Decoding the X-Ray Flare from MAXI J0709-159 Using Optical Spectroscopy and Multiepoch Photometry
We present a follow-up study on the recent detection of two X-ray flaring events by MAXI/Gas Slit Camera observations in soft and hard X-rays from MAXI J0709-159 in the direction of HD 54786 (LY CMa), on 2022 January 25. The X-ray luminosity during the flare was around 1037 erg s-1 (MAXI), which got reduced to 1032 erg s-1 (NuSTAR) after the flare. We took low-resolution spectra of HD 54786 from the 2.01 m Himalayan Chandra Telescope and the 2.34 m Vainu Bappu Telescope (VBT) facilities in India, on 2022 February 1 and 2. In addition to H? emission, we found emission lines of He i in the optical spectrum of this star. By comparing our spectrum of the object with those from the literature we found that He i lines show variability. Using photometric studies we estimate that the star has an effective temperature of 20,000 K. Although HD 54786 is reported as a supergiant in previous studies, our analysis favors it to be evolving off the main sequence in the color-magnitude diagram. We could not detect any infrared excess, ruling out the possibility of IR emission from a dusty circumstellar disk. Our present study suggests that HD 54786 is a Be/X-ray binary system with a compact object companion, possibly a neutron star. 2022. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society.
Bhattacharyya S.; Mathew B.; Ezhikode S.H.; Muneer S.; G. S.; G. M.; Arun R.; Anilkumar H.; Banerjee G.; Kumar S P.; Kartha S.S.; Paul K.T.; Velu C.
Astrophysical Journal Letters, Vol-933, No. 2
All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/ac7b8a https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85134715004&doi=10.3847%2f2041-8213%2fac7b8a&partnerID=40&md5=2c9aa0eb23b7d85f160fd0140b4276ca
Bhattacharyya S., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Hosur Main Road, Bangalore, India; Mathew B., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Hosur Main Road, Bangalore, India; Ezhikode S.H., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Hosur Main Road, Bangalore, India; Muneer S., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore, India; G. S., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore, India; G. M., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore, India; Arun R., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Hosur Main Road, Bangalore, India, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore, India; Anilkumar H., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Hosur Main Road, Bangalore, India; Banerjee G., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Hosur Main Road, Bangalore, India; Kumar S P., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore, India; Kartha S.S., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Hosur Main Road, Bangalore, India; Paul K.T., Department of Physics and Electronics, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Hosur Main Road, Bangalore, India; Velu C., Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Koramangala, Bangalore, India
Establishment of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. callus and optimization of cell suspension culture for the production of anti-Parkinsons drug: L-DOPA
Cell suspension culture; In vitro; L-DOPA; Mucuna pruriens; Optimization
It has become a huge challenge to satisfy the emerging demand for levo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), an anti-Parkinsons drug in the international drug market. This is attributed to the conventional methods of extraction from the natural sources of Mucuna spp., which has a low germination rate, less viable seeds, and an irritating, itching trichomes on the pods. The need for an alternative method with continuous supply of L-DOPA without affecting the natural biodiversity has been achieved through in vitro procedures. However, there has not been a systematic approach to optimize the cultural conditions for the maximum productivity. Hence, in this study, we aim at optimizing the cultural conditions for high biomass and L-DOPA production. Various plant growth regulators such as auxins (indole acetic acid, indole butyric acid, picloram [Pic], naphthalene acetic acid, and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), cytokinins (kinetin, benzylaminopurine, 2-isopentenyl adenine, and thidiazuron), and their combinations have been experimented to figure out the best combination to induce callus. At the same time, various factors such as growth kinetics, different media (MS, Gamborgs-B5, Chus-N6, and Nitsch and Nitsch), media strength (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0X), effect of different macro elements and their strength (0, 0.5,1, 1.5, 2, and 3X), inoculum density, different hydrogen ion concentration (pH), ammonium/nitrate concentration, different sucrose concentrations (010%), and other carbon sources have been investigated in detail for optimizing the cell suspension culture. It was found out that 0.5 mg/L Pic gave the best results for callus induction. With respect to biomass, 6-week growth period (135.7 g/L fresh weight [FW]), 1.0X MS media (126.87 g/L FW), 1.5X magnesium sulfate (266.3 g/L FW), ammonium/nitrate ratio of 21.57/18.8 mM (131.4 g/L FW), pH of 6.0 (129.47 g/L FW), 100 g/L of inoculum (222.2 g/L FW), 3% sucrose concentration (125.6 g/L FW), and 3% glucose (183.4 g/L FW) as other carbon sources were found to give the highest biomass. In terms of L-DOPA production, 3-week growth period (5.90 mg/g dry weight [DW]), 0.5X B5 medium (4.27 mg/g DW), 2.0X calcium chloride (5.06 mg/g DW), ammonium/nitrate ratio of 21.57/18.8 mM (3.44 mg/g DW), pH 6.5 (4.02 mg/g DW), inoculum density of 30 g/L (4.79 mg/g DW), and 2% sucrose (5.17 mg/g DW) resulted in a higher L-DOPA yield. 2022 Rakesh and Praveen.
Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Vol-10, No. 5, pp. 125-135.
https://doi.org/10.7324/JABB.2022.100516 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85135172447&doi=10.7324%2fJABB.2022.100516&partnerID=40&md5=fffcc812d3b0e4d982a277b0f1dce68c
Rakesh B., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed To Be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, India; Praveen N., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed To Be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, India
Compositionally Homogeneous Soft Wrinkles on Elastomeric Substrates: Novel Fabrication Method, Water Collection from Fog, and Triboelectric Charge Generation
buckling instabilities; modulated optical responses; soft surface wrinkles; spin-coating; triboelectric charge generation; water collection
Functionality and stimuli-response of natural and artificial elastomeric materials depend significantly on the morphology of their surfaces. Structural transformability and tunable responsiveness of wrinkles on elastomeric materials can enable numerous applications in flexible electronics, optics, and adhesives. Currently existing fabrication techniques rely on sophisticated instrumentation, complex experimental setups, and expensive reagents. These methods are limited in terms of mechanical robustness of the wrinkles produced. Here, a simple, inexpensive, scalable, and reproducible strategy, making use of buckling instability for the creation of soft surface wrinkles on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is presented. PDMS with lower elastic modulus is spin-coated onto a mechanically stretched film of PDMS with a higher elastic modulus. Thermal curing followed by the release of prestrain resulted in the formation of wrinkles in the top layer of the PDMS. The hydrophobic soft surface wrinkles with compositional homogeneity exhibit efficient fog water collection and triboelectric charge generation useful for the preparation of triboelectric nanogenerator devices. Furthermore, the substrates show high mechanical stability and mechanoresponsive optical behaviors. The simplicity and general applicability of the method presented here is expected to establish a promising pathway toward the formation of soft wrinkles in other elastomeric systems also, facilitating important applications in various fields. 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
Raj S.S.; Davis D.; Viswanathan P.; Chandrasekhar A.; Vinod T.P.
Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, Vol-307, No. 9
https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.202200247 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85131912109&doi=10.1002%2fmame.202200247&partnerID=40&md5=d86c45a0d4568500d5d89f16b17e10cd
Raj S.S., Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India; Davis D., Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India; Viswanathan P., Nanosensors and Nanoenergy Lab, Department of Sensors and Biomedical Technology, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632014, India; Chandrasekhar A., Nanosensors and Nanoenergy Lab, Department of Sensors and Biomedical Technology, School of Electronics Engineering, Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, 632014, India; Vinod T.P., Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India
Investigation on window opening behavior in naturally ventilated hostels of warm and humid climate
Logistic regression model; Natural ventilation; Occupant behavior; Warm and Humid climate; Window opening behavior
A window is an inevitable element of a naturally ventilated building, and its usage improves indoor environmental conditions. Various research has presented window opening behavior models, stating that it may vary with region, climate, season, building type and many more environmental and non-environmental factors. Major studies in India relied on survey data and were not focused on continuous monitoring. Limited occupants behavior studies have been reported in warm and humid climatic zones, specifically in hostel buildings. Also, a realistic description of occupants window opening behavior is require for more accurate evaluation of building performance using energy simulation. Therefore, there is a need to study the window opening behavior to predict the indoor environment more accurately by using energy simulation tools. In this context, a one-year field research involving questionnaire survey, physical observation, and monitoring was conducted in different hostel buildings in Tiruchirappalli, India. Logistic models were developed to predict the window state in hostel buildings in warm and humid region based on physical observational and long-term monitoring data. It is found that window use is influenced by season, time of the day, weekdays, floor level, buildings orientation, user type, and gender. Results also showed that insects and animal menace (snakes, squirrels, lizards, mosquitoes etc.) impede window opening behavior. The study also presented a logistic model for window opening behavior based on outdoor environment conditions for simulation modeling. 2022 Elsevier B.V.
Faheem M.; Bhandari N.; Tadepalli S.; Abinaya J.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2022.112184 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85131442202&doi=10.1016%2fj.enbuild.2022.112184&partnerID=40&md5=becea978657e30f97908b53c49249a6c
Faheem M., Department of Architecture, National Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli, 620015, India; Bhandari N., Department of Architecture, National Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli, 620015, India; Tadepalli S., Department of Architecture, National Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli, 620015, India; Abinaya J., Department of Architecture, National Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Tiruchirappalli, 620015, India, School of Architecture, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560029, India
Finite Element Analysis of Hybrid Skin Sandwich Composite
Aluminium alloy; ANSYS Mechanical APDL; Areca fibre; Sandwich structured composite
Sandwich structured composite is a particular classification in composite materials. This type of structure has been mainly used in recent studies because of its high specific strength, low density, and stiffness. It is increasingly more commonly employed in structural designs due to its features and performance. The sandwich composites used in this investigation are made of aluminium alloys and areca fibre. The sandwich composites face sheet comes in a variety of thicknesses. The adhesive skin layer is also varied to investigate the effect of using natural fibre. The sandwich composite is subjected to 3 point bend test. The modal analysis is investigated using the finite element method. The 3D model of sandwich composites is modelled using solid works 2020. Using Altair Hyper Works, the boundary conditions and meshing is carried out. ANSYS Mechanical APDL is used to analyse the sandwich composites. This investigation analyses the behaviour of composite sandwich beams. 2022, Books and Journals Private Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Rao A.; Niranjana S.J.; Shivakumar S.; Kiran K.; Sharathchandra; Naresh H.; Sampath H.P.
Journal of Mines, Metals and Fuels, Vol-70, No. 8, pp. 188-199.
All Open Access; Hybrid Gold Open Access
https://doi.org/10.18311/jmmf/2022/32041 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85170033899&doi=10.18311%2fjmmf%2f2022%2f32041&partnerID=40&md5=018954b5ef17f4434ec02be2d6cf4354
Rao A., Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, CHRIST University, Bangalore, 560074, India; Niranjana S.J., Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, CHRIST University, Bangalore, 560074, India; Shivakumar S., Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, CHRIST University, Bangalore, 560074, India; Kiran K., Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, CHRIST University, Bangalore, 560074, India; Sharathchandra, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NMAM Institute of Technology, Karnataka, Nitte, 574110, India; Naresh H., Department of Mechanical Engineering, Siddaganga Institute of Technology, Karnataka, Tumkur, 572103, India; Sampath H.P., Department of Mechanical Engineering, VTU, Karnataka, Bangalore, India
Blockchain with deep learning-enabled secure healthcare data transmission and diagnostic model
Blockchain; disease diagnosis; encryption; healthcare; privacy; security
At these times, internet of things (IoT) technologies have become ubiquitous in the healthcare sector. Because of the increasing needs of IoT, massive quantity of patient data is being gathered and is utilized for diagnostic purposes. The recent developments of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) models are commonly employed to accurately identify the diseases in real-time scenarios. Despite the benefits, security, energy constraining, insufficient training data are the major issues which need to be resolved in the IoT enabled medical field. To accomplish the security, blockchain technology is recently developed which is a decentralized architecture that is widely utilized. With this motivation, this paper introduces a new blockchain with DL enabled secure medical data transmission and diagnosis (BDL-SMDTD) model. The goal of the BDL-SMDTD model is to securely transmit the medical images and diagnose the disease with maximum detection rate. The BDL-SMDTD model incorporates different stages of operations such as image acquisition, encryption, blockchain, and diagnostic process. Primarily, moth flame optimization (MFO) with elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), called MFO-ECC technique is used for the image encryption process where the optimal keys of ECC are generated using MFO algorithm. Besides, blockchain technology is utilized to store the encrypted images. Then, the diagnostic process involves histogram-based segmentation, Inception with ResNet-v2-based feature extraction, and support vector machine (SVM)-based classification. The experimental performance of the presented BDL-SMDTD technique has been validated using benchmark medical images and the resultant values highlighted the improved performance of the BDL-SMDTD technique. The proposed BDL-SMDTD model accomplished maximum classification performance with sensitivity of 96.94%, specificity of 98.36%, and accuracy of 95.29%, whereas the feature extraction is performed based on ResNet-v2 World Scientific Publishing Company.
Neelakandan S.; Rene Beulah J.; Prathiba L.; Murthy G.L.N.; Fantin Irudaya Raj E.; Arulkumar N.
International Journal of Modeling, Simulation, and Scientific Computing, Vol-13, No. 4
Neelakandan S., Department of CSE R.M.K Engineering College, Chennai, India; Rene Beulah J., Department of CSE College of Engineering and Technology Faculty of Engineering and Technology SRM Institute of Science and Technology SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chennai, India; Prathiba L., MIT Art Design and Technology University, Pune, India; Murthy G.L.N., Lakireddy Bali Reddy College of Engineering, Andhra Pradesh, Mylavaram, India; Fantin Irudaya Raj E., Department of EEE Dr., Sivanthi Aditanar College of Engineering, Tamilnadu, India; Arulkumar N., Department of CS CHRIST, Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India
Garlic peel based mesoporous carbon nanospheres for an effective removal of malachite green dye from aqueous solutions: Detailed isotherms and kinetics
Adsorption studies; Biosorbents; Biowaste; Dye removal; Garlic peel; Malachite green; Nanoparticles
Biowaste based nanoadsorbents have gained much attention in the recent times for wastewater decolourization owing to their low cost, high surface area and high adsorption capacities. In the present research, garlic peel based nanoparticles (GCNP) were synthesized at different temperatures by a one step pyrolytic green approach for the effective removal of cationic dye, malachite green from the aqueous medium. The surface properties of Garlic nanoparticles were elucidated by N2 adsorption- desorption and all the GCNP samples were found to exhibit Type IV(a) isotherm indicating the presence of mesopores in carbon matrix. Using BET calculations, highest surface area (380 m2/g) was obtained for GCNP synthesized at 1000 ?C. Characterization of nanoparticles was done by XRD, EDAX, SEM and FTIR studies before and after the dye treatment. Adsorption studies conducted using different parameters like contact time, concentration and pH and dosage of adsorbent showed removal efficiency above 90% for the contact time of 70 min. Best adsorption experimental results were obtained for GCNP synthesized at 1000 C ascribable to its high surface area, higher total pore volume (0.26 cm2/g) and higher carbon content. Four adsorption isotherm models were used to validate batch equillibrium studies and the results showed data in good agreement with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms with maximum Langmuir adsorbtion capactiy to be 373.7 mg/g. Kinetic modelling of the data showed best fit with the Pseudo second order model with rate constant value of 48.726 g mg?1 min?1. Regenerative studies were conducted conducted upto 6 cycles. Also the GC nanoparticles were tested for their compatibility in membrane form wherein, removal efficiency results were obtained for GCNP anchored in polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF) and polysulfone (PSF) membrane matrix for dye adsorption. 2022 Elsevier B.V.
Pathania D.; Bhat V.S.; Mannekote Shivanna J.; Sriram G.; Kurkuri M.; Hegde G.
Spectrochimica Acta - Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, Vol-276
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2022.121197 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85127467856&doi=10.1016%2fj.saa.2022.121197&partnerID=40&md5=ab2aeaed399511b9024c11c239477f85
Pathania D., Centre for Advanced Research and Development (CARD), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Rd, Bhavani Nagar, S.G. Palya, Karnataka, Bangalore, 560029, India; Bhat V.S., Department of Material Sciences, Mangalore University, Mangalore, Mangalagangothri, 574199, India; Mannekote Shivanna J., Department of Chemistry, AMC Engineering College, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, 560083, India; Sriram G., Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), JAIN University, Jain Global Campus, Bengaluru, 562 112, India; Kurkuri M., Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), JAIN University, Jain Global Campus, Bengaluru, 562 112, India; Hegde G., Centre for Advanced Research and Development (CARD), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Rd, Bhavani Nagar, S.G. Palya, Karnataka, Bangalore, 560029, India, Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Rd, Bhavani Nagar, S.G. Palya, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560029, India
What is Remembered in Pandemic: A Commentary on the Mediated Memories of Piety in COVID-19
COVID-19 and society; Gender studies; Memory studies; Pandemic and its imaginations; Popular religious piety; Women politicians
The paper explores how the experiences of the present pandemic are shaped by the memories of popular religious piety during past pandemics and epidemics. Taking insights from the works of Astrid Erll and Reinhart Koselleck, the process remembering-imagining system within the context of the pandemic is discussed by tracing the reemergence of pandemic deities and narratives of piety in India. Using digitally documented and disseminated narratives on piety emerging during COVID-19, an attempt is made to understand how these narratives shape the experiences, responses, and collective memory of the pandemic. Through a discussion of the shift in the imagination of political leadership and the moral responsibilities of the community, an attempt is made to highlight the mode in which the narratives on piety shape the contours of a time that is otherwise unimaginable. The mediated memories of popular religious piety make it possible to remember similar crisis times and to imagine and reinstate the social order that is threatened by this sudden unimaginable crisis. The paper thus argues that within the context of India, popular religious piety, though often overlooked, becomes a significant part of making sense and shaping the experiences of the pandemic time. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
All Open Access; Bronze Open Access; Green Open Access
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12115-022-00707-x https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85127357720&doi=10.1007%2fs12115-022-00707-x&partnerID=40&md5=0b8fd136ec9d6e1a8c77e1ca79498eee
Vijayaraghavan A.P., Department of English and Cultural Studies, Christ University, Room No. 662, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Pai Layout, Hulimavu, Karnataka, Bangalore, 560076, India; Chattaraj D., Department of English and Cultural Studies, Christ University, Room No. 661, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Pai Layout, Hulimavu, Karnataka, Bangalore, 560076, India
Design and Optimization of Friction Stir Welding of Al-Cu BUTT Joint Configuration using Taguchi Method
ANOVA; Friction stir welding; Hardened OHNS steel tool; Taguchi L9 orthogonal array; tool pin offset
Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state welding technique in which the joint quality was predominantly subjected to heat formation throughout the metal welding process. The weld joint produced from FSW was better than the other fusion welding process. In this research, the base plates AA6101 and C11000 of 5 mm thickness were joined using the hardened oil-hardened non-shrinkable steel(OHNS) tool by the FSW method. The design of experiment (DOE) was used to optimize the input parameters such as tool rotational speed (rpm), feed rate (mm/min), and tool pin offset (mm) on output parameter ultimate tensile strength (UTS). The design of experiment (DOE) was carried out by employing a Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, three factors, and three levels for obtaining a quality joint with good strength. The results of nine trial runs from the Taguchi experimental approach were formulated and analyzed using the statistical tool analysis of variance (ANOVA) using MINITAB 19 software. ANOVA analysis was employed to find the contribution of the input parameters toward the output. The optimized input process parameters will help to create effective weld joints. This study revealed that tool pin offset towards softer metal at medium tool rotational speed would create joints with the highest UTS. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was applied to investigate the structural changes in the FSW of Al-Cu joints. 2022, Books and Journals Private Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Pratap Kumar J.; Raj A.; Ramesha K.; Rout I.S.
Journal of Mines, Metals and Fuels, Vol-70, No. 8, pp. 471-479.
https://doi.org/10.18311/jmmf/2022/32029 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85167332663&doi=10.18311%2fjmmf%2f2022%2f32029&partnerID=40&md5=290a662b3f383c3a0289cf28d9c77694
Pratap Kumar J., Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560074, India; Raj A., Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560074, India; Ramesha K., Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560074, India; Rout I.S., Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560074, India
Progress in bio-based biodegradable polymer as the effective replacement for the engineering applicators
Biocomposites; Biomass; Biopolymers; Cellulose; Polyhyroxyalkanoates
The development of biopolymers has significantly touched each and every sphere of human life due to their eco friendliness and biodegradability. In recent decades, the production of biopolymers gained profound attention due to the serious environmental concerns and threat to the non-renewable resources. The increased use of synthetic plastic in biomedical and engineering applications stays as a major threat to environment when these xenobiotics enter the food chain and soil upon their careless discharge after use. The significant material properties of plastic has made it as an inevitable part in our day to day life, but the concern over the environment directs the research focus on searching and developing biopolymers and bio composites as sustainable alternatives for their synthetic counterparts. Biopolymers of commercial interest can be majorly produced intracellularly by microbes or can be extracted through chemical or biological methods from plant and animal based substrates. The potential candidates with high market value with specific reference to biomedical engineering and tissue engineering include as polyhydroxyalkanoates, cellulose, chitosan and chitin, hydroxyapatite, and pectin. Despite of having high degree of biocompatibility, the major hurdle that retracts their widespread use commercially is attributed to the cost of production. This can be tackled out by exploiting cheap raw materials like agro waste as substrate and by employing green approaches over solvent based conventional extraction methods. The reduction in the material properties of purified biopolymers restricts their widespread application especially in the fabrication of thermoplastic blends. This can be resolved by production of bio composites with improved properties than their parent biopolymers. The current review focuses on the recent developments in biopolymer science especially with regard to its application in engineering majorly biomedical and tissue engineering. This study throws light on the biosynthetic pathways, extraction methods and applications of commercially important biopolymers. Furthermore, the challenges, limitations, and future prospects in the production and commercialization of biopolymers is briefly discussed in this review. 2022 Elsevier Ltd
Umesh M.; Shanmugam S.; Kikas T.; Lan Chi N.T.; Pugazhendhi A.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132267 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85131037628&doi=10.1016%2fj.jclepro.2022.132267&partnerID=40&md5=2924590f9761f7bc0eb5d61882d14cc2
Umesh M., Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560029, India; Shanmugam S., Chair of Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 56/1, Tartu, 51006, Estonia; Kikas T., Chair of Biosystems Engineering, Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 56/1, Tartu, 51006, Estonia; Lan Chi N.T., School of Engineering and Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam; Pugazhendhi A., Emerging Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications Research Group, School of Engineering and Technology, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Capacitive dominated charge storage in supermicropores of self-activated carbon electrodes for symmetric supercapacitors
Biomass; Capacitive storage; Porous carbons; Self-activation; Solid-state supercapacitors; True performance metrics
The present work demonstrates a systematic study of pore size and specific surface area (SSA) of biomass-derived carbon and the choice of electrolyte concentrations affecting charge-storage mechanism (surface controlled and diffusion controlled) and electrochemical behaviour. Porous nanocarbons derived from Caesalpinia Sappan pods were synthesized by pyrolysis at 400, 600, and 800 C. Pyrolysis at 800 C was found suitable for the self-activation mechanism which formed bimodal porous nanocarbons with a high SSA of 675 m2/g. A maximum specific capacitance of 261.8 F/g at 0.5 A/g in 5.0 M KOH was observed for electrode materials synthesized at 800 C. The highlight of the study is the porous nanocarbon synthesized at 800 C which was found to possess micropores of size 0.71.0 nm playing a pivotal role in enhancing capacitance. The effect of electrolyte concentration on capacitance and charge storage mechanisms was also analyzed. A diffusion-controlled self-discharge model is established for supercapacitor devices. The single cell can power a red LED for 15 min; exemplifying the sustainable strategy of the utilization of abundant bio-waste to efficient energy storage devices. 2022 Elsevier Ltd
Bhat V.S.; Toghan A.; Hegde G.; Varma R.S.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2022.104776 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85129740071&doi=10.1016%2fj.est.2022.104776&partnerID=40&md5=dc2f5018301d07bb0713470ba722bf54
Bhat V.S., Centre for Nano-materials & Displays (CND), B.M.S. College of Engineering, Bull Temple Road, Karnataka, Bangalore, 560019, India, Department of Materials Science, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri, Karnataka, Mangalore, 574 199, India; Toghan A., Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, 83523, Egypt, Chemistry Department, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 11623, Saudi Arabia; Hegde G., Centre for Advanced Research and Development (CARD), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Rd, Bhavani Nagar, S.G. Palya, Karnataka, Bangalore, 29, India, Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Rd, Bhavani Nagar, S.G. Palya, Karnataka, Bangalore, 29, India; Varma R.S., Regional Center of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palacky University, lechtitel? 27, Olomouc, 783 71, Czech Republic
Efficiency Wage and Productivity in the Indian Microfinance Industry: A Panel Evidence
Efficiency wage; financial sustainability; India; microfinance; microfinance institutions; mission drift; outreach
Enhanced productivity remains a crucial agenda for firms to attain cost and competitive advantages in the market. Hence, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of efficiency wage (EW) on the productivity of microfinance institutions (MFIs) with respect to their dual objectives, namely, outreach (depth and breadth) and financial sustainability. Unbalanced panel data of 179 Indian MFIs were collected over the period 20102018 from the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) market platform (now obtainable from the World Bank catalogue). Under a static model setting (fixed effects model), the observed relationship between EW and MFIs productivity is mixed. On the one hand, EW exhibits a strong and statistically significant positive relationship with the breadth of outreach, even after considering various control variables and alternative proxies of EW. On the other hand, EW shows no positive influence on the MFIs depth of outreach; rather, it results in a mission drift of MFIs, with the poorest of the poor being neglected (weak and insignificant for proxy of EW). Concerning the financial sustainability of MFIs, EW exhibits a positive and statistically significant effect, except for the profitability dimension when an alternative proxy of EW is used. A two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) performed to limit endogeneity problems also validates most of our findings. The outcomes of this study could help MFIs managers in designing appropriate financial packages to enhance MFIs productivity and subsequently attain the dual objective of outreach and sustainability. 2022 SAGE Publications.
Mia M.A.; Pellegrina L.D.; Zhang C.; Sangwan S.
IIM Kozhikode Society and Management Review, Vol-11, No. 2, pp. 235-252.
Mia M.A., School of Management, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia; Pellegrina L.D., Department of Economics, Management and Statistics (DEMS), University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza Ateneo Nuovo, Milan, Italy; Zhang C., School of Accounting, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, China; Sangwan S., Department of Commerce, Christ University, Maharashtra, Pune, India
Influence of higher-order modes on ferroconvection
Using Fourier representations, an elaborate study of regular cellular-convective and chaotic motions in a ferrofluid is made. Investigation is made on the adequacy or otherwise of the minimal mode in studying such motions. Higher-order modes are also considered by adding modes (vertical/horizontal/combined extension). For higher modes, the extensions yield a dynamical system of order greater than three. The characteristic features of extended ferromagnetic-Lorenz models are analyzed using the largest Lyapunov exponent(LE), second largest LE, bifurcation diagram, and phase-space plots. The effect of additional modes on critical modal-Rayleigh (infinitesimal and finite-amplitude ones) numbers and the Rayleigh number at which transition to chaos occurs are examined to report features of ferroconvection hitherto unseen in previous studies. As both horizontal and vertical modes are increased, our findings infer that the dynamical system displays advanced onset of regular convection and delayed chaotic motion. Vigorous-chaotic motion is seen on adding vertical modes, whereas on adding horizontal modes, intense chaos appears with decreased intensity for large values of the scaled Rayleigh number. Most important finding from the study is that as modes are increased (vertical/horizontal), the transition from regular to chaotic motion is greatly modified and leads the system to a hyper-chaotic state. Conventionally, the chaotic or hyper-chaotic state is intermittent with a periodic/quasi-periodic state but it can be retained in the chaotic or hyper-chaotic state by considering moderate values of the Prandtl number and/or by bringing in the ferromagnetic effect. 2022 Author(s).
Kanchana C.; Vez J.A.; Pez L.M.; Laroze D.; Siddheshwar P.G.
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0097398 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85137102996&doi=10.1063%2f5.0097398&partnerID=40&md5=2c06a9fefed4f0bd53b40e937886423f
Kanchana C., Instituto de Alta Investigaci, Sede Esmeralda Universidad de Tarapac Av. Luis Emilio Recabarren 2477, Iquique, Chile; Vez J.A., Instituto de Alta Investigaci, CEDENNA, Universidad de Tarapac Casilla 7 D, Arica, 1000000, Chile; Pez L.M., Departamento de Fica, FACI, Universidad de Tarapac Casilla 7 D, Arica, 1000000, Chile; Laroze D., Instituto de Alta Investigaci, CEDENNA, Universidad de Tarapac Casilla 7 D, Arica, 1000000, Chile; Siddheshwar P.G., Center for Mathematical Needs, Department of Mathematics, CHRIST(Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, 560029, India
Child sexual abuse prevention involving mothers: A Quasi-experimental study with Protection Motivation Theory-based intervention
child sexual abuse; India; intervention; mothers; prevention
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a worldwide problem. The safety of children is everybody's responsibility. Parental and family involvement is crucial in the CSA prevention process. Parental lack of knowledge may increase the risk of abuse among children. Educating parents is crucial as children are mostly dependent on them. The role of mothers in educating children on CSA is of relevance as they are identified as more sensitive and responsible caregivers. The present study aimed to promote knowledge and attitude towards CSA prevention among mothers through a psychoeducation program. A pre- and posttest design (n = 67) was used with an intervention based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). A CSA knowledge and attitude scale was developed for the assessment of the participants for the study. There were significant changes in knowledge and attitude among the participants after the intervention. The prevention of CSA will be effective with knowledge gains after the PMT-based intervention. The intervention programs that involve mothers in CSA education have benefits. The findings of this study can be helpful to incorporate public health approaches to devise evidence-based parental programs in community settings. 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Journal of Community Psychology, Vol-50, No. 8, pp. 3733-3745.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22868 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85129279721&doi=10.1002%2fjcop.22868&partnerID=40&md5=ec337f7e065a63ab5087b5eddee2a1ae
Bhagyalakshmi K.C., Department of Psychology, Christ (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, India; Kumar A., Department of Psychology, Christ (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bengaluru, India
Critical concepts of restrained domination in signed graphs
critical concepts; restrained domination number; Signed graphs
A signed graph ? is a simple undirected graph in which each edge is either positive or negative. Restrained dominating set D in ? is a restrained dominating set of the underlying graph |?| where the subgraph induced by the edges across ?[D: V D] and within V D is balanced. The minimum cardinality of a restrained dominating set of ? is called the restrained domination number, denoted by ?r(?). In this paper, we initiate the study on various critical concepts to investigate the effect of edge removal or edge addition on restrained domination number in signed graphs. 2022 World Scientific Publishing Company.
Discrete Mathematics, Algorithms and Applications, Vol-14, No. 6
Mathias A.J., Department of Mathematics, Christ (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India; Sangeetha V., Department of Mathematics, Christ (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India; Acharya M., Department of Mathematics, Christ (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560029, India
Authentic leadership in a pandemic world: an exploratory study in the Indian context
Authentic leadership; COVID; Crisis; Leadership
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the strategies that helps leaders be authentic in order to be able to respond proactively and become effective in helping their organisations they lead in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: Using a qualitative approach, 25 business leaders from diverse sectors were interviewed to understand what sustained them in an adverse context. Findings: Results reveal various dimensions of authentic leadership in a disruptive environment. Authentic leaders have to exhibit distinct behaviours that stems from re-examining oneself to reaffirming organisational purpose. Reimagining the work is emerged as the newer dimension to the authentic leadership considering the context of COVID-19. Practical implications: The results of the study provides insights for anyone leading organisations in today's disruptive business environment. The findings of this study can be used further to undertake quantitative studies to test professional relationships and understand the leadership strategies at different time frames. Originality/value: This paper addresses the strategies that leaders successfully follow to withstand the COVID crisis and highlights the different roles and behaviours that helped leaders to address the crisis confidently. 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Journal of Management Development, Vol-41, No. 5, pp. 301-316.
https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-10-2021-0281 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85135968405&doi=10.1108%2fJMD-10-2021-0281&partnerID=40&md5=03e4aeba63f474c4f03ad60584b52ae1
Chully A.A., CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune, India; Jose J., CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune, India; Luthufi M., School of Management and Labour Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, India
Simulation and fabrication of tungsten oxide thin films for electrochromic applications
Electrochromism; Nano-pillars; Simulation; Sputtering; Transmittance; Tungsten oxide (WO3)
Electrochromics is the emerging technology that is used in sunlight control window glazing for buildings, automobiles and it can also control indoor climate through smart windows. Electrochromism is the mutable change in optical properties of an electrochromic material caused by redox reactions due to the application of voltage. Easy intercalating the H + ions on a dense electrochromic material (WO3) is the most important parameter as far as the reaction kinetics is concerned. The goal of our work is to improve the electrochemical response of electrochromic material by constructing nano-pillars rather than using dense electrochromic materials. Electrochemical performance of both the dense (planar) and porus (nano pillars) structures were simulated and experimentally proved with a systematic discussion in the present work. It is proven and shown here the increase in the electrochemical kinetics through easy diffusion of ions into the nanostructured electrochromic material. 2022 Elsevier B.V.
Naveen Kumar K.; Nithya G.; Shaik H.; Hemanth B.; Chethana M.; Kishore K.; Madhavi V.; Jafri R.I.; Sattar S.A.; Gupta J.; Ashok Reddy G.V.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2022.413932 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85131403965&doi=10.1016%2fj.physb.2022.413932&partnerID=40&md5=6d063d5ed6065b062618d89a5dc05fef
Naveen Kumar K., Department of Physics, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India, Centre for Nano-materials and MEMS, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India; Nithya G., Department of Electronics and Communication, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India, Centre for Nano-materials and MEMS, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India; Shaik H., Department of Physics, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India, Centre for Nano-materials and MEMS, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India; Hemanth B., Department of Electronics and Communication, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India; Chethana M., Department of Electronics and Communication, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India; Kishore K., Department of Electronics and Communication, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India; Madhavi V., Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India; Jafri R.I., Department of Physics and Electronics, Christ University, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India; Sattar S.A., Department of Physics, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India; Gupta J., Department of Physics, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India, Centre for Nano-materials and MEMS, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India; Ashok Reddy G.V., Department of Physics, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, 560064, India, Department of Physics, SJB Institute of Technology, Kengeri, Bengaluru, 560060, India
Computational investigation into structural, topological, electronic properties, and biological evaluation of spiro[1H-indole-3,2?-3H-1,3-benzothiazole]-2-one
The current work comprises theoretical studies on spiro[1H-indole-3,2?-3H-1,3-benzothiazole]-2-one employing density functional theory (DFT). The optimized structure and molecular geometry of the title compound were calculated. Topological studies were performed using Multiwfn 3.8, these include ELF, LOL and RDG studies to identify the main bonding regions and weak interactions in the molecule. Solvation effects were studied by taking different green solvents, using IEFPCM model. Solvation effects were investigated for electronic properties (HOMO-LUMO and UV), MEP, and NLO properties and some variation is observed in the behaviour of the title compound in gas and solvent phases. Natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations are performed to study the inter- and intra-molecular charge transfer and stability. Pharmacological evaluation comprising of drug-likeness, ADME, environmental toxicity properties using online tools such as SwissADME, Pre-ADMET, and GUSAR, to determine whether the molecule can be a potential drug candidate is performed. Finally, molecular docking against anti-melanoma targets whose Ramachandran plots have been depicted to determine the stability of the target proteins, with PyMOL, AutoDock Suite and Discovery Studio Visualizer, is carried out. 2022 Elsevier B.V.
Parakkal S.C.; Datta R.; Muthu S.; Irfan A.; Jeelani A.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119234 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85129687521&doi=10.1016%2fj.molliq.2022.119234&partnerID=40&md5=c90074cdd825809fa1918c5be6932891
Parakkal S.C., Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India; Datta R., Department of Chemistry, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Hosur Road, Bengaluru, 560029, India; Muthu S., Department of Physics, Arignar Anna Govt. Arts College, Tamil Nadu, Cheyyar, 604407, India; Irfan A., Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia; Jeelani A., Department of Physics, Arignar Anna Govt. Arts College, Tamil Nadu, Cheyyar, 604407, India
Fintech Innovations in the Financial Service Industry
financial services; financing; fintech; innovations; payments
Digital transformation underscored by the fourth industrial revolution has led to the emergence of sophisticated technology-enabled financial services known as fintech, that has swiftly altered traditional financial services space. Global adoption of fintech is rapidly increasing due to its disruptive nature and is largely embraced by participants who are underserved by traditional financial service providers. Global investments in fintech are growing rapidly year by year owing to increased interconnectivity with the digital revolution. Fintech is expansive, engulfing a plethora of innovative applications in various services including payments, financing, asset management, insurance, etc. There exists a gap in the literature and visualization research on impact and future pathway of fintech innovations in payments and financial services and role of financial regulations. This study aims to enrich the understanding of fintech innovations in payments and financing and investigate the correlation and significance of regulatory framework in maintaining a fair ecosystem. With this objective, an extant systematic review was performed using research articles published in peer-reviewed journals for the period 20142022 when there has been a burgeoning of interest in fintech globally. The findings of this study contribute to the theoretical constructs of fintech innovations in the financial services industry and show that such innovations play a crucial role in shaping the nature of future of business. The results of this study have implications for researchers who could deploy this research as a reference point to get a holistic insight and a detailed mapping of innovations in fintech. 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Anifa M.; Ramakrishnan S.; Joghee S.; Kabiraj S.; Bishnoi M.M.
Journal of Risk and Financial Management, Vol-15, No. 7
https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm15070287 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85135497908&doi=10.3390%2fjrfm15070287&partnerID=40&md5=3d50f78a981cc1cb7b58b42303e7f057
Anifa M., Department of Business Administration, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, 560029, India; Ramakrishnan S., Amity Business School, Amity University, Dubai, 73000, United Arab Emirates; Joghee S., International Business and Marketing, School of Business, Skyline University, P.O. Box 1797, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Kabiraj S., Strategy and International Business, School of Entrepreneurship and Business, Hame University of Applied Sciences Ltd., (HAMK), Valkeakoski, FI-37630, Finland; Bishnoi M.M., School of Humanities, Arts and Applied Sciences, Amity University, Dubai, 73000, United Arab Emirates
An Enhanced Transfer Learning Based Classification for Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
benign; classification; convolutional neural network; data augmentation; Kaggle; malignant; skin cancer; VGG16
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed and reported malignancy worldwide. To reduce the death rate from cancer, it is essential to diagnose skin cancer at a benign stage as soon as possible. To save lives, an automated system that can detect skin cancer in its earliest stages is necessary. For the diagnosis of skin cancer, various researchers have performed tasks using deep learning and transfer learning models. However, the existing literature is limited in terms of its accuracy and its troublesome and time-consuming process. As a result, it is critical to design an automatic system that can deliver a fast judgment and considerably reduce mistakes in diagnosis. In this work, a deep learning-based model has been designed for the identification of skin cancer at benign and malignant stages using the concept of transfer learning approach. For this, a pre-trained VGG16 model is improved by adding one flatten layer, two dense layers with activation function (LeakyReLU) and another dense layer with activation function (sigmoid) to enhance the accuracy of this model. This proposed model is evaluated on a dataset obtained from Kaggle. The techniques of data augmentation are applied in order to enhance the random-ness among the input dataset for model stability. The proposed model has been validated by considering several useful hyper parameters such as different batch sizes of 8, 16, 32, 64, and 128; different epochs and optimizers. The proposed model is working best with an overall accuracy of 89.09% on 128 batch size with the Adam optimizer and 10 epochs and outperforms state-of-the-art techniques. This model will help dermatologists in the early diagnosis of skin cancers. 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Anand V.; Gupta S.; Altameem A.; Nayak S.R.; Poonia R.C.; Saudagar A.K.J.
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12071628 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85133849397&doi=10.3390%2fdiagnostics12071628&partnerID=40&md5=6e1f7b12eb723fbd8694fe1b30481367
Anand V., Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Punjab, Rajpura, 140401, India; Gupta S., Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Punjab, Rajpura, 140401, India; Altameem A., Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Applied Studies and Community Services, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11533, Saudi Arabia; Nayak S.R., Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201301, India; Poonia R.C., Department of Computer Science, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Karnataka, Bangalore, 560029, India; Saudagar A.K.J., Information Systems Department, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 11432, Saudi Arabia