Browse Items (5511 total)
Sort by:
-
FISCAL PERFORMANCE OF PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS (PRIs): AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH IN PRE AND POST-BIFURCATION PERIOD
The effectiveness of democratic decentralisation depends on the financial strength and independence of the local bodies. Financial autonomy is vital to reap the full potential benefits of decentralisation as the transfer of funds, functions, and functionaries will enable local bodies to be institutes of self-governance and not just delivery mechanisms. In the context of persistent fiscal distress across the local bodies, an attempt is made to empirically examine the fiscal performance of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in Andhra Pradesh during 2010-11 to 2017-18, i.e. pre- and post-bifurcation periods of the State. The fiscal autonomy and the revenue dependency of PRIs across all three tiers in the State during the same period was also analysed. The study finds that the fiscal autonomy of top tiers, i.e. Mandal Praja Parishads (MPPs) and Zilla Praja Parishads (ZPPs) is negligible in both periods, while Gram Panchayats showed relatively better fiscal autonomy in both periods. 2022 National Institute of Rural Development. All rights reserved. -
Fishing in the Troubled Waters: Fishermen Issue in IndiaSri Lanka Relations
Indias relations with its neighbours in the maritime domain have received less scholarly attention. Those studies that deal with Indias relations with its South Asian neighbours generally touch on political security, socio-cultural and economic issues. The maritime aspect is either ignored or tucked in as a part of other dimensions. The present study attempts to fill the gap in the literature by taking up the case of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is chosen as a case, not only because the island state is Indias closest maritime neighbour but also due to the existence of deep interactions between the two countries in diverse fields both at governmental and non-governmental levels. In the maritime domain, in the present context, technically speaking, there is no problem between the two countries. However, the fishermen issue remains one of the issues principally because of the Tamil Nadu factor. Analysing the issue in five phases, the study argues for a comprehensive approach for its settlement.1. 2018, 2018 Indian Council of World Affairs. -
FITNESS TRAINERS PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS AND GYM GOERS EXERCISE INTENTION
In line with the law of attraction, physical attractiveness has been widely used in marketing as well as advertising due to its potency in persuading consumers to take action. However, would physical attractiveness of a fitness trainer influence gym goers intention to exercise? This question motivated this research. Based on recent literature reviews, several research constructs were identified to form a research framework to investigate the physical attractiveness phenomena in the fitness industry. Hypothetically, the impact of the physical attractiveness of a fitness trainer on gym goers exercise intention is postulated to be mediated by trainers perceived expertise, trustworthiness, likeability and perceived health. Questionnaires were administered among gym-goers from 10 randomly selected fitness centres across three districts of Melaka State in Malaysia, and 192 final sample data were obtained. Data analysis reveals fitness trainers perceived expertise and likeability significantly mediates the relationship between the physical attractiveness of fitness trainers and gym goers exercise intention. Physical attractiveness of fitness trainers does impact the exercise intention of gym goers indirectly. Implications of the findings to theory and practice are also discussed in this paper, as well as suggestions for future studies. 2022, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. All rights reserved. -
Fixed points in n-gonal graphical b-metric spaces under contractive conditions
In this paper, we will define a new metric space called n-gonal graphical b-metric space. We will also prove some fixed point theorems in said metric space and give suitable examples to illustrate our results. These results will help to solve many nonlinear convex models in machine learning and optimization by formulating them in fixed point schemes of optimization. Our paper opens the door for researchers to work in the intersecting area of machine learning and functional analysis in the frame work of n-gonal graphical b-metric space. 2023 World Scientific Publishing Company. -
FL-XGBTC: federated learning inspired with XG-boost tuned classifier for YouTube spam content detection
The problem of spam content in YouTube comments is an ongoing issue, and detecting such content is a critical task to maintain the quality of user experience on the platform. In this study, we propose a Federated Learning Inspired XG-Boost Tuned Classifier, FL-XGBTC, for YouTube spam content detection. The proposed model leverages the advantages of federated learning, which enables the training of a model collaboratively across multiple devices without sharing raw data. The FL-XGBTC model is based on the XGBoost algorithm, which is a powerful and widely used ensemble learning algorithm for classification tasks. The proposed model was trained on a large and diverse dataset of YouTube comments, which includes both spam and non-spam comments. The results demonstrate that the FL-XGBTC model achieved a high level of accuracy in detecting spam content in YouTube comments, outperforming several baseline models. Additionally, the proposed model provides the benefit of preserving user privacy, which is a critical consideration in modern machine-learning applications. Overall, the proposed Federated Learning Inspired XG-Boost Tuned Classifier provides a promising solution for YouTube spam content detection that leverages the benefits of federated learning and ensemble learning algorithms. The major contribution of this work is to demonstrate and propose a framework for showing a distributed federated classifier for the multiscale classification of youtube spam comments using the Ensemble learning method. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to The Society for Reliability Engineering, Quality and Operations Management (SREQOM), India and The Division of Operation and Maintenance, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden 2024. -
Flares during eclipses of high-mass X-ray binary systems Vela X-1, 4U 1700?37, and LMC X-4
In eclipsing X-ray binary systems, the direct X-ray emission is blocked by the companion star during the eclipse. We observe only reprocessed emission that contains clues about the environment of the compact object and its chemical composition, ionization levels, etc. We have found flares in some X-ray binaries during their eclipses. The study of eclipse flares provides additional clues regarding the size of the reprocessing region and helps distinguish between different components of the X-ray spectrum observed during the eclipse. In the archival data, we searched for flares during eclipses of high-mass X-ray binaries and found flares in three sources: Vela X-1, LMC X-4, and 4U 1700?37. Comparing spectral properties of the eclipse flare and non-flare data, we found changes in the power-law photon index in all three sources and multiple emission lines in Vela X-1 and 4U 1700-37. The fluxes of prominent emission lines showed a similar increase as the overall X-ray flux during the eclipse flare, suggesting the lines originate in the binary environment and not in the interstellar medium. We also observed a soft excess in 4U 1700-37 that remains unchanged during both eclipse flare and non-flare states. Our analysis suggests that this emission originates from the extremely thin shell of the stellar wind surrounding the photosphere of its companion star. The detection of short (100200 s) count-rate doubling time-scale in 4U 1700?37 and LMC X-4 indicates that the eclipse reprocessing occurs in a region larger than, but comparable to the size of the companion star. 2024 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Astronomical Society. -
Flat Unglazed Transpired Solar Collector: Performance Probability Prediction Approach Using Monte Carlo Simulation Technique
Engineering applications including food processing, wastewater treatment, home heating, commercial heating, and institutional heating successfully use unglazed transpired solar collectors (UTCs). Trapping of solar energy is the prime goal of developing an unglazed transpired solar collector. The UTC is usually developed in and around the walls of the building and absorbs the solar energy to heat the air. One of the key challenges faced by the UTC designer is the prediction of performance and its warranty under uncertain operating conditions of flow variables. Some of the flow features are the velocity distribution, plate temperature, exit temperature and perforation location. The objective of the present study was to establish correlations among these flow features and demonstrate a method of predicting the performance of the UTC. Hence, a correlation matrix was generated from the dataset prepared after solving the airflow over a perforated flat UTC. Further, both strong and weak correlations of flow features were captured through Pearsons correlation coefficient. A comparison between the outcomes from a linear regression model and that of computational simulation was showcased. The performance probability for the UTC was interlinked with correlation matrix data. The Monte Carlo simulation was used to predict the performance from random values of the flow parameters. The study showed that the difference between the free stream value of temperature and the value of temperature inside the UTCs chamber varied between 15 and 20 C. The probability of achieving system efficiency greater than 35% was 55.2%. This has raised the hope of recommending the UTC for drying and heating where the required temperature differential is within 20 C. 2022 by the authors. -
Flavonol based surface modification of doped chalcogenide nanoflakes as an ultrasensitive fluorescence probe for Al3+ ion
A highly selective novel fluorescent probe was prepared by using surface modified ZnS:Mn nanoparticles, functionalized with morin, a flavonol. SEM investigations of the heterostructures prepared using wet chemical precipitation technique revealed a nanoflake type of morphology. HR-TEM and powder XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline planes corresponding to Wurtzite ZnS. The functionalized nanoparticles were characterized using Raman, XPS and FTIR which confirms the binding of morin to the nanoparticles via surface coordination. The prepared probe selectively interacts with Al3+ ions which has been used as an ultrasensitive analytical tool for determination of Al3+ ions. A major advantage of the proposed method is that the other metal ions closely associated with Al3+ did not interfere with the analysis. The detection limit and the quantitation limit were found to be 0.07 nM and 0.20 nM respectively with a linear dynamic range 0.20 nM80 nM. The method was successfully applied to environmental water samples and other complex matrices. 2017 Elsevier B.V. -
Flexible and cost-effective cryptographic encryption algorithm for securing unencrypted database files at rest and in transit
To prevent unauthorized access to the databases and to ensure that the data of the databases is protected from intruders and insiders, the data is being encrypted at the storage locations. The same goal is achieved with Transparent Data Encryption, a feature that can be found in almost all database products. However, it has been observed that the non-datafiles are being ignored and there is no standard encryption for them like there is for datafiles. Moreover, there was no standard algorithm to encrypt them without relying on third-party tools. Therefore, This study provides a robust algorithm to perform the encryption. This presentation also describes the importance of non-datafiles encryption, and how some non-datafiles can pose a threat to data and infrastructure without encryption. The practical implementation of the non-data file encryption algorithm shows the authentic results. Further, unlike existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm gives the file owner full control over the encryption logic. In the encryption process, two levels of encryption logics are combined with a passcode lock, while the same combination of two levels of reversing encryption and passcode is used in the decryption process to convert encoded data back into text format. 2022 The Author(s) -
Flexible Nanogenerators Based on Enhanced Flexoelectricity in Mn3O4 Membranes
Atomically thin, few-layered membranes of oxides show unique physical and chemical properties compared to their bulk forms. Manganese oxide (Mn3O4) membranes are exfoliated from the naturally occurring mineral Hausmannite and used to make flexible, high-performance nanogenerators (NGs). An enhanced power density in the membrane NG is observed with the best-performing device showing a power density of 7.99mWm?2 compared to 1.04Wm?2 in bulk Mn3O4. A sensitivity of 108mVkPa?1 for applied forces <10N in the membrane NG is observed. The improved performance of these NGs is attributed to enhanced flexoelectric response in a few layers of Mn3O4. Using first-principles calculations, the flexoelectric coefficients of monolayer and bilayer Mn3O4 are found to be 50100 times larger than other 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). Using a model based on classical beam theory, an increasing activation of the bending mode with decreasing thickness of the oxide membranes is observed, which in turn leads to a large flexoelectric response. As a proof-of-concept, flexible NGs using exfoliated Mn3O4 membranes are made and used in self-powered paper-based devices. This research paves the way for the exploration of few-layered membranes of other centrosymmetric oxides for application as energy harvesters. 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Flexible polymer composite films incorporated with Li-ion/reduced graphene oxide: excellent optical and photoluminescence performance
A flexible polymer composite film (PL-rGO) was prepared from reduced graphene oxide (rGO) (derived from graphite) and lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) incorporated in a pale yellow colored polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) polymer by solution casting method. The resulting flexible translucent PL-rGO composite films were obtained with smooth surface and thickness in the range of 23m. The optical and photoluminescence properties of PL-rGO were explored in the present study. The intensity of photoluminescence spectra at excitation band ? 320nm increases with significant broadening with varying concentration of rGO in the matrix. The evaluated direct and indirect energy bandgap of PL-rGO composite from optical absorbance is in the range of 3.06 ~ 3.26eV. These results from optical properties for PL-rGO composite indicate the accurate tailoring of the composite by changing the rGO volume fraction. 2019, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. -
Flexible Teaching - Learning Systems in Indian Higher Education System through Technology - A Study on Demographic Impact
International Journal of Computer Application Vol. 5, Issue 2, pp 178-182, ISSN No. 2250-1797 -
Floral waste as a potential feedstock for polyhydroxyalkanoate production using halotolerant Bacillus cereus TS1: optimization and characterization studies
The versatile properties and high degree of biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have made them the ideal candidate for biomedical and other applications. Although extensive research on PHA-producing bacterial isolates from terrestrial environments is documented in the available literature, the potential of marine bacterial isolates in PHA production remains less explored and offers a great scope for future research. This research work primarily focuses on isolation and characterization of PHA-producing bacterial isolates from samples collected from coastal areas of Kerala, India. Furthermore, the possibility of PHA production from the most potential isolate Bacillus cereus TS1 using jasmine waste hydrolysate-based media was explored in this study. The utilization of floral waste hydrolysate (FWH) for PHA fermentation is not widely discussed in the available literature and is the major novelty factor of this research work. Under optimized conditions of glucose (1.2% w/v), yeast extract (0.15% w/v), NaCl (5.02% w/v), and incubation period (60h), a maximum PHA yield of 1.13g/L was achieved. The characterization of PHA polymer was done using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Thus, this research work integrates floral waste valorisation with microbial biopolymer production and highlights an innovative approach for sustainable development. The scale of this method on an industrial scale in future may prove helpful in the cost-effective production of PHA using cheap raw materials. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Flourishing and work flow among working adults: A positive investigation from India
The demands in today's organizations are only growing at peaking high levels where turnover and burnout sets out to be major factors that challenge productivity. This is supported by previous findings which have identified turnover and burnout as a consequence of job demands. In today's demanding era of workforce, capacity to work effectively is a key component of employee's health, well-being and growth. Positive emotional and mental state of employees is a predictor of positive organization which will result in high performance, wellbeing and a conducive environment to flourish. Present study deals with workflow and its relationship with employee`s flourishing. This paper aims to explore the relationship between flourishing and experiences of work flow among working adults (n=105). Relationship among variables was analyzed through correlation and regression analysis. Results indicate that there is significant positive correlation between flourishing and experience of work flow (r (105) = 0.49, p<.01) and experience of work flow predicts the flourishing among employees. 2021 Ecological Society of India. All rights reserved. -
Flow and heat transport of nanomaterial with quadratic radiative heat flux and aggregation kinematics of nanoparticles
A numerical study of flow and heat transport of nanoliquid with aggregation kinematics of nanoparticles is carried out using the modified Buongiorno model (MBM). The MBM model is composed of random motion nanoparticles, heat diffusion of nanoparticles, and effective properties of nanoliquids. The effects of quadratic variation of density-temperature (quadratic convection), and the quadratic Rosseland thermal radiation are also studied. Inclined magnetism is also taken into account. The aggregation kinematics of nanoparticles is simulated using the modified Krieger-Dougherty model for dynamic viscosity and the modified Maxwell model for thermal conductivity. The main system of nonlinear partial differential equations is solved using the similarity technique and the finite difference method-based algorithm (FDM). The consequence of several key parameters on velocity, nanoparticle volume fraction, wall heat flux, and temperature are found in two cases, namely weak convective heating and strong convective heating. The study reveals that the suspension of the nanoparticles increases the thermal conductivity and, thus, improves the temperature and reduces the heat flux at the plate. The structures of the thermal and velocity surface layer are higher in the case of strong convective heating, while in the case of weak convective heating, the nanoparticle volume fraction layer is thicker. 2021 Elsevier Ltd -
Flow of nanofluid past a stretching cylinder subject to Thompson and Troian slip in the presence of gyrotactic microorganisms
Incorporating the Thompson and Troian slip condition, this work studies the bioconvective flow of a nanofluid past a vertically stretching cylinder. The Thompson and Troian slip deals with the molecular scale interactions at the solidfluid interface, which plays a pivotal role in the fluid flow analysis. This study helps in understanding the behaviours of fluid flow in the presence of non-linear slip past a vertically stretching cylinder. The corresponding partial differential equations (PDEs) for momentum, energy, concentration of nanoparticles, and concentration of microbes are developed using Buongiornos model. A suitable similarity transformation is then applied to these PDEs, converting them into a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The RungeKuttaFehlberg (RKF-45) method is utilized to calculate the numerical solution of the resulting ODE problem. The results demonstrate that the interaction of slip conditions, viscous dissipation, heat source, and bioconvection causes complex flow patterns and heat transfer characteristics. These observations are extremely relevant for applications including better oil recovery procedures, biomedical engineering, and microfluidic devices where exact control over nanofluid behaviour is necessary. Some of the major observations of the study include the enhancement of the temperature in the nanofluid for higher Eckert numbers, control of fluid flow through an external magnetic field, and Peclet number significantly decreased the motile density in the nanofluid. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Flow of nanoliquid past a vertical plate with novel quadratic thermal radiation and quadratic Boussinesq approximation: Sensitivity analysis
The effects of quadratic thermal radiation and quadratic Boussinesq approximation are investigated on the heat transport of a 36 nm Al2O3 ? H2O nanofluid over a vertical plate. The modified Buongiorno model is used in the analysis that includes the effectual thermophysical properties of the nanofluid and the key slip mechanisms. Experimentally verified correlations are used for the thermophysical properties. The reduced nonlinear differential problem is solved numerically by the Finite Difference Method (FDM). Flow profiles are displayed and analyzed for changes in dimensionless parameters. Further, the heat transfer flux at the wall is analyzed for interactive impacts of the buoyancy ratio, Brownian random motion, and thermophoresis parameters using the face-centered Central Composite Design (CCD) of the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A sensitivity analysis is carried out for the heat transfer flux of the nanoliquid. Quadratic thermal radiation was found to improve the temperature profile. Furthermore, the mechanisms of Brownian random motion and thermophoresis have a negative sensitivity towards the rate of heat transfer. In various thermal applications like solar collectors, the density variation in terms of temperature differences is significantly high. Such phenomena can be accurately modeled by utilizing the quadratic Boussinesq approximation and the novel quadratic thermal radiation aspect. 2020 Elsevier Ltd -
Fluorescence bioimaging applications of europium-doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles
Fluorescence bioimaging is widely used for physiological studies to visualise intercellular molecular events due to its highly selective, sensitive, and non-destructive nature. However, its application in in vivo live imaging is often limited by the scarcity of biocompatible fluorescent probes possessing optimal properties. Our study focuses on developing europium-based nanoparticles for in vivo bioimaging, especially imaging of plants. Eu-doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles were synthesised through a conventional solid-state reaction. Structural characterisation of samples using XRD confirmed the prevalence of SrAl2O4 as the prominent phase. The FTIR spectrum, SEM and TEM images were recorded for further characterization. Photoluminescence studies showed orange red emission of sample. The antibacterial activity of the nanophosphors was studied, demonstrating no antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity studies conducted using Neuro-2A cells showed no indications of cytotoxicity associated with europium doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles. When incorporated into the plant tissue culture medium, these nanoparticles were found to have no effect on seed germination and plant growth, and it demonstrated no phytotoxicity. Imaging studies have shown the uptake of nanoparticles by plants and their subsequent transport through the vascular system. Our results emphasise the direct integration of nanophosphors into plant tissues from the growth medium, eliminating the necessity for traditional staining methods in fluorescence bioimaging. Incorporation of nanophosphors into living organisms holds promise for non-invasive and long-term fluorescence imaging, with potential applications in biological studies and diagnostics. The outstanding fluorescence properties and biocompatibility of europium doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles broaden its potential for various applications in fluorescence bioimaging. 2024 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. -
Fluorescent Carbonized Polymer Dots Derived from o-phenylenediamine and its Photonic Application
Optimizing the optoelectronic characteristics of low-dimensional carbon dots (CDs) through surface modifications and doping has proven instrumental in tailoring them for diverse applications. This study explores a facile and economical hydrothermal synthesis method for generating Carbonized Polymer Dots using o-phenylenediamine at different temperatures. The resulting materials exhibit structural and morphological variations linked to the synthesis temperature. A transition from carbon dots (CDs) embedded in reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-like sheet structures at low temperatures to the core-shell structure at the highest temperature is observed in HR-TEM, implying the formation of CPDs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) corroborates these findings, showing an augmented degree of graphitization in alignment with HR-TEM results. The photoluminescence spectra of CPDs synthesized at the lowest temperature exhibit multiple emission peaks, resulting in a yellowish-orange color. Utilizing these CPDs to fabricate light-emitting diodes (LEDs) produces a vivid bright-green emission with CIE coordinates (0.378, 0.522). Moreover, the CPDs demonstrate solvatochromism across diverse solvents of varying polarity, covering the entire visible spectrum. This intriguing solvatochromic effect positions the CPDs as promising materials for polarity probing applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Fluorescent detection of Pb2+ pollutant in water samples with the help of Delonix regia leaf-derived CQDs
Heavy metals released from different sources into water bodies are a major concern in the view of environmental protection. Their non-biodegradability and the numerous health hazards add to the issue. Scientists worldwide have emphasized the issue and are trying to resolve it by different means. Among all the methods, the fluorescent method stands out for its simplicity and rapid results. Here, the study focuses on the development of an efficient and sustainable method for the detection of lead in waste-water effluents. Carbon quantum dots (GCDs), a highly non-toxic substance developed from Delonix regia leaves for the purpose via a simple hydrothermal method. The prepared GCDs exhibited good photostability and water solubility; they also displayed a bright red emission when irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light. Here, the authors propose the synthesized GCDs as an effective fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of lead ions in aqueous samples. Photoluminescence quenching of GCDs by the addition of lead was studied and a good detection limit of 3.3 nM with a linear range of 10180 M was achieved. Further, real sample analysis was also conducted to prove the applicability of the synthesized GCDs. 2022 Elsevier B.V.