The purpose of this study is to investigate empirically the validity of the basic propositions of value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) and extend VAIC models in Indian knowledge-based sector. Using panel data relating to 62 firms from two Indian knowledge-based sectors, namely, electronics and banking sectors, for a period of 10 years (from 2001–2002 to 2010–2011), the study indicates that the VAIC model cannot be rejected as a technique of measuring intellectual capital. The result shows that VAIC significantly and positively influences the corporate performance measured by return on assets (ROA) and market-to-book (M/B) ratio. All the components of VAIC except structural capital (SC) efficiency (SCE) significantly and positively influence the corporate performance. The insignificant association between SCE and firm performance, as observed in the present context and also observed earlier by many researchers, may be regarded as the inappropriateness of the model in capturing structural capital. In order to modify the SC component of the model, the components of extended VAIC model may be used as a value-creating entity.

Financial inclusion, especially for a developing nation like India, plays a vital role in framing policies to ensure the development of the underprivileged. Applying the maximum-minimum technique for normalization and inverse of the Euclidean distance for consolidation, the present study attempts to construct an index of financial inclusion across all the states and union territories of India for 2003-2018. It further explores the effect of regional classifications and productivity on the achievement of financial inclusion. Analysis suggests Chandigarh be placed at the top in terms of mean financial inclusion scores for the study period. In addition, comparison among the regional classifications advocates for significant differences. Whereas the difference between the groups based on productivity remains nonsignificant. Theoretical propositions expect uniform achievement in financial inclusion among the states of a country. However, certain macroeconomic and other factors seem to reduce the esteemed equity.

The article aims to estimate the impact of food prices, food production, per capita income and financial inclusion indicators on reducing the prevalence of undernourishment in 61 developing and least developed countries across 2004-2019. Applying panel co-integration and error correction model it concludes that an increase in food production, income and financial inclusion indicators reduces the pervasiveness of undernourishment, whereas rising food prices exacerbates undernourishment significantly in the long run. The error correction term appears to be negative and significant.Apart from other exogenous variables considered in the model governments' effectiveness and political stability with absence of violence reduces whereas, corruption increases undernourishment significantly in the short run. This study is important for the policymakers in the developing and least developed countries to formulate effective strategies addressing undernourishment, thus achieving the target of zero hunger.

Purpose This study aims to measure and further compare the countries in terms of the achievement in the degree of financial inclusion over the study period and between income groups considering 26 nations from Asia for the period 2013-2017. Design/methodology/approach While measuring the degree of financial inclusion, the study prepares an index using weighted arithmetic mean and the inverse of the Euclidean distance method. Further, comparison between the study period and between the income groups has been made using the dependent samples t-test as well as the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and independent samples t-test, respectively. Findings The study extends empirical insights by laying out the ranks for the countries considered for each of the study periods individually as well as in terms of mean financial inclusion scores for the study period. Further, comparison in terms of mean financial inclusion scores shows significant differences between the income groups, whereas the differences between the study periods turn out to be non-significant. Research limitations/implications Less availability of intended variables over time restricts the predictive capability of sketching the phenomena in a true sense and claims further an exhaustive research to pursue in the future. Practical implications With the declining trend except for 2016-2017 in the achievement of financial inclusion scores over time, the study suggests emphasizing the initiatives targeted to include the excluded within the ambit of the formal financial system, which somehow seems unstable. Originality/value The novelty of the study lies in the portrayal of a measure that seems representative of the scale for development with deeper insight.

Back ground: Hypertension and dyslipidemia are associated with oxidative stress and are major causes of cardiovascular disease amounting to 30% of global death rate. It is widely accepted that cardiovascular disease is associated with hypertension and increased blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides. In contrast, a low level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) is a risk factor for mortality from cardiovascular disease. Hypertension is a major public health problem in developed and developing countries. Methods: This study was a cross sectional study in which 159 diagnosed hypertensive patient and 75 with normal blood pressure (normotensive) were enrolled for compare. These patients sought a through health cheek up including blood pressure assessment between May 2012 to April 2013 in Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College and Hospital. Lipid parameters total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein ( LDLc) and high density lipoprotein (HDLc) were estimated by enzymatic colorimetric test. Results: The mean of Systolic blood pressure and Diastolic blood pressure of hypertensive were higher than normotensive (p<0.001). The serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C in hypertensive subject were higher than normotensive and statistically significant (p<0.001). Serum HDL-C was significantly lower (p<0.001) in hypertensive patients than in normotensive. Age, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) showed significant association with hypertensive patients (p<0.001) than in normotensive subjects.The logistic regression analysis indicates hypertensive were 1.2 times higher total cholesterol, 1.3 times higher triglyceride and 1.2 times higher LDL-C than normotensive and was statistically significant (p<0.001). HDL-C was 1.08 times lower in hypertensive than normotensive and statistically significant p<0.001). Conclusion: Analytical results of the study revealed that hypertensive patients have been found to have close association with dyslipidemia. Hypertension and dyslipidemia can be modified either by proper life style changes or medical management or by the combination of the both. This study suggests that hypertensive patients need measurement of blood pressure and lipid profile at regular interval to prevent heart diseases and stroke.University Heart Journal Vol. 10, No. 2, July 2014; 73-77