Volume 14 | Issue 7 |

 Abstract

Abstract--This paper presents a design, implementation and experimental evaluation of an AI-Driven Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Delivery System. The system uses Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)-based navigation and real-time path optimization. The proposed system combines Deep Reinforcement Learning, Convolutional Neural Networks and an Explainable AI decision module. This enables autonomous parcel delivery in complex urban environments. Our system uses a custom hexacopter drone platform with LiDAR, stereo cameras, IMU, barometric pressure sensors and ultrasonic proximity detectors. The SLAM pipeline uses an ORB-SLAM3 and LiDAR SLAM fusion approach. This achieves sub-10 cm localization accuracy. The real-time path optimization engine executes a Modified A* algorithm. It also uses D* Lite re-planning and DRL-guided adjustments. This operates at 50 Hz update frequency. The Explainable AI module generates natural-language explanations of every drone decision. This includes route changes, altitude adjustments, obstacle detections and emergency protocols. The system is fully auditable and trustworthy for compliance. Experimental results across 847 real-world flight tests demonstrate a delivery success rate of 97.3%. The mean path planning latency is 18.7 ms. The obstacle avoidance reaction time is 23 ms. There is an end-to-end energy efficiency improvement of 34% over baseline systems.

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 Keywords

Autonomous UAV, SLAM Navigation, Deep Reinforcement Learning, Path Optimization, Explainable AI Mile Delivery, Obstacle Avoidance, Multi-Sensor Fusion, Real-Time Systems, Edge Computing

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Indigenous Knowledge, also known as Traditional Knowledge, refers to the shared knowledge, innovations, cultural practices and innovations which are accumulated by the native groups through generations. The knowledge contributes to biodiversity protection, traditional medicine, agriculture, environment sustainability and cultural legacy. However, the rapid growth of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence has increased the possibility of unauthorized access, biopiracy, digital appropriation and commercial exploitation of the Indigenous Knowledge without their consent. Intellectual Property Rules which primarily aimed at protecting individual creativity, often fail in recognizing the collaborative and intergenerational nature of indigenous knowledge. India has implemented various statutes to address the above issue such as Patents Act of 1970, the Biological Diversity Act of 2002 and the Geographical Indications of Goods Registration and Protection) Act of 1999. The present study adopts a qualitative doctrinal research methodology to assess the effectiveness of India's legal framework in preserving Indigenous Knowledge in the digital world. Further, the study seeks to examine prominent international instruments, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Nagoya Protocol and various initiatives undertaken by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The findings of the study indicates that despite India's significant efforts to prevent biopiracy, the effective and sustainable preservation of Indigenous Knowledge depends on the enactment of a comprehensive legal framework integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, meaningful involvement of Indigenous communities and equitable benefit sharing mechanisms.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Indigenous Knowledge, Traditional Knowledge, Intellectual Property Rights, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technology, TKDL, Biopiracy.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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This research paper aims to investigate the theme of disability in Malini Chib's autobiography 'One Little Finger'. The problem of disability is explored through the author's personal sentiments, as well as multiple ideologies. The study delves into several social perceptions and difficulties experienced by people with disabilities and how they are marginalized in a stereotypical society. Malini Chib's narrative provides a comprehensive account of the feeling of alienation, segregation, and innate desire of rejections and acceptance. The term marginalization stems from the fact that disabled people are treated as the 'other' and therefore, less desirable members of a society. Following an in-depth analysis of the author's emotional experience, one is able to relate the acquired understanding to a broad range of social attitudes towards people with disabilities, as well as various aspects of cerebral palsy affecting Chib and many others. This research paper focuses on contributing to females' empowerment and inclusive societies by providing the reader with an insight into the disabled lives and promoting positive perceptions. By analyzing Chib's experience, the reader is expected to gain a new perspective on social attitudes, difficulties, and stereotypes associated with disability. Having achieved such level of understanding, one will be able to create an inclusive society, promote equity, and increase recognition of the overall potential in people with impairments. In this regard, the genre of 'One Little Finger' can be related to a sharp analysis of the disabled person's experience. Those who are born or acquired disabilities are faced with a variety of negative aspects in their lives, including stereotypes, varying social attitudes, and different behaviors exhibited by people without disabilities. 'One Little Finger' covers the topic of disabilities in depth, exploring such concepts as cerebral palsy and its range of difficulties, as well as the effects of discrimination on the lives of impaired persons. The narrative revolves around the life of critically ill disabled persons, one of which is the author herself, Malini Chib. Being a disabled woman, she is faced with an enormous number of challenges on a daily basis. Despite the complexity of her physical appearance and disability, Chib manages to graduate from college and pursue her career as a teacher. from cerebral palsy, and her experiences of isolation, discrimination and marginalization. This paper examines challenges social perceptions of disability, struggles, and triumphs of the persons with disability. Chib's autobiography provides critically powerful images of society, cultural norms, ableism and stereotypical notions of society about disability. It highlights the ways of societal attitudes towards disability. It also portrays disability studies as a theoretical approach and analyses the ways of ongoing discourse of disability and social stigma.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Disability, Social Challenges , Inclusion , Discrimination, Trauma , Deformation,Otherness

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Abstract

Background: Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder characterized by breathlessness, wheezing, and reduced quality of life. Along with pharmacological management, non-pharmacological interventions such as breathing exercises are gaining importance, especially in low-cost and community-based care settings in India. Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) strengthens the respiratory muscles, while the Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) focuses on controlled nasal breathing to reduce hyperventilation. However, evidence on the combined effect of these two techniques is limited. Aim: To study the combined effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Buteyko Breathing Technique on reducing breathlessness and improving quality of life in asthmatic patients. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 patients with bronchial asthma aged between 35–45 years, selected by purposive sampling from Sri Ramakrishna Multispecialty Hospital, Coimbatore. Participants underwent Inspiratory Muscle Training using a threshold IMT device along with Buteyko Breathing Technique for 6 weeks. Breathlessness was assessed using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale and quality of life was measured using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Pre- and post-test values were analyzed using paired t-test. Results: The results showed a statistically significant reduction in breathlessness, with the mean Modified Borg Dyspnea score improving from 5.96 to 3.93 (t = 6.213). Quality of life also showed a significant improvement, with AQLQ scores improving from 3.26 to 2.1 (t = 6.049). Conclusion: The study concludes that the combined application of Inspiratory Muscle Training and Buteyko Breathing Technique is effective in reducing breathlessness and improving quality of life in asthmatic patients. Hence, the null hypothesis was rejected and the alternate hypothesis was accepted.

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 Keywords

Keywords: Bronchial Asthma, Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT), Breathlessness, Quality of Life, Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), Respiratory Rehabilitation.

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This study evaluates the causal outcomes of independent wage acquisition through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on the economic independence and intra-household agency of rural women. Drawing on primary data from 100 female participants in the Belabar and Dukli Gram Panchayats of West Tripura, the paper examines how transitioning from unrecognized, unpaid domestic labor to formal, institutionalized public wage work alters women's financial status and household bargaining power. The findings show that MGNREGA significantly enhances economic autonomy, with 87% of surveyed women reporting direct economic independence. This income supports essential household expenditures (58%), improves consumption standards (67%), and fosters integration into financial networks via Self-Help Groups (50%). Crucially, an inverse relationship was observed between labor volume and household decision-making power: women in Dukli recorded fewer workdays under the scheme but demonstrated higher household decision-making authority (81.6%) compared to Belabar (65%). This divergence highlights that while MGNREGA provides essential survival capital in resource-constrained border areas, its transformation into structural household agency is optimized when supported by broader local economic opportunities.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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MGNREGA; Self-Help Groups; household decision-making power

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Mathematical problem-solving is the all-important skill that is expected from a student at the undergraduate level as it builds logical reasoning, analysis and decision making. However, the conventional lecture-based teaching mode usually leads to emphasis on procedures rather than conceptual understanding, leaving the students to encounter problems when dealing with new or practical mathematical problems. The new advancements in educational technology have provided opportunities to innovate mathematics education through blended and hybrid learning environments. Recent innovations in educational technology have offered opportunities to innovate mathematics education in blended and hybrid learning environments. The paper suggests that a Technology-Integrated Blended and Hybrid Learning (TIBHL) Pedagogical Model can be used to improve mathematical problem-solving of undergraduate students. The suggested model combines the classroom teaching model with Learning Management Systems (LMS), GeoGebra, Desmos, learning with ChatGPT, formative assessment online, video lectures, collaborative learning and learning analytics. Proposed is a quasi-experimental design with 70 undergraduate students, where half of the students are assigned to an experimental group using TIBHL model while the other half are assigned to a control group using traditional teaching with 35 students being allocated to each group. The pre- and post-tests and structured student questionnaire will be used to gather data, and a student engagement scale will also be utilized. It is hoped the proposed model would make conceptual learning in mathematics, mathematical reasoning, mathematical involvement, self-study, and student learning achievement better. The results are likely to help mathematics teachers create learning environments supported by technology that promote deeper understanding and appropriate mathematical problem solving.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Blended Learning; Hybrid Learning; Mathematical Problem-Solving; Technology-Integrated Pedagogy; Artificial Intelligence in Education; Higher Education; Learning Analytics; Technology-Integrated Blended-Hybrid Learning Model (TIBHLM).

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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ABSTRACT: The most forward-thinking, competitive, and self-aware shoppers and consumers are those who belong to Generation Z. The biggest influences on decision-making include social media and the social networks that are already present in their environment, such as family, friends, and coworkers. Many complex buying decisions taken by Generation Z members are based on reviews and benefits they receive from their surroundings. Generation Z always tries to explore new alternatives. They are conscious of themselves as well as how their actions affect their environment. Owning a car is a necessity nowadays, but keeping in mind the harmful effects of conventional cars, i.e., air pollution, depletion of important resources and emission of harmful gases, people are moving towards an environmentally friendly idea of electric cars. By gathering and analysing the replies of 98 samples, a study has been conducted to learn more about the attitudes and preferences of Generation Z towards electric vehicles. In this paper, the objective is to know what the factors are which affect the purchasing decision of Generation Z, know the preferred price range of EVs in India and test the effect of subsidies provided by the government and charging station availability on purchasing decisions of Generation Z. It was found that Generation Z prefers more range for electric vehicles and adequate infrastructure for charging stations, which positively affects their EV purchasing decisions. Price expectations as per the Indian market range from 5 to 12 lakhs. Brand also plays an important part, which considers the origin of the brand and the variety or choices of EVs offered by the brand to customers in different segments.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Generation Z, Consumer Behaviour, Electric Vehicle

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Phytosomes, Metformin HCl, Syzygium cumini, Nanovesicles, Antidiabetic, Synergistic Efficacy.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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This research paper interrogates the 'Theatre of Roots' movement, a seminal post-independence paradigm in Indian theatre that sought to dismantle the aesthetic hegemony of Western realism. By comparatively analyzing Habib Tanvir's 'Naya Theatre,' which derived its vitality from the tribal and folk traditions of Chhattisgarh, and Kerala's 'Tanathu Natakavedi' (Indigenous Theatre), which synthesized ritualistic art forms with modern sensibilities, this study explores the reconstruction of indigenous performance languages. The investigation focuses on the dialectical relationship between tradition and modernity, the evolution of non-proscenium theatrical structures, and the sociopolitical identities inherent in these two movements.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Internet Addiction, Higher Secondary Students, Academic Performance, Mental Health, Stress and Anxiety, Depression,Sleep Disturbances

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease affecting millions worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART) has improved asthma management; however, treatment success depends largely on patient knowledge, adherence, and self-management practices. Objective: To evaluate the impact of patient counselling on knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP), medication adherence, and quality of life among asthma patients receiving SMART therapy. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 20 asthma patients receiving SMART therapy in a tertiary care hospital. Baseline and follow-up assessments of KAP, medication adherence, and quality of life were performed before and after counselling. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Significant improvements were observed following counselling. Mean knowledge scores increased from 60% to 88% (p=0.001), attitude scores from 66% to 82% (p=0.004), practice scores from 52% to 78% (p=0.001), and medication adherence scores from 54% to 79% (p=0.001). Quality-of-life scores improved significantly from 48% to82% (p=0.014). Conclusion: Patient counselling significantly improved KAP, medication adherence, and quality of life among asthma patients receiving SMART therapy, highlighting the important role of pharmacists in asthma management.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition

 Keywords

Asthma, SMART therapy, KAP, Medication Adherence, Quality of Life, Pharmacist Counselling.

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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 and The Open Definition