Volume-12, Issue-1

January-February, 2026

Research Paper

1. Neuroplasticity Beyond Childhood: Evidence, Influences, & Limitations

This paper explores neuroplasticity in adults, focusing on scientific evidence that shows the adult brain can continue to change and adapt. It explains how neuroplasticity supports learning and cognitive function and may help protect against certain diseases. The paper also examines strategies to enhance neuroplasticity, while reviewing studies with negative results, thus offering a balanced perspective. In addition, the roles of social engagement and stress are discussed to show how the environment factors influence neuroplasticity. Finally, it reviews the modern advances as well as the current limitations in our understanding of the topic.

Published by: Aarav LohchabResearch Area: Neuroplasticity

Organisation: Garth Webb Secondary School, CanadaKeywords: Adult Neuroplasticity, Physical Exercise and Brain Health, Social Engagement and Stress, Enhancing Neuroplasticity, Environmental Influence on Neuroplasticity.

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Research Paper

2. How Do Upcoming Digital Payment System Innovations Affect Consumer Spending and Saving Behavior, and How Does It Affect Overall Economic Growth?

By introducing tools that change saving behaviors and providing convenience that changes spending, the global transition to digital payment systems causes conflict. According to research, the "pain of paying" is lessened in digital transactions, which increases consumer spending by 40–48% and promotes impulsive purchases. On the other hand, automated digital budgeting tools successfully encourage financial resilience and savings. Macroeconomic research demonstrates that market formalization and GDP growth are positively correlated with digital adoption. According to this paper, new behaviorally-designed savings tools offer a necessary counterbalance to the convenience of payments, which drives consumption, but only if they are backed by robust financial literacy and regulatory oversight. Using case studies such as India's UPI and M-Pesa, this paper examines the relationship between payment convenience and spending, the dual impact of digital budgeting tools on saving, and the macroeconomic effects on growth. Innovations in digital payments will speed up formalities and economic activity, but their ability to serve as a strategic pillar for national development depends on how well they strike a balance between transactional convenience and instruments that encourage responsible consumer savings.

Published by: Rayhan TanejaResearch Area: Economics

Organisation: Shiv Nadar School, HaryanaKeywords: Digital Payment Systems, Consumer Spending Behaviour, Payment Convenience, Digital Budgeting Tools, Cashless Economy.

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Research Paper

3. Empirical Atmospheric Attenuation Models for Free Space Optical Links using Nigerian Meteorological Data

Accurate prediction of atmospheric attenuation is critical for the reliable deployment of Free Space Optical (FSO) communication systems, particularly in regions with diverse climatic conditions. This paper presents a comparative validation of three widely used empirical attenuation models—Kruse, Kim, and Al Naboulsi—using real meteorological visibility data from Nigeria. Visibility records obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Jos, and Kano were used to compute attenuation coefficients at an operating wavelength of 1550 nm. Simulation results were compared with attenuation values derived from measured visibility data using correlation and root mean square error (RMSE) metrics. Results show that the Kim model provides the highest correlation (0.93) and lowest RMSE (2.7 dB/km), demonstrating superior suitability for tropical atmospheric conditions. The findings offer validated guidelines for selecting appropriate attenuation models for FSO-based 5G backhaul and last-mile deployments in Nigeria.

Published by: Tunde Afolabi, Dr. R. O. OkekeResearch Area: Telecommunication

Organisation: University of Port-Harcourt, NigeriaKeywords: Free Space Optics, Atmospheric Attenuation, Visibility, Kim Model, Kruse Model, Al Naboulsi Model, 5G Backhaul.

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Research Paper

4. The Economic Analysis of Gender Pay Gap in Sports

This research paper examines the causes of the gender pay gap in the sports industry. It looks at the many factors affecting the wages of female athletes by highlighting the role of sponsors, industries, labour markets and media. It also reflects the presentation of women in sports using sexual connotations, the limited opportunities and reduced investment they receive, which restricts their skill development and therefore the wages they earn. This research paper emphasises how earnings are not due to lack of performance or athletic abilities, but due to institutional inequalities present in sports industries consisting of women, thus they are not a true reflection of the performance of female athletes.

Published by: Advika RaoResearch Area: Gender Pay Gap

Organisation: Heritage International Xperiential School, HaryanaKeywords: Gender Inequality, Sports Industry, Limited Sponsorships, Restricted Opportunities, Labour Market Economics.

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Research Paper

5. Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Asian Countries with Special Emphasis on India

This paper examines the growth trajectory of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Asian countries, with an emphasis on India. SMEs constitute the backbone of economic development in Asia, contributing significantly to employment generation, poverty alleviation, and export growth, yet they face persistent structural challenges like limited access to finance and inadequate infrastructure. This paper also delves into various Government interventions and policies supporting MSMEs. It also draws a comparison of India with other Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Published by: Daksh SinghalResearch Area: Economy

Organisation: G.D. Goenka Public School, HaryanaKeywords: SMEs, MSMEs, Asian Economy, Financial Obstacles, Government Policies.

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6. Predicting Adolescent Psychological Outcomes of Therapeutic Chatbot Use by Integrating Neuroscience, Chatbot, and User Behaviour

As we find our lives more and more intertwined with Artificial Intelligence, we use it for a variety of purposes. Using an AI assistant means that many tasks previously done by us can now be outsourced. This has many implications, cognitive, sociological and emotional. Earlier research in neuroscience suggests that teenagers and young adults are more vulnerable to negative psychological impacts from external influences. A study shows an increase in cognitive decline in students who use AI for essay writing. (Kosmyna). Another preprint finding shows how AI can aid medical misinformation sometimes and enhance patient care other times. (Jedrzejczak et al.). This paper discusses the effects of AI usage for companionship or mental health-focused conversations on adolescents and youth. Drawing on neuroscience literature and understanding the reward circuitry of the brain, it assesses the potential downsides of long-term usage. Deploying a basic chatbot to engage in empathetic conversations and conducting a survey (n=90) post interaction, perceived empathy, validation and other emotional factors are assessed. Another experiment is conducted to quantitatively measure chatbot validation. This paper proposes that AI is over-validating by nature and that it fosters reliance.

Published by: Kavika SinghalResearch Area: Psychology

Organisation: Paul George Global School, New DelhiKeywords: Artificial Intelligence, Therapeutic Chatbots, Adolescent Mental Health, Social Validation, Emotional Dependence, Human-AI Interaction, Reward Circuitry.

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