EPH–International Journal of Educational Research
EPH-International Journal of Educational Research (EPH-IJER) (ISSN: 2208-2204) is a quarterly, peer-reviewed, and open-access scholarly journal that provides a global forum for researchers, academicians, and practitioners in the field of education. Published by Southern Cross Academic Press, the journal is committed to upholding high standards of academic quality, transparency, and ethical publishing while continuously responding to developments in the scholarly publishing environment. The journal welcomes the submission of original research articles, review papers, and case studies that advance educational theory, policy, and practice across diverse educational contexts. EPH – International Journal of Educational Research (IJER) ISSN (Online): 2208-2204 Published Since: 2015 Language: English Frequency: Quarterly Format: Online Publisher: Southern Cross Academic Press, Australia
CULINARY EPISTEMOLOGY AND CULTURAL MNEMONICS IN STEPHEN CHBOSKY’S NONNAS (2025)
This paper “Culinary Epistemology and Cultural Mnemonics in Stephen Chbosky’s Nonnas (2025)” explores how the embodied practice of culinary epistemology function as a counter hegemonic archive in reclaiming the past and the formation of a cultural identity against the homogenizing forces of assimilation in America. Directed by Stephen Chbosky, Nonnas is a culinary narrative in which food surpasses its role as a spectacle and becomes the medium through which intergenerational memory, grief and cultural identity are mediated. This paper analyses how the culinary memory of the nonnas (real-life Italian grandmothers) who are the custodians of cultural knowledge – ethnic Italian recipes help the protagonist Joe Scaravella in establishing an Italian restaurant “Enoteca Maria” in memory of his late mother at Staten Island in New York. Drawing on the theoretical framework of David E. Sutton (Remembrance of Repasts: An Anthropology of Food and Memory) this study exposes the relationship between culinary memory and cultural identity. In locating Nonnas within the broader framework of culinary cinema, this article presents the movie as a cultural text in which the embodied culinary practice is directly linked with reclaiming the past as well as the cultural identity of the protagonist.
TEACHING COMPETENCY AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF SIKKIM: STATUS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS
Teaching competency is a central determinant of the quality of secondary education, yet very less studies has been done through direct classroom observation. This study focused on general teaching competency among secondary school teachers in Sikkim. Using a cross-sectional, comparative observational design, trained observers rated 308 secondary school teachers on the Passi and Lalitha (2011) General Teaching Competency Scale, a 21-item, seven-point observational instrument rooted in the microteaching tradition. Competency was operationalised as the summed observed score, which can range from 21 to 147. The mean was 61.56 (SD = 7.07), and scores ranged from 43 to 83 in a near-symmetric distribution. Interpretation followed two complementary bases. Judged against the instrument’s standardised norms derived from pre-service trainees, almost the whole sample fell into the lowest grade bands, an outcome that reflects a mismatch between the norming group and serving teachers rather than poor practice. Judged against sample-referenced bands, competency was distributed normally: 65.9% of teachers were moderate, 18.2% high, and 15.9% low. Welch t-tests and a one-way analysis of variance found no significant differences in competency by gender, locale, school management, academic qualification, professional-qualification cohort, or teaching experience, and every effect size was negligible (all |d| ≤ 0.20, η² = .001). The competency profile is therefore moderate and strikingly uniform, a pattern that mirrors two parallel Sikkim studies-of professional commitment and of higher-secondary teaching competency-and converges with competency research from the Philippines, Oman, Nigeria, and elsewhere The findings have implications for teacher professional development, classroom-quality monitoring, and evidence-based educational policy in small-state educational contexts. The findings caution against the uncritical use of norms built on non-equivalent groups and carry implications for how teacher-quality policy in Sikkim is targeted.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND URBAN YOUTH IDENTITY: SOCIOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS FROM VISAKHAPATNAM
The expansion of social media has transformed the everyday social experiences of urban youth in India. Digital platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat increasingly shape communication, identity formation, aspirations, and patterns of social interaction. This theoretical paper examines the relationship between social media and urban youth identity with special reference to Visakhapatnam city. The article uses sociological perspectives related to self-presentation, modernity, network society, and consumer culture to understand how digital platforms influence youth behaviour and social relationships. The paper argues that social media has become more than a communication tool; it now functions as an important social space where identity, visibility, and recognition are continuously negotiated. The article also discusses how online interaction affects self-esteem, lifestyle aspirations, and emotional experiences among urban youth. The study concludes that social media has emerged as a major influence on contemporary urban social life and youth culture.
DEMOCRACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
The twenty-first century has witnessed an unprecedented expansion of digital technologies, bringing significant changes to the functioning of democratic systems and the nature of political participation. The increasing use of the internet, mobile communication, and social networking platforms has enabled citizens to engage with political processes in ways that were not possible in earlier periods. Digital technologies have facilitated faster access to information, encouraged public discussion on political issues, and provided new channels through which individuals can express opinions and participate in civic activities. As a result, the idea of digital democracy has gained considerable importance in contemporary political discourse. The growing influence of digital platforms has transformed the relationship between citizens and political institutions by creating opportunities for greater interaction, public engagement, and transparency. Political leaders, governments, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens increasingly rely on digital media for communication, awareness generation, and mobilization around public issues. At the same time, the digital environment presents several challenges, including the circulation of misleading information, online manipulation, cyber security concerns, unequal access to technology, and issues related to privacy and data protection. This paper examines the impact of digital technologies on democratic participation and explores both the opportunities and challenges associated with digital democracy. The study is descriptive and analytical in nature and is based on secondary sources such as books, scholarly articles, policy reports, and official publications. The study argues that digital technology has expanded the scope of political participation and strengthened citizen engagement in many democratic societies. However, the realization of a more inclusive and effective digital democracy depends upon improving digital literacy, ensuring equitable access to technological resources, and developing institutional mechanisms that safeguard democratic values and public accountability.
STAGING THE STATE, PERFORMING POLITICS: A CURIOUS CASE OF DARIO FO AND FRANCA RAME
This article investigates the theatre of Dario Fo and Franca Rame through the conceptual framework of performative ideology, arguing that their dramaturgy does not merely represent political realities but exposes the theatrical mechanisms through which power legitimises itself in modern society. Drawing upon the traditions of medieval Giullari, Ruzzante, Commedia dell’arte, and twentieth-century experimental performance, the study demonstrates how Fo and Rame transformed popular theatre into a critical instrument for interrogating state authority, ecclesiastical power, capitalist hegemony, media manipulation, and patriarchal domination. Through close readings of major works including Mistero Buffo, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!, All Home, Bed, and Church, The Open Couple, The Rape, The Pope and the Witch, Johan Padan and the Discovery of the Americas, and L’Anomalo Bicefalo, the article reveals how institutional discourse operates as a repertoire of repeated performances that naturalize social hierarchies and ideological consent. The study further situates Fo and Rame within broader traditions of performance theory by engaging Stanislavskian realism, Meyerholdian biomechanics, Grotowskian actor training, and Lecoqian physical pedagogy. Their theatrical practice emerges as a dynamic synthesis of improvisation and discipline, bodily expressivity and political critique, collective authorship and popular communication. Particular attention is devoted to grammelot, clowning, direct audience address, grotesque embodiment, music, and anti-naturalist staging as strategies that dismantle official narratives and expose the performative foundations of authority. The article also reassesses Franca Rame’s indispensable role as playwright, performer, feminist theorist, and collaborative creator whose interventions expanded the political horizon of popular theatre by foregrounding gendered forms of ideological regulation. Ultimately, the essay argues that Fo and Rame’s theatre constitutes a radical counter-public sphere in which laughter becomes a mode of historical inquiry, performance becomes a practice of ideological demystification, and theatrical representation functions as a powerful medium for reimagining democratic agency and cultural resistance.
THE IDEA OF GANDHI AND AMBEDKAR OF AN INDEPENDENT INDIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
The present paper attempts a comparative analysis of the two visions of an independent India of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. Both were great architects of the national and social vision of India but their visions of its independence were markedly different. Gandhi had a vision of a new India based on spiritual regeneration, a decentralised village republics, a moral nonviolence and a new Hindu social order which would not be based on the Varna system but would be clean of untouchability. Ambedkar, on the other hand, envisioned an independent nation that would be modern, based on the rule of law, industrial and without caste. This paper discusses five comparative strands of analysis: philosophical traditions; how caste and religion were understood; strategies for social reform; political representation and the Poona Pact; and conceptions of economy and democracy, all drawn from the primary and secondary literature provided — including that of Saxena (Heritage Times, 2022), Jha (RAIJMR, 2017), Shaw (IJPSG, 2025), Sarkar (IJAR, 2025), and the Indira Gandhi National Open University unit on Gandhi and Ambedkar. Even as they remain antagonistic, according to the study, Gandhi and Ambedkar provide alternative, but complementary, visions of India and the unfinished nature of the Indian independence movement can be better captured by creating productive tensions between them. The paper ends by arguing that caricaturization of either of the thinkers is a deprivation of scholarship and policy.
RETHINKING THE JANE AUSTEN CONTINUUM : CROSS-CULTURAL AFTERLIVES AND DROP CULTURE IN BRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Jane Austen’s novels are pivotal in the canon of English literature. This article attempts to make a foray into the ever-continuing presence of Austen in the global literary scenario, which gets boosted through the cross-cultural adaptations of the novels. Her novels have been a site of retellings over generations. The present article focuses on Bride and Prejudice (2004), a Bollywood cinematic adaptation of Pride and Prejudice directed by Gurinder Chadha, which is a cross-cultural and transnational translation. The arguments are based on adaptation studies, postcolonial studies, and cultural studies. The film reinvents the portrayal of class, marriage, and female agency through culturally specific film aesthetics, paying attention to postcolonial diasporic cultures and altered notions of romance and marriage. The film is multilingual, located in multiple spaces, and is highly musical, making it an apt demonstration of the circulating and evolving potential of the Austen canon in the global popular culture scenario. The thesis of the article is that Austen’s relevance endures not just through her novels alone, but more powerfully through cultural reinventions.
CONSENT FATIGUE IN CONVERSATIONAL AI: MICRO-DESIGN REMEDIES FOR OVEREXPOSED USER
The operationalisation of informed consent in conversational AI systems has produced a paradox: the more assiduously platforms comply with notification obligations, the less meaningful individual consent becomes. Repeated exposure to privacy prompts, disclosure notices, and permission requests within chatbot and voice assistant interfaces engenders a condition this article terms 'consent fatigue'—a cognitive and behavioural disposition characterised by habituated disengagement from the very disclosures designed to protect user autonomy. Drawing upon a mixed-methods study involving one hundred and twenty-seven participants across varied demographic groups, this article investigates the relative efficacy of micro-design interventions—including icon-based cues, adaptive frequency controls, and contextual micro-prompts—in ameliorating consent fatigue without sacrificing regulatory compliance. The findings demonstrate a statistically significant inverse correlation between traditional text-heavy consent mechanisms and user comprehension, and a correspondingly significant improvement in both engagement and understanding under icon-based and adaptive designs. The article argues that current regulatory frameworks under the GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are inadequate to the human-computer interaction realities of conversational AI, and proposes a revised consent design standard grounded in cognitive load theory, behavioural economics, and user-centred legal design.
INFLUENCE OF PARENT CHILD RELATIONSHIP ON CAREER PREFERENCE AMONG ADOLESCENTS
The present study was conducted to examine the relationship and influence of parent child relationship on career preference among adolescents. A sample of 200 secondary school students and secondary madrasah students (Class IX–X) was selected by applying simple random sampling technique. Standardized tools were used to measure parent child relationship and career preference. Statistical techniques such as mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation, t-test, and regression analysis were employed. The findings showed a moderate positive relationship between parent child relationship and career preference. It was also found that parent child relationship significantly influences career preference. Furthermore, significant differences were revealed based on gender and type of institution. The study highlights the importance of a supportive parental environment in shaping adolescents’ career decisions.
THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES: LABOR, TRADE AND REGULATION
Driverless cars are vehicles which drive by themselves in absence of human input due to high tech. engineering. When AVs take over driving tasks, it adds to productivity for freight and passenger transport and reduces operating costs. It can reshape the spatial organization of economic activity. Yet, these benefits come with distributional outcomes: there’s a risk of displacement for jobs heavily reliant on driving (like truck, taxi, and delivery drivers). There are new opportunities for fleet management, maintenance, software, and logistics optimization. Besides, there’s also wage and skill polarization. For trade, logistics that use audio-visual technologies can bring about lower transport costs and faster cross-border supply chains, as well as new service models (on-demand logistics, micro-fulfilment), but it could also transform comparative advantages among regions reliant on transport-dependant sectors. The regulation will need to address safety, liability, data privacy, urban impact, as well as labour and social policies to mitigate these transition costs. This paper combines theoretical and empirical evidence, formulates an integrated analytical framework constructed by combining the task-based labor model with trade-cost simulation, and scenarios-based results assessing the short- and medium impact AVs under different adoption speeds. Policy advice urges gradual regulation; retraining and income support schemes; data and liability standards; targeted infrastructure investment for maximising gains while mitigating social costs. To achieve the equitable and sustainable benefits of AV coordinated public–private responses are essential.
NATURE, TERRITORY, AND IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY QUEBEC LITERATURE
Contemporary Quebec literature increasingly foregrounds the environment not merely as a passive backdrop but as a dynamic element shaping identity, memory, culture, and political consciousness. This development coincides with the rise of ecocritical thought and growing awareness of ecological crises in the twenty-first century. Quebec writers, particularly those associated with Indigenous and regional narratives, depict landscapes, forests, rivers, and rural territories as spaces of cultural memory, resistance, and healing. Authors such as Naomi Fontaine, Natasha Kanapé Fontaine, Virginia Pésémapeo Bordeleau, and Jocelyne Saucier articulate environmental imaginaries that challenge anthropocentric narratives and reframe the relationship between humans and nature. In particular, Naomi Fontaine’s works, including Kuessipan and Manikanetish, present the Innu territory as a central component of cultural identity and collective survival. Through ecocritical analysis, this paper examines how contemporary Quebec literature represents the environment as (1) a cultural landscape, (2) a repository of memory and identity, (3) a site of resistance to colonial and industrial exploitation, and (4) a space for healing and collective renewal. By analyzing selected texts and literary trends, the study demonstrates that environmental representation in Quebec literature functions not only aesthetically but also politically and culturally, reflecting broader transformations in environmental humanities and Indigenous literary expression.
AN OVERVIEW OF INDIA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATION POLICIES AND OUTCOMES (2005–2011)
The period between 2005 and 2011 represents a transformative era in the history of Indian education. Marked by the transition from the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) framework to the constitutional mandate of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, this era saw unprecedented shifts in enrollment and infrastructure. This paper examines the evolution of primary education policies, the legislative milestones of the 11th Five-Year Plan, and the subsequent outcomes in literacy rates and learning quality. While quantitative successes in Universal Elementary Education (UEE) were significant, the paper highlights the persistent "learning crisis" that emerged during this period.
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education
IMPACT OF MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES ON STOCK MARKET RETURNS: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
Stock markets play a crucial role in the economic development of a country by mobilizing savings and allocating capital efficiently. Macroeconomic variables significantly influence stock market behavior, as they reflect the overall economic environment in which firms operate. This study aims to quantitatively examine the impact of selected macroeconomic variables on stock market returns using econometric techniques. The variables considered include inflation rate, interest rate, exchange rate, gross domestic product (GDP) growth, and money supply. The study employs time- series data and applies multiple regression analysis to evaluate the magnitude and direction of the relationship between macroeconomic indicators and stock market returns. Descriptive statistics are used to understand the basic characteristics of the data, followed by correlation analysis to examine the interrelationships among variables. Stationarity tests such as the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test are applied to ensure data reliability. The regression results reveal that interest rate and inflation exhibit a statistically significant negative impact on stock market returns, while GDP growth and money supply show a positive and significant relationship. Exchange rate fluctuations demonstrate a mixed impact, depending on market conditions and investor expectations. The model explains a substantial proportion of variation in stock returns, indicating strong explanatory power. The findings provide valuable insights for investors, policymakers, and financial analysts by highlighting the importance of macroeconomic stability for stock market performance. The study concludes that effective monetary and fiscal policies can enhance stock market efficiency and investor confidence, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ICT READINESS IN PRIVATE VS. GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS OF RANCHI: ASSESSING THE DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE GAP
This study looks at how prepared private and government schools in Ranchi, Jharkhand are when it comes to using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Using data from UDISE+ 2024–25 along with field observations, the research highlights differences in digital facilities, teacher training, and student access. The results show that private schools are generally better equipped, while government schools continue to face problems with internet access, availability of devices, and integration of digital teaching methods. The paper stresses the need for strong policy measures to reduce this digital divide.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
INJURY PREVENTION AND RECOVERY PROTOCOLS IN ELITE FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Background: Football (soccer) is characterised by high injury incidence rates, with match injuries occurring at approximately 36 per 1000 hours of exposure, nearly 10 times higher than training injuries. Lower extremity injuries account for 84% of all injuries, with muscle strains and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries being the most common. Systematic injury prevention programs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing injury risk. Objective: To systematically review current injury prevention protocols and recovery strategies in elite football players, synthesise evidence-based interventions, and provide practical implementation frameworks for coaches and athletic trainers. Methods: Comprehensive literature search of PubMed database (2000–2023) using keywords: "injury prevention football," "ACL prevention," "neuromuscular training," "FIFA 11+," and "return-to-play protocols." Inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed articles, randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses examining football injury prevention. Exclusion criteria: non-English language articles, editorials, and opinion pieces. Results: 26 high-quality studies were analysed. Meta-analyses demonstrated that structured injury prevention programs reduce overall injury risk by 38.5% (RR = 0.615, 95% CI = 0.512–0.739; p < 0.001). Neuromuscular training programs (NMT) reduced ACL injury risk by 45% and hamstring injuries by 31% (p < 0.01). FIFA 11+ protocol showed 43% reduction in ACL injuries and 30% reduction in overall injury incidence. Return-to-play (RTP) protocols incorporating progressive loading reduced recurrent injury rates from 32% to 8% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Evidence-based injury prevention and recovery protocols significantly reduce injury incidence and severity in elite football players. Implementation requires systematic integration of neuromuscular training, strength-balance-mobility exercises, and graduated return-to-play protocols. Future research should focus on compliance optimisation and cost-effectiveness analysis in resource-limited settings.
BILINGUALISM IMPACT ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION: STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES
Bilingualism significantly influences English language acquisition, offering distinct solutions and problems for learners. Research indicates that bilingual learners frequently utilise their pre-existing linguistic knowledge to aid in the acquisition of new languages, exhibiting distinct language-learning techniques in contrast to monolingual individuals. This approach entails addressing language transfer, cultural disparities, and the requirement for specialised instructional assistance. Bilingualism has cognitive benefits, including improved cognitive flexibility and metalinguistic awareness. Effective bilingual education enhances student achievement in English, perhaps raising it to or above national standards when pupils cultivate proficiency in their original language. Educators must adopt culturally responsive teaching methodologies, appreciating and integrating students’ language and cultural heritages, modifying instructional resources to accommodate varied requirements, and fostering supportive classroom atmospheres. Professional development programmes are crucial for providing teachers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively instruct bilingual learners, encompassing strategies for evaluating language competency, differentiating instruction, and promoting collaboration with families and communities.
HEMATOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF CYPRINUS CARPIO TO ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICANTS
Water bodies face severe environmental pollution risks, and among the riskiest aquatic pollutants are pesticides. Cyprinus carpio is a cosmopolitan fish species found in freshwater that is extremely sensitive to toxic substances and is a very good bioindicator of aquatic ecosystem health. This study tested the hematological effect of lambda-cyhalothrin, a pyrethroid pesticide, on Cyprinus carpio using Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin, hematocrit measurements, white blood cell (WBC), and red blood cell (RBC) counts after a 14-day exposure. Temporal changes were assessed by blood sampling on Days 0, 7, and 14. The results indicated lambda-cyhalothrin exposure caused significant reductions in RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels, indicating impaired oxygen transport, but with increased WBC counts, suggesting an immune reaction to toxic stress. The observations demonstrate the negative impacts of pesticide exposure on fish physiology and justify the application of hematological biomarkers as sensitive markers of aquatic contamination. The research provides the critical information necessary for understanding lambda-cyhalothrin sublethal toxicity and highlights the necessity for strict regulation and pesticide runoff monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. Effective biomarker-based surveillance tools are essential for the protection of aquatic biodiversity and long-term ecological stability.
A STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CARD GAMES IN ENHANCING SCIENCE LEARNING OUTCOMES AMONG SECONDARY LEVEL STUDENTS
In the era of rapidly evolving pedagogical methods, gamification and game-based learning have emerged as innovative strategies to enhance student engagement and academic achievement. This study investigates the effectiveness of card games as a pedagogical tool in improving the learning outcomes of secondary-level students in biology, specifically focusing on the topic "The Fundamental Unit of Life – Cell." A quasi-experimental design was adopted, involving 65 Class IX students from a school in Surat, Gujarat. Pre-test and post-test achievement scores were analyzed using t-test, revealing a statistically significant improvement in the experimental group's performance. Additionally, qualitative data from observation schedules and feedback forms underscored the development of key 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and Conceptual correlation. The card game, composed of 52 cards with pairing mechanisms based on biological terminologies and diagrams, not only facilitated conceptual clarity but also fostered student motivation and curiosity towards science learning. The results suggest that integrating card games into the science curriculum is an effective and enjoyable strategy to reinforce complex biological concepts, promote peer learning, and enhance academic performance. This study highlights the potential of gamified instructional strategies to transform science education and recommends broader implementation for improved student engagement and learning outcomes in STEAM disciplines.
USING BUSINESS ANALYTICS TO FIND SHOPPER BEHAVIOR PATTER -ONLINE & OFFLINE.”
For our study on shopper behaviour in the Indian retail industry, we studied how people shop both online as well as in physical stores. To understand why shoppers choose certain stores, pick certain products, shop online how often, and what are the most important features to look for to shop. We researched a whole gamut of questions, from how important fast delivery is, to how online reviews affect the buy button. So, we asked different questions to shoppers on their shopping habits as well as preferences. So we took a look at why some people tend to shop online and why others still want to visit a store. In addition, we looked at what payment methods shoppers feel most comfortable using and how they learn about new products and promotions. We also looked at if mobile apps are good for shopping and if Tailor-made recommendations influence shopper’s decision. We also analyzed the value of products being sustainable and how likely a shopper is to return to a store if a shopping experience is pleasant. Our goal was to learn valuable insights that retailers who are selling products and interacting with customers can take advantage of to improve their selling strategies. Understanding these behaviors and preferences allows retailers to serve shopper needs better and ultimately have happier customers, more successful retail strategies. Because the Indian retail market is growing and becoming more digital, this study is especially important. We want to bring those closer together through data science, from the payoff side to help retailers create a enjoyable, friction less experience in the store for their consumers, and starting on the liquidity side, making things easier, simpler for everyone, and more personalized.
STUDY ON EVALUATION OF CONCENTRATION ABILITY AMONG SPORTS AND NON-SPORTS PERSONS THROUGH NUMBER SCANNING SPEED
This study aims to evaluate the concentration ability among sports and non-sports persons using the number scanning speed test as a cognitive performance indicator. The research investigates whether individuals engaged in regular sports activities demonstrate superior concentration abilities compared to those who do not participate in sports. A total of 200 participants were selected from schools and colleges in Nagpur, equally divided into two groups: sports persons (athletes involved in regular training) and non-sports persons (individuals with no structured physical activity). Each participant underwent a standardized number scanning speed test, which required identifying specific numerical sequences within a given time frame. The test was used as a proxy for measuring selective attention and processing speed—key components of concentration. The results indicated that sports persons significantly outperformed non-sports persons in both accuracy and speed during the number scanning task. Statistical analysis using independent samples t-test confirmed a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05), supporting the hypothesis that involvement in sports enhances concentration ability. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between years of sports engagement and scanning speed performance, suggesting that long-term participation in sports may have cumulative benefits on cognitive function. These findings underscore the importance of physical activity in enhancing cognitive skills such as concentration. They also provide empirical support for integrating sports and physical education into academic curricula to improve students' mental focus and academic performance.
IMPACT OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS OF SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS OF FARIDABAD CITY
This research was conducted to see the relation between emotional intelligence and academic performance among boys and girls of Faridabad city situated in NCR. It has been established that emotional intelligence is a key factor in the academic success of a student. In the present study, descriptive survey method was used to obtain pertinent and precise information. The sample consists of 600 students (300 Males 300 Females) selected from schools of Faridabad by using multi stage cluster sampling technique. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to study Emotional Intelligence of the students. It consists of 60 items having 12 items of each of five dimensions namely Self -Awareness, Self-regulation Motivation ,Empathy and Social Skills . T-test and Pearson’s Product Moment Co-efficient of Correlation Methods are used for data analysis. The result reveals that there is a positive relationship between Academic Achievement and Emotional intelligence with respect to gender and type of school however there is difference in term of grade ,XIth class students have higher emotional intelligence and so found ahead academic pursuit .It may be feeling less stressed after their secondary examination .
THE ROLE OF FOOTBALL IN ADOLESCENTS’ PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELLBEING: SELF-ESTEEM, PEER SUPPORT, AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION
This research tries to identify the role of football in promoting psychosocial development among adolescents, focusing on three key dimensions: self-esteem, peer support, and emotional regulation. Drawing from Erikson’s psychosocial development theory and Positive Youth Development (PYD) frameworks, the research explores how regular participation in football influences these variables. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 100 adolescent football players from Kerala. Statistical analysis revealed significant positive relationships between football participation and all three psychosocial factors. Moreover, gender differences were observed, with male adolescents reporting higher levels of self-esteem, peer support, and emotional regulation than females. These findings highlight football’s potential as a developmental tool that fosters psychological resilience and social connectedness during adolescence. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating structured sports programs into youth development initiatives and recommends future research to explore long-term impacts and gender-inclusive strategies for maximizing football's psychosocial benefits.
USING BUSINESS ANALYTICS TO FIND SHOPPER BEHAVIOR PATTER -”ONLINE & OFFLINE.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the landscape of sports, affecting everything from how athletes train and perform to how fans connect with the game and how decisions are made on and off the field. This paper delves into the diverse ways AI is being used and could be used in sports, examining its power to improve performance, predict and prevent injuries, create more immersive fan experiences, and inform strategic choices. We will explore the significant advantages AI brings, such as providing immediate data-driven insights and increasing the accuracy of officiating. However, we will also confront the key challenges that come with AI adoption, including ethical dilemmas, the costs of implementation, and potential impacts on employment within the sports sector. Our analysis underscores the need for a thoughtful and ethical approach to integrating AI, one that harnesses its strengths while proactively mitigating its weaknesses through careful oversight, ethical frameworks, and strategies for workforce adaptation. 3 Ultimately, this research posits that the future of AI in sports lies in its ability to work alongside human intelligence, simplify complex processes, and drive innovation, all while safeguarding the fundamental spirit and fairness of athletic competition. By strategically managing its integration, AI can be a powerful engine for the long-term development and progress of the sports world.
PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS FOR USED CAR PRICING USING R AND REGRESSION METHODS
This study investigates the pricing dynamics of used cars using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Ridge Regression techniques in R. The MLR model achieved a strong explanatory performance (R² = 0.8961), identifying key variables such as brand category, car age, and geographic region as significant predictors of price. However, issues like multicollinearity and overfitting limited its robustness. To address these challenges, Ridge Regression was employed, incorporating regularization to stabilize coefficient estimates and enhance predictive accuracy. Optimal lambda selection through cross-validation further improved model generalizability. The Ridge model confirmed key market trends, including depreciation with car age and premium valuation of electric and luxury vehicles. This dual-model approach not only demonstrates the comparative strengths of regression techniques but also provides actionable insights for stakeholders, offering a data-driven foundation for pricing strategy and policy development in the used car market.
A REVIEW ON SLEEP AND TRAVEL FATIGUE ON MATCH PERFORMANCE IN FOOTBALL: IMPACT OF CIRCADIAN RHYTHM DISRUPTION AND JET LAG
The present study investigates the effects of sleep and travel fatigue on football match performance, with a focus on the disruptions caused by circadian rhythm misalignment and jet lag. Football teams regularly travel across time zones for international competitions, exposing athletes to circadian rhythm disruptions that can impair their performance. A systematic review of 20 studies published between 2000 and 2017 was conducted, examining the relationship between sleep quality, travel-induced fatigue, and football performance outcomes. The results indicate that poor sleep quality and the associated fatigue due to long-distance travel significantly affect match performance, with athletes experiencing reduced reaction times, decreased endurance, and impaired decision-making abilities. Furthermore, jet lag and circadian rhythm disruption were found to negatively influence physiological markers such as heart rate variability and muscle recovery. These findings underscore the importance of managing sleep and recovery protocols for football players, particularly during international travel, to optimize performance.
Long-Term Effects of Heading the Ball on Cognitive Function In Footballers: A Systematic Review
The act of heading the ball is a fundamental skill in football, but there is growing concern about its long-term effects on the cognitive function of footballers. Research suggests that repetitive heading may be associated with cognitive decline, memory deficits, and neurodegenerative diseases. This paper reviews the existing literature on the long-term impact of heading the ball on cognitive health, focusing on the potential link between heading frequency and the development of conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer's disease. A systematic review of studies conducted over the past two decades reveals mixed results, with some indicating significant cognitive impairments while others suggest minimal effects. This review highlights the importance of early detection, monitoring cognitive function, and revising training protocols to reduce heading exposure. The paper also explores the potential benefits of interventions such as cognitive training, neuroimaging, and modifying heading techniques to protect athletes' long-term health.
GOTHIC ELEMENTS IN MODERN HORROR FICTION: A GENRE STUDY
This study examines how traditional Gothic motifs experienced adaptation through contemporary horror fiction, tracing their evolution and continued contemporary significance in terms of engaging 20th-century cultural and psychological concerns and ultimately their transformation for use in addressing the anxieties of its twenty-first-century readers. The research draws on a qualitative textual analysis of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, Stephen King’s The Shining, and Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties to examine the relationship between classic Gothic conventions and contemporary horror plotlines. The findings highlight how Gothic tropes are flexible enough to encompass issues such as mental health, gender dynamics, and societal alienation within society. The study analyses modern anxieties by transforming key themes like isolation, decay, and the uncanny. The study also explores the parallels between classical and contemporary Gothic, emphasising the genre’s ability to maintain literary continuity and cultural critique. This research demonstrates the Gothic’s versatility as both a literary tradition and a framework for addressing complex societal questions by bridging historical and modern contexts. All of these statements add more knowledge about the future of Gothic literature and its evolution in the context of the horror genre.
TRANSFORMING EDUCATION: FROM ROTE LEARNING TO CRITICAL THINKING IN MODERN CLASSROOMS
The shift from rote learning to critical thinking represents a paradigm change in contemporary education, driven by the need to equip students with higher-order cognitive skills essential for the 21st century. Traditional education models, characterized by memorization and recall, are increasingly being replaced by inquiry-driven, student-centered pedagogies that emphasize problem-solving, creativity and analytical reasoning. Recent literature underscores the global push for competency-based curricula that prioritize critical thinking over content-heavy instruction (Brookhart, 2023; Zhao, 2022). Educational reforms worldwide reflect this transition, incorporating project-based learning, Socratic questioning and technology-enhanced instructional strategies to foster deeper engagement and understanding (Freeman et al., 2023). This study adopts a qualitative research design to explore how pedagogical shifts are reshaping classroom practices and learning outcomes. Using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, the research will investigate how teachers facilitate critical thinking, the challenges they encounter and the impact of these methodologies on students’ cognitive engagement. Data will be thematically analyzed to uncover patterns in teaching approaches and learning transformation. Findings will offer insights into best practices for nurturing critical thinking, highlighting the role of instructional design, teacher autonomy and school culture in sustaining these shifts. The study’s implications extend to policymakers and educators seeking to implement sustainable pedagogical transformations. The study will conclude with future outlook and recommendations of the findings and interpretations in relation to existing theories of learning, emphasizing how educational institutions can systematically transition from rote-based instruction to critical-thinking frameworks. Future outlook will discuss emerging trends, such as AI-driven personalized learning and interdisciplinary teaching, to further advance critical thinking. This research contributes to the growing discourse on 21st-century education by offering empirical insights into effective strategies that ensure meaningful and transformative learning experiences.