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Safe cloud: Secure and usable authentication framework for cloud environment
Cloud computing an emerging computing model having its roots in grid and utility computing is gaining increasing attention of both the industry and laymen. The ready availability of storage, compute, and infrastructure services provides a potentially attractive option for business enterprises to process and store data without investing on computing infrastructure. The attractions of Cloud are accompanied by many concerns among which Data Security is the one that requires immediate attention. Strong user authentication mechanisms which prevent illegal access to Cloud services and resources are one of the core requirements to ensure secure access. This paper proposes a user authentication framework for Cloud which facilitates authentication by individual service providers as well as by a third party identity provider. The proposed two-factor authentication protocols uses password as the first factor and a Smart card or Mobile Phone as the second factor. The protocols are resistant to various known security attacks. Springer India 2016. -
Nanoencapsulation of Ru(p-cymene) Complex Bearing Ginger-based Natural Product into Liposomal Nanoformulation to Improve Its Cellular Uptake and Antiproliferative Activity
The organometallic compounds are prospective candidates in the row of developing metallochemotherapeutics with the aim of overcoming the limitations of platinum drugs. In order to explore the anticancer properties of organometallic compounds with the natural medicines, two Ru(II)-p-cymene complexes containing the natural products, viz., 6-gingerol (6G) and benzylated-6-gingerdione (B-6GD) have been synthesized and characterized well. The phenolic group of the Ru(6G) complex facilitates its higher cell-free antioxidant activity than its analogue complex. Also, the same complex shows higher cytotoxicity toward A549 lung and HeLa-S3 cervical cancer cells than the Ru(B-6GD) complex but lower cytotoxicity toward A2058 metastatic melanoma cancer cells. Both complexes are shown to easily accumulate in melanoma cancer cells, and their degree of cytotoxicity in the same cells is found to be positively correlated with cell uptake. The cytotoxicity of complexes arises from their intracellular activity, mainly due to the induction of singlet oxygen production in cancer cells. The subcellular fractionation study shows that mitochondria and ER-Golgi membranes might be their predominant targets. Also, the mechanistic investigation revealed that Ru(B-6GD) induces caspase-dependent non-apoptotic cell death whereas Ru(6G) can induce caspase-independent non-apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, both complexes are found to moderately alter the adhesion properties of cancer cells, which is beneficial for antimetastatic treatment. Despite the potential pharmacological activity, Ru(6G) is encapsulated into polymer-supported liposomes to reduce its toxicity and further improve its anticancer potency. The ?-conjugated yne-ene chain of polydiacetylene aids in the development of a stable nanoformulation, which achieved a slow release of the complex. Most importantly, the cancer cell uptake of the liposome-encapsulated Ru(6G) complex is 20 times enhanced and the total ROS formation in cancer cells is significantly increased compared to the non-encapsulated complex. However, the nanoformulation does not alter the antimetastatic potency of the encapsulated complex. 2022 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved. -
Need for an Innovative Method for Second Language English Learners with Special Reference to Syntax and Grammar
Educational Quest Vol. 3, No. 2 pp. 183-192, ISSN No. 0976-7258 -
Gold jewellery making and migrant labour force in Kerala /
Economic & Political Weekly, Vol.54, Issue 28, pp.106-113, ISSN No: 2349-8846. -
Gold jewellery making and migrant labour force in Kerala
The extent of the gold jewellery market in Kerala has widened and consumption patterns have drastically altered. The increasing presence of migrant workers in the industry is a direct consequence of the deregulation of the gold industry in the early 1990s. While resorting to a labour process framework, this paper elucidates the process of recruitment and the composition of workforce. The empirical data is based on the findings and observations gathered through intensive fieldwork conducted during the course of three years, from 2010 to 2013, in the gold jewellery making industry in Thrissur and Kozhikode districts. This work also relies on a larger data set, the Inter-State Migrant Survey conducted by the Centre for Development Studies in 2012, which collected data on migrant workers from four districts of Kerala. 2019 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
Learning and assessment of English language in expeditionary learning (EL) among undergraduate university students
This paper aims to enhance readers understanding of the Learning and Assessment of English language through Expeditionary Learning (EL) Model. The study presents the findings and implications of an experiment conducted among undergraduate university students. The design principles of EL Model are enumerated along with the kinds of expeditions being explained. Learning and Assessment in EL is elaborated by detailing the Facilitators role and the classroom environment required for implementation of this model. The advantages of using the EL model for Learning and Assessment is analyzed by the investigator and presented with findings from the experiment. The study also makes observations that the EL model is a learner-centric model and the psychological principles of learning is incorporated in the design principles of the model. 2020, IJSTR. -
Pt nanoflower-poly(aniline) electrode material with the synchronized concept of energy storage in supercapacitor /
Applied Surface Science, Vol.589, ISSN No: 0169-4332.
Electrochemically deposited porous film of poly(aniline) (PANI) on stainless steel (SS) current collector is employed as the support for electrodeposition of platinum (Pt). PANI facilitates the formation of Pt nanoflowers with an enhanced electrochemically active surface area compared with sub-micron size Pt particles deposited on the bare SS electrode. Hence, a new concept Pt nanoflower-PANI electrode materials with synchronization between redox mode in PANI and double-layer mode of charge storage in Pt nanoflower is discussed. Remarkably, Pt is distributed like a nano-flower on the surface of PANI and prevents PANI from stripping during the charge-discharge process, thereby minimizing the issue of stripping in conducting polymer-based electrodes. -
Pt nanoflower-poly(aniline) electrode material with the synchronized concept of energy storage in supercapacitor
Electrochemically deposited porous film of poly(aniline) (PANI) on stainless steel (SS) current collector is employed as the support for electrodeposition of platinum (Pt). PANI facilitates the formation of Pt nanoflowers with an enhanced electrochemically active surface area compared with sub-micron size Pt particles deposited on the bare SS electrode. Hence, a new concept Pt nanoflower-PANI electrode materials with synchronization between redox mode in PANI and double-layer mode of charge storage in Pt nanoflower is discussed. Remarkably, Pt is distributed like a nano-flower on the surface of PANI and prevents PANI from stripping during the charge-discharge process, thereby minimizing the issue of stripping in conducting polymer-based electrodes. Owing to the highly porous surface morphology of Pt nanoflowers as observed in SEM, the Pt-PANI/SS electrode shows excellent electrochemical performance than PANI/SS electrode towards supercapacitor application. The electrode materials are characterized using X-ray and X-ray photon spectroscopy (XPS), which shows dual amorphous and crystalline properties. Dielectric studies of Pt-PANI/SS electrodes were carried out to understand electrode/electrolyte interface behavior. In the fabricated supercapacitor, the cyclic voltammetry studies showed quasi-rectangular shape characteristics at slower scan rates with a specific capacitance of 926 Fg?1. Charge-discharge studies showed good cyclic stability and coulombic efficiency. 2022 Elsevier B.V. -
Microcannular electrode/polymer electrolyte interface for high performance supercapacitor
In the present work, the ionic resistance in the activated carbon (AC) electrode and blend polymer electrolyte (BPE) interface is reduced by tuning binder and BPE. A unique microcannulars channel connecting AC, binder and gaur gum (GG)/polyvinylalcohol (PVA) electrolyte is developed for easy Li+ movement. The use of AC derived from areca nut and natural GG as a binder makes the developed method more environmentally sustainable. The presence of microcannular structures on the electrode surface and BPE was confirmed using SEM and TEM analysis. Combined DSC-TGA data for BPE showed that PVA provides the mechanical support to jelly guar gum. The ionic conductivity, activation energy, dielectric studies were studied to understand the electrode/electrolyte interface mechanism. Dielectric studies revealed that the unique pathway of microcannular structures reduces the charge transfer resistance significantly at the interface. Optimized BPE was used in the fabrication of supercapacitor and specific capacitance was found to be 542 Fg-1. The time constant was 0.4 s and showed consistent cyclic pattern during galvanostatic charge/discharge studies with 99% Columbic efficiency. 2020 Elsevier Ltd -
Effect of solvents on photophysical properties and quenching of 2-{[3-(1H-benzimidazole-2-yl) phenyl] carbonoimidoyl}phenol
The effect of solvents of varying polarity on the absorption and fluorescence emission of the Schiff base, 2-{[3-(1H-benzimidazole-2-yl) phenyl]carbonoimidoyl}phenol, was studied using Lippert-Mataga bulk polarity function, Reichardt's microscopic solvent polarity parameter and Kamlet's multiple linear regression approach. The spectral properties follow Reichardt's microscopic solvent polarity parameter better than Lippert-Mataga bulk polarity parameter, indicating the presence of both general solute-solvent interactions and specific interactions. Catalan's multiple linear regression approach indicates the major role of solvent polarizability/dipolarity influence compared with solvent acidity or basicity. The solvatochromic effect was utilized to calculate the dipole moments of ground and excited states of the Schiff base using different methods. Bathochromic shift in the emission spectrum and the increase in dipole moment in the excited state signifies the intramolecular charge transfer character in the emitting singlet state. Fluorescence quenching by aniline was also studied in 1,4-dioxane and n-butanol, and the results were analyzed using sphere of action static quenching and finite sink approximation models. 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. -
Structural investigation, spectroscopic and energy level studies of Schiff base: 2-[(3?-N-salicylidenephenyl)benzimidazole] using experimental and DFT methods
The Schiff base 2-[(3?-N-salicylidenephenyl)benzimidazole] (Spbzl) was characterized by FT-Raman, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Crystallographic studies reveal the presence of two water molecules in the asymmetry unit which aid the intermolecular hydrogen bonding with imidazole ring, and the trans-conformation of the azomethine bond. Theoretical computations conducted using density functional theory (DFT) analysis support the experimental facts. Energy levels estimated by DFT studies are in good agreement with the values obtained from cyclic voltammetry technique. Frontier molecular orbital analysis shows that charge transfer has taken place from donor to acceptor moiety, which is also supported by the high hyperpolarizability values in both gaseous and solution phases, indicating high charge transfer capability of the molecule. A comparative theoretical study of Spbzl with derivative 4-((3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)phenylimino)methyl)-3-hydroxybenzoic acid (Pbzlb) having an added anchor group COOH substituted at para position in the acceptor ring has been made. The result shows the feasibility of charge transfer to the semiconductor surface in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications for Pbzlb. 2017 Elsevier B.V. -
Benzimidazole and benzothiazole conjugated Schiff base as fluorescent sensors for Al3+ and Zn2+
Two benzimidazole/benzothiazole based azomethines, (E)-2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-4-(4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenol (HBZA) and (E)2-(benzo[d]thiazol2-yl)4-(4-(diethylamino)2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)phenol (HBTA) were designed and synthesised. Investigations of solvatochromic behaviour of these fluorophores in solvents of varying polarities showed large Stokes shift of 134210 nm. Time resolved Laser induced fluorescence measurements revealed the excited state dynamics of the fluorophores. Molecules were also found to be emissive in aggregated state as seen from the aggregation induced emission studies. Appreciable absorption and emission spectral changes upon co-ordination of HBZA with Al3+/Zn2+ and HBTA with Al3+, as well as good sensitivity and selectivity, indicated their capability of detecting the two analytes. The binding stoichiometry was determined using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and the binding mechanism was studied using density functional theory. 2019 Elsevier B.V. -
Benzimidazole and benzothiazole fluorophores with large Stokes shift and intense sky-blue emission in aggregation as Al3+ and Pb2+ sensors
New fluorophores based on 2-(2?-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole (HBZ) and 2-(2?-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole (HBT) for metal ion sensing were designed and synthesized using a simple method. The photophysical behaviour of these fluorophores were investigated in various solvents using UVvisible and fluorescence spectra. All the heterocycles showed strong excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) characteristics with remarkably large Stokes shift (190252 nm). Spatial charge distribution in the frontier molecular orbitals also demonstrated the ESIPT mechanism through intramolecular charge transfer. Time resolved fluorescence measurements for these heterocycles showed two long-life decay mechanisms which may be attributed to excited state enol and keto emission. These intense sky-blue emitters also exhibited aggregation induced blue shifted emissions due to restriction of intramolecular rotation processes. Fluorescence sensing studies for metal ions revealed the good selectivity of these fluorophores towards Al3+ and Pb2+. Theoretical computations performed using density functional theory methods showed two possible geometric configurations for Al3+ binding. 2019 Elsevier B.V. -
Advancing Predictive Analytics in E-Learning Platform: The Dominance of Blended Models in Enrollment Forecasts
The rapid expansion of e-learning platforms has revolutionized the landscape of education, particularly highlighting the significance of online courses in contemporary learning environments. This research focuses on Udemy, a prominent online learning platform, and aims to enhance the predictability of course enrollments within its IT & Software category. The study's central purpose is to leverage advanced machine learning techniques to predict course subscriber numbers, a crucial indicator of a course's popularity and success. Employing an extensive dataset from (Kaggle DB)Udemy, encompassing various course attributes such as ratings, reviews, and pricing, the study explores multiple machine learning models. These include Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and K-Nearest Neighbors Regression. A key innovation of this research is the application of ensemble methods, particularly a blended model approach, to integrate predictions from multiple models, thereby enhancing accuracy and reliability. The findings of this study are significant. The ensemble approach, notably the blended model, outperforms individual predictive models in accuracy. Among the single models, Gradient Boosting Regression shows the highest effectiveness in forecasting enrollments. The research highlights the vital role of course characteristics, including ratings and reviews, in determining course popularity. This study contributes to the field of e-learning by introducing a novel, data-driven approach to predict course enrollments. It offers valuable insights for educators, course creators, and platform developers, emphasizing the potential of machine learning in optimizing content strategy and marketing efforts in the digital education domain. The application of ensemble machine learning methods presents a new horizon in educational analytics, paving the way for more nuanced and effective strategies in online education delivery and promotion. 2024 IEEE. -
Winning battles with a joke: a qualitative inquiry of humour in the Indian Army
Humour in military organizations can be antithetical given the rigid hierarchy, high degrees of work formalization, and obedience to hierarchy. This paper explores how humour is initiated, propagated and maintained in the Indian Army. We conducted twelve in-depth interviews with retired army professionals and used Braun and Clarkes (2006) thematic analysis to capture the study's main findings. Three major themes emerged organizational humour, leader humour, and team humour. We found humour is essential in combating stress, increasing social cohesion, facilitating newcomer assimilation, and promoting a positive work environment. We also found evidence of subversive humour used in forms of resistance to challenge the hierarchical structure subtly. We have provided a three-part schema of workplace humour which sheds interesting insights on workplace humour. Our findings will contribute to understanding how military humour helps to maneuver challenges of a stressful work situation 2023,European Journal of Humour Research. All Rights Reserved. -
An ancestral genomic locus in Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates from India hints the genetic link with Mycobacterium canettii /
International Microbiology, Vol.23, pp.397–404, ISSN No: 1139-6709. -
GCMS Analysis and zebrafish studiesr reveal presence of antilipidemic phytochemicals in methanolic seed extracts of phaseolus vulgaris /
International Journal of Pharmacy And Biological Sciences, Vol.9, Issue 2, pp.796-802, ISSN No: 2230-7605. -
Climate Change inflicted Environmental Degradation leading to the Crumbling of Arctic Ecosystem
The Arctic and Antarctic regions serve as the air conditioners of planet Earth. The polar regions located thousands of miles away from us determine the climatic patterns of our geographical area. They maintain our planet at bearable temperatures which are ideal for the existence of diverse flora and fauna and to support different types of ecosystems all around the world. Apart from controlling the temperatures, they also regulate ocean currents which in turn have an effect on the monsoons, winds, hurricanes etc. The poles were pristine till a few decades back. Due to mans greed, the poles started deteriorating at an alarming scale. Climate change, biodiversity changes, oil drilling, seismic testing, toxin accumulation are a few of the challenges faced by the Arctic ecosystem having serious effects on its topography, terrestrial and marine life-forms and the whole ecosystem. Due to the alarming scale of global warming, there is also the danger of permafrost meltdown which can unleash a plethora of dangerous pathogens buried underneath and also let out the huge amounts of locked down carbon. The crumbling of the polar ecosystem is leading to rampant consequences not only in the poles but also elsewhere in the world thousands of miles away. Here, we attempt to discuss the repercussions of the crumbling Arctic ecosystem due to the physical, chemical and geological changes caused by such anthropogenic activities and look at the efforts being carried out to save the Arctic ecosystem in a frantic effort to save our planet. 2024, World Researchers Associations. All rights reserved. -
Genetic causes of male infertility and emerging potential of stem cell therapeutics
Infertility has haunted mankind from ancient times. In 40 to 50% of the cases resulting in failure to conceive, the cause can be attributed to male infertility. The rates of infertility have risen in the past few decades among both among men and women. The reasons can be attributed to life style changes and environmental pollution apart from genetic causes. Scientists have found out few possible causes of male infertility and there are few treatment measures currently being carried out. The success of these depends on the primary cause of the infertility problem. In the past few decades, a number of genes playing roles in different stages of sperm development and differentiation were functionally analysed. This knowledge coupled with the advancements in stem cell technology and in vitro gametogenesis has led to new frontiers in possible therapeutic measures of male infertility, especially those with genetic causes. The present study focuses on the causes and treatment of male infertility focussing mainly on important genetic regulations and emerging stem cell-based therapeutics. 2021 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Combined Security Enhancement Using ENIGMA
Enigma is a relatively new and emerging field that has the potential to bring significant benefits to the way contracts are executed and managed. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into smart contract technology can automate repetitive tasks, reduce the need for human intervention, improve decision-making, and provide transparency and trust. It can also provide more flexibility, handle more complex tasks, learn from past experiences, have predictive capabilities, and have human oversight and intervention. All these features make Enigma contracts more advanced than traditional smart contracts. AI-powered smart contracts, or Enigma contracts, can also improve contract execution, increase efficiency, facilitate better negotiation, and facilitate automated dispute resolution. However, as the technology is still in its early stages, major challenges and risks can adopted but the need for robust security. The potential for AI is to make decisions that are not in the best interests of its parties. Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI-powered smart contracts make them an area of on-going research and development that is worth exploring further. Enigma can be used or applied in various fields, and can be used to secure the sensitive information by applying robust security system. Enigma contract is a AI powered smart contract which is used to automate decision-making processes and improve its efficiency, Enigma as the name suggest it is a complex security network which has the potential to revolutionize the security system by increasing efficiency. 2023 IEEE.