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Acacia auriculiformisDerived Bimodal Porous Nanocarbons via Self-Activation for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Carbon nanomaterials derived from Acacia auriculiformis pods as electrodes for the electrochemical double-layer capacitors were explored. Four pyrolysis temperatures were set (400, 600, 800, and 1,000C) to understand the role of temperature in biomass pyrolysis via a possible self-activation mechanism for the synthesis of carbon materials. The carbon materials synthesized at 800C (AAC800) were found to exhibit a well-organized hierarchical porous structure, quantified further from N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms with a maximum specific surface area of 736.6m2/g. Micropores were found to be contributing toward enhancing the specific surface area. AAC800 exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 176.7F/g at 0.5A/g in 6.0M KOH electrolyte in a three-electrode setup. A symmetric supercapacitor was fabricated using AAC800 as an active material in an organic electrolyte composed of 1.0M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF4) as a conducting salt in the acetonitrile (ACN) solvent. The self-discharge of the cell/device was analyzed from fitting two different mathematical models; the cell also exhibited a remarkable coulombic efficiency of 100% over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, retaining ?93% capacitance at 2.3V. Copyright 2021 Bhat, Jayeoye, Rujiralai, Sirimahachai, Chong and Hegde. -
A numerical approach to the coupled atmospheric ocean model using a fractional operator
In the present framework, the coupled mathematical model of the atmosphere-ocean system called El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is analyzed with the aid Adams-Bashforth numerical scheme. The fundamental aim of the present work is to demonstrate the chaotic behaviour of the coupled fractional-order system. The existence and uniqueness are demonstrated within the frame of the fixed-point hypothesis with the CaputoFabrizio fractional operator. Moreover, we captured the chaotic behaviour for the attained results with diverse order. The effect of the perturbation parameter and others associated with the model is captured. The obtained results elucidate that, the present study helps to understand the importance of fractional order and also initial conditions for the nonlinear models to analyze and capture the corresponding consequence of the fractional-order dynamical systems. 2021 by the authors. -
Reiner-Rivlin nanomaterial heat transfer over a rotating disk with distinct heat source and multiple slip effects
The thermodynamic features of the Reiner-Rivlin nanoliquid flow induced by a spinning disk are analyzed numerically. The non-homogeneous two-phase nanofluid model is considered to analyze the effect of nanoparticles on the thermodynamics of the Reiner-Rivlin nanomaterial, which also includes a temperature-dependent heat source (THS) and an exponential space-dependent heat source (ESHS). Further, the transfer of heat and mass is analyzed with velocity slip, volume fraction jump, and temperature jump boundary conditions. The finite difference method-based routine is used to solve the complicated differential equations formed after using the von-Karman similarity technique. Limiting cases of the present problem are found to be in good agreement with benchmarking studies. The relationship of the pertinent parameters with the heat and mass transport is scrutinized using correlation, which is further evaluated based on the probable error estimates. Multivariable models are fitted for the friction factor at the disk and heat transport, which accurately predict the dependent variables. The Reiner-Rivlin nanoliquid temperature is influenced comparatively more by the ESHS than by the THS. The Nusselt number is decreased by the ESHS and THS, whereas the friction factor at the disk is predominantly decremented by the wall roughness aspect. The increment in the non-Newtonian characteristic of the liquid leads more fluid to drain away in the radial direction far from the disk compared with the fluid nearby the disk in the presence of the centrifugal force during rotation. The increased thermal and volume fraction slip lowers the nanoliquid temperature and nanoparticle volume fraction profiles. 2021, Shanghai University. -
Assembly of discrete and oligomeric structures of organotin double-decker silsesquioxanes: Inherent stability studies
Double-decker silsesquioxane (DDSQ), a type of incompletely condensed silsesquioxane, has been used as a molecular precursor for synthesizing new organotin discrete and oligomeric compounds. The equimolar reaction between DDSQ tetrasilanol (DDSQ-4OH) and Ph2SnCl2 in the presence of triethylamine leads to obtaining discrete [Ph4Sn2O4(DDSQ)(THF)2] (1). The change of sterically bulky aryl Ph2SnCl2 precursor to linear alkyl nBu2SnCl2 led to the isolation of oligomeric [nBu4Sn2O4(DDSQ)] (2). The structures of compounds 1 and 2 have been demonstrated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. Indeed, the formation of oligomeric organotin DDSQ compound (2) was determined using GPC and MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy. In compound 1, the geometry of the tin atom is five-coordinated trigonal bipyramidal by two phenyl groups, two Si-O from DDSQ and one tetrahydrofuran. Compound 2 contains four coordinated two peripheral tin atoms and two five-coordinated central tin atoms, in which, the fifth coordinating oxo groups in the central tin atoms create the bridge between two different DDSQ units that leads to the formation of oligomeric structure. Density functional theory calculations on organotin DDSQs infer that the obtained lattice energy for compound 1 is far higher than for the case of compound 2, which indicates that the crystal of compound 1 is better stabilized in its crystal lattice with stronger close packing via intermolecular interactions between discrete molecules with coordinated THF compared to the crystal of compound 2. The greater stability arises mainly due to the sterically bulkier phenyl groups attached to the tin centers in compound 1, which provide accessibility for accommodating the THF molecule per tin via Sn-THF bonding, while contrarily the smaller n-butyl groups aid the polymerization of the four repeating units of [SnSi4O7] or two Sn2O4(DDSQ) through ?-oxo groups. Both compounds 1 and 2 were chosen to be promising precursors for the synthesis of ceramic tin silicates. The thermolysis of 2 at 1000 C afforded the mixture of crystalline SnSiO4 and SiO2 but the same mixture was only formed by thermolysis of 1 at relatively higher temperature (1500 C), which infers that compound 1 is more stable than compound 2 that is in good synergy with theoretical lattice energy. The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. -
Non-enzymatic electrochemical determination of salivary cortisol using ZnO-graphene nanocomposites
Electrochemically deposited ZnO nanoparticles on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) coated with graphene generate a noteworthy conductive and selective electrochemical sensing electrode for the estimation of cortisol. Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) tests were adopted to analyze and understand the nature of the modified sensor. Surface morphological analysis was done using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques like X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Structural characterization was conducted by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of scan rate, concentration, and cycle numbers was optimized and reported. Differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) analysis reveals that the linear range for the detection of cortisol is 5 10-10M - 115 10-10 M with a very low-level limit of detection value (0.15 nM). The demonstrated methodology has been excellently functional for the determination of salivary cortisol non-enzymatically at low-level concentration with enhanced selectivity despite the presence of interfering substances. The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Effect of rotation on Brinkman-Bard convection of a Newtonian nanoliquid using local thermal non-equilibrium model
Rayleigh-Bard-Taylor convection in a Newtonian, nanoliquid-saturated high porous medium using the local thermal non-equilibrium model (LTNE) is studied analytically using the single term Galerkin technique. The Bousinessq approximation is considered to be valid and the exerted centrifugal force due to rotation is taken. A high porosity porous material glass reinforced fiber with porosity 0.88% is considered and hence the Brinkman model is adopted. The rate of rotation is quantified by the Taylor number and the stability of the system is controlled by thermal Rayleigh number. The expression for the critical eigenvalue (Rayleigh number) is obtained for both idealistic and realistic boundary conditions, that is, stress-free, isothermal and rigid-rigid, isothermal boundary conditions. The presumption of LTNE advances the inception of convection and increases the transport of heat in comparison with that of the local thermal equilibrium (LTE) assumption whereas the opposite phenomenon is seen with the effect of rotation. The effect of various non-dimensional parameters on the convection onset and on transport of heat is also investigated. The results of Rayleigh-Bard-Taylor convection using the LTE assumption are obtained as limiting cases of the present study for infinite values of the ratio of thermal conductivities and the interphase heat transfer coefficient. 2021 Elsevier Ltd -
Value-based teaching English language and literature
Aim. The ultimate aim became the realisation of the political ideas of democracy, equality, and social justice (Orlenius, 2001; Svingby, 1994, p. 57). The current study aimed to explore the concept of value education at Poornaprajna institutions that have adopted value education in their curriculum. Methods. The study was designed in a qualitative exploratory research approach. The researcher had adopted the interviews for a case study as a microscopic social study through observation and also studied the archival records in Poornaprajna institutions. The informal group interviews were administered as part of a qualitative research approach, which aimed to collect data from twenty eight English teachers and students of Poornaprajna institutions. Result. The validity and trustworthiness of the study were established by adopting Miles and Hubemans formula, which amounted to 0.91. The exploration and findings revealed the need and implication of value education in the present scenario. Further-more, the data analysis revealed that value education is a process that begins at home and continues in society, and further, it continues in formal educational institutions. Conclusion. The study envisions that the educational institutions must integrate the curriculum with value education so that students cultural worlds, meanings they attribute to behaviour, events which essentially lead to the developmental process of the society. The National Education Policy 2020, aims to universalise education in India by 2025; it also aims at inter-and multidisciplinary approaches in Indian education. The pre-sent study juxtaposes an interdisciplinary approach to English and value education. 2021, Pro Scientia Publica Foundation. All rights reserved. -
Tracking Greenfield FDI During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis by Sectors
We study the trends and fluctuations in greenfield foreign direct investment (GFDI) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis on a global scale. We analyse the data of a data set of GFDI provided by fDi Markets (Financial Times) to understand the contraction of GFDI during the first three quarters of the year 2020, taking into account the sector of the investment and the host and home country. We analyse both the long-run trends and the quarter-over-quarter changes in GFDI to capture its fluctuations before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 crisis and the 2008 global financial crisis. Our findings cast light on which countries and industries GFDIs were most affected by the pandemic crisis and draw a comparison to the global financial crisis. To our surprise, many services industries have shown unexpected resilience of GFDI due to the flexibility for remote work. On the contrary, GFDI in the manufacturing industries, as well as the extractives and the utility industries, has shown a dramatic decline during the pandemic. These contractions raise questions of stability and resilience of the global supply chains these industries are a part of. JEL Codes: F21. 2021 Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. -
Optimized task group aggregation-based overflow handling on fog computing environment using neural computing
It is a non-deterministic challenge on a fog computing network to schedule resources or jobs in a manner that increases device efficacy and throughput, diminishes reply period, and maintains the system well-adjusted. Using Machine Learning as a component of neural computing, we developed an improved Task Group Aggregation (TGA) overflow handling system for fog computing environments. As a result of TGA usage in conjunction with an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), we may assess the models QoS characteristics to detect an overloaded server and then move the models data to virtual machines (VMs). Overloaded and underloaded virtual machines will be balanced according to parameters, such as CPU, memory, and bandwidth to control fog computing overflow concerns with the help of ANN and the machine learning concept. Additionally, the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm, which is a neural computing system, is employed as an optimization technique to separate the services and users depending on their individual qualities. The response time and success rate were both enhanced using the newly proposed optimized ANN-based TGA algorithm. Compared to the present works minimal reaction time, the total improvement in average success rate is about 3.6189 percent, and Resource Scheduling Efficiency has improved by 3.9832 percent. In terms of virtual machine efficiency for resource scheduling, average success rate, average task completion success rate, and virtual machine response time are improved. The proposed TGA-based overflow handling on a fog computing domain enhances response time compared to the current approaches. Fog computing, for example, demonstrates how artificial intelligence-based systems can be made more efficient. 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. -
Discovery of 2716 hot emission-line stars from LAMOST DR5
We present a catalog of 3339 hot emission-line stars (ELSs) identified from 451 695 O, B and A type spectra, provided by LAMOST Data Release 5 (DR5). We developed an automated Python routine that identified 5437 spectra having a peak between 6561 and 6568 False detections and bad spectra were removed, leaving 4138 good emission-line spectra of 3339 unique ELSs. We re-estimated the spectral types of 3307 spectra as the LAMOST Stellar Parameter Pipeline (LASP) did not provide accurate spectral types for these emission-line spectra. As Herbig Ae/Be stars exhibit higher excess in near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths than classical Ae/Be stars, we relied on 2MASS and WISE photometry to distinguish them. Finally, we report 1089 classical Be, 233 classical Ae and 56 Herbig Ae/Be stars identified from LAMOST DR5. In addition, 928 B[em]/A[em] stars and 240 CAe/CBe potential candidates are identified. From our sample of 3339 hot ELSs, 2716 ELSs identified in this work do not have any record in the SIMBAD database and they can be considered as new detections. Identification of such a large homogeneous set of emission-line spectra will help the community study the emission phenomenon in detail without worrying about the inherent biases when compiling from various sources. 2021 National Astronomical Observatories, CAS and IOP Publishing Ltd.. -
An efficient nonlinear access policy based on quadratic residue for ciphertext policy attribute based encryption
Ciphertext Policy Attribute Based Encryption (CP-ABE) is an efficient encryption scheme as data owner is making decision about the attributes that can access his data and adding that attributes to access structure while encrypting that message. Most existing CP-ABE scheme are based traditional access structure such as linear secret sharing scheme which incur large ciphertext size and linearly increases according to the number of attributes. And those schemes have more computational overhead for calculating share for each attribute and when recalculating secret in data user side. In this paper, we propose a different secret sharing scheme that can be used in access policy for CP-ABE which will reduce the size of ciphertext and there by communication overhead. Furthermore, the proposed scheme reduced computational overhead of secret sharing scheme and improved overall efficiency of the scheme. 2021 Little Lion Scientific -
NLP-based personal learning assistant for school education
Computer-based knowledge and computation systems are becoming major sources of leverage for multiple industry segments. Hence, educational systems and learning processes across the world are on the cusp of a major digital transformation. This paper seeks to explore the concept of an artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP) based intelligent tutoring system (ITS) in the context of computer education in primary and secondary schools. One of the components of an ITS is a learning assistant, which can enable students to seek assistance as and when they need, wherever they are. As part of this research, a pilot prototype chatbot was developed, to serve as a learning assistant for the subject Scratch (Scratch is a graphical utility used to teach school children the concepts of programming). By the use of an open source natural language understanding (NLU) or NLP library, and a slack-based UI, student queries were input to the chatbot, to get the sought explanation as the answer. Through a two-stage testing process, the chat-bot's NLP extraction and information retrieval performance were evaluated. The testing results showed that the ontology modelling for such a learning assistant was done relatively accurately, and shows its potential to be pursued as a cloud-based solution in future. 2021 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved. -
A hybrid level shifted carrier-based PWM technique for modular multilevel converters
This paper presents a hybrid level shifted carrier-based pulse width modulation (HLSC-PWM) technique for modular multilevel converters (MMCs). The concept of the proposed HLSC-PWM method is developed by combining the principles of phase disposition PWM (PD-PWM), phase opposition disposition PWM (POD-PWM), and alternate phase opposition disposition PWM (APOD-PWM) methods. The main aim of the proposed HLSC-PWM method is to generate an output voltage with half-wave and quarter-wave symmetries. The generated symmetrical PWM output voltage based on the proposed HLSC-PWM method provides less total harmonic distortion (THD) and enhances the DC-Link voltage utilization (DCLVU). A generalized mathematical model is formulated to develop a single HLSC for MMC with an N number of submodules (SMs) per arm. Theoretical analysis of DCLVU for the proposed method is described. The functionality and performance of the HLSC-PWM method are carried out on a three-phase five-level MMC in MATLAB/Simulink. A hardware prototype of a single-phase five-level MMC is designed for experimental validation. The proposed HLSC-PWM method is implemented on an Altera/Cyclone I series (EP1C12Q240C8N) field-programmable gate array (FPGA), simulation and experimental results are presented. 2021 The Authors. IET Power Electronics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Institution of Engineering and Technology -
A Novel Approach for Fractional (1 + 1 ) -Dimensional BiswasMilovic Equation
In this paper, we find the solution for (1 + 1 ) -dimensional fractional Biswas-Milovic (FBM) equation using the q-homotopy analysis transform method (q-HATM). The Biswas-Milovic equation is a generalization of the nonlinear Schringer (NLS) equation. The future scheme is the elegant mixture of q-homotopy analysis scheme with Laplace transform technique and fractional derivative considered in Caputo sense. To validate and illustrate the competence of the method, we examine the projected model in terms of arbitrary order. Moreover, the nature of the attained results have been presented in 3D plots and contour plots for different value of the order. The gained consequences show that, the hired algorithm is highly accurate, easy to implement, and very operative to investigate the nature of complex nonlinear models ascended in science and engineering. 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature India Private Limited. -
A novel laccase-based biocatalyst for selective electro-oxidation of 2-thiophene methanol
An effective biocatalyst was fabricated for TEMPO-mediated electrooxidation of 2-thiophene methanol. Laccase obtained from Trametes versicolor was covalently immobilized onto electrochemically polymerized ortho-amino benzoic acid (PABA) layer on carbon fiber paper (CFP) electrode. The composite material was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Optical profilometry (OP), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical parameters were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV). Moreover, the developed biocatalyst (Lac-PABA/CFP) was used for selective conversion of 2-thiophene methanol to 2-thiophene carboxaldehyde using 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy, free radical (TEMPO) as a mediator. The formation of the product was confirmed via FTIR, GCMS, 1HNMR and 13CNMR. The enzyme activity of free and immobilized laccase was studied using 2, 2?-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) substrate at optimal conditions. Computational In silico analysis also suggested the presence of active sites (T2/T3 trimeric sites-copper ions) in laccase (PDB id: 1KYA's) interacting amino acid residues with the TEMPO and 2-thiophene methanol. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations revealed that 2-thiophene methanol as compared to TEMPO is more stable (better RMSD, RMSF) in interacting with laccase specifically having strong interaction residues at Asp206, Glu242, Gly262, Gln293, and Glu302. Furthermore, the proposed strategy was confirmed by assessing the various interactions using computational tools. This work would be highly beneficial to develop an electrocatalyst for effective synthesis of 2-thiophene carboxaldehyde, a common intermediate in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, dye, fertilizer and chemical industries. 2021 -
Exponential heat source effects on the stagnation-point heat transport of Williamson nanoliquid with nonlinear Boussinesq approximation
The nonlinear two-point partial differential boundary value problem associated with the nano-pseudoplastic material flow and heat transport subject to nonlinear Boussinesq approximation is computed and explored statistically. Heat transportation features are analyzed by the consideration of an exponential space-related heat source and the Buongiorno model of nanofluids. The boundary-driven expressions of the physical phenomenon are coupled and highly complicated due to the consideration of nonlinear convection terms. Reasonable variables are employed to reform the partial differential equations into a system of ordinary differential expressions and are solved numerically. Furthermore, correlation and regression techniques are employed for the statistical evaluation of the phenomenon. The probable error is implemented to calculate the reliability of the computed correlation factors. The exponential index and Schmidt number are positively correlated with the reduced skin friction coefficient whereas the other parameters are negatively correlated with it. The heat transfer rate is improved predominantly by the nonlinear thermal convection parameter. The temperature is enhanced by the intensification of the exponential-based heat source factor. The temperature and concentration profiles are boosted by incrementing the Biot number values. 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC -
Mesoporous onion-like carbon nanostructures from natural oil for high-performance supercapacitor and electrochemical sensing applications: Insights into the post-synthesis sonochemical treatment on the electrochemical performance
Although onion-like carbon nanostructures (OLCs) are attractive materials for energy storage, their commercialization is hampered by the absence of a simple, cost-effective, large-scale synthesis route and binder-free electrode processing. The present study employs a scalable and straightforward technique to fabricate sonochemically tailored OLCs-based high-performance supercapacitor electrode material. An enhanced supercapacitive performance was demonstrated by the OLCs when sonicated in DMF at 60 C for 15 min, with a specific capacitance of 647 F/g, capacitance retention of 97% for 5000 cycles, and a charge transfer resistance of 3 ?. Furthermore, the OLCs were employed in the electrochemical quantification of methylene blue, a potential COVID-19 drug. The sensor demonstrated excellent analytical characteristics, including a linear range of 100 pM to 1000 pM, an ultralow sensitivity of 64.23 pM, and a high selectivity. When used to identify and quantify methylene blue in its pharmaceutical formulation, the sensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility, high stability, and satisfactory recovery. 2021 The Author(s) -
Investigations on thermo-mechanical properties of organically modified polymer clay nanocomposites for packaging application
Eco-friendly packing polymer materials are in the spotlight but, lack of new biodegradable polymers either natural or synthetic is yet to establish the market more competitively. So, in the present work, clay as a nano-filler is embedded and organically modified in some synthetic and natural polymers which are well established commercially to enhance their biodegradability. The impact of clay on the properties of synthetic polymers namely, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and natural polymer cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) was studied. Results from differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) showed a decrease in the glass transition temperature of organically modified polymer clay nanocomposites (PCC) than pure polymers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) displayed a uniform surface with small-sized crystallites distributed on the polymer surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra revealed the formation of enhanced intercalated structures in PCC. Furthermore, FTIR studies showed that the interlayer bonding (SiO bands) of pure clay is deformed in PCCs. The tensile strength of PCC increased with an increase in organo-clay loading. This unique mechanical behavior is due to the agglomeration of organo-clay particles. Finally, the biodegradation studies revealed enhanced hydrolytic degradation in PCC than pure polymers. Hence, these PCCs are environmentally friendlier than their pure synthetic polymers without significant compromise in their properties, which makes it suitable for packaging industries. The Author(s) 2020. -
In silico study of some selective phytochemicals against a hypothetical SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD using molecular docking tools
Background: This world is currently witnessing a pandemic outbreak of COVID-19? caused by a positive-strand RNA virus SARS-CoV-2. Millions have succumbed globally to the disease, and the numbers are increasing day by day. The viral genome enters into the human host through interaction between the spike protein (S) and host angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) proteins. S is the common target for most recently rolled-out vaccines across regions. A recent surge in single/multiple mutations in S region is of great concern as it may escape vaccine induced immunity. So far, the treatment regime with repurposed drugs has not been too successful. Hypothesis: Natural compounds are capable of targeting mutated spike protein by binding to its active site and destabilizing the spike-host ACE2 interaction. Materials and methods: A hypothetical mutated spike protein was constructed by incorporating twelve different mutations from twelve geographical locations simultaneously into the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and docked with ACE2 and seven phytochemicals namely allicin, capsaicin, cinnamaldehyde, curcumin, gingerol, piperine and zingeberene. Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were finally used for validation of the docking results. Result: The docking results showed that curcumin and piperine were most potent to bind ACE2, mutated spike, and mutated spike-ACE2 complex, thereby restricting viral entry. ADME analysis also proved their drug candidature. The docking complexes were found to be stable by MD simulation. Conclusion: This result provides a significant insight about the phytochemicals' role, namely curcumin and piperine, as the potential therapeutic entities against mutated spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. 2021 -
COVID-19 and students perception about MOOCs a case of Indian higher educational institutions
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand the outcomes of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the light of COVID-19 concerning the students of higher educational institutions (HEIs) in India. The COVID-19 has disrupted the normal teaching-learning role across the world and has put everyone in a nightmare. HEIs are now requesting students to take up MOOCs to explore and attain knowledge and the same is even followed by the corporate institutions. MOOCs are one of the crisis management solutions to ensure that education is continuous and not disrupted. Design/methodology/approach: The data included in this research has been collected from students of HEIs across India using a convenient sampling method. The collected data was exposed to a factor analysis using a principal component analysis (PCA) technique to reduce multiple dimensions. Findings: The various stakeholders such as the government, HEIs and the MOOC providers have to play a crucial role in developing intellectual human assets for the nations growth and progression by extending flexible and cost-effective learning facilities. Education should be free to boost up the learning motivation, and hence it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to provide few courses free of cost, which will increase the rate of enrolment and student participation. Research limitations/implications: From the research, it is well understood that MOOCs are useful to keep oneself updated with the market and industry trends especially when the world is focusing on business analytics, artificial intelligence and other technologically driven topics and concepts. Practical implications: The present study contributes to the growing body of evidence that MOOCs play an important role in providing flexibility in learning. In the future, if there are similar crisis, which will disrupt education, then the best alternative will be MOOC through which many stakeholders will benefit. Education should be free to boost up the learning motivation, and hence it is the responsibility of the stakeholders to provide few courses free of cost, which will increase the rate of enrolment and student participation. Social implications: Education is a service for the society which will have a long-term positive impact on improving the standard of living of the people. Hence, MOOCs can be one of the educational elements to provide learning opportunities to all age groups. Originality/value: This study has explored the perception of MOOCs among the students of HEIs in India in the COVID-19 pandemic. The fresh data collected from the students is a reflection of their experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. Indeed, it is quite surprising to know that majority of the respondents have arranged to learn during the pandemic, which shows the thirst and urge to learn. Digital technology and tools are welcomed and accepted by the student community. 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.