexities of transitional credit, difficulties in e-way bill system, and enforcement of anti-profiteering provisions. The paper further analyzes the impact of frequent circulars and notifications amending GST provisions, which have led to confusion and compliance uncertainties for taxpayers. While several challenges have been addressed, many persist even after seven years of GST’s operation. Frequent amendments, often implemented through trial and error, continue to complicate the tax system. This paper proposes solutions to overcome these issues. It recommends on enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and compliance of India’s GST regime, with the ultimate goal of boosting economic growth and taxpayer confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been a transformative development in indirect taxation on a global scale, offering a unified tax structure that simplifies trade and enhances revenue mobilization. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the diverse legal frameworks adopted by various countries to implement GST and the challenges encountered. Through a comparative study of GST models in India, Australia, Canada, the European Union, and other significant jurisdictions, the paper highlights the legal intricacies and administrative hurdles faced by these countries. The paper delves into issues such as compliance mechanisms, dispute resolution, technological integration, and the impact of GST on economic activities. It also examines the role of regional economic agreements in shaping GST policies and the potential for international harmonization of GST laws. Special attention is given to the Indian context, analyzing its unique federal structure and the legal adjustments made to accommodate GST. By juxtaposing India's GST experience with that of global counterparts, the paper aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, legal practitioners, and academicians. The study underscores the importance of robust legal frameworks and international cooperation in overcoming the challenges in GST implementation, for a more efficient and equitable global taxation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a simple, low-cost design of slit-loaded square patch antenna (SLPA) with inset feeding techniques fabricated on Rogers RT/Duriod 5880 material for dual-band frequency-based wireless applications. The design involves five slits etched on patch surface with optimized dimensions. The design makes the antenna to have dual resonance at two independent renounces at the frequency bands of 4.61 GHz and 11.64 GHz having bandwidths of 2% and 14.6% in the operating band, as compared to conventional patch design. Together with improved radiation characteristics and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) values, the antenna additionally demonstrates higher return loss characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a thorough exploration of the key elements influencing the quality of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), examining the quality parameters at the various stages of MOOC development and the evolving landscape of quality assessment. Many MOOCs offered by prestigious universities and business schools cover among other things, business strategies, management techniques and organizational development. The paper delves into existing literature to establish a foundation for understanding MOOC quality parameters and MOOC development stages. The background section elucidates the complexities of MOOCs and highlights the need for a nuanced evaluation of quality in these educational platforms. The paper critically examines MOOC evaluation, focusing on two key aspects: the stages of MOOCs and quality dimensions. It discusses best practices, models for high-quality MOOC development, and strategies for achieving quality objectives. Exploring existing standards, frameworks, and guidelines, it offers insights into quality measures and introduces new evaluation developments. The paper concludes with discussions on the current state of MOOC quality, proposing future research avenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global economies are continually threatened by financial frauds and crimes, resulting in large financial losses and ersosion of public confidence in banking institutions. Conventional methods of identifying and preventing fraud often prove ineffective due to their reactive nature and incapacity to handle large-scale transactions. This paper investigates the potential of blockchain technology as a prompt resolution for detecting and preventing financial fraud. Blockchain's inherent features of decentralization, transparency, and immutability can establish a strong framework for secure and transparent financial transactions. By utilizing the distributed ledger and smart contract features of blockchain, it is feasible to create a system that can identify fraudulent activities in real-time and prevent their occurrence. The paper explores the workings of such a system, discusses its potential advantages and challenges, and provides insights into its practical implementation. The results could herald a new age in financial security, with blockchain technology playing a crucial role in combating financial fraud and crime. In addition, the paper also delves into the integration of Hyperledger, a permissioned blockchain framework, as a strategic component in the development of the proposed system, enhancing the security and efficiency of global financial transactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era defined by digital connectivity, electronic meetings and video conferencing have become pivotal tools in various sectors. These technologies foster seamless collaboration among geographically dispersed teams, transforming communication practices. Employing a mixed-methods approach, i.e., combining a case study and literature review strategy, this paper assessed the effectiveness of electronic meeting and video conferencing tools. The Logitech Rally Plus system facilitated communication across platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, WebEx, Livestorm, GoTo Meeting and BlueJeans. A Google Forms survey with 49 structured Likert-scale questions systematically measured participant satisfaction. Data cleaning was done using Microsoft Excel, and SPSS was used for statistical analysis, including one-way ANOVA. A literature review of 20 papers supported video conferencing system acceptance, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hypotheses covering participant engagement, meeting productivity, cost-effectiveness, reliability, scalability, usability and compatibility were assessed. The one-way ANOVA results indicated no significant differences in perceptions across tools, suggesting equal effectiveness in facilitating organizational communication. Tool choice may hinge on factors like cost, accessibility or integration. The study offers crucial insights for selecting and employing electronic meeting and video conferencing tools, enabling organizations to make informed decisions based on critical success factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to critically analyze the deployment of 'gay man' as an identity category in Sharif D Rangnekar's autobiographical account Straight to Normal: My Life as a Gay Man (2019). The frequent usage of sexual identities in 'coming out' narratives often tends to reiterate and reify sexuality as a well-defined concept. Using Queer Theory's approach to identity and Akshay Khanna's postcolonial critique of categorical identities, it situates the multilayered nuances of 'gayness' and foregrounds how the hegemony of the sexual identity framework in India engenders psychological and moral dilemmas. It explores spaces like family, school, and workplace, which discursively enforce the culturally dominant images of gay men as effeminate, and unnatural, and treat them as social outcasts. And simultaneously, it probes into the problematics of negotiating the subjective experiences within the emergent collective gay community spaces, which are often dynamic and characterized by the specific community codes of socialization and intimate behavior. The paper highlights this dichotomy as it results in the psychological ambivalence of the narrator, which gets manifested in the alternating tone of the autobiographical voice, and argues how it offers a different approach to identity politics in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sense of home and belonging plays a fundamental role in an individual's existence. In any society's collective consciousness, this idea of home is frequently attached to nationality by birth. This complexity of home and nationality is quite analogous to that in the discourses on motherhood. National identity transcends geopolitical boundaries and is constituted by an individual's subjective sense of home and belonging. Likewise, motherhood cannot be evaluated by the mere presence or absence of biological capacities through the hegemonic framework of pro-natal discourses. In Kunal Basu's Sarojini's Mother (2020), the eponymous protagonist returns to her birthplace in search of her biological mother, which leads to numerous questions about her belonging, nationality, and how motherhood is popularly perceived. This paper debunks the normative ideas about nationality and motherhood through the protagonist's quest. It conceptualizes the novel as a revelation of the pure essence of home and motherhood and clarifies that neither the mother's identity is dependent on the capacity to give birth nor does the idea of a nation depend on the boundaries arbitrarily drawn on the maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]