Bengaluru City Research Articles

Case Analysis of Women Experienced Abuse: with Special Reference to Beneficiaries of Parihar, Bangalore

Abstract Case Analysis in this article presents a consolidated analysis of five case studies of women who have experienced abuse, exploring the varying types of abuse, challenges faced, and systemic responses. The cases have been chosen from the individuals i.e women who especially approach the institution “Parihar” Bangalore seeking help or emotional support. span different cultural and socioeconomic contexts, highlighting the pervasive nature of abuse across the globe. Through detailed comparison, the article examines the role of economic dependency, legal protections, and social stigma in perpetuating abuse, as well as the importance of community and psychological support in recovery. The analysis underscores the need for stronger legal frameworks, community education, and economic empowerment to help women break free from abusive environments. “Parihar” is a charitable institution registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration act 1960, exempted under 80(G) of Income Tax Act. It is an initiative of Bengaluru City Police, and is managed by a dedicated, committed and successful team of professional counsellors, and police staff with vast experience in counselling and social work. Parihar undertakes charitable, philanthropic and socio–economic programs for the welfare of Women, Children and Family as a whole. Parihar’s implementation structure consists of mainly four important people, its Ex-officio President being the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Vice President and Nodal officer, is the Jt. Commissioner of Police (Crime) & Secretary is the Deputy Commissioner of Police(Admin) and Treasurer is the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) “Parihar” stands out for its ‘vision’ and ‘mission’ to work for the upliftment of women and children in today’s society with various challenges and positive attitude to redress the issues in a holistic manner.

Assessing Oral Cancer Knowledge and Awareness among Dental Patients of Bengaluru City, India

Abstract Background Oral cancer (OC) is prevalent in India, with serious social and economic ramifications on the public, often resulting in poverty and societal imbalance. Knowledge of the risk factors and signs and symptoms may reduce the OC burden on the society. Objectives To assess the knowledge regarding risk factors and clinical indicators in early detection and prevention of OC among dental patients. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study, interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted among 540 adult patients attending the outpatient department of dental hospital. The questionnaire contained items about participants' characteristics, including demographics, education level, and knowledge about major risk factors: use of tobacco products, alcohol, diet/nutrition, family cancer history, oral hygiene habits and dental aspects, and clinical presentation of OC. The SPSS software was used to analyze the data, and the significance threshold was set at p = 0.05. The subjects were counseled immediately after completion of the questionnaire regarding tobacco cessation, and was given advice on diet, oral hygiene maintenance, and other lifestyle modifications. Results A solid understanding of signs and symptoms was demonstrated by 72%. However, two-thirds of this group were unaware of the symptoms associated with OC. As for OC risk factors such as tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption, 61.6% expressed good knowledge. Of the total, 38.3% reported visiting a dentist at least once a year for dental issues in the past 3 years, yet none of them had undergone OC screening. Additionally, less than 10% of the patients received OC counseling or tobacco cessation intervention from a dentist. Conclusion Knowledge of OC risk factors and signs and symptoms were average, which may adversely affect the practices regarding prevention and early detection.

A Cross-sectional Study to Assess the Self-esteem Among Adolescents in an Urban Poor Locality of Bengaluru City

Self-esteem refers to the individual’s perception or subjective appraisal of one’s own self-worth, self-confidence and self-respect. Self-esteem plays an important role in determining and preventing mental health disorders. There is a dearth in the knowledge of understanding self-esteem among Indian urban slum adolescents; therefore, this study was taken to assess self-esteem among adolescents of an urban poor locality using ‘The Rosenberg Self-esteem scale’. A cross-sectional survey among adolescents aged 15 to 19 years was conducted from April to June 2023 in the urban poor locality of Bangalore. Taking prevalence of low self-esteem among adolescents as 15.3%, the sample size was calculated as 200. Out of 200 subjects, 52.7% were females and 47.5% were male. We found that 28.0% were school dropouts. The study showed a majority of the subjects had normal or high self-esteem and 10.5% had low self-esteem. Increasing age of the adolescents was found to be significantly associated with self-esteem scores ( p < .05). This study identified that 10.5% had poor self-esteem and they need support from family, school and Sneha Clinic at Urban Primary Health Centre to improve their life skills and prevent mental health issues in adolescence and adulthood.

Exploring Retailer’s Grocery Purchasing Behavior through Online Platforms in Bengaluru City, India

Indian retail market is one of the most complicated and dynamic industry which is contributing to more than 10% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and around 8% of the employment. Mainly it is dominated by unorganized retailers, in last 10 years gradual shifts, like entry of modern trade, the entry of cash and carry, the advent of the e-commerce revolution and, more recently, the growth in newage B2B providers have started to transform this ecosystem, this makes retailers to go for online purchase of grocery using e- B2B platforms. Keeping this background in mind, the study was conducted in Bengaluru city with sample size of 250 retailers using primary as well as secondary data. The data was analysed using percent analysis, frequency, weighted average mean and Garrett ranking method. The study reveals that retail sector in study area is dominated by male ownership, most of the retailers were aged above 45 years having basic level of education and have more than 15 years of experience in retailing. Factors such as convenience, price, and wide product availability are the primary factors influencing online purchases, with convenience having the highest WAM score 4.2. All the surveyed retailers are aware of online grocery applications, indicating a high penetration of digitalization in the area. Retailers predominantly order once or twice a week, with most orders value between 700-3000 rupees, reflects the use of online platforms for regular stock replenishment. Main problems faced by retailers were delivery of damaged product, return issues and minimum order value and these were the main factors influencing them to stay away from online purchase.

The Impact of Tax Planning on the Investment Patterns of Salaried Individuals in Bengaluru City

The Impact of Tax Planning on the Investment Patterns of Salaried Individuals in Bengaluru City

Correlates of creativity: an association between creativity, personality, and intelligence

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to explore the association between creativity, intelligence, and personality. The study recruited sixty healthy volunteers in the age range of 20–40 years from Bengaluru city (formerly Bangalore), South India, and administered tests for fluid intelligence (Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices), personality (Big Five NEO-FFI), and divergent thinking (Wallach & Kogan Creativity Test). Findings revealed that intelligence and openness to experience were positively correlated with the fluency, flexibility, and originality dimensions of creativity. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis suggested openness and fluid intelligence significantly predicted creativity. This suggests that individuals who are more open to new experiences continue to integrate new and diverse information into their existing knowledge base. When combined with contextual and emotional stimuli, this integration process can lead to more varied and innovative responses to divergent thinking tasks.

Diversity of moth families in Urban Bangalore with trends in weather patterns

This work focuses on moths, which serve as pollinators in an ecosystem. The study area, Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1 in Jalahalli (Latitude: 13.05527, Longitude: 77.53591), is a biodiverse green space within the bustling city of Bengaluru. The study sheds light on the diversity and characteristics of moths in a natural ecosystem closely surrounded by urban development. Data on various moth species were collected from an iNaturalist project, which had already documented the area’s biodiversity over more than a year. The present study enhanced this dataset with additional observations. Remarkably, over 230 moth species were recorded in just one year, including the first photographic documentation of a moth from the family Palaeosetidae in India. Researchers classified this data to explore the seasonal diversity of different moth families within the study area. As part of the project, a mercury vapor lamp trap was set up to evaluate its effectiveness in attracting moths. Additionally, the flowering plant species in the study area were documented, classified, and compared with existing data. This allowed researchers to relate observed moth families with the plant species they pollinate. Overall, work contributes significantly to our understanding of moth ecology in this unique urban-natural interface.

Prevalence and patterns of helmet use among motorized two-wheelers: findings from a large observational study in an Indian metropolis

ABSTRACT: Motorized two-wheeler users account for 45% of road fatalities in 2021 in India. Correct helmet use decreases the risk of fatalities, but information about the prevalence of correct helmet use is limited in the Indian context. This study aims to assess the prevalence of helmet use and factors associated with correct helmet use among motorized two-wheeler users in Bengaluru city, India. This observational cross-sectional assessment was conducted in a random-representative sample of 98021 motorized two-wheelers sampled from 15 intersections. Helmet use and other information were collected by trained Field Data Collectors via hand-held tablet devices and the KoBo collect application, following a globally used checklist. The prevalence of helmet use (all types) was 88% among riders and pillion together and 92.4% among riders. However, the prevalence of correct helmet use is 38% among riders, and non-standard helmet use is 27%. This study reveals a correct helmet use gap in Bengaluru city. The study recommends the need to shift enforcement, messaging, and intervention focus towards correct helmet use and the implementation of routine population-based surveillance for helmet use in the city.

Consumption Pattern of A2 Milk in Bengaluru City of Karnataka of India

The dairy sector in India, often referred to as the "milk bowl of the world," is a cornerstone of the nation's agricultural economy. A2 milk, derived from native Indian cow breeds, is gaining popularity due to its perceived health benefits over conventional milk. The research aims to provide a complete understanding of factors that influence A2 milk consumption in Bengaluru, addressing both consumer behaviour and market dynamics. The study used a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative analysis through surveys and factor analysis. Data were collected from 80 respondents across Bengaluru city of Karnataka. Garrett ranking was utilised to identify key constraints faced by consumers, while the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett's test were applied to ensure data adequacy for factor analysis. Results indicate that 82.50% of respondents are aware that A2 milk is a good source of lactose, but awareness drops significantly for other nutritional benefits, with only 19.16% aware of its omega-3 fatty acid content. The general awareness of A2 milk's health benefits of the A2 milk is moderate, with 57.5% of respondents exhibiting a medium level of awareness. Factor analysis revealed that product quality and market considerations significantly influence purchasing decisions, while high cost and lack of awareness are major constraints. The high price is attributed to lower yield per cow and higher maintenance costs. Furthermore, 90.50% of respondents highly accepted the taste of A2 milk, indicating a strong sensory appeal. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns and pricing interventions to enhance consumer education and engagement. Addressing these constraints could improve market penetration and maintain consumer interest in A2 milk, promoting its health benefits, and ensuring its competitive edge in the dairy market. The findings provide valuable information for producers and marketers aiming to expand the A2 milk market in Bengaluru and similar urban areas.

Impact of Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) Awareness on the Investment Decision of Information Technology (IT) Employees in Bengaluru City

The mutual fund industry in India is experiencing rapid expansion and is considered to be one of the most rapidly growing sectors within the nation's economy. Furthermore, it possesses significant prospects for sustained and substantial development in the long run. Mutual funds, along with their diverse range of instruments including systematic investment plans (SIPs), equity funds, debt funds, and hybrid fund instruments, have made a substantial contribution to economic growth in both the corporate sector and among individuals over the past decade. The current study focuses on the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), which has emerged as a feasible alternative investment strategy for numerous investors aiming to achieve substantial returns while mitigating risk through incremental investments. The utilization of these funds facilitates the ease, availability, and affordability of saving and investing. The systematic investment plan (SIP) offers several advantages, such as professional management, diversification, diversity, liquidity, affordability, comfort, and ease of record keeping. Additionally, SIP is subject to stringent government regulation and ensures complete transparency. The current study has examined various variables related to investment and the factors that investors consider when selecting a Systematic Investment Plan. The objective of this study is to examine the level of awareness of systematic investment plans (SIP) among information technology (IT) employees and investigate the influence of demographic variables on their engagement in such investment plans. The primary objective of this study is to examine the influence of systematic investment plan (SIP) awareness on individuals' investment choices. The primary objective of this study is to examine the viability of Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in the Indian context, while considering the various issues, intricacies, and factors involved. Additionally, the study aims to propose strategies and approaches to effectively address the challenges associated with developing mutual funds in alignment with the economic growth potential of the country. The present study utilizes primary data obtained from a sample of 112 information technology employees located in Bangalore. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The findings of the study indicate that IT employees possess awareness regarding SIP funds, albeit with a restricted comprehension of the structural and operational aspects of SIP investments. The choice to allocate funds towards Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) investments is notably impacted by variables such as age, income level, and educational attainment. The level of awareness regarding SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) has a significant impact on investment decision-making, as evidenced by a substantially high proportion. There exists a necessity to enhance awareness and facilitate the dissemination of information regarding SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) and its potential advantages.

Urban Water Security: Geospatial Insights into the Water Scarcity of Bengaluru City during 2023–2024

Urban Water Security: Geospatial Insights into the Water Scarcity of Bengaluru City during 2023–2024

Evaluation of Particulate matter and air pollutants level in the ambient air of Bengaluru city

Background: Air pollution has been a global environmental concern, and its effects on human health in the past have played an important role. Thus, this study investigated the concentrations of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) in four distinct areas of Bengaluru over one year. Materials and Methods: It is a descriptive cross-sectional design, utilizing secondary data from the Central Pollution Control Board's National Air Quality Monitoring Programme. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, expressing descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and maximum concentrations. Results: The study reveals varying air quality levels, with PM10 peaking at 102 µg/m³ in Silk Broad (August 2023) and NO2 spiking in February 2023. SO2 peaks at Majestic (March 2023), while CO poses health risks, peaking in January 2023. Silk Broad shows highest PM10; Majestic has elevated NO2, SO2, and CO. Conclusion: The study reveals fluctuating air quality, with PM10 peaking at 102 µg/m³ in Silk Broad station (August 2023) and NO2 spiking in February 2023. SO2 and CO levels also vary, posing health risks, particularly at Majestic station. Regional disparities highlight the need for targeted pollution control.

Work environment adversity and non-communicable Disease risk among drivers working for application-based-cab-aggregators in an Indian metropolis

BackgroundBengaluru, a metropolis in Southern India, is one of the largest markets for cab aggregator companies. Drivers working for these companies play a vital role in urban transportation but unlike other drivers, their work pattern is stressful, which could increase their proneness to NCD risk factors. Understanding associations between work environment adversity and NCD risk factors among these drivers will help to plan specific health promotion and NCD prevention programs including provision of basic occupational health services.ObjectivesThe study aims to test for an association between work environment adversity and selected Non-communicable Disease (NCD) risk factors among Application Cab Aggregator drivers in Bengaluru city and to estimate the prevalence of selected NCD risk factors among the ABCA drivers.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Bengaluru city among 340 eligible and consenting ABCA drivers with at least one-year experience. Drivers were recruited through a multi-stage sampling procedure and time-period sampling, from transportation and leisure zones in the city. Data was collected through interviews using specifically developed semi-structured tools to assess work environment adversity and NCD risk factors. Prevalence of NCD risk factors is presented per 100 drivers with 95% confidence intervals. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to quantify the strength of the association between work environment adversity categories and NCD risk factors. Ethical clearance was obtained from the NIMHANS Ethics Committee.ResultsNearly 97% of the 340 drivers reported having one or more NCD risk factors. Working more than 5 days a week, more than 7 + hours a day, staying away from family, and working night shifts were closely associated with higher risk for NCD risk factors among ABCA drivers. Drivers with work environment adversity scores between 5 and 10 were associated with higher odds of Physical Inactivity (OR = 3.1), Unhealthy diets (OR = 1.62), and Tobacco Use (OR = 3.06).ConclusionThe study highlights the association between work environment adversity and NCD risk factors and indicates a dire need for NCD prevention programs, basic occupational health services, and social security provisions for ABCA cab drivers.

Awareness of Early Childhood Education among Teachers Working in Pre-Primary Schools

The period of a child’s growth and development that is most notable is from 0 to 8 years old. These are the years when all that is learned is laid down. Putting strong foundations in place today will yield big dividends later. Greater learning in the classroom and better educational results have a positive social and economic impact on society. Children who get early childhood education (ECE) have a strong foundation, which increases the effectiveness and productivity of every subsequent educational stage. The goal of the current study was to determine the pre-primary teachers’ level of awareness regarding early childhood education, given their critical position in the field. To determine the level of knowledge of early childhood education (ECE) among teachers employed in pre-primary institutions in Bengaluru city, the study used a survey approach and a custom application. A sample of 106 teachers were drawn through cluster sampling. The study found out that the demographic variables like locality, marital status and teaching experience have no influence on the awareness of ECE among pre-primary teachers. The study found that 10% of teachers have average awareness, 31% have good awareness, 37% have very good awareness and 22% have excellent awareness of ECE. Thus, close to 90% of them are found to have better awareness of ECE. This means that pre-primary teachers are well aware of the nature, learning needs etc. of children and also methodology of teaching and evaluation. In spite of better awareness of ECE found in teachers, the study comes out with few of educational implications in order to regulate and sustain the awareness of ECE among them and also in proper handling of children.

(Re)envisioning inclusive futures: Applying narrative foresight to deconstruct the problem of urban flooding in the slums of Bengaluru, India

AbstractMotivationRecurring urban flooding in Bengaluru, India, has brought multiple intersecting development challenges to the forefront. While climate change is a catalyst for flooding, rapid urbanisation has aggravated the problem by neglecting its ecological history. Repeated floods have particularly affected migrants living in the slums, further worsening their already vulnerable conditions. Currently, only about 40% of slums are formally recognized by city authorities, leaving most slum dwellers with limited access to public benefits and basic infrastructure. Although the city offers piecemeal solutions, it currently lacks foresight for long‐term planning that includes marginalized voices.PurposeWe explore the multiple and intertwined development challenges faced by Bengaluru city, attempting to frame them from the perspective of migrant slum dwellers experiencing flooding. We try to bring to the forefront the everyday risks and vulnerabilities of the marginalized populations in Indian cities, which have received limited attention both in research and policy.The results of this exercise are intended to create sustainable collaborative processes to inform future decisions, particularly addressing the problem of urban flooding.Methods and approachOur proposed methodology integrates climate risk assessment—urban flood modelling and exposure mapping of slums across the city—with vulnerability assessments at the household level including analysis of life histories to capture the relative vulnerabilities of slum dwellers and the slums in which they live.FindingsWe deconstruct urban flooding, particularly from the perspective of migrant slum dwellers to identify some critical challenges, especially that of recognition, to foresight thinking. By incorporating marginalized voices, our methods aim to be inclusive and contextually relevant, while considering intersectional variations among those marginalized.A mixed‐methods approach allows climate risk assessment to be augmented by life histories of vulnerable slum populations to collaboratively reimagine a more inclusive future.Policy implicationsTo make policy more inclusive, more participatory processes are needed. The proposed methods will contextualize everyday vulnerabilities and risks of migrant slum dwellers to bring these perspectives into conventional climate risk assessment. Thus, a more inclusive future with lower impacts from urban floods can be envisaged.

Effect of Nutrition Health and Hygiene Education on Knowledge Attitude and Practices KAP among Selected Transgender Community

The Transgender (TG) community has been steadily growing over the decades, yet they face a unique set of challenges. Apart from communicable diseases many transgenders suffer from nutrition deficiency associated non communicable diseases, which decreases the quality of living. The purpose of this study was to examine how nutritional, health and hygiene education influences the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the TG population. The participants were TG individuals over 18 years old. TG individuals visiting ESI hospital Gulbarga and few TG from Bengaluru city were selected for the research. A total of 300 TG individuals were initially screened, out of which 120 were selected for the study. The study comprised administering a detailed socio-economic demographic questionnaire, pre-KAP questionnaire, conducting an awareness program with distribution of education material, and then having a gap period of 60 days a post-KAP assessment was done. The results were statistically analysed, before the awareness session (Group I), the majority of participants (60.83%) were categorized as having "Poor" knowledge, only (7.5%) had "Good" knowledge, after the awareness session (Group II), there was a significant improvement in knowledge levels. The percentage of participants with "Poor" knowledge decreased drastically to only 1.67%, with "Good" knowledge increased to 36.67%. Before the awareness session (Group I), the majority of TG participants (66.67%) held "Unfavourable" attitudes, a smaller percentage (24.17%) held "Neutral" attitudes, the least common attitude was "Favourable," held by 9.17% of participants. After the awareness session (Group II), there was a noticeable shift in attitudes. The percentage of participants with "Unfavourable" attitudes decreased dramatically to only 2.50%, with "Neutral" attitudes increased substantially to 67.50%, similarly, with "Favourable" attitudes increased to 30.00%. Before the intervention (Group I), the majority of participants (70.83%) exhibited "Poor" practices. After the intervention (Group II), "Poor" practices decreased to 7.50%, with "Average" practices increased substantially to 65.83%, similarly, with "Good" practices increased to 26.67%. Rank correlation between pre and post KAP and socioeconomic domains had significant association These findings suggest that educational qualification, family size, facilities available, are important factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the subject under study.

​​Cultivating Care​: Notes from a Mental Health Organisation in India

This Field Note reflects on the ethics and work of professional mental health care in the context of a non-profit counselling organisation in the city of Bengaluru, India. During fieldwork, having conversations with the counsellors and attending their group meetings brought the practices of cultivating care to the forefront. Deep listening and empathy are central to the care work of counselling. Yet these do not simply emerge from spontaneous feelings of love and compassion. Rather, they are cultivated through systematic individual and collective work. In this Field Note I focus on the collective modalities of cultivating care in terms of learning how to listen to the unsaid, recognise one’s ‘biases’, and establish the limits of care. These constitute the ethics of care work.

Diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults in an urban underprivileged community in Bangalore city, India.

Diabetes and hypertension are major risk factors of cardiovascular disease, which is known to be the leading cause of global mortality in the world today. Studies have shown that the prevalence of these risk factors is on the rise, with the burden of diabetes alone increasing by 80% in the last two decades. Complications of diabetes and hypertension result in huge public health challenges for the country and catastrophic medical expenditures for families among the urban poor. Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular risk factors among adults in an urban underprivileged community of Bengaluru city. A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 6 months where 2245 individuals aged 30 or older were interviewed using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire used to capture sociodemographic details that assessed modifiable risk factors for diabetes and hypertension. Inclusion criteria for diabetes were considered if the random blood sugar reading was ≥200 mg/dL, whereas a diagnosis of hypertension was taken into consideration if the systolic blood pressure reading was ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure was ≥90 mmHg. Among the 2245 participants that took part in the study, 15.5% were diabetics and 17.2% were hypertensive. There was a strong association of diabetes among consumers of alcohol, with more than one-third having a high prevalence of the disease (odds ratio (OR): 2.09, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.1-3.9). More than half the population were consumers of junk food; the prevalence of diabetes in this group was 1.35 times higher than that in their counterparts (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.0-1.8). A significant association of diabetes was also seen among those identified with central obesity (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.4-2.5). One-third of the population who consumed alcohol were found to be diagnosed with hypertension (OR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.6-5.9), and one-fifth of individuals who were regular consumers of junk food had a higher prevalence of hypertension (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8). A higher prevalence of hypertension was also seen among individuals with central obesity or a body mass index (BMI) of >30 (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.2-2.1; OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.4-2.6). The findings from our study conducted in an urban underprivileged area of Bengaluru city shed light on the significant associations between diabetes and hypertension and various demographic and lifestyle factors. Specifically, male gender and lower educational status were found to have a significant association with diabetes, whereas being unmarried and having a high BMI status were strongly linked to hypertension. In addition, the study revealed that elderly individuals, alcohol consumers, junk food eaters, and those with central obesity demonstrated an increased risk for both diabetes and hypertension. By identifying these risk factors, targeted interventions can be developed to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable section of society. Strategies can be designed to raise awareness, encourage healthier lifestyle choices, and improve access to healthcare services to effectively prevent and manage diabetes and hypertension in this community.

A Study On Purchasing Behaviour Of Online Buyers With Reference To Bengaluru City, Karnataka

The study explores the buying behavior of online purchasers in Bengaluru City, focusing on key factors such as price, convenience, product variety, and brand reputation. Data from a sample of 500 respondents was collected and analyzed, shedding light on the impact of these factors on online purchasing decisions in the city. The findings reveal that price plays a crucial role, with 75% of respondents identifying it as a significant factor. Convenience follows closely behind, with 70% of respondents considering it important. Product variety and brand reputation also influence online purchasing behavior, with 65% and 60% of respondents respectively citing them as important factors. These results underscore the importance of understanding and addressing these factors to effectively target Bengaluru's online consumer market. Businesses can enhance their online shopping experience and attract more customers by offering competitive pricing, a convenient shopping experience, a diverse range of products, and building a strong brand reputation. This study provides valuable insights for businesses in Bengaluru, enabling them to tailor their marketing strategies and meet the evolving needs of online consumers.

Multi-objective optimization of distributed energy resources based microgrid using random forest model

Microgrids (MG) in integration with distributed energy resources (DERs) are one of the key models for resolving the current energy problem by offering sustainable and clean electricity. This research presents a novel approach to address the complex challenges of optimizing a DERs based microgrid while considering multiple objectives. In this paper, the utilization of a popular machine learning algorithm, random forest (RF) model is proposed to optimize the DERs based MG configuration. The research commences by collecting historical data on energy consumption, renewable energy production, electricity prices, weather conditions, and other relevant factors of Bengaluru City (Karnataka, India) for different seasons. This research covers the conflicting objectives by finding optimal seasonal sizing of the battery, minimum generation cost, and reduction in battery charging cost. The optimization and analysis are done using an ensemble learning-based RF model. The findings from the RF model are compared with meta-heuristics and artificial intelligence (AI) methods such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) and artificial neural networks (ANN) for different seasons, i.e., winter, spring and autumn, summer, and monsoon.