Volume 13 | Issue 8 |

 Abstract

India's rapid infrastructure expansion, driven by initiatives such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline, Smart Cities Mission, and large-scale urban water supply schemes, has been accompanied by persistent cost and time overruns. As of mid-2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reports ongoing cost escalations exceeding INR2.89 lakh crore across major projects, with sectors like railways, urban transport, and pipeline infrastructure showing overrun rates far above the national average. This study systematically examines the root causes, financial impacts, and potential mitigation strategies for overruns in Indian infrastructure megaprojects, with a sectoral focus on pipeline projects. Adopting a mixed-method approach, the research integrates an extensive literature review, quantitative analysis of MoSPI datasets, and a detailed case study of a INR185-crore urban water supply pipeline project in West Bengal that experienced a 15-18% cost overrun and a delay of nearly 12 months. The findings identify regulatory delays, procurement inefficiencies, mid-project scope changes, material price inflation, and labor disruptions--exacerbated by global shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic--as the most critical drivers of overruns. Sector-specific complexities in pipeline projects, including multi-agency clearance requirements, specialized material dependencies, and route realignments due to urban encroachments, make them particularly vulnerable. This work contributes to infrastructure project management literature by bridging national-level trends with sector-specific operational insights, offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, project managers, and sector stakeholders to improve delivery timelines, cost control, and fiscal efficiency in India's megaproject ecosystem.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Cost overruns, Time overruns, Infrastructure megaprojects, Pipeline projects, Project management, India, MoSPI data, Regulatory delays, Procurement inefficiencies, Material price inflation, Predictive analytics, Digital Twin, Earned Value Management (EVM), Risk mitigation, Public sector projects.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Blockchain technology is increasingly explored in healthcare for its potential to improve data security, interoperability, and patient privacy. This bibliometric study analyzes 428 publications from the Web of Science (2014-2024) to identify research trends, collaboration networks, and key themes. Results show a sharp growth in publications since 2018, particularly in electronic health records (EHRs), secure data sharing, and supply chain management. Co-authorship patterns reveal strong international collaboration, with major contributions from the USA, China, and Europe. Keyword analysis highlights dominant themes such as data security, smart contracts, and interoperability. The findings underscore blockchain's growing role in decentralized health data management and its potential to transform healthcare systems into more secure, transparent, and efficient models.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Blockchain Healthcare Digital Health Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Data Security Patient Privacy

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Community social work is a core dimension of professional social work practice that targets communities as both the setting and the focus of interventions across various fields. Social work entrepreneurship is an institutionalized practice model that integrates the professionalism of social work with the innovation and social commitment of entrepreneurship. This case study examines Peace Hub, a social work enterprise in Kerala, as an innovative practice model in addressing the well-being needs of different communities. Peace Hub integrates social work principles with entrepreneurial strategies to offer innovative well-being interventions tailored to the local contexts. The study employed thematic analysis to identify and extract themes from key informant interview and document analysis. The key themes that have emerged include overcoming motivational challenges to be a social work entrepreneur, community interventions, and the well-being outcomes. By examining Peace Hub's journey from inception to present-day, this case study contributes to the broader discourse on innovative practice models for community social work and its role in fostering wellbeing in local contexts. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing the scalability of similar models, suggesting that community-rooted social work enterprises hold significant potential for addressing well-being challenges.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Social work entrepreneurship, community social work, practice model, well-being, Kerala, case study

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Abstract: Senior secondary school students' academic performance is significantly hampered by test anxiety, especially in high-stakes educational systems like India's. This study examines whether and to what degree students in Classes XI and XII experience gender-based disparities in test anxiety. Using purposive sampling, a sample of 120 students--60 males and 60 females--was chosen from urban senior secondary schools in Odisha. Spielberger's Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), created in 1980, was used to gauge cognitive and affective reactions to test stress. To compare the mean test anxiety scores of male and female students, an independent samples t-test was used. A statistically significant difference was found in the study, showing that female students had much greater levels of test anxiety than their male counterparts (p <.01). These results highlight the necessity of gender-sensitive mental health and academic counselling programs in schools. For educators, psychologists, and policymakers seeking to enhance student well-being and educational outcomes, the study provides valuable insights and contributes to the growing body of research on academic stress.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Keywords: Test Anxiety, Gender Differences, Senior Secondary Students, Psychological Assessment, t-test

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Rasa oushadhis are effective in small doses and possesses the properties of Deepana and Pachana.As emphasized in the ancient text of Rasashastra, Rasa Kalpa is the primary treatment approach for all diseases. This article highlights the significance of Vasantakusumakara rasa and Nishakathakadi kashaya in managing the Kleda Pradhana Vyadhi, a condition dominated by excess Kleda dosha. A case study on Kleda pradhana vyadhi (Prameha-Madhumeha)treatment using Rasa Kalpa formulations demonstrates its effectiveness in balancing Kleda dosha, reducing inflammation, and enhancing immune function. This article underscores the importance of integrating Rasa Kalpa into Ayurvedic clinical practice for effective management of Kleda Pradhana Vyadhis.

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 Keywords

Kleda,Nishakatakadi Kashaya,Vasanthakusumakara Rasa

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This paper presents a modified dry ice engine design in which the reaction chamber (sphere) is surrounded by hot water. The system offers a low-temperature alternative to steam engines and is ideal for educational demonstrations of thermodynamic and propulsion principles.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Hot water assisted propulsion,Low-temperature engine,Sublimation

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

The rising frequency of violence against women in public spaces demands the design of sophisticated early intervention systems capable of detecting and mitigating threats in real time. This study introduces WATCHGUARD, a novel surveillance platform powered by artificial intelligence, which merges cutting-edge computer vision techniques and deep learning to enhance the safety of women in urban surroundings. The architecture adopts a multi-modal design: YOLOv8 performs object detection, the OpenAI CLIP model conducts semantic validation of actions, and a suite of custom neural networks executes gesture recognition and gender classification. Our experimental framework analyzes continuous video streams to detect dangerous objects, recognize distress signals, and automate alerts to law enforcement. The prototype achieves 94.2% accuracy in overall threat identification, 91.8% precision in gender classification, and 89.5% performance in gesture recognition, while sustaining a low false-positive rate of 3.2%. Validation across varied urban contexts demonstrates the ability to recognize threat manifestations, including physical assaults, weapon-mediated attacks, and standardized emergency gestures. Privacy is safeguarded through robust data anonymization protocols, and the architecture is designed for seamless integration within existing smart city infrastructures. The findings demonstrate substantial decreases in response times accompanied by heightened situational awareness among security staff, establishing this system as a feasible and proactive measure for advancing women's safety in urban environments.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Women safety, Computer vision, Deep learning, YOLOv8, Threat detection, Smart surveillance, Emergency response, Gender classification, Gesture recognition, Public safety

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

A job portal is an online platform designed to connect job seekers with employers. It simplifies the hiring process by allowing candidates to create profiles, upload resumes, and search for jobs, while employers can post vacancies, filter applicants, and hire the right talent. This paper provides a detailed explanation of what job portals are, how they work, their key features, their importance in the current digital era, real-life examples, and their future scope. In today's competitive world, finding the right job is often as challenging as hiring the right candidate. Traditional job search methods, such as newspaper advertisements and word-of-mouth, are no longer sufficient in a fast-paced digital era. Job portals have emerged as a smart solution to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Job Portal Online Recruitment Platform Digital Hiring Solutions Employment Portal E-Recruitment System Smart Recruitment Job Search Technology Web-based Recruitment Online Job Matching Career Development Platform Automated Hiring Digital Employment System AI in Recruitment Cloud-based Job Portal

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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This study critically examines the interplay of time, cost, and resource allocation in the creation of a smart commercial complex in an urban Tier-2 city in India. It explores the challenges posed by infrastructure constraints, regulatory delays, and fluctuating market conditions, while highlighting opportunities such as lower land costs and increasing demand for smart infrastructure. Using the 3M/4M framework--Man, Machine, Material, and Money--the research analyses project phases from initiation to termination, applying tools like Gantt charts, CPM, and Earned Value Management for monitoring and control. The findings emphasise that strategic planning, effective resource synchronisation, and risk-based procurement are essential for timely, cost-efficient, and quality-driven project delivery in such emerging urban environments.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Smart commercial complex, Tier-2 city, time management, cost optimisation, resource allocation, 3M framework, project lifecycle, construction management, risk management, infrastructure development.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This study investigates the connection between teenage sports activity and self-esteem. Self-esteem, a vital component of psychological development, is influenced by various social and physical factors during adolescence. Sports participation has been identified as a key contributor to enhancing self-esteem through improvements in physical competence, social interaction, and the development of life skills. The research reviews empirical evidence demonstrating that adolescents involved in regular sports activities report higher levels of self-esteem compared to their non-participating peers. Furthermore, the quality of sports experiences, including supportive coaching and a positive social environment, plays a crucial role in maximizing these benefits. However, the study also acknowledges that negative experiences in sports, such as excessive pressure or exclusion, may undermine self-esteem. Overall, fostering inclusive and supportive sports environments is essential for promoting healthy self-esteem development in adolescents.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Self-esteem, sports participation, adolescents, physical activity

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition