14 research outputs found
Role of Retail Channel Management Strategy – In Context of Indian Automobile Dealerships Satisfaction
No full textMaintaining high-quality standards is crucial for dealerships to ensure ongoing business success since they play a critical role in promoting manufacturers in the marketplace. The study\u27s objective is to highlight areas where Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-Dealers relationships are lacking in relation to crucial business metrics in order to provide practical recommendations for improving OEM-Dealer collaboration. The study utilizes primary data, collected from 141 automobile dealers in Pune using a random sampling technique and structured interviews. Secondary data is gathered in order to reinforce the study\u27s objectives. The study\u27s aims are thoroughly justified through the use of SPSS for primary data analysis (t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and correlation) and Excel for secondary data analysis. Statistical research shows a substantial association between OEM market shares and DSI (dealer satisfaction index), with a Pearson\u27s correlation coefficient = 0.850, signifying a highly significant relationship. Dealers linked to enterprises with larger market shares are more likely to show higher satisfaction ratings. The study emphasizes the significance of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) participation in policy-making, revealing a strong link (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.821) between dealer satisfaction and OEM’s involvement with policy decisions. The findings emphasize the essential standing of collaboration between OEMs and dealers and provide practical suggestions for improving business partnerships, leading to increased dealer satisfaction and overall success in the automotive sector
On a reconstruction problem
No full textAbstractThis note supplements an earlier paper of this author, in which the concept of a strong k-hypomorphism between two graphs was defined (Thatte, 1990, Sectin VI). For k=1, this is just a hypomorphism. Here it is proved that strongly k-hypomorphic graphs and strongly k-edge hypomorphic directed graphs are isomorphic if k>1
A reconstruction problem related to balance equations II: The general case
No full textAbstractA modified k-deck of a graph G, first introduced in (Krasikov and Roditty, 1987), is obtained by removing k edges of G in all possible ways, and adding k (not necessarily new) edges in all possible ways. Krasikov and Roditty asked if it was possible to construct the usual k-edge deck of a graph from its modified k-deck. In (Thatte, to appear), the author solved this problem for the case when k = 1. In this paper, the problem is completely solved for arbitrary k. The proof makes use of the k-edge version of Lovász's result and the eigenvalues of certain matrix related to the Johnson graph
Ultrafast switching time and third order nonlinear coefficients of microwave treated single walled carbon nanotube suspensions
No full textMicrowave treated water soluble and amide functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes have been investigated using femtosecond degenerate pump-probe and nonlinear transmission experiments. The time resolved differential transmission using 75 femtosecond pulse with the central wavelength of 790 nm shows a bi-exponential ultrafast photo-bleaching with time constants of 160 fs (130 fs) and 920 fs (300 fs) for water soluble (amide functionalized) nanotubes. Open and closed aperture z-scans show saturation absorption and positive (negative) nonlinear refraction for water soluble (amide functionalized) nanotubes. Two photon absorption coefficient, β0 ~ 250 cm/GW (650 cm/GW) and nonlinear index, γ ~ 15 cm2/pW (-30 cm2/pW) are obtained from the theoretical fit in the saturation limit to the data for two types of nanotubes
Mesoporous smectites incorporated with alkali metal cations as solid base catalysts
No full textA series of magnesium containing mesoporous smectites incorporated with alkali hydroxide (NaOH, KOH or LiOH) has been prepared and employed for such base-catalyzed model reactions as transesterification of ethyl acetate with methanol, Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde with ethyl cyanoacetate and one-pot synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from propylene oxide, carbon dioxide and methanol. The effects of the quantity and kind of the incorporated alkali atoms on the catalytic properties of the smectites were investigated. Characterization of the smectites has shown that the incorporation of alkali atoms reduces their surface area and total pore volume but enhances the amount and strength of their basic sites. The product yield of the transesterification was increased with the content of alkali atoms incorporated. It has been suggested that the moderately basic sites are responsible for this reaction. The yield of the Knoevenagel reaction depends little on the alkali atom content. Increasing the content of alkali atoms causes the increase in the DMC yield of the one-pot synthesis and the decrease in the yield of methanolysis of propylene oxide, which is the side reaction of the one-pot synthesis. The incorporation of Li was less effective than Na and K for the one-pot reaction. The structures of basic sites over the alkali-incorporated smectites have been discussed
Microwave-assisted additive free synthesis of nanocrystalline zinc oxide
No full textAn additive free synthesis of nanocrystalline zinc oxide using microwave technique is reported. Current methodology is faster, cleaner and cost effective compared with conventional method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanocrystalline materials. The structure and morphology of nanocrystalline zinc oxide was investigated by TEM, XRD, EDAX, UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that microwave heating can produce polygonal zinc oxide within a short span of time
On the Boolean dimension of a graph and other related parameters
No full textWe present the Boolean dimension of a graph, we relate it with the notions of
inner, geometric and symplectic dimensions, and with the rank and minrank of a
graph. We obtain an exact formula for the Boolean dimension of a tree in terms
of a certain star decomposition. We relate the Boolean dimension with the
inversion index of a tournament.Comment: 13 pages, 2 figure
Design and development of laboratory scale hydroponic system for growing sweet basil using plasma activated nutrient solution
No full textFood security for future generations has become a critical issue for a variety of reasons such as population explosion, climate change, and less land for crop cultivation. Alternative growing techniques such as hydroponics which do not involve the use of soil for crop production can be used on commercial level to alleviate the food security problem. In our research, sweet basil was grown using plasma activated nutrient solution (PANS) in a closed hydroponic system. The PANS offers number of benefits over nutrient solution (NS) for basil growth due to the presence of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. PANS was prepared using a gliding arc plasmatron system developed by Drexel University and was characterized by measuring its pH, EC (electrical conductivity), ORP (oxidation-reduction potential), and reactive species concentrations.
To assess the effect of PANS on sweet basil plant growth and quality, basil seedlings were grown using Rutgers Devotion DMR cultivar seeds in a growth chamber for 14 days (25 °C, 75 % relative humidity, and 100 µmol/m2s light intensity). These seedlings were then transferred to custom-built NS and PANS chambers for 20 days growth period. The two chambers were identical and were assembled in the pilot plant of Rutgers Food Science building. The plants received fixed amount of light (250 µmol/m2s) for 16 h each day and they were watered 8 times a day for 8 mins at a time, throughout the harvest period. The temperature, the relative humidity, the CO2 level inside the two chambers, and the temperatures of NS and PANS were monitored every 1 h. To evaluate the effect of PANS, two treatment variations were done while growing the basil plants in the two chambers. In Treatment 1, the NS and PANS solutions that were prepared on day 1 of the harvest period were used throughout the 21-day growth period to water the basil plants whereas in Treatment 2, fresh NS and PANS solutions were used to water the plants for week 1, week 2, and week 3. For both the treatments, the basil plants were harvested on the 21st day and their growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches, number of nodes, root length, leaf index, mass yield, and quality parameters such as leaf color, texture, microbial quality, aroma profile, and tissue nutrient content were evaluated. The growth of algae in the solutions was also estimated at the end of every week.
Results showed that basil grown in PANS had higher growth and some improved quality parameters compared to basil grown using NS. PANS Treatment 1 (PANST1) had the most significant effect on the basil plants with increased height (11 %), more number of branches and nodes, and higher mass yield (35 %). PANS Treatment 2 (PANST2) resulted in basil leaves which had higher green (a*) value and higher leaf index. Peak rupture force, leaf toughness, and Young’s modulus values for basil leaves were not significantly different between PANST1, PANST2, and control. Aroma analysis of the basil leaves showed that PANST1 resulted in an increased formation of methyl eugenol and eugenol, possibly indicating a spicier aroma from the leaves. Significant algae reduction (41 % and 45 %, respectively) was observed in PANST1 and PANST2 after first 2 weeks. However, at the end of week 3 only PANST2 showed significant algae reduction (45 %). In terms of microbial quality, it was found that both PANST1 and PANST2 treatments did not show any significant difference in total plate count of the basil leaves, when compared to control. The results from the tissue analysis indicated no difference in the tissue nutrient profile for both the treatments when compared to control. Energy wise, the growth of basil by control treatment required 73.9 kWh total energy, whereas PANST1 treatment required 74.9 kWh and PANST2 treatment required 76.9 kWh.
This study showed that growing Rutgers Devotion DMR sweet basil using PANS resulted in higher (11 %) growth, higher yield (35 %), darker green color, and an altered aroma profile in the basil leaves. Growing sweet basil under PANST1 was better for plant height, number of branches, number of nodes, basil yield, and aroma profile. Use of PANST2 was better for greener leaf color, higher leaf index, and more algae removal. Thus, use of PANS appears to show a promise for growing basil hydroponically. Further research is needed for scaled-up operations at a greenhouse scale.M.S.Includes bibliographical reference
Characterization of Solution-processed Metal Chalcogenide Precursor, Thin Film, and Nanocomposite for Thermoelectricity
No full textabstract: Satisfying the ever-increasing demand for electricity while maintaining sustainability and eco-friendliness has become a key challenge for humanity. Around 70% of energy is rejected as heat from different sectors. Thermoelectric energy harvesting has immense potential to convert this heat into electricity in an environmentally friendly manner. However, low efficiency and high manufacturing costs inhibit the widespread application of thermoelectric devices. In this work, an inexpensive solution processing technique and a nanostructuring approach are utilized to create thermoelectric materials. Specifically, the solution-state and solid-state structure of a lead selenide (PbSe) precursor is characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. This precursor has shown promise for preparing thermoelectric lead selenide telluride (PbSexTe1-x) thin films. The precursor was prepared by reacting lead and diphenyl diselenide in different solvents. The characterization reveals the formation of a solvated lead(II) phenylselenolate complex which deepens the understanding of the formation of these precursors. Further, using slightly different chemistry, a low-temperature tin(II) selenide (SnSe) precursor was synthesized and identified as tin(IV) methylselenolate. The low transformation temperature makes it compatible with colloidal PbSe nanocrystals. The colloidal PbSe nanocrystals were chemically treated with a SnSe precursor and subjected to mild annealing to form conductive nanocomposites. Finally, the room temperature thermoelectric characterization of solution-processed PbSexTe1-x thin films is presented. This is followed by a setup development for temperature-dependent measurements and preliminary temperature-dependent measurements on PbSexTe1-x thin films.Dissertation/ThesisDoctoral Dissertation Materials Science and Engineering 202
