Urban Rejuvenation through Techno Art Intervention: A case of Kolkata

The images of urban spaces, at present, are manifesting dystopic imageries that are obstructing for the functioning of the public realm. Habitable space of a city should be shaped according to human purposes and to satisfy their needs. In defining urban space design, urban nodes acted as nuclei to provide access and opportunity to the people. Nodes generate out of physical traits, activities and are supported by physical spatial design and public interaction. The scale of nodes varies from large urban squares to a small park, to a partially enclosed space in front of a building, to a sidewalk. Since the cores of the cities are generally highly congested and promoted multi-layered activities, Nodes can be presented strategically to get perceptual importance. Imageability of all these spaces is dependent on the quality attributed to the physical presentation of a space that induces high probability of evoking strong images in the mind of the observer. Thus, rejuvenation of these urban nodes can act as an intervening process to regenerate habitable breathing space amongst the dystopic condition of the city.With analysis of the existing scenario of these nodes, the elements for techno-art intervention to alter the physical, tangible imageability of the nodes can possibly be identified. Thus, the paper explores the present rate of imageability of the nodes and what could be the possible art and design solutions based on the expert's opinion to intervene for the betterment of the experience of the physical space

Macroeconomic Stress Testing and the Resilience of the Indian Banking System: A Focus on Credit Risk

The paper undertakes a macroprudential analysis of the credit risk of Public Sector Banks during the liberalization period. Using the Vector Autoregression methodology, the paper investigates the dynamic impact of changes in the macroeconomic variables on the default rate, the Financial Stability Indicator of banks by simulating interactions among all the variables included in the model. Feedback effects from the banking sector to the real economy are also estimated. The impact of variations in different Monetary Policy Instruments such as Bank Rate, Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate on the asset quality of banks is examined using three alternative baseline models. Impulse Response Functions of the estimated models are augmented by conducting sensitivity and scenario stress testing exercises to assess the banking sector’s vulnerability to credit risk in the face of hypothetically generated adverse macroeconomic shocks. Results indicate the absence of cyclicality and pro-cyclicality of the default rate. Adverse shocks to output gap, Real Effective Exchange Rate appreciation above its trend value, inflation rate and policy-induced monetary tightening significantly affect bank asset quality. Of the three policy rates, Bank Rate affects bank soundness with a lag and is more persistent while the two short-term rates impact default rate instantaneously but is much less persistent. Scenario stress tests reveal default rate of Public Sector Banks could increase on an average from 4% to 7% depending on the type of hypothetical macroeconomic scenario generated. An average buffer capital of 3% accumulated during the period under consideration could thus be inadequate for nearly twice the amount of Non-Performing Assets generated if macroeconomic conditions worsened. An important policy implication of the paper is that as the Indian economy moves gradually to Full Capital Account Convertibility, the banking sector is likely to come under increased stress in view of the exchange rate volatility with adverse repercussions on interest rates and bank default rates. In this emerging scenario, monetary policy stance thus emerges as an important precondition for banking stability. The study also highlights the inadequacy of existing capital reserves should macroeconomic conditions deteriorate and the urgency to strengthen the buffer capital position.Banks, Macro Prudential analysis, Stress test

Macroeconomic Stress Testing and the Resilience of the Indian Banking System: A Focus on Credit Risk

The paper undertakes a macroprudential analysis of the credit risk of Public Sector Banks during the liberalization period. Using the Vector Autoregression methodology, the paper investigates the dynamic impact of changes in the macroeconomic variables on the default rate, the Financial Stability Indicator of banks by simulating interactions among all the variables included in the model. Feedback effects from the banking sector to the real economy are also estimated. The impact of variations in different Monetary Policy Instruments such as Bank Rate, Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate on the asset quality of banks is examined using three alternative baseline models. Impulse Response Functions of the estimated models are augmented by conducting sensitivity and scenario stress testing exercises to assess the banking sector’s vulnerability to credit risk in the face of hypothetically generated adverse macroeconomic shocks. Results indicate the absence of cyclicality and pro-cyclicality of the default rate. Adverse shocks to output gap, Real Effective Exchange Rate appreciation above its trend value, inflation rate and policy-induced monetary tightening significantly affect bank asset quality. Of the three policy rates, Bank Rate affects bank soundness with a lag and is more persistent while the two short-term rates impact default rate instantaneously but is much less persistent. Scenario stress tests reveal default rate of Public Sector Banks could increase on an average from 4% to 7% depending on the type of hypothetical macroeconomic scenario generated. An average buffer capital of 3% accumulated during the period under consideration could thus be inadequate for nearly twice the amount of Non-Performing Assets generated if macroeconomic conditions worsened. An important policy implication of the paper is that as the Indian economy moves gradually to Full Capital Account Convertibility, the banking sector is likely to come under increased stress in view of the exchange rate volatility with adverse repercussions on interest rates and bank default rates. In this emerging scenario, monetary policy stance thus emerges as an important precondition for banking stability. The study also highlights the inadequacy of existing capital reserves should macroeconomic conditions deteriorate and the urgency to strengthen the buffer capital position

Macroeconomic Stress Testing and the Resilience of the Indian Banking System: A Focus on Credit Risk

The paper undertakes a macroprudential analysis of the credit risk of Public Sector Banks during the liberalization period. Using the Vector Autoregression methodology, the paper investigates the dynamic impact of changes in the macroeconomic variables on the default rate, the Financial Stability Indicator of banks by simulating interactions among all the variables included in the model. Feedback effects from the banking sector to the real economy are also estimated. The impact of variations in different Monetary Policy Instruments such as Bank Rate, Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate on the asset quality of banks is examined using three alternative baseline models. Impulse Response Functions of the estimated models are augmented by conducting sensitivity and scenario stress testing exercises to assess the banking sector’s vulnerability to credit risk in the face of hypothetically generated adverse macroeconomic shocks. Results indicate the absence of cyclicality and pro-cyclicality of the default rate. Adverse shocks to output gap, Real Effective Exchange Rate appreciation above its trend value, inflation rate and policy-induced monetary tightening significantly affect bank asset quality. Of the three policy rates, Bank Rate affects bank soundness with a lag and is more persistent while the two short-term rates impact default rate instantaneously but is much less persistent. Scenario stress tests reveal default rate of Public Sector Banks could increase on an average from 4% to 7% depending on the type of hypothetical macroeconomic scenario generated. An average buffer capital of 3% accumulated during the period under consideration could thus be inadequate for nearly twice the amount of Non-Performing Assets generated if macroeconomic conditions worsened. An important policy implication of the paper is that as the Indian economy moves gradually to Full Capital Account Convertibility, the banking sector is likely to come under increased stress in view of the exchange rate volatility with adverse repercussions on interest rates and bank default rates. In this emerging scenario, monetary policy stance thus emerges as an important precondition for banking stability. The study also highlights the inadequacy of existing capital reserves should macroeconomic conditions deteriorate and the urgency to strengthen the buffer capital position

Advancement of non-destructive spectral measurements for the quality of major tropical fruits and vegetables: a review

The quality of tropical fruits and vegetables and the expanding global interest in eating healthy foods have resulted in the continual development of reliable, quick, and cost-effective quality assurance methods. The present review discusses the advancement of non-destructive spectral measurements for evaluating the quality of major tropical fruits and vegetables. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Near-infrared (NIR), Raman spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) were used to monitor the external and internal parameters of papaya, pineapple, avocado, mango, and banana. The ability of HSI to detect both spectral and spatial dimensions proved its efficiency in measuring external qualities such as grading 516 bananas, and defects in 10 mangoes and 10 avocados with 98.45%, 97.95%, and 99.9%, respectively. All of the techniques effectively assessed internal characteristics such as total soluble solids (TSS), soluble solid content (SSC), and moisture content (MC), with the exception of NIR, which was found to have limited penetration depth for fruits and vegetables with thick rinds or skins, including avocado, pineapple, and banana. The appropriate selection of NIR optical geometry and wavelength range can help to improve the prediction accuracy of these crops. The advancement of spectral measurements combined with machine learning and deep learning technologies have increased the efficiency of estimating the six maturity stages of papaya fruit, from the unripe to the overripe stages, with F1 scores of up to 0.90 by feature concatenation of data developed by HSI and visible light. The presented findings in the technological advancements of non-destructive spectral measurements offer promising quality assurance for tropical fruits and vegetables

Green Coating Polymers in Meat Preservation

Edible coatings, including green polymers are used frequently in the food industry to improve and preserve the quality of foods. Green polymers are defined as biodegradable polymers from biomass resources or synthetic routes and microbial origin that are formed by mono-or mul-tilayer structures. They are used to improve the technological properties without compromising the food quality, even with the purpose of inhibiting lipid oxidation or reducing metmyoglobin for-mation in fresh meat, thereby contributing to the final sensory attributes of the food and meat prod-ucts. Green polymers can also serve as nutrient-delivery carriers in meat and meat products. This review focuses on various types of bio-based biodegradable polymers and their preparation techniques and applications in meat preservation as a part of active and smart packaging. It also outlines the impact of biodegradable polymer films or coatings reinforced with fillers, either natural or syn-thesized, via the green route in enhancing the physicochemical, mechanical, antimicrobial, and an-tioxidant properties for extending shelf-life. The interaction of the package with meat contact sur-faces and the advanced polymer composite sensors for meat toxicity detection are further consid-ered and discussed. In addition, this review addresses the research gaps and challenges of the current packaging systems, including coatings where green polymers are used. Coatings from renewable resources are seen as an emerging technology that is worthy of further investigation toward sustainable packaging of food and meat products

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D is inversely associated with Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a hospital-based matched case–control study in Malaysia

Serum 25(OH)D deficiency consistently demonstrated molecular mechanisms through which chronic inflammation is associated with the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to determine the association between serum 25(OH)D and NPC. A matched case–control study was conducted at two local hospitals. A total of 300 histologically confirmed NPC cases were matched with controls for age, gender, and ethnicity, and assessed for vitamin D status and other nutritional factors. Mean Vitamin D concentration was significantly lower among cases compared to controls (63.17 ± 19.15 nmol/L and 67.34 ± 23.06 nmol/L) (t = −2.41, p = 0.016). Multiple conditional logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of serum 25(OH)D were associated with reduced odds of NPC (AOR = 0.73, 95 CI = 0.57–0.94, p = 0.016) controlling for confounders including BMI, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, consumption of food high in vitamin D, salted fish consumption, and family history of NPC. There was a significant association between inadequate serum 25(OH)D status with accumulation of four risk factors and increased odds of getting NPC using polynomial regression analysis. Increased NPC odds ratios were observed after sequential accumulation of additional risk factors with the presence of inadequate serum 25(OH)D status (OR = 0.54, 95 CI = 0.27, 4.77, p = 0.322, OR = 1.04, 95 CI = 0.64, 1.72, p = 0.267, OR = 1.15, 95 CI = 0.73, 1.80, p = 0.067, OR = 1.93, 95 CI = 1.13, 3.31, p = 0.022, and OR = 5.55, 95 CI = 1.67, 10.3, p < 0.001 respectively). Future research in Malaysia should involve both prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials to confirm and further clarify the role of vitamin D in NPC outcomes

Włączenie sztuki do projektowania urbanistycznego w celu zrównoważonej rewitalizacji przestrzeni publicznych. Studium przypadku: Chandigarh

"Urban space" exemplifies the synergy of space in an urban location and its structural or compositional elements from the social and institutional forces. Contemporary public spaces tend to perform commemorative functions related to different activities for the users, starting from physical, social, to psychological and aesthetic concerns. These public spaces add dynamism to social life; hence, public spaces need to be built in a way that promotes healthy interaction and community well-being. However, in contemporary urban scenarios, the expeditiously booming population is deliberately encroaching the open spaces in and around the city, making it more claustrophobic, cramped, and oppressive which further affects the physical and mental health of the stakeholders. As a result, imageability and happiness associated with public and semi-public urban spaces are choking. Therefore, to cope with the situation, urban public spaces need to get rejuvenated through the infusion of the sense of connection, emotional attachment, aesthetic sensitivity that promotes public interaction and exchange. Considering the scenario, the present paper aims to explore the possibilities of integrating art in urban design to rejuvenate public spaces and promote happiness among the stakeholders. The findings of the paper argue and further establish that the installation of the artistic elements alters the visual perception of the space, activates public participation and involvement of the local community, which finally aids to rejuvenate local identity associated with the public spaces. To establish the proposed argument, the paper assesses the public spheres of the first planned city of India, namely Chandigarh, and attempts to demonstrate the potential of art elements of design along with physical infrastructure in securing happiness and urban rejuvenation. Assessment of the public spaces of Chandigarh, the happy city of India, confirms the perception that only integrated application of infrastructure and art elements of design can ensure good imageability and secure happiness through balanced urban rejuvenation.„Przestrzeń miejska” oznacza synergię przestrzeni w krajobrazie miasta i jej elementów strukturalnych lub kompozycyjnych tworzonych przez społeczne i instytucjonalne czynniki. Współczesne przestrzenie publiczne coraz częściej pełnią różnorodne funkcje odpowiadające ściśle działaniom i potrzebom użytkowników, począwszy od fizycznych, społecznych, po psychologiczne i estetyczne. Takie przestrzenie publiczne dynamizują życie społeczne, dlatego też muszą być projektowane w sposób, który promuje zdrowe interakcje i dobre samopoczucie mieszkańców. Niestety we współczesnych rozwiązaniach miejskich szybko rosnąca populacja wypełnia otwarte przestrzenie w mieście, czyniąc je bardziej klaustrofobicznymi, ciasnymi i uciążliwymi, co dodatkowo wpływa na zdrowie fizyczne i psychiczne ludzi. W rezultacie zarówno czynniki reprezentacyjne, jak i społeczne związane z publicznymi i półpublicznymi przestrzeniami miejskimi zostają zdławione. Dlatego, aby poradzić sobie z tą sytuacją, miejskie przestrzenie publiczne muszą zostać odnowione poprzez wprowadzenie poczucia więzi społecznych, emocjonalnego przywiązania, określonej wrażliwości estetycznej, które promują publiczne interakcje. Biorąc to pod uwagę, autorzy niniejszego artykułu postawili sobie zadanie zbadania możliwości włączenia sztuki do projektowania urbanistycznego w celu rewitalizacji przestrzeni publicznych i podnoszenia odczucia szczęścia wśród korzystających z przestrzeni miejskich. Wyniki pracy dowodzą, że wprowadzenie elementów artystycznych zmienia wizualną percepcję przestrzeni, aktywizuje partycypację społeczną i zaangażowanie lokalnej społeczności, co ostatecznie pomaga odnowić lokalną tożsamość związaną z przestrzenią publiczną. Za przykład posłużyły przestrzenie publiczne pierwszego planowanego miasta we współczesnych Indiach, tj. Chandigarh. Próbowano w nich wykazać potencjał elementów artystycznych w powiązaniu z infrastrukturą technologiczną w projektowaniu urbanistycznym. Ocena przestrzeni publicznych Chandigarh, szczęśliwego miasta Indii, potwierdza, że tylko zintegrowane zastosowanie infrastruktury i elementów sztuki w projektowaniu urbanistycznym może podkreślić pozytywny wizerunek i przynieść zrównoważoną rewitalizację miasta

Posture detection using WBAN and its application in remote healthcare monitoring

WBAN (Wireless Body Area Network) is a growing technology, preferred in medical science. WBAN sensors are now used to monitor postures of a person. Posture, playing a crucial role in a person's life can provide a significant amount of important information on nonverbal communication and emotional cues. In recent trend of research, BAN sensors are used to identify different postures of a person to correctly classify the health condition, as postures could potentially provide valuable clues about a person's health. This class of interaction poses new challenge in classifying both static and dynamic postures. Tri-axial accelerometer is required to find the tilt of a person with respect to the line passing through the centre of gravity. Based on the tilt, the posture is classified. This paper aims at uniquely distinguishing both static and dynamic postures. Fall can also be detected at the same time. A detailed deployment scenario, system architecture and a suitable algorithm are presented to illustrate the working of the proposed system

Mapping the creative economy around Durga Puja

This project has investigated the Durga Puja Festival in West Bengal in order to develop a framework and a methodology for more extensive mapping of the economic worth of the creative industries in West Bengal. It was commissioned by the British Council (India),supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal, and was undertaken jointly by Queen Mary University ofLondon and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. The project was done between September 2019 and January 2020, withfieldwork completed in an intense three-week period around the time of the Festival