Browse Items (11855 total)
Sort by:
-
Influence of annealing on the morphological, structural and electrochemical properties of Co3O4 spinel electrodes
Effectual use of energy requires the conversion and storage device with great ability. In this research, Co3O4 nanoparticles are achieved via facile and low-cost reflux method. The consequence of annealing treatment on morphological, structural, and electrochemical behaviors of produced Co3O4 (350, 550, 750 and 950 C) nanoparticles are investigated. XRD analysis exposes the formation of cubic Co3O4 spinel above 300 C annealing temperature. SEM and EDX study demonstrate that the morphology of Co3O4 nanoparticles changes with different annealing temperatures. The electrochemical performance of prepared Co3O4 (350950 C) nanoparticles was determined via charge-discharge experiment, and electrochemical impedance, cyclic voltammetry studies. It exposes that the annealing treatments have an important effect on the specific capacitances. Among them, the optimized Co3O4 (950 C) electrode demonstrates the best capacitive behaviors in the three-electrode cell, which exhibitions the best capacitance value of 1388 Fg?1 at 5 mVs?1 and outstanding cycling capability of 97.2 % capacitance even after 5000 cycles. The asymmetric supercapacitor device assembled by Co3O4 (950 C) displays a capacitance value of 519.3 Fg?1 for 5 mVs?1 and long reversible capacity (92.7 % capacitance retains after 5000 cycles) and a high-power density (26.7 W h Kg?1). These outcomes exposed that the Co3O4 (950 C) nanoparticles could be a perfect candidate for eminent electrochemical application as electrode materials. These results state that Co3O4 nanoparticles are a multipurpose material and thus can be applied in numerous applications namely gas sensors, fuel cells, solar cells, electrochemical sensors, and photocatalysis. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Investigating the Determinants of Financial Well-Being: A SEM Approach
Studies reveal that the financial well-being of employees has a direct bearing on their productivity and overall well-being. The wellness initiatives organized by the information technology (IT) companies operating in India have also started focusing on the contributing aspects of financial well-being. In this context, the article explores the determinants of financial well-being of IT professionals in India. The article utilizes confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for the analysis. The study employs a survey questionnaire covering financial literacy, financial behavior, and financial fragility. It also attempts to recognize the influence of gender and job roles (technical or managerial) in ascertaining financial well-being. The sample data used in the study include 237 professionals employed in the IT sector. The study uses partial least squared structured equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to understand the connection between the determining factors. The results indicate that financial well-being is positively influenced by financial literacy and financial behavior while financial fragility has a substantial negative impact. The financial literacy and financial fragility are significantly different between technical and managerial roles. Gender appears to have a sizeable impact on the financial behavior and financial fragility levelswomen employees performed better in both the factors. Interestingly, financial literacy levels of the two genders are not significantly different. The results show that there is a need to focus on literacy, behavior, and fragility in financial wellness programs organized by the IT industry. Further, the study recommends offering tailored financial wellness training modules created based on the job levels and gender instead of following one program, fits all standardized approach. 2023 KJ Somaiya Institute of Management. -
Smartphone application-based colorimetric fish freshness monitoring using an indicator prepared by rub-coating of red cabbage on paper substrates
This work developed a simple, easy-to-prepare, and inexpensive indicator (R-Paper) based on rub-coating of red cabbage on readily available paper substrates to detect the freshness of fish in out-of-lab settings. A single-step rub-coating method was used to incorporate anthocyanins on paper substrates, without the extraction of the compound from red cabbage. The preparation of the indicator and its usage is quick and does not require additional chemicals, personnel expertise, or laboratory facilities. The functional colorimetric interface created by directly rubbing red cabbage on paper was used for fish quality monitoring, which displayed a naked-eye detectable color change from purple (for fresh fish) to blue (for spoiling fish) and then to blue-green (for spoiled fish), corresponding to total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and pH changes. To provide a user-friendly quantitative analysis of this color change, we used the free Android software Color Grab to quantify the color using L*, a*, b*, and RGB indices. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first report on an indicator prepared by rub-coating red cabbage onto paper-based substrates for fish spoilage monitoring through smartphone-based analysis. To verify that the R-Paper indicator performs on a par with the indicators using extracted anthocyanins, its performance was compared with indicators prepared using anthocyanins extracted from red cabbage (AR-Paper). Naked-eye analysis, simple preparation, ease of use, low cost, and free smartphone-based analysis make the R-Paper indicator an appropriate food quality indicator in resource-limited areas. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
Masstige scale: An alternative to measure brand equity
Masstige marketing is a strategic word for market penetration for premium but reachable products based on brand equity, trying to develop brand awareness, likability, affection and attachment. Hence, masstige scale may allow firms to measure brand equity to derive insights into the popularity of their brands. However, there is no empirical evidence available to test whether these scales are related measures of brand equity and, at the same time, independent measures, respectively. This study investigates whether the masstige scale and multidimensional consumer-based brand equity scale measure the same constructs. A total of 493 participants evaluated four different athletic shoe brands. The multi-trait, multimethod and confirmatory factor analyses suggested that the masstige scale may be a viable alternative to consumer-based brand equity and masstige value. We discuss the implications and provide directions for future research derived from our findings. 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Destination image and perceived meaningfulness for visitor loyalty: A strategic positioning of Indian destinations
The purpose of this study is to empirically test and validate a multi-dimensional structure of In-loco Destination Image and perceived meaningfulness using an integrated model of visitor loyalty. The model was tested using data collected from responses of foreign tourists visiting India (n = 246). The results identified six dimensions of In-loco Destination Image: Amenities, Attractions, Leisure, Culture, Support Systems, and Hospitality. In addition, the investigation observes that of the identified dimensions of perceived meaningfulness, the spiritual and societal dimensions contribute more to perceived meaningfulness than the physical well-being aspect. Further, the exploration estimated the theoretical framework developed using structural equation modelling and established the mediating role of perceived meaningfulness in developing visitor loyalty from In-loco Destination Image. The studys observations helped identify three positioning approaches, namely objective, subjective, and combined, offering suggestions to destination marketers to effectively reposition Indian destinations. 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Inclusion of Sexual Health Education for the Wellbeing and Dignity of Secondary School Children: An Indian Rural Perspective
The study investigates students perspectives on incorporating sexual health education into the curriculum of secondary schools in rural Bangalore. Focused on assessing how such education impacts students physical and psychological well-being, confidence, and ability to make informed decisions, the research collected data from 981 students across 6th to 10th grades. A structured questionnaire, measured on a five-point Likert scale, explored students perceptions of sexual health education and its outcomes. After a meticulous data cleaning process, which included outlier removal, the study utilized a final sample of 900 students. IBM SPSS 25 and AMOS 25 facilitated the statistical analysis. The findings underscore the significant positive effect of sexual health education on students confidence levels. It highlights how this form of education aids in maintaining personal hygiene and fosters balanced decision-making skills among students. The studys results advocate for the implementation of sexual health education in schools, emphasizing its role in enhancing student wellbeing and confidence. Additionally, it contributes to defining the scope and framework of a sexual health education curriculum from the students perspective in rural Bangalore schools, aligning educational objectives with the actual needs and perceptions of the student body. 2023 Indian Institute of Health Management Research. -
Highly mixed high-energy d-orbital states enhance oxygen evolution reactions in spinel catalysts
Design, synthesis, and engineering of electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are essential for attaining desirable electrocatalytic performance towards practical implementation. Emerging spinel-type OER catalysts have not reached the desirable activity and durability, thus demanding critical research to advance the field. To achieve enhanced OER performance for spinel-type OER catalysts, we present an efficient strategy of electronic structure modulation of central metal atoms. Modulation of the electronic properties of the Zn and Co atoms through the counter anionic components (O, S, and Se) regulates the adsorption of oxygen intermediates and thus enhances OER activity, which is systematically demonstrated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation. Although the zinc cobalt selenide catalyst showed the less pronounced trigonal distortion, the mixing of eg orbitals with selenium accounts for the experimentally observed enhancement in OER activity. The result is, in contrast to the benchmark catalyst made of RuO2, ZnCo2Se4@rGO demonstrated lower OER overpotential (?10 = 302 mV) and Tafel slope (58 mV dec?1) as well as greater durability at 10 mA cm?2 for 50 h. The implementation of this strategy in several spinel-type catalysts could improve their electrocatalytic performance. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
Monoclinic Y2O3: Ce nanophosphors synthesized by wet chemical precipitation method
UV emitting nanophosphors draws attention from many researchers currently due to the diverse applications ranging from UV LEDs to phototherapy. The current work is an investigation of monoclinic yttrium oxide doped with cerium synthesized by means of wet chemical precipitation at low temperature (90 C). Raman analysis and TEM experiments confirmed the formation of monoclinic phase and XPS analysis proves the presence of Ce3+ energy levels. UV experiments delivered strong absorption in the short UV region and photoluminescence experiments demonstrated the material's capability to emit in the long UV region. Surface area measurements by BET analysis established the relationship between the BET surface area and luminescence intensity. This emission range is suitable for therapeutical application especially for skin diseases which further extends the scope of the work. 2023 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. -
Developing a steady state wear equation for AA7050 hybrid composites/steel interface at elevated temperature
In this research work, an attempt was made to reinforce AA7050/5Gr composites with multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) of varying weight percentages processed through stir casting route. SEM with EDS mapping revealed that the particles were uniformly distributed over the composites. Hardness reduces with increasing MWCNT weight percentage owing to the inverse hall petch effect and increment in void content. A third-body abrasion, which happens when the CNT in the aluminium matrix material detaches from the surface and erodes material from the composites pin as well as the counter face, causes the wear resistance to rise with the addition of CNT particles. A mechanically mixed layer, which avoids direct metal-to-metal contact and thus increases wear resistance, was created at the abraded surface and at high temperature, where the reduction of wear rate was due to the development of oxide protective layer. A steady-state wear equation for the contacting surface at high temperature (R = 1/Y ?(ln W/2X)) for AA7050 hybrid compositessteel interface was developed. The enhancement in wear resistance was directly proportional to the proportion of ferrous content present on the surface, which was confirmed on the elemental analysis. Pock marks, micropits, craters and cracks were the features observed on the worn surface morphology, whereas delamination and plasticisation were the observed modes of wear mechanism. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
PHILOSOPHICAL POSTHUMANISM: A RENEWED WORLDVIEW AND A METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Exponential technological advances capture the zeitgeist of contemporary society. Machines are increasingly gaining agency, which helps in the deconstruction of the humanist notion of humans. Society takes a posthuman turn with large-scale humanmachine imbrication and nonhuman agency. The posthuman turn is also reflected in the academic world, which is seriously contemplating the integration of posthumanities. The philosophical posthumanism of Francisca Ferrando is a posthuman theory with three constituent elements: post-humanism, post-anthropocentrism, and post-dualism. Post-humanism revisits the definition of human that has given rise to marginalization within the human species. Post-anthropocentrism critiques the human superiority and exceptionalism that have led to the marginalization of other species. Post-dualism revisits the dualistic mindset that allows hierarchical sociopolitical constructions. Ferrando presents a vision of a posthuman utopian society that recognizes pluralistic voices within the human species on egalitarian terms, accepts and values the agency of nonhuman actors, and sheds the dualistic view of life that keeps humans and nonhumans on either side of the binary system. Philosophical posthumanism can be suitable as a methodological framework to analyze the posthuman discourses in literary works, specifically in science fiction. 2024 The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. -
ITBC Controlled IPWM for Solar Based Wide Range Voltage Conversion System
This paper presents an isolated tiny or micro-bidirectional DCAC converter (ITBC) that operates in a single-phase, single-stage, bidirectional, and isolated configuration. The converter utilises a voltage-in-phase PWM (IPWM) control scheme to regulate the potential conversion ratio of the converter, enabling it to handle a wide voltage range. The converter also enables smooth power flow direction changes and can achieve soft switching, resulting in high efficiency. A unidirectional current controller can be used for both DCAC and ACDC modes. The paper provides detailed information about the micro-inverter's working principles, design procedure, characteristics, and control strategy. The proposed solution is verified by a 500-watt test bench model with a voltage input range of 30 volts to 50 volts. 2024 IETE. -
Exploring novice Indian school counsellors' experiences collaborating with teachers and administrators
Previous studies have shown that collaboration between school counsellors and other stakeholders such as teachers and administrators leads to improved outcomes for students and a better school climate. The current qualitative study explored the experiences and perceptions of novice school counsellors in India regarding collaboration with teachers and administrators. The sample included 11 novice school counsellors working in five different cities who were recruited using purposive sampling. The thematic analysis of the data collected via semistructured interviews revealed six main themes: 'Counsellors' perceptions about collaboration', 'Collaboration with teachers', 'Collaboration with administrators', 'Challenges faced during collaboration', 'Strategies helpful in collaboration' and 'Impact of training'. Implications discussed include the need for school counsellors to advocate for their role, the need for training programs to prepare stakeholders for collaboration, and the need for policies to integrate the role of a school counsellor into schools. The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press. -
Taste of your Hometown: Evoking Nostalgia through the Diner Space in Midnight Diner
Restaurant spaces are seen as a space that intersects between the personal and the cultural. This paper looks at a Japanese TV series, Midnight Diner, an adaptation of a Manga by Yaro Abe, where a tiny, not-so-popular restaurant in one of the back lanes in Tokyo serves food from midnight to 7 a.m. This show makes several meaningful connections between food, memory, and space as the customers come with specific food cravings, and the Master (the owner-chef of the Diner) is happy to customize. The diner space transcends the traditional meaning of a diner that not only serves food to satiate hunger but is an experience that evokes nostalgia for their home and their loved ones. The wistfulness in the lives of the customers for their home, people, and home-cooked food finds a release in the diner. The space of the diner acquires different meanings, as do the dishes the customer relishes. Thus, the paper explores the diner space as a symbolic space where each episode introduces a new character, a new story, and the past they deal with while the food is prepared and consumed on screen. The taste, smell, texture, and ingredients of the food in this diner stimulate the senses, and this space acquires emotional meaning for everyone stepping in. 2023, University of Malaya. All rights reserved. -
In-Vitro Investigation of the ?-Amylase Inhibition Activity of Bare Bis-Benzylidene-Cyclohexanone Synthesized by a Highly Selective Solvent-Free Route
Current work reports the highly selective, solvent-free synthesis of an endorsed bioactive compound, Bis benzylidine cyclohexanone (BBC) through solid acid catalysed cross aldol condensation route and checks its in-vitro bio activity. The catalytic support (Multiwalled carbon nanotube) employed was synthesized through the highly sophisticated catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method and simple mechanical grinding strategy was adopted to decorate sulfonic acid on the support. The C1s X-ray photoelectron peak of at 290.3 eV confirms the effective interaction of sulfonic acid with MWCNT. The sharp and intense desorption peaks observed at approximately 528.7 C and 655.15 C in the TPD analysis unmistakably substantiate the strong acidity of the synthesized system. The alpha amylase inhibition activity of the synthesized compound was calculated to be around 88.5 %, which is in par with the commercial drug as it could inhibit only 96 %. Further, the in-silico (Docking and Molecular Dynamic Simulation) investigations unveiled a new target site for the compound and this can further be studied in detail to advance the applications in drug design. Detailed scrutiny of various parameters was conducted to validate the bioactivity and pharmaceutical potential of the synthesized compound. 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Computational studies into the chemical nature, thermal behaviour, solvent role, reactivity and biological evaluation of Rigidin E A marine alkaloid with potent liver cancer inhibition
The current work includes theoretical studies of Rigidin E (marine alkaloid) molecule with the DFT technique and evaluation of its biological properties in silico. DFT calculations in different media were performed for the title molecule. Gradual changes were noticed in the properties of the title compound when subjected to solvation in polar solvents. Electron density distribution, interaction and excitation were demonstrated using topological studies (ELF, LOL, RDG, and charge transfer) done using Multiwfn software. From FMO analysis, methanol is the solvent in which the title compound has the highest band gap value (3.8972 eV) compared to other solvents, and in the gas phase it has a band gap value of 3.6886 eV. Theoretical UV studies show that n ->?* and n ->?* electronic transitions are significant in Rigidin E. In water, the title molecule has a first-order hyperpolarizability about 100 times that of the reference substance urea, indicating its powerful NLO potential in aqueous medium. ADMET profile was generated using online tools (ADMET lab 2.0, PreADMET, and SwissADME). For the title molecule, docking was done against select liver cancer targets using AutoDock Tools and the lowest binding affinity was obtained ?4.62 kcal/mol against 4H6J protein. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
Bacha Posh: Gender Construct in Afghan Culture Examined through the Lens of Children in Literature
With the fall of the Taliban in 2001 and their return in 2021, Afghanistan has undergone drastic socio-political changes. In many families, children are introduced to the practice of Bacha Posh (dressing up like a boy), an Afghan cultural custom where girls are dressed up as boys until they are married off. Despite children being central to this practice, it has not been studied through their eyes. This article examines the custom of Bacha Posh through the childrens perspective and situates it within the current socio-political scenario of the country. A textual and cultural analysis of three literary works is carried out through a study of their child characters to examine how Afghan culture creates its own gender construct. Two are significant works of childrens literature that revolve around real-life stories of Bacha Posh Nadia Hashimis One Half from the East (2016) and Deborah Ellis The Breadwinner (2000). The third work is The Underground Girls of Kabul (2014) by Jenny Nordberg, a seminal work in the study of Bacha Posh in which Nordberg focuses on the practice of Bacha Posh and presents the voice of children. This article then goes on to study the impact of the restrictive nature of the Taliban regime on girls and its influence on the cultural custom of Bacha Posh. It demonstrates how this practice creates an unstable gender construct among children, as evidenced by the gender dysphoria that some girls experience. It thus demonstrates the impact of culture on gender through filling in the gaps between culture, literature and politics. 2023, The International Academic Forum (IAFOR). All rights reserved. -
Exploring the use of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities: experiences from Haryana, India
Purpose: Covid-induced lockdowns have increased the importance of technology in education. Though access to technology as well as availability of the internet remain a major concern for a lot of children in the global south, children with intellectual disabilities are disadvantaged even more as most of the e-content is developed keeping in mind the average learner. Materials and methods: Unstructured interviews were conducted with children with intellectual disabilities studying in government schools in Haryana as well as their teachers and parents. Thematic analysis of the interviews was conducted to understand the use-patterns of mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities. Results: Findings suggest that these children are learning to use mobile phones on their own or with some support and are able to navigate the complexities of these smartphones quite well. They use these devices mostly for their entertainment. This paper then reflects on the need and strategies to develop these technologies in ways that they can be used as effective tools for teaching children with intellectual disabilities, especially in the inclusive education system in developing countries. Conclusion: The paper reflects on the need to develop technology and tools using flexible and exploratory designs to enhance the learning processes for children with intellectual disabilities from the lower income strata.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION This study highlights the importance of being able to use mobile phones by children with intellectual disabilities belonging to low income families. Following this, the article argues for designing of mobile phones suitable for use by children with intellectual disabilities using playfulness and explorations, and Building e-content keeping the elements of playfulness and exploration which can enhance the learnings of this group of students which is often ignored. 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Can co-creating in CSR initiatives influence loyal customers? Evidence from the banking industry
Consumers are increasingly pressing organizations to adapt meaningful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and seek avenues for co-creation. Study to investigate if CSR can help co-creation significantly contributes to the competitive advantage of banks. Many previous pieces of research have recognized CSR as a strategic imperative that may help businesses to build consumer loyalty. To address gaps in the literature based on the social identity theory and theory of social exchange, this article investigates the impact of CSR on consumer loyalty while considering the mediation effect of co-creation. The data were collected in India, and the sample contained 520 customers of banks. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis. The study findings show that CSR, directly and indirectly, impacts consumer loyalty through co-creation. The current study's findings aid banking institutions in determining how to design and implement strategies based on CSR and co-creation that could eventually result in consumer loyalty. 2023 ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Wall jet nanofluid flow with thermal energy and radiation in the presence of power-law
The effectiveness of jet flow in the energy transfer process has made it very useful in industrial applications. These flows also have higher heat transfer coefficients than traditional cooling through convection. The appliances inclusive of the jet make effective use of fluid and enhance the heat transfer rate. The contemporary article investigates the jet flow of power-law nanofluid past a moving wall. The nanofluid is formed by suspending Cu and Al2O3 nanoparticles in water. Furthermore, the jet flow is analyzed in the presence of radiation, which is further assumed to be linear, and the application of Rosseland approximation is considered to be valid. Considering these aspects, the model is designed using partial differential equations (PDE), which are then converted to a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODE) by implementing certain similarity transformations. Thus, the obtained system is solved using numerical methods, and the results are discussed with the help of graphs. The significant conclusions of the analysis were that the increase in the radiation parameter contributed to the increase in the temperature of the nanofluid. The increase in the Prandtl number reported a decrease in the amount of heat absorbed by the nanofluid. 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Sustainability Integration in Wine Destination Branding : A Comprehensive Review Perspective Fostering UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030
Purpose : This research work intended to evaluate the factors that could inculcate sustainability elements in branding wine destinations that align with the United Nationss Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Methodology : An intensive review of literature was carried out in the contexts of wine tourism, sustainability, and destination branding. Research publications in high-quality journals were reviewed, and the perspectives were generated based on our reflections. Key Findings : The perspective highlighted wine destination image, wine destination personality, technology inclusions, stakeholders and destination culture, wine destination policies, and wine destination marketing communication as the key dimensions to be considered for imposing sustainability elements while branding the wine destinations. Practical Implications : The insights generated here will assist policymakers and governments in aligning wine tourism transactions with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and they suggested profitable positioning of wine destinations with sustainability value propositions. Additionally, they pointed to areas that require further research, which were potentially the most important ones in the field of wine tourism. 2023 ESTUDIOS TERRITORIALES. All rights reserved.