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Abstract This study evaluates the consumers’ views on various security measures in e-commerce platforms and determines their impact on the trusting beliefs of consumers, which may further lead to an intention to use e-commerce platforms. The study also investigates the moderating effects of gender, age, and the frequency of e-commerce platform use on the proposed model. A total of 780 respondents were used for the study. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the proposed trust-based model. The findings indicate a strong positive impact of information integrity and information confidentiality on the consumers’ trusting beliefs. In addition, the study indicates the strong mediating effect of trusting beliefs with the association between information integrity, information confidentiality, and behavioral intention to use e-commerce platforms. A moderating effect of frequency of use on the relationship between perceived information confidentiality and preventing unauthorized secondary data usage on trusting beliefs was found to be significant. This research underwent an in-depth examination of different security aspects that e-commerce firms should consider in order to develop the trusting beliefs of consumers in e-commerce environments.

A major goal of survey sampling is finite population inference. In recent years, large-scale survey programs have encountered many practical challenges which include higher data collection cost, increasing non-response rate, increasing demand for disaggregated level statistics and desire for timely estimates. Data integration is a new field of research that provides a timely solution to these above-mentioned challenges by integrating data from multiple surveys. Now, it is possible to develop a framework that can efficiently combine information from several surveys to obtain more precise estimates of population parameters. In many surveys, parameters of interest are often spatial in nature, which means, the relationship between the study variable and covariates varies across all locations in the study area and this situation is referred as spatial non-stationarity. Hence, there is a need of a sampling methodology that can efficiently tackle this spatial non-stationarity problem and can be able to integrate this spatially referenced data to get more detailed information. In this study, a Geographically Weighted Spatially Integrated (GWSI) estimator of finite population total was developed by integrating data from two independent surveys using spatial information. The statistical properties of the proposed spatially integrated estimator were then evaluated empirically through a spatial simulation study. Three different spatial populations were generated having high spatial autocorrelation. The proposed spatially integrated estimator performed better than usual design-based estimator under all three populations. Furthermore, a Spatial Proportionate Bootstrap (SPB) method was developed for variance estimation of the proposed spatially integrated estimator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most speedy and substantial social shifts in human history has been the evolution of gender relations since the turn of the 20th century. Even though female health, literacy and women participation in workforce have significantly improved, the status of women in Indian society is not very satisfactory leading to gender disparities. It is in this background that this paper attempts to analyse the role of education, labour market and health in reducing gender disparities across the states over the period of time. To analyse the impact of these variables, Gender Disparity Index (GDI) has been constructed utilising the data from Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and Sample Registration System (SRS) to measure gender disparities in 20 major states and union territories (UTs) of India. For the construction of GDI, we have used three dimensions, namely health, empowerment and labour market participation. The index is prepared to make a decadal comparative study for the years 2011–12 and 2020–21. The statistical results indicate that there is a significant difference in mean of the GDI scores for 2020–21 and 2011–12. The paper concludes with certain policy implications suggesting that there is a need to put more effort into creating infrastructure and cutting-edge policies to improve the health and education systems. The focus should also be to create more employment opportunities for females, helping them to raise their standard of living so as to enhance their contribution towards economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical conditions affecting pregnancy and increasing the risk for maternal and perinatal complications. The present study aimed at determining the role of ultrasonographic measurement of fetal epicardial fat pad thickness (f EFT) and fetal cardiac interventricular septal thickness (f IVST) at 24–32 weeks of gestation in the prediction of GDM. Results: A prospective observational case–control study was conducted including a total of 35 GDM patients and 35 normal pregnancies who were subjected to ultrasonographic measurement of the f EFT and f IVST at 24–32 weeks of gestation. Statistical analysis and the receiver operating characteristic curves were used to find out the cutoff value, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of these two parameters for the prediction of GDM. When an f EFT value of 1.3 was accepted as a cutoff value, GDM could be predicted with a sensitivity of 68.6% and specificity of 91.4%, PPV of 88.9%, NPV of 74.4% and diagnostic accuracy of 80%. When an f IVST value of 2.6 was accepted as a cutoff value, GDM could be predicted with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 77.14%, PPV of 77.8%, NPV of 79.4% and diagnostic accuracy of 78.5%. Conclusion: The ultrasonographic measurements of fetal epicardial fat pad thickness and fetal cardiac interventricular septal thickness were statistically significantly higher in GDM pregnancies (p value < 0.0001) as compared to the controls. Thus, these two parameters can serve as excellent ultrasonographic markers in the prediction of GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural to urban migration is rampant in India. Cities that are Petri dishes for rapid neo-liberal development can be unforgiving places for the vulnerable migrant population. The question we are looking forward to answering here is, how does neoliberal development in the cities affect and shape the lived experience of the vulnerable in-migrants in the growing cities of India? To explore this question, we have taken the case of migrant women to waste pickers who originate from Barpeta, Assam, and have settled in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. These women are placed at the lowest link in the hierarchy of power and economic structures in the urban spaces. They have been working for years, contributing significantly to the waste management of cities by segregation, cleaning, and recycling waste. Under the changing forms of governance, they have been facing a threat to their livelihoods. The paper is based on qualitative data collected through a field study conducted between December 2018 and December 2020 in villages in Barpeta as well as in slums in Lucknow inhabited by these Bengali-speaking Muslim migrants from Barpeta in Lower Assam. Data for this study were collected through the survey (n = 200) including semi-structured interviews (n = 100), follow-up visits (n = 70), and focus group discussions and case studies (n = 30). This paper is an attempt to present a gendered perspective on the trials and tribulations of women waste pickers and their place in the expeditious city space. In addition to the modality of statecraft, we have also explored various social, political, and economic dynamics that further affect them. Based on the findings that emerge from the qualitative data collected from the field, the paper has concluded with some policy recommendations that will help improve the lives of these women waste pickers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MgxZn1–xO (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) thin films with wide range bandgap tunability from ~ 3.28 to 6.7 eV were grown on (0001) Sapphire substrates by RF magnetron co-sputtering method. Bandgap of MgxZn1–xO increased monotonously from ~ 3.28 to 4.45 eV with Mg content 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.51 and from ~ 5.55 to 6.7 eV for Mg content 0.55 ≤ x ≤ 1 with a sudden jump of ~ 1.1 eV at x > 0.51. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the epitaxial nature of MgxZn1–xO thin films in hexagonal wurtzite phase with Mg content x ≤ 0.51 and cubic rock salt phase with Mg content ≥ 0.55 without occurrence of mixed phase. Polarization-dependent XANES measurements showed distinct variations in horizontal and vertical XANES spectra in wurtzite phase of MgxZn1–xO (x = 0.09), while no significant change was observed for the cubic phase of MgxZn1–xO (x = 0.73) confirming phase transformation. However, the local structure around Zn atoms as studied by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements at the Zn K-edge revealed considerable fraction of sixfold Zn coordination in higher Mg content wurtzite phase MgxZn1–xO thin films along with distortion in the bond lengths of Zn–O and Zn–Zn/Mg pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pahardia-Rungikocha area lies at the south-western end of the north Singhbhum mobile belt (NSMB). The terrain of NSMB is known for gold occurrences. Systematic exploration by the authors have established significant resource (0.48 million tonnes) with appreciable grade (3.43 g/t) of gold, for the first time. This has added to the National Mineral Inventory on gold and the area has now been granted mining lease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucormycosis is an aggressive invasive fungal infection caused by mycocetes fungi. It is an opportunistic infection, associated with high morbidity and mortality. In the current era of COVID-19 pandemic, the entire world has witnessed a dramatic upsurge in cases of Mucormycosis. Paranasal sinuses are the commonest site to be affected with the tendency for rapid spread to orbit, face, and brain. Early diagnosis and prompt medical or surgical intervention are the only ways for preventing morbidity and saving precious lives. Imaging plays a crucial role not only in diagnosis but also in defining the extent of the disease for presurgical mapping. Black turbinate sign in the nasal cavity, mucosal thickening in paranasal sinuses with periantral invasion, and bony erosion are the early diagnostic signs. This pictorial review shall provide a comprehensive review of the various imaging manifestations of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis with a final proposed reporting checklist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palaeoproterozoic eastern Mahakoshal belt of Central India Tectonic Zone (CITZ) is known for gold occurrences. Gold occurs predominantly in quartz veins and quartz-carbonate veins. It is associated with pyrite, pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite mineral assemblages. The secondary alteration products such as 'scorodite' and 'mansfieldite' are also associated with gold mineralisation. Recent investigations carried out in Parsoi area, have indicated the association of gold with bismuth, bismuthinite and telluride. This is the first record of bismuth from the Mahakoshal belt. The studies of the bismuth tellurides contribute to the assessment and evaluation of concentrations of gold resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold exploration in the Mahakoshal belt has been carried out for the past thirty years and mostly quartz veins were identified as the host targets. The recent study based on the concept of mineral system has indicated that gold occurs in mafic and ultramafic rocks also, besides the quartz veins. The mineralisation in Agori Formation is generally confined to Algoma type BIF, metavolcanics and phyllites, while in Parsoi Formation it occurs predominantly in quartz veins. The metavolcanics have acted as source rocks and the crustal deep faults have acted as conduits for mineralizing fluids, in the continental back arc type tectonic setting with two mineral systems viz. (i) basin related fluid flow with active magmatism, and (ii) magmatic related hydrothermal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coronavirus pandemic has induced a huge economic crisis. The norms of social distancing and consequent lockdown to flatten the curve of this infection has brought economic activity across the globe to a standstill. A mass exodus of workers from major urban centres of India to their native villages started. Mental, financial and emotional agony inflicted due to job-loss, lack of job and livelihood opportunities led to this. A massive macroeconomic crisis for the country with serious ramifications has consequently exploded. The present study explores and captures the diffusion and discovery of information about the various facets of reverse migration in India using Twitter mining. Tweets provide extensive opportunities to extract social perceptions and insights relevant to migration of workers. The massive Twitter data were analysed by applying text mining technique and sentiment analysis. The results of the analysis highlight five major themes. The sentiment analysis confirms the confidence and trust in the minds of masses about tiding through this crisis with government support. The study brings out the major macroeconomic ramifications of this reverse migration. The study's findings indicate that a concentrated joint intervention by the State and Central Governments is critical for successfully tiding through this crisis and restoring normalcy. The subsequent policy measures announced by the government are being critically gauged. In addition, the authors have proposed measures to ameliorate this damage on the formal and informal sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on the findings from the field survey conducted in Barpeta and Lucknow between June 2017 and May 2018. The objective is to know the reasons and background of migration of approximately more than 90,000 people who have been migrating from Barpeta to Lucknow for last two decades. All are Bengali Muslims (of East Bengal origin) coming from Lower Assam who are called Miya Muslims. In order to analyse the objectives and test the hypotheses, the logistic model has been used. The results indicate that income prospects and ownership of land in Assam are important variables among other variables to decide the course of out-migration. The study group in discussion is often perceived as illegal immigrants entering Assam from bordering Bangladesh and is labelled as Bangladeshis in and outside Assam. There is an urgent need for state intervention to improve their condition and recognize them in the mainstream development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The requirement for consistent well-being upgrades of mine personnel and improved mine productivity is encouraging the underground mining industry through a move from manual to automated mine operations. From a communication point of view, this move introduces a new set of challenges and design goals of business driven and emergency response applications that need to be addressed by wireless technology. Solution based on wireless technology has a wide scope of deployment in underground mines supporting applications such as environmental monitoring, ventilation on demand, tracking of miners and remote asset monitoring, etc. However, the reliable operation of such networks is restricted in real time due to the unique characteristics of underground mines such as gallery dimension, humidity, curves and bends, support systems, noise etc. In addition, the lack of experimental understandings of electromagnetic wave propagation in such high stress environment affect the features offered by these technologies. In this work, we have focused on empirical understandings of radio signal behavior in different underground mines. The contribution of this work is three fold. First, it outlines the impact of depth on the signal propagation characteristics and then identifies the major propagation factor contributing to significant losses at the receiver in the mine tunnel space. Second, based on the propagation data collected at different metal and non-metal mines, discusses the role of mining methods on radio signal behavior. Third, it critically presents the need for modifications in formulations of the theoretical channel model which have been characterized by extensive data measurements in operational underground mines. The observations reported in this work may significantly help the wireless design community to achieve reliable and optimized performance of communication devices to be deployed in such high stress work environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjuvant use of anthracycline-taxane combination therapy is an accepted strategy in the management of high-risk early-stage breast cancer. However, the introduction of this regimen raises the question of how best to manage those patients who relapse following adjuvant therapy, and whether there is a role for rechallenging in the metastatic setting with the same agent, or class of agent, that has been utilized in the adjuvant setting. This Review examines the evidence for rechallenging with both anthracyclines and taxanes, and highlights the issues that need to be examined in the context of future clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]