Volume 13 | Issue 8 |

 Abstract

One of the biggest problems existing in the healthcare sector is the lack of medical professionals, who are the foundation of the healthcare system. The significant turnover rate of the healthcare professionals has dangerous effects. Therefore, the goal of this study was to fill a gap in the literature and determine how various aspects of workplace spirituality relate to the intention of healthcare professionals working in private hospitals in Ernakulum district of Kerala State, to leave their positions. In this cross-sectional quantitative study, information from 160 healthcare professionals was gathered by convenience sampling. A questionnaire was created using two scales, workplace spirituality and turnover intention, to gather the data. Cronbach's alpha was used to analyze the internal reliability of the items and linear regression was used to analyze the data. Out of four dimensions of workplace spirituality, compassion and values alignment were discovered to have a substantial impact on intended turnover. It is essential for the hospital sector to improve workplace spirituality by focusing on its two aspects, compassion and alignment of organizational principles with personal values of healthcare professionals, to lower the turnover rate.

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 Keywords

Workplace Spirituality, Turnover Rate, Compassion, Values Alignment

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The risk-return tradeoff is a core principle in portfolio management, helping investors balance potential gains against the uncertainty of outcomes. This empirical study investigates this tradeoff across four major sectors-IT, Banking, Automobile, and FMCG-using a sample of 20 stocks and 1-year current-period data. The topic was chosen in light of increasing market volatility and investor need for strategic, data-driven portfolio decisions. A descriptive research methodology was employed using secondary data from stock exchanges and financial reports. Analysis was carried out using financial tools such as Mean, Standard Deviation, Correlation Coefficient, CAPM, APT, and Portfolio Risk & Return, along with statistical tools including Descriptive Statistics, T-tests, and Correlation Analysis. The T-test yielded a p-value of 0.024, indicating a statistically significant difference between diversified and traditional portfolios in terms of performance and risk and a strong correlation (r = 0.71) between risk perception and investment behavior (H04). These findings affirm that effective portfolio management depends not only on financial metrics but also on investor psychology and sectoral positioning. The study provides valuable insights for investors aiming to make informed, balanced decisions in today's dynamic markets.

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 Keywords

Risk-Return Trade-off, Portfolio Management, Investment Behaviour, Sectoral Analysis, Investor Perception, Descriptive Statistics, Empirical Study, Diversified Portfolios, stock market volatility

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This study looks at how 5-star hotels in Maharashtra, India, can develop good carbon neutral plans. The hospitality industry is becoming a bigger part of carbon emissions, so it's important to find ways to reduce that. As the world works to stop climate change, hotels need to use methods that are good for the environment without hurting their business. The research tries to create real steps for becoming carbon neutral by looking at rules, standards, and what other hotels are doing. Information was gathered through research, guidelines from IGBC, and examples from ITC Grand Central and Orchid Hotel in Mumbai, focusing on how they save energy both actively and passively. The results show that using renewable energy, efficient technology, sustainable water and waste systems, and educating staff and guests can greatly cut down on carbon emissions. The outcome of study analyzing carbon neutrality based on comparing different approaches, which helps the environment and sets a good example for hotels in India.

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 Keywords

Carbon neutrality, 5-star hotels, Maharashtra, Hospitality industry, Carbon emissions, Climate change, Environmental sustainability, IGBC guidelines, ITC Grand Central, Orchid Hotel Mumbai. Active and passive energy-saving measures, Renewable energy, Efficient technology, Water and waste management, Guest and staff education, Comparative analysis, Sustainable practices

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This study investigates the impact of social media on personal and group identity, self- perception, and behavior within Himachal Pradesh, a region known for its rich cultural heritage. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved a survey of 117 respondents and qualitative interviews to explore how demographic factors such as age and education influence social medias role in shaping identity. The findings reveal that younger individuals are more likely to perceive their social media profiles as accurate representations of their identities, whileeducation plays a crucial role in moderating social media's influence on beliefs and values. Thestudy also highlights the significant correlations between social comparison, self-perception, andthe pressure to maintain online personas. These results contribute to the understanding of socialmedias complex influence on identity, offering insights for policymakers and educators to address the challenges posed by digital media in culturally diverse regions.

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Social Media, Identity Formation, Self-Perception and Cultural Influence

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Margaret Atwood's speculative fiction presents a harrowing exploration of ecological collapse, patriarchal violence, and corporate exploitation through richly imagined dystopian landscapes. This paper examines The Handmaid's Tale, Oryx and Crake, and The Year of the Flood through an ecofeminist lens, tracing how Atwood intertwines environmental degradation with the subjugation of women. Drawing on key ecofeminist theorists such as Vandana Shiva and Greta Gaard, the article argues that Atwood's fictional worlds reveal a deeply gendered ecology in which the exploitation of nature and the domination of women emerge from shared patriarchal ideologies. These texts highlight the commodification of female bodies and the environment under systems of control, while also portraying resistant female subjectivities that reclaim agency and envision posthuman futures. Through a comparative analysis of these novels, the article reveals how Atwood crafts a speculative ecofeminist critique that is urgent and transformative, calling for both ecological and gender justice in a time of planetary crisis.

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Keywords: Ecofeminism, Environmental Dystopia, Gendered Ecologies, Patriarchal Capitalism, Biopolitics

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The South Asian diasporic author, Meera Syal creates a unique portrayal of the women characters in her novels where the protagonists invariably women have acculturated and have carved a niche in their hostland. However the homeland remains an important subject not only for discussion but also for their existence. The cultural ties with the members of the community and people of the homeland observing the same rituals or believing in similar sentiments bring people together, which is evinced in the lives of the women protagonists in the diaspora. The characters of Meera Syal, mostly women come together in combating the attacks faced by the South Asian community in Britain and they resort to their community- existence or their sisterhood as their strength in their Asian Britishness.

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 Keywords

Identity, Diaspora, emancipation, acculturation, homeland, hostland

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 Abstract

Abstract Introduction: In today's fast-paced world, where unhealthy habits are often the order of the day, cardiovascular diseases have become a thorn in the side of public health. Cardiac patients frequently find themselves between a rock and a hard place, struggling to juggle medical treatments and lifestyle changes. It is said that prevention is better than cure, and in this light, lifestyle modification stands out as a silver lining in the battle against heart disease. However, without proper guidance, many patients are left in the dark, unaware of the profound impact their daily choices can have on their heart health. This study aims to turn the tide by evaluating the effectiveness of a planned teaching program designed to shed light on lifestyle modification and its role in improving cardiovascular health among cardiac patients admitted in the cardiac unit of BTCT Hospital, helping them take the bull by the horns and lead healthier lives. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a planned teaching program on knowledge regarding the impact of lifestyle modification on cardiovascular health among cardiac patients admitted in the cardiac unit of BTCT Hospital. Objectives: 1) To assess the pretest level of knowledge regarding the impact of lifestyle modification on cardiovascular health among cardiac patients admitted in the cardiac unit of BTCT Hospital. 2) To develop a structured teaching program to improve knowledge regarding the impact of lifestyle modification on cardiovascular health among cardiac patients. 3) To administer the structured teaching program among cardiac patients admitted in the cardiac unit of BTCT Hospital. 4) To assess the post-test level of knowledge regarding the impact of lifestyle modification on cardiovascular health among cardiac patients admitted in the cardiac unit of BTCT Hospital. 5) To find out the effectiveness of the structured teaching program on knowledge regarding the impact of lifestyle modification on cardiovascular health among cardiac patients. 6) To determine the association between the pretest level of knowledge and selected demographic variables of cardiac patients. Materials and Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of a planned teaching program on knowledge regarding the impact of lifestyle modification on cardiovascular health among cardiac patients admitted to the cardiac unit of BTCT Hospital, Sagar (M.P.). A total of 30 cardiac patients were selected using a purposive non-probability sampling technique based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data collection tools included a self-structured knowledge questionnaire comprising 30 multiple-choice questions, and a structured teaching program developed by the researcher. The tool's content validity was established by six nursing experts, and reliability was tested using Karl Pearson's split-half method, yielding a correlation coefficient of r = 0.75. The study was conducted after obtaining formal permission from hospital authorities and informed consent from participants. Data were collected through pre-test administration, followed by implementation of the teaching program, and then a post-test. The pilot study was conducted prior to the main study to assess feasibility. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and inferential statistics including paired t-test to assess effectiveness, and chi-square test to determine the association between pre-test knowledge scores and selected demographic variables. Ethical considerations were observed throughout the study to maintain participant confidentiality and rights. Findings: The study revealed that prior to the planned teaching program, the majority of cardiac patients (73.33%) had inadequate knowledge regarding the impact of lifestyle modification on cardiovascular health, with a mean pre-test score of 10.56 and standard deviation of 5.39. Following the administration of the structured teaching program, there was a marked improvement in knowledge, with 90% of participants achieving an adequate knowledge level in the post-test, yielding a mean score of 22.53 and standard deviation of 2.403. The paired t-test value of 5.105 indicated a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-test scores at the 0.05 level, confirming the effectiveness of the teaching intervention. Furthermore, chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant association between marital status and pre-test knowledge scores, while no significant associations were found with other demographic variables such as age, gender, religion, education, income, diet preference, smoking, or exercise habits. Overall, the findings support the positive impact of structured educational interventions in enhancing knowledge among cardiac patients. Conclusion: The study concludes that the structured teaching program was effective in significantly enhancing the knowledge of cardiac patients regarding the impact of lifestyle modification on cardiovascular health. The marked improvement in post-test scores compared to pre-test scores highlights the importance of planned educational interventions in empowering patients to make informed lifestyle choices. While most demographic variables showed no significant association with knowledge levels, marital status was found to have a significant influence. These findings underscore the need for regular, targeted health education as part of cardiac care to promote better health outcomes and prevent further complications related to cardiovascular disease.

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 Keywords

Keywords: Lifestyle modification, Cardiovascular health, Cardiac patients, Structured teaching program, Knowledge assessment, Pre-test and post-test, Health education, Patient awareness, Behavior change, BTCT Hospital.

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 Abstract

The field of portfolio construction has evolved significantly, driven by the increasing complexity of financial markets, investor behavior, and emerging risks. Traditional models such as the Markowitz Mean-Variance framework and the Sharpe Single Index Model, while foundational, often fall short in volatile and illiquid environments, particularly in emerging markets. This study explores optimum portfolio construction by integrating both classical and modern approaches across multiple industries and market contexts. Using Sharpe ratio optimization, cut-off rate methods, and statistical tools such as t-tests, correlation matrices, and risk-return analysis, the research identifies the most efficient portfolio combinations from 20 companies spanning four sectors. The study is supported by extensive literature, ranging from early beta-based models to modern advancements incorporating machine learning, Bayesian inference, ESG filters, and risk-aware rebalancing strategies. Empirical findings confirm that diversified, data-driven portfolios significantly outperform traditional allocation methods in terms of Sharpe ratio, total risk reduction, and sectoral balance. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of how modern tools can adapt classical theories for more robust and resilient portfolio performance. It provides a strategic roadmap for investors navigating uncertain, high-risk markets with the goal of achieving superior risk-adjusted returns through scientifically grounded portfolio construction.

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 Keywords

Optimum Portfolio, Mean-Variance Optimization, Sharpe Ratio, CVaR (Conditional Value at Risk), Asset Allocation, Portfolio Risk Management, Indian Stock Market.

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Driver fatigue significantly contributes to road accidents, but current detection methods often rely on intrusive sensors or computationally heavy models. We propose a vision-based driver alertness monitoring system using a standard webcam. The system analyzes facial cues by calculating the Eye Aspect Ratio (EAR), Mouth Aspect Ratio (MAR), and head pose from Dlib facial landmarks. These metrics indicate signs of drowsiness. We compare our approach with recent deep learning solutions (YOLOv8-Face, MobileNetV3-based keypoint regression, and ResNet50-LSTM classifiers). On a standard CPU, our lightweight method achieves ~92.6% detection accuracy and ~94.1% sensitivity with an average latency of 1.1 seconds, while being 30% faster and 45% smaller than the MobileNetV3 model. These results suggest our system is well-suited for low-power, real-time deployment in smart vehicles for enhanced driver safety.

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Driver drowsiness detection, Eye Aspect Ratio, Mouth Aspect Ratio, Head-pose estimation, Real-time monitoring, Facial landmark tracking, Computer vision.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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This study examines the impact of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and digital payment systems on the financial behaviour of small retailers across five districts in Karnataka. As digital payment adoption accelerates in India, understanding the behavioural patterns and satisfaction levels of small business users is critical for driving financial inclusion and digital transformation. The study aims to identify the key factors influencing behavioural intention, actual usage, and user satisfaction with UPI services. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing primary data collected from 400 small retailers through structured questionnaires, supported by secondary data from RBI, NPCI, and economic reports. Statistical tools such as descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and ANOVA were used for analysis. Results show that ease of use, smartphone comfort, cashback incentives, and peer recommendations significantly impact adoption. User satisfaction is influenced by app usability, transaction speed, customer support, and trust in service providers. Gender and location emerged as major demographic influencers, while age had limited effects. The study concludes that strengthening digital infrastructure and enhancing service quality are vital to encourage consistent UPI usage among small retailers. Future research can explore UPI usage among other business segments, assess the long-term impact of digital incentives, and compare adoption patterns between rural and urban markets to guide policy and fintech innovations.

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 Keywords

UPI, Digital Payments, Small Retailers, Behavioral Intention, User Satisfaction, Karnataka

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition