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A novel route for isomerization of ?-pinene oxide at room temperature under irradiation of light-emitting diodes
Present investigation demonstrates the potential use of HY-zeolite for photochemical applications in the selective isomerization of ?-pinene oxide to carveol. In this study, ultraviolet lamp and LED (390 nm) light sources were employed under atmospheric conditions. The results revealed that light penetration through protonated zeolite cavity promotes the hydrogen radical formation, facilitating the isomerization reaction in the presence of dimethylacetamide solvent to achieve up to 60% and 40% conversion of ?-pinene oxide to selective carveol (71%) under light irradiation. Here, using in situ spectroscopic studies (EPR and fluorescence), to confirm the hydrogen radical generation after light irradiation on the reaction mixture. Besides, the mechanistic pathway is proposed based on the experimental evidence of the formation of radicals, which is validated by the Density Functional Theory (DFT). By comparing electrical energy consumption for the same reaction using different reaction setups, it is understood that the energy requirement is nearly the same in the case of a reaction performed using a thermal reactor. The power consumption in reactions conducted using thermal, UV lamp and LED-based reactors was 1.6 kW/h, 1.5 kW/h, and 0.00144 kW/h, respectively. It is clear that the energy consumption in thermal and UV lamp-based reactors is higher than that of LED-based reactors, which was 1111 and 1041 times more than LED reactors respectively. Notably, the catalyst was found to be recyclable at least five consecutive runs, and the successful protocol was demonstrated up to 50 g scale. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Algorithms for better decision-making: a qualitative study exploring the landscape of robo-advisors in India
Purpose: This paper explores the current state of Robo-advisory services in India. This paper further highlights the problems experienced by the service providers in disseminating the innovative business model among the Indians. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a qualitative approach to investigate the industry experts by conducting semi-structured interviews. The data collected were transcripted and further analyzed using the content analysis technique. Finally, the authors utilized categorization and coding techniques to frame broad study themes. Findings: The study findings reveal that the three pillars of Robo-advisory are ease and convenience, the time factor and transparency in operations. Robo-advisory services are still at a nascent stage in India. Furthermore, keeping the sentiments of Indians in mind, FinTech companies could combine automated Robo-advisory with a human touch of a wealth manager for optimal advisory services. Research limitations/implications: Since the present study is qualitative, the authors cannot generalize the study results. Future research can focus on empirically proving the constructs of the study using quantitative methods. Practical implications: Robo-advisors have a well-established market in developed nations but are still nascent in developing countries like India. The current focus of service providers and regulatory authorities must be to increase awareness among investors by educating the investors and building trust. Originality/value: The present study is the first to qualitatively synthesize the challenges faced by the FinTech service providers in the Indian market. 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
An empirical analysis of the antecedents and barriers to adopting robo-advisors for investment management among Indian investors
This study aims to provide a research framework to understand the antecedents and barriers to adopting Robo-advisors for investment decision-making in India. The study employed a research model based on the extended UTAUT 2, along with three additional constructs, i.e. personal innovativeness (PI), perceived risk (PR), and technological anxiety (TA). Data collected were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS 4.0 software. This research will help banks, wealth management service providers, FinTech companies, and Robo-advisor developers improve their platforms, offers, products, and marketing tactics for these automated advisory services. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Distributed denial-of-service detection and mitigation using software-defined network and internet of things
Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the promising technologies that are developing quickly in various fields such as automation, safety and health. It is a heterogeneous network that links various physical devices. It consists of a variety of vulnerabilities due to its heterogeneous nature. It makes a different level of security issues. Distributed Denial-of-service (DDoS) attack denies services to an authentic user and makes the resources of network inaccessible. DDoS attack is a significant problem for IoT. It is easy to carry out this attack on an IoT network. Main aim of the proposed methodology is to use Software-defined Network (SDN). The primary structure of proposed system is to integrate SDN and IoT technology. This combination is to provide a more secure infrastructure compare to traditional system. The secondary structure of proposed system is used to detect and mitigate the DDoS attacks. The proposed methodology is to check associativity of MAC IP address, source IP address and destination IP address. It was able to detect and mitigate the attack in short span of time. The results are compared on different parameters. That parameters are packet delay time, flow entries and average packet received per second by the controller. This hybrid method is to provide higher security and improve the Quality of Service (QoS). 2019, Institute of Advanced Scientific Research, Inc.. All rights reserved. -
Similarity analysis of court judgements using association rule mining on case citation data-a case study
Information Retrieval System (IRS) is an automated mechanism of retrieving required information from a collection of unstructured or semi-structured data. IRS reduces the efforts of identifying the required information from an enormous database. Legal domain is one of the major producers of complex information which consist of semi-structured and unstructured data. Knowledge based legal information systems are revolutionizing all processes involved in this domain and hence need for more effective legal knowledge management approaches are increasing. This paper proposes association rule mining as knowledge extraction technique that can be used effectively for analyzing relatedness of documents in legal domain. Through this work, authors present their efforts in analyzing similarity in legal documents from the citations done in court judgement by applying Association rule mining. International Research Publication House. -
Melamine derived N-doped Carbon nanotubes: A durable catalyst support for Pt nanoparticles in proton exchange membrane fuel cell
A cost-effective thermal pyrolysis route was adopted to synthesize N-doped carbon nanotube (NCNT) in a single step with the aid of melamine (carbon and nitrogen source) and cobalt catalyzed growth for the formation of N-doped carbon nanotubes. The NCNT was acid treated (fNCNT) to remove the metallic Co from the CNT which was elucidated using X-ray diffraction. Even though these noble metal-free materials are explored as Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst, for it to be employed in actual fuel cell the cathode requires noble metals such as Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles to improve its sluggish kinetics. Thus, this study is mainly focused on employing fNCNT as catalyst support in PEMFC, wherein the electrocatalyst was synthesized using microwave-assisted polyol method to decorate Pt nanoparticles on fNCNT, demonstrating its excellent durability of 32% electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) loss when subjected to standard protocols, and full cell performance of hybrid ((Pt/fNCNT) + CB) 412 mW cm?2 (better than commercial Pt/C) when deployed as electrocatalyst for ORR in Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell, thus our findings open new avenues to explore, design and develop N-doped carbon nanotubes as durable catalyst for fuel cells. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024. -
A facile one-step microwave synthesis of Pt deposited on N & P co-doped graphene intercalated carbon black - An efficient cathode electrocatalyst for PEM fuel cell
A facile, single step microwave assisted polyol route for simultaneously depositing platinum as well as co-doping graphene oxide, is herein proposed. However, low durability and full cell performance of Pt/NPG (platinum deposited on nitrogen phosphorous co-doped graphene) was observed due to restacking of graphene layers. This issue was addressed by intercalating CB into the graphene layers as spacers during the synthesis (in-situ addition of spacers - Pt/(NPG + S)). Moreover, to study the influence of spacers, external addition of spacers (ex-situ - Pt/(NPG) + S) were also examined. Results from our study indicate that in-situ addition of spacers- Pt/(NPG + S) enhanced the full cell performance (405 mW cm?2) and exhibited <40% ECSA loss (37.47%), thereby attaining DoE target. Thus, emerging as a durable cathode electrocatalyst (Pt/(NPG + S)) for PEM fuel cells. 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
One-step synthesized Pt-dispersed N, P co-doped graphene as an efficient oxygen reduction reaction ORR electrocatalyst
A simple yet effective strategy to simultaneously deposit Platinum and co-doped (Nitrogen & Phosphorous) graphite oxide (rGO) using microwave irradiation has been carried out, labeled as Pt/NP-rGO. The successful deposition of Pt was confirmed using X-ray diffractogram (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern. The Pt particles with average size of 3.5nm were deposited during microwave irradiation. Further, co-doping was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The synthesized Pt/NP-rGO was analyzed in situ as an oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalyst in acidic medium. Our results indicate that Pt/NP-rGO follows a four e? ORR process attributed to increased adhesion between the Pt and N, P co-doped graphene oxide due to e? transfer from graphene to N and P atoms, thus indicating its potential in energy-related applications as an effective ORR electrocatalyst. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Materials Research Society 2024. -
Application of Corn Oil Derived Carbon Nano-onions Using Flame Pyrolysis as Durable Catalyst Support for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
The reliance of carbon black as catalyst support for Pt in PEM fuel cell has posed a major challenge in its durability as carbon blacks are highly prone to corrosion. As an alternative, CNTs, CNFs, and graphene are explored as catalyst support, however at the expense of tedious synthesis procedure and production cost. So to combat this issue, a facile flame pyrolysis route was adopted to produce carbon nano-onions using eco-friendly corn oil. Further modification in the carbon nano-onions exhibited better corrosion resistance in comparison to carbon black (Vulcan XC-72R). Also, a systematic approach was adopted towards developing a durable electrocatalyst which was designed to withstand harsh fuel cell operating conditions. The electrocatalyst was successfully analyzed using stringent standard testing protocols (< 40% ECSA loss). Among all the electrocatalyst studied, Pt/fOC exhibited only 37.1% loss in electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) after 5000 cycles, thus indicating its excellent durability. A full cell was also constructed with Pt/fOC as cathode electrocatalyst which showed a maximum power density of 365 mW cm?2, comparable to commercial Pt/C (367 mW cm?2). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the application of corn oil derived carbon nano-onions as catalyst support for PEM fuel cells. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Understanding the technological evolution in electronic payments system in India and the acceptance
Banking in India has seen amazing technical and infrastructure advancements during the last two decades. Businesses can use the payment and settlement system to receive and make payments for goods and services, as well as to repay money. The RBIs commitment to providing the general population with low-cost, accessible, and all-inclusive payment services has contributed in the quick acceptance and paradigm shift from paper to electronic medium. Using the larger TAM model, this article evaluates payment technology advancements from 2019 through 2022. According to the study, there was a 100% rise in UPI/IMPS and a 40% increase in NEFT compared to December 2018. The paper discusses the acceptability of the paradigm transition from paper to electronic payment media. The papers scope is limited to three years, from January 2019 to December 2021. The study contributes to various findings and insights on Indias embrace of digital payment and the payment paradigm change. 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Gut Microbiome Characterisation of Chrysomya megacephala: Isolation, Identification, Antibiotic Profiling, and Initial Documentation of Leclercia adecarboxylata from the Fly
Chrysomya megacephala, known for its vector potential, harbors a diverse microbiota crucial in understanding disease transmission dynamics. Herein, we report the first documentation of Leclercia adecarboxylata isolated from C. megacephala. L. adecarboxylata is an Enterobacteriaceae, gram-negative bacillus that cause infections in human and animals. Additionally, we have reported the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis from C. megacepahala. The study carried out the antibiotic profiling and hemolytic assays, which revealed distinct resistance patterns and virulence characteristics, shedding light on potential public health implications. L. adecarboxylata, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis showed positive result for hemolysis and in terms of antibiotic resistance P. aeruginosa strains showed resistance to Amoxicillin, Ampicillin and Tetracycline while, E. faecalis showed resistance towards Streptomycin and Tetracycline. However, L. adecarboxylata showed sensitivity to all antibiotics. This study was conducted from Kozhikode, Kerala, India, and this is the first of its kind of study from the region to analyse the vector potential of C. megacephala. These findings underscore the significance of comprehensive microbiological investigations in vector-borne disease surveillance and management strategies. The Author(s) 2024. -
Enhancement of free convection from horizontal-base straight-fin heat sink by partial shrouding
This work presents a simple method to improve natural convection heat transfer performance of horizontal-base straight-fin heat sink by adding partial shroud plates on top of the heat sink at both ends. Experiments are conducted in conjunction with a detailed three-dimensional (3D) computational study. The numerical model is validated using experimental results. With partial shrouding, the modification and effective utilization of airflow surrounding the heat sink leads to significant heat transfer enhancement. The installation of shroud plates effectively improves the mass flowrate of air admitted into the fin channel. Further, the airflow drawn above the heat sink dissipates heat from the upper surface of the shroud plate. There is also a significant heat dissipation from the lower surface of the shroud plate which is exposed to cold air drawn from the side-end of the heat sink. The heat transfer from the existing optimal conventional heat sink is improved by 17% with the introduction of shroud plates. An optimal width of the shroud plate is identified to exist for the maximum heat transfer. The percentage enhancement in heat transfer achieved by partial shrouding increases with a decrease in the fin height and with an increase in the fin spacing. The proposed compact heat sink design would be of application in enhancing passive heat dissipation from light-emitting diode (LED) lights and other electronic devices, especially when size constraints exist. Copyright 2020 by ASME -
Visual Culture, Spectatorship and Humanitarian Disaster: Vanni Eli and the Representation of the Sri Lankan Civil War
This article examines the dialogic encounter between the spectator and the spectacle in the context of war crimes and humanitarian disasters (in this context, the Sri Lankan civil war) in Vanni Eli, a short film by a Sri Lankan Tamizh diasporic filmmaker Tamiliam Subhas. The narrative introduces us not only to the military disaster that is war but also to the humanitarian disasters effected through war. The article studies the role of the spectator who 'witnesses' the torture, and thus complicates the ethics of both the act of torture and the viewing of it.By looking closely at the ingenious ways of narrating torture the article argues that the creative representation of war and disaster implicates within its discourse not merely the participants and the victims of the war alone but also the 'peripheral' subjects like the mice (the film's lead 'actors'), and by extension, the spectators participating in the discursive construction of the victimized. Despite the symbolic disembodiment and effacement of the tortured, their suffering is recognized as a humanitarian disaster with the shared grammar of suffering common to all. 2012 Mudra Institute of Communications. -
Readiness factors for information technology adoption in SMEs: testing an exploratory model in an Indian context
Purpose: Extant literature regarding factors essential for successful information technologies (IT) implementation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) does not significantly address readiness factors for IT implementation in an Indian context. This exploratory research develops and tests a framework to analyse the antecedents to organisational preparedness for adoption of IT infrastructure in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: This exploratory research adopts a mixed-method approach to test the technology, organization and environment (TOE) framework. In-depth interviews with SME owners are conducted to develop the case study, and the measures obtained are tested through a survey at a small and medium business industrial cluster in Southern India in SMEs. Findings: The case study indicates SME owners drive to initiate technology preparedness for organisational sustainability is a key factor, a measure not seen during the literature review. An empirical study tests the measures. Pressure from customers, owners age, sales of SME, owners attitude towards IT and owners knowledge of IT was confirmed, which indicates organisational factors have more impact compared to technological and environmental factors. Research limitations/implications: The academic scope of this research paper can be extended to contexts such as readiness in IT infrastructure for digital transformation. Practical implications: The validated research framework can be used by organisation stakeholders and SME IT practitioners for successful IT adoption. Social implications: SMEs contribute significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and provide employment opportunities. Hence, this research provides a tested model that SMEs owners/managers can adopt as a framework to augment competitiveness to implement IT. Originality/value: The study adopts a mixed-method research design and is, perhaps, a first in the Indian context to explore variables through case study and validate identified measures through an empirical study. The model can be used by SME owners and practitioners to ascertain factors for organisational preparedness for IT adoption. 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on e-learning adoption in an emerging market: a longitudinal study using the UTAUT model
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic provided unprecedented impetus to the evolution of the e-learning learning ecosystem by compelling students to adopt e-learning systems. This paper aims to use the UTAUT model to provide insight into the differences in factors influencing the adoption of e-learning systems before and after the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: This longitudinal study uses two surveys conducted among graduate students in the city of Bengaluru in India. One prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and a second in its aftermath. PLS-SEM is used to analyze both data sets to draw insights into the constructs that influence Behavioral intention to adopt e-learning systems. The moderating effect of gender is also analyzed. Findings: Pre COVID-19, Facilitating Conditions, Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy (quadratic behavior) were dominant factors influencing the adoption of e-learning technologies. Post pandemic, Performance Expectancy and Social Influence are drivers of e-learning adoption. Effort Expectancy and Facilitating Conditions grouped as Ease of Use is a significant driver of e-learning adoption post pandemic. Gender is found to not have a moderating influence. Originality/value: The unique longitudinal study of the differences in factors influencing students intention to adopt e-learning pre- and post-COVID-19 can prove useful to policy makers in the higher education sector. Academics can use the post-pandemic e-learning models findings in multiple contexts such as generational cohorts, educational contexts and social contexts. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of La3+ doped bicrystalline titania prepared via combustion method for the degradation of cationic dye under solar illumination
La3+ doped TiO2 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by combustion method in the presence of urea and were characterized by various physico-chemical techniques. Further, the photocatalytic performance of the synthesized catalysts was monitored by photocatalytic degradation of synthetic cationic dye-Methylene Blue (MB) under solar illumination. The bicrystalline phase of anatase and rutile was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, the transformation from anatase to rutile phase proceeds at a slower rate in the La3+ doped TiO2 catalysts. Effective separation of charge carriers, a synergistic effect in the bicrystalline framework of anatase and rutile, smaller crystallite size, and higher concentration of surface adsorbed hydroxyl groups helped these catalysts to show improved activity for the dye degradation. Copyright 2018 BCREC Group. All rights reserved. -
Employee experience, well-being and turnover intentions in the workplace
Purpose: This study aims to examine the role of employee experience in influencing employee well-being and turnover intentions within organizations. The mediating role of well-being will also be investigated, along with an exploration of whether these relationships differ across genders, specifically in the Indian corporate context. Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive, quantitative study was conducted using structured questionnaires to gather data from 111 employees in the Indian corporate sector. The study used a non-probability judgment sampling method. Data was analyzed through SPSS for descriptive and inferential statistics, and partial least squares was used to explore mediation and model fit. Findings: The study found a significant impact of employee experience on well-being, as well as a negative correlation between both employee experience and turnover intention and well-being and turnover intention. Well-being was found to partially mediate the relationship between employee experience and turnover intention. Gender-based analysis revealed no significant differences in the relationships between these variables for men and women. Originality/value: This research highlights the universal applicability of employee experience as a predictor of well-being and turnover intention, irrespective of gender. By establishing that gender does not moderate these relationships, this study provides new insights challenging traditional assumptions about gender disparities in workplace outcomes. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Relationship Between Job Stress, Employee Engagement and Job Satisfaction: A Study Based on Women Managers in 4 and 5 star Hotels in India
Women account for a very small percentage of the employee population in Indian luxury hotels. While they have proved themselves as valuable assets, the average tenure of a woman in a managerial role in the sector is still around 2 to 4 years. The Government of India in its India Skills report has identified the sector as a focus area, in the drive to achieve better gender ratios. This study takes a small step towards understanding the factors that could influence the tenure of women in the hotel sector. The study examines the role of job stress in determining the levels of job satisfaction of women in the Indian hotel industry. The study also examines the mediating effect that employee engagement may have on the relation. The researchers have studied women in managerial roles in 4 and 5-star hotels, across India. The findings suggest that there is a strong negative correlation between job stress and job satisfaction and that this relationship is partially mediated by the presence of employee engagement. The findings are particularly important for the hospitality sector in India, as it struggles to retain its talented female employees. 2022 K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management. -
Evaluation of Gamified TrainingASolomon Four-Group Analysis of the Impact of Gamification on Learning Outcomes
Gamification is the application of game elements to non-game contexts. The process of gamification has been found to improve engagement levels, motivate participation and improve outcomes of activities. The primary focus of Gamification research has been on understanding how it can improve the process of learning, especially in academics or education. The impact of gamification in the organizational context is still relatively unexplored. The current study attempts to provide evidence supporting the use of gamification in organizational training. The study adopted an experimental methodology and is set in the context of organizations in India. The findings suggest that potential learners responded more positively to the gamified module and the knowledge gained was also higher through the gamified module. The gamified module also resulted in higher learner motivation. Thus, the current study provide support for the Theory of Gamified Learning that proposes that Gamification would increase Learner Motivation and thereby improve Learner reaction to the training and increase Learning. 2021, Association for Educational Communications & Technology. -
A theoretical framework for gamified learning
The term gamified has been applied to a large number of processes in the organization. Marketing professionals have attempted to gamify customer experiences, while human resource managers have attempted to gamify employee processes like recruitment and onboarding. Being a powerful driver for goal-oriented behavioural change, gamification has the potential to revolutionise the way people work, collaborate, and develop. However, the application of gamification has met with limited success in the organization. Researchers have attributed this lack of success to incomplete understanding of the concept. The current study reviews literature in the area of Gamification in an attempt to arrive at a conceptual model explaining how gamification drives learning. The model proposed in this study is simple and draws from key theories related to Learning and use of technology. The purpose of the review is to provide a base for future researchers and a basic understanding for practitioners attempting to introduce gamified learning. BEIESP.