Misconduct in medical science research is an unfortunate reality. Science, for the most part, operates on the basis of trust. Researchers are expected to carry out their work and report their findings honestly. But, sadly, that is not how science always gets done. Reports keep surfacing from various countries about work being plagiarised, results which were doctored and data fabricated. Scientific misconduct is scourge afflicting the field of science, unfortunately with little impact in developing countries like India especially in health (...) care services. A recent survey and a meta-analysis suggest that the few cases that do float up represents only tip of a large iceberg. This paper therefore highlights reasons for misconduct with steps that can be taken to reduce misconduct. Also the paper throws light on Indian scenario in relation to misconduct. (shrink)

Hate speech has spread more rapidly through the daily use of technology and, most notably, by sharing your opinions or feelings on social media in a negative aspect. Although numerous works have been carried out in detecting hate speeches in English, German, and other languages, very few works have been carried out in the context of the Bengali language. In contrast, millions of people communicate on social media in Bengali. The few existing works that have been carried out need improvements (...) in both accuracy and interpretability. This article proposed encoder–decoder-based machine learning model, a popular tool in NLP, to classify user’s Bengali comments from Facebook pages. A dataset of 7,425 Bengali comments, consisting of seven distinct categories of hate speeches, was used to train and evaluate our model. For extracting and encoding local features from the comments, 1D convolutional layers were used. Finally, the attention mechanism, LSTM, and GRU-based decoders have been used for predicting hate speech categories. Among the three encoder–decoder algorithms, attention-based decoder obtained the best accuracy (77%). (shrink)

This study examines the impact of food culture aspects such as taste, display, and preparation process on visitor satisfaction and motivation during food festivals. Data from 150 participants were analyzed utilizing SPSS 25 for data analysis. The study uses Spearman's Rank Correlation, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Chi-Square testing to investigate how these characteristics influence festival experiences. Significant positive correlations were found using Spearman's Rank Correlation, taste had a strong correlation with visitor satisfaction (ρ = 0.65,p = 0.01) and motivation (...) (ρ = 0.60,p = 0.02), while display also had a moderately positive correlation with both (ρ = 0.55,p = 0.05) satisfaction and motivation (ρ = 0.50,p = 0.04). The association for the preparation process, however, was not statistically significant and was much weaker. It was established that CFA had high dependability with estimates of 0.78 for taste, 0.85 for display, and 0.80 for the preparation procedure, all of which met high CR and AVE values. The relationships between aspects of food culture and visitor outcomes were evaluated using the Chi-Square Test. Taste was found to have significant correlations with motivation (χ² = 10.45, p = 0.05) and satisfaction. While the display was only significantly connected with satisfaction (χ² = 7.89, p = 0.10), the preparation process was strongly associated with satisfaction (χ² = 12.34, p = 0.03). These results emphasize how important taste is to improving visitor experiences and show how particular characteristics of food cultures can affect festivalgoers' motivation and level of satisfaction. The study found that taste has a substantial impact on both satisfaction and motivation, emphasizing its importance for good event planning and increased attendee involvement. (shrink)

The compartmental epidemiological model is commonly used to study dengue dynamics; some of these models precisely consider the mosquito population, and others indirectly capture its role in disease transmission term. In this article, we have performed a comparative analysis between a simple SIR model and a vector-host interaction model (VH model) by fitting the dengue fever data of the ongoing outbreak in America. Parameter estimations for both models have been performed using the Nelder-Mead simplex algorithm, considering the normalized root mean (...) square error (NRMSE) as an optimization function. The significance and reliability of the estimated parameters towards the models’ predictions have been analysed through uncertainty and sensitivity analyses. Uncertainty analysis utilizing the Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method has been performed to evaluate how various parameters within the models influence the basic reproduction number ( $$\mathcal {R}_0$$ ). Sensitivity analysis for the basic reproduction number ( $$\mathcal {R}_0$$ ), has been carried out by the partial rank correlation coefficients (PRCC) method. Additionally, we have computed the parameter regions ensuring the persistence of equilibrium points of both models. This study offers profound insights into model selection, parameter estimation, and forecasting future data trends for the ongoing dengue outbreak in America. However, this article focuses on exploring two key scientific questions: (1) Which type of compartmental model (SIR or VH) is more suitable to capture the trend of data on dengue fever for the ongoing outbreak in America? (2) Is America likely to face a prolonged dengue outbreak in the near future? (shrink)

In the collectivist culture of India, family occupies a central place in organizing social and personal lives of the people. However, the forces of industrialization and urbanization are changing the life style and leading to reprioritization of values. Against this backdrop this study examined the pattern of actual and desired family values in the context of ecology, family type and generation. The sample ( n = 90) was drawn from urban, semi-urban and rural areas in central India representing parent–child pairs (...) belonging to joint and nuclear families. Using an indigenously developed measure of family values the study revealed that ecological setting and generation significantly influenced the family value of positive interaction. The type of family emerged as a significant factor for three major values, that is, social order, manners and helping. The interaction of ecology, family type and generation were significant for the values of social order and helping. In general, the type of family and ecological setting yielded major influence in shaping values. The implications of the findings for parenting are discussed. (shrink)

Imagination as the key to the creative process is one of the key components of design education that affects students' problem-solving skills and innovation. The purpose of this research is to determine the impact of creative imagination on the academic performance of students enrolled in design courses. It intends to obtain a measure of the way creative imagination affects or influences students’ performance as well as their achievements. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the correlation between creativity and (...) performance among university students. The study collected data on creative imagination and academic performance through a survey of 350 participants drawn from five universities. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 350 participants, of which 320 were 176 males and 144 females. The research included quantitative techniques such as linear regression, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling-partial least squares (SEM-PLS). Further, the result of the analysis showed that imagination level has the most significant impact on academic outcomes in design programs with a strong positive effect (β=0.35, p-value = 0.04). Higher creative imagination scores had a positive correlation with grades and students' involvement. This underscores the importance of forecasting to enhance students’ performance and engagement in design programs. The strategies used in education should be utilized to supplement creativity to raise the performance and satisfaction of students. (shrink)

Speech enhancement techniques, including traditional methods and deep learning approaches, are essential in enhancing the quality of speech signals impaired by noise. Noise is separated from speech significantly with the help of neural network architectures, such as DNNs, RNNs, and GANs. Metrics like SNR and PESQ are used to evaluate speech enhancement systems. While traditional methods like spectral subtraction and Wiener filtering are still relevant, deep learning offers more advanced alternatives. This paper overviews speech enhancement techniques, highlighting deep learning architectures (...) such as TCNN, DCCRN, and SEGAN. Overall, deep understanding shows promise in reducing noise and improving speech quality, holding potential for various applications. (shrink)

This chapter’s objective is to underscore that livestock, pets, and poultry are susceptible to a spectrum of disorders that do not stem directly from microbial involvement. These diseases can impact diverse bodily systems, including the respiratory, reproductive, digestive, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Many of these disorders have a metabolic basis, characterized by disruptions in the animal’s metabolic processes, often tied to imbalances in energy or nutrients. Several of these conditions become apparent during the peri-parturient period or early lactation (...) in dairy animals, and some can be attributed to changes in diet and management practices. Others may be associated with factors like genetics, nutrition, or stress. The primary aim is to draw attention to these significant non-infectious diseases. The incidence of these conditions can vary depending on factors such as management practices, species type, breed, physiological status, age, and gender. It is of utmost importance for veterinarians to possess a thorough understanding of these conditions to be able to accurately diagnose, treat, prevent, and manage them effectively. (shrink)

The prevention and control of animal diseases through veterinary services worldwide are recognized as a global public good. These activities have a significant impact on agricultural production, food safety and security, public health, animal welfare, market access, and rural poverty alleviation. The veterinarians therefore should have a sound knowledge of the principles, concepts, tools, etc., with regard to the management of infectious and contagious diseases. This includes methodologies to carry out disease surveillance, concept of an epidemiological triad and how to (...) identify the route and source of infection transmission, various disease preventive and control measures, etc. The most efficient and cost-effective method of disease management is to prevent diseases from entering and spreading to livestock populations and humans. The effectiveness of animal disease prevention and control policies is dependent on good governance and the quality of veterinary services in accordance with “World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)” standards and guidelines. This chapter discusses ethical ways to prevent and control animal diseases, including hygienic animal housing and immunization of the animals. (shrink)

This chapter draws the attention of veterinarians to a very important aspect of international trade and regulation in animals and their products. The chapter touches upon the agencies that set up the rules and regulation and standards associated with transportation and movement of animals across international borders. It talks about international guidelines and the veterinarians’ responsibilities in disease control and safeguarding public health. Toward the end, different certifications and documents have been listed that may be required before transportation.

Within this chapter, the intent is to direct the attention of both practicing veterinarians and veterinary students toward the fundamental significance of professional conduct and ethical considerations in their field. The chapter also talks briefly about various legislation and animal welfare regulations that might be enforced within a specific country concerning animals. It underscores the significance of these regulations in the context of veterinary practice and how they intersect with the principles and knowledge of veterinary medicine, particularly in legal situations (...) and when handling veterinary-legal cases. A comprehensive understanding of these dimensions equips veterinarians to uphold elevated standards of veterinary ethics and adeptly manage ethical predicaments that can arise in their profession. Furthermore, it empowers them to engage in their vocation with utmost integrity, giving precedence to animal welfare devoid of apprehension or bias. (shrink)

Veterinary medications play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of animal diseases. However, their improper use can have adverse consequences. Within this chapter, we delve into several facets of veterinary drugs, encompassing anesthetics and biological agents, exploring their journey from development to distribution. We emphasize the importance of accurate prescription in maintaining and protecting animal health. Furthermore, our focus extends to the responsible utilization of scheduled drugs and the pressing concern of drug resistance, notably in antibiotics. It is (...) imperative to exercise caution and prudence in the use of these antimicrobial agents. To gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of each of these topics, we encourage readers to consult relevant textbooks. (shrink)

This paper delves into a two-agent scheduling problem in which two agents are competing for a single resource. Each agent has a set of jobs to be processed by a single machine. The processing time, release time, weight, and the due dates of each job are known in advance. Both agents have their objectives, which are conflicting in nature. The first agent tries to minimize the total completion time, while the second agent tries to minimize the number of tardy jobs. (...) The two agents’ scheduling problem, an NP-hard problem, has a wide variety of applications ranging from the manufacturing industry to the cloud computing service provider. Due to the wide applicability, each variation of the problem requires a different algorithm, adapted according to the user’s requirements. This paper provides mathematical models, heuristic algorithms, and two nature-based metaheuristic algorithms to solve the problem. The algorithm’s performance was gauged against the optimal solution obtained from the AMPL-CPLEX solver for both solution quality and computational time. The outlined metaheuristics produce a solution that is comparable with a short computational time. The proposed metaheuristics even have a better solution than the CPLEX solver for medium-size problems, whereas the computation times are much less than the CPLEX solvers. (shrink)

Organizational operations have been modified by using the rise of digital innovation, which has increased consumer interaction, accelerated efficiency, and stimulated overall growth. But obstacles like converting organizational adoption charges and a quickly evolving era would possibly make it more difficult to generalize effects across of different sectors and ancient intervals. To overcome these constraints, a thorough examination of the impact of digital innovation on organizational growth is carried out in this study. This study investigates the connection among Digital infrastructure (...) (DI), Digital Innovation practices (DIP), Adoption of advanced digital technologies (ADT), Leadership support (LS), Organizational growth (OG), and Employee digital capabilities (EDS) utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and CFA test. SEM is used to evaluate the causal pathways between constructs and the connections between latent variables and their indicators. CFA is a method used to validate the dimension model by examining the relationships between observed indicators and their underlying constructs. A systematic questionnaire with a Likert scale rating was used to collect data from 600 populations. The measurement model assessed the validity and reliability of latent constructs, while the structural model analyzed the relationship between constructs based on the proposed hypotheses. The structural model revealed that DI, LS, and ADT are positively connected to the DTP, and OG, between digital innovations on organizational growth. (β = 0.58,0.54,0.60 and 0.62,p < 0.05), providing well support for hypotheses 1, 2, 4, and 5. The SEM and CFA confirm the robustness of these relationships. The findings underscore the critical role of digital infrastructure and leadership in driving effective digital practices and fostering growth. (shrink)

This chapter has emphasized key aspects of veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, as well as the skills associated with livestock production and management. It has highlighted the importance of veterinarians comprehending these concepts and professional skills to become proficient in handling complex and mundane routine and emergency operations at farms or other establishments. For instance, it provides an example of a dairy farm. The chapter also lists common veterinary and animal husbandry-centric activities on livestock and poultry farms. Additionally, it discusses (...) common operations at dog-breeding kennels. (shrink)

The chapter deals with the basic knowledge for the establishment and management of the small animal clinical practice. The chapter includes brief nomenclature of the different sections in primary and advanced patient care in small animal clinical practice. The chapter also includes the mandatory inventory in different sections to facilitate the young veterinarians looking to establish the companion animal practice. The chapter further includes the tips and tricks of client communication along with the importance of different clinical practice aspects like (...) staff management, inventory management, pricing strategy, budgeting and financial planning, strategic partnerships, preventive care and client education, adoption of technology, continuing veterinary education and professional development, etc. (shrink)

Cinematic content plays a crucial role in shaping and reflecting societal attitudes, offering powerful narratives that can influence public perceptions of social issues. This study explores the impact of cinematic content on psychological attitudes towards social issues among college students. A sample of 150 students was divided into two groups: Group A (80 students) impacted the positive attitude while Group B (70 students) served as the control group with negative attitude. This study aimed to assess how cinematic narratives affect attitudes (...) and perceptions of social issues. Statistical methods employed included t-tests to compare attitudes between groups, one-way ANOVA for with-group variations, chi-square tests for categorical relationships, and pre-post tests to measure changes in attitudes. The findings highlight the significant role of cinematic content in shaping the attitudes towards social issues, emphasizing the importance of understanding how films influence public opinion and societal norms. This analysis provides insights into the effectiveness of cinematic portrayals in driving the positive social change and informs content creators on leveraging media for educational and advocacy purposes. (shrink)

Accurate diagnosis of a specific disease invariably necessitates the laboratory testing of clinical samples to detect the presence of pathogens. The precise detection of pathogens relies on the availability of suitable samples collected and transported under appropriate conditions. Clinical samples may be gathered for various purposes, including epidemiological studies, international trade, outbreak management, and control strategies. Regardless of the context in which clinical samples are collected and prepared for testing, veterinarians and laboratory personnel should adhere to recommended instructions and procedures. (...) It is essential to include relevant information such as the animal’s medical history, clinical symptoms, specific lesions, treatment details, and tentative diagnosis in the required form accompanying the sample. Collection procedures should be meticulously designed and documented, taking into account variations based on the sample type and intended analyses. In cases of delayed transportation, preserving samples should be done appropriately to maintain the specimen’s integrity. Furthermore, careful consideration must be given to the proper storage conditions of clinical samples until laboratory analyses are completed. Depending on the nature of the samples, specific transport media and conditions should be utilized. When collecting samples from dead animals, it is crucial to do so as early as possible to prevent putrefaction, which could lead to inaccurate disease diagnoses. This chapter summarizes these essential facets, often underestimated within the scope of formal veterinary education, yet paramount for assessing the health and disease status. (shrink)

A veterinarian’s in-depth understanding of infectious diseases impacting livestock, poultry, and pets is indispensable for numerous compelling reasons. Their primary duty is to ensure the health and well-being of animals, as infectious diseases can lead to suffering and substantial economic losses for both farmers and pet owners. Moreover, veterinarians who aspire to work with wildlife or specific animal species must acquaint themselves with prevalent infections in these unique environments. Recent graduates require fundamental knowledge to effectively prevent, diagnose, treat, and control (...) diseases in diverse contexts. This knowledge equips veterinarians to alleviate animal suffering, uphold the welfare of livestock and companion animals, and address zoonotic diseases that pose threats to both animals and humans. In this chapter, we have provided a concise overview of some significant diseases affecting various animal species, including information about their causative agents, symptoms, lesions, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and general disease management strategies that too very briefly. Additionally, veterinarians must acknowledge that disease prevalence can vary by location and breed, necessitating an adaptable approach that considers local factors, breed-specific susceptibilities, and seasonal fluctuations. Continuous learning and adaptability are essential for maintaining expertise, especially when veterinarians encounter unique cases. Collaborative efforts, ongoing education, and active engagement with veterinary organizations are instrumental in keeping veterinarians well informed. (shrink)

Veterinarians perform diverse roles that span from diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention, outbreak management, livestock production and management, nutrition and breeding, etc. In light of the frequent advancements and the continuous generation of new knowledge in this field, stemming from sources such as academia, research and development, and industry, it is imperative for veterinarians to remain abreast with current innovations and professional information. To achieve this, they must proactively engage with scientific breakthroughs in their domain by actively reading, reviewing, and analyzing (...) pertinent literature. This chapter underscores the importance of veterinarians adopting a proactive approach to stay updated on the latest developments that can augment their capacity to deliver comprehensive veterinary care and animal welfare. The chapter also discusses the essential role that veterinarians fulfill as participants in various surveys related to veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, whether they pertain to health or production. This involvement assists in gathering and facilitating access to high-quality data, contributing to the advancement of veterinary medical knowledge. (shrink)

The veterinarian plays a vital role in ensuring the well-rounded nutrition of both farm and companion animals, a factor of utmost importance for their overall health and productivity. This chapter provides essential information on fundamental nutrition concepts and feeding practices, knowledge crucial for veterinarians to comprehend in order to promote balanced and cost-effective feeding for domestic animals. Additionally, this chapter delves into the significance of breeding strategies and breed characteristics in animal husbandry, knowledge that veterinarians must possess to contribute effectively (...) to the sustainable and economical production of domestic animals. Familiarity with breeding practices and breed traits empowers veterinarians to identify specific health issues that may be unique to particular breeds, enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, expertise in animal breeding aids veterinarians in unlocking the full genetic potential of animals while ensuring they thrive in suitable environmental conditions. (shrink)

Veterinary medicine’s fundamental pillars are veterinary anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. These three subjects form the foundational knowledge necessary for comprehending the field. They encompass extensive and intricate content, necessitating ongoing review for veterinarians in practice. This section delves into areas like detailed anatomical explanations of diverse systems, methods for evaluating animal physiological processes, and essential clinical biochemical tests. These aspects hold significant importance in establishing the essential skills veterinarians need for a range of interventions, including disease diagnosis and treatment.

The chapter outlines and briefly discusses the various veterinary diagnostic techniques, such as blood tests, urine tests, and electrocardiography. It also introduces the basics of pain management and anesthesia, as well as the most common general anesthesia protocols for companion animals. The chapter then discusses radiography, a type of diagnostic imaging, and divides it into subsections for the skeleton, abdomen, and thorax. Other diagnostic techniques covered in the chapter include ultrasonography, echocardiography, and endoscopy. The chapter also outlines the standard operating (...) procedures in a surgical operation theater for elective procedures like ovariohysterectomy (spaying) and castrations. Later sections of the chapter delve into the management of veterinary patients during emergencies and life-threatening situations, with a dedicated section on euthanasia. Finally, the chapter concludes by discussing assisted reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination and heat synchronization in animals. (shrink)

Aspiring veterinarians should possess a comprehensive awareness of the diverse sectors closely linked to the profession of veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, and animal welfare, as these areas harbor most potential career avenues. The realms of veterinary science, animal husbandry, and related industries hold significant global prominence. Within a country, these sectors exhibit a high degree of organization, operating under the oversight of various ministries, agencies, and institutions, each assigned well-defined roles. The functions encompass a spectrum that ranges from shaping policies (...) at the national or regional level to executing these policies through an array of provincial, district, or local entities, involving administrative, technical (veterinarians, paravets), and auxiliary staff. Furthermore, the landscape features private veterinary hospitals, autonomous institutes, and professional organizations, all contributing cohesively to animal well-being, societal progress, and the advancement of scientific knowledge. This chapter encapsulates pertinent insights from various countries, offering a perspective on the pivotal ministries, agencies, institutes, and regulatory bodies that collectively constitute the structure of organized veterinary and animal husbandry services. (shrink)

The chapter covers the topic of veterinary clinical reasoning, which is the method veterinarians use to make well-informed decisions when diagnosing and treating various diseases in animals. It also provides insights into the process of obtaining a patient’s medical history and outlines different disease conditions that lead to various clinical symptoms. Additionally, this chapter discusses the formulation of treatment plans and the various categories of drugs employed to manage symptoms during the course of diseases. Furthermore, it addresses aspects such as (...) health informatics, efficient resource utilization, telemedicine, and economic considerations within the context of contemporary veterinary practice. (shrink)

This chapter is designed to direct the reader’s attention to those aspects of pharmacology, toxicology, and pathology that are crucial for professionals committed to serving the needs of animals and society. The essential topics mentioned herein from these disciplines merit focus of veterinary students during their time in college. Further, it is important to note that a deep understanding in preclinical and paraclinical subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and parasitology helps in fostering crucial competencies in pharmacology and pathology. The aim (...) of the chapter is not to provide exhaustive knowledge about these core topics but rather to pinpoint to important elements that are indispensable for veterinarians to excel in the practice of veterinary medicine. (shrink)

The concept of resilience is gaining importance in veterinary profession. Its purpose is to understand the work pressures and life balance that veterinarians face in their demanding profession. The goal is to develop resilient qualities that enable veterinarians to deliver the best possible veterinary care. Building resilience is a gradual process that requires time and nurturing. It is more of an art than a science, as it involves cultivating various attributes over time. By cultivating resilience, veterinary professionals can consistently provide (...) high-quality services, even in challenging and emotionally demanding situations. (shrink)

Nowadays, the whole world is facing a pandemic situation in the form of coronavirus diseases. In connection with the spread of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths, various researchers have analysed the impact of temperature and humidity on the spread of coronavirus. In this paper, a deep transfer learning-based exhaustive analysis is performed by evaluating the influence of different weather factors, including temperature, sunlight hours, and humidity. To perform all the experiments, two data sets are used: one is taken from Kaggle (...) consists of official COVID-19 case reports and another data set is related to weather. Moreover, COVID-19 data are also tested and validated using deep transfer learning models. From the experimental results, it is shown that the temperature, the wind speed, and the sunlight hours make a significant impact on COVID-19 cases and deaths. However, it is shown that the humidity does not affect coronavirus cases significantly. It is concluded that the convolutional neural network performs better than the competitive model. (shrink)

One of the most crucial aspects for veterinarians from the context of their veterinary professional practice is ensuring the well-being of staff, clients, animals, and the public at large. The subject of risk management in veterinary sciences is a challenging issue with multilevel roles for a veterinarian in which one is involved. Therefore, the aspects associated with risk identification, assessment, etc., will vary considerably depending on where and under what settings a veterinarian is working. In this chapter, core concepts of (...) proper risk identification to identify the problem, the analysis of the level and depth of risk, effective and timely communication with stakeholders, and its efficient management on the part of the veterinarian and the support staff are discussed briefly. (shrink)

In educational organizations, digital resource management refers to the organization and enhancement of electronic resources, including databases, libraries, and digital instructional materials. Excellent administration ensures optimal utilization, improves accessibility, and advances learning objectives. To achieve better institutional results, this approach entails incorporating digital tools, handling issues like data security and user training, and adjusting to new technological developments. Using an emphasis on the integration of digital libraries, e-learning platforms, and research databases, this study investigates the technologies and approaches used in (...) maintaining digital resources within higher education circumstances. Through the use of a survey research design, this study employed a quantitative research methodology. Data gathered from a sample of 250 undergraduate students was utilized in this investigation. This study looks at the connections between teaching profile (TP), technology competence (TC), digital technology awareness (DTA), utility perception (UP), and usage motivation (UM). SPSS was utilized statistically to obtain the outcomes. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analysis were used to obtain the results utilizing data gathered from a sample of university participants. Significant of both conceptual and actual consequences have resulted from the findings.According to the study's findings, efficient use of digital resources in academic institutions greatly improves accessibility and resource utilization, both of which contribute to better learning outcomes. (shrink)

The paper considers two-agent order acceptance scheduling problems with different scheduling criteria. Two agents have a set of jobs to be processed by a single machine. The processing time and due date of each job are known in advance. In the order accepting scheduling problem, jobs are allowed to be rejected. The objective of the problem is to maximize the net revenue while keeping the weighted number of tardy jobs for the second agent within a predetermined value. A mixed-integer linear (...) programming formulation is provided to obtain the optimal solution. The problem is considered as an NP-hard problem. Therefore, MILP can be used to solve small problem instances optimally. To solve the problem instances with realistic size, heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms have been proposed. A heuristic method is used to determine and secure a quick solution while the metaheuristic based on particle swarm optimization is designed to obtain the near-optimal solution. A numerical experiment is piloted and conducted on the benchmark instances that could be obtained from the literature. The performances of the proposed algorithms are tested through numerical experiments. The proposed PSO can obtain the solution within 0.1% of the optimal solution for problem instances up to 60 jobs. The performance of the proposed PSO is found to be significantly better than the performance of the heuristic. (shrink)

This chapter provides a brief overview on different aspects of important zoonotic diseases that occur commonly in different parts of the world. A special mention has been made for the diseases present in the African and American continents so that the readers can have an overview of diseases in these major geographical areas. The chapter also provides a concise overview of transmission pathways, clinical symptoms associated with different infectious diseases, recommended sample collection procedures, and the general treatment options or specific (...) preventive measures for controlling these diseases. Additionally, a brief section on food safety has been incorporated to underscore the vital role of veterinarians in effectively managing and ensuring the safety of animal-derived food products for human consumption. (shrink)

The economic activity of animals is directly related to age. Age determines both productive and reproductive traits of animals, which are a direct indicator of the economic importance of an animal. Dentition plays a vital role in determining the age of animals whereby the correct age of animals can be deduced, and further activity is determined on this basis. Animals reared for meat have to pass quality check-ups before their meat flows through the human food chain. The examination of animals (...) before slaughter and following slaughter gains importance so that meat of inferior, substandard quality does not find access to humans thus keeping the health of humans safe. Certifications are of utmost importance in the proper identification and subsequent checking of animal and animal products whereby proper and delinquently done check-ups provide sufficient evidence for the quality of products available in the market. (shrink)

Different shifts in climate patterns can result in a range of problems in animals including alterations in physiological and behavioral traits as well as increased vulnerability to diverse diseases. These issues have a direct influence on animal well-being, the control of diseases, the effectiveness of livestock, the assurance of food supply, the threats posed by zoonotic diseases, and more. Consequently, it is crucial for veterinarians to understand how climate change can exert its effects on animals, particularly within the sphere of (...) livestock production, health maintenance, and disease management. Furthermore, it is essential to keep in mind that climate change doesn’t solely impact animals; it also has repercussions for humans and the environment. The intricate interconnectedness of all living beings within ecosystems means that anything dwelling within this system is subject to its effects. This chapter has outlined important effects that may accrue as a result of climate change and how veterinarians could play a role in mitigating these. (shrink)

A veterinarian’s adeptness in effective communication and organizational prowess plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal patient care, seamless collaboration with clients, and effective teamwork. Among the indispensable tools, SWOT analysis stands out as a critical element, facilitating improved planning, execution, and ultimate success. Conducting periodic SWOT analysis is imperative for veterinarians, hospitals, and organizations alike.This chapter delves into these essential facets, often underestimated within the scope of formal veterinary education, yet paramount for a comprehensive professional degree program.

This book is an essential guide for veterinarians, veterinary faculty and policymakers for understanding the core competencies of a fresh veterinarian. The book briefly covers competencies in preclinical, paraclinical, and clinical subjects including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, veterinary jurisprudence, animal management & welfare including nutrition and breeding, infectious and non-infectious diseases, disease epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment, prevention, control and zoonoses, surgical and other clinical interventions. The book further includes other competencies, including biologicals, anti-mortem, and post-mortem inspection, certifications, applied one health aspects, (...) review and analysis of scientific evidence, international trade and regulations, and organization of veterinary services. It also highlights the importance of effective communication, interpersonal skills, record keeping and management of a small veterinary hospital, health informatics, etc. The book breakdowns the must-have competencies of a global veterinarian into different topics and subtopics for easy comprehension and further learning. It enables the professional standard-setting & regulatory bodies and academicians in improved curricula designing and implementation and more importantly tries to bring uniformity in day one veterinary graduates’ competencies globally, enhancing the movement and employability of veterinarians across the world. (shrink)

This book presents a comprehensive neutrosophic evaluation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) in India, a large-scale public welfare initiative aimed at improving child nutrition, educational participation, and social equity. Recognizing the inherent complexity, uncertainty, and contradictions in policy implementation, the authors propose a neutrosophic framework that extends beyond classical and fuzzy evaluation models by incorporating degrees of truth, indeterminacy, and falsity. Using a micro-level case study approach, the research systematically analyzes key dimensions of the scheme, including nutritional adequacy, enrolment (...) and attendance, food quality and hygiene, administrative efficiency, and social inclusion. The methodology integrates primary and secondary data, expert judgment, and neutrosophic aggregation techniques to construct a multidimensional performance assessment. Special emphasis is placed on identifying zones of indeterminacy and contradictory evidence, which are often overlooked in traditional evaluations. The study further develops neutrosophic indices, applies sensitivity and robustness analyses, and explores the implications of uncertainty-aware decision-making in public policy. The findings demonstrate that neutrosophic logic provides a more nuanced and realistic representation of policy outcomes, offering valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders. Ultimately, the book contributes both methodologically and practically to the application of neutrosophic theory in socio-economic policy analysis. (shrink)

On Buddhism, and on the life and philosophy of Gautama Buddha; includes contributed articles.

Sustainability and risk management in microfinance institutions (MFIs) have become increasingly important since the global financial crisis, with a continual emphasis on how risks are identified, quantified, reported, and controlled. Machine learning is increasing in business contexts, with numerous solutions already in place and a lot more being investigated. The application of machine learning has also been suggested as a project that could aid in the modernisation of risk management functions of MFIs on a large scale. The present study employs (...) a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to better understand machine learning applications for MFIs in the Indian context. Data collection from the Scopus database has been modified from 2012 to 2023 (until December 22, 2023). A dataset of 32 papers was collected from the Scopus database using a modified search. The R language and bibliometrix are used in this paper to perform bibliometric analysis and science mapping. According to the study's findings, there has been a substantial increase in publications from 2017 onwards. We specifically found an overall growing tendency since 2017, with minor changes in recent years; nonetheless, it has continued to rise in general. Overall, an increase in the average number of citations has been visible from 2018 to now. “Finance” and “machine learning” have occurred the maximum number of times (11 times). The University of Malaya has shown increased affiliations’ production over time from 2015 onwards. (shrink)

Echoing bell hooks’s discussions on “black rage,” this article explores the politics of “Dalit rage” by juxtaposing some instances of projections of Dalits as an “angry,” “illiberal,” and “intolerant” constituency with examples of anger from Dalit literature. While these projections in “mainstream” media and caste Hindu–dominated civil society narratives often represent them as engulfed in the emotive states marked by anger, intolerance, and impatience, the instances from Dalit literature archive a “Dalit rage” that demands to be dissociated from the Nietzschean (...) category of ressentiment. Through B. R. Ambedkar’s readings of Nietzsche in Philosophy of Hinduism and Nietzsche’s readings of Manu’s Manavadharmashastra in Twilight of the Idols, this article draws a fine line of differentiation between Nietzsche’s contempt for ressentiment and Manu’s disdain for anger. “Dalit rage” occupies a distinctly different thymotic space and articulates a Dalit predicament that exploits rage as a marker of protest, resistance, and caste-ridden social conflicts. This article shows why we cannot bracket Nietzsche’s contempt for ressentiment with Manu’s demands of the sudras (and, in extension, other “lower castes”/Dalits) to be “meek” by exploring Manu’s perpetuation and legitimization of the varna order through a “morality of breeding” and Nietzsche’s more wholesale rejection of morality as he deems it a pia fraus (moral fraud). Thus this “Dalit rage” offers us a repository of the limits of a liberal democracy and enables an Ambedkarite reading of Nietzsche whose project of constructing ubermensch is markedly different from Manu’s “morality of taming” through a “morality of breeding.”. (shrink)