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Job satisfaction while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: do subjective work autonomy, work-family conflict, and anxiety related to the pandemic matter?
The imposed lockdown, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, resulted in the rise to a new normal of working from home. This study explores how the lockdown and the sudden shift in the working style affected the job satisfaction of employees in India. We examined the relationship of job satisfaction with work autonomy, and determined whether work-family conflict, and anxiety due to COVID-19 are negatively related to job satisfaction amongst employees working from home in India. Through a correlational research design, a total of 211 participants took part in the study, and only 200 of the data, representing a 95% response rate, were eligible for further analysis. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling, and the results showed that work-family conflict and anxiety related to COVID-19 have a negative correlation with job satisfaction, while work autonomy had a positive correlation with job satisfaction. Perceived work autonomy, work-family conflict, and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly predicted job satisfaction and accounted for an overall 37.8% of the variance in job satisfaction. The findings of the current study provide valuable insight into the consequences of a pandemic or similar uncontrollable event, and augmented the literature on organizational behavior where most employees are compelled to work remotely, either full-time or part-time. The theoretical and empirical implications of how work-family conflict and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impact the job satisfaction of employees in India were discussed. Evaluation of the structural relationship (SEM) reveals that the overall exogenous constructs significantly predicted job satisfaction of employees working from home in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license. -
Effect of background music and the cultural preference to music on adolescents task performance
There is a plethora of research assessesing the effect of background music on task performance; however, these results have largely been inconclusive and divided. Music is a powerful medium that possesses a lot of positive benefits. This paper addresses the gaps in the existing literature and attempts to explore the effect of background music on adolescents performance in a reading comprehension task. It also examines the role of culture in the said effect of performance, by assessing whether ones own culture leads to a better performance when compared to both silence and music from a different culture. To this end, an experimental study was conducted on 34 adolescents between the ages of 1314 (M = 13.50, SD = 0.50). The results indicate that a strong positive effect is achieved on task performance when background music is present, especially one that identifies with the participants cultural background. 2020, 2020 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Surface modified graphene/SnO2 nanocomposite from carbon black as an efficient disinfectant against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Carbon based nanocomposite with well-defined integrated properties are highly sort after in the field of nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine. We report a facile one step hydrothermal route for the production of graphene sheets interlaced with SnO2 nanoparticles. Graphene oxide (GO)sheets are obtained by the surface functionalization of powdered carbon black. A facile hydrothermal method is employed to integrate SnO2 nanostructures over the graphene surface. All the samples exhibited long term stability and unique fluorescence response with no sign of photobleaching even after a storage of 30 months. Antibacterial activity of the samples at each stage is tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a highly resilient bacterial strain possessing very high attributable mortality rate and causes a variety of ailments from diarrhea to meningitis. Bactericidal activity of carbon black, GO derived from carbon black and graphene-SnO2 nanocomposite is tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa using disk diffusion assay for the first time. Comparing the zone of inhibition produced by carbon black, GO and the nanocomposite, highest antibacterial performance is exhibited by the nanocomposite sample (25 0.3 mm)followed by GO (16 0.5 mm)and pristine carbon black (14 0.3 mm). The bactericidal ability of the nanocomposite increased by ?79% compared to pristine carbon black. MIC analysis revealed that the nanocomposite could inhibit the bacterial growth at a much lower concentration (250 ?g/mL)compared to the precursors. The high antibacterial efficacy and long-term stability of graphene-tin oxide nanocomposite synthesized from carbon black facilitates its usage as a potent antibacterial agent in disinfectant and sanitation industry. 2019 Elsevier B.V. -
Facile synthesis of graphene-tin oxide nanocomposite derived from agricultural waste for enhanced antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Antibacterial screening of graphene-tin oxide nanocomposites synthesized from carbonized wood and coconut shell is investigated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa for the first time. Efficient and facile one step hydrothermal process adopted in the present work for the synthesis of graphene-tin oxide nanoparticles provides an ideal method for the economic large-scale production of the same. Graphene-tin oxide nanocomposites derived from wood charcoal possess a spherical morphology whereas rod like structures are seen in the case of coconut shell derivatives. An excitation independent fluorescence response is observed in graphene-tin oxide nanohybrids while graphene oxide nanostructures exhibited an excitation dependent behavior. These hydrophilic nanostructures are highly stable and exhibited no sign of luminescence quenching or particle aggregation even after a storage of 30 months. Bactericidal effects of the nanostructures obtained from coconut shell is found to be relatively higher compared to those procured from wood. This variation in antibacterial performance of the samples is directly related to their morphological difference which in turn is heavily influenced by the precursor material used. MIC assay revealed that coconut shell derived graphene-tin oxide composite is able to inhibit the bacterial growth at a lower concentration (250 ?g/mL) than the other nanostructures. Nanocomposites synthesized from agro-waste displayed significantly higher antimicrobial activity compared to the precursor and graphene oxide nanostructures thereby making them excellent candidates for various bactericidal applications such as disinfectants, sanitary agents etc. 2019, The Author(s). -
Extraction of Graphene Nanostructures from Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera Leaves and Surface Functionalization with Tin Oxide: Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Properties
Expeditious evolution of antimicrobial resistance in recent years has been identified as a growing concern by various health organizations around the world. Herein, facile and environmentally benign production of highly antibacterial carbonaceous nanomaterials from Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera leaves is reported. After carbonization and oxidative treatment, smaller graphene domains are formed in Colocasia esculenta derivatives, whereas larger sheetlike structures are observed in the case of Nelumbo nucifera. Smaller particle size makes quantum confinement effects more prominent, as is evident in fine-tuning of the photoluminescence emission after each stage of treatment. The influence of precursor materials on the antibacterial properties of the nanosystems is also demonstrated. When microbiocidal activity was tested against model bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the nanocomposite derived from Colocasia esculenta leaves showed higher activity than the antibiotic drug clarithromycin (control) with a measured zone of inhibition of 400.5 mm. This is one of the highest values reported in comparison with plant-based carbonsilver nanosystems. Quantitative analysis revealed that the nanocomposite obtained from Colocasia esculenta leaves has antimicrobial efficacy equivalent to those of commercial antibiotic drugs and is able to eradicate bacteria at much lower concentrations than that obtained from Nelumbo nucifera leaves. 2020 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim -
Biowaste derived graphene quantum dots interlaced with SnO2 nanoparticles-a dynamic disinfection agent against: Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Highly resilient antibacterial strains are a major cause of concern in the modern sewage treatment and sanitation industry. Hence, development of efficient, low-cost disinfectant agents is essential. In this study, synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from expended sugarcane bagasse via surface functionalization and the subsequent production of GQD/SnO2 nanocomposites via a facile hydrothermal route is demonstrated for the first time. The synthesized nanostructures are found to be studded with various oxygen moieties and exhibit an excitation independent fluorescence behaviour implying the existence of quantum confinement effects. Nanoparticles obtained after the hydrothermal treatment are found to possess spherical morphology with an average particle size of 4.5 nm. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized product is tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa using the disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration assay. A marked rise in the antibacterial performance is seen in the nanocomposite compared to its carbonized and GQD counterparts. This can be attributed to the presence of surface defects and smaller uniform sized particles. These cost-effective nanostructures are photo stable for extended periods of storage and may find excellent utility in the sanitation and disinfectant industry. 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Centre National De la Recherche Scientifique. -
Synthesis and characterization of carbon nanospheres from hydrocarbon soot
Foreseeing the upcoming era of the carbon nanomaterials and their revolutionary applications, we have identified and explored the structural parameters of five effective precursors of the same-carbon black, soot obtained by the thermal decomposition of kerosene, diesel, paraffin wax and lubricant oil. Micro-Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy, Electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and elemental analysis are employed for the structural and morphological characterization of the nanomaterials formed. The average lateral size (La), stacking height (Lc) and interlayer spacing (d002) of the crystallite structures calculated from the X-ray intensities are found to be ranging from 4.3-5.9 nm, 0.63-2.40 nm and 3.10- 3.68 respectively. La values determined by Raman and XRD analysis are in very good agreement thereby reinforcing the nanocrystalline structure of the samples. The very low I20/I26 ratio obtained reveals a relatively low amount of disorder in the nanostructures. Nanomaterials formed have the morphology of non-uniform nanospheres with diameter varying between 26-100 nm. EDS and elemental analysis confirms the absence of metal impurities. FTIR spectra of the samples shows the presence of stretching vibrations of -OH bonds, aliphatic -CH, -CH2 and -CH3 absorptions, C=C and -CH absorptions of aromatic structures. 2012 by ESG. -
Structural characterization of paraffin wax soot and carbon black by XRD
From past few decades, an exponential increase in the research related to carbon nanomaterials and their excellent applications has been witnessed. Realizing the need for new potential precursors and cost effective production methods, we have investigated two precursors-paraffin wax soot (CS) and carbon black (CB). Structural and morphological features of the samples are analyzed by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, high resolution scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive spectroscopy. The lateral size of the aromatic lamellae, stacking height, the average spacing of the (002) crystallographic planes (d002) and aromaticity are found to be 15.12 44.30 3.57 0.912 and 15.26 43.23 3.68 0.986 respectively for paraffin wax soot and carbon black. Very low ? and ? band intensity ratio shows a low amount of disorder in the samples. SEM micrographs of the samples reveal non-uniform carbon nanospheres of particle sizes 26-94 nm. Asian Journal of Chemistry 2013. -
Probing the nature of defects of graphene like nano-carbon from amorphous materials by raman spectroscopy
Raman spectral characterization of selected carbonaceous materials has been carried out at excitation wavelengths 514, 633 and 1064 nm. Raman studies exhibit the presence of G band owing to the first order of E2g mode scattering. sp3 domains at about 1355 cm-1 (D band) are ascribed to the disordered structures due to the on-site and hoping defects which introduces distortions in the crystal lattice. Spectral de-convolution indicates the prominence of bands namely G, D1, D2, D3 and D4. D3 and D4 bands follow Gaussian, while the others Lorentian distribution. With change in excitation wavelength of laser, the degree of dispersion of G peak and ID/IG intensity ratio are found to increase. The crystallite size La, shows an inverse relation with intensity of defect to graphite band (ID/IG) and it also obeys Tuinstra-Koenig relation for nano-crystalline substance. The lateral size of aromatic lamellae determined using XRD analysis is in good agreement with that of Raman analysis. The feasibility of using kerosene soot, diesel soot and carbon black for electrochemical applications are also explored. -
Consumer perception and factors influencing consumption of millets
Consumers purchase intention and preferences are influenced by price, quality, health-related benefits, and awareness about the product. This paper aims to know and understand the consumer perception of millets and to recognize the factors that influence their purchase. The primary data was collected through an online questionnaire covering fourteen districts of Kerala, India. Factor Analysis, Friedman test, T-test, and One-way ANOVA were used for testing the objectives and hypothesis. Factors identified were grouped as perceived value, essential nutrients, and a healthy lifestyle. Friedman test revealed that there wasa significant difference among the mean values of most nutritious cereals, and maize was the most preferred cereal over others in Kerala. Based on the findings, the study recommends certain strategies like food manufacturing companies could introduce variety of millet-based snacks. In addition to this, the concerned food and health department could also devise certain policies that would be aimed at promoting millet-based food. 2022, Kerala Agricultural University. All rights reserved. -
Exploration of carbon nano dots in hydro carbon soot and carbon black
Hydrocarbon soot, a prime component of particulate matter pollution, poses a great threat to the environment. In this study, we put forth a novel way of harnessing carbon nanodots from the soot particulates thereby converting an environmentally perilous component to an innocuous entity suitable for many applications such as biomedical tracers, gas detectors etc. Large scale production of pure carbon nanodots (PCN) was achieved via direct catalyst free thermal decomposition of kerosene and diesel. Nanostructure of carbon black and graphite is also investigated for comparative studies. In UV-Vis spectra, absorptions at 233, 232 and 229 nm are attributed to ?-?? transition of the C=C bonding. XRD of the samples shows a highly intense peak at ?24 and a slightly broadened peak around 42 due to (002) and (010) reflections of graphitic planes respectively. In IR spectra, peaks at 3431 and 1047 cm-1 were assigned to O-H and C-O stretching vibrations respectively. The band observed at 1619 cm-1 manifests the skeletal vibrations from graphitic domains and hence indicates the presence of crystalline graphitic carbon. The absorption bands at 2920 and 2850 cm-1 arise because of the existence of aliphatic groups in the soot sample. 2017, International Congress of Chemistry and Environment. All rights reserved. -
A review of reinforcement learning approaches for autonomous systems in industry 4.0
[No abstract available] -
A Structured Design of 5G Based Assisted MTC System using Mission-Critical System
Critical machine-type relationships (mc MTC) has become known as a crucial element within the Business Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, showcasing lucrative opportunities in disciplines like autonomous vehicles, intelligent energy/smart grid control, security services, while advanced wearable applications. As the fifth generation of cell phones unfolds, the changing environment of mc MTC puts diverse demands on the underlying technology. These demands embrace standards for low power usage, heightened dependability, and minimal delay connection. In answer to these challenges, recent versions and current advances in Long-Term Evolution (LTE networks) systems have added features that promote cost-effective solutions, increase coverage, reduce delay, and improve reliability for devices with different movement levels. This study focuses on assessing the impacts on mc MTC effectiveness in a connectivity network for 5G with varying user and equipment accessibility, influenced by a variety of movements. According to the study, integrating other modes of contact, such as quadcopter assistance and device-to-device linkages a voice, contributes a crucial role in achieving the strict demands of mc MTC programs across diverse situations that tell which includes industrial automation, vehicular connection, and urban messages. Significantly, our results confirm gains of as much as forty per cent in link availability and dependability when applying nearby connections as opposed. 2024 IEEE. -
Disaster resilience of flood in Kerala, India
Kerala, the southern state in the Indian peninsula, has been affected by floods for the last three consecutive years. Changing weather patterns leading to heavy monsoon and development without considering the ecological vulnerabilities of the region has been pointed out as the reasons for flooding. Displaced communities, the destruction of agricultural and industrial enterprises, and health concerns have made disaster management a challenge for communities and governments alike. Even though there were lots of difficulties, the way Keralites came out of all these miseries and their adaptation was really inexplicable and always provided scope for research in that area. This paper focuses on examining the flooding pattern and impact of floods in Kerala, India and assessing the resilience capacity of the affected community. Self-developed questionnaires were used to gather data from the flood-affected population in the most flood-affected districts in Kerala. To gauge the respondents' opinions, the questionnaire used a five-point variable Likert scale. When all was said and done, 260 valid questionnaires were successfully retrieved. The study found that communities show resilience to flood with partnership and decentralised management of disasters. The study could help recognise the strategies for building resilient communities through policy intervention and civil society participation. Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd. -
A Way Towards Next-Gen Networking System for the Development of 6G Communication System
In this talk, the advancements announced by sixth-generation mobile communication (6G) as compared to the earlier fifth-generation (5G) system are carefully examined. The analysis, based in existing academic works, underscores the goal of improving diverse communication aims across various services. This study finds five crucial 6G core services designed to meet distinct goal requirements. To explain these services thoroughly, the framework presents two central features and delineates eight significant performance indices (KPIs). Furthermore, a thorough study of supporting technologies is performed to meet the stated KPIs. A unified 6G design is suggested, imagined as a combination of these supporting technologies. This design plan is then explained by the lens of five prototype application situations. Subsequently, possible challenges contained in the developing track of the 6G network technology are carefully discussed, followed by suggested solutions. The debate ends in an exhaustive examination of possibilities within the 6G world, seeking to provide a strategy plan for future research efforts. 2024 IEEE. -
ENHANCING home security through visual CRYPTOGRAPHY
Home security systems in the recent times have gained greater importance due to increasing threat in the society. Biometrics deals with automated approaches of recognizing a user or verifying the user identity based on behavioral or physiological features. Visual cryptography is a scheme of secret sharing where a secret image is encrypted into shares which disclose no data independently about the original secret image. As the template of biometric are stored in centralized database due to the threats of security the template of biometric may be changed by attacker. If the template of biometric is changed then the authorized user will not be permitted to access the resource. To manage this problem the schemes of visual cryptography can be used to secure the face recognition. Visual cryptography offers huge ways for supporting such needs of security as well as additional authentication layer. To manage this problem the visual cryptography schemes can be used to secure digital biometric information privacy. In this approach the face or private image is dithered in two varied host images that is sheets and are stored in separate servers of data so as to assure that the original image can get extracted only by accessing both sheets together at a time and a single sheet will not be capable to show any data of private image. The main aim of the study is to propose an algorithm which is a combination of CVC and Siamese network. This research implements visual cryptography for face images in a biometric application. The Siamese network is essential to solve one shot learning by representation of learning feature that are compared to verification tasks. In this research face authentication helps in accomplishing robustness by locating face image from an n input image. This research explores the availability of using visual cryptography for securing the privacy to biometric data. The results of the proposed approach provide an accuracy of 93% which is found to be superior when compared with that of the approaches that are already in practice. 2020 -
Secure visual cryptography scheme with meaningful shares
Visual cryptography is an outstanding design, which is also known as visual secret sharing. It used to encode a secret portrait into various pointless share images. Normally, item bossed on transparencies and decrypts as loading one or two or the entire share images by means of the human visual system. Suppose, if we encompass great sets of secret shares then the pointless shares are complicated to handle. In this paper, a meaningful secret sharing algorithm and a modified Signcryption algorithm is used to enhance the security of the Visual Cryptography encryption schemes. The foremost intend of the anticipated format is to extend consequential shares and similarly make sure the isolation on conveying the secret data. The anticipated process is executed in the functioning platform of MATLAB and the presentation results are investigated. 2020, Engg Journals Publications. All rights reserved. -
Unveiling Cutting Edge Innovations in the Catalytic Valorization of Biodiesel Byproduct Glycerol into Value Added Products
The increasing production of biodiesel has led to a glut in the production of glycerol, which is a byproduct. This has resulted in the quest for alternative applications using glycerol as a cheap and readily available starting material. One promising approach is the catalytic valorization of glycerol, which converts glycerol into valuable chemicals such as 1,2-propanediol, lactic acid, and acrolein. The glycerol formed affects the efficiency of the biodiesel, and hence it must be removed. Different processes can convert glycerol to various useful products like glycerol carbonate, glycidol, solketal, lactic acid, and glyceric acid. These different products, the processes used for synthesis, and the various catalysts used have been discussed. The most effective methods for the syntheses, the numerous catalyst systems, mechanisms of the reactions, and applications of these products in different fields are discussed in this review. The paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities of glycerol valorization, including the need for improved catalyst selectivity and activity and the potential for integrating glycerol valorization with other biorefinery processes. Overall, the catalytic valorization of glycerol offers a promising pathway for utilizing this abundantly available resource, and this review provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners working in this area. 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Influence of Short Glass Fibre Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed ABS-Based Polymer Composites
One of the most promising and widely used additive manufacturing technologies, fused deposition modelling (FDM), is based on material extrusion and is most commonly used for producing thermoplastic parts for functional applications with the objectives of low cost, minimal waste and ease of material conversion. Considering that pure thermoplastic materials have a significantly poor mechanical performance, it is necessary to enhance the mechanical properties of thermoplastic parts generated using FDM technology. One of the conceivable techniques is to incorporate reinforcing materials such as short glass fibre (SGF) into the thermoplastic matrix in order to produce a polymer composite that can be used in engineering applications, such as structural applications. The morphological and mechanical properties of SGF (short glass fibre) reinforced ABS- (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) based polymer composites created via the method of FDM (fused deposition modelling) were investigated in this work. Properties were evaluated at three different weight percentages (0, 15 and 30 wt%). The composite filaments were developed using the process of twin screw extrusion. The comparison was made between ABS + SGF (short glass fibre) composites and pure ABS of mechanical properties that include surface roughness, tensile strength and low-velocity impact. The tests were carried out to analyze the properties as per ASTM standards. It has been found that the impact strength and tensile strength show an improvement in glass fibre inclusion; moreover, alongside the direction of build, the surface roughness had been reduced. The studies also focused on studying the dispersion characters of SGF in ABS matrix and its impact on the properties. Strength and modulus of SGF reinforced ABS composite has been significantly improved along with reduction of ductility. A 57% increase in tensile strength has been noted for 30 wt% addition of SGF to ABS in comparison to pure ABS. It was also interesting to note the reduction in surface roughness with every incremental addition of SGF to ABS. A 40% reduction in surface roughness has been observed with a 30 wt% addition of SGF to ABS in comparison to pure ABS. 2022 by the authors.Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. -
Cached-N-Proxy: An Intelligent Proxy Algorithm for Preventing Insider Email Threats to Mail Servers
Insider threats are serious security risks that come from people who work for or are contracted by an organization, such as partners, employees, or contractors. These people use their authorized access to commit hostile acts against the infrastructure, data, or assets of the company. Serious ramifications could result from these dangers, such as financial losses, reputational harm, data breaches, and possible threats to national security. Enterprises must strengthen their defenses with strong intrusion detection and prevention systems because of the growing attack surface for insider threats caused by the increasing adoption of digital technology and remote work habits. Organizations must use a combination of preventive strategies and detection mechanisms, such as privileged access management (PAM), role-based access control, data loss prevention (DLP) techniques, two-factor authentication, and thorough insider threat awareness training, to effectively combat insider threats. 2024 IEEE.