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This paper uses Amitav Ghosh's Sea of Poppies and Rishi Jheengun's Untangling the Knot: Tribulations and Legacy of a Coolie to critically study the lives of the people who migrated from India to Mauritius as indentured laborers, alternatively known as 'coolies' or 'girmitiya.' The two works heavily draw from archival record and anthropological data, while also portraying elements such as religion, folklore, and culture as integral parts of indentured lives. Using critical discourse analysis, this paper employs religion as a tool for investigating the girmitiya migration and their identity formation. Further, it uses Counted and Zock's idea of place spirituality and Sunden's roletaking theory to understand the role of religion in the journey across the Kala Pani. In the process, the paper also attempts to analyze the role and significance of the Ramayana in the construction of the identity of the girmitiya and their succeeding generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent years have seen the rise of the 'Celebrity Executive', and this paper explores some of the derailment dangers that executives who aspire to be described in this way, face. Achieving celebrity status can, however, so easily lead to a misuse of executive privilege and potentially become the primary cause of their future failure. The paper highlights 10 dangers for those who are, and who may seek to be, in the spotlight. As a defense against losing composure, two tried and tested methods are introduced, which may help an executive dodge, sidestep or see-through potential derailment dangers. A challenge for all leaders is avoiding destructive and excessive self-belief and self-delusion and how to avoid being manipulated through sycophantic behavior, whilst maintaining respectful and ethically acceptable workplace relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of a relationship between stock market fluctuations and the economy of the state, country or region may be interrelated to each other in one way or the other. This paper is an effort to understand the fluctuations or volatility in US defense stocks given the growth of the US defense sector in recent times. Five major companies were included in the study: Lockheed Martin Group, Northrop Grumman Corp., Raytheon Technologies, Axon Enterprise Inc., and HEICO Corp. The study was conducted for a period of approximately one year, i.e., from December 30, 2021, to December 30, 2022 (253 days of stock trading). Volatility testing of these stocks revealed that the stocks were less volatile and more stable, which further strengthened the US defense sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current situation, the intense use of the Internet for official as well as private communication makes everyone more dependent on cyberspace. Being dependent on cyberspace is beneficial for development, but it makes our workstations more vulnerable. After looking at the recent incidents of cyberterrorism, every country is more concerned about attacks on critical infrastructures. The Indian Government formed the "National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre" in 2014 as a national nodal agency for the protection of critical infrastructure. After considering the contemporary facts as stated above, this paper ascertains the jurisprudential concept of cyberterrorism and the protection of critical infrastructures. After discussing the international initiatives, this paper critically analyzed the Indian legislation relating to combating cyberterrorism and securing critical infrastructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With disruptions due to technology/transformations and changing market/client landscapes, organizations are constantly adapting to keep up with the external environment. This in turn is driving organizations to be nimble, agile, and flexible in their structures and people practices. The need for the study in the emerging field of Authentic Leadership points to the need for organizations to focus on authentic leadership to create impact, build culture and influence the teams towards achieving the organizational objectives. The paper examines the research on AL and its impact on key variables of sustained performance, job satisfaction and inclusive culture. The paper is unique compared to prior research due to the inclusion of the role of psychological empowerment beyond the structural empowerment discussed in prior research. The paper presents a detailed literature review, key definitions of the variables and multi-level perspectives of the variables. It also provides the prior research measures and tools used to establish the relationship of various variables with Authentic Leadership. The paper concludes with multiple hypotheses to be studied for establishing the impact of psychological empowerment on the AL components, if any. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes the applicability of the conventional Cost of Carry (COC) model for pricing orchard forwards in India. Firstly, the paper discusses the assumptions of the COC model and the reasons for its non-applicability in orchard forwards. Secondly, it tries to develop a methodology to estimate the inputs required to apply the COC model in the case of orchard forwards in India. The major problems in using the model are estimating the spot price of the orchards, information asymmetry between the orchard owners/farmers and the dealers and assessing the COC. In the end, the model is modified so that it can be applied to calculate the price of orchard forwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The POCSO Act of 2012 in India is a crucial legislative measure aimed at distinguishing between adult and child sexual offenses, and establishing a child protection framework. It aims to protect children from sexual abuse. However, its practical implementation faces challenges, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the situations involving the child victim. The Act, designed to create a legal sanctuary for children against sexual exploitation, hinges greatly on the judiciary’s aptitude to grasp the intricate challenges child victims confront. While the Act sets the stage for child protection, its effectiveness pivots on the sensitivity and comprehension of judges in handling cases involving child victims. This study endeavors to elucidate the obstacles faced by judges, ranging from limited awareness and entrenched biases, to the absence of specialized training. Sensitizing judges, the cornerstone of this paper’s discourse, is indispensable for fostering effective and empathetic decision-making. This study reverberates with a fervent appeal to recognize judges as torchbearers of change, instrumental in dismantling the shrouds of silence and indifference that have long cloaked child sexual offenses. Through a sensitized and empathetic judiciary, we aspire to build a society that unequivocally stands as a bulwark against the insidious menace of child sexual abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aviation sector, essential for global trade, tourism, and cultural interaction, has evolved from a luxury to a vital economic component, generating billions annually. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has drastically reduced air travel demand and revenue, leading many airlines into financial distress, insolvency, and potential bankruptcy. This study examines the legal and policy frameworks addressing aviation insolvency, historical and contemporary causes of financial distress, and the impact on airline employees, clients, and suppliers. It evaluates government bailout programs and the role of aviation leasing companies and financiers in the bankruptcy process. Additionally, the study analyzes cross-border bankruptcy issues and their effects on global coordination. Besides discussing alternative funding and investment models for the industry’s recovery, the paper offers insights and recommendations for policymakers, to ensure the aviation sector’s long-term viability and resilience postpandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every day, all over the globe, people make the tough decision of leaving their homes in order to rebuild their lives and settle somewhere else for jobs or education; or they are compelled to leave their native lands and traverse international boundaries to provide a safe and sound environment for their families. Millions of people are also forced to migrate because of armed conflicts, insurgencies, or climate change. This paper explores the contemporary human rights issues faced by refugees and migrants, with special reference to Afghan refugees in India [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines investor behavior towards systematic investment plan (SIP) in mutual funds (MF) and the factors that encourage investors to invest in the same. Snowball sampling technique was used for collecting data from 200 respondents from Karad city, Maharashtra. The data was analyzed using various statistical tools like Karl Pearson correlation coefficient (r) matrix and regression model. It is found that gender and education show a negative relationship with investment in SIP, indicating that these variables have an insignificant negative correlation. Income has positive relationship with investment in SIP, which means there is a significant positive correlation among the variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India's economic growth is closely associated with its energy demand, and the oil and gas industry fulfills this demand. The importance of this industry is such that it influences the decisions of many other sectors of the Indian economy. The volatility of this industry makes it necessary to analyze the liquidity position by assessing the impact of prices on the availability of liquid resources. Liquidity analysis pertains to how quickly the assets of a company can be converted into cash to meet its current obligations so as to ensure financial stability and creditworthiness. Inability of a firm to meet its short-term responsibility is likely to result in bad credit rating as well as a decrease in the goodwill of the firm in the market. Therefore, the present paper analyzes the liquidity position of oil and gas industry by making a comparative study of selected public sector undertakings (PSUs) and private companies in India for the period 2016-17 to 2020-21. The results reveal that Oil India Ltd., ONGC and Vedanta Ltd. (Cairn Oil and Gas) have a better liquidity position than IOCL and Nayara Energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual currency or cryptocurrency has gained ground in the digital era, prominently due to the universal acceptability of blockchain. This paper applied both machine learning (ML) techniques and finance models to analyze the pattern and volatility of cryptocurrencies. The behavior of various cryptocurrencies was comparatively analyzed on various metrics, and it was found that most of them showed a similar pattern under ML techniques. Further, the closing price of the five selected cryptocurrencies showed that Tether surpassed the other cryptocurrencies which also followed the same trend. Financial model GARCH was applied to understand and forecast the volatility of the selected cryptocurrencies. The study also estimated the spillover effect using R studio software to analyze the short- and long-term impacts of Bitcoin and Ethereum on varied cryptocurrencies. Both ML and finance models showed comparable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the linear relationship between various debts of companies and their capital structure by applying regression model. The sample comprises the balanced dataset of 21 Indian companies registered on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), whose shares were traded most on Sensex during the Global Economic of 2008. Moreover, the study investigates whether the capital structure of companies was affected after the economic crisis. The empirical result supports the existence of short-term, long-term, and total debt. According to well-known capital structure theories, debt affects the capital structure and its determinants. Furthermore, the findings have managerial implications for debts. A high level of debt affects companies' profitability, financial distress and tax rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Profitability is associated with investment decisions made by finance managers and experts of the industry. This paper examines the influence of leverage on the profitability of financial service companies listed on India's Nifty 50. Eleven financial service sector companies with the highest market capitalization were analyzed using secondary data to understand how leverage (debt-equity ratio) impacts profitability (net profit, return on capital employed and return on asset). Based on the results of panel data analysis, leverage was found to have a positive and significant effect on profitability, indicating that leverage is a critical factor in overall profitability. The direct implication for management is trying to achieve higher profitability, growth and expansion through external financing of listed service sector companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian Companies Act, 2013, made corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure mandatory for companies meeting threshold criteria, and outlined certain activities that qualify for the same. This paper investigates the relationship between CSR expenditure and firm value by considering the top 100 nonfinancial companies listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) based on market capitalization as on March 31, 2021. It examines the relationship between the two variables directly and with moderators like firm size, age, and advertisement intensity. Moderators help better understand the relationship between the two variables. The Random Effect Model of panel regression has been employed to analyze the dataset, which covers 11 years (2010-11 to 2020-21) with 1,100 firm-year observations. The findings suggest that CSR expenditure has a favorable impact on firm value. The relationship becomes more robust when it comes to larger, older and more popular firms. The results add to the theoretical and empirical literature on CSR and firm value by reinforcing the stakeholder theory and giving policymakers and managers an insight into CSR management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper makes a comparison of patch antennas and dipole antennas, two of the most common forms used in wireless communication. Patch antennas are distinguished by their low profile, ease of production and integration with microwave electronics, as opposed to dipole antennas, which have become known for their simplicity, omnidirectional emission patterns and broad application. The discussion begins with an explanation of the basic concepts, design considerations and operational characteristics of patch and dipole antennas. The key performance criteria including bandwidth, gain, radiation efficiency, polarization and impedance matching are assessed using theoretical considerations and actual applications. Case studies from modern wireless applications, such as mobile communication, Wi-Fi networks and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, are used to demonstrate the strengths and limits of each antenna type in real-world circumstances. The comparative review additionally explores advanced strategies for improving the performance of patch and dipole antennas, such as use of metamaterials, reconfigurable components and new substrate materials. Comparative models and experimental findings illustrate the tradeoffs between size, cost and performance, assisting engineers and researchers in determining the best antenna type for certain applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to increase bandwidth appropriate for C and X-band applications, the paper presents a multiband antenna etched with many slots on the top patch surface with an octal defective ground structure. Utilizing the radiofrequency sputtering process, the antennas are coated with nanomaterial to improve their properties relative to uncoated antennas. For the proposed antennas (fr1 = 5.92 GHz, fr2 = 9.76 GHz, and fr3 = 12.61 GHz for MSMSADGS and fr1 = 5.95 GHz, fr2 = 9.88 GHz, and fr3 = 12.22 GHz for NC-MSMSA-DGS), three distinct independent resonances are found. Along with improved radiation and return loss characteristics, the antenna showed a 40.2% increase in bandwidth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new methodology for the implementation of innovation projects using existing knowledge management tools and techniques, to improve customer satisfaction. The proposed methodology was implemented in a technological services company located in the northwest of Mexico. The methodology consists of five phases: analysis of the current process, analysis of existing standards and methodologies, design of a solution, implementation of the solution, and analysis and verification of results. Following the implementation of the proposed methodology in the above-mentioned company, comprehensive management of innovation projects was achieved. Identification and application of technological and knowledge management tools, project commitment, better communication among project members, and improved performance are some of the highlights of the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional integration continues to be a difficult endeavor in South Asia. Given the challenging economic circumstances in the region today, the need for a robust regional mechanism is becoming more and more pronounced. South Asian economies in the recent past have begun to encounter serious setbacks. Significant economic crises in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, rising unemployment and soaring inflation in Bangladesh, and increasing debt troubles in Maldives have already begun to underscore the growing economic unpredictability of the region. Moreover, the impact of dominant security considerations, political turmoil and severe humanitarian crisis still lingers and undermines the economic development in Afghanistan. In addition to the deteriorating economic and political indicators, climate change-induced risks have also begun to pose serious threats to security in the region at various levels. However, despite the legacy of shared sociocultural commonalities, the region is still finding it difficult to adopt a collaborative approach to tackle these challenges. Regional cooperation can help in addressing the shared concerns of South Asian countries. Nevertheless, the quest for regional integration in South Asia remains an arduous task, making it one of the least integrated regions in the world. The paper primarily argues that the overarching traditional security concerns, which are deeply embedded in the geopolitical dynamics of the region, are the primary cause of existing complexities and weak regional integration. It traces the root causes of these complexities through an exploration of the regional security settings along with a theoretical analysis at both conceptual and operational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of intellectual property rights (IPRs) is to protect the rights of innovators, i.e., producers, while the goal of competition law is to protect the rights of end users, i.e., consumers. Therefore, an IP owner runs into conflict with competition law only in the event of a transgression in his capacity as an IP owner if such transgression distorts competition. The conflict between IPRs and competition legislation is still being discussed in the pharmaceutical sector. However, it is a scholarly imperative to evidence concentration before pitting one against the other. To determine how much of an industry's total output is controlled by its largest companies, market concentration ratios can be measured in terms of sales. An economic factor that aids concentration by larger firms in an industry is economies of scale. This paper focuses on the available literature and data to model the economies of scale for bulk drug manufacturers in India. The present work estimates the four-firm concentration ratios of bulk drug manufacturers in India for analyzing the economies of scale. By analyzing the number of patents that are considered proxy for IPRs of firms, it is evidenced that the firms that concentrated the market are also the firms that hold active patents. Hence, it can be concluded that patents serve as positive externalities for firms in bulk drug manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remittance inflows to emerging markets and developing economies constitute a significant portion of external finance. In some of these economies, remittances are an economic stabilizer since they earn largest remittance inflows relative to their GDP. This paper examines the nexus between domestic investment and remittances in 30 emerging and developing African economies. The nexus between migration and development is mainly centered on the importance of remittances as a channel of development and wealth transfer. Panel data analysis, using system generalized method of moments for data spanning 2000 to 2021, was used to determine the nexus. The deterministic relationship suggested a statistically significant and negative relationship between remittances and domestic investment. Policymakers should be cognizant of the remittance trap that can emanate from large flows of remittances if remittances are not fully harnessed to boost domestic investment. Hence, it is essential for them to create investment-friendly environments and ensure that remittance flows are directed towards productive uses that promote domestic investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of professional development, mentoring has evolved as a timeless practice and continues to be relevant for professionals today. In higher education, its impact on various relationships, including student/faculty and junior/senior faculty pairings, has been extensively explored. This paper focuses on assessing the impact of mentoring on professional success, career advancement, and professional competencies of the faculty of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Karnataka. The methodology involves a comprehensive survey encompassing 180 faculty members across various designations and disciplines, utilizing a meticulously crafted and reliable questionnaire. The study reveals strong positive correlations between peer mentoring, collegial support, various professional competencies, and perceived career development opportunities (all with p < 0.01). Regression analysis highlights the significant impact of peer mentoring on diverse aspects, while structural equation modeling (SEM) reinforces the well-fitted structure of these relationships, emphasizing the pivotal role of peer mentoring in shaping professional competencies and fostering career development opportunities within the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a long time, supervisory ratings have dominated the appraisal process. With growing interest in the 'human element', the literature on employee performance appraisal has witnessed a shift in favor of self-reporting, with ample evidence to endorse the benefits of self-rating over 'rating by others'. The literature highlights the discrepancy between supervisory rating and self-rating and thus challenges the validity of the latter on varied grounds. Building on this, the present paper explores the relationship between different dimensions of employee performance, viz., contextual performance, task performance, and counterproductive behavior,using published research and data from two major companies operating in the dairy sector in India. The findings endorse self-rating as a credible tool to measure performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali Activated Concrete (AAC), which utilizes industrial byproducts such as fly ash and slag, has emerged as a promising eco-friendly substitute. This paper evaluates the mechanical properties and environmental benefits of AAC, emphasizing its potential to replace Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in contemporary constructions. It examines the geopolymerization process, where aluminosilicate materials react in an alkaline environment to create a binder. The results show that AAC achieves optimal compressive strength with a 3% alkaline activator dosage, while higher dosages up to 5% decrease strength. Additionally, a silicate modulus of 1.25 provides the best compressive strength. The results also indicate that AAC, with a 1.25 silicate modulus and 3% activator dosage, outperforms control concrete in split-tensile strength and flexural strength assessments. Furthermore, AAC substantially lowers the carbon footprint of construction materials. This reduction is further enhanced by lower energy consumption during the manufacturing process, highlighting AAC's contribution to sustainable construction practices. The findings confirm that AAC not only matches but often surpasses the performance of traditional concrete, making it a viable and environment-friendly alternative with excellent mechanical properties. Transitioning to AAC can significantly help the construction industry achieve its sustainability goals, fostering more responsible building practices for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper delves into the seismic performance of braced corrugated shear panels, examining the impact of varying thickness and depth of corrugations. Utilizing models with thickness ranging from 6 mm to 10 mm and depths of corrugations spanning 20 mm to 100 mm, nonlinear cyclic analyses are conducted under cyclic loading conditions. The results indicate that increasing thickness demonstrates substantial enhancements, with a 40% surge in energy dissipation capacity, a 20% rise in ultimate load resisting capacity, and a doubling of drift. However, deeper corrugations yield significant energy dissipation, and ultimate load increases up to a depth of 40 mm, beyond which a decline in energy dissipation capacity is noted. The study underscores the importance of optimizing thickness and depth configurations, with the findings revealing that simultaneous increase in both parameters may lead to panel overstiffening and diminished energy dissipation capacity. Overall, these insights provide valuable guidance for enhancing the seismic resilience of braced corrugated shear panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines the seismic response of bridge piers, highlighting the essential role of soil-structure interaction (SSI) in enhancing structural resilience. Utilizing MIDAS and LPile software, the study evaluates SSI's impact on bridge pier performance during seismic events. The study involves modeling and analysis under varying soil conditions using MIDAS software. LPile software calculates soil spring stiffness, enabling realistic SSI simulations in MIDAS models. The key objectives include comparison of bridge on deep foundation by analyzing soil properties' effects on SSI, comparing fixed base and SSI models, and providing practical design insights. The findings show significant differences in seismic performance with SSI. The fundamental period increased by 28%, indicating a more flexible response. Maximum displacements in the bridge deck rose by 25% in both X and Y directions, compared to a fixed base model. Additionally, shear forces and bending moments decreased, underscoring SSI's benefits in reducing seismic demands. This study offers valuable insights into bridge structures' dynamic behavior under seismic loading, emphasizing the importance of SSI in seismic design practices. The results are crucial for developing resilient bridge designs capable of withstanding complex SSI during earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper designs and implements a fully customized and branded hospital billing and recordkeeping system. It is aimed at simplifying the medical billing process and minimizing the daily hassles encountered by hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The system captures patients' information such as demographics, medical history, medication and allergies, immunization status, laboratory test results, radiology images, vital signs, personal status like age and weight, and billing information electronically and stores them in a relational database for easy access, retrieval and processing. Structured system analysis and design methodology (SSADM) uses objects throughout the software development process. The programming languages and development tools used are HTML and CSS for interface design, MYSQL for database design, and PHP for server-side scripting that facilitates communication between the interface and the database. The expected result is an integrated patient billing and recordkeeping system that will keep track of all the transactions of patients with the hospital and associate all health information with specific patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper examines three renowned blockchain systems, Bitcoin, Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric, with the aim of offering a comprehensive understanding of how consensus and fault tolerance synergistically contribute to the reliability and resilience of networks. Additionally, case studies of historical incidents and system upgrades within each blockchain system offer a qualitative lens to view the evolution and adaptation of consensus and fault tolerance. The results illuminate the intricate interaction between decentralized agreement algorithms and resilient strategies. The study adds a deeper comprehension of how these aspects collectively impact the dependability, safety and stability of blockchain networks. This investigation contributes to the broader discussion surrounding decentralized systems, providing valuable perspectives for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers as they navigate the constantly evolving realm of blockchain technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper revolves around a pedagogical initiative undertaken by the authors involving different stages of classroom activity that worked integrally to derive an effective and engaging output benefitting the teacher and the learner alike. The classroom activity is based on the approaches recommended by Bruner's (1987), Kolb's (1984), and Kuh's (2008) dictums of learning such as constructivist theory, concrete experience, and providing opportunity for participation. The first phase involves a role-reversal activity in a business management course. Here a student dons the role of a teacher and the teacher that of a participant observer in a feedback session of a written task. The second phase centers around the viewing of this feedback session of the written task by another batch of students. The researcher examines whether such classroom activities optimize opportunities for enhancing classroom learning, critical thinking and student engagement while offering realistic opportunities in a risk-free environment to the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of reconstructing nationhood and national identity in terms of culture, religion, language, politics, etc. has become one of the greatest challenges faced by the colonized countries after their achieving political freedom. In his novels, Ngũgĩ wa Thiang'o criticizes the presence of "imperial tradition" in African countries, fostered by the local neocolonial bourgeois, as it is detrimental to the reconstruction of national identity and culture. His novels draw the readers' attention to the "resistance tradition" in the post-independent colonized nations, focused on reconstructing their national identity; however, the continuing imperial tradition makes the struggle a perennial one. This paper explores the elements of constraints in the process of reconstruction activities attempted by African natives to establish nationhood and national identity from cultural debris, with reference to selected works of Ngũgĩ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postcolonial "writing back" and resistance concur on their common goal to question, subvert and critique imperialist and hegemonic discursive practices. Former postcolonial writing attempted to provide agency to the subject from within the binaries of the colonized Self and the colonizing Other. However, the conceptual categories of hybridity, liminality and contrapuntal reading, as explicated by postcolonial theorists such as Homi Bhabha and Edward Said respectively, provide better discursive strategies which enable voicing the hitherto silenced voices, which also enable breaking away from the limiting framework of binaries. Through an analysis of P Sachidanandan's The Book of Destruction (2005; translated in 2012) and Tabish Khair's The Thing About Thugs (2012), which pivot the Indian secretive cult of thugs and the practice of thugee, this paper argues that the discussion of thugee and the narratives of violence in the novels do not just validate the need to understand and accept "deviant" cultures, but also provide the context to discuss postcolonial issues of marginalization, identity and the creation of alternative narratives which subvert/resist the macro narratives created by imperialism and the nation-state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecopoetics, a subgenre of the ecocritical movement, focuses on human beings' impact on nonhuman world and various ecological concerns. It draws people's attention to the deep link that exists between man and nature. Poets like A K Ramanujan, Nissim Ezekiel, and T Vasudeva Reddy have brought out the interrelationship between human and nonhuman realms in their own distinct way in their works. This paper analyzes selected works of the abovementioned Indian poets to highlight the presence of various ecopoetic elements in the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'language of breathlessness' and 'systemic distortions in breathing patterns,' often termed as 'postcolonial breathlessness,' mark the narrative techniques of almost all the postmodern and postcolonial writers to match the uncertainties that prevail at the backdrops of their fictional works. A number of Salman Rushdie's novels mark the unusual properties of breath in providing an interface between the physiological, the metaphoric and the linguistic. Rushdie has used a variety of narrative techniques to depict the theme of 'postcolonial breathlessness,' namely, Magic Realism, 'pessoptimistic divide, "chutnification of history,' and many other binary oppositions. One such set of elements is the Grotesque and the Aesthetics. The interplay between these two elements is prominent in Rushdie's fictional writings. This paper focuses on the last scene of The Moor's Last Sigh where the interplay weaves an intricate design to portray the final catastrophic climax of Moor's 'combat breathing' amidst 'intergenerational conflict' in Vasco Miranda's palace in Benengeli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space has various meanings; while sometimes it can be expansive, at others it can be condensed into a particular frame. When power comes into question, space is internalized and subsequently challenged. The spaces of Seamus Heaney's writings are an extension of the wide expanse of the space of Ireland in general. The geographical spaces project fault lines distributed across religious, political and social grounds, and Heaney's poetry broadens this view of the Northern and Southern Ireland, trying to reestablish the lost Irish identity, entangled within the complexities of history and culture. Through the recollections of childhood, Heaney dwells on the rural landscape forming an essential part of nativity arising from the regionalism in question. This paper explores the relationship between the social and spatial aspects of Ireland as seen in Heaney's writing space. It is interpreted through Edward Soja's concept of Thirdspace that encompasses the socio-spatial and the spatial-temporal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted significant challenges in global vaccine distribution, particularly in India due to its vast geography and high population density. This paper explores sustainability issues within India's vaccine cold supply chain (VCSC), using a multi-criteria framework to assess the economic, social, and environmental factors in this regard. Data was gathered from primary healthcare centers (PHCs), government records, healthcare agencies, and interviews with key stakeholders to evaluate distribution costs and community impact. The findings reveal disparities in vaccination efficiency between urban and rural areas, with urban areas benefitting from better services and lower costs. Social justice issues persist in remote areas, besides irregular coverage. The study identifies the need for improved infrastructure, green logistics technologies, and coordinated stakeholder efforts to enhance sustainability and efficiency in vaccine distribution. With the pandemic over, the focus is now on distribution of vaccines in general, which requires a cold supply chain. Addressing these challenges can improve India's vaccine cold supply chain and public health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People tend to react in the manner they are treated. Many problems in organizational relationships arise because of this reason. Most often, it is not the intent but the manner of implementation that may result in conflicts. Hence, building and sustaining organizational relationships is crucial for organizational productivity, and it is here that the role of emotional management becomes relevant. Emotions help maintain a balance between one's inner state and behavior in a given situation, which not only helps one to survive but also to flourish. However, emotions are not always reliable. At times, emotions may tend to confuse one's perceptions of the present moments with past experiences. This may further cloud one's judgment, and ultimately one may lose control of one's behavior. The paper draws upon Daniel Coleman's Theory of Emotional Intelligence to examine the strategies for building and sustaining organizational relationships through emotional intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As human beings, we may pride ourselves in being rational and logical in decision-making, but most often we are reactive and emotional in our decision-making process. The result is, we tend to have cognitive bias in our decision-making. In order to avoid this, most employees in organizations either choose not to take decisions and rather wait for a decision to be made for them, or choose to overanalyze a situation wanting to make the best decision, thus leading to analysis paralysis. Instead, recognizing that there are reversible and irreversible decisions and that most decisions are reversible, and rather than to wait, plan, decide, and act, it is better to act, observe, plan, and decide--can help employees make decisions faster as well as help organizations benefit from the iterative process. The paper aims to present the popular framework of observation, orientation, decision, and action (OODA) loop and how it can enhance the decision-making process and impact for an individual or an organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to understand the pattern of usage and satisfaction with mobile applications for travel-related decisions; the factors influencing users’ preference towards particular mobile applications, and the impact of technology acceptance, perceived risk, perceived trust, perceived credibility on intention to use travel-related mobile applications. The study is based on primary data and the findings reveal that users predominantly rely on mobile applications during the pre-trip planning phase, seeking personalized recommendations, authentic records, and affordable itineraries. Besides this, perceived risk and credibility significantly influence user preferences, underscoring the importance of trust and reliability in app design. User satisfaction and technology acceptance too had positive implications, indicating high level of user satisfaction. Lastly, the implications of mobile application-based tourism management are discussed comprehensively, encompassing benefits for tourists, tourism businesses, local communities, governments, travel agencies, and technology providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An organization’s ability to navigate the complex terrain of cyberspace depends heavily on the leadership. As organizations are increasingly going digital, there has been a corresponding rise in cybersecurity threats. Hence the need for a robust, efficient and effective cybersecurity leadership (Chief Information Security Officer, CISO) in the digital sphere. Leadership in cyberspace is a multifaceted and cross-functional approach, requiring vision, strategic acumen and commitment. The paper presents a thorough examination of the dynamic relationship between cybersecurity and leadership, cybersecurity leadership skills, role of CISOs, and cybersecurity challenges and solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is here to stay, as more AI tools are being constantly developed. Can universities help students acquire not only soft skills as future leaders but also an appreciation of value-adding applications of GenAI? Academics are divided about AI value, but employers are mostly not. It is also widely seen that the new generation of MBA graduates are not technical experts, however much they use GenAI. They must still have interpersonal, collaborative and communication skills. As GenAI frees them from routine tasks, they can take a broader view of organizational needs. Employers still need all-rounders, not just techies. There are challenges for both employers and employees here, and also for the educators who are arguably serving both markets. This paper examines the challenges on these three sides, and includes a practical example of the application of GenAI in this awareness-building process. It concludes with suggestions for employers, educators and students, noting that the demand for potential leaders has not changed--but the working environment has. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to new methods and cutting-edge technology, word-of-mouth (WOM) communication has undergone drastic changes over the decades, leading to electronic WOM (eWOM), which is now more widespread. WOM interaction significantly affects buyer habits and purchase intention (PI). eWOM is viewed as an updated variant of WOM advertising, with consumers using a variety of online resources to get firsthand, user-generated content about the products and services they plan to purchase. This paper investigates the impact of eWOM on consumers' PI, in addition to examining how brand awareness and brand image mediate the association between eWOM and PI. AMOS 24.0 was used to evaluate this model using structural equation modeling (SEM). In order to look for model relationships, a self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to 300 respondents. The results showed that eWOM and brand image have a positive significant impact on consumers' PI, but brand awareness has no significant impact on PI; and brand image acts as a mediator in the relationship, but brand awareness has no mediation effect. The study provides an insight on the effects of eWOM on PI through brand image and brand awareness in the Indian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant power losses and a subpar voltage profile compromise the performance of radial distribution networks. The radial distribution system's performance can be upgraded by utilizing different techniques. The paper thoroughly analyzes two least expensive techniques--network reconfiguration and capacitor placement--for diminishing power losses and upgrading the radial distribution system's voltage profile, which boosts the system's performance. The methodology involves formulating an objective function that minimizes the overall real power loss in a radial distribution network while subject to equality and inequality requirements, which are addressed by dingo optimization algorithm for each technique. A standard IEEE 33-bus network was utilized as a test case, and simulations were performed utilizingMATLAB/SIMULINK package. The results demonstrate that network reconfiguration outperformed capacitor placement technique, with total real power loss diminishing by 36.76% versus 34.44% for capacitor placement technique. Further, the minimum voltage magnitude is compared with capacitor placement technique, which was 0.9393 pu; the least voltage magnitude compared with network reconfiguration technique was 0.9824 pu. Therefore, network reconfiguration is a smart choice for improving the efficiency of radial distribution networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the influence of various drivers on the marketing operations and effectiveness of Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The study objectives are examined through three sub-objectives, i.e. (1) Identification of drivers through a literature survey; (2) Determining the cause-and-effect relationship between drivers through decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach; and (3) Ranking of drivers. To cope with competition, companies need to adopt some strategies aimed at promotion and customer satisfaction. In this study, ten drivers have been identified for MSMEs that will help improve the operations and effectiveness of their marketing strategy. Using DEMATEL, every identified driver is explored; a multi-level structural model is formed; cause-and-effect relationship between the drivers is determined; and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method of ranking drivers is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material science is an important interdisciplinary field that combines ideas from physics, chemistry and engineering to provide advancements in technology, healthcare and environmental sustainability. This paper explores the changing environment of educational tactics and teaching methods in the field. The primary obstacles encompass the incorporation of swiftly progressing knowledge into educational programs, tackling the scarcity of specialist instructors, and harmonizing theoretical instruction with practical and experiential learning. Moreover, the multidisciplinary character of material science necessitates the use of comprehensive teaching methods that encompass numerous traditional fields of study, often resulting in the need for substantial curriculum restructuring. This review analyzes existing educational techniques, showcases exemplary practices from prominent institutions, and investigates groundbreaking solutions designed to educate the upcoming generation of material scientists with the essential tools and knowledge to tackle global concerns. It highlights the urgent requirement for flexible and proactive strategies to promote strong talent pipelines in material science education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effect of SS 420 and Stellite 6 laser cladding powders on the microstructural and hardness properties of 1080 Cr grade railway steel is studied. 1080 Cr grade railway steel is commonly used in the banking or curved section of the railways, where a higher wear rate is observed. To enhance the life of the sections and protect the railway track from frequent replacement, laser cladding technique can be applied with a metal coating to protect the substrate and repair the worn profiles, if any. Microstructural and microhardness properties of SS 420 and Stellite 6 laser-cladded 1080 Cr grade railway steel are studied. Both SS 420 and Stellite 6 cladding material significantly improved the microstructural and microhardness properties. However, Stellite 6 is a better laser cladding material, compared to SS 420, as the hardness property of the laser-cladded surface is higher in the case of Stellite 6. This laser cladding process can be used as an adaptive maintenance technique for repair-maintenance of rails during their lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a solar collector with sensible heat storage materials for crop drying applications. The materials used were pebbles and gravels. The experiments were conducted under the meteorological conditions of Ujire, Karnataka, India. The bed thickness of pebbles and sand was 20 cm, and air velocity for pebbles and sand as absorbers was 4 m/s and 2 m/s. The experiments were started at 9 o'clock and stopped at 17 o'clock; for every one-hour interval, readings were recorded. Experimental and theoretical heat transfer analyses were carried out and the results were discussed with the help of characteristic curves. The collector with pebbles as absorber showed better performance than the collector with sand as absorber. This is due to surface roughness and higher Reynold's number. The maximum theoretical and experimental values of temperature resulted for pebbles were 344 K and 321 K, and for sand 334 K and 322 K, respectively. The average theoretical efficiency obtained with pebbles as absorber was 39%, and for sand 28.5%. The average value experimental efficiency with pebble as absorber was 25%, and for sand 11%. The developed collector system with pebbles and sand as absorber provides moderate temperature heat and is best suited for drying of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Judiciary is one of the three important organs of the government. The independence of the judiciary is crucial for the performance of its functions without fear or favor. The independence of judiciary basically refers to non-interference from any other organ of the government restraining its function to deliver justice in a fair and impartial manner. However, it doesn’t mean absence of any form of accountability. Montesquieu who propounded the idea of independence of judiciary majorly relied on the theory of separation of power to ensure an independent judicial system. Despite all the efforts, maintaining the judiciary free from all forms of bias is still a far-reaching dream. This paper examines the concept and importance of the independence of judiciary. The paper also highlights the various ways in which the independence of the judiciary can be curtailed. The paper further includes the interrelation between the doctrine of separation of powers and the concept of independence of the judiciary. The measures adopted by various constitutions, with special reference to the Indian and US constitutions, are also discussed and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reviews the impact of earnings management through discretionary accrual on the Economic Value Added (EVA). The earnings management value was calculated for 52 companies listed on the Dubai Financial Market through Jones Model (1991), Modified Jones Model (1995), and the current model from 2014 to 2018. The results showed that companies practiced earnings management activities in varying proportions. In addition, EVA without adjustments and with additional adjustments for all sample companies were calculated. To test the validity of the hypothesis, regression analysis was used by applying the three empirical models. The results found that there is a positive effect of earnings management through discretionary accrual on EVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are multiple impacts of climate change on companies, and it has been recognized as a major risk towards their sustainable development. Hence, investors and other stakeholders are increasingly interested to know how the companies are complying with various international and national guidelines for addressing and communicating these risks. The main objective of this paper is to check the quality and transparency of climaterisk reporting practices of the top-listed Indian companies. To meet this objective, we have examined the level of compliance of climate-risk reporting of the NIFTY-50 companies with the recommendations provided by Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), 2017. We have constructed a Climate Compliance Index (CCI) with the help of “Guidance for All Sectors” of TCFD’s final report, 2017 to examine the compliance of climate-risk disclosure by the sample companies. With the help of the CCI scores, we have found that the sample companies under the carbon-intensive industries have more compliance, whereas the sample companies under the Financial Service industry and Pharma industry have comparatively lesser compliance with the TCFD recommendations in climate-risk reporting. Despite some limitations, this is the first paper that has examined the compliance of climate-risk reporting practices following TCFD recommendations among Indian listed companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes the impact of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs), as these are the two primary institutions on which the Indian stock market is dependent. The research design and statistical tools used in the study are: Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), Granger Causality, Variance Decomposition Analysis, and Impulse Response Function. During the Covid-19 pandemic, high volatility was witnessed in the global markets, so it is important to evaluate the behavior of the Indian stock market with respect to the inflows and outflows of institutional investors on a daily basis. The paper concludes that Indian stock market return (Nifty 50) has more significant impact on FIIs, as compared to DIIs (mutual funds). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]