National Institute of Technology, Karnataka

About: National Institute of Technology, Karnataka is a education organization based out in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Corrosion. The organization has 5017 authors who have published 7057 publications receiving 70367 citations.

Enhanced Bulk Thermoelectric Performance of Pb0.6Sn0.4Te: Effect of Magnesium Doping

Abstract: Thermoelectric (TE) materials are promising in the context of renewable power generation as they can directly convert waste heat into electricity. Although PbTe is the best known TE material, its use is not encouraged due to concerns of environmental toxicity of lead. A combination of modified self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) and field-assisted sintering technique (FAST) is employed for the very first time to synthesize a solid solution of PbTe and SnTe. We show that doping of Pb0.6Sn0.4Te with Mg breaks crystal mirror symmetry and opens up band gap. This results in suppression of bipolar diffusion. Also the increase in degeneracy of valence sub-bands improves Seebeck coefficient. Both these synergistically leads to remarkable enhancement in figure of merit ZT (∼2 at 840 K) and ZTavg (∼1.2 between 500 and 840 K) rendering it into high-performance thermoelectric material by successfully engineering electronic structure. Most importantly, the ZT here is comparable to that of Mg-doped PbTe b...

Organizational culture as a moderator between affective commitment and job satisfaction: empirical evidence from Indian public sector enterprises

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of organizational culture in affective commitment and job satisfaction relationship.,Responses were collected from 712 employees working in nine different Indian central public sector enterprises /state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by using a questionnaire-based survey. Theoretical analysis is based on social exchange theory and managerial grid theory. Data were analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling.,The establishment of organizational culture as a moderator in Indian organizations is unique. This study has utilized data from employees working in different departments of organizations to provide unbiased responses. The results demonstrate that impact of affective commitment on employees’ job satisfaction is moderated by supportive and innovative cultures. Additionally, this research also proves that bureaucratic culture does not play a crucial role in moderating the relationship between organizational commitment and employees’ job satisfaction.,Results are relevant to top-level and middle-level management in which people are involved in the governance of the organization, both directly and indirectly. There should be fixed working hours and optimum time management. Due to growing pressure, few employees who have personal obligations toward their families, such as nursing mothers and stressed individuals, should be provided with flexible working hours. In this way, culture can become supportive to cater to different needs of employees.,Till date, organizational culture as moderator has received very less attention in India. The establishment of organizational culture as a moderator in Indian SOEs is unique. The results add to the growing literature of commitment from non-western context as this study is based on Indian samples. This study has utilized data from employees working in different departments of organizations to provide unbiased responses.

Fairtrade Certification and Livelihood Impacts on Small-scale Coffee Producers in a Tribal Community of India

Abstract: Can Fairtrade certification improve farmers’ livelihoods in small-scale coffee farming tribal communities in India? Has Fairtrade contributed to capacity-building among the farmers? To answer these questions, household data of 256 coffee farmers from a tribal coffee-producing community in southern India was collected in 2010. Using the propensity score matching technique, the empirical findings show that Fairtrade certification has a positive impact on farmers’ income. However, the incidence of poverty in the community is very high, with 84% of the certified farmers being extremely poor. Some improvement in the livelihoods of certified farmers has occurred from higher and assured farm gate prices, regular collection of coffee from the village centers that reduces travel costs, and from the social Fairtrade premium. But while the benefits are modest and the process is slow, challenges remain in terms of improving the effectiveness and management of the cooperative system, as well as raising the awareness of farmers about Fairtrade certification. There is a need to strengthen the positive impacts created by Fairtrade certification by collaboration between the cooperative and local government to enhance the technical, financial and human capacities of the coffee cooperative members.