Augmenting bank service quality dimensions: moderation of perceived trust and perceived risk

Purpose

Permeation of private sector banks has triggered intense competitiveness in the Indian banking sector; therefore, customer satisfaction has become the epicenter of all activities. The study seeks to explicate the antecedents and reverberation of customer satisfaction in the Indian retail banking sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Top six Indian private sector banks were selected based on market capitalization. Cross-sectional data from 460 retail bank customers were collected by employing a structured questionnaire and evaluated wielding structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study discerns seven antecedents of customer satisfaction, namely tangibility, reliability, empathy, responsiveness, assurance, perceived service innovation and bank reputation. The results unveil that assurance, bank reputation and perceived service innovation significantly escalate customer satisfaction, which further markedly accentuates customer loyalty. However, tangibility was the only dimension bearing an insignificant relationship. In addition, both perceived trust and perceived risk significantly moderate the association between customer satisfaction and customer loyalty in the model.

Research limitations/implications

Incorporation of merely private sector banks and considering cosmopolitans restraints generalization of findings to some extent. The study bespeaks essential determinants of customer satisfaction that might succor bank professionals to retain customers and ameliorate profitability.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of literature on “perceived service innovation” and “bank reputation” in the Indian banking scenario. Therefore, the study augments the literature by integrating aforesaid important constituents along with other antecedents and reverberation. Moreover, the study uses theoretical lens to anchor its hypotheses through a comprehensive conceptual model in the backdrop of Indian retail banking.

Recent advances in the synthesis of piperazine based ligands and metal complexes and their applications

The piperazine scaffold is a privileged structure frequently found in biologically active compounds. Piperazine nucleus is found in many marketed drugs in the realm of antidepressants (amoxapine), antipsychotics (bifeprunox), antihistamines (cyclizine and oxatomide), antifungals (itraconazole), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), etc. This is one of the reasons why piperazine based compounds are gaining prominence in today's research. In addition to the ring carbons, substitution in the nitrogen atom of piperazine not only creates potential drug molecules but also makes it unique with versatile binding possibilities with metal ions. Piperazine ring-based compounds find their application in biological systems with antihistamine, anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. They have also been successfully used in the field of catalysis and metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The present review focuses on the synthesis and application of different piperazine derivatives and their metal complexes having diverse applications.

Synchronized Electromechanical Shock Wave-Induced Bacterial Transformation

We report a simple device that generates synchronized mechanical and electrical pressure waves for carrying out bacterial transformation. The mechanical pressure waves are produced by igniting a confined nanoenergetic composite material that provides ultrahigh pressure. Further, this device has an arrangement through which a synchronized electric field (of a time-varying nature) is initiated at a delay of ≈85 μs at the full width half-maxima point of the pressure pulse. The pressure waves so generated are incident to a thin aluminum-polydimethylsiloxane membrane that partitions the ignition chamber from the column of the mixture containing bacterial cells (Escherichia coli BL21) and 4 kb transforming DNA. A combination of mechanical and electrical pressure pulse created through the above arrangement ensures that the transforming DNA transports across the cell membrane into the cell, leading to a transformation event. This unique device has been successfully operated for efficient gene (∼4 kb) transfer into cells. The transformation efficacy of this device is found comparable to the other standard methods and protocols for carrying out the transformation.

Impact of surface roughness on Dielectrophoretically assisted concentration of microorganisms over PCB based platforms

This article presents a PCB based microfluidic platform for performing a dielectrophoretic capture of live microorganisms over inter-digitated electrodes buried under layers of different surface roughness values. Although dielectrophoresis has been extensively studied earlier over silicon and polymer surfaces with printed electrodes the issue of surface roughness particularly in case of buried electrodes has been seldom investigated. We have addressed this issue through a layer of spin coated PDMS (of various surface roughness) that is used to cover the printed electrodes over a printed circuit board. The roughness in the PDMS layer is generally defined by the roughness of the FR4 base which houses the printed electrodes as well as other structures. Possibilities arising out of COMSOL simulations have been well validated experimentally in this work.

Diffusive Silicon Nanopore Membranes for Hemodialysis Applications

Hemodialysis using hollow-fiber membranes provides life-sustaining treatment for nearly 2 million patients worldwide with end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, patients on hemodialysis have worse long-term outcomes compared to kidney transplant or other chronic illnesses. Additionally, the underlying membrane technology of polymer hollow-fiber membranes has not fundamentally changed in over four decades. Therefore, we have proposed a fundamentally different approach using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques to create thin-flat sheets of silicon-based membranes for implantable or portable hemodialysis applications. The silicon nanopore membranes (SNM) have biomimetic slit-pore geometry and uniform pores size distribution that allow for exceptional permeability and selectivity. A quantitative diffusion model identified structural limits to diffusive solute transport and motivated a new microfabrication technique to create SNM with enhanced diffusive transport. We performed in vitro testing and extracorporeal testing in pigs on prototype membranes with an effective surface area of 2.52 cm² and 2.02 cm², respectively. The diffusive clearance was a two-fold improvement in with the new microfabrication technique and was consistent with our mathematical model. These results establish the feasibility of using SNM for hemodialysis applications with additional scale-up.

Micropatterning of nanoenergetic films of Bi2O3/Al for pyrotechnics

Nanoenergetic films of Bi₂O₃/Al were micropatterned at a high resolution of ∼5 microns on a silicon substrate exhibiting a high heat of reaction, low initiation temperature and excellent pressure–time characteristics for pyrotechnics applications.

In vivo dielectric measuring instrument using picosecond pulse for detection of oral cancer

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility and limitations of various imaging modalities in the noninvasive assessment of a novel compact hemodialyzer under development for renal replacement therapy, with specific aim towards monitoring its functional performance.

Methods

The prototype is a 4×3×6 cm aluminum cartridge housing “blood” and “dialysate” flow paths arranged in parallel. A sheet of semipermeable silicon nanopore membranes forms the blood-dialysate interface, allowing passage of small molecules. Blood flow was simulated using a peristaltic pump to instill iodinated contrast through the blood compartment, while de-ionized water was instilled through the dialysate compartment at a matched rate in the countercurrent direction. Images were acquired under these flow conditions using multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), fluoroscopy, high-resolution quantitative computed tomography (HR-QCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MDCT was used to monitor contrast diffusion efficiency by plotting contrast density as a function of position along the path of flow through the cartridge during steady state infusion at 1 and 20 mL/min. Both linear and exponential regressions were used to model contrast decay along the flow path.

Results

Both linear and exponential models of contrast decay appeared to be reasonable approximations, yielding similar results for contrast diffusion during a single pass through the cartridge. There was no measurable difference in contrast diffusion when comparing 1 mL/min and 20 mL/min flow rates. Fluoroscopy allowed a gross qualitative assessment of flow within the device, and revealed flow inhomogeneity within the corner of the cartridge opposite the blood inlet port. MRI and HR-QCT were both severely limited due to the paramagnetic properties and high atomic number of the target material, respectively. During testing, we encountered several causes of device malfunction, including leak formation, trapped gas, and contrast-mediated nanopore clogging. We illustrate the imaging manifestations of each.

Conclusions

Despite the inherent challenges in imaging a predominantly metallic device, some modalities show potential in the non-invasive assessment of a novel compact hemodialyzer. The approaches described here could potentially be translated to device evaluation in the implanted setting.

Integrated sorting, concentration and real time PCR based detection system for sensitive detection of microorganisms

The extremely low limit of detection (LOD) posed by global food and water safety standards necessitates the need to perform a rapid process of integrated detection with high specificity, sensitivity and repeatability. The work reported in this article shows a microchip platform which carries out an ensemble of protocols which are otherwise carried in a molecular biology laboratory to achieve the global safety standards. The various steps in the microchip include pre-concentration of specific microorganisms from samples and a highly specific real time molecular identification utilizing a q-PCR process. The microchip process utilizes a high sensitivity antibody based recognition and an electric field mediated capture enabling an overall low LOD. The whole process of counting, sorting and molecular identification is performed in less than 4 hours for highly dilute samples.

A Fuzzy DEMATEL Method to Identify Critical Success Factors of Knowledge Management Adoption in Supply Chain

In globalisation of business, Knowledge Management (KM) plays an important role in Supply Chain (SC) to create, build and maintain competitive advantage through utilisation of knowledge and through collaborative practices. Literature review have suggested the performance of KM adoption in SC may be affected by various influencing factors but it is always difficult for the practitioners to improve all aspects at the same time. The aim of this study is to identify Critical Success Factors (CSFs) of KM adoption in SC. This study presents a favourable method combining fuzzy set theory and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method to segment the critical factors for successful KM adoption in SC. The empirical case study analysis of an Indian hydraulic valve manufacturing organisation is conducted to illustrate the use of the proposed framework for identifying the CSFs of KM adoption in SC. According to the results of the empirical study, six CSFs of KM adoption in SC are identified out of 25 influencing factors, these are top management support, communication and collaboration techniques, employee involvement, employee training and education, communication among the SC members and trustworthy teamwork to exchange knowledge within SC which will help to improve effectiveness and efficiency of KM adoption in SC. The decision makers can apply a phased implementation of these CSFs to ensure the effective KM adoption in SC under the constraints of available resources. This proposed method provides a more accurate, effective and systematic decision support tool for identifying CSFs of KM adoption in SC.

Knowledge Management Adoption in Supply Chain: Sectorial Evidence from Indian Manufacturing Organisations

The objective of this paper is to investigate the similarities and dissimilarities in Knowledge Management (KM) practices in the supply chain (SC) among different selected sectors of Indian manufacturing organisations, through formulation and testing of some hypotheses. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted on four sectors, namely, automobile, engineering, process and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG). It is observed from this study that selected sectors do not significantly differ on types of SC knowledge and KM use in various SC performance indicators. It is also observed that selected sectors differ on use of KM in different SC functional areas and various supplier measurement criteria. The analysis reveals that selected sectors have fundamental similarities and dissimilarities in their operations and functioning. This might be the reason for the similarities and dissimilarities found in their KM practices in SC.

Knowledge Management Implementation: Modeling the Barriers

The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to successful KM implementation by understanding the dynamics among various knowledge management barriers (KMBs) that hinder the implement of KM in organisations. Using interpretive structural modeling (ISM), the research presents a hierarchy-based model and the mutual relationship among the KMBs. The research shows that there is a group of KMBs having high driving power and low dependence which require maximum attention and are of strategic importance. Another group consists of those KMBs which have high dependence and low driving power which necessitate the resultant actions. This categorisation provides a useful tool to top management to differentiate between independent and dependent KMBs and their mutual relationships which would help them to focus on those key KMBs that are most significant for effective KM implementation. Arrangement of KMBs in a hierarchy and the categorisation into driver and dependent categories is an exclusive effort in the area of KM implementation.

Diel asynchrony in reproductive behaviour of Diaeretiella rapae (MIntosh) (Hymenoptera Aphidiidae)

Diaeretiella rapae is an important parasitoid of cabbage aphid Diel variation in emergence mating and oviposition of D rapae was studied in the laboratory to understand the biology and behaviour of the parasitoid The emergence of the parasitoid was recorded hourly in two bioassay rooms set up at 22 2C with 16 h photoperiod from 08002400 hours or from 18001000 hours Greatest emergence was found during the early photophase The parasitoids that emerged during the scotophase did not mate until the following photophase Unmated females that emerged during the scotophase had a lower incidence of host attack and oviposition during the dark However the parasitoids became active and had a greater incidence of mating and oviposition when they were brought into the light even during the scotophase This research suggests that light triggers parasitoid activity and that the parasitoids lose their reproductive fitness if they emerge in the scotophase

Response of cricket and spider motion-sensing hairs to airflow pulsations

Closed-form analytical solutions are presented for the angular displacement, velocity and acceleration of motion-sensing filiform hairs exposed to airflow pulsations of short time duration. The specific situations of interest correspond to a spider intentionally moving towards a cricket, or an insect unintentionally moving towards or flying past a spider. The trichobothria of the spider Cupiennius salei and the cercal hairs of the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus are explored. Guided by earlier work, the spatial characteristics of the velocity field due to a flow pulsation are approximated by the local incompressible flow field due to a moving sphere. This spatial field is everywhere modulated in time by a Gaussian function represented by the summation of an infinite Fourier series, thus allowing an exploration of the spectral dependence of hair motion. Owing to their smaller total inertia, torsional restoring constant and total damping constant, short hairs are found to be significantly more responsive than long hairs to a flow pulsation. It is also found that the spider trichobothria are underdamped, while the cercal hairs of the cricket are overdamped. As a consequence, the spider hairs are more responsive to sudden air motions. Analysis shows that while two spiders of different characteristic sizes and lunge velocities can generate pulsations with comparable energy content, the associated velocity fields display different patterns of spatial decay with distance from the pulsation source. As a consequence, a small spider lunging at a high velocity generates a smaller telltale far-field velocity signal than a larger spider lunging at a lower velocity. The results obtained are in broad agreement with several of the observations and conclusions derived from combined flow and behavioural experiments performed by Casas et al. for running spiders, and by Dangles et al. for spiders and a physical model of spiders lunging at crickets.

Postprandial lipaemia in patients with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus

AIMS

To compare the postprandial lipid responses in subjects with prediabetes (IFG and IGT), newly detected diabetes mellitus (NDDM) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

METHODS

Postprandial lipid responses to a standard oral fat challenge was studied in forty-four subjects who were divided after an OGTT into NGT, pure impaired fasting glucose (PIFG), pure impaired glucose tolerance (PIGT) and NDDM.

RESULTS

There was a significantly higher postprandial triglyceride (PPTg) response with a higher PPTg area under curve (p=0.004) and peak PPTg levels (p=0.003) in patients with NDDM but not with either PIFG (p>0.05) or PIGT (p>0.05) when compared with NGT. Overall, PPTg responses correlated significantly with fasting plasma glucose (p=0.001) and 2h plasma glucose (p=0.001) but not with age, sex, body mass index, waist, or insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION

Subjects with newly detected diabetes mellitus displayed postprandial hypertriglyceridemia after a standard oral fat meal challenge while no such abnormality could be demonstrated in subjects with IFG or IGT. This defect is probably related to glycemic status and insulin resistance.

Primary chondrosarcoma of the breast: a case report

Mammary sarcomas are uncommon tumors. Of these pure chondrosarcoma without any other area of epithelial or mesenchymal differentiation feature as even rarer. This excludes tumors like malignant cystosarcoma phyllodes and metaplastic carcinoma where malignant cartilaginous areas may be present. Further primary chondrosarcoma arises from breast stroma and not from underlying bone or cartilage. Only five cases of pure and primary chondrosarcoma have been reported so far. The sixth case is reported here.

Clozapine impact on clinical outcomes and aggression in severely ill adolescents with childhood-onset schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of clozapine on aggressive behaviour and clinical outcomes in children and adolescents with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

METHODS

We reviewed the charts of 6 children and adolescents who were admitted consecutively to a long-term care facility for clinical outcomes, including seclusion and restraints incidents prior to and during clozapine treatment. We also present a representative case history.

RESULTS

We noted clinically significant improvements in social interaction and decreases in the number of violent episodes and homicidal or suicidal thoughts. The global assessment of functioning (GAF) scores improved significantly. Weight gain was significant.

CONCLUSIONS

These cases illustrate the benefits of clozapine treatment in refractory childhood-onset schizophrenia. Outcomes are similar to those described in adults. Even though open data limit conclusions from this study, it is pertinent that there was a clinically significant improvement in aggressive behaviours. This may be particularly important for improved morale of patients, their families, and treating staff. It may also be helpful in discharge to a less restrictive environment.

Plasticity of axial identity among somites: cranial somites can generate vertebrae without expressing Hox genes appropriate to the trunk

Classic studies have shown that the presomitic mesoderm is already committed to a specific morphological fate, for example, the ability to generate a rib. Hox gene expression in the paraxial mesoderm has also been shown to be fixed early and not susceptible to modulation by an ectopic environment. This is in contrast to the plasticity of Hox expression in neuroectodermal derivatives. We reexamine here the potential of somites for morphological plasticity by transplanting the cranial (occipital) somites 1-4, that normally produce small contributions to the skull, to the trunk of avian embryos. Surprisingly, the transposed cranial somites are able to form reasonably normal vertebral anlage. In addition, the cranial somitic mesoderm produces intervertebral disks, structures not normally found in the skull. These somites are however unable to generate some elements of the vertebrae, such as the costal process. In contrast to the morphogenetic plasticity of the occipital somites, their characteristic inability to support survival of dorsal root ganglia was not significantly modified by posterior transplantation. Dorsal root ganglia initially developed and then degenerated with the same morphological stages as normally observed. In striking contrast to the plasticity of morphology, we found that all four members of the of the fourth paralogous group of Hox genes that are expressed endogenously at the level of the graft are not upregulated in the caudad-transposed cranial mesoderm. It therefore appears that genes other than those of the Hox family normally expressed at this axial level control the position-specific morphogenesis of ectopic vertebrae formed from cranial somites. In evolutionary terms, the present results imply that occipital somites that were incorporated into the "New Head" retain the ability to develop according to their original morphogenetic fate, into vertebrae.

Breeding preferences of Anopheles culicifacies in the rice agro-ecosystem in Kheda district, Gujarat

Breeding preferences of Anopheles culicifacies, a principle malaria vector, in the plains of India was studied in the rice agro-ecosystem of Kheda district in central Gujarat. Extensive breeding of this species was found in the rice field channels (20.83 per cent) and in rice fields (5.32 per cent). However, rice nurseries (0.91 per cent) and post-harvested rice fields (2.51 per cent) were less preferred. The species was found in abundance in newly transplanted rice fields and during early months of rice cultivation with a peak prevalence in the non-monsoon (Rabi) season. The breeding of An. culicifacies was inversely proportional and negatively correlated (r = -0.868; p < 0.05) with the height of the plants, whereas it showed a positive correlation (r = 0.779; p < 0.05) with the distance between plants. Rice fields near the villages supported maximum breeding of An. culicifacies (48 per cent) followed by the rice fields, 0.5 to one km away from the human habitation. Co-efficient of association (C8 index) revealed a positive association of the species with An. annularis, An. pallidus, An. subpictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus. However, it was negatively associated with An. nigerrimus, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and Cx. vishnui sub groups.