Lokesh Singh, Rekh Ram Janghel and Satya Prakash Sahu
Automated skin lesion analysis plays a vital role in early detection. Having relatively small-sized imbalanced skin lesion datasets impedes learning and dominates research in…
Abstract
Purpose
Automated skin lesion analysis plays a vital role in early detection. Having relatively small-sized imbalanced skin lesion datasets impedes learning and dominates research in automated skin lesion analysis. The unavailability of adequate data poses difficulty in developing classification methods due to the skewed class distribution.
Design/methodology/approach
Boosting-based transfer learning (TL) paradigms like Transfer AdaBoost algorithm can compensate for such a lack of samples by taking advantage of auxiliary data. However, in such methods, beneficial source instances representing the target have a fast and stochastic weight convergence, which results in “weight-drift” that negates transfer. In this paper, a framework is designed utilizing the “Rare-Transfer” (RT), a boosting-based TL algorithm, that prevents “weight-drift” and simultaneously addresses absolute-rarity in skin lesion datasets. RT prevents the weights of source samples from quick convergence. It addresses absolute-rarity using an instance transfer approach incorporating the best-fit set of auxiliary examples, which improves balanced error minimization. It compensates for class unbalance and scarcity of training samples in absolute-rarity simultaneously for inducing balanced error optimization.
Findings
Promising results are obtained utilizing the RT compared with state-of-the-art techniques on absolute-rare skin lesion datasets with an accuracy of 92.5%. Wilcoxon signed-rank test examines significant differences amid the proposed RT algorithm and conventional algorithms used in the experiment.
Originality/value
Experimentation is performed on absolute-rare four skin lesion datasets, and the effectiveness of RT is assessed based on accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under curve. The performance is compared with an existing ensemble and boosting-based TL methods.
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Lokesh Singh, Rekh Ram Janghel and Satya Prakash Sahu
The study aims to cope with the problems confronted in the skin lesion datasets with less training data toward the classification of melanoma. The vital, challenging issue is the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to cope with the problems confronted in the skin lesion datasets with less training data toward the classification of melanoma. The vital, challenging issue is the insufficiency of training data that occurred while classifying the lesions as melanoma and non-melanoma.
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, a transfer learning (TL) framework Transfer Constituent Support Vector Machine (TrCSVM) is designed for melanoma classification based on feature-based domain adaptation (FBDA) leveraging the support vector machine (SVM) and Transfer AdaBoost (TrAdaBoost). The working of the framework is twofold: at first, SVM is utilized for domain adaptation for learning much transferrable representation between source and target domain. In the first phase, for homogeneous domain adaptation, it augments features by transforming the data from source and target (different but related) domains in a shared-subspace. In the second phase, for heterogeneous domain adaptation, it leverages knowledge by augmenting features from source to target (different and not related) domains to a shared-subspace. Second, TrAdaBoost is utilized to adjust the weights of wrongly classified data in the newly generated source and target datasets.
Findings
The experimental results empirically prove the superiority of TrCSVM than the state-of-the-art TL methods on less-sized datasets with an accuracy of 98.82%.
Originality/value
Experiments are conducted on six skin lesion datasets and performance is compared based on accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity. The effectiveness of TrCSVM is evaluated on ten other datasets towards testing its generalizing behavior. Its performance is also compared with two existing TL frameworks (TrResampling, TrAdaBoost) for the classification of melanoma.
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Surya Prakash, Vijay Prakash Sharma, Ranbir Singh, Lokesh Vijayvargy and Nilaish
This study aims to address the adoption issues of green and sustainable practices in the hotel industry. The study identifies critical performance indicators (CPIs) and utilizes…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address the adoption issues of green and sustainable practices in the hotel industry. The study identifies critical performance indicators (CPIs) and utilizes Hotel Carbon Management Initiative (HCMI) framework to prioritize CPIs for achieving a robust adoption framework for green and sustainable practices.
Design/methodology/approach
The hotel industry is driven by changing ecological degradation, and it is necessary to achieve feasible development goals. This research article formulates the CPIs derived from HCMI and decision-making model is created using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).
Findings
In this research, CPIs of HCMI are considered and aim to formulate five major CPIs of HCMI, namely air pollution, energy efficiency, water conservation, noise pollution and waste management. The study identifies the need for better control and sustainable growth in the Indian hotel industry with minimum carbon emissions coupled with the green approach adoption.
Research limitations/implications
The CPIs work on minimization of risks and maximizing optimality of return on investment. The development of the hotel industry will be improved and immensely welcomed by capping the carbon emission with the green initiatives. This research is limited as urban hotels are surveyed in this study.
Originality/value
This work makes a valid argument to establish HCMI as a model initiative for environment quality improvement and further extension of other activities in the hospitality sector and scale-up sustainable practices for future-ready circular economies.
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Lokesh Arora and Prakash Singh
Global businesses are witnessing a transformation in their products and services, processes and business models due to digitalisation. This trend has led to the digitalisation of…
Abstract
Purpose
Global businesses are witnessing a transformation in their products and services, processes and business models due to digitalisation. This trend has led to the digitalisation of innovation and entrepreneurship from the modern business perspective. The present study primarily aims to study how digital innovations shape the landscape of digital entrepreneurship and thematic perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
The present research applied a systematic literature review (SLR) method based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and 47 articles were selected as the final sample size related to digital innovation and digital entrepreneurship. Though the ultimate sample size is acceptable and signifies a small sample size of 40, the choice is still justifiable as it follows the rule of thumb. Hence, “the rule of thumb” empowers the study to meaningfully contribute to the arena using the SLR method, and 40 qualified papers are an adequate lowest threshold number.
Findings
This study found that there is little investigation performed from the perspective of digital innovation and digital entrepreneurship. Prior studies researched were centred on innovation and entrepreneurship. The United Kingdom was the leading country that performed research on this domain followed by other countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden and the United States of America.
Originality/value
The present study supports the existing body of knowledge by throwing light on the association of digital innovation and digital entrepreneurship and how it further leads to the development of the digital ecosystem. It also highlights future research opportunities in the domain of digital innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
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Natural good-quality sources of aggregates are depleting, whereas large amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is produced annually. Safe disposal and use of RAP in the cold…
Abstract
Purpose
Natural good-quality sources of aggregates are depleting, whereas large amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is produced annually. Safe disposal and use of RAP in the cold in-place recycling (CIR) using foamed bitumen could be sustainable approach where milling and mixing operations are accomplished simultaneously. This will not only help in minimizing contamination (probability) and transportation cost but also reduces the carbon footprints. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the scope of RAP utilization up to 100% and further its effect on the behavior of reclaimed asphalt foamed bituminous mix.
Design/methodology/approach
Reclaimed asphalt foamed bituminous mix (FBM) is still a new technique. The evidence of performance of 100% recycled pavement (CIR) is only anecdotal and lacks in systematic guidelines and literatures. Foam binder coating around the aggregates is also a concern. Therefore, this study is mainly emphasized to investigate the scope of RAP use in the FBM up to 100%. RAP content is varied in each trial, i.e. 70, 85, 100 and 0% (only fresh aggregates), to make the FBM. RAP use and its effect on the behavior of FBM in terms of resilient modulus, variation in resilient modulus with curing, rutting performance and the potential of resistance against the moisture damage are addressed.
Findings
Considering the laboratory studies, it can be accomplished that mechanistic properties and performance of FBM are largely influenced by RAP material and portray less susceptible characteristics against the moisture damage. FBM containing 70% RAP content exhibits maximum resilient modulus. However, use of RAP up to 100% in FBM is satisfying the minimum required specification.
Originality/value
Overall, the study may be helpful to highway professionals and could generate another possible option of 100% RAP replacing fresh aggregates in the flexible pavements.
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Lokesh Kumar, Z. F. Bhat and Sunil Kumar
– This paper aims to evaluate the effect of different fiber sources and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) on the quality characteristics of chicken harrisa.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the effect of different fiber sources and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) on the quality characteristics of chicken harrisa.
Design/methodology/approach
An attempt was made to develop fiber-enriched chicken harrisa, a meat-based product, by incorporating optimum level of different fiber sources, viz., oat bran (10 per cent) or wheat bran (10 per cent) or barley bran (5 per cent). The products developed with optimized level of fiber were further treated with TBHQ (200 ppm) and were aerobically packaged in low-density polyethylene pouches along with control and assessed for various storage quality parameters under refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) conditions. The products were evaluated for various physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters at regular intervals of 0, 7, 14 and 21 days.
Findings
A significant (p < 0.05) increase was observed in the fiber content of the products prepared with oat bran (10 per cent) or wheat bran (10 per cent) or barley bran (5 per cent). TBHQ showed a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the lipid oxidative stability, as the treated products exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (mg malonaldehyde/kg) values for the entire period of storage. No significant (p > 0.05) effect was observed on the microbiological characteristics of the products. Sensory parameters showed significant (p < 0.05) decreasing trend for control as well as TBHQ-treated products throughout the period of storage; however, significantly (p < 0.05) higher scores were observed for treated products in comparison to control.
Originality/value
Fiber-enriched chicken harrisa was developed by incorporating oat bran (10 per cent) or wheat bran (10 per cent) or barley bran (5 per cent) in the formulation. TBHQ successfully improved the lipid oxidative stability and storage quality of fiber-enriched chicken harrisa during refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) storage and may be commercially exploited to improve the storage quality of the product.
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Shubham Bansal, Lokesh Choudhary, Megha Kalra, Niragi Dave and Anil Kumar Sharma
One of the most contested and anticipated research issues is the acceptability of using recycled aggregates instead of fresh aggregates. This study aims to look at the possibility…
Abstract
Purpose
One of the most contested and anticipated research issues is the acceptability of using recycled aggregates instead of fresh aggregates. This study aims to look at the possibility of replacing fresh aggregates with 15%, 30%, 60% and 100% recycled aggregates.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is divided into two stages. The compressive, split tensile, flexural and bond strength of the various mixes were examined in the first phase using untreated recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). The second phase entails chemically treating RCA with a 10% 0.1 M sodium metasilicate solution to evaluate differences in strength, indicating the success of the treatment performed. Microstructural experiments such as scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were also conducted to evaluate the formation of interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in treated and untreated RCA specimens.
Findings
The observed findings reveal a decrease in concrete strength with increasing RCA concentration; however, when treated RCA was used, the strengths increased significantly when compared to untreated samples. The findings also include curves indicating the correlation between compressive strength and other mechanical strength parameters for an optimum mix of concrete prepared with 30% RCA replacement.
Originality/value
The study through its novel approach, demonstrates the effect of pretreatment of RCA in the absence of any standardized chemical treatment methodology and presents significant potential in minimizing reliance on fresh aggregates used in concrete, lowering building costs and promoting the use of waste materials in construction.
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Ambareen Beebeejaun and Teekshna Maharoo
Financial institutions, including banks, have their responsibilities to contribute towards the preservation of the environment. Green banking is an emerging concept that involves…
Abstract
Purpose
Financial institutions, including banks, have their responsibilities to contribute towards the preservation of the environment. Green banking is an emerging concept that involves eco-friendly initiatives by banks and although Mauritius lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for green banking, there exists a few green regulations and guidelines. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to critically analyse the existing legal and regulatory framework on green banking in Mauritius. It is expected that this study will showcase the need for some more robust and proper green banking legal and regulatory framework in Mauritius.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the research objective, a black-letter analysis is used to analyse the existing regulatory framework in Mauritius. Moreover, a comparative analysis of the current legal frameworks on green banking in countries like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and the UK is carried out.
Findings
This study recommends the establishment of a guideline or legal framework for green banking, a Sustainable Finance Policy, a legal binding framework for issuance of bonds, adoption of a Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure guideline, compulsory environmental reporting and disclosures and a green standard rating.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first literature on green banking laws, especially in the context of a developing country being Mauritius, and it is anticipated that the findings are of use not only to academics but also to the wider community in general.
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After reading and discussing the case, the participants would be able to: apply 7S and VRIO framework for online furniture retail; evaluate the profitability of horizontal versus…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
After reading and discussing the case, the participants would be able to: apply 7S and VRIO framework for online furniture retail; evaluate the profitability of horizontal versus vertical marketplaces for selling furniture online; articulate the challenges faced by online furniture retailers; discuss the applicability of technology to enhance customer experience in online furniture retail; and discuss the omni-channel strategy which online furniture companies can adopt.
Case overview/synopsis
Although furniture has traditionally been an unorganized category, the online furniture platforms have been on an upward curve since past few years. Digitization of economy and usage of smartphones to access internet had given a thrust to online purchases. This case on Wakefit Innovations Private Limited is intended to provide the readers with the business and marketing insights of selling furniture using online platform. The readers will be able to understand how retailing furniture using e-commerce is full of challenges and how various marketing activities have helped Wakefit improve their customer base. The readers can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of horizontal versus vertical e-commerce marketplaces and various challenges associated with online furniture retailing. Whether Wakefit should continue setting up experience centres and the benefits that could accrue by usage of virtual reality, augmented reality and data analytics are additional dimensions which can be discussed by the readers. The case will benefit the professionals in understanding the challenges and marketing strategies used by online furniture retailers and the same can be replicated by other players in this sector.
Complexity academic level
This case is suitable for students enrolled for full credit course on e-commerce at post graduate level. The case can be discussed towards the middle of the course once the students have studied different formats of e-commerce marketplace.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
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Z. F. Bhat, Sunil Kumar and Lokesh Kumar
The purpose of this paper was to explore the possibility of utilization of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) leaf extract as a natural preservative in muscle foods. The products…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to explore the possibility of utilization of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) leaf extract as a natural preservative in muscle foods. The products incorporated with Ocimum sanctum leaf extract were assessed for various oxidative stability and storage quality parameters.
Design/methodology/approach
The Ocimum sanctum leaf extract was incorporated at 300 mg/kg level in the formulation. Chicken sausages incorporated with Ocimum sanctum leaf extract along with control samples were aerobically packaged in low-density polyethylene pouches and assessed for lipid oxidation, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics under refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) conditions.
Findings
Ocimum sanctum leaf extract showed a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the lipid stability, as the treated products exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (mg malonaldehyde/kg) and free fatty acid (% oleic acid) values in comparison to control. A significant (p < 0.05) effect was also observed on the microbiological characteristics of the products, as the treated products showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower values for total plate count, psychrophilic count and yeast and mould count. Significantly, (p < 0.05) higher scores were also observed for various sensory parameters of the treated products.
Originality/value
The paper has demonstrated the use of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract as a potential natural preservative, as it successfully improved the oxidative stability and storage quality of the products during refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) storage and may be commercially exploited as a natural preservative in muscle foods.