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The peculiar radio-loud narrow line Seyfert 1 galaxy 1H 0323+342
We present a multiwavelength study of the radio-loud narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy (NLSy1) 1H 0323+342, detected by the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. Multiband light curves show many orphan X-ray and optical flares having no corresponding ?-ray counterparts. Such anomalous variability behavior can be due to different locations of the emission region from the central source. During a large flare, a ?-ray flux doubling timescale as small as ?3 hr is noticed. We built spectral energy distributions (SEDs) during different activity states and modeled them using a one-zone leptonic model. The shape of the optical/UV component of the SEDs is dominated by accretion disk emission in all the activity states. In the X-ray band, significant thermal emission from the hot corona is inferred during quiescent and first flaring states; however, during subsequent flares, the nonthermal jet component dominates. The ?-ray emission in all the states can be well explained by inverse-Compton scattering of accretion disk photons reprocessed by the broad-line region. The source showed violent intra-night optical variability, coinciding with one of the high ?-ray activity states. An analysis of the overall X-ray spectrum fitted with an absorbed power-law plus relativistic reflection component hints at the presence of an Fe K? line and returns a high black hole spin value of a = 0.96 0.14. We argue that 1H 0323+342 possesses dual characteristics, akin to both flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) and radio-quiet NLSy1 galaxies, though at a low jet power regime compared to powerful FSRQs. 2014. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved. -
An Outlook of Gender Differential Happiness in India
Studies on happiness and subjective wellbeing, in general, are aplenty, but applying a gender lens to it is comparatively rare, especially in the Indian context. The social construction of gender roles will influence happiness being a subjective matter. This paper explores this idea of gender differential happiness in light of India's peculiar social and cultural context. Using the World Value Survey (WVS) for India (Wave 6) in 2012 and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis, the study finds that self-reported happiness is gender differential in India. Factors such as marital status, educational attainments, managerial roles and thrust on women empowerment were found to be vital for happiness for all. However, there are visible patriarchal gender stereotype notions with factors such as individual autonomy and homemaking. 2024 IEEE. -
A primary study on the degradation of low-density polyethylene treated with select oxidizing agents and starch
Polyethylene has become an integral part of our contemporary lives. The neoteric versatile nature of polyethylene is used in constructing various applications. Out of the plastic waste discarded, 60% of the plastic waste enters landfills. The polyethylene discarded in the soil and water on exposure to the environment forms macroplastics (>2.5 cm), mesoplastics (5 mm-2.5 cm) and microplastics (<5 mm). Microplastics in the water and soil are observed to have lethal and ecotoxicological effects on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. They enter the food chain and permeate into the food that one eats. In order to address this impending concern, the present study aimed to treat plastics to form a degradable, safe and earthy material. The dissolved polyethylene was treated with starch and was made to react with oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid and acetic acid to lower its inert ability to withstand its degradation. The effect of starch and oxidizing agents on dissolved low density polyethylene was subsequently analysed. The analysis of treated polyethylene showed a decrease in its crystallinity percentage by 6.19 and an increase in its functional groups on reaction with solvent trichloroethylene made to react with starch and oxidizing agents. In the present research, tests were conducted to obtain the various methods that can be utilized to reverse the inert ability of polyethylene. The prevailing recycling model that uses antioxidation techniques is counterproductive since it was found that such techniques appeared to make the polyethylene more resistant to further degradation. In this study, the polyethylene was dissolved in the solvents, such as xylene and trichloroethylene, to make the polyethylene more susceptible to reactants and hence a viable model for treating polyethylene. : Author (s). Publishing rights @ ANSF. -
Enhancing the biodegradability and environmental impact of microplastics utilizing Eisenia fetida earthworms with treated low-density polyethylene for sustainable plastic management
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in food packaging and agricultural mulching, but its disposal generates macro, meso and microplastics that infiltrate the food chain and carry harmful substances. The present study aimed to improve remediation strategies for soils contaminated with LDPE and enhance the survivability of Eisenia fetida. The study dissolved LDPE in trichloroethylene and treated it with starch, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid and acetic acid, initiating thermo-oxidative reactions. The treatment decreased LDPE's crystallinity index from 48.48% to 44.06% (single treatment), 44.06% to 40.02% (double treat-ment) and 40.02% to 32.98% (triple treatment), achieving a 15.5% reduction in crystallinity. LDPE microplastics with 40.02% crystallinity showed lower mortality rates in Eisenia fetida earthworms compared to those with 44.06% and 32.98% crystallinity and untreated LDPE. When introduced to E. fetida, microbiota in the earthworm casts included unidentified species from Pseu-domonas and Zoopagomycota, known polyethylene degraders. Microbial analysis of treated LDPE microplastics showed changes in gut microbiota, including potential degraders from Aeromonas and Malassezia restricta. XRD (X-ray diffraction techniques analyses) and FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) analyses provided insights into distinct LDPE degradation patterns, identifying hydroxyl and carboxylic groups as functional groups. The study also investigated the ability of altered mi-croflora with treated microplastics to degrade LDPE, favouring decreased earthworm mortality rates. The crystallinity index of treated polyethylene further reduced from 40.02% to 23.58% after 21 days of exposure to E. fetida. This research advances the understanding of oxidised plastics' ecological impacts and will help to develop environmentally sustainable and biodegradable LDPE. Author (s). -
Shared Mobility and Indias Generation Z: Environmental Consciousness, Risks, and Attitudes
Shared mobility platforms have built scalable digital marketplaces that facilitate the allocation and sharing of transportation and promote sustainable urban travel. Generation Zs attitude toward shared consumption is closely linked to their perceptions of the importance of sustainability. This study identifies Generation Zs awareness of shared mobility platforms in India and the factors that influence their use. Data were collected from 318 respondents from Generation Z in India and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings indicate that Generation Zs intention to use shared mobility is influenced by environmental consciousness, social aspects, economic benefits, and perceived risks. Results also show that perceived risks have an indirect effect on intention, which is mediated by attitude. The novel conceptual model developed and tested in this research can be used to inform policies and business models for the adoption of shared mobility services for Generation Z, ultimately promoting more sustainable transportation systems and improved urban mobility. 2024 by the authors. -
Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Structure Subjected to Blast Loads Without and with Carbon Fibres
In the past few decades, the terrorist attack on buildings has significantly increased. Blast loads due to explosions cause severe damage to the buildings structural and non-structural elements which may also lead to progressive collapse of the building. Hence, there is a need for the structures to be analysed and designed for blast loads in addition to the conventional loads. An investigation is undertaken to minimize the damage of a G+3 storied building and by improving the mechanical properties such as compressive strength, nonlinear behaviour of M40 grade concrete by adding carbon fibres in different dosages. A finite element model of G+3 storied building has been created using Ansys/LS Dyna to analyse the structure subjected to a blast load with charge weights of 50 kg, 100 kg, 150 kg at 3000 mm standoff distance. The lateral deflections and strains of the structure are determined for different charge weights to study the behaviour of the structure when subjected to blast loads. The addition of carbon fibres has improved the behaviour of structure by reducing the strains and deflections and optimum dosage of fibres is also determined in this paper. 2023, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. All rights reserved. -
On the Temporal Causal Relationship Between Macroeconomic Variables: Empirical Evidence From India
The present study examines the dynamic interactions among macroeconomic variables such as real output, prices, money supply, interest rate (IR), and exchange rate (EXR) in India during the pre-economic crisis and economic crisis periods, using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test for cointegration, Johansen and Juselius multivariate cointegration test, Granger causality/Block exogeneity Wald test based on Vector Error Correction Model, variance decomposition analysis and impulse response functions. The empirical results reveal a stronger long-run bilateral relationship between real output, price level, IR, and EXR during the pre-crisis sample period. Moreover, the empirical results confirm a unidirectional short-run causality running from price level to EXR, IR to price level, and real output to money supply during the pre-crisis period. Also, it is evident from the test results that there exist short-run bidirectional relationships running between real output and EXR, price level and IR, and IR and EXR in the pre-crisis era, respectively. Most importantly, long-run bidirectional causality is found between real output, EXR, and IR during the economic crisis period. And the study results indicate short-run bidirectional causality between money supply and EXR, IR and price level, and IR and output in India during the crisis era. Also, a short-run unidirectional causality runs from prices to real output in the crisis period. The Author(s) 2014. -
Effectiveness of Financial Inclusion through PMJDY Scheme: A Study of the PMJDY Beneficiaries in Tamil Nadu
The study explored whether various banking dimensions, viz. savings and borrowings, literacy and promotions, bank facilities and other bank services, contributed to the PMJDY beneficiaries' satisfaction in the Coimbatore region. Moreover, the study examined whether the satisfaction of the beneficiaries obtained through banking dimensions led to the frequent usage of bank accounts under the PMJDY. The data were collected from 380 beneficiaries of PMJDY from 12 administrative blocks in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, the Southern part of India. Factor analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used for the analysis. The results showed that the banking dimensions, viz. savings and borrowings and literacy and promotions, had positively influenced the beneficiaries' satisfaction. There was a linkage between the beneficiaries' satisfaction with frequent bank accounts under the PMJDY in rural areas of the Coimbatore region. It was found that an enriched banking service through politeness and benevolence of bank employees would enhance satisfaction, which helped the bank to acquire and retain existing beneficiaries for a thriving business environment. 2024 The Society of Economics and Development, except certain content provided by third parties. -
Linkages between Stock Market Development, Banks and Economic Growth in India: An ARDL Approach
The banking and stock market development was perceived to be an essential channel for economic growth through mobilisation and allocating productive investments. On the other hand, it was emphasised that economic growth would create demand for financial services and would lead to financial sector development. Existing literature attempts to investigate whether financial development is the primary driver of economic growth or vice versa. However, the issue remains unsolved and ambiguous. The present study investigated the causal relationship between stock markets, banks and economic growth in India using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach. The empirical result confirmed the long-run bidirectional relationship between financial development and economic growth in India. In the short-run, the empirical evidence showed that the market capitalisation of the Bombay Stock Exchange and IIP were unrelated and that a bidirectional relationship existed between the value of shares traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange and output. Furthermore, the findings supported unidirectional causality from the National Stock Exchange market capitalisation to output in the short-run. The value of shares traded on the National Stock Exchange and output had a feedback connection. 2022 The Society of Economics and Development, except certain content provided by third parties. -
Stock market linkages in emerging Asia-Pacific markets
This study examines the stock market integration among major stock markets of emerging Asia-Pacific economies, viz. India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China, and Indonesia. The Johansen and Juselius multivariate cointegration test, Granger causality/Block exogeneity Wald test based on the vector error correction model (VECM) approach, and variance decomposition analysis were used to investigate the dynamic linkages between markets. Cointegration test confirmed a well-defined long-run equilibrium relationship among the major stock markets, implying that there exists a common force, such as arbitrage activity, which brings these stock markets together in the long run. The results of Granger causality/Block exogeneity Wald test based on VECM and variance decomposition analysis revealed the stock market interdependencies and dynamic interactions among the selected emerging Asia-Pacific economies. This result implies that investors can gain feasible benefits from international portfolio diversification in the short run. On the whole, the study results suggest that although long-term diversification benefits from exposure to these markets might be limited, short-run benefits might exist due to substantial transitory fluctuations. The Author(s) 2013. -
Representation of folk art in Malayalam cinema - A case study /
The purpose of the study is to find out the Portrayal of Folk art in Malayalam films in different aspects and Parameters. Kerala is a Land of Arts. There are many Art oriented films Malayalam Films. In that Folk Art oriented films are among them. The researcher has taken the movies Chayilyam, Kaliyattam and Pulijanmam for the research. -
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Molecular level investigation on the impact of geometric isomers as fluorinated ligands in SIFSIX MOF for natural gas sweetening
In natural gas (NG), significant amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the most menacing contaminants that cause degradation of the purity of fuel. We considered fluorine-functionalized MOFs and employed cheaper and faster computational simulation techniques to understand the adsorption process. Hence, this includes structural optimization of newly designed fluorine-functionalized MOF with Density Functional Theory (DFT) and further Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation at room temperature on those MOFs for understanding in detail the adsorptive separation process on sour gases. However, the main emphasis has been made on the adsorptive separation of H2S gas from sour gas. Eventually, the fluorination of organic ligand in [(SiF6)Ni(1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethyne)2] MOF has resulted in an excellent H2S/CO2 separation performance from NG because of the different geometrical isomers. The cis isomer of 1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethyne as ligand in MOF, i.e., SIFSIX-Ni-dpe-3-cis, shows a high CO2 affinity than H2S; on the contrary, the trans isomer of 1,2-di(pyridin-4-yl)ethyne as ligand in MOF, i.e., SIFSIX-Ni-dpe-3-trans, has H2S selective over CO2 and CH4. So, the resulting affinity variation indicates that structural variation by the stereochemistry of ligands in MOF plays a significant role in NG purification, which is further validated through detailed molecular simulation analysis. 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Evaluating the performance of Cr-Soc-MOF Super-Adsorbents for CO2 capture from flue gas under humid condition through molecular simulation
One of the major criticisms for gas separation by utilizing Metal Organic Framework (MOF) porous material for all classes of adsorbents is their very poor performance under humidified gas streams. Very few MOFs show better CO2 separation from N2 mixture in the presence of moisture. Conversely, plenty of MOFs demonstrated good CO2 capture from dry gas streams. In order to explore the potential characteristics of gas separation under humid conditions by coordinatively unsaturated metal organic framework (CUS-MOF) with square octahedral (Soc) topology were exercised single component (CO2, N2) adsorption and co-adsorption (CO2/N2) in the presence of moisture at 298 K with pressure ranging from 0 to 10 bar. Herein, we investigated five exceptional Cr-Soc-MOFs similar to the experimentally established iso-structural topology by differing the polynuclear aromatic ring size and N-heteroatom to their pore wall. The specific interaction of guest molecules to the coordinatively unsaturated metal site (CUS), i.e., rigid ?3-oxygen-centered tri-nuclear metal carboxylate, of Cr-Soc-MOF-n series were identified with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, this energy profile was used to derive specific force field. Further, Grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation was employed with DFT-derived force field to identify suitable CO2 capture for Cr-Soc-MOFs in the presence of moisture. Interestingly, the Cr-Soc-MOFs with larger pore volume were retained not only CO2 uptake in the range of 23 35 wt% but also selectivity about 20 50 range even up to 70% of RH. Importantly, we introduced a mathematical tool to theoretically analyze the dynamic co-adsorption in the form of breakthrough curve measurement from CO2/N2 simulated co-adsorption by mimicking the real flue gas condition, also working capacity (?N), Regenerability (R%) and Adsorbent Performance Indicator (API) of Cr-Soc-MOF-n series were investigated. The CO2 separation performances of Cr-Soc-MOF-n series suggested that the polynuclear aromatic ring to their pore wall withstand CO2 uptake in the presence of humidity rather than N-heteroatom decorated Cr-Soc-MOF due to its high pore volume and the accommodation of extra aromatic ring in their pore channels. 2022 Elsevier B.V. -
Microalgae: a promising tool for plastic degradation
The use of plastics in the present-day routine is an unavoidable part of human life. It is posing a global environmental threat due to its never-ending accumulation. Complete disposal of plastics is a major problem, and for their complete degradation an effective solution or method has not been discovered yet. However, in order to turn to a biological approach for coping with the ever-increasing fear of plastic aggregation and decay, the development of a methodology would be useful for posterity. To eliminate plastic wastes, two scenarios exist: produce biodegradable plastics from renewable materials or fossil fuels as building blocks, such as hydrobiodegradable/oxo-biodegradable; or find appropriate microalgae and their toxins for the development of a protocol to effectively biodegrade the plastics. Just as biodegradation of plastics is a constructive option, as they are eco-friendly with not much harm done to the environment, the development of biodegradable plastic is also equally effective. Some of the algae that are isolated from the plastic wastes are green-algae, blue-green algae, diatoms, etc. Polyethylene is basically carbon and hydrogen polymer, which is exceptionally resistant to biodegradation (less than 0.5% over 100 years), whose degradation is dependent mainly on moisture, light, and temperature. The most used types of plastics like polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene are a major threat as they are used in the manufacture of bottles, fibers, packing materials, etc. The degradation or disposal of these plastics is leading to their conversion into microsized particles which is further leading to harm to the environment, mainly when these microplastics interact with microalgae like Spirulina. However, landfill, incineration, and chemical methods are some of the conventional methods for polyethylene disposal that are fatal to the environment as they cause hazardous effects on flora and fauna. 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. -
Novel electrochemical biosensor key significance of smart intelligence (IoMT & IoHT) of COVID-19 virus control management
Recent outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has led to the different possibilities of the development of treatment against corona virus. To know the phylogenicity of SARS-CoV, various studies have been conducted with the outcome of the results showing virulence is caused due to spike protein. Various detection techniques with clinical approach like imaging technology, RT-PCR etc. are comparatively expensively than the use of biosensors. Nano-biosensors have an excellent way of approach to track the conditions of individual and public providing information about the existing condition and treatment status. Electrochemical nano-biosensors are referred as an excellent way of detection. The use of graphene based electrochemical nano-biosensors are most advantageous due to its elevated properties. Fluorescence investigation is one of the precise ways of sensing, optical biosignals that helps in obtaining real time results with high accuracy and negligible changes. The potential application of nano-biosensors are very wide, improvised and advanced Nanotechnology helps in the use of nano-biosensors detect all possible biosignals. Significant ubiquitous IoT-enabled novel sensor technologies that can be potentially utilized to respond various facets the growing COVID-19 pandemic from diagnostic and therapeutics to the prevention stage. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Lipase and lactic acid bacteria for biodegradation and bioremediation
Bioremediation is a biotechnological process in which environmental pollutants and solid wastes can be degraded using microbial action to provide a clean free environment without hazards. The process employs microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi for the degradation of wastes. The microbial activity in the bioremediation process degrades the environmental pollutants that are harmful to human health and converts them into less toxic or nontoxic forms. The process mainly focuses on the removal of many types of hazardous materials present in the soil, water, and atmosphere. Microorganisms, especially bacteria, receive great attention in bioremediation as they can mineralize the toxic wastes into other products, such as biomass and water, and make them nonhazardous at times. The activity is not limited only to the degradation of organic wastes, it also degrades crude oil spills in oceans, pesticides, and other industrial wastes. Lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus species are Gram-positive and occur mostly in milk and other such products that are highly useful for the human health. They also provide valuable products in the form of foodstuffs for human. Recent findings have shown that the lactic acid bacteria have a better capability to degrade most of the organic wastes and also other industrial contaminations such as dyes. Bioremediation process itself has different methods, such as biosparging and bioventing, grouped as ex situ methods, in which the degradation of wastes can be possible in bioreactors, while on the other hand, in situ methods take place at the site of the pollution or contamination by the microbial growth. 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. -
A comparative study on the moderating impact of renewable energy and innovation on environmental quality
This study explores the complex interactions between renewable energy production, innovation, economic growth, institutional quality, economic globalization, and CO2 emissions in OECD countries and emerging economies from 1996 to 2021. Results from DriscollKraay standard error and feasible generalized least square reveal distinct trends: renewable energy production leads to increased CO2 emissions in emerging economies but significantly reduces emissions in OECD countries. Besides, residential and non-residential innovation, along with total innovation, show similar effects. Notably, technology-moderated renewable energy production effectively lowers CO2 emissions in both country groups. Similarly, economic growth enhances environmental quality in both sets of countries. However, institutional quality needs improvement in emerging economies, while current levels suffice in OECD nations to maintain environmental quality. Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of considering globalization's impact on CO2 emissions, advocating for international agreements to leverage globalization for environmental benefits. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for shaping renewable energy policies, fostering innovation, promoting economic growth, enhancing institutional quality, and harnessing globalization efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and enhance environmental quality. 2024 United Nations. -
Fueling a greener tomorrow: The impact of energy diversification on green growth
Motivated by the necessity of attaining carbon neutrality and striking a balance between clean and conventional energy sources, the emphasis is on how urgent it is to combat climate change and make the switch to sustainable energy systems. In this context, the currentstudy aims to examine the effects of energy diversification on green growth, considering such complementary factors as green technology, human capital, remittance inflows, foreign direct investment inflows, trade openness, and gross fixed capital formation. An empirical analysis is conducted by framing a green growth function in the panel data framework which is analyzed using the dynamic standard correlated model for the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) for the period between 1995 and 2020. The results show that (i) energy diversification exerts a dampening effect on the trajectory of green growth, (ii) the process of green growth was affected due to green technology and foreign direct investment inflows, (iii) underscores the pivotal role of human capital and gross fixed capital formation in bolstering the green growth trajectory, (iv) despite their potential relevance, remittance inflows and trade openness exhibit negligible impact within the framework of the green growth function, thus underscoring their limited contribution to the overarching sustainable development. The practical policy recommendations and invaluable insights provided by these empirical findings are instrumental in fostering green growth among the BRICS countries. Moreover, it contributes to the discourse on sustainable development by providing a solid foothold for informing the development of relevant policies in similar situations around the world. 2024 United Nations. -
Economic globalization and unemployment: Evidence from high-, middle- and low-income countries
This study intends to empirically evaluate the effects of economic globalization and its components (i.e. trade and financial openness) on unemployment in high-, middle- and low-income countries from 1991 to 2020. Further, it considers real GDP per capita (sectoral divisions of income, i.e. agriculture, industry and service sector) and urbanization as control variables in the unemployment function. On the empirical front, this study employs the Panel Dynamic Simulated ARDL model and the Kernel-Based Regularized Least Squares for long-run influence estimations. The emanating outcome of these analyses states that economic globalization destroys employment opportunities for low-income countries as it enhances unemployment in the long run. However, in high- and middle-income countries, economic globalization creates employment, which implies reducing unemployment in the long run. The result also indicates that trade and financial openness destroy employment opportunities in low-income countries. Although trade openness in middle-income countries shows the same effect, financial openness does not mimic the same. For high-income countries, trade openness reduces unemployment, but financial openness fosters it. Therefore, these findings indicate that to keep unemployment at a low level, policies related to the opening up of the economy in terms of factor mobility, offshoring, outsourcing and international trade need to be implemented in low-income countries. Moreover, a similar consideration is needed for high and middle-income countries to avoid faraway repercussions on unemployment due to becoming a peripheral country. 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.