Volume 14 | Issue 1 |

 Abstract

The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020) is a historic initiative toward qualitative improvement in the Indian education system. The primary objective of this policy is to take education beyond the limited domain of knowledge and connect it with skills, innovation, creativity, and practical applicability. In order to achieve this objective, the implementation of the semester examination system at the postgraduate level in higher education has been emphasized. The semester system is different from the traditional annual examination system, as student evaluation is conducted in shorter academic terms rather than over the entire academic year. The fundamental basis of the semester examination system is Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE). Under this system, students' knowledge, skills, attitudes, creativity, and problem-solving abilities are assessed on a regular basis. This system evaluates students' academic progress through internal assessment, assignments, project work, presentations, seminars, and written examinations. As a result, not only is examination-related stress reduced, but students also develop habits of regular study, self-discipline, and a sense of academic responsibility. However, along with its many positive aspects, the semester examination system also presents certain practical challenges. Shortage of teaching resources, lack of trained teachers, pressure of time schedules, fairness in evaluation, and limitations of institutional infrastructure act as obstacles to its effective implementation. These problems are particularly more pronounced in colleges located in rural and backward areas. The objective of the study is to clearly highlight the advantages, limitations, and possibilities of this system and to present a comprehensive evaluation of its usefulness in higher education. At the same time, this research paper offers valuable suggestions for policymakers, teachers, and academic administrators, which can help make the semester examination system more effective, inclusive, and quality-oriented.

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 Keywords

National Education Policy 2020, Semester System, Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation

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The rapid increase in electronic cigarette use has generated a new type of solid waste: discarded e-cigarette butts (E-CBs), which are predominantly plastic and contain toxic chemicals, posing significant environmental hazards. This study investigates an eco-friendly approach to recycling E-CBs in Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) pavements by converting their primary components, including cellulose fibres and polylactic acid (PLA), into engineered pelletized fibres (EPFs). The EPFs were incorporated into SMA mixtures, which were evaluated through key laboratory tests including Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), Stiffness Modulus, and Rutting Resistance. SMA containing E-CB fibre pellets exhibited improved mechanical performance, with ITS increasing by 12% to 1.67 MPa, stiffness modulus reaching 3.85 kPa, and rutting resistance improving by 15% to 2.30 kPa compared to conventional cellulose fibre- reinforced SMA. These findings demonstrate that properly engineered E-CB fibres can function as effective and sustainable stabilizing additives, offering dual benefits of mitigating e-waste and enhancing the durability of asphalt pavements.

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Recycling of Waste Electronic Cigarette Butts as Engineered Pelletized Fibres for Sustainable Stone Mastic Asphalt

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Finance is the lifeblood of all economic activity. The demand for microfinance addresses the financial needs of low-income households. Regarding financial inclusion, the Northeastern region has been neglected and remains underdeveloped. Therefore, microfinance can be seen as a crucial tactic for tackling challenges of rural development, employment generation, and poverty alleviation. Rural development is a vital aspect of a nation's socioeconomic progress. In this context, microfinance and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play an essential role in sustainably enhancing rural residents' quality of life by enabling them to participate collectively in decision-making. Microfinance has encouraged many researchers worldwide to reassess financial inclusion for marginalized populations. In this study, an attempt is made to assess the role of microfinance in Assam's rural development and examine the Pre-SHG and Post-SHG circumstances of SHG members in the study area using both primary and secondary data. For primary data collection, households primarily involved in microfinance and SHG linkage activities for their livelihood have been selected and for obtaining final sample multi-stage mix sampling technique has been employed. Findings show that 87 per cent of respondents accessed credit facilities more readily after joining the SHG, compared to only 12.5 per cent before membership. Family dependence on moneylenders fell from 90 per cent to 30 per cent after joining SHGs. The results indicate that family indebtedness decreased from 70 per cent to 33 per cent. Additionally, 52 per cent of respondents were able to create assets through various microfinance schemes, compared to 14 per cent previously.

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Assam, Microfinance, Rural Economy, SHG, Sustainable Development

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Ayurveda emphasizes the preservation of health and prevention of disease through a holistic approach that integrates physical and mental well-being. Skin complexion (Varna) is considered an important indicator of internal physiological balance, governed mainly by Bhrajaka Pitta and Rakta dhatu. Substances that maintain and enhance natural complexion are described as Varnya dravyas. Dhanvantari Nighantu, a classical Ayurvedic lexicon, provides detailed descriptions of several such drugs along with their pharmacological attributes.The present study aims to review and analyze the Varnya dravyas mentioned in Dhanvantari Nighantu and to correlate their classical properties with findings from modern scientific research, particularly melanin inhibitory activity. A literary review of Dhanvantari Nighantu, Ayurvedic Samhitas, and contemporary research articles was conducted. Eight Var?ya dravyas--Jatamansi, Gandhamansi, Vyaghranakh, Guggul, Rasanjan, Shirish, Shinshap, and Sarjak--were identified and evaluated.The study reveals that these dravyas predominantly possess Tikta-Kashaya rasa, Laghu-Ruksha guna, and Sheeta or Ushna veerya, contributing to Pitta-Rakta shaman and Tvak prasadana. Modern studies support their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, tyrosinase inhibitory, and melanin inhibitory activities. The findings validate the relevance of classical Varnya dravyas in maintaining skin health and managing pigmentation disorders.

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Ayurveda, Dhanvantari Nighantu, Varnya dravyas, Skin complexion, Melanin inhibition.

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The identification of reliable, non-invasive biomarkers is a priority in pediatric healthcare, where early diagnosis and prevention play a decisive role in long-term outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and participate in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are present in saliva in a stable form, making them attractive candidates for pediatric biomarkers, particularly where invasive sampling is ethically and practically challenging. This review summarizes the biological basis of microRNAs, their origin and stability in saliva, methodological considerations for salivary miRNA detection, and their potential applications in pediatric oral and systemic diseases. Ethical concerns, limitations, and future research directions are also discussed. Salivary microRNAs represent a promising tool for non-invasive pediatric diagnostics; however, further validation and standardization are required before routine clinical application.

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Salivary microRNAs; Pediatric biomarkers; Non-invasive diagnostics; Saliva-based diagnostics; Oralhealth, Systemic health

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Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive review of rectangular dipole microstrip antennas (RDMAs) for wideband applications. RDMAs have gained significant attention in recent years due to their compact size, low profile, and ease of integration with other components. The paper discusses the design considerations, theoretical background, and wideband techniques used to improve the performance of RDMAs. Various techniques, including defected ground structure, slotted patch, multi-layered structure, and parasitic elements, are reviewed. The paper also highlights the advantages and applications of RDMAs in wideband systems, including wireless communication systems, radar systems, and satellite communication systems. The review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of RDMAs and their potential for wideband applications.

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Index Terms - RDMAs, DGS, HFSS, Wideband Antenna, Microstrip Antenna, Slotted Patch.

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Respiratory diseases constitute a major global health burden, contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure. Conditions such as bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergic rhinitis, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and pulmonary tuberculosis continue to challenge modern healthcare systems due to their chronic nature, recurrent exacerbations, and adverse effects associated with long-term pharmacotherapy. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers a comprehensive approach to respiratory disease management through its unique principles of Tridosha, Pranavaha Srotas, Agni, and Ojas. Classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya describe respiratory disorders under conditions such as Shwasa, Kasa, Pratishaya, and Rajayakshma, along with detailed etiopathogenesis and treatment protocols. This systematic review aims to critically analyze classical Ayurvedic literature and contemporary research studies to evaluate the role of Ayurvedic management in respiratory diseases. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, AYUSH Research Portal, and peer-reviewed Ayurvedic journals were searched for relevant articles. Evidence suggests that Ayurvedic interventions including Shodhana, Shamana, Rasayana therapy, dietary regulations (Pathya Ahara), and yogic breathing practices (Pranayama) play a significant role in symptom control, disease prevention, and quality-of-life improvement. However, despite promising outcomes, the lack of large-scale randomized controlled trials highlights the need for further scientific validation. This review underscores the potential of Ayurveda as a complementary and integrative approach in respiratory disease management.

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Ayurveda; Respiratory diseases; Shwasa Roga; Pranavaha Srotas; Tamaka Shwasa; Kasa; Pranayama; Herbal medicine

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The digital era is fundamentally reshaping the global business ecosystem by replacing traditional organizational models with dynamic, agile, and adaptive systems. Digitalization, data-driven analytics, and interconnected ecosystems are redefining competitive structures, performance metrics, and value creation. This transformation extends beyond technology adoption to encompass cultural change, governance reconfiguration, and new modes of collaboration, enabling organizations to survive and compete in volatile and uncertain environments. Dynamic digital business models have become essential for sustaining competitive advantage and long-term organizational resilience. By fostering continuous learning, strategic agility, and innovation, these models allow firms to realign value propositions while integrating profitability with ethical, social, and environmental responsibility. Digital transformation thus acts as both a driver and framework for strategic evolution, encouraging inclusive innovation and sustainable practices. This study aims to examine how digital transformation reshapes organizational design, operations, and stakeholder collaboration to achieve performance excellence and sustainable outcomes. It explores the interplay between digital competencies and strategic agility, and analyses the role of data-driven decision-making, innovation systems, and ethical leadership in building competitive advantage and sustainable development. Grounded in the duality model, the study highlights that competitiveness and sustainability are interdependent, positioning digitalization as a catalyst for circular, inclusive, and adaptive growth in the future of enterprise sustainability.

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Digitalization Era, Dynamic Business Models, Competitiveness, Sustainability, Digital Transformation, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Innovation Ecosystems, Strategic Agility, Organizational Performance, Resilience, Ethical Leadership, Circular Economy, Adaptive Growth, Sustainable Enterprise, Technological Disruption.

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Toni Morrison's fourth novel, Tar Baby, upon its publication, brought controversial critical views. It became a great commercial success and was an important contribution to the growth of her literary career. The novel centers around the tumultuous relationship between two lovers from extremely different and conflicting economic and social backgrounds and its ultimate dissolution. Morrison draws on the African American folktale in the Uncle Remus Tales written by the white American writer Joe Chandler Harris. In this version, the white farmer, Brown makes a tar doll in order to trap a mischievous rabbit 'B'rer rabbit' who ruins his cabbage garden. However, the rabbit outwits the farmer by tricking him into letting him throw him bade to the Brier patch and thus making his escape. In this novel, Morrison continues the pre-dominant concern of her earlier works - the search for identity. Here she focuses on the conflict between traditional black folk values and contemporary Euro-centric aspirations. However, this present novel marks a further step from the preceding works in the magnitude and complexity of Morrison's treatment of this quest theme.

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Brier patch, tar, black, folk, Euro-centric

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Self-regulative technique with and without yoga practice, vital capacity, anxiety and muscular endurance.

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