Browse Items (11810 total)
Sort by:
-
Evaluation of therapeutic potentials of selected phytochemicals against Nipah virus, a multi-dimensional in silico study
The current study attempted to evaluate the potential of fifty-three (53) natural compounds as Nipah virus attachment glycoprotein (NiV G) inhibitors through in silico molecular docking study. Pharmacophore alignment of the four(4) selected compounds (Naringin, Mulberrofuran B, Rutin and Quercetin 3-galactoside) through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that common pharmacophores, namely four H bond acceptors, one H bond donor and two aromatic groups were responsible for the residual interaction with the target protein. Out of these four compounds, Naringin was found to have the highest inhibitory potential ( 9.19kcalmol?1) against the target protein NiV G, when compared to the control drug, Ribavirin ( 6.95kcalmol?1). The molecular dynamic simulation revealed that Naringin could make a stable complex with the target protein in the near-native physiological condition. Finally, MM-PBSA (Molecular Mechanics-PoissonBoltzmann Solvent-Accessible Surface Area) analysis in agreement with our molecular docking result, showed that Naringin ( 218.664kJmol?1) could strongly bind with the target protein NiV G than the control drug Ribavirin ( 83.812kJmol?1). 2023, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. -
The Belt and Road Initiative: Issues and Future Trends
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a China-led plan that involves infrastructure and construction projects in more than 140 countries, out of which 65 countries account for 30% of the worlds gross domestic product, 35% of the worlds trade, 39% of the global land, 64% of the worlds population, 54% of the worlds CO2 emissions and 50% of the worlds energy consumption (Du & Zhang, 2018, China Economic Review, 47, 189205). The project announced in 2013 is often considered Chinese Premier Xi Jinpings dream. It quickly grew in sectoral and geographical complexity from the Arctic to deep oceans, to Latin American countries, Africa and even collaborations in maritime and outer space. Nine years into the making, the project suffered disruption in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions and lockdowns led to suspension and slowdown in the project. However, the Chinese leadership continues to remain optimistic regarding the BRI and is opting for digital, health and sustainability models to keep the initiative running. The article analyses the strategic and economic significance of the BRI from its inception to now. It focuses on the impact of the pandemic on the BRI and stakeholders responses to the project, and looks into attempts by China to make it a success in the post-pandemic world. 2023 Indian Council of World Affairs(ICWA). -
Mediating Role of Financial Literacy in Relationship between Financial Stress & Financial Resilience among MSME in Bangalore
The outbreak of COVID-19 virus brought down the economies of various countries and the livelihoods of the public. World economy witnessed a lower amount of the economic growth. Indian economy also fared poor during the pandemic. The pandemic generated unemployment, job loss, pay cut, and closure of many business organizations in India. Unemployment and low income caused psychological stress and financial stress among the public and among the businessmen especially micro, and small entrepreneurs (MSES). The Indian economy is bouncing back to normalcy. MSES exhibit stronger resilience during the hard time. The study is interested to measure and analyse the determinants that promote financial resilience among the MSES in India. Based on existing literature, financial literacy is chosen to study the nexus between financial stress and financial resilience of the entrepreneurs. 2023, Indian Institute of Finance. All rights reserved. -
Effect of hooked end steel fibers on strength and durability properties of ambient cured geopolymer concrete
Growing carbon emissions in the construction industry have warranted the use of alternative materials such as geopolymer concrete. At the same time exposure of concrete material to harsh environmental conditions has compelled to design of durable geopolymer concrete. The use of hooked-end steel fibers in conventional fiber-reinforced concrete has proven to improve its crack resistance, and thus, positively influence the durability properties of concrete structures. Nevertheless, limited studies explore the effect of hooked-end steel fibers on the strength and durability properties of ambient cured geopolymer concrete with a low NaOH content (i.e., 8 M concentration). In this study, ambient cured geopolymer concrete was prepared by fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), NaOH, Na2SiO3, manufactured sand, and natural coarse aggregates. Additionally, hooked-end steel fibers with an aspect ratio of 67 were added to the mix by volume fraction in dosages of 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, and 2 %. The experimental results showed that the addition of fibers reduced the workability with a minimum slump of 70 mm and a maximum Vee Bee time of 8 s for mixes with 2 % steel fibers. The addition of fibers improved the compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength of geopolymer concrete, with a maximum strength of 41.44 MPa, 4.28 MPa, and 5.23 MPa at an optimum fiber dose of 1 %, respectively. Above the optimum dose, the strength of the steel fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete (SFRGPC) was reduced. The depth of water penetration reduced in SFRGPC when compared to GPC. Moreover, the resistance to chloride ion penetration was not significantly affected by addition of steel fibers till optimum dose of 1 %. The scanning electron microscopic results revealed the positive effect of steel fibers in restricting the progression of cracks. This has resulted in smaller crack width in the SFRGPC when compared to GPC. Overall, steel fibers in optimum dose have improved the performance of geopolymer concrete and this will contribute towards low carbon material. 2023 The Authors -
Electrochemical non-enzymatic strategy with green synthesized Fe2O3CuO nanocomposite for detection of amiprofos-methyl herbicide in industrial effluents and soils
Iron oxide-Copper oxide nanoparticles composite (Fe2O3CuO NPs) was synthesized through a green phytosynthetic approach using Ocimum sanctum Linn (commonly known as Tulsi) leaf extract. The evaluation of electrocatalytic properties were evaluated by carrying out electrochemical detection of amiprofos-methyl (APM), an organophosphorus herbicide. It is moderately toxic to mammals and aquatic biodiversity and is considered to be an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. The presence of specific natural phytochemicals such as eugenol, naringenin, apigenin, quercetin, and high amount of ascorbic acid in the aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn plant parts, has been widely used for the synthesis of various metallic nanoparticles where these compounds serve as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents. The synthesized Fe2O3CuO NPs were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UVVis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The modified electrode was electrochemically characterized by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques for the detection of APM. The electrochemical signals have increased by three folds in the detection of APM with Fe2O3CuO nanocomposite compared to the bare glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical sensor showed a linear range of 0.05 to 30 g/mL with a limit of detection of 0.0065 g/mL. The developed electrochemical sensor was successfully applied for the detection of APM in different water and soil samples with recoveries ranging from 96.00?99.00%. The electrode showed good stability and reproducibility over a period of 10 days with a 95% of peak current than the former. The newly synthesized nanoparticles, thus, proved to be an interesting material for electrochemical and biological studies. 2023 The Authors -
Evaluation of Flow Resistance using Multi-Gene Genetic Programming for Bed-load Transport in Gravel-bed Channels
Evaluation of flow resistance is necessary for the computation of conveyance capacity in open channels. The significance of the friction factor in channels with bedload conditions is paramount. The response of flow resistance in gravel-bed channels in bedload transport conditions is distinct from that of a fixed bed. The paper studies the different empirical approaches in the literature to determine the friction factor under bedload transport conditions and proposes an expression by genetic programming for the same. Various hydraulic and geometric parameters affect flow resistance in the bedload transport condition. The present study includes bed slope, relative submergence depth, aspect ratio, Reynolds number, and Froude number as influencing factors for such flow conditions. A wide range of experimental datasets is employed to determine the effect of these influencing parameters and develop a customised single expression for the friction factor. The experimental data set has also been moderated for sidewall corrections. The predictability of the proposed model is compared to various empirical equations from the literature. Unlike the existing models, the proposed model provides a more extensive expression for effectively predicting the friction factor for a wide range of datasets. The conveyance capacity of a river is validated from the estimated value of friction factor, as compared to other standard models. The developed Multi-Gene Genetic Programming (MGGP) model reasonably predicts discharge in the rivers, signifying that the model can competently be applied to field study within the specified range of parameters. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. -
Kerala Development and the Attapadi Adivasi
The development experience of the state of Kerala in southwest India is based generally on democratic principles of equality and popular participation. This article focuses on the lives of the Adivasi1 people of Attapadi in the Palakkad district of Kerala. It argues that the state of Kerala largely treats the Adivasis as secondary citizens and ignores their right to be socially and economically empowered. The state of Kerala takes pride in its positive ranking on human development and social progress indexes but has not done enough to stop Adivasi infants from dying of malnutrition, and Adivasis demands for land rights have been disregarded. As a result, they are forced to live obscure lives in poverty and generally unable to influence their sociopolitical sphere. 2023 The Author(s). -
A new shape of the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new normal for international business (IB) activities, leaving them pondering their next steps. The decreasing effectiveness of current vaccines to protect individuals against new variants have created uncertainty on how to respond to the new waves of the COVID-19 infection. This study aims to empirically assesses how IBs perceive the unfolding challenges in the supply chain due to the pandemic and the solutions. Design/methodology/approach: The survey data is obtained from 166 logistics professionals in Hong Kong and India. Findings: The results reveal that returns on investment, logistics, delays and imports are the most affected areas. The most often recommended solutions for supply chain management (SCM) include using local manufacturing capabilities, analytics and automation, offering better customer service, providing more effective transportation means, ensuring diligence around optimization and focusing on sustainability. Originality/value: The findings of this study help to improve supply chain operations. This study also provides recommendations for changes to SCM in response to the new normal. 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
A study of Artificial Intelligence impacts on Human Resource Digitalization in Industry 4.0
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has opened up tremendous opportunities in the workplace through robotics innovation, which envelops both AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). Precision, Efficiency, and Flexibility are considered the potential benefits of Industry 4.0. The implementation of Industry 4.0 requires a lot of changes, including the Human Resource (HR) function. In Industry 4.0, the HR capability is more critical and gives an upper hand to the organization. The HR capability should be more cautious and adaptable to adjust to the difficulties and requirements. We study the contributions of AI in HR digitalization and practices in Industry 4.0. 271 HR experts working in Information Technology (IT), Manufacturing, and administration are selected to participate in this review focusing on five AI applications in HR capability and three elements of HR readiness. The information collected was examined utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) tool and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). The results uncovered that hierarchical organization examination is a fundamental part of acquiring sustainable development. Adaptability and human asset capability are upheld by each of the five components of AI application areas of HR. Well-being and Safety improvement were viewed as vital components under the AI application in HR. 2023 The Author(s) -
Investigation of efficient multilevel inverter for photovoltaic energy system and electric vehicle applications
Introduction. This research presents a simple single-phase pulse-width modulated 7-level inverter topology for renewable system which allows home-grid applications with electric vehicle charging. Although multilevel inverters have appealing qualities, their vast range of application is limited by the use of more switches in the traditional arrangement. As a result, a novel symmetrical 7-level inverter is proposed, which has the fewest number of unidirectional switches with gate circuits, providing the lowest switching losses, conduction losses, total harmonic distortion and higher efficiency than conventional topology. The novelty of the proposed work consists of a novel modular inverter structure for photovoltaic energy system and electric vehicle applications with fewer numbers of switches and compact in size. Purpose. The proposed system aims to reduce switch count, overall harmonic distortions, and power loss. There are no passive filters required, and the constituted optimizes power quality by producing distortion-free sinusoidal output voltage as the level count increases while reducing power losses. Methods. The proposed topology is implemented with MATLAB/Simulink, using gating pulses and various pulse-width modulation methodologies. Moreover, the proposed model also has been validated and compared to the hardware system. Results. Total harmonic distortion, number of power switches, output voltage, current, power losses and number of DC sources are investigated with conventional topology. Practical value. The proposed topology has proven to be extremely beneficial for implementing photovoltaic-based stand-alone multilevel inverter and electric vehicle charging applications. References 16, table 1, figures 18. E. Parimalasundar, R. Jayanthi, K. Suresh, R. Sindhuja. -
Photoresponse and electrochemical behaviour of azobenzene anchored graphene oxide for energy storage application
Solar energy is considered to be a renewable source of energy that is intrinsically more sustainable than fossil fuels. Developing photoactive hybrid materials to store solar energy has recently received much attention. Herein, a photoactive molecule-graphene oxide hybrid was synthesized and characterized systematically. The solar energy storage performances of the hybrids were studied using various photophysical studies. The energy density and power density of the hybrid materials were 47 WhKg?1 and 156.6 WKg-1 respectively which showed 3 fold higher than the pristine compound. The photoelectrochemical behaviour of the hybrid were also studied using Cyclic voltammetry and Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed the electrochemical performances can be varied due to their changing conformations from trans-to-cis isomerization. This work enables the research community in developing a promising material for solar thermal fuels as well as in energy storage devices. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
Trap of Race to the Bottom? Evidence from Pollution Intensive Products Trade in India and China
This article compares China and India, the two biggest emerging market economies in the world, with respect to their trade in pollution-intensive industries and tries to discuss the policy environment supporting such growth. The analysis is carried out for 13 categories of pollution-intensive products based on the Standard International Trade Classification Revision 3 classification. Our analysis reveals significant growth in trade in these products in both countries, with a higher intra-industry trade and a significant correlation with environmental stringency. Between the two, India seems to be enjoying a better comparative advantage. Findings suggest a need for adopting cleaner production processes and a cautious approach towards industrial promotion. 2023 Institute of Chinese Studies, New Delhi. -
Regression analysis and features of negative activation energy for MHD nanofluid flow model: A comparative study
This article elucidates the impact of activation energy on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stagnation point nanofluid flow over a slippery surface in a porous regime with thermophoretic and Brownian diffusions. Negative activation energy is scarce in practice, but the impact of negative activation energy could not be neglected as it is noticed in chemical processes. The rate of some Arrhenius-compliant reactions is retarded by increasing the temperature and is therefore associated with negative activation energies, such as exothermic binding of urea or water. In some processes, the temperature dependence of the pressure-induced unfolding and the urea-induced unfolding of proteins at ambient pressure give negative activation energies. The present mathematical model is solved with successive linearization method (a spectral technique). A comparison of results is made for negative and positive values of activation energy. Apart from it, the quadratic multiple regression model is discussed briefly and explained with bar diagrams. It is observed that with rise in unsteadiness parameter from 0 to 1 (taking positive activation energy), skin friction and Sherwood number are increased by 9.36% and 19% respectively, and Nusselt number is decreased by 26%. However, for negative activation energy, 9.36% and 112% enhancement is observed in skin friction and Sherwood number, respectively. 2023 The Authors -
The Taos and Trait Meta-mood on Transpersonal Gratitude: Tracing Their Influences
The mainstream empirical research has always viewed gratitude in its triadic form involving a typical human giver, gift, and receiver. But it is not the same in the case of transpersonal gratitude. Instead, it is directed towards abstract entities beyond self like God, their own state of being, or the cosmos. The previous literature had affirmed that a selfless attitude and better mood could determine overall gratitude. But this relation is not mainly known in the context of this newer form of gratitude. Indian young adults (N = 456) completed scales on transpersonal gratitude, trait meta-mood, and ego-grasping orientationa Taoist concept. The preliminary analysis revealed that the selfless nature was unrelated to transpersonal gratitude. Subsequently, the predictive effect of trait meta-mood on transpersonal gratitude is quantified. The findings explain the distinguishable features of the young adults' populace and positive transpersonal experiences. The need to identify groups, cultural differences, and the utility of interventions on transpersonal gratitude in the future gratitude research is emphasised. 2023, The Author(s) under exclusive licence to National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) India. -
The impact of Covid-19 on the capital structure in emerging economies: evidence from India
Purpose: Capital structure is an important corporate financing decision, particularly for companies in emerging economies. This paper attempts to understand whether the pandemic had any significant impact on the capital structure of companies in emerging economies. India being a prominent emerging economy is an ideal candidate for the analysis. Design/methodology/approach: The study utilizes three leverage ratios in an extended market index, BSE500, for the period 20152021. The ratios considered are short-term leverage ratio (STLR), long-term leverage ratio (LTLR) and total leverage ratio (TLR). A dummy variable differentiates the pre-epidemic (20152019) and pandemic (20202021) period. Control variables are used to represent firm characteristics such as growth, tangibility, profit, size and liquidity. Dynamic panel data regression is employed to address endogeneity. Findings: The findings point out that Covid-19 has had a significant, negative effect on LTLR, while the impact on STLR and TLR was insignificant. The findings indicate that companies based in a culturally risk-averse environment, such as India, would reduce the long-term debt to avoid bankruptcy in times of uncertainty. Research limitations/implications: The study covers the impact of the pandemic on Indian companies. Hence, generalization of the findings to global context might not be valid. Practical implications: To maintain economic growth in the post-crisis period, Indian policymakers should ensure accessibility to low-cost capital. The findings provide impetus to deepen the insignificant corporate bond market in India for future economic revival. Originality/value: Developing countries are struggling to revive the economies postpandemic. This is particularly true for Asian economies which are heavily reliant on banks for survival. This research finds evidence to utilize bond market as a source of raising capital for economic revival. 2022, Nisha Prakash, Aditya Maheshwari and Aparna Hawaldar. -
Blockchain-based circular economy for achieving environmental sustainability in the Indian electronic MSMEs
Purpose: The circular economy is a production and consumption model that encourages people to share, lease, reuse, repair, refurbish and recycle existing materials and products for as long as possible. The blockchain-based circular economy is being used in many industries worldwide, but Indian electronic MSMEs face many problems in adopting a blockchain-based circular economy. The research aims to discover the barriers the electronic MSMEs face in adopting a blockchain-based circular economy and pull back from achieving environmental sustainability in their operations. Design/methodology/approach: Fifteen barriers are identified from the literature review and finalized with experts' opinions. These barriers are evaluated by using interpretive structural modeling (ISM), MICMAC analysis and fuzzy TOPSIS method. Findings: Lack of support from distribution channels, lack of traceability mechanism and customer attitudes toward purchasing remanufactured goods are identified as the most critical barriers. Practical implications: The study will benchmark the electronic MSMEs in achieving environmental sustainability in the blockchain-based circular economy. Originality/value: It is a study that not only establishes a hierarchical relationship among the barriers of blockchain adoption in Indian electronic MSMEs but also verifies the results with fuzzy TOPSIS method. 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Spectral and temporal studies of Swift J1658.24242 using AstroSat observations with the JeTCAF model
We present the X-ray spectral and temporal analysis of the black hole X-ray transient Swift J1658.2-4242 observed by AstroSat. Three epochs of data have been analysed using the JeTCAF model to estimate the mass accretion rates and to understand the geometry of the flow. The best-fitting disc mass accretion rate (? d) varies between 0.90+-000102 and 1.09+-000304 M?Edd in these observations, while the halo mass accretion rate changes from 0.15+-000101 to 0.25+-000102 M?Edd. We estimate the size of the dynamic corona that varies substantially from 64.9+-3319 to 34.5+-1250 rg and a moderately high jet/outflow collimation factor stipulates isotropic outflow. The inferred high disc mass accretion rate and bigger corona size indicate that the source might be in the intermediate to soft spectral state of black hole X-ray binaries. The mass of the black hole estimated from different model combinations is ?14 M?. In addition, we compute the quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) frequencies from the model-fitted parameters, which match the observed QPOs. We further calculate the binary parameters of the system from the decay profile of the light curve and the spectral parameters. The estimated orbital period of the system is 4.0 0.4 h by assuming the companion as a mid or late K-type star. Our analysis using the JeTCAF model sheds light on the physical origin of the spectrotemporal behaviour of the source, and the observed properties are mainly due to the change in both the mass accretion rates and absorbing column density. 2023 The Author(s) Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Astronomical Society. -
Exploring the Role of Multi-Catalytic Sites in an Amorphous Co-W-B Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Amorphous materials are used in multitude of catalytic applications, including electrocatalytic water-splitting. Identification and investigation of active sites in amorphous catalysts are rarely reported, mainly owing to the complexity of the systems. Herein, we report an amorphous bifunctional Co-W-B electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The optimized Co-W-B catalyst showed promising overpotential values of 97 mV (HER) and 292 mV (OER), respectively, to achieve 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH, with good stability. The promoting effect of W in Co-B was investigated experimentally, while computational tools were used to identify all the possible catalytic sites in an amorphous Co-W-B model and classify the most preferred sites for HER and OER. The presence of multi-catalytic sites with specific selectivity toward HER and OER was observed, which explained the bifunctional activity of Co-W-B. This study will foster better understanding of the origin of catalytic activity in similar amorphous systems. 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. -
Grey Wolf Optimization Guided Non-Local Means Denoising for Localizing and Extracting Bone Regions from X-Ray Images
The key focus of the current study is implementation of an automated semantic segmentation model to localize and extract bone regions from digital X-ray images. Methods: The proposed segmentation framework uses a pre-processing stage which follows convolutional neural network (CNN) obtained segmentation stage to extract the bone region from X-ray images, mainly for diagnosing critical conditions such as osteoporosis. Since the presence of noise is critical in image analysis, the X-ray images are initially processed with a grey wolf optimization (GWO) guided non-local means (NLM) denoising. The segmentation stage uses a Multi-Res U-Net architecture with attention modules. Findings: The proposed methodology shows superior results while segmenting bone regions from real X-ray images. The experiments include an ablation study that substantiates the need for the proposed denoising approach. Several standard segmentation benchmarks such as precision, recall, Dice-score, specificity, Intersection over Union (IOU), and total accuracy have been used for a comprehensive study. The proposed architectural has good impact compared to the state-of-the-art bone segmentation models and is compared both quantitatively and qualitatively. Novelty: The denoising using GWO-NLM adaptively chose the denoising parameters based on the required conditions and can be reused in other medical image analysis domains with minimal finetuning. The design of the proposed CNN model also aims at better performance on the target datasets. 2023 Biomedical & Pharmacology Journal. -
Ortho-Vanillin based multifunctional scaffold for selective detection of Al3+ and Zn2+ employing molecular logic with DFT study and cell imaging with live Grass pea
Ligand (E)-N-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene) acetohydrazide (HL) has been designed and synthesized from o-vanillin and acetohydrazide for selective sensing of Al3+ and Zn2+ ions. In the photoluminescence studies, the receptor HL itself shows very poor fluorescence but on incremental addition of Al3+ and Zn2+ ions in solution of the probe HL individually leads to a sharp increase in emission intensities at wavelengths 468 nm (?15 fold) and 504 nm (?8 fold) respectively. Due to excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT), HL exhibits weak emission in absence of any analytes but in presence of Al3+ and Zn2+, chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) with coordination of Al3+ and Zn2+ inhibits ESIPT, which results large increase of fluorescence enhancement. The ligand HL shows high selectivity and sensitivity to detect Al3+ and Zn2+ among various metal ions with LOD (Limit of Detection) 0.836 10?6 M and 1.01 10?6 M respectively. DFT calculation has been performed to study the binding phenomenon of ligand HL with metal ions. A molecular logic gate has been build-up with Al3+ and Zn2+ and EDTA as three chemical input. Simultaneously, cytotoxicity and cell biology for the probe and corresponding Al3+ sensing were observed. 2023 Elsevier B.V.