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In Silico Identification of 1-DTP Inhibitors of Corynebacterium diphtheriae Using Phytochemicals from Andrographis paniculata
A number of phytochemicals have been identified as promising drug molecules against a variety of diseases using an in-silico approach. The current research uses this approach to identify the phyto-derived drugs from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees (AP) for the treatment of diphtheria. In the present study, 18 bioactive molecules from Andrographis paniculata (obtained from the PubChem database) were docked against the diphtheria toxin using the AutoDock vina tool. Visualization of the top four molecules with the best dockscore, namely bisandrographolide (?10.4), andrographiside (?9.5), isoandrographolide (?9.4), and neoandrographolide (?9.1), helps gain a better understanding of the molecular interactions. Further screening using molecular dynamics simulation studies led to the identification of bisandrographolide and andrographiside as hit compounds. Investigation of pharmacokinetic properties, mainly ADMET, along with Lipinskis rule and binding affinity considerations, narrowed down the search for a potent drug to bisandrographolide, which was the only molecule to be negative for AMES toxicity. Thus, further modification of this compound followed by in vitro and in vivo studies can be used to examine itseffectiveness against diphtheria. 2023 by the authors. -
A study of quadratic thermal radiation and quadratic convection on viscoelastic material flow with two different heat source modulations
In many practical applications such as plastic manufacturing and the polymer industries, the temperature difference is substantially large as a result the density of the working fluid alters nonlinearly with temperature. Therefore, the nonlinear Boussinesq (NBA) approximation cannot be ignored, as it has a considerable impact on the flow and heat transport characteristics of the working fluid. Here, the non-Newtonian viscoelastic material flow driven by stretching of elastic sheet subjected to NBA and quadratic form of Rosseland thermal radiation is investigated. Two different heat source modulations, viz., exponential space-dependent heat source, and a temperature-related heat source are analyzed. The viscoelastic material obeys the quadratic Boussinesq approximation. The fluctuation of plate temperature is linear and the transpiration (plate mass suction) is also accounted. The Darcy law is employed for a porous medium. The dimensionless profiles of the velocity, heat transport rate, and temperature are simulated by solving the nonlinear two-point boundary value system by employing the finite difference-based routine. The significance of key parameters involved in the problem is studied on various flow fields via surface and streamline plots. It is found that the quadratic convection mechanism enhanced the Nusselt number; however, the quadratic thermal radiation aspect reduced the Nusselt number. The higher velocities are captured in the case of quadratic thermal convection as compared with its absence. Whereas this trend is quite opposite for the thermal field. The velocity of viscoelastic material positively correlated with the viscoelastic material parameter. Further, the outcome of this investigation helps in determining the key parameters which facilitate the desired heat transport rate. 2021 Elsevier Ltd -
Spectral quasi-linearization and irreversibility analysis of magnetized cross fluid flow through a microchannel with two different heat sources and Newton boundary conditions
Fluid flow in a microchannel with heat transport effects can be seen in various applications such as micro heat collectors, mechanicalelectromechanical systems, electronic device cooling, micro-air vehicles, and micro-heat exchanger systems. However, little is known about the consequence of internal heat source modulations on the flow of fluids in a microchannel. Therefore, in this work, the heat transfer of a magnetized cross fluid is carried out in a micro-channel subjected to two different heat source modulations. Entropy production analysis is also performed. The mathematical model consists of a cross fluid model. In addition, the effects of Joule heating, external magnetism, and the boundary conditions of Newton's heating are also examined. Determinant equations are constructed under steady-state conditions and parameterized using dimensionless variables. The numerical spectral quasi-linearization (SQLM) method was developed to interpret the Bejan number, entropy production, temperature, and velocity profiles. It is established that the power-law index of the cross fluid reduces the magnitude of the entropy production, velocity, and thermal field in the entire microchannel region. Furthermore, a larger Weissenberg number is capable of producing greater entropy, velocity, and thermal fields throughout the microchannel region. The variation in temperature distribution is more noticeable for the ESHS aspect than the THS aspect. The values of the pressure gradient parameter and the Eckert number must be kept high for maximum heat transport of the cross fluid. The entropy production of the cross fluid increases significantly with the physical aspects of Joule heating and convection heating in the system. 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to SocietItaliana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Significance of exponential space-based heat source and inclined magnetic field on heat transfer of hybrid nanoliquid with homogeneousheterogeneous chemical reactions
Many chemical reactive methods, like combustion, catalysis, and biochemical involve homogeneousheterogeneous chemical reaction(HHCR). The collaboration amongthe heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions is exceedingly multifarious, including the creation and depletion both within the liquid and catalytic surfaces. Here, we observe the influences of Cuand Al2O3nanoparticles past an elongating sheet under HHCR. An inclined magnetic field with an acute angle is applied to the direction of the flow. Further, radiative heat, temperature, and exponential space-based heat source aspects are modifying the thermal equation. The governing nonlinear equations are deciphered by utilizing the RungeKutta-based shooting method. It is found that HHCRreduces the solute layer thickness, whereas the increase in the angle of inclination of applied magnetism thickens momentum layer thickness. 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC -
Structural and physico-chemical evaluation of melatonin and its solution-state excited properties, with emphasis on its binding with novel coronavirus proteins
Melatonin is a natural hormone from the pineal gland that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. We examined the structure and physico-chemical properties of melatonin using electronic structure methods and molecular-mechanics tools. Density functional theory (DFT) was used to optimise the ground-state geometry of the molecule from frontier molecular orbitals, which were analysed using the B3LYP functional. As its electrons interacted with electromagnetic radiation, electronic excitations between different energy levels were analysed in detail using time-dependent DFT with CAM-B3LYP orbitals. The results provide a wealth of information about melatonin's electronic properties, which will enable the prediction of its bioactivity. Molecular docking studies predict the biological activity of the molecules against the coronavirus2 protein. Excellent docking scores of ?7.28, ?7.20, and ?7.06 kcal/mol indicate that melatonin can help to defend against the viral load in vulnerable populations. Hence it can be investigated as a candidate drug for the management of COVID. 2020 Elsevier B.V. -
Exploring chatbot trust: Antecedents and behavioural outcomes
An awareness about the antecedents and behavioural outcomes of trust in chatbots can enable service providers to design suitable marketing strategies. An online questionnaire was administered to users of four major banking chatbots (SBI Intelligent Assistant, HDFC Bank's Electronic Virtual Assistant, ICICI bank's iPal, and Axis Aha) in India. A total of 507 samples were received of which 435 were complete and subject to analysis to test the hypotheses. Based on the results, it is found that the hypothesised antecedents, except interface, design, and technology fear factors, could explain 38.6% of the variance in the banking chatbot trust. Further, in terms of behavioural outcomes chatbot trust could explain, 9.9% of the variance in customer attitude, 11.4% of the variance in behavioural intention, and 13.6% of the variance in user satisfaction. The study provides valuable insights for managers on how they can leverage chatbot trust to increase customer interaction with their brand. By proposing and testing a novel conceptual model and examining the factors that impact chatbot trust and its key outcomes, this study significantly contributes to the AI marketing literature. 2023 The Authors -
The Mediating Effect of Employee Engagement: How Employee Psychological Empowerment Impacts the Employee Satisfaction? A Study of Maldivian Tourism Sector
This study aims to examine the mediation of employee engagement on the relationship between employee psychological empowerment and employee job satisfaction, which helps to retain more customers with better service. An empirical analysis was done on Maldivian resorts, and 243 employees were randomly selected from different resorts in the Maldives. The proposed model was tested using IBM SPSS AMOS 25. The results indicate that psychological empowerment had a significant effect on job satisfaction of the resort employees through employee engagement. The Maldivian economy is based on the tourism sector, and a significant amount of gross domestic product (GDP) depends on the tourism sector. Resorts and guesthouses are the power hubs for the economic development of the country, and employees are the primary source of service providers to tourists, which helps the resorts to retain their tourists. Hence, this study concludes that employees psychological empowerment and employees engagement are crucial to improve employee satisfaction. 2023 IMI. -
Information Management Capacity and Supply Chain Performance: Mediating Effects of Supply Chain Practices, Competencies and Concerns
The present study aims to identify the impact of the information management capacity (IMC) of an organization on its supply chain performance (SCP). Also, this study attempts to understand the mediating role of the various components of supply chain management, namely, practices, competencies and concerns. A survey instrument was used to collect primary data from 250 SMEs which were selected randomly. Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique is used to test the hypotheses using SmartPLS. The final model indicated that information management capacity significantly influences the supply chain performance and supply chain management components, namely supply chain competence, practices and concerns mediate the relationship between information management capacity and supply chain performance. The results of this study provide a significant contribution to the theory of resource-based view. The number of managerial perspectives for improving operational capabilities was explained in this study. 2021 Management Development Institute. -
Fear of COVID-19, workplace phobia, workplace deviance and perceived organizational support: A moderated mediation model
This paper aims to test a moderated-mediation model examining therelationships between Fear of COVID-19, workplace phobia, work deviance behaviourand perceived organizational support among hotel employees. An online questionnaire was administered to collect data, to which 481 responded. Data was collected from full-time frontline employees working in the Maldivian hospitality industry. The moderated-mediation model explained 44% of the variance in workplace deviance behaviourscan be predicted bythe fear of COVID-19, perceived organisational support and workplace phobia. The findingsshowthat perceived organizational support reduces the negative impact of COVID-19 fear on workplace phobia and deviance. Results suggest that to reduce the negative effect of the pandemic, organisations should adopt support measures across different managerial levels at different scales rather than providing one-size-fits-all solutions. 2023 The Authors. Stress and Health published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
How Green Consumption Value Affects Green Consumer Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Consumer Attitudes Towards Sustainable Food Logistics Practices
The aim of the study is to identify the green consumption values and production patterns and understand how they impact consumer behaviour and purchase intention of green consumers, in particular, the environment-conscious youth in the city of Bangalore. The focus of the study is on the pre-purchase sustainable logistics of food products and how they impact behaviour and attitudes of green consumers. The theory of planned behaviour and social cognitive theory form the theoretical base for the current research. An online survey was conducted among 284 participants in and around the scope area. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that green consumption values and consumer attitudes towards sustainable food logistics either directly or indirectly influence green purchase intention and environmentally conscious behaviour towards food products. The main contribution of this study is the identification of new multidimensional constructs which can be used to measure green consumer attitude in terms of sustainable food logistics practices in the Indian context. These findings will empower managers and future researchers to understand how sustainable food logistics practices can create green consumer attitudes. They will also assist food production companies to identify possible opportunities, developments and other benefits they can derive from following sustainable food logistics practices. 2021 Management Development Institute. -
Masstige scale: An alternative to measure brand equity
Masstige marketing is a strategic word for market penetration for premium but reachable products based on brand equity, trying to develop brand awareness, likability, affection and attachment. Hence, masstige scale may allow firms to measure brand equity to derive insights into the popularity of their brands. However, there is no empirical evidence available to test whether these scales are related measures of brand equity and, at the same time, independent measures, respectively. This study investigates whether the masstige scale and multidimensional consumer-based brand equity scale measure the same constructs. A total of 493 participants evaluated four different athletic shoe brands. The multi-trait, multimethod and confirmatory factor analyses suggested that the masstige scale may be a viable alternative to consumer-based brand equity and masstige value. We discuss the implications and provide directions for future research derived from our findings. 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Explaining the intention to uptake COVID-19 vaccination using the behavioral and social drivers of vaccination (BeSD) model
Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a tool to measure behavioral and social drivers (BeSD) of vaccination uptake intentions of people across all countries. This study tests BeSD model to predict people's intentions to uptake COVID-19 vaccination in rural India. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was developed for the purpose based on the components of the BeSD model, i.e., confidence, motivation, and behavioral intention. A convenient sampling technique was used to collect samples, amounting to a total of 625, from rural Bengaluru, in the Karnataka state of India. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to examine the proposed model. All respondents for the survey were in the age category of 1868 years with a mean age of 35 years. Findings: The results showed that 85% of COVID-19 vaccine uptake intentions can directly or indirectly be attributed to the government's vaccine communication strategy, perceived threats about the vaccine, and their trust in the healthcare sector. The dimensions of the vaccine acceptance scale (motivation factors) act as a mediator between these factors and COVID-19 vaccination uptake (the behavioral factor). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that the BeSD framework is an efficient model for predicting the COVID-19 vaccination uptake in India. 2022 The Authors -
The Role of Mega-events In Promoting Sustainable Behaviour: A Multi-group Analysis Using Micom
This study investigates the influence of participation in mega events, like Dubai Expo 2020, on factors related to environmentally responsible behavior. Data from 361 UAE respondents were collected, examining environmental concern, social and personal norms, ethical obligations, and perceived behavioral control. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and Multi-Group Analysis tested the hypotheses. The results showed that environmental concern, ethical ideologies, and perceived behavioral control had stronger impacts on the intention for responsible behavior in event attendees than in non-attendees. Attendees also demonstrated a stronger positive impact on sustainable consumer behavior. These findings offer valuable insights into environmental psychology, sustainability, consumer behavior, and event management, and can inform strategies for promoting sustainable behavior in industries such as travel, tourism, and hospitality. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Mediating Effect of Brand Relationship Quality on Relational Bonds and Online Grocery Retailer Loyalty
The current study aims to identify how brand relationship quality mediates the relationship between different online relational bonds, and attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. A total of 316 valid questionnaires from respondents aged 2035 were collected using quota sampling from five different clusters in Bangalore, India. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. This study finds that convenience bonds and structural bond have no impact on brand trust and attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. All five relational bonds namely, convenience, structural, financial, empathy, and social bonds are seen to influence their sense of community and attitudinal attachment. Sense of community is the primary influencer of brand loyalty. This study reveals that brand dimensions of brand quality relationship mediate the effect of financial, empathy, and social bonds on attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. It also illustrates the role of different relational bonds as a stimulus, and relationship quality dimensions as an organism that lead to improved customer loyalty in online grocery retailing. Managers of online grocery stores can consider these new relational bonds, along with the traditional bonds, to develop positive emotions and achieve competitive advantage. 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Predicting Intention to Buy Organic Food during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A multi-group analysis based on the Health Belief Model
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected physical and psychological health of people. It also had a huge impact on their dietary choices. This study specifically attempts to determine the impact of the constructs of health belief model on consumer purchase intention of organic food in the pandemic scenario. A survey was conducted among 413 Indian organic food consumers. The proposed hypotheses are tested by employing structural equation modeling. The findings highlight those perceived benefits is an important predictor of consumers behavioral intention to buy organic food, followed by cues to action and perceived threats. It is also found that consumers age moderates the impact of perceived threat and perceived barrier on consumers purchase intention, with a 22% difference in model prediction. In conclusion, the health belief model is found to be one of the most suitable models to predict consumer intention toward organic food purchase during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
The importance of servicescapes in Maldivian higher education: application of the stimuli-organism-response(SOR) framework
Purpose: This study aims to use the servicescape model of higher education environments to measure the students perceptions of the learning environment (classroom) and the effect this has on students learning ability. Design/methodology/approach: The present study follows the stimulus-organism-response paradigm framework. A self-administered and well-structured survey questionnaire is used to collect data. The snowball sampling technique is used to collect samples of 403 students belonging to Maldivian higher education institutions. Findings: Findings show that the physical appearances of these higher education institutions greatly influenced the pleasure dimension. Furthermore, pleasure is found to have a significant and positive relationship with the approach behaviour and engagement/involvement of the students. Originality/value: The main contribution of the study is that it successfully tests the Eduscape model adopted from the servicescape model, and thus helps to extend existing knowledge on the critical elements in the Maldivian higher education learning environments and students behaviour within them. The findings have implications for higher education institutions to improve their learning environments and better engage with their students. 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Managing coworker conflict: investigating the effect of workplace phubbing and mindfulness on employee deviant and negligent behavior
Purpose: This study aims to examine the influence of workplace phubbing on employee deviant behavior and negligence, while also investigating the mediating role of coworker conflict. Additionally, the study explores the moderating effect of workplace mindfulness on the relationship between workplace phubbing, the mediators and employee deviant behavior and negligence. Design/methodology/approach: Data were gathered from employees in the service sector in the UAE using an online survey questionnaire. A total of 374 participants submitted complete responses. The studys hypotheses were tested through regression-based moderated path analysis, incorporating conditional process modeling and nonlinear bootstrapping. Findings: The study indicates that experiencing phubbing at work contributes to feelings of coworker conflict, which subsequently leads to increased interpersonal deviance and employee negligence. Moreover, workplace mindfulness weakens the positive influence of being phubbed on coworker conflict, interpersonal deviance and employee negligence. Originality/value: To the best of the authors knowledge, no previous studies have examined the negative impact of being phubbed at the individual employee level within the service industry. This study aims to contribute to both theory and practice by elucidating the mediating mechanism of coworker conflict and exploring the moderating effects of workplace mindfulness. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Translation and validation of the Tamil version of depression anxiety stress scales-21
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) is a well-established scale designed to measure the negative emotional states of depression, anxiety, and stress. DASS-21 has been translated into various languages, and findings conclude that it is psychometrically sound, with good reliability and validity. This study adapts and validates the psychometric properties of DASS-21 in the Tamil language. The instrument was administered to 511 Tamil speaking students ranging between 18 and 35 of age with an average age of 21 years. Results reaffirm that DASS-21 three-factor model shows excellent validity and reliability on the entire sample and groups based on age, gender, and residential area. They also find support in different hierarchical variance measurement models (metric, scalar, strict models). This study concludes that Tamil DASS-21 can be used as a universal measure to map symptoms and screen for depression, anxiety, and stress in any circumstances. Our findings provide roadmap for future research on the Tamil version of DASS-21 with specific focus on its clinical use. 2022 -
SECURE EQUITABLE SUBDIVISION NUMBER OF GRAPHS
In this paper, we initiate the study of a new domination parameter: the secure equitable subdivision number of graphs. Moreover, we define the secure equitable subdivision critical graphs and the secure equitable subdivision stable graphs. Furthermore, we investigate how to construct a secure equitable subdivision critical graph. 2024, Canadian University of Dubai. All rights reserved. -
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.