Enhanced photorefractivity in a polymeric composite photosensitized with modified carbon nanotubes

This work involves the photosensitization of photorefractive polymeric composites through the inclusion of multiwalled and singlewalled carbon nanotubes grafted to poly(N-vinyl carbazole). The photorefractive nature of the holograms gratings was established using two-beam-coupling, yielding two-beam-coupling gain coefficients approaching 80 cm⁻¹. Degenerate-four-wave-mixing experiments exhibited diffraction efficiencies as high as 60% as well as over-modulation voltages as low as ~ 40 V/µm. These notable figures of merit indicate that the grafting of the various carbon nanotubes to the poly(N-vinyl carbazole) polymer resulted in enhanced photorefractive performance. The mechanism responsible for this enhancement in photorefractive performance is investigated using a variety of experimental techniques demonstrating that an increase in carbon nanotubes solubility resulting from the adornment with poly (N-vinyl carbazole) is primarily responsible for the observed improvement --Abstract, page iv

Enhanced Photorefractivity in a Polymeric Composite Photosensitized with Carbon Nanotubes Grafted to a Photoconductive Polymer

We report on the photosensitization of photorefractive (PR) polymeric composites through the inclusion of multiwalled and singlewalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), respectively, having poly(N -vinyl carbazole) (PVK) grafted to their surfaces. The PR nature of the holographic gratings was confirmed via the asymmetric exchange of energy in a two-beam-coupling (TBC) geometry, yielding TBC gain coefficients approaching 80 cm-1. In addition, in degenerate-four-wave- mixing experiments the prepared composites exhibited diffraction efficiencies as high as 60% and overmodulation voltages as low as ∼40 V/μm. These notable figures of merit indicate that the grafting of the PVK polymer to the various CNTs results in enhanced PR performance. The mechanism responsible for this enhancement in PR performance is investigated using a variety of experimental techniques

Digital Payment Continuance Intention Using Mecm: The Role of Perceived Experience

Purpose:  The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of digital payment continuance intention, which is essential for long term success.   Theoretical framework:  Expectancy confirmation theory developed by Oliver (1980) and then expectancy confirmation model by Bhattacherjee (2001) examined the need of continuance intention. Looking at the significance of digital payment through Mobile phones, Mobile expectation confirmation model and role of perceived experience need to be examined for continuance intention.   Design/methodology/approach:  Empirical data from 400 Indian users, who had prior experience with digital payment were analysed by using Confirmed factor analysis and structural equation modelling.   Findings:  The results confirmed that Mobile expectancy confirmation had exploratory power in explaining continuance intention, perceived usefulness, perceived experience and satisfaction of digital payment. Furthermore, perceived experience has moderating role in explaining the relationship between confirmation and continuance intention towards digital payment.   Research, Practical & Social implications:  The findings help financial service providers to understand the significance of meeting customer expectation and satisfying their need by enhancing perceived experience and usefulness, leading to favourable attitude towards digital payment and continuance intention.   Originality/value:  This study was based on MECM and contributing to the limited body of research on continuance intention towards digital payment. Furthermore, the role perceived experience was examined to establish the relationship between confirmation and continuance intention along with other variables like perceived usefulness and satisfaction

Assessment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in condylar fracture of the mandible using the Helkimo index

Introduction: Condylar fractures of the mandible are functionally important fractures as the condyle of the mandible being a part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and can lead to TMJ dysfunction if not properly treated. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a total of 33 treated patients with fracture of the mandibular condyle who underwent examination as per the Helkimo index. Their dysfunction was quantified and clinicoepidemiological characteristics were assessed. It was found that majority of our patients were young males involved in a two-wheeler accident. All patients underwent intermaxillary fixation as the minimum treatment and 30% underwent open reduction and internal fixation in addition. Results: There was no statistically significant association between the degree of clinical dysfunction and factors such as age, mechanism of injury, type of condyle fracture, presence of other mandible fractures, and surgical procedure. However, dislocation of the mandibular condyle was found to be a negative prognostic factor and all these patients had some degree of dysfunction. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of TMJ dysfunction according to the Helkimo index was 90%. About 61% of patients had mild dysfunction (Di1) and 30% had moderate dysfunction (Di2). None of the patients had severe dysfunction. To conclude, the Helkimo index is a simple, effective, inexpensive, reliable screening index to assess TMJ dysfunction in condylar fractures of mandible