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Sexual violence in cyberspace: breaking the silence of international law
The increasing dependence of the world on digital technology and the internet has consequently led to the juxtaposition of the problematic social structure in online transactions and communications. This has resulted in increasing cases of cybersexual violence against women. The article argues that the effects of cybercrimes are transnational and, therefore, the traditional domestic criminal law is rather inept in preventing crime and punishing offenders. This increases the obligation of international law, which has so far remained silent on the issue. The articles conclusion suggests that the proposed World Convention on Cybercrime should include cybersexual violence as a core crime. This would serve as a beginning for addressing the threat, effect, and extent of the crime of cybersexual violence. The article concludes that the masculinist normative structure of international law is to blame for its culture of silence. Copyright 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Facial Expression Recognition Using Pre-trained Architectures
In the area of computer vision, one of the most difficult and challenging tasks is facial emotion recognition. Facial expression recognition (FER) stands out as a pivotal focus within computer vision research, with applications in various domains such as emotion analysis, mental health assessment, and humancomputer interaction. In this study, we explore the effectiveness of ensemble methods that combine pre-trained deep learning architectures, specifically AlexNet, ResNet50, and Inception V3, to enhance FER performance on the FER2013 dataset. The results from this study offer insights into the potential advantages of ensemble-based approaches for FER, demonstrating that combining pre-trained architectures can yield superior recognition outcomes. 2024 by the authors. -
A Comparative Study of the Nonlinear Optical Properties of CaO Nanoparticles and rGO-CaO Nanocomposites
Recently, graphene-based materials decorated with metal/metal oxide nanoparticles have gained significant interest among researchers owing to their wide range of technological applications. In this study, we synthesized reduced graphene oxide-calcium oxide nanocomposites (rGO-CaO) using a one-pot solvothermal technique. The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of CaO nanoparticles and (rGO-CaO) nanocomposites were explored by performing a single-beam Z-scan experiment. Since the samples exhibited reverse saturation absorption behavior (RSA) and a negative nonlinear index of refraction, CaO nanoparticles are promising candidates for nonlinear optical limiting and optical switching applications. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science 2024. -
Assessing the Determinants of Metaverse Adoption for E-Commerce Retailing
The advent of metaverse technology has impacted the retail sector, shaping e-commerce platforms into a new form of metaverse-based online shopping environments. The metaverse e-commerce experience is new to shoppers, making it crucial to comprehend consumer reactions to this technology in the context of retail. This study explores the shopping intention and potential use of the metaverse for shopping using the UTAUT2 model and metaverse-based context-specific antecedents. Using a structured questionnaire, data from 1340 consumers were collected and analyzed through PLS-SEM. The findings indicated that factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions influence shopping intention in the e-commerce metaverse. The metaverse-related antecedents, namely, a sense of immersion and imagination, have a positive influence, whereas technological anxiety and perceived security and privacy concerns have a negative impact on e-commerce shopping intention in the metaverse. It was also found that shopping intention influences the potential use of metaverse for shopping and that stickiness to traditional shopping negatively moderates this relationship. This unique research explores consumer buying behavior in the metaverse. It provides marketers, e-commerce managers, designers, and developers of metaverse platforms with the antecedents of the potential use of the metaverse for shopping insights. Consumer policymakers can also draw insights from this study. 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Control of chaos and intermittent periodic motions in Rayleigh-Bard convection using a feedback controller
Control of regular convective motion, chaos and periodic motion in the Rayleigh-Bard system is studied by considering a feedback control mechanism that considers the dependence of the heating (cooling) of the two boundary plates on one another. This set up ensures that the different flow regimes (convective, chaotic and periodic) in the system have no mechanical interference and the control remains an external mechanism. The rheostatic influence of feedback control on these flows is demonstrated by investigating in detail the critical Rayleigh number in the case of regular convective motion and the Hopf-Rayleigh number in the case of chaotic motion. For mild coupling between lower and upper boundary temperatures, periodic motions are intermittently observed in an otherwise chaotic regime at times when the system arrives at a situation (fuelling zone) wherein it needs to conserve energy in order to sustain chaos at subsequent times. For strong coupling between the boundary temperatures, an interesting situation arises wherein chaos makes a delayed and brief appearance and gives way to a prolonged spell of periodic motion. Features of the classical Rayleigh-Bard system are retained but each regime makes a delayed appearance. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024. -
A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Effectiveness of Integrated Electroencephalogram Neurofeedback Training and Group Psychotherapy for Harmful Alcohol Use: Neurocognitive and Clinical Outcomes
Introduction. This study investigates the efficacy of integrating electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback training and group psychotherapy for individuals with harmful alcohol use (AUDIT-10 scores 1013). Methods. Seventy-six participants were purposively sampled and divided into treatment (EEG neurofeedback training and group psychotherapy) and control groups. Baseline assessments measured alcohol consumption (AUDIT-10), stress (perceived stress scale [PSS]), neurocognition (NIMHANS neuropsychological battery), craving (PACS), and visual analog scale. The treatment group underwent 20 sessions of EEG neurofeedback (Peniston-Kulkosky and Scott-Kaiser modification protocols) and four sessions of group psychotherapy (motivational interviewing [MI], psychoeducation). Result/Discussion. A repeated measures ANOVA showed significant improvement in postcondition scores for the treatment group compared to controls, who exhibited deterioration over time. The study provides evidence supporting the efficacy of integrated EEG neurofeedback training and group psychotherapy in mitigating harmful alcohol use progression. Conclusion. By addressing stress, cognition, and cravings, this intervention offers crucial support to individuals with problematic drinking. 2024. Panicker et al. -
Effect of Social Cognitive Skills Training (SCST) on Cognitive and Affective Theory of Mind in Adolescents
Social cognitive skills training (SCST) in a therapeutic setup can result in more positive outcomes when incorporated with psychotherapy, especially among adolescents with minor social-cognitive impairments, and it may result in multifarious benefits to mitigate their social-cognitive dysfunction. This research focuses on the effect of SCST on the cognitive and affective theory of mind for adolescents with low social cognition. Quasi-experimental research with a pre-test-post-test design was used. Edinburgh Social Cognition test (ESCoT) was used for pre-and post-testing one week before and post-SCST training. The significant findings reveal a positive impact of SCST on the affective theory of mind and cognitive theory of mind in the experimental group. No significant changes were found in the control group (waitlisted). The results help validate the SCST module to improve an adolescents cognitive and affective theory of mind in social cognition. Further implications are discussed. 2024, Institute for Human Rehabilitation. All rights reserved. -
DDoS Intrusions Detection in Low Power SD-IoT Devices Leveraging Effective Machine Learning
Security and privacy are significant concerns in software-defined networking (SDN)-applied Internet of Things (IoT) environments, due to the proliferation of connected devices and the potential for cyberattacks. Hence, robust security mechanisms need to be developed, including authentication, encryption, and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack detection, tailored to the constraints of low-power IoT devices. Selecting a suitable tiny machine learning (TinyML) algorithm for low-power IoT devices for DDoS attack detection involves considering various factors such as computational complexity, robustness in dealing with heterogeneous data, accuracy, and the specific constraints of the target IoT device. In this paper, we present a two-fold approach for the optimal TinyML algorithm selection leveraging the hybrid analytical network process (HANP). First, we make a comparative analysis (qualitative) of the machine learning algorithm in the context of suitability for TinyML in the domain of SD-IoT devices and generate the weights of suitability for TinyML applications in SD-IoT. Then we evaluate the performance of the machine learning algorithms and validate the results of the model to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, we see the effect of dimensionality reduction with respect to features and how it affects the precision, recall, accuracy, and F1 score. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme. 1975-2011 IEEE. -
Novel approaches for nonlinear Sine-Gordon equations using two efficient techniques
In this work, we obtained a new functional matrix using Clique-polynomials of complete graphs (Formula presented.) with (Formula presented.) vertices and considered a new approach to solving the SineGordon (SG) equation. The clique polynomial method transforms this equation into a system of algebraic equations. The solution will be drawn with the help of Newton Raphsons method. Also, we employed the q-homotopy analysis transform method (q-HATM), which is the proper collision of the Laplace transform and the q-homotopy analysis method (q-HAM). To witness the reliability and accuracy of the considered schemes, some illustrations of the SG equation and double SG equation are considered. Here, the SG equation is solved easily and elegantly without using discretization or transformation of the equation by using the q-HATM. Also, in q-HATM, the presence of homotopy and axillary parameters allows us to have a large convergence region. The 3D surfaces of acquired solutions are drawn effectively. The tables of error analysis demonstrate the success of these methods. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
The role of religious and financial factors in eudaimonic well-being among Indian adults
Purpose: The available literature has explored the various psychosocial determinants of well-being to some extent. The earlier works have focused primarily on hedonic well-being with little focus on eudaimonic aspects. Therefore, this study aims to understand the role of parentchild religious attendance during childhood, religious connectedness, and financial-material stability on eudaimonic well-being among adults in India. Design/methodology/approach: The authors used the India data from Global Flourishing Study Wave 1 that addressed flourishing among adults above 18 years. The authors considered 9,076 Indian adults and used descriptive and correlation statistics. In addition, the authors conducted path analysis and t-test. Findings: The likelihood of eudaimonic well-being increased with parentchild religious attendance during childhood (= ?0.044, p < 0.01) along with religious connectedness (= ?0.112, p < 0.01) and financial-material stability (= 0.145, p < 0.01) as an adult. In addition, a significant difference existed in terms of religious connectedness and eudaimonic well-being with income and perceived feelings about income. Originality/value: This study emphasizes financial stabilitys relevance in well-being and suggests the importance of considering religious factors during childhood and adulthood. Emphasizing factors influencing eudaimonic well-being is relevant due to its influence on mental health and quality of life. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
QSPR Analysis On Octane Isomers Using Degree-Based Topological Indices?
Octane isomers are structures with the chemical formula C8H18. Despite having the same formula, they have variations in the way their atoms are arranged, leading to differences in their chemical and physical properties. In this paper, we conduct a QSPR analysis on various isomers of octane, focusing on specific degree-based topological indices. In QSPR studies, these measures, known as topological indices, are helpful in understanding and quantifying the biological effects of chemical compounds. We specifically look at how certain properties of octane, such as complexity, acentric factor, standard enthalpy of vaporization, entropy, and enthalpy of vaporization, are connected to these topological indices. Our research provides valuable insights into how these indices can predict the behavior of octane isomers, contributing to a better overall understanding of their properties. 2024, Tsing Hua University. All rights reserved. -
A decade of climate change concern in India: Determinants of personal and societal climate concern
Scientists have called for a culturally relevant investigation of factors impacting public climate concern to devise relevant behavioural and policy interventions. Although India will be adversely affected by climate change, there is a shortage of models that track changes in Indian climate concern across time. The study tracked the growth of climate concern from 2006 to 2020 and identifies determinants of personal and societal climate concern. Secondary analyses of survey data from the International Science Survey and World Values Survey (2006-2020, N = 9254), were conducted to predict climate concern across the year, environmental protection versus economic growth preferences, and socio-demographic variables. Within responses from 2020 (N = 3176), the predictive role of anthropogenic climate change beliefs, trust in scientists, adequate government action, collective efficacy, environmental protection preferences, and sociodemographic variables were evaluated to understand personal and societal climate concern. Binary logistic regression found that climate concern increased significantly from 2006 (2.6%) to 2020 (89.5%) and was predicted by education and preferences for environmental protection. Multiple regression results identified personal climate concern as predicted by education, anthropogenic climate change beliefs, trust in scientists, and environmental protection preferences; while government action beliefs and favouring left-wing affiliation predicted societal climate concern. There was mixed support for the political polarization of climate concern. The study shows an increase in Indian climate change concern over the past decade, with personal and societal climate concern being influenced by different psychological characteristics. Important implications for future climate communication research and social policy development are discussed. 2024 by author(s). -
Does brand association, brand attachment, and brand identification mediate the relationship between consumers willingness to pay premium prices and social media marketing efforts?
This study investigates the effects of social media marketing efforts (SMME) on smartphone brand identification, attachment, association, and willingness to pay premium prices. A survey of 320 smartphone users who followed official social media handles managed by smartphone companies was conducted for this purpose. PLS-SEM was used to analyse the collected data. The findings demonstrated importance of SMME dimensions. According to the studys findings, the smartphone brands SMMEs had significant impact on brand identification, brand association, and brand attachment. The results revealed that SMMEs had significant impact on willingness to pay the premium price. The findings also show that brand identification, attachment, and association mediated the relationship between SMMEs and willingness to pay a premium price. The findings of this study will be useful in developing social media marketing strategies for smartphones. This study demonstrates the use of social media marketing to promote mobile phones, particularly in emerging markets. Copyright 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Melamine derived N-doped Carbon nanotubes: A durable catalyst support for Pt nanoparticles in proton exchange membrane fuel cell
A cost-effective thermal pyrolysis route was adopted to synthesize N-doped carbon nanotube (NCNT) in a single step with the aid of melamine (carbon and nitrogen source) and cobalt catalyzed growth for the formation of N-doped carbon nanotubes. The NCNT was acid treated (fNCNT) to remove the metallic Co from the CNT which was elucidated using X-ray diffraction. Even though these noble metal-free materials are explored as Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst, for it to be employed in actual fuel cell the cathode requires noble metals such as Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles to improve its sluggish kinetics. Thus, this study is mainly focused on employing fNCNT as catalyst support in PEMFC, wherein the electrocatalyst was synthesized using microwave-assisted polyol method to decorate Pt nanoparticles on fNCNT, demonstrating its excellent durability of 32% electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) loss when subjected to standard protocols, and full cell performance of hybrid ((Pt/fNCNT) + CB) 412 mW cm?2 (better than commercial Pt/C) when deployed as electrocatalyst for ORR in Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell, thus our findings open new avenues to explore, design and develop N-doped carbon nanotubes as durable catalyst for fuel cells. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024. -
A Family of Mexican Hat Wavelet Stieltjes Transform for Unbounded Non-decreasing Functions
In the present article, we examine the characteristics of the Mexican hat wavelet Stieltjes transform (MHWST) for a specific set of functions belonging to one of the sub-class of bounded variation functions. The subset comprises functions that are unbounded and non-decreasing. Further, a unified approach is applied to establish a uniqueness theorem and subsequently derive a representation theorem for the MHWST. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The National Academy of Sciences, India 2024. -
A Compartmental Mathematical Model of Novel Coronavirus-19 Transmission Dynamics
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread quickly throughout the world, posing a serious threat to human-to-human transmission. The novel coronavirus pandemic is described quantitatively in this paper using a mathematical model of COVID-19 driven by a system of ordinary differential equations. The suggested model is used to provide predictions regarding the behavior of a COVID-19 outbreak over a shorter time frame. It is demonstrated that the system of model equations has a unique and existing solution. Furthermore, the answer is positive and bounded. Thus, it is argued that the model created and discussed in this work is both mathematically and biologically sound. A threshold parameter that controls the disease transmission is used in a qualitative analysis of the model to confirm the existence and stability of disease-free and endemic equilibrium points. Additionally, the key parameters undergo sensitivity analysis to ascertain their relative significance and potential influence on the COVID-19 virus dynamics. 2024 NSP Natural Sciences Publishing Cor. -
The little I receive is not enough: A qualitative study of food insecurity in the South Bronx
The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of food insecurity amongst Bronx residents. Applying a community-based participatory research approach, we conducted a qualitative study, entailing 38 interviews with food pantry recipients, 4 key informant interviews with social service administrators, and two focus groups with 12 food pantry staff and social service providers in New York City (NYC). Applying a precarity framework, we identified three themes: (1) unaffordability of living expenses in NYC; (2) financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (3) institutional and technological barriers to food access. We identified the following subthemes under theme one: rising food costs and high cost of living. Under theme two, we identified four subthemes: (a) large household size driving poverty for Bronx families; (b) vulnerabilities to food insecurity among older adults; (c) budgeting for reduced incomes during the COVID-19 pandemic; and (d) managing unstable employment. Under the third theme, we identified three subthemes: (a) lack of access to healthy, culturally appropriate foods; (b) need for wider service availability; (c) and not having smartphones for telehealth. Study findings demonstrate how precarity impacts the lived experiences of food insecurity and financial hardship for residents of the South Bronx during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2024 Association for the Study of Food and Society (ASFS). -
Translation and Validation of the Malayalam Version of the Subjective Happiness Scale
The subjective happiness scale (SHS) is a brief instrument used to measure global subjective happiness that has been translated from its original English to many other languages. To date, there is no reported translation of this scale into Malayalam, a language spoken by over 32 million people especially in the southern state of Kerala, India. In the present study, 656 community-dwelling older adults participating in the Kerala Einstein study (KES) completed the Malayalam version of the SHS. The Malayalam version demonstrated high internal consistency and good convergent validity, as assessed by comparison to measures of depression and anxiety. We also used factor analysis to determine that the Malayalam version of the SHS has a unidimensional structure, akin to the original English as well as other language adaptations. Our study adds to the repertoire of tools to measure happiness in non-English-speaking populations, enabling future research to explore the foundations of well-being across diverse cultures. The Author(s) 2024. -
Does robotic service quality determine robotic restaurant diners engagement behaviors? Role of customer engagement andattachment to the restaurant
Purpose: Robotic restaurants are very novel, and service robots in these restaurants are identified as offering unique advantages in terms of efficiency, tireless service and potentially lower operational costs. However, studying customer engagement with the robots can reveal aspects of robotic service that resonate with diners. Understanding how diners interact with robots can help create a more engaging and enjoyable atmosphere, bringing more business to restaurants. Building on the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory and place attachment theory, the purpose of this paper is to study the impact of the robotic service quality (RSQ) on the customer attachment to the robotic restaurant with the mediating role of the different dimensions of the customer engagement, like the Absorptive Attention, Enthusiastic Participation and Social Connection. Subsequently, the impact of the customer attachment to the robotic restaurant on different dimensions of customer engagement behaviors like augmenting, co-developing, influencing and mobilizing behaviors was also studied. Design/methodology/approach: The cross-sectional data from 786 robotic restaurant diners in India who answered the self-administered structured questionnaires is utilized for this descriptive study. The study employed a purposive sampling strategy. The SMART-PLS 4.0 program was used to run structural equation modeling and analyze the data. Findings: The results indicate that customer engagement dimensions like Absorptive Attention, Enthusiastic Participation and Social Connection differentially mediate the relationship between RSQ and customer attachment with the robotic restaurant. Customer attachment to the restaurant and the robotic services subsequently positively impact customer engagement behaviors. Research limitations/implications: The study relied upon cross-sectional data from the Indian population above 18years to test the proposed model. Further studies could test the model across different populations to generalize the study results. Originality/value: This study addresses the need to investigate robotic restaurant diners engagement behaviors. By testing place attachment theory and the SOR framework, this study is the first to show that RSQ will impact the customer attachment with the robotic restaurant and that different dimensions of customer engagement mediate the relationship. It also validates the previous research findings that customer engagement is not a single global construct, and different sub-dimensions are to be explored. This study is also the first to show customer attachment to the robotic restaurant will impact customer engagement behaviors differently. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
A Comparative Study of Nutrient Composition, Proteolytic Activity, Phytochemical Profiles, Vitamin C Content, and Antioxidant Properties in the Peels of Selected Perennial Fruits
The escalating global demand for fruits has led to a surge in fruit production, resulting in significant fruit waste, particularly peels. The present study aims to investigate the nutrient content, proteolytic activity, phytochemical levels, vitamin C and antioxidant properties of five perennial fruits, namely Carica papaya (papaya), Selenicereus costaricensis (Red dragon fruit), Ananas comosus (Pineapple), Musa acuminata (Cavendish banana), Punica granatum (Pomegranate) peels of varying ripening stages. Accordingly, two ripening stages for pomegranate, papaya and dragon fruit (PoR1 and PoR2; PaR1 and PaR2; DR1 and DR2, respectively) and three stages for banana and pineapple (BR1, BR2 and BR3; PiR1, PiR2 and PiR3, respectively) were identified based on ethylene gas emission. The elemental analysis showed that fruit peels of Pineapple (PiR3), Banana (BR2), Papaya (PaR2), and Dragon fruit (DR2) showed significantly higher content of macro and micro-elements compared to the other ripening stages. Pomegranate peels exhibited the highest proteolytic activity (5.09 0.98unitsg?1), total phenolics (246.09 0.25mgg?1), total flavonoids (158.27 1.72mgg?1), tannins (103.94 0.09mgg?1), DPPH scavenging activity (129.43 1.34%), and antioxidant activity (127.14 1.35mgg?1 by phosphomolybdate assay). A. comosus peels had the greatest vitamin C levels (95.53 3.52mgg?1). Anti-nutrient analysis revealed safe levels of oxalates, phytates, and alkaloids, except for high oxalate levels in pomegranate peels. Notably, all parameters exhibited an increasing trend with ripening stages, with a decline during senescence in Banana (BR3) and Pomegranate peel (PoR2). This knowledge of fruit peel composition can enhance their utilization by humans, pharmaceutical and food industries, while also contributing to more effective waste management. Our study addresses the pressing need for sustainable fruit peel utilization in the context of escalating fruit production and waste. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to National Academy of Agricultural Sciences 2024.