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Hycons Renewable Private Limited: Viable Biogas Production from Paddy Straws: A Capital Budgeting Decision
The case revolves around the decision to be taken by Mr Sashikant Hegde, Managing Director, Hycons Renewable Private Ltd, on the project viability of a business proposal. The proposal was to start a manufacturing plant in Punjab to produce compressed biogas using paddy straws. Hegde firmly believed that the company would do well considering the growth of the CNG market in India, as the oil and natural gas sector in India is among the top 10 core industries in the country and plays an important role in the existence of other important sectors as well. The proposal would benefit Hycons to establish its presence in northern India, but the project viability and funding of the investment remained an unanswered question. 2023 Lahore University of Management Sciences. -
Hydro-thermo-electromechanical response in a size-dependent porous piezoelectric medium under memory-dependent MGT theory
This study explores the intricate coupled hydro-thermo-electromechanical behavior of a size-dependent porous piezoelectric medium. We uniquely employ the memory-dependent MooreGibsonThompson (MGT) framework for heat conduction in conjunction with Eringens nonlocal elasticity theory to analyze the effects of time-delay and nonlocality on various physical fields. Novel constitutive relations are developed to capture these combined influences. Analytical solutions for displacements, temperatures (solid and fluid phases), stresses (normal and shear), and electric displacements and potentials are obtained using normal mode technique. A detailed graphical analysis illustrates the impact of time, nonlocality, and porosity under both open and short circuit electrical boundary conditions. Three-dimensional plots confirm the dispersive, diffusive, and memory-dependent behavior. The main findings reveal that nonlocality significantly smooths field gradients and broadens spatial profiles, while memory-dependent thermal conduction results in wave-like and delayed temperature responses, with the solid phase reacting faster than the fluid. Furthermore, electric potentials and displacements are considerably enhanced under open-circuit conditions, highlighting boundary effect sensitivity. It is also observed that increasing porosity consistently decreases the magnitudes of all fields and restricts their penetration depths, indicating a structural softening effect. This work presents a unique analytical model that integrates memory-dependent MGT theory with nonlocal elasticity to analyze the hydro-thermo-electromechanical behavior of a fluid-saturated porous piezoelectric medium. The theoretical framework provides a robust foundation for advancing the design and development of piezoelectric sensors and actuators operating in coupled hydro-thermo-electromechanical environments, particularly those with porous structures. Potential applications span geophysical monitoring, biomedical implants under complex loadings, and MEMS where size-dependent and relaxation effects are significant. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Hydrogen Sulfide-Induced Activatable Photodynamic Therapy Adjunct to Disruption of Subcellular Glycolysis in Cancer Cells by a Fluorescence-SERS Bimodal Iridium Metal-Organic Hybrid
The practical application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) demands targeted and activatable photosensitizers to mitigate off-target phototoxicity common in always on photosensitizers during light exposure. Herein, a cyclometalated iridium complex-based activatable photodynamic molecular hybrid, Cy-Ir-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD), is demonstrated as a biomedicine for molecular precision. This design integrates a hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-responsive NBD unit with a hydroxy-appended iridium complex, Cy-Ir-OH. In normal physiological conditions, the electron-rich Ir metal center exerts electron transfer to the NBD unit, quenches the excited state dynamics, and establishes a PDT-off state. Upon exposure to H2S, Cy-Ir-NBD activates into the potent photosensitizer Cy-Ir-OH through nucleophilic substitution. This mechanism ensures exceptional specificity, enabling targeted phototherapy in H2S-rich cancer cells. Additionally, we observed that Cy-Ir-NBD-induced H2S depletion disrupts S-sulfhydration of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme, impairing glycolysis and ATP production in the cellular milieu. This sequential therapeutic process of Cy-Ir-NBD is governed by the positively charged central iridium ion that ensures mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. Dual-modality SERS and fluorescence imaging validate apoptotic events, highlighting Cy-Ir-NBD as an advanced theranostic molecular entity for activatable PDT. Finally, as a proof of concept, clinical assessment is evaluated with the blood samples of breast cancer patients and healthy volunteers, based on their H2S overexpression capability through SERS and fluorescence, revealing Cy-Ir-NBD to be a promising predictor for PDT activation in advanced cancer phototherapy. 2024 American Chemical Society. -
Hydrogen Sulfide: A new warrior in assisting seed germination during adverse environmental conditions
Seed, being a truly static period of the plant's existence, is exposed to a variety of biotic and abiotic shocks during dormancy that causes many cellular alterations. To improve its germination and vigor, the seed industry employs a variety of invigoration techniques, which are commonly referred to as seed priming procedures. The treatment with an exogenous H2S donor such as sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) has been proven to improve seed germination. The H2S molecule is not only a key contributor to the signal transduction pathway meant for the sensation of seed exposure to various biotic and abiotic stresses but also contribute toward the alleviation of different abiotic stress. Although it was initially recognized as a toxic molecule, later its identification as a third gaseous transmitter molecule unveiled its potential role in seed germination, root development, and opening of stomata. Its involvement in cross talks with several other molecules, including plant hormones, also guides numerous physiological responses in the seeds, such as regulation of gene expression and enzymatic activities, which contribute to reliving various biological and non-biological stresses. However, the other metabolic pathways that could be implicated in the dynamics of the germination process when H2S is used are unclear. These pathways possibly may contribute to the seed germinability process with improved performance and stress tolerance. The present review briefly addresses the signaling and physiological impact of H2S in improving seed germination on exposure to various stresses. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. -
Hydrogen-enriched dual-fuel CI engine fueled with Mahua biodiesel and hybrid nano-additives: Integrated experiments, explainable machine learning, and multi-objective optimization
Hydrogen-enriched dual-fuel compression-ignition (CI) engines are a potential pathway towards higher efficiency and lower carbon-intensive emissions. Studies conducted so far have considered hydrogen enrichment, biodiesel fuels, nano-additives, and data-driven optimization as separate entities; hence, there is no integration or comprehensive understanding about them, which leads to an efficiency-nitrogen oxides trade-off. This study presents an integrated experimental-machine learning-explainable artificial intelligence-multi-objective optimization framework for a hydrogen-assisted dual-fuel CI engine fueled with a Mahua biodiesel-diesel (B20) blend and hybrid nano-additives (Al2O3TiO2 and CeO2-MWCNT, 50-100ppm). Experimental results indicated that hydrogen enrichment hybridized with nano-additives improves brake thermal efficiency by 8-14% and reduces brake-specific fuel consumption by 10-18%. HC, CO, and smoke emissions are reduced by up to 35%, 32%, and 45%, respectively. There is a moderate increase in NOx by 12-28%. Machine-learning models achieved high predictive accuracy (R2>0.99). The XGBoost exhibited superior generalization. The SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis found that the dominant factors were engine load, the hydrogen energy share, and the concentration of nano-additives. The XGBoost-Multi-Objective Grey Wolf Optimizer (XGBMOGWO) framework created Pareto-optimal solutions showing a strong and interpretable pathway for advancing trade-offs between efficiency and emissions in dual-fuel engines. 2026 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
HydroIoT: An IoT and Edge Computing based Multi-Level Hydroponics System
The depleting area of cultivable lands is increasing demands for implementing improved techniques that could use less space and produce more than traditional farming. This situation is common in all the developing and under developed countries. With a motivation to contribute towards providing solution to this growing problem of food scarcity, a Multi-Level Hydroponics System is proposed. The proposed system combines best of all trending technologies like IoT, Edge Computing and Computer Vision and applies it to Hydroponics. A cultivation estimation system based on image processing is implemented and accuracy of the same is tested with actual produce. The crop used for the proposed system is corn as it serves as best fodder for cattle. It was observed that with proposed system up to 95% accuracy in estimating fodder produce was achieved. 2021 IEEE. -
Hydroponic cultivation of lettuce: evaluating yield and quality across different systems
The increasing demand for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in India, driven by changing dietary habits, health consciousness, and declining arable land, necessitates protected cultivation systems for a sustainable production of high-value vegetables. Limited research has been conducted on optimizing lettuce cultivation systems under protected conditions in India. This study evaluated the performance of three growing systems, soil-based, aggregate hydroponics, and a vertical A-frame nutrient film technique, under controlled greenhouse conditions. Three lettuce cultivars were assessed for growth, yield, and nutritional parameters. The nutrient film technique system achieved the highest leaf fresh weight (96.73 g) and marketable yield. Lettuce grown in the nutrient film technique also exhibited superior nutritional quality, with increased ascorbic acid (7.03 mg 100 g?1) and carotenoid (4.48 g g?1) content. Additionally, the vertical nutrient film technique system optimized space utilization, supporting 26 plants per square meter and significantly increasing the number of marketable leaves compared to soil-based and aggregate hydroponics. These results highlight the potential of vertical nutrient film technique cultivation to enhance lettuce productivity, nutritional quality, and resource efficiency, presenting a promising solution for sustainable urban agriculture and protected cultivation in India. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Hydrothermally synthesized mesoporous Co3O4 nanorods as effective supercapacitor material
Mesoporous Co3O4 nanomaterial in rod-shape morphology has been synthesized via a hydrothermal method, and heat treated at 350 C for 2 h to develop a phase. Phase purity, morphology, specific surface area and chemical composition of as-obtained Co3O4 material were studied using XRD, Raman, TEM, N2-adsoprtion/desorption and XPS techniques. XRD and Raman analyses indicate single phase material formation with nano-structure, and cubic normal spinel-type structure with a cell parameter of 8.123 The spinel particles are of rod-shape morphology and the specific surface area, estimated through BET studies, is obtained as 47 m2/g. Cyclic voltammogram (CV) recorded at different scan rates evidently demonstrate pseudocapacitance nature of the synthesized material. Maximum specific capacitance (CS) is computed and the value is 261 F/g at 0.25 A/g. These materials have shown longer cycle stability at lower KOH concentration and lower current density. Synthesized Co3O4 nanomaterial could be used as electrode material for energy storage applications. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
Hydrous nickel oxyhydroxide thin films on copper foil as robust electrocatalysts for alkaline oxygen evolution
Balancing catalytic activity and durability remains a major challenge for nickel-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrodes, especially when supported on earth-abundant metals. Here, we demonstrate how the electrodeposition environment governs the structural and electrochemical evolution of nickel coatings on copper foil toward hydrous NiOOH active layers. Nickel was electrodeposited from sulfate baths at pH 3 and 4 to yield compact (Ni-Cuf-3) and hierarchically nodular (Ni-Cuf-4) films, respectively. Structural and electrochemical analyses reveal that deposition pH dictates the oxidemetal coupling and, consequently, the OER performance. Ni-Cuf-4 exhibited a lower overpotential (434 mV at 50 mA cm?2) and approximately tenfold higher Cdl (2.68 mF cm?2vs. 0.221 mF cm?2), corresponding to a larger density of electrochemically accessible sites. In contrast, Ni-Cuf-3 delivered a higher turnover frequency (TOF ?1 O2 s?1 per Ni site) and superior durability (?60 h at 800 mA cm?2). Impedance spectroscopy highlights distinct interfacial charge transfer characteristics arising from the different film morphology. Importantly, both electrodes achieve reduced nickel loading while suppressing copper dissolution, offering a sustainable pathway to durable, cost-effective OER catalysts. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026 -
Hyperchaos in a three-dimensional non-autonomous system
This paper extends the weakly nonlinear stability analysis reported by Francis et al. [J. Eng. Math. 139, 5 (2023)] to cover post-convective regimes of the gravity-modulated Rayleigh-Bard convection in a Newtonian liquid, bounded by rigid-free isothermal boundaries. Weakly nonlinear stability analysis is performed by considering second harmonics in the Fourier series expansion of temperature, while the second harmonics in the velocity field is neglected owing to the assumption of small-scale convective motions. The occurrence of hyperchaos within the three-dimensional non-autonomous system is observed, induced by modulation, emerging for varying, random combinations of frequency and amplitude values. This result has not been reported in the literature before, to the best of the authors' knowledge. Bifurcation analysis is carried out for varying combinations of modulation parameters. It is found that gravity modulation, in general, stabilizes the convective system under consideration. 2025 Author(s). -
Hyperledger Fabric as a Secure Blockchain Solution for Healthcare 4.0 Framework
The healthcare sector deals with extremely sensitive information that must be administered in a safe and confidential way. The objective of the proposed framework is to utilize Blockchain Technology (BT) for tracking medical prescriptions and the implementation is carried out using the Hyperledger Fabric platform, an enterprise-grade open-source distributed ledger technology platform designed for Bigdata applications. Multiple entities, including patients, e-pharmacies, pharmacies, doctors and hospitals can establish connections by introducing several nodes in the Fabric chain. A web-centered application is provided for doctors, connecting them with participating pharmacies, hospitals and e-pharmacies through which, they can share patient prescription. Pharmacies and e-pharmacies have access to this data and can notify patients about the availability of prescribed medicines. Additionally, reminders for refills, such as heart medication, can be sent for patients requiring long-term medication. Patients can also try with nearby pharmacies and the availability of their prescribed medicines. The inclusion of a wallet feature in the application enables patients to use mobile tokens for making purchases. Patient data is treated with the utmost confidentiality, kept private, and accessed only upon request and with the consent of the concerned parties. This privacy is ensured through the use of zero-knowledge proof. Patients retain access to their complete medical history, facilitating interactions with doctors without the need for repetitive information sharing. 2023 IEEE. -
Hyperspectral Image Classification using Archimedes Optimized 3D CNN layers
Background: Hyperspectral Image (HSI) classification involves analyzing images captured across numerous spectral bands to identify and categorize materials or objects. By exploiting spectral information, HSI enables precise detection of materials based on their unique spectral signatures. This extensive spectral information allows for accurate identification of materials and land cover types, making HSI classification essential for various applications. This research developed an optimization-based Deep Learning (DL) framework for effective classification of HSI. The methodology begins with a preprocessing step using Minimum Noise Fraction (MNF), a technique that leverages the noise covariance structure of the dataset to reduce dimensionality while preserving the most informative spectral features. To enhance classification performance, a novel model is proposed, known as Archimedes Optimization Algorithm-3D Convolutional Neural Network (AOA based 3D CNN). Archimedes Optimization Algorithm (AOA) is applied to fine-tune learning rate of 3D Convolutional Neural Network (3D CNN), thereby optimizing training convergence and enhancing accuracy. Result: The proposed AOA based 3D CNN approach exhibits outstanding performance, achieving 95.6% accuracy, 95.9% TPR, 94.1% TNR, 94.9% PPV, a Kappa coefficient of 95.4%, and an F1-score of 95.5%.Keywords: These results highlight the model's effectiveness, adaptability and robustness for HSI classification. 2025 IEEE. -
Hyperspectral Image Classification Using Denoised Stacked Auto Encoder-Based Restricted Boltzmann Machine Classifier
This paper proposes a novel solution using an improved Stacked Auto Encoder (SAE) to deal with the problem of parametric instability associated with the classification of hyperspectral images from an extensive training set. The improved SAE reduces classification errors and discrepancies present within the individual classes. The data augmentation process resolves such constraints, where several images are produced during training by adding noises with various noise levels over an input HSI image. Further, this helps in increasing the difference between multiple classes of a training set. The improved SAE classifies HSI images using the principle of Denoising via Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM). This model ambiguously operates on selected bands through various band selection models. Such pre-processing, i.e., band selection, enables the classifier to eliminate noise from these bands to produce higher accuracy results. The simulation is conducted in PyTorch to validate the proposed deep DSAE-RBM under different noisy environments with various noise levels. The simulation results show that the proposed deep DSAE-RBM achieves a maximal classification rate of 92.62% without noise and 77.47% in the presence of noise. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG. -
Hyperspectral multi-level image thresholding using qutrit genetic algorithm
Hyperspectral images contain rich spectral information about the captured area. Exploiting the vast and redundant information, makes segmentation a difficult task. In this paper, a Qutrit Genetic Algorithm is proposed which exploits qutrit based chromosomes for optimization. Ternary quantum logic based selection and crossover operators are introduced in this paper. A new qutrit based mutation operator is also introduced to bring diversity in the off-springs. In the preprocessing stage two methods, called Interactive Information method and Band Selection Convolutional Neural Network are used for band selection. The modified Otsu Criterion and Masi entropy are employed as the fitness functions to obtain optimum thresholds. A quantum based disaster operation is applied to prevent the quantum population from getting stuck in local optima. The proposed algorithm is applied on the Salinas Dataset, the Pavia Centre Dataset and the Indian Pines dataset for experimental purpose. It is compared with classical Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization, Ant Colony Optimization, Gray Wolf Optimizer, Harris Hawk Optimization, Qubit Genetic Algorithm and Qubit Particle Swarm Optimization to establish its effectiveness. The peak signal-to-noise ratio and Sensen-Dice Similarity Index are applied to the thresholded images to determine the segmentation accuracy. The segmented images obtained from the proposed method are also compared with those obtained by two supervised methods, viz., U-Net and Hybrid Spectral Convolutional Neural Network. In addition to this, a statistical superiority test, called the one-way ANOVA test, is also conducted to judge the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. Finally, the proposed algorithm is also tested on various real life images to establish its diversity and efficiency. 2021 Elsevier Ltd -
I am less biased than others: themediating effect of career exploration on decision styleandbiasblind spot
Purpose: This study primarily investigated the tendency of management students to exhibit bias blind spots on three biases related to career decision-making. Second, it also explores how different decision styles, namely rational and intuitive, relate to bias blind spots, considering career exploration as a key factor that might influence this relationship. Design/methodology/approach: To gather data from 277 second-year MBA students specializing in management and business administration from two southern states of India. SPSS software was used to measure the bias blind spot score, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. Findings: The research findings highlight that students exhibit a bias blind spot tendency during self and environment exploration, and the decision styles indirectly affect bias blind spots through the mediating effects of career exploration. Originality/value: These findings have implications for future research in career psychology, career guidance, and social psychology and for developing interventions to enhance career exploration behavior and decision-making styles to mitigate cognitive biases in career decision-making. 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
I am lost in that reality, and I'm just playing the game: a qualitative study exploring gaming behaviour and its effect on young adults in India
The current study aims to explore gaming behaviour among young adults in India and its effects on their physical and emotional health, productivity, interactions, and social life. Data were collected from 12 avid gamers through in-depth semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the global theme and organise themes from the data. The global theme was the exploration of contemporary gaming behaviour. The habit theme included the origin of the game, practice, and change over time, while the effects theme focused on the physical and emotional health, productivity, interactions, and social life of young adults who engaged in gaming. The findings suggest that gaming behaviour has become an established habit among young adults in India, significantly affecting various aspects of their lives. The study highlights the need for increased awareness of the potential negative consequences of excessive gaming and emphasises the importance of moderation in gaming. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
I am lost in that reality, and I'm just playing the game: a qualitative study exploring gaming behaviour and its effect on young adults in India
The current study aims to explore gaming behaviour among young adults in India and its effects on their physical and emotional health, productivity, interactions, and social life. Data were collected from 12 avid gamers through in-depth semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify the global theme and organise themes from the data. The global theme was the exploration of contemporary gaming behaviour. The habit theme included the origin of the game, practice, and change over time, while the effects theme focused on the physical and emotional health, productivity, interactions, and social life of young adults who engaged in gaming. The findings suggest that gaming behaviour has become an established habit among young adults in India, significantly affecting various aspects of their lives. The study highlights the need for increased awareness of the potential negative consequences of excessive gaming and emphasises the importance of moderation in gaming. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
I Can Live Without Banks, but Not Without Banking: Role of Trust on Loyalty and Evangelism
The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of e-banking loyalty and evangelism via threefold construct of WEQUAL (usability, information quality, and service interaction) of public sector banks operating in India. Moreover, it also investigates the mediating role of consumers' trust on the website quality of these banks and their impact on e-banking loyalty and evangelism. The data was collected from 243 respondents through online questionnaire. In order to develop the model and test the hypotheses, partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was done through Smart PLS version 3.2.9. Results assert that website quality of banks positively influences the trust of consumers via usability, information quality, and service interaction. Also, consumer trust plays a mediation role between WEBQUAL constructs and e-banking loyalty and evangelism. 2021 IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
I Cant Talk to You: Reflecting on the Situated Knowledge of Women Researchers in Ethnographic Contexts in South Asia
This research employs an autobiographical approach to reflect on ethnographic challenges from the perspective of a woman ethnographer in Kerala, India. South Asia is not just a geographical concept but also a metaphor of exclusion, silencing, and marginalisation of underserved populations (Dutta & Visweswararv, 2019). Drawing on Jyothsna Latha Belliappas arguments on positionality and reflexivity, the findings show that ethnographic frameworks should be adapted to reflect intersectional realities and socio-cultural dynamics. Even though scholarly studies on feminist ethnography exist, there remains a huge gap in scholarship concerning how women researchers navigate kinship and religion in gendered spaces. As a woman ethnographer in the field for five months, I unlearned, re-learned, and co-learned how female nature is inscribed in various cultural locations (Sobritchea, 2002). Rethinking ethnography functions as a knowledge production system rather than merely writing a thick description of the study area. 2026 by IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved. -
I Dont Play Games: Migrant Workers and Digital Media in Bengaluru
The great impact of media technologies in reordering almost every facet of modern life has been noted by theorists for over a century now, particularly since the idea of the global village imagined by media theorists, and enabled by globalisation and digital technology has become an inescapable reality. The new experience of time and space bears upon various dimensions of life, including the nature of work, the organisation of time and the place of leisure within these rhythms. This article attempts to engage with this very weighty body of scholarship in a modest way, through ethnographic research, to understand how mobile phones and internet technologies structure the experience of everyday life for low-income migrant workers in Bengaluru. The sites include a construction site and a hookah bar, and the study focuses on mobile gaming and the structuring of migrant social networks. 2024 South Asian University.