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Beyond the first bite: understanding how online experience shapes user loyalty in the mobile food app market
In the competitive landscape of mobile food ordering applications (MFOA) in India, the primary focus is enhancing the customer experience to mirror or even exceed their offline meal acquisition experiences. Existing research underscores the pivotal role of a superior online experience in driving business success. Against the backdrop of a dearth of studies addressing online customer experience (OCE), our current research seeks to gain insight into its state and its implications for attitudes and intentions. Specifically, we investigate the impact of OCE on the continued usage intentions (CUI) of new MFOA users. This study not only sheds light on the relationship between OCE and CUI but also presents a fresh configuration of OCE, addressing its varied conceptualization. Furthermore, drawing on data collected from over 400 first-time users of MFOA, our findings reveal that e-satisfaction and e-trust act as full mediators in influencing CUI. Finally, the study also suggests that e-trust mediates the effect of e-satisfaction on the CUI of MFOA users. Our research contributes to our understanding of OCE by specifically highlighting the experiences and outcomes of first-time users of MFOAs. Practitioners should employ strategies including personalized orientation and data gathering, location-based services, in-app messaging, push notifications and gamification techniques to increase OCE and drive CUI. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply 2024. -
Beyond the rings: Polar ring galaxy NGC 4262 and its globular cluster system
In the context of the hierarchical model of galaxy evolution, polar ring galaxies (PRGs) are considered the intermediate phase between ongoing mergers and quiescent galaxies. This study explores the globular cluster system (GCS) and its properties in the nearest PRG, NGC4262, serving as a pilot investigation to study GCS in nearby PRGs. We utilize wide and deep-field observations of the CFHT as part of the NGVS to investigate the GCS of NGC4262. We presented the first optical image of NGC4262 with an optically faint ring component. The photometric analysis of the GCS displays a distinct colour bimodality. We estimate the total number of GCs for NGC4262 to be 266 16 GCs with a specific frequency of 4.2 0.8 and a specific mass of 0.23 0.01, which is relatively high compared to other galaxies of similar mass and environmental conditions. The spatial and azimuthal distributions of subpopulations reveal strong evidence of previous interactions within the host galaxy. The colour distribution of GCS in NGC4262 shows a gradient of 0.05 0.01 within 5.5, supporting the notion of past interactions and evolutionary transitions. PRG NGC4262 conforms to the overall trend of the GCS mass with respect to the halo mass. Furthermore, our investigation of the global scaling relations between GCS and host galaxy parameters provides further support for the hypothesis that PRGs are an intermediate phase connecting ongoing mergers and quiescent galaxies. 2024 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Astronomical Society. -
Bharatanatyam and Art activism in the Networked Digital Space
All over the world, traditional models of art activism through dance involved performances that reached a limited audience, while the advent of networked digital spaces has vastly expanded the scope of art activism to a global level. Offering a qualitative netnographic exploration of how Bharatanatyam has been employed for such art activism in the digital space, this article examines the implications for this prominent traditional South Indian dance form in terms of stylistic changes as well as viewer reactions. Through content analysis of the viewer responses to ten popular renditions uploaded on YouTube over five years (20162020), we trace how the art form is evolving and how activist goals are reciprocated by the audience. Our findings confirm that Bharatanatyam has great potential to evolve by adapting novel social themes. However, while such contemporary renditions may elicit viewer responses that critically appraise specific social issues and pave the way for social change, the resulting innovations continue to co-exist with old conflicts and tensions about traditional art and its uses. 2023 The Author(s). -
Bi Functional Manganese-Pyridine 2,6 Dicarboxylic Acid Metal Organic Frameworks with Reduced Graphene Oxide as an Electroactive Material for Energy Storage and Water Splitting Applications
In recent years, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with porous carbon materials have significantly improved the design and engineering of high performance electrode materials and have found applications in energy storage devices. This study explores the supercapacitor and electrocatalytic water splitting applications of Mn-MOF/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite synthesized via a hydrothermal technique using pyridine 2,6 dicarboxylic acid as a linker. Mn-MOF/rGO exhibits a specific capacitance of 428.28 F g?1 with a rate capability of 83.7% and high cyclic stability. The oxygen evolution reaction of the composite is evaluated using linear sweep voltammetry, and the overpotential is calculated to be 400 mV. Our primary goal is to investigate the effect of rGO on the electrochemical response of MOF. The dielectrode (Mn-MOF/rGO) electrolysis system exhibits long-run stability with a low cell potential of 1.8 V, indicating its prospective application as an excellent water electrolyzer. The combination of Mn-MOF with rGO helps in increasing the number of active sites, thereby improving its electronic conductivity by enhancing the electron transfer rate. The outstanding electrochemical behaviour of Mn-MOF/rGO paves the way for the use of rGO-incorporated Mn-MOF in bifunctional applications as energy-generating and storage devices. 2023 The Electrochemical Society (ECS). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited. -
Bibliographic Analysis of Soft Computing Components from 1999 2018 in India
The core component of the Soft Computing (SC) domain gives outstanding performances for solving problems compared to other problems solving techniques. In order to solve difficult problems, the majority of researchers are concentrating on the soft computing field. The sub-domains of the soft computing field include Genetic Algorithms, Fuzzy Logic, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, and others. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the contributions made by Indian organizations and authors on the topic of soft computing and its applications for the years 1999 to 2018 for the Scopus database. The study confirmed that the most number of papers published in the neural network with a count of 2127 and the most productive author was M.ChintamaniDeo, with 22 papers with the highest h-index and the Indian Institute of Technology, The most productive institution in the subject of Soft Computing is Roorkee, which has contributed 109 publications overall, garnered 355 citations, and has an h-index of 9. This led us to the conclusion that, in comparison to other sub-domains in the field of Soft Computing and its Applications, Indian Institutions and Indian Authors have produced the majority of publications in Neural Networks and Artificial Intelligence. 2024, Ismail Saritas. All rights reserved. -
Bifunctional Amorphous Transition-Metal Phospho-Boride Electrocatalysts for Selective Alkaline Seawater Splitting at a Current Density of 2Acm?2
Hydrogen production by direct seawater electrolysis is an alternative technology to conventional freshwater electrolysis, mainly owing to the vast abundance of seawater reserves on earth. However, the lack of robust, active, and selective electrocatalysts that can withstand the harsh and corrosive saline conditions of seawater greatly hinders its industrial viability. Herein, a series of amorphous transition-metal phospho-borides, namely Co-P-B, Ni-P-B, and Fe-P-B are prepared by simple chemical reduction method and screened for overall alkaline seawater electrolysis. Co-P-B is found to be the best of the lot, requiring low overpotentials of ?270mV for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), ?410mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and an overall voltage of 2.50V to reach a current density of 2Acm?2 in highly alkaline natural seawater. Furthermore, the optimized electrocatalyst shows formidable stability after 10,000 cycles and 30h of chronoamperometric measurements in alkaline natural seawater without any chlorine evolution, even at higher current densities. A detailed understanding of not only HER and OER but also chlorine evolution reaction (ClER) on the Co-P-B surface is obtained by computational analysis, which also sheds light on the selectivity and stability of the catalyst at high current densities. 2024 The Authors. Small Methods published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Big Data De-duplication using modified SHA algorithm in cloud servers for optimal capacity utilization and reduced transmission bandwidth; [Big Data Deduplicaci utilizando algoritmo SHA modificado en servidores en la nube para una utilizaci tima de la capacidad y un ancho de banda de transmisi reducido]
Data de-duplication in cloud storage is crucial for optimizing resource utilization and reducing transmission overhead. By eliminating redundant copies of data, it enhances storage efficiency, lowers costs, and minimizes network bandwidth requirements, thereby improving overall performance and scalability of cloud-based systems. The research investigates the critical intersection of data de-duplication (DD) and privacy concerns within cloud storage services. Distributed Data (DD), a widely employed technique in these services and aims to enhance capacity utilization and reduce transmission bandwidth. However, it poses challenges to information privacy, typically addressed through encoding mechanisms. One significant approach to mitigating this conflict is hierarchical approved de-duplication, which empowers cloud users to conduct privilegebased duplicate checks before data upload. This hierarchical structure allows cloud servers to profile users based on their privileges, enabling more nuanced control over data management. In this research, we introduce the SHA method for de-duplication within cloud servers, supplemented by a secure pre-processing assessment. The proposed method accommodates dynamic privilege modifications, providing flexibility and adaptability to evolving user needs and access levels. Extensive theoretical analysis and simulated investigations validate the efficacy and security of the proposed system. By leveraging the SHA algorithm and incorporating robust pre-processing techniques, our approach not only enhances efficiency in data deduplication but also addresses crucial privacy concerns inherent in cloud storage environments. This research contributes to advancing the understanding and implementation of efficient and secure data management practices within cloud infrastructures, with implications for a wide range of applications and industries. 2024; Los autores. -
Big data performance evalution of map-reduce pig and hive
Big data is nothing but unstructured and structured data which is not possible to process by our traditional system its not only have the volume of data also velocity and verity of data, Processing means ( store and analyze for knowledge information to take decision), Every living, non living and each and every device generates tremendous amount of data every fraction of seconds, Hadoop is a software frame work to process big data to get knowledge out of stored data and enhance the business and solve the societal problems, Hadoop basically have two important components HDFS and Map Reduce HDFS for store and mapreduce to process. HDFS includes name node and data nodes for storage, Map-Reduce includes frame works of Job tracker and Task tracker. Whenever client request Hadoop to store name node responds with available free memory data nodes then client will write data to respective data nodes then replication factor of hadoop copies the blocks of data with other data nodes to overcome fault tolerance Name node stores the meta of data nodes. Replication is for back-up as hadoop HDFS uses commodity hardware for storage, also name node have back-up secondary name node as only point of failure the hadoop. Whenever clients want to process the data, client request the name node Job tracker then Name node communicate to Task tracker for task done. All the above components of hadoop are frame works on-top of OS for efficient utilization and manage the system recourses for big data processing. Big data processing performance is measured with bench marks programs in our research work we compared the processing i.e. execution time of bench mark program word count with Hadoop Map-Reduce python Jar code, PIG script and Hive query with same input file big.txt. and we can say that Hive is much faster than PIG and Map-reduce Python jar code Map-reduce execution time is 1m, 29sec Pig Execution time is 57 sec Hive execution time is 31 sec. BEIESP. -
Big data-Industry 4.0 readiness factors for sustainable supply chain management: Towards circularity
Big data-Industry 4.0 interaction is expected to revolutionize the existing supply chains in recent years. While increased operational efficiency and enhanced decision-making are the primary advantages studied widely, the sustainable aspects of digital supply chain in the circular economy era have received limited attention. The previous literature rarely explores the industry readiness for a digital supply chain. Thus, the present study objectives to explore Big data-Industry 4.0 readiness factors for sustainable supply chain management. A detailed literature analysis was performed to identify a total of seventeen readiness factors for sustainable supply chain management. A team of six experts were consulted to perform the pairwise comparison for the identified potential readiness factors. This study adopts a fuzzy best-worst method to prioritize the readiness factors according to their degree of influence. The results from the study reflect that readiness towards information system infrastructure, Internet stability for developing I4.0 infrastructure, and circular process and awareness are the most significant readiness factors. The potential recommendation of this study includes the increased attention from sustainable supply chain stakeholders on developing infrastructure, including knowledge building exercise and training process focused on circular economy process. The findings from the study will assist sustainable supply chain stakeholders to frame strategies and action plans during the digitalization of supply chains. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Bio-Decolorization and Degradation of Reactive Blue 222 by a Novel Isolate Kucoria marina CU2005
In this study, a novel bacterial strain, Kucoria marina CU2005, was isolated and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing from an industrial wastewater sludge sample capable of degrading Reactive Blue 222 (RB222) dye. Batch mode bio stimulation studies were performed with minimal salt media to optimize key physiological parameters for effective decolorization of RB222. When cultured at 35 C and pH 7 under static conditions, this bacterium decolorized 82 percent of the dye after 24 hours. Decolorization was monitored using UV-vis spectrophotometry. Isolates ability to decolorize the complex dye was attributed to its degradation potential rather than a passive surface adsorption. FTIR, HPLC, GC-MS studies were used to confirm microbial dye metabolism. The results indicated breakdown of dye upon decolorization as some peaks were shifted and generation of aromatic amine for monosubstituted benzene ring as intermediates of dye degradation in decolorized solutions. This study has shown the potential of Kucoria marina CU2005 to decolorize RB222 dye at a better pace and efficiency than previously reported bacterial strains. Thus, we propose that our isolated strain can be utilized as a potential dye decolorizer in environmental biotechnology as effluent treatment for decolorization of RB 222. 2023, Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy. All rights reserved. -
Bio-demineralization of Indian bituminous coal by Aspergillus niger and characterization of the products
The effect of demineralization on an Indian bituminous coal has been investigated by filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger. X-ray diffraction profile reveals the presence of inorganic components in the sample. Bio-Solubilization using Aspergillus niger significantly reduced the ash content in the coal sample (10.23wt% to 5.21wt %). Leaching process removed silicate and pyrite minerals where as aluminates were decreased considerably. The carbon content showed an increase of 19.94% where as the oxygen content decreased by 52.3%. During biosolubilization the fungus produced acids like gluconic acid, oxalic acid and citric acid along with oxalates which are responsible for the demineralization in coal by the formation of mineral salts. The broad diffraction peak at 2?~25.5 is due to the crystalline carbon in the sample which is mainly due to the typical (002) plane reflection of graphite. -
Bio-Inspired Energy Storage Electrode: Utilizing Co3O4 Hollow Spheres Derived from Sugarcane Bagasse Extract Synthesis Via Hydrothermal Route
Recent research has explored the utilization of sugarcane bagasse, a bio-industrial waste, to fabricate energy storage devices due to ecofriendly nature, low cost with industrial scale production. In this investigation, cobalt oxide hollow spheres (Co3O4 HSs) were synthesized from waste sugarcane bagasse extract with the carbon spheres (CSs) act as template. The main component of sucrose (C12H22O11) linked with cellulose fibers and other oxygenic functional groups were used to prepare CSs. Previously, a metal precursor (Co(NO3)2.6H2O) was mixed with sugarcane bagasse extract and subjected to a hydrothermal process, resulting in uniform-sized metal CSs. The uniform sized Co3O4 HSs were formed by calcined metal CSs. The calcination temperature plays a crucial role to eliminating implanted carbon material on inter surface area of the metal oxide, shaping the Co3O4 HSs. Structural, vibrational, morphology and elemental analyses were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), respectively. Electrochemical tests show improved ion transport and low resistance, leading to high capacitance in asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) devices. Subsequently, for asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) devices, using with Co3O4 HSs has function of cathode and activated carbon (AC) as anode, the devices demonstrated impressive results of 33.1 Fg? 1 at 1 Ag? 1, 86.8% retention after 4,000 cycles, as well as the energy density and power density of 5.9W h kg? 1 at 1500W kg? 1. The Co3O4 HSs||AC device exhibits promising energy storage properties for future applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Bio-waste derived multifunctional carbon dots for white light generation, forensic and antibacterial applications
The synthesis of multi-colour emitting solid-state fluorescent (SSF) carbon dots (CDs) is a challenging task due to the phenomenon of aggregation-induced self-quenching. However, this study presents an efficacious method to synthesize CDs from the sap stain of the cupressus lusitanica tree (cl-CDs) via a simple one-step microwave treatment. The resulting SSF CDs exhibited a particle size of approximately 3 nm, high stability, and remarkable efficacy in light conversion when coated on a UV light emitting diode (UV LED). The ensuing coating generated white light with CIE colour coordinates of (0.33, 0.34) and a high luminescence efficiency of approximately 671 L/W. The fluorescence capabilities exhibited by the cl-CDs in response to 254 nm and 365 nm UV light excitation make them an ideal choice for developing fluorescent inks to prevent counterfeiting. Moreover, the study investigated the notable fluorescence properties of cl-CDs as a luminescent fingerprint powder for the recognition of latent fingerprints on various surfaces. Additionally, the antibacterial potential of cl-CDs was evaluated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, where the cl-CDs were utilized as an antibacterial dusting powder for fluorescent imaging of latent fingerprints on different substrates. Therefore, we believe that our present work offers a plethora of exciting possibilities for the multifunctional application of SSF green CDs with significant implications in white light generation, counterfeiting prevention, forensic applications, and healthcare. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Biocidal activities of nickel oxide nanoparticles modified by copper and manganese, synthesized by green process
In recent years, the development of dual dopant-based nanoparticles (NPs) has gained significant attention as they possess exceptional physico-chemical and biomedical properties, making them potential candidates for antimicrobial and anticancer uses. In this research, we successfully synthesized nickel oxide (NiO) and copper, manganese-doped NiO (CuMn:NiO) NPs using a green synthesis method. The synthesis process involved Trigonella foenum-graecum (T.f.graecum) leaves extract as a nucleating agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were confirmed by various physico-chemical studies. Based on X-ray diffraction analysis, the median size was determined as 36 nm for NiO and 32 nm for CuMn:NiO NPs. The antibacterial study revealed that CuMn:NiO NPs exhibited a higher zone of inhibition in contrast to both Gram-positive (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae) compared with NiO NPs and commercial amoxicillin. The antifungal studies conducted against Candida albicans demonstrated that CuMn:NiO NPs exhibited enhanced efficacy in comparison to NiO NPs. In vitro testing against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) demonstrated the anticancer potential of NiO and CuMn:NiO NPs, supported by IC50 concentrations of 11 and 9?g/mL, respectively. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of NiO and CuMn:NiO NPs exhibited a green emission at 508 and 518 nm, respectively, which indicated the generation of active free radicals by the NPs. These findings suggest that CuMn:NiO NPs hold promise in the healthcare industry. 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Biocontrol of Aedes aegypti using Talaromyces islandicus Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles
Aedes aegypti is the vector that spreads the dengue virus, causing dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. With more than half the worlds population at the risk of acquiring this infection, controlling the Aedes mosquitoes is the only path to limit the spread of the fatal disease. The emergence of insect resistance in mosquitoes raised the need for developing novel insecticides. Present research is focused on using fungus (Talaromyces islandicus) as the biosystem in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Myco-synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrometry that exhibited a peak at 429 nm. The XRD spectral peaks were in the range of 27.83, 32.27, 38.23and 65.01. The FTIR spectrum showed peaks corresponding to O-H, N-O, S=O, etc. representing the silver nanoparticles. SEM and EDAX represent the formation of silver ions that are spherical in shape with a size range of 23 to 26 nm. The antioxidant activity of silver nanoparticles and the extract of Talaromyces islandicus were assessed by DPPH assay, reducing power assay and hydrogen peroxide assay. The nanoparticles studied for its bio efficacy against the larval stages of Aedes aegypti indicated the LC50 value of 352.03, 389.86, 397.72 and 443.50 when tested against first, second, third and fourth instar larvae. respectively. The LC50 value of 540.41 was determined against the pupae of Aedes. The predatory efficiency of P. reticulata indicated the positive feeding behaviour of the fish when exposed to the silver nanoparticles. The cell toxicity assay was conducted against C6/36 insect cell lines and the cell viability inhibition was calculated. A toxic free, environmentally acceptable approach for controlling the mosquito vector by utilizing fungal nanoparticles was assessed and their efficacy in vector control was analyzed in this study. 2022 Chemical Publishing Co.. All rights reserved. -
Bioconvection in buoyancy induced flow of Williamson nanofluid over a Riga Plate-DTM-Padapproach
The buoyancy induced flow of Williamson nanofluid containing Gyrotactic microorganisms along a vertical Riga plate has been investigated. This research aims at analysing the heat and mass transfer characteristics of Williamson Nanofluid in the presence of Gyrotactic microorganisms that helps in avoiding the agglomeration of nanoparticles during the nanofluid flow. The Gyrotactic microorganisms act as active mixers that help in stabilising the nanoparticles in the suspension. Also, the movement of these cells gives rise to a macro phenomenon called bioconvection that helps in preventing the agglomeration of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the magnetic field generated due to the flow of nanofluid is considered in addition to Thermophoresis and Brownian Motion to make the results more appropriate. Buongiornos Model has been incorporated to frame the system of equations that govern the fluid flow. Later, lie group analysis is performed to transform these equations into ordinary differential equations that are further solved using the differential transform method with Padapproximant. It is observed that the Lorentz force generated by the Riga plate in parallel to the flow helps in increasing the velocity of the nanofluid. It is also noticed that bioconvection reduces the flow speed and enhances the heat transfer rate. 2020 by American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved. -
Bioconvection of a radiating hybrid nanofluid past a thin needle in the presence of heterogeneous-homogeneous chemical reaction
The photocatalytic nature of TiO2 finds applications in medicinal field to kill cancer cells, bacteria, and viruses under mild ultraviolet illumination and the antibacterial characteristic of Ag makes the composition Ag - TiO2 applicable for various purposes. It can also be used in other engineering appliances and industries such as humidity sensor, coolants, and in footwear industry. Hence, this study deals with the analysis of the effects of magnetic field, thermal radiation, and quartic autocatalysis of heterogeneous-homogeneous reaction in an electrically conducting Ag - TiO2 - H2O hybrid nanofluid. Furthermore, the gyrotactic microorganisms are used as active mixers to prevent agglomeration and sedimentation of TiO2 that occurs due to its hydrophobic nature. The mathematical model takes the form of partial differential equations with viscosity and thermal conductivity being the functions of volume fraction. These equations are converted to ordinary differential equations by using similarity transformation and are solved by RKF-45 method with the aid of shooting method. It is observed that the increase in the size of the needle enhances the overall performance of the hybrid nanofluid. Furthermore, the temperature of the hybrid nanofluid increases with the increase in volume fraction. It is observed that the friction produced by the Lorentz force increases the temperature of the nanofluid. It is further observed that the heterogeneous reaction parameter has more significant effect on the concentration of bulk fluid than the homogeneous reaction parameter. Copyright 2021 by ASME. -
Bioconvective DarcyFrochherimer flow of the ReeEyring nanofluid through a stretching sheet with velocity and thermal slips
In the current study, the bioconvective flow of ReeEyring through an expanding sheet with the porous medium is analyzed by considering the inclined magnetic field and gyrotactic microorganisms. Buongiorno's model, which defines the two major mechanisms; thermophoresis and Brownian motion is used to frame the mathematical model. The presence of motile cells helps in stabilizing the nanoparticle and avoids the sedimentation due to nanoparticles. The mathematical model with these assumptions is framed using partial differential equations (PDE) that are later remodeled to ordinary nonlinear differential equations by incorporating desirable similarity transformation. The equations so obtained shall be solved using DTM and the outcomes are described through graphs and tables. The graphs indicated that the velocity of the nanofluid flow reduces with the increase in the porosity and similarly, the higher values of Peclet number (Pe) are found to diminish the motile density. Whereas the increase in the thermophoresis parameter enhances the thermal and mass profiles of the nanofluid. 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Bioconvective flow of bi-viscous Bingham nanofluid subjected to Thompson and Troian slip conditions
This paper describes the bioconvection phenomenon and its significant influence on the thermal features of the flow of bi-viscous Bingham (BVB) nanofluid past a vertically stretching flat surface. The analysis of the impact of convection parameters is considered along with various other forces. Meanwhile, the flow of BVB nanofluid is put through the slip conditions defined by Thompson and Troian for the velocity at the boundary. The flow of BVB nanofluid is modeled using the partial differential equations (PDEs) under the assumptions of thermophoresis and Brownian motion which occur due to the movement of nanoparticles. Along with these forces, the radiation is also considered so that the obtained results are close to the practical scenarios. Thus, using the proper Lie group similarity transformations, the intended mathematical model is converted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The resulting equation system is encoded using the RKF-45 technique, and the outcomes are explained using graphs and tables. The solutions found for the model showed that, for higher ranges of the non-Newtonian fluid parameter, the velocity decreases while the heat transferred by the nanofluid increases. The availability of motile density at the surface grows as the Plet number rises, whereas the Schmidt numbers decline in their respective profiles. 2023 World Scientific Publishing Company. -
Bioconversion of chicken feather waste into feather hydrolysate by multifaceted keratinolytic Bacillus tropicus LS27 and new insights into its antioxidant and plant growth-promoting properties
Abstract: Keratin, the main structural constituent of feathers, contains a lot of valuable amino acids which are potential bioactive compounds as well. Since conventional methods are not efficient enough to achieve complete removal of chicken feather waste, biological mode of feather degradation is one of the most appropriate ways to utilize feathers, thereby reducing wastes as well as generating value-added products from feathers. This study was focussed on valorizing chicken feather into feather hydrolysate (FH) containing bioactive compounds for plant growth promotion. Keratinolytic bacteria capable of degrading chicken feathers were isolated from the poultry waste dumping site of Russell Market, Shivajinagar, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The isolated bacteria was identified as Bacillus tropicus LS 27. A minimal media with chicken feather as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen was prepared and inoculated with Bacillus tropicus LS 27 [5% (v/v)]. Degradation of keratin protein by bacteria caused the solubilization of amino acids which was confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis where an appreciable amount of amino acids like cysteine, valine, isoleucine, proline, lysine, methionine, and phenylalanine was detected. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of hydrolysed chicken feathers showed C=0 stretching, S-H bond stretching, and formation of carboxylic acid groups indicating effective degradation of chicken feathers. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed the degradation pattern of feathers showing complete degradation of barbs and barbules with a portion of rachis remaining. Feather hydrolysate was further explored for its antioxidant activity using DPPH scavenging assay, and the value was found to be 1.5 mg/mL. The bacterial cells when screened for heavy metal tolerance showed significant metal tolerance to lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr). Since Bacillus tropicus LS27 showed indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, and ammonia production, the prepared feather hydrolysate along with the bacterial cells were used as soil amendment for plant growth studies over Spinacia oleracea L. The study revealed that plants supplemented with 20% (v/v) FH showed elevated plant growth, therefore proving to be optimum for the support of plant growth. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.