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The main purpose of this controller is to carryout irrigation by the farmers with renewable energy resources.

The proposed design includes the Deep learning based intelligent stand-alone energy management system used for irrigation purpose. The deep algorithm applied here is Radial basis function neural network which tracks the maximum power, maintains the battery as well as load system.

The Radial Basis Function Neural Network algorithm is used for carrying out the training process. In comparison with other conventional algorithms, this algorithm outperforms by higher efficiency and lower tracking time without oscillation.

It is little complex to implement the hardware setup of neural network in terms of training process but the work is under progress.

The practical hardware implementation is under progress.

If controller are implemented in a real-time environment, definitely it helps the human-less farming and irrigation process.

If this system is implemented in real-time environment, every farmer gets benefitted.

This paper aims to present a high-order scheme to approximate generalized derivative of Caputo type for μ ∈ (0,1). The scheme is used to find the numerical solution of generalized fractional advection-diffusion equation define in terms of the generalized derivative.

The Taylor expansion and the finite difference method are used for achieving the high order of convergence which is numerically demonstrated. The stability of the scheme is proved with the help of Von Neumann analysis.

Generalization of fractional derivatives using scale function and weight function is useful in modeling of many complex phenomena occurring in particle transportation. The numerical scheme provided in this paper enlarges the possibility of solving such problems.

The Taylor expansion has not been used before for the approximation of generalized derivative. The order of convergence obtained in solving generalized fractional advection-diffusion equation using the proposed scheme is higher than that of the schemes introduced earlier.

Chemical reaction effects are added to the governing equation. This paper aims to get the solution by converting the partial differential equation into an ordinary differential equation and solve using a perturbation scheme and applying the boundary conditions.

In this paper, the authors discussed the chemical reaction effects of heat and mass transfer on megnato hydro dynamics free convective rotating flow of a visco-elastic incompressible electrically conducting fluid past a vertical porous plate through a porous medium with suction and heat source. The authors analyze the effect of time dependent fluctuating suction on a visco-elastic fluid flow.

Using variable parameters of the fluid, the velocity, temperature and concentration of the fluid are analyzed through graphs.

The velocity profile reduces by increasing the values of thermal Grashof number (G_r), mass Grashof number (G_c) and the magnetic parameter (M). On the other hand, the velocity profile gets increased by increasing the permeability parameter (K). The temperature profile decreases by raising the value of Prandtl number (P_r) and frequency of oscillation parameter (ω). However, the source parameter (S) has the opposite effect on the temperature profile. The concentration profile reduces in all points by raising the chemical reaction parameter K_l, Schmidt number S_c, frequency of oscillation ω and the time t.

Despite the increasing technological capabilities and its affordability, a significantly large proportion of developing nations’ population are still lacking resources to own basic information and communication technologies such as computer and internet. This suggests that majority of the citizens from developing countries (e.g. India) are also not able to access and use emerging electronic government applications and services. This is leading to a further and bigger digital divide gap that already exists between rural and urban as well as economically less and more able population. To reduce the widening digital divide, India has innovated Common Services Centres (CSCs) as means to deliver public services electronically to citizens at the village level. This viewpoint paper aims to discuss some of the challenges and obstacles of such CSCs and to offer some recommendations for their effective implementations and sustainable operations.

This is a viewpoint paper that is based on authors’ awareness of the context as well as knowledge and issues relevant to the research topic. A number of appropriate and current citations have been utilised to illustrate the current state on the topic as well as to support authors’ arguments presented in this paper.

The paper identified a number of key issues relevant for effective implementation and sustainable operation of CSCs. The authors present their views and recommendations related to the following key issues: connectivity problems, lack of or delayed rollout of government to citizen (G2C) services, demotivated village-level entrepreneurs due to lack of G2C services, low computer literacy, lack of awareness about services and facilities, lack of adequate training and support, poor provisioning of an effective infrastructure, lack of support from the concerned government officials, inaccessible locations, burden of high investment, corruption at the government level, lack of skilled manpower to run the CSCs, lack of power supply, language barrier, lack of space, problem with maintenance and management of connectivity network and problem caused by the Naxalite and anarchist activity.

The discussion and recommendations presented in this paper would be valuable to various agencies (both from public and private sectors) as well as policymakers for effective implementation and long-term sustainability of CSCs. The approach discussed in this paper offers an effective way to diffuse e-government applications and services in other developing countries (particularly resource-constrained nations from African, Asian and Latin American regions).

This SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis was conducted to have a portrait of the competitiveness of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on the global map. Being a 75-year-old scientific organization, CSIR has raised each and every laboratory with a specific mandate and competency. It is definite that the organization would get some assistance from these points, which are briefly stated, as the institutional data reside with the laboratory only. To some extent, they can be considered on their discretion; however, the organization has raised its position to international standards, but still it can consider few areas/suggestions from this analysis. These points are suggestive and flexible in nature, which are identified and defined to elevate this organization on the globe. Scientific publications do make a difference, but on the ground, if the technologies are not viable and received by public, it makes no difference. Today, India is fortunate to have a Prime Minister like Mr Modi, who always re-evaluates the issues and solutions so that the country moves from developing to a fast-pace developed nation. It is a fact that if these research organizations reorganize themselves and prioritize the research problems, they are capable enough to become a pioneer among the world R&D industry. This paper aims to analyze the organization and suggest few points with significant findings which can assist in scaling toward excellence on a global scale.

On the basis of random sampling, laboratories were identified where their achievements and contribution toward industry and society were evaluated. On the basis of their setup, the organization and laboratories were evaluated to frame-out a SWOT analysis.

SWOT analysis is a deliberate technique carried out to analyze the current situation of the system and to analyze the internal and external environment, which provides and edge to the organization to sustain. The major factors assessed were manpower, machines, money and funding, and achievements and deliverables were studied.

The research, i.e. SWOT, is unique in nature, as it was not carried out earlier on such a scale. To some extent, the points suggested in SWOT and conclusion can be considered on their discretion; however, the organization has raised its position to international standards, but still it can consider few areas/suggestions from this analysis. These points are suggestive and flexible in nature, which are identified and defined to elevate this organization on the globe. Scientific publications do make a difference, but on the ground; if the technologies are not viable and received by public, it makes no difference. Today, India is fortunate to have a Prime Minister like Mr Modi, who always re-evaluates the issues and solutions so that the country moves from developing to a fast-pace developed nation. It is a fact that if these research organizations reorganize themselves and prioritize the research problems, they are capable enough to become a pioneer among the world R&D industry.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the various disposition alternatives and to develop a framework for the optimal disposition decisions in reverse logistics.

In reverse logistics, once the products are collected and inspected, decision is to be taken regarding their disposition for reuse, re-manufacture or recycle or other possible alternatives. A combination of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach is proposed for the selection of best disposition alternative based on criteria economic benefits, environmental benefits, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder’s needs and reverse logistics resources.

A case of electronics firm was illustrated for the demonstration of the approach for the disposition of mobile phones. Returned mobile phones must be disposed for repairing or reuse in current business scenario, if possible. Otherwise, the firm may prefer to recycle them rather than dispose or remanufacture.

The study is limited to mobile manufacturing firm. Also, these findings may vary depending on the sector and products. Further, empirical studies and case studies can be carried out to validate the findings.

The proposed framework provides useful tool to the practitioners and researchers in decision-making for disposition in reverse logistics.

Very few studies related to disposition decisions in reverse logistics were found in the previous research literature review. The study will add value to the very limited research on reverse logistics disposition. Also, the AHP-Fuzzy TOPSIS approach is first time being used for the disposition decisions in reverse logistics.

The present study aims to understand small retailers' current use of various low-cost technologies and the factors responsible for small retailers' adoption. Furthermore, these factors of adoption were mapped back to beliefs within the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and an attempt was made to understand if some of the beliefs dominated over the others and their implications.

The study takes a qualitative approach comprising in-depth semi-structured interviews and direct observation. The qualitative data were analysed through a thematic analysis to identify technology adoption factors.

Amongst the various technologies (mobile apps), payment and procurement apps were the most widely used. The authors identified eight factors influencing technology adoption: the top being customer demand for payment apps and convenience and cost-saving for procurement apps. The study also highlights the role of the dominant beliefs in technology adoption, which managers could use to improve adoption rates.

The current study is a cross-sectional study and the sample was predominantly of grocery retailers, limiting the generalisability of the results.

Small retailers face stiff competition from organised retail and e-commerce platforms which threatens small retailers' existence. Small retailers' survival is vital as many people depend on the small retail sector for livelihood. Increased use of technology seems the only way for them to stay competitive and increase profitability. The study's outcome could help increase technology adoption amongst small retailers and increase small retailers' competitiveness.

Despite the widespread presence of small retailers in emerging economies, few studies have examined technology adoption amongst them. This study is also the first to use the TPB theory in the small retailer technology adoption context.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of strategic supplier partnership and customer relationship on supply chain responsiveness and then to analyse the influence of supply chain responsiveness on operational performance in the manufacturing industry in India. In addition to that, this study also investigates the moderating effects of demand uncertainty on the relationship between strategic supplier partnership–supply chain responsiveness and customer relationship–supply chain responsiveness.

A structured self-administered questionnaire was developed to collect data from manufacturing companies in India. This study performed the structural equation modelling and moderated regression for testing the hypotheses after ensuring the validity and reliability of identified constructs.

Strategic supplier partnership and customer relationship positively influence supply chain responsiveness, and supply chain responsiveness also positively impacts operational performance. In addition to that, demand uncertainty negatively moderates the relationship between strategic supplier partnership and supply chain responsiveness. However, demand uncertainty does not significantly affect the relationship between customer relationship and supply chain responsiveness.

Strategic supplier partnership and customer relationship are firstly investigated as antecedents of supply chain responsiveness. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the first to examine the moderating effect of demand uncertainty on the relationship between supply chain practices (strategic supplier partnership and customer relationship) and supply chain responsiveness.

The purpose of this study is to consolidate the existing literature on small retail and develop a conceptual framework using thematic analysis.

The relevant set of 224 articles has been obtained from the Scopus database by applying the PRISMA framework. Bibliometric analysis has been performed using Biblioshiny in Bibliometrix and VOSviewer.

Four major themes have been identified within the conceptual structure of the small retail domain, and a conceptual framework has been developed using the interlinkages within the themes. The intellectual structure of the domain has been explored using citation analysis, co-citation analysis and bibliographic coupling. Future research directions are also identified and documented based on the thematic analysis and overall consolidation of the literature.

This is perhaps one of the first attempts to consolidate the published literature on small retail using bibliometric analysis.

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into learners’ behavioural intention to use the video lectures as their learning material. The behavioural intention construct is measured in terms of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of video lectures. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide feedback as to learners’ intention to use as well as guidelines on how to improve the development of video lectures as the university gears to offer more courses in the fully online mode in the near future.

A total sample of 392 questionnaires were collected for this study using technology acceptance model model. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used as the main analytical tool to study the learners’ behavioural intention to use the video lectures as their learning material. The behavioural intention construct is measured in terms of two dimensions: perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of video lectures.

In conclusion, the findings from this research study seem to suggest that OUM learners have a positive perception of video lectures with reference to the two dimensions of “ease of use” and “usefulness”, where ease of use is concerned, OUM learners rate content relevancy, appropriate language and viewing flexibility as the strongest points of video lectures. The aspects ranked lowest are technical (ability to play the video lecture smoothly from the beginning to the end) as well as objective of usage (video lectures are not rated high as revision material for exam preparation).

Future studies can be conducted pertaining to issues on the context in which learning is taking place within higher education, various definitions of video, and ways of categorising and presenting these different types, teaching “with” and “through” video from the perspective of the lecturer and the educational institution, approaches to didactically embedding and integrating video into a course that results in effective learning and the process and support needed by the (traditional) lecturer to create and deploy various types of video content.

Over the last ten years, the production of video has gone from a complicated and technical process to one easily done by the general masses. It is now possible for anyone with a mobile phone to make a video recording. The question lies on whether the students have deeper meaning of learning via video lectures and the perception of students on using video lecture as teaching tool in the open and distance learning.