Birla Institute of Scientific Research

This study adapts retail patronage theory to app-based sharing economy (SE) platforms. It develops a framework explaining customer patronage behavior in digitally mediated service contexts. While prior research has examined individual drivers of platform use, a comprehensive patronage-based perspective remains underdeveloped. Drawing on four focus groups with Indian sharing-economy users, we identify key antecedents shaping patronage decisions. The antecedents are classified into four categories: socioeconomic, personal, platform-related and marketing-related factors. The framework replaces traditional product and store-based drivers with platform-centric attributes unique to SE environments. Findings show that initial patronage decisions follow a sequential process in which consumers evaluate the platform before the service provider, whereas continued patronage reflects trade-offs among competing attributes. By replacing traditional product- and store-based drivers with platform-centric determinants, the study refines patronage theory for digital service environments and offers actionable insights for customer-focused platform design.

BackgroundSouth Asians exhibit distinct metabolic characteristics that may predispose them to insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Adipose tissue dysfunction, including abnormal fat distribution and inflammatory processes, has been implicated in metabolic deterioration. However, the specific contributions of adipocyte hypertrophy, ectopic fat accumulation, and immune-related changes remain unclear. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for refining metabolic health interventions.MethodA total of 322 individuals (110 diabetics, 212 non-diabetics) underwent comprehensive clinical, biochemical, and radiological assessments. Body fat distribution, visceral fat, and ectopic liver fat were quantified using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Adipose biopsies were performed to examine adipocyte size and macrophage infiltration across subcutaneous (SAT), visceral (VAT), and femoral fat depots. Metabolic parameters, including MetS score and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), were correlated with adipose characteristics.Resultscompared to non-diabetics, diabetics demonstrated significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, total fat mass, and ectopic liver fat (P < 0.05). While visceral and lower limb fat masses were similar after BMI adjustment, ectopic liver fat remained markedly elevated in diabetics (P = 0.002). Adipocyte hypertrophy was detected in visceral and femoral fat (P = 0.01), with an increased inflammatory macrophage-ratio (M1/M2) observed in subcutaneous fat (P = 0.006). Strong correlations were identified between MetS score, HOMA-IR, BMI, visceral adipocyte size, ectopic liver fat, and macrophage ratio (P < 0.001). However, regional adipose mass lost its correlation with IR and MetS after adjusting for adipocyte size. Inflammatory markers and adipose dysfunction appeared to be central to metabolic deterioration.ConclusionThese insights suggest that interventions aimed at reducing adipocyte hypertrophy, ectopic fat accumulation, and adipose inflammation may offer more targeted strategies for improving metabolic health in South Asians.

English serves as a pivotal subject in Indian school curricula, offering students a platform to connect with diverse global and cultural perspectives. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes revitalizing India’s rich cultural heritage by integrating the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) into education. This study employs the Content Analysis method to critically examine the representation of IKS in English textbooks prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE). The findings reveal significant discrepancies in the extent and depth of IKS incorporation between the two boards, with CBSE textbooks demonstrating limited engagement compared to the more localized emphasis in RBSE curricula. These inconsistencies underscore the challenges of decolonizing education and the persistent dominance of capitalistic pedagogies that prioritize market-driven objectives over cultural and ecological sustainability. The study advocates for the effective implementation of NEP 2020 recommendations through green curricular reforms that prioritize IKS integration, social justice, and sustainability. By aligning education with holistic and equitable frameworks, these reforms can empower students as agents of cultural preservation and ecological stewardship, fostering a globally connected yet culturally rooted education system.

Work-life balance (WLB) has become a critical area of focus for scholars and industry leaders, driven by evolving demographics, technological advancements, and changing market dynamics. Despite its growing relevance, the exploration of work-life balance programs (WLBPs) in Indian organizations remains under-researched. This paper aims to bridge that gap by evaluating the current state of WLBPs in Indian companies through an analysis of primary and secondary data, alongside a review of existing literature. It investigates the challenges that hinder the effective implementation of these programs and provides actionable insights for HR professionals to improve decision-making regarding WLBPs. The study highlights that the commitment to employee and familial support in Indian organizations dates back to the industrial era, evolving from basic welfare provisions to include individual development and family well-being. Although work-life policies are more prevalent in new economy sectors like IT and services, their adoption across industries is inconsistent. There is significant potential for these initiatives to become integral to HR strategy across various sectors, making WLBPs a mainstream priority.

Endophytes are considered all microorganisms present within plants that can be cultured in suitable media (MEA, PDA). In addition to mutualistic and commensalistic symbionts, endophytes could include latent pathogens, latent saprotrophs, and early stages of colonization by mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobia. Endophytes inhabit the interior of plant tissues, causing no harm to the host and do not develop external structures, excluding in this way modulating bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi.The intimate relationship between endophytic microorganisms and their hosts involves co-evolutionary processes and may influence the physiology of the plant and also interfere with the presence of other endophytes. This endophyte-plant interaction may have been naturally selected during long climatic changes thus allowing a great genetic variability in endophyte populations that open perspectives for the discovery of improved or new enzymes, drugs, and other products with new and useful properties. In this chapter, endophytes, their ubiquitous occurrence, transmission, techniques of isolation, molecular characterization, biodiversity evaluation and future directions for endophytic exploitation have been focused. In the literature, examples have been summarized that show the functional significance and importance of endophytic fungi and bacteria.Recent studies have demonstrated that these endophytes can be used as vectors to provide new characteristics with biotechnological interest to the host plant. In this aspect, endophytic fungi can be genetically modified and express heterologous genes. They can be used to control pathogens, promote plant growth and produce vitamins, amino acids and vaccines inside the host plant. Therefore, it is extremely important to look at endophytes as microorganisms with biotechnological potential besides their biological role.

<bold>Introduction:</bold> We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic practices of ABPA by physicians from multiple centers across India. <bold>Methods:</bold> Pulmonologists from 23 centers within the Respiratory Research Network (RRN) participated in this observational registry study. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) 2021 criteria; Group 1: meeting ISHAM criteria, Group 2: meeting partial ISHAM criteria (HRCT positive or serological positive in any 2 parameters), and Group 3: physician diagnosed, not meeting ISHAM criteria. <bold>Results:</bold> Out of 802 patients, 37.2% (299) were in group I, 50.2% (403) in group II, and 12.4% (100) in group III. 97.2% were non-smokers. Differences between 3 groups are presented in the Table <table-wrap><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA4018/T1</object-id><object-id>T1</object-id><object-id>t1</object-id><table><colgroup><col></col><col></col><col></col><col></col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td>Variables</td><td> Group I (N=299) </td><td> Group II (N=403) </td><td> Group III (N=100) </td></tr><tr><td><bold>CLINICAL FINDINGS</bold></td><td>Percent</td><td>Percent</td><td>Percent</td></tr><tr><td>History of Asthma</td><td>89.7%</td><td>93.3%</td><td>97.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Presence of Haemoptysis and brownish-black mucus plugs</td><td>33.8%</td><td>13.6%</td><td>4.0%</td></tr><tr><td>History of inappropriate ATT intake</td><td>24.1%</td><td>7.2%</td><td>4.0%</td></tr><tr><td>Presence of comorbidity</td><td>36.8%</td><td>43.9%</td><td>31.0%</td></tr><tr><td>History of relapse</td><td>30.4%</td><td>19.6%</td><td>9.0%</td></tr><tr><td><bold>SEROLOGICAL FINDINGS</bold></td><td>Median (Q1,Q3)</td><td>Median (Q1,Q3)</td><td>Median (Q1,Q3)</td></tr><tr><td>Total IgE (IU/mL)</td><td>2500 (1399, 5606)</td><td>1862 (1000, 3200)</td><td>1020 (538, 2016)</td></tr><tr><td>Serum A.fumigatus IgE (kUA/L)</td><td>15.5 (1.5, 32)</td><td>1.8 (0.5, 16.1)</td><td>0.19 (0.08, 0.30)</td></tr><tr><td>Serum A.fumigatus IgG (mgA/L)</td><td>61.4 (32.5, 131.9)</td><td>20.8 (9.5, 43.5)</td><td>18.7 (9.0, 39.7)</td></tr><tr><td>Total eosinophil count (per uL)</td><td>780 (550, 1200)</td><td>372 (170, 580)</td><td>503 (319, 928)</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap> <bold>Conclusion:</bold> There is considerable variation in the diagnostic criteria for ABPA across India and greater awareness needs to be created about ISHAM criteria.

<bold>Introduction:</bold> We aimed to study the radiological presentations of ABPA patients across multiple centers in India. <bold>Methods:</bold> Pulmonologists from 23 sites registered with the Respiratory Research Network (RRN) centers collaborated in this observational study. ABPA patients visiting the clinics underwent chest X-ray and HRCT. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) 2021 criteria; Group 1: meeting ISHAM criteria, Group 2: meeting partial ISHAM criteria (HRCT positive or serological positive in any 2 parameters), and Group 3: physician diagnosed, not meeting ISHAM criteria. <bold>Results:</bold> Among 802 patients, 37.2% (299) were in group I, 50.2% (403) in group II, and 12.4% (100) in group III. Abnormal HRCT and Chest X-ray findings are reported in the Table. <table-wrap><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA4019/T1</object-id><object-id>T1</object-id><object-id>t1</object-id><table><colgroup><col></col><col></col><col></col><col></col><col></col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td>Variable</td><td>Group I (N=299)</td><td>Group II (N=403)</td><td>Group III (N=100)</td><td>P-value</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Percentage</td><td>Percentage</td><td>Percentage</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>HRCT Test</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Normal</td><td>4.3%</td><td>16.1%</td><td>−</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Bronchiectasis</td><td>81.1%</td><td>68.0%</td><td>−</td><td><0.001*</td></tr><tr><td>Presence of high attenuation mucus</td><td>24.9%</td><td>16.3%</td><td>−</td><td><0.001*</td></tr><tr><td>Centrilobular nodules</td><td>45.9%</td><td>32.7%</td><td>−</td><td><0.001*</td></tr><tr><td>Tree in bud appearance</td><td>30.2%</td><td>25.8%</td><td>−</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Chest X-ray</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Normal</td><td>15.7%</td><td>34.7%</td><td>72%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Parallel opacities</td><td>44.7%</td><td>25.6%</td><td>25%</td><td><0.001*</td></tr><tr><td>Ring Opacities</td><td>51.5%</td><td>32.7%</td><td>25%</td><td><0.001*</td></tr><tr><td>Finger-in-glove</td><td>23.0%</td><td>11.8%</td><td>0%</td><td><0.006*</td></tr><tr><td>Tramline opacities</td><td>40.0%</td><td>32.7%</td><td>25%</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fleeting opacities</td><td>28.9%</td><td>31.8%</td><td>16%</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap> *Significant p-values <0.05 <bold>Conclusion:</bold> ABPA patients fulfilling ISHAM criteria present with significant differences in HRCT and Chest X-ray finding as compared to those partially/not fulfilling the ISHAM criteria.

Atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) has intrigued the interest of researchers for various applications such as disinfection, air purification, etc. In this context, a deeper understanding of the correlation between APP’s characteristics like discharge parameters, active species composition, and eradication of airborne microorganisms with varying relative humidity (RH) has been examined using a dielectric barrier discharge based atmospheric pressure plasma (DBD-APP) source. One of the electrodes of the developed DBD-APP source has been coated with TiO2 nanoparticles to enhance the generation of reactive species during the discharge process. The results show that, even with the same peak-to-peak applied voltage, the peak-to-peak current and discharge power decrease with increasing RH. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is used to determine the relative emission intensity of the reactive species, whereas spectrophotometry is used to quantify the reactive species produced by the plasma at various parameters. Instead of UV radiation, the plasma-produced highly energetic electrons activates the TiO2 nanoparticles for electron–hole pair generation. The geometry of the plasma device has played an important role in generating high energy electrons. From the developed DBD-APP source, the airborne microorganism’s disinfection efficiency of ∼95.8% and ∼98.7% has been achieved in the total bacterial counts (TBCs) and total fungal counts (TFCs) at an RH range of 70%–90%, in just 20 min of continuous operation. However, in the RH range of 20%–40%, the inactivation efficiency dropped to ∼78.8% and ∼87.5% for the TBCs and TFCs, respectively. The outcome indicates that higher humidity levels are better for indoor air purification using DBD-APP sources and that plasma with a circulation system can effectively disinfect indoor environments.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is an integrated suite of business application which ensures end to end delivery of all operational processes effectively and efficiently. Cloud ERP has recently gained significant impetus with the advent of cloud technology and organisations are showing substantial interests due to various advantages. End user acceptance plays a significant role in successful implementation of ERP systems and is a key factor in cloud ERP adoption by SMEs. Several studies are performed on ERP models which are dealing with acceptance. However, each model has some limitations and the current research on Indian SMEs deals with a hybrid framework which considers vital constructs of established models. The research work strives to explore the predictors of cloud ERP adoption. The findings will provide guidelines to SMEs of developing economies planning to adopt cloud-based ERP and cloud vendors can ameliorate their business strategies as per adoption intricacies found in study.