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Synergistic g-c3n4/v2o5/pani composite for electrochemical energy storage
This work illustrates the synthesis of a ternary hybrid composite (g-C3N4/V2O5/PANI) from graphitic carbon nitride, vanadium pentoxide, and Polyaniline via hydrothermal method followed by in-situ polymerization. Morphological analysis confirms the integration of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and polyaniline (PANI) within the interlayer spaces of graphitic materials. The resultant hybrid composite structure facilitates rapid diffusion and ion movement at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Additionally, incorporating V2O5 within a polymer matrix alongside graphitic material generates diverse electrical profiles, enhancing electrochemical performance. The electrochemical characteristics of g-C3N4/V2O5/PANI composites were examined by Cyclic voltammetry (CV), Galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The GCD analysis shows that the g-C3N4/V2O5/PANI composite exhibits a specific capacitance of 880 Fg?1 at a current density of 1 Ag?1, retaining 78 % of its initial capacitance after executing 2000 cycles at 3 Ag?1. Furthermore, a symmetric supercapacitor was constructed using g-C3N4/V2O5/PANI composite material as the electrode, showing a capacitance of 246 Fg?1 when measured at an input current density of 1 Ag?1. This study demonstrates g-C3N4/V2O5/PANI is a potential electrode material for supercapacitor application. 2024 -
Examining the impact of uncertainty on business performance via strategic cost management adoption and implementation: the case of agro-based industries in and around Punjab, India
Dynamic business environments require a change to survive. Strategic cost management (SCM) must re-conceive its future as new, improved, or reformed under opportunities and tough demands. Traditional cost management may not be adaptable to business turbulence. Increasing shareholder and customer demand, rapid information and technology improvements in manufacturing, and worldwide market rivalry with antiquated tools can be difficult. SCM goes beyond cost reduction and includes revenue generation and competitive advantage. This article examines the relationship between adopting and applying SCM approaches and company success in agro-based industrial businesses. Empirical survey data from agro-based industrial companies in Punjab were analysed using multivariate data analysis. According to contingency theory, size, technology, total productivity maintenance, strategy, and organisation culture are factors related to strategic cost management. All dependent factors, including control variable size, favourably affected SCM acceptance and utilisation, which has a pragmatic effect on agro-based businesses. SCM utilisation also mediated performance. 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Early bruise detection, classification and prediction in strawberry using Vis-NIR hyperspectral imaging
The most frequent kind of damage to strawberries is bruising. However, most of the bruises are so barely perceptible at an early stage on the surface, that detection of them with the human eye is quite challenging. This study proposes a method for accurately detecting and classifying the damage using reflectance imaging spectroscopy. In order to carry out the study, an experiment was devised to artificially induce bruises and a dataset was generated at different bruise intervals. A model for detecting and classifying bruises at their latent stage was developed using machine learning classifiers, including support vector machines (SVM), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), random forest (RF), and decision tree (DT), to investigate the changes over time after bruise occurrence on the detection performance. Regression models for the prediction of bruising time were developed using partial least square regression (PLSR), RF, gradient boosting (GB), support vector regression (SVR), and DT. Among the compared models, both SVM and LDA could achieve 99.99 % classification accuracy. RF was regarded as being the most advisable for detection and prediction jobs due to its high performance. It achieved MSE of 0.052 and R2 of 0.989 for prediction. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Study of surface wave velocity in distinct rheological models with flexoelectric effect in piezoelectric aluminium nitride structure
This study investigates the propagation of surface seismic waves at the loosely bonded interface of a visco-piezoelectric composite structure, incorporating the flexoelectric effect. The structure consists of a viscoelastic layer placed over a piezoelectric substrate, with the upper layer's shear stiffness modelled using the KelvinVoigt approach. An analytical method based on the separation of variables is employed to derive the complex dispersion relations for both electrically open- and short-circuit boundary conditions. Numerical simulations reveal the significant influence of various parameters on the wave's phase velocity and attenuation coefficient. Furthermore, a graphical comparison of three rheological modelsMaxwell, Newton, and KelvinVoigtis presented. The results show that the attenuation is lower in the Maxwell and Newton models compared to the KelvinVoigt model. Key findings include the bonding parameter's direct proportionality with phase velocity and inverse relationship with attenuation, and the pronounced impact of flexoelectricity on both phase velocity and attenuation. This theoretical framework offers insights into the piezo-flexoelectric coupling, with potential applications in designing sensors, actuators, energy harvesters, and nano-electronic devices. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering 2024. -
Development through ICT: A study on teachers perspectives on challenges in online education for tribal students amid COVID-19
Online education became an integral part of the education system during the COVID-19 pandemic. All the schools, colleges and universities adopted new technology in teaching-learning pedagogy. Academicians and students were taught to practice online education with many challenges and difficulties. The Constitution of India includes many beneficial provisions to promote the integral development of scheduled tribes. It enables them and protects them from socioeconomic status and forms of exploitation. In Kerala, the Scheduled Tribes Development Department is implementing various programs for the educational, social and economic development of Scheduled Tribes. Kerala is the most literate state in India. It creates a strong academic foundation at the school level. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic spread throughout the world, the government continued education in the state through the VICTERS educational television channel with the help of various ICT tools. This studys objective is to determine the challenges faced by tribal students in the Idukki District of Kerala State in online education and to understand the social and technological challenges they face in the learning process. An in-depth interview method was adopted for the study. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of teachers who teach tribal students. 2025 Malque Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The impact of audit committee independence and competence on investors investment decision making: A study in the Indian context
This study examined the impact of an independent and competent audit committee on the decision-making process of investors in the Indian capital market and adopted a quantitative approach in which cross-sectional data are gathered with the help of a self-administered questionnaire survey. The selection of participants involves a stratified random sample technique, specifically targeting 441 regular investors associated with nine prominent brokerage houses in the Delhi NCR engaged in equity market investments. Descriptive analysis is applied to discern respondent characteristics, whereas correlation and regression analyses are utilised to test and elucidate the relationships and influences among variables in the model. The findings of this study, which indicate a notable correlation between investors' investment decision-making in India and the independence and competence of the audit committee, are in line with the expectation that independence and competence are essential attributes that the audit committee must possess. These characteristics, in turn, have a notable influence on investors' investment decisions. The outcome of this paper fills a gap in the literature by offering insights into the vital attributes of audit committee independence and competence that notably contribute to investment decision-making in India. This research examined the impact of an independent and competent audit committee on the decision-making process of investors in the Indian capital market, which has never been examined before. Thus, the findings shed light on the influence of board independence and competence on the decision-making process of investors in the Indian capital market. 2025, Malque Publishing. All rights reserved. -
Social isolation and loneliness among Generation Z employees: can emotional intelligence help mitigate?
The paper tested a moderated mediation model with social isolation, loneliness, emotional intelligence, and quality of life among Generation Z (Gen Z) employees. Approximately 568 Gen Z employees participated in this study. We used WHOQOL-BREF for measuring quality of life, Schuttes emotional intelligence test, UCLA loneliness scale and social isolation scale from Choi and Noh. We applied the PROCESS macro (model 7) by Hayes for a moderated mediation analysis, using emotional intelligence as a moderating variable and loneliness as a mediating variable between social isolation and quality of life. The results indicate that emotional intelligence moderates the mediating effect of loneliness on social isolation and quality of life and supports hypothesis 2. First, the indirect impact of social isolation on quality of life varies as a function of emotional intelligence moderating the path. Second, both social isolation and loneliness are negative and significant predictors of quality of life. Loneliness is not an individual problem anymore but a public health issue around the world. Individuals who are lonely experience both mental and physical health issues. Strong measures are needed to combat loneliness, and the current research results confirm that emotional intelligence-based interventions will help individuals fight loneliness. 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) from the rhizosphere of Spinacea oleracea L.
As the years pass by, there is an increase in abiotic stress conditions around the environment that directly or indirectly affect agriculture around the world. Therefore, there is a dire need to increase the sustainability of plants. Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) play an important role in maintaining the physiology and growth of plants under various stress conditions. This study looks into the isolation and characterization of different PGPB from Spinacia oleracea L. and their tolerance against salinity and commonly used commercial pesticides against the Spinacia family. The techniques used are isolation by serial dilution, 16sRna sequencing, characterization of different PGPB assays for confirmation such as ammonia production, catalase test, phosphate solubilisation, potassium solubilization, siderophore production, indole-3-acetic acid production, biofilm formation assay, halotolerance and tolerance study using Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). PGPB were isolated and characterized from Spinacia oleracea L., which was under an abiotic stress environment. Isolates were Bacillus clarus, Bacillus licheniformis, Paenibacillus alvei SJ6 and Paenibacillus alvei SJ8, having quantities as high as 78.10.004 mgL-1 phosphate solubilization, 43.8 mgL?1 of indole-3-acetic acid production, 14.5660.011 psu of siderophore production and 0.62 0.027 mol mL?1 of ammonia production. All isolates also had considerable amounts of halotolerance up to 10%, whereas Bacillus licheniformis had 12.5% halotolerance. The bacterial isolates had considerable tolerance against commonly used commercial pesticides against green leafy vegetables such as chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin combination and fungicides such as mancozeb. Therefore, this study looks into the isolation of potential plant growth promoting bacteria that have considerable amount of halotolerance and pesticide tolerance. 2025 World Researchers Associations. All rights reserved. -
Unveiling the potential: iodide-infused nickel-enhanced MXene composite for high-performance sodium ion hybrid capacitors
2D-MXenes have gained much popularity for energy storage applications such as hybrid capacitors, and they have shown very competitive performance, especially as electrode materials for sodium ion hybrid capacitors. However, they suffer from various problems, such as morphology distortion and fast capacity fading, which results in the poor performance of the battery. As a result, researchers have focused more on MXene-based composite materials to address these issues. In this work, we report a sodium iodide and nickel-decorated MXene-based composite (Ti2C/Ni/NaI) material as an electrode for a sodium ion hybrid capacitor. Ti2C MXene and Ni were able to provide physical and mechanical strength, and iodine was able to produce redox activity. The composite had a rough surface with readily aggregated 2D-MXene sheets and was uniformly covered with Ni, Na, and I atoms. Several vibrational bands and peaks associated with Ti, Ni, Na, C and O in the Raman while XPS spectra confirmed the effective incorporation of dopants into the MXene sheets and successful synthesis of the Ti2C/Ni/NaI composite. The fabricated hybrid capacitor exhibited good capacity retention of 59% after 10,000 cycles at a current density of 0.5 mA g?1; thus, the Ti2C/Ni/NaI composite can be a promising electrode material for sodium-based hybrid capacitors. 2025 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd. -
Cerium-doped Co3O4 spinel structures synthesized by modified combustion route as an excellent material for electrochemical applications
This work shed light on the impact of cerium doping on the structural and electrochemical features of Co3-xCexO4(x = 0, 0.02, 0.04) synthesized via a facile and cost-effective modified combustion route. The structural, morphological and compositional investigations unveiled the formation of nanocrystalline structures with promising morphologies. BET and XPS methodologies explored the materials' porosity and electronic state of the materials. The electrochemical performance of the synthesized materials was evaluated by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) at various scan rates, Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD) at different current densities, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopic (EIS) techniques. GCD studies depicted an exquisite specific capacitance of 498 Fg-1 for Co2.98Ce0.02O4 at a current density of 1 Ag-1 and it displayed a capacitance retention of 95 % for over 2000 GCD cycles further it retains up to 90 % even after 3000 GCD cycles at a current density of 1Ag-1 juxtapose to other compositions. Our work emphasizes the importance of the material for energy storage applications. 2024 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. -
Study on gravitational waves from binary mergers and constraints on the Hubble parameter
Einsteins general theory of relativity predicted the existence of gravitational waves (GWs), which offer a way to explore cosmic events like binary mergers and could help resolve the Hubble Tension. The Hubble Tension refers to the discrepancy in the measurements of the Hubble Constant, Ho, obtained through different methods and missions over various periods. By analyzing gravitational wave data, particularly from mergers that also emit light (electromagnetic radiation), such as Bright Sirens, we aim to reduce this tension. This paper will investigate the properties of GWs produced by these binary mergers and utilize a mathematical framework to tackle the Hubble Tension. Future advancements in gravitational wave astronomy, particularly with initiatives like LIGO-India and LISA, promise to enhance research outcomes. The ground-based LIGO-India will increase sensitivity and improve localization, while the space-based LISA will target lower frequency ranges of GWs, enabling the detection of signals from a wider array of sources. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science 2025. -
A Study on Bivariate Inverse Topp-Leone Model to Counter Heterogeneous Data: Properties, Dependence Studies, Classical and Bayesian Estimation
In probability and statistics, reliable modeling of bivariate continuous characteristics remains a real insurmountable consideration. During the analysis of bivariate data, we have to deal with heterogeneity that is present in data. Therefore, for dealing with such a scenario, we investigate a novel technique based on a Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern (FGM) copula and the inverse Topp-Leone (ITL) model in this study. The idea is to use the oscillating functionalities of the FGM copula and the flexibility of the ITL model to propose a serious bivariate solution for the modeling of bivariate lifetime phenomena to counter the heterogeneity present in data. Both theory and practice are developed. In particular, we determine the main functions related to the model, like the cumulative model function, probability density function, and various useful dependence measures for bivariate modeling. The model parameters are estimated using the maximum likelihood method and Bayesian framework of the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methodology. Following that, model comparison methods are used to compare models. To explain the findings and show that better models are recommended, the famous Drought and Burr data sets are used. 2025, Thai Statistical Association. All rights reserved. -
Solid state, rapid mechanochemical route for TiO2 coated Schiff-base polymer as adsorbent for the exclusion of hexavalent Cr from water
The removal of hexavalent Cr from water is vital considering its harmful and carcinogenic effects on human health as well as the environment. Effective exclusion of Cr(VI) provides reliable water to consume, impedes bioaccumulation, and mitigates environmental pollution. The present work details the rapid, ecofriendly, solvent-free mechanochemical route for the development of a polymeric Schiff-Base-wrapped TiO2 (SBP@TiO2) nano-adsorbent for the effective removal of Cr(VI) from water. The comprehensive understanding of the structural and chemical characteristics of the newly synthesized materials were examined through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. To assess the adsorption capacity, kinetics, and equilibrium of Cr(VI) adsorbate on adsorbent material (TiO2 and SBP@TiO2) and to understand the interplay between the critical parameters and their impact on adsorption, a series of batch adsorption studies were carried out. The adsorption equilibrium data for the Cr(VI) adsorption process fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model of adsorption and adsorption kinetics disclosed that the data are in excellent agreement with R2 values of 0.98721 for the pseudo-second-order, indicating that the sorption process is by chemisorption. Thermodynamic measurements revealed that the adsorption of Cr(VI) on SBP@TiO2 was spontaneous and endothermic, as corroborated by the ?ve value of ?Go and the +ve value of ?Ho, respectively. It was discovered that the sorption of 10 and 50 ppm of Cr(VI) on SBP@TiO2 was 96% and 75.4% under optimal conditions, respectively. In contrast, the sorption study of Cr(VI) on TiO2 under identical conditions was found to be 49%. The study found that surface functionalization of TiO2 by SBP admirably improved the adsorption capacity, signifying SBP@TiO2 as an efficient Cr(VI) adsorbent. 2024 The Authors -
ESG efficiency analysis in the IT industry: a DEA-based approach
Unlocking the power of sustainable growth, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are redefining the future of responsible investment and corporate excellence. ESG regulations ensure that organizations maintain sustainable development and improve non-monetary metrics, such as stakeholders engagement, customer satisfaction, market acceptability, societal ethics, and values. Higher ESG scores demonstrate commitment towards responsible business practices and indicate higher market value for companies, which are valid for all sectors, including IT. However, existing literature reveals that IT sector companies pay less attention to planning their operations to make them more sustainable. Therefore, IT firms must identify methods and practices to maintain high ESG scores to achieve sustainable growth. The current study leads the readers into a new area of ESG through the help of an advanced method, DEA. DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) methodology has been used to identify the decision units relative efficiency scores and helps identify peers and followers based on ESG scores. The study reveals that among the selected IT firms using the output-oriented strategy, 56.25% experience increasing returns to scale, 18.75 per cent experience decreasing returns to scale, and the remaining 25.00 per cent report constant returns to scale. This indicates that most IT industry firms can generate greater output change in proportion to the input change. 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Entrepreneurial challenges of transgender entrepreneurs in India
Social exclusion has impeded transgender individuals to enter mainstream society and curbing them to start a business venture. Sporadic transgender individuals have paved their way to start the business venture. This study aims to explore the entrepreneurial challenges faced by transgender entrepreneurs. Twenty transgender entrepreneurs who have relinquished begging and commercial sex work were interviewed. The grounded theory analysis has revealed six significant categories: financial resources, competitors, human resources, marketing issues, natural calamities, and transphobia. The participants expressed that transphobia, and financial resources were highly challenging to start a business venture. These findings extend our understanding of their challenges beyond the current knowledge of cisgender entrepreneurs. Finally, the limitation of the study is enunciated. Copyright 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
EDGE INCIDENT 2-EDGE COLORING SUM OF GRAPHS
The edge incident 2-edge coloring number, ?ein2(G), of a graph G is the highest coloring number used in an edge coloring of a graph G such that the edges incident to an edge e = uv in G is colored with at most two distinct colors. The edge incident 2-edge coloring sum of a graph G, denoted as (Formula presented.), is the greatest sum among all the edge incident 2-edge coloring of graph G which receives maximum ?ein2(G) colors. The main objective of this paper is to study the edge incident 2-edge coloring sum of graphs and find the exact values of this parameter for some known graphs. I??k University, Department of Mathematics, 2025; all rights reserved. -
An enhanced predictive modelling framework for highly accurate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease forecasting
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic medical ailment characterized by accumulation of excessive fat in the liver of non-alcoholic patients. In absence of any early visible indications, application of machine learning based predictive techniques for early prediction of NAFLD are quite beneficial. The objective of this paper is to present a complete framework for guided development of varied predictive machine learning models and predict NAFLD disease with high accuracy. The framework employs stepby-step data quality enhancement to medical data such as cleaning, normalization, data upscaling using SMOTE (for handling class imbalances) and correlation analysis-based feature selection to predict NAFLD with high accuracy using only clinically recorded identifiers. Comprehensive comparative analysis of prediction results of seven machine learning predictive models is done using unprocessed as well as quality enhanced data. As per the observed results, XGBoost, random forest and neural network machine learning models reported significantly higher accuracies with improved AUC and ROC values using preprocessed data in contrast to unprocessed data. The prediction results are also assessed on various quality metrics such as accuracy, f1-score, precision, and recall significantly support the need for presented methodologies for qualitative NAFLD prediction modelling. 2025 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved. -
Social entrepreneurship on a crossroad: the case of Sunbird Straws
Learning outcomes: The learning objectives are intended to stimulate the students comprehension of the various challenges faced by Indian social entrepreneurs. The case study offers a rich educational experience spanning diverse fields, including business operations, entrepreneurship, sustainable products, social innovation and financial planning. The case study on social entrepreneurship will guide students to comprehend its concept, significance, challenges and understand how businesses can be a force for positive social impact. The case study serves as a valuable tool for graduate students, helping them improve their critical thinking and solution-focused skills in preparation for their future entrepreneurial endeavors. Students should be able to analyze the case study, answer questions and evaluate the co-founders business expansion dilemma. Case overview/synopsis: Social entrepreneurs are vital in tackling pressing societal issues, fostering innovation and creating lasting solutions for rural communities. However, their unique challenges often go unnoticed. This case study highlights the journey of Dr Saji Kurungatil Varghese, the co-founder of Sunbird Straws, an eco-friendly startup, and the complexities they faced while considering business expansion. The purpose of this case study is to provide insight into the world of social entrepreneurs and emphasize their importance and contribution on a wide scale. Complexity academic level: This case study is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Supplementary materials: Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code: CSS3: Entrepreneurship. 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Size-dependent analysis of surface wave in irregular fractured porous seabed subjected to fractional-order derivative
This study focuses on the investigation of the dispersive and damping characteristics of surface waves through an irregular boundary of ocean bed composed of a fluid-saturated dual porosity/dual permeability material. The nonlocal fluid-saturated dual porosity/dual permeability layer (NFSDP2L) is confined by a nonlocal viscous liquid layer (NVLL) and a nonlocal viscous sandy substrate (NVSS) having fractional viscoelastic properties. The governing equations for the proposed model are derived using Eringens nonlocal theory. The complex frequency relation is obtained by applying the variable separation technique and enforcing appropriate boundary conditions. By dissociating the frequency relation into real (dispersion equation) and imaginary (attenuation equation) parts, graphs are generated to illustrate the influence of several key parameters., viz. nonlocality, porosity, sandiness, fractional-order, fluctuation, flatness, and position on the fundamental and higher modes of propagating waves. The effects of various parameters are also depicted through the graphical illustration of shear wave speed in NFSDP2L and NVSS. Furthermore, the surface response of shear stress against depth within the layered structure has been graphically illustrated. The validity of our mathematical model has been assessed by examining multiple relevant scenarios. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Potential health, environmental implication of microplastics: A review on its detection
Microplastic contamination of terrestrial and aquatic environment has gained immense research attention due to their potential ecotoxicity and biomagnification property when enterer into food chain. Heterogenous nature of microplastics coupled with their ability to combine with other emerging pollutants have increased the severity of this crisis. Existing detection methods often fails to accurately quantify the amount of microplastic components present in environmental and biological samples. Thus, a great deal of research gap always exists in our current understanding about microplastics including the limitations in screening, detection and mitigation. This review work presents a comprehensive out look on the impact of microplastics on both terrestrial and aquatic environment. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion on various microplastic detection techniques recently used for microplastic quantification along with their significance and limitations is summarised in this review. The review also elaborates various physical, chemical and biological methods used for the mitigation of microplastics from environmental samples. 2024 Elsevier B.V.