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This study aims to investigate the antecedents of behavioral intention and actual usage of mobile payment (m-payment) services during the COVID-19 pandemic among Indian consumers.

The proposed research model of this study is based on the extended framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) by using two additional variables, namely, perceived security (PS) and perceived trust (PT). In total, 436 sample respondents are chosen from Indian consumers with experience using m-payment services through the online survey method. The data analysis and proposed hypothetical relationships were tested using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling techniques.

The results confirm that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, PS, PT, habit and price value are antecedents of consumer intention toward adopting m-payment services. Furthermore, behavioral intention significantly influences the actual usage of m-payment services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though the impact of COVID-19 has been observed during the research period in getting responses from m-payment service users, the constructs used in the study are confined to the UTAUT2 model, and dimensions related to COVID-19 are not directly included in the measurement scale. The study’s findings propose valuable insights for service providers and policymakers.

This study’s results offer valuable insights to the service providers and policymakers to achieve the Government of India digital India objective of “Faceless, Paperless and Cashless” transactions.

This study’s results contribute to extending the empirical research literature on m-payment as antecedents of behavioral intention toward the adoption of m-payment services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this study assumes important interrelationships among UTAUT2 constructs with the additional incorporation of PS and PT.

This study aims to investigate the potential use of potato peel extracts as antibacterial finishes for cotton fabrics against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Potato peels are abundant as waste and provide a natural, cheaper and sustainable alternative means of preventing the spread of bacterial infections on cotton fabric.

This research included the characterization of potato peel extracts, application of the extract onto cotton fabric and efficacy testing of the treated cotton fabric against bacteria. Phytochemical screening, agar well diffusion antibacterial test, minimum inhibitory concentration and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) tests were used to characterize the extract. Antibacterial efficacy of the treated fabric was determined qualitatively using the disc diffusion assay and quantitatively using the bacteria reduction test.

Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of several secondary metabolites including phenols and flavonoids. Antibacterial tests revealed a positive response in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition of 6.50 mm and 5.60 mm, respectively. Additional peaks on the FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of potato peel extract on the treated cotton fabric. The treated cotton fabrics showed efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli up to 20 washes.

This study introduced the application of potato peel extracts onto cotton fabrics and assessment of the antibacterial properties before and after washing. Results of this study suggest that potato peel extracts can be used as an organic eco-friendly antibacterial finish for cotton fabrics.

Drawing on protection motivation theory (PMT), this study aims to explore the factors that enhance cybersecurity awareness among online banking users in Malaysia. More specifically, it investigates the influences of perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, technical knowledge, privacy intrusions and privacy awareness on perceived threats and then examines the effects of perceived threats, along with response efficacy and self-efficacy, on cybersecurity awareness, considering the moderating role of fear of cyberattacks.

A survey-based research approach was applied, and the hypotheses were tested using a sample of 324 respondents, employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

The results show that perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, privacy intrusions and privacy awareness significantly influence perceived threats, while technical knowledge does not influence perceived threats. Furthermore, it was found that response efficacy and self-efficacy both enhance cybersecurity awareness, while perceived threats have no influence on it. Finally, our research confirmed the moderating role of fear of cyberattacks in the relationship between self-efficacy and cybersecurity awareness.

For individuals, the study highlights the significance of fear, privacy awareness and response efficacy in shaping cybersecurity perceptions, paving the way for enhanced and tailored awareness programs. Moreover, the understanding of relationships between perceived threats, response efficacy and self-efficacy empowers individuals to craft personalized risk mitigation strategies, fostering confidence in navigating the digital landscape. Businesses can leverage the insights for informed design of employee training programs and data-driven decision-making in cybersecurity investments. Government entities, recognizing the nuanced relationship between perceived threats and cybersecurity awareness, are encouraged to formulate context-specific policies and foster cross-sector collaboration for comprehensive cybersecurity initiatives.

This research extends PMT by incorporating additional antecedent variables – namely, technical knowledge, privacy intrusions and privacy awareness within the online banking context that have been overlooked thus far. Furthermore, it delves into the unique role of fear of cyberattack as a moderating variable, thereby enhancing our understanding of PMT.

AISI 4140 is a versatile, low alloy steel often used in various applications in mechanical systems and manufacturing processes. To mention a few in processes such as friction stir welding tooling and in engine components, temperatures above 700°C coupled with wear. Despite its versatility, it is still susceptible to wear and corrosion. A common method to address this shortcoming is physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating. This study aims to experimentally investigate the wear performance of AISI 4140 PVD coated with titanium nitride (TiN) and titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) at room and elevated temperatures.

Two sets of three samples were prepared. Where one sample was uncoated AISI 4140, TiN and TiAlN PVD coated, one set was tested at room temperature and the other set at 780°C for comparison purposes. The average coating thicknesses were measured, and the adhesion properties were assessed using a scratch test. Their tribological wear scars were further characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and confocal microscopy, and the results were furnished in the paper.

With the scratch test, the first critical load (Lc) on the TiAlN coating was 15% higher than that of the TiN coating. At room temperature, TiN had the highest coefficient at 0.61, while TiAlN was 0.39. After 1,500 s, samples showed run-in and stability. At elevated temperatures, TiAlN started with the highest friction but stabilized later than TiN and uncoated samples, which stabilized after 200 s due to titanium oxide formation. This was due to the formation of an oxidation layer caused by the thermal environment. Hence, the opposite is observed at room temperature. The findings were supported by the Raman, XRD, SEM EDS and areal topography analysis.

The results presented in the study are valuable to design engineers and researchers anticipating wear in high temperature applications. Therefore, with these results, reasonable, informed decisions can be made about specific design requirements.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2024-0354/

This paper aims to explore pathways in which adaptation challenges may occur. Focus is on the barriers to adaptation, challenges to adaptation and maladaptation with reference to smallholder farmers in the Southern African Development Community region.

Bibliometric analysis techniques were used to track the literature on smallholder farmers’ adaptation challenges. Web of Science was the main data source. A total of 41 articles were retained for analysis and exported into Visualization of Similarities Viewer Software where the development of research on the subject, co-occurrence of keywords analysis, top publishers, citations and total link strength was done.

Results indicate that research on smallholder farmers’ adaptation challenges is not new but has gained more consideration post-2020. The main adaptation challenges emanate from perception barriers and constraints based on determinants of adoption, limitations for resilience building and achieving sustainable adaptation as well as contestations around Climate Smart Agriculture technologies.

Effective design of adaptation policies should center on prioritizing the needs of the local people. This would reduce the occurrences of smallholder farmers’ adaptation challenges, promote resilience building and contribute toward achieving sustainable adaptation.

It is equally important to document adaptation challenges. However, adaptation challenges are rarely shared with the same enthusiasm as its successes. This work focuses on the matter with the intention of conscientizing smallholder farmers to reduce the risk of repeating the same adaptation mistakes.