Volume 13 | Issue 11 |

 Abstract

Background: Mental health challenges among adolescents are a growing and significant public health burden in urban India. In a high-media-exposure environment such as Delhi and NCR, the prevalence rate of mental health problems among school-attending adolescents is estimated to be quite high, at about 23.33%. BCC often deploys anthropomorphic mascots as persuasive visual signs that are intended to simplify complex concepts and establish trust. However, the differential impact that variable semiotic structures-in particular, the design of the mascot, the cultural context, and the linguistic tone-have on youth perception and behavioral intent remains critically under-researched in the Indian context. This paper employs the framework of Visual Social Semiotics to deconstruct how localized cultural codes influence the persuasive efficacy of public health messaging aimed at the prevention of mental health and help-seeking behavior. Objectives and Methodology: The study attempts to investigate the differential effect of four types of public health mascot prototypes (Mascots A, B, C, D) on attitude and behavioral intent among urban Delhi adolescents, aged 13-19 years. The four conditions of the mascot vary essentially in their semiotic tonality and messages that accompany them: Emotional, Practical, Casual, and Authoritative. A quantitative, experimental-comparative, cross-sectional survey design was implemented in which a structured questionnaire containing several 5-point Likert scale items was administered to measure each key construct: Trust in Advice, Cultural Resonance, and Positive Attitude. Each participant was randomly exposed to one of the four mascot conditions. The analysis will compare the Mean Scores and Medians for each perception variable across the four mascot groups to descriptively assess which semiotic strategy produced the greatest efficacy. Outcomes and Conclusion: The central hypothesis is that mascots using culturally resonant visual signifiers and a relational, non-authoritative linguistic tone by the Casual or Practical approaches-will be significantly more effective in Trust and Behavioral Interest than will mascots using an institutional or directive tone-Mascot D. These findings are expected to provide empirical support for the view that Cultural Resonance serves as an important mediator because, without it, identification and trust cannot be established and because of the associated risk of negative identity outcomes mentioned earlier for mascots that are culturally dissonant. The findings will be used to develop evidence-based guidelines on how best to design effective, non-stigmatizing mental health mascots for the media-savvy, urban Indian youth demographic.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Semiotics; Public Health Mascots; Adolescent Mental Health; Delhi; Visual Communication; Behavior Change Communication; Cultural Resonance; Quantitative Analysis.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Background: Addiction remains one of the most pressing global public health challenges, encompassing both substance and behavioural dependencies. The emergence of mobile health (mHealth) applications offers innovative opportunities for prevention, early intervention, and recovery support. Objective: This narrative review explores the role, effectiveness, and challenges of mobile health applications in addiction prevention, with emphasis on global and Indian perspectives. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and WHO databases from 2013-2024. Studies focusing on prevention and early intervention through mobile apps targeting substance or behavioural addiction were included. Results: mHealth apps integrate behavioural theories, cognitive-behavioural strategies, gamification, and self-monitoring tools to reduce addictive behaviours. Evidence indicates promising outcomes in smoking cessation, alcohol control, and digital addiction management. However, issues like data privacy, digital literacy, and limited long-term evaluation persist. Conclusion: Mobile applications have emerged as scalable, cost-effective adjuncts to traditional addiction prevention strategies. Integrating them into public health frameworks, especially in low- and middle-income countries, could enhance accessibility and community-level prevention efforts.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Addiction prevention, mobile health, mHealth, digital health, substance abuse, behavioural addiction.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Abstract Automated attendance systems have become crucial in schools and organizations. They replace manual roll call, reduce human errors, and improve productivity. This paper suggests a Wi-Fi-based automated attendance system that detects registered devices within a specific network range by scanning MAC addresses. The system verifies student presence by identifying authenticated devices connected or detectable through the Wi-Fi access point. To protect confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access, all attendance records are encrypted with AES-256 file-level encryption before local storage. The hardware uses a microcontroller/Wi-Fi development board to detect nearby devices. Meanwhile, a backend script automates data logging and secure file creation. The system was tested in a controlled setting and showed reliable detection within 8 to 12 meters, achieving an accuracy of 92% during peak device density. This proposed model is a cost-effective, secure, and scalable option compared to biometric or RFID systems, making it especially suitable for classrooms and small institutions.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Index Terms-- Wi-Fi scanning, automated attendance, device detection, AES encryption, IoT, MAC authentication, secure logging.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Construction of Large Dam Projects have many negative and positive impacts where, positive impacts are supply of water though canals, hydro electricity generation, flood control of rivers, pisciculture, navigation and recreation and some major negative impacts are the displacement, valuable land loss, forest loss, environment degradation and biodiversity depletion. Big River Valley Projects have effect towards climatic change, damage natural eco- system, high soil erosion and creates air and water pollution. Mega Projects facing big challenges in the ground of massive involuntarily displacement which causes movements and unrest by various Social Organizations, environmentalists, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), affected Indigenous People and Human Right Activists. The role of environment is not appreciated properly by the public decision-making process. No more river valley projects are considered as symbolic dogma and temple of growth of the nation. This research paper is an enquiry to investigate the major problems involved in Upper Kolab Multipurpose Dam Project. Only from the stock-taking of the project and secondary data collected from various institutions is processed and analyzed to deduce the inferences.

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 Keywords

Biodiversity Depletion, Dam Impoundment Area, Decision Making Process, Environmental Degradation, Environmental Economics, Massive involuntary Displacement, Mult-Purpose River Basin Projects, World Commission on Dams.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

The escalating administrative responsibilities in educational institutions, including manual timetable generation, lesson planning, and assignment tracking, present significant challenges to educators, often leading to increased workload and inefficiency. Traditional management methods are frequently error-prone and time- consuming, necessitating a shift towards automated, intelligent solutions. This paper introduces the "Smart AI Solution for Teachers Work Management," a comprehensive website designed to streamline academic and administrative tasks. The system features three distinct, role-based dashboards for administrators, teachers, and students, providing a centralized interface for managing critical educational workflows. A key innovation of this system is the integration of a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, powered by the OpenAI API, which empowers teachers to automatically generate high-quality lecture notes and study materials, thereby significantly reducing content preparation time. In addition to AI-powered content creation, the platform offers robust modules for master timetable management, automated assignment submission and tracking, real-time syllabus progress monitoring, and integrated communication channels for announcements. By automating these routine processes, the proposed solution aims to reduce teacher workload, enhance operational efficiency, and mitigate the risks of digital burnout. This system represents a significant step towards creating a more organized, efficient, and technologically empowered educational environment for all stakeholders.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Educational Technology, Teacher Workload Management, Generative AI, Timetable Generation, Assignment Management System, Digital Burnout.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Abstract: Background: Nowadays, Computer users are increasingly facing Musculoskeletal Pain due to prolonged use of computer devices, which cause adverse health effects. Prolonged sitting in inappropriate, awkward, and static postures at the Computer workstation can lead to musculoskeletal pain. However, this can be Mitigated by setting up computer workstations according to ergonomic principles. Objective: To evaluate ergonomics and musculoskeletal pain through a self-filled questionnaire among computer desk job workers. Method: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 computer desk job workers of age group 22-55 years selected through random sampling. The Computer Workstation Ergonomics: Self-Assessment Checklist evaluated workstation ergonomics, while the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire assessed pain. Both tools were administered via Google Forms, and data was analyzed to determine ergonomic practices and the prevalence of pain among the workers. Results: 64% of ergonomic deficiencies in Computer Desk Job Workers were identified. Adjustable chair height, proper keyboard positioning, adequate back support, postural and eye breaks had most documented deficits. Most affected body parts were the Neck (54%), Shoulder (49%), Upper back (47%), Lower back (45%), Elbow (20%) and Wrist (12%). Conclusion: Prevalence of deficits in computer workstation ergonomics and Pain are seen. Appropriate strategies, work practices, and preventive measures are needed to eliminate ergonomic deficits and pain associated with computer workstations.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Computer Workstation Ergonomics: Self-Assessment Checklist, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Question, Pain and Computer desk job.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

ABSTRACT Goat farming is a significant agricultural activity in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, contributing substantially to the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Sustainable goat farming practices are essential to ensure the long-term viability of this activity. This article discusses the best practices for sustainable goat farming in Namakkal district, focusing on selecting suitable breeds, improving genetic quality, and implementing breeding programs to enhance productivity and providing high-quality fodder, ensuring adequate nutrition, and promoting grazing with supplementation and implementing regular vaccination, parasite control, and veterinary care to maintain goat health and developing market linkages, improving price fixation, and promoting value-added products.The study further assesses the profitability of goat farming through cost and returns analysis and identifies major constraints faced by farmers such as inadequate veterinary services, fluctuating market prices, feed scarcity, and limited credit availability. The findings indicate that goat farming significantly supplements household income, enhances food and nutritional security, and provides substantial self-employment opportunities, especially for women and marginal farmers. Sustainable goat farming practices can improve productivity, income, and livelihood security for farmers in Namakkal district. Government support, extension services, and farmers' organizations play a crucial role in promoting these practices.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Key words: Sustainable Goat farming, Long-term viability, Breeding, Feeding, Health management, Marketing, Livelihood security.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

The Starbucks Digital Platform is a front-end web application designed to provide users with an interactive and seamless browsing experience for Starbucks products. Developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the platform offers a responsive interface that allows users to explore menu items, view product details, and manage their selections through a real-time cart system. JavaScript enhances the website's interactivity by enabling dynamic updates, search functionality, and smooth navigation across the platform. An integrated chatbot is incorporated to simulate automated customer assistance, improving user engagement and providing quick responses to common queries. This project demonstrates the practical application of modern front-end technologies to create a user-friendly and visually appealing digital shopping experience, making it suitable for academic learning, prototype development, and front-end skill enhancement.

Licence: creative commons attribution 4.0

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Digital Ordering System , E-commerce Platform, Mobile Application, Web Application

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) have always been a foundational tool for promoting the welfare of citizens in diversified sectors such as health, education and women empowerment in India. Yet, the approachability of these schemes for people belonging to excluded or marginalized groups remains a persistent and unresolved concern. While CCTs aim to support the ones most in need, a significant vacuum in stakeholder accountability and administrative responsiveness raises a big question about their effectiveness. The government's aim of digitizing every scheme also ignores the fact that a large group of people do not have proper bank accounts or adequate access to digital payment interfaces, raising critical questions about equitable access. On one hand, the government seeks to uplift the sections of society that genuinely need help, but on the other hand, the due diligence and compliance requirements for these programmes often become major barriers for the very population they intend to uplift. The bureaucracy needs to ensure that the mechanism is redesigned in a manner that includes all targeted sections of society smoothly through truly inclusive implementation, while ensuring access to everyone who qualifies after fair verification. Without substantive measures, the government is failing to fulfill its constitutional obligations to its citizens under Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality and the right to live with dignity. This critical review highlights the dire need to recalibrate India's CCT framework towards a more holistic, accessible and dignified uplifting model.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Aadhaar, Welfare Rights, Article 21, Constitutional Justice, Digital Exclusion, Social Security, Governance Reform

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

This project presents a Smart Home Automation System that enables remote monitoring and control of household appliances using microcontroller-based hardware, integrated sensors, and mobile applications, providing convenience, energy efficiency, and accessibility for all users, including the elderly and physically challenged.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

1 Smart Home 2 Internet of Things (IoT) 3 Home Appliances 4 Wireless Sensors 5 Lifestyle Automation 6 Microcontrollers(e.g., Arduino, Raspberry pi,ESP32)

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition