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Synthesis, growth mechanism and physical properties of vapour-deposited GaTe platelets /
Journal Of Applied CrystalloGraphy, Vol.47, Issue 6,pp.1841-1848, ISSN No: 1600-5767. -
Catalyzing the Affordability of Perovskite Solar Cells with Aluminum-Modified Cubic Titania
As a key component of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the electron transport layer (ETL) extracts charges efficiently. While TiO2 is widely recognized as a superior electron transport material (ETM) for its numerous advantages, the morphological limitations of spherical TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) lead to significant electron losses. Therefore, as an alternative to nanospheres, TiO2 nanocubes are synthesized through a solvothermal route and employed as ETM in the low-cost carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells (CPSCs). The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the TiO2 nanocubes (NCs) are studied and compared with TiO2 nanospheres (NSs) in detail. The device possessing cubic TiO2 achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.6% with a current density (Jsc) of 21.79 mA/cm2. Recognizing that the oxygen vacancies in cubic TiO2 are lower than in spherical TiO2, it is inferred that further reduction of oxygen vacancies in cubic TiO2 could enhance the current collection. Hence, to get rid of the oxygen vacancy (which acts as an electron trap) in the cubical TiO2, aluminum (Al3+) is incorporated into its matrix. A comprehensive analysis of its impact on structural and optical behavior follows. In addition to its cost-effectiveness and conductive nature, it has been observed that the stable form of Al3+ replaces the unstable Ti3+ (which acts as a trap state), thereby reducing the recombination rate. With the highest current collection of 22.85 mA/cm2, a PCE of 11.3% has been recorded for the solar cell that possessed 1% Al-doped TNC. Furthermore, the ambient stability of the respective device shows ?85% of its initial PCE. The effect of the TiO2 nanostructure and Al3+ doping in TiO2 nanocubes is discussed elaborately in this work. 2024 American Chemical Society -
Multi-dynamics and emission tailored fluoroperovskite-based down-conversion phosphors for enhancing the current density and stability of the perovskite solar cells
State-of-the-art and innovative research is being intensively employed on perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to expand their frontiers further. This study is a successful attempt to drive the limit of photocurrent density (Jsc) beyond conventional PSCs (which typically utilize the visible spectrum alone) through a nonlinear optical phenomenon called down-conversion (DC). The use of DC luminescence to harness the UV region from the solar spectrum is explored by utilizing Eu3+ activated RbCaF3, a fluoroperovskite-based phosphor material. It is observed that PSCs, which used RbCaF3:Eu3+ incorporated TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL), enhanced their Jsc and UV stability compared to those with pristine TiO2-oriented ETL. Such improvement in the aforementioned devices is due to the result of converting high-energy UV photons to effectively absorbable low-energy visible photons for perovskite absorbers. Overall, the DC-aided PSC offered a substantial Jsc of 23.54 mA cm?2 (9.2% superior to the conventional PSC) and boosted its power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 11.2% to 13.3%. It is evident that DC-based PSCs show a much better shelf-life when compared to conventional PSCs. This unique approach for boosting the Jsc with enhanced stability can be utilized for the potential applications of PSCs. 2023 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Significance of induced magnetic field and exponential space dependent heat source on quadratic convective flow of Casson fluid in a micro-channel via HPM
The effects of the exponential space based heat source on quadratic convective flow of Casson fluid in a microchannel with an induced magnetic field is studied through a statistical approach. The flow is considered in vertical microchannel formed by two vertical plates. The solution for the governing equations has been obtained for the velocity, induced magnetic field and temperature field using Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM). The current density, skin friction co-efficient and Nusselt number expressions are also estimated. The impact of various physical parameters on the velocity, temperature, induced magnetic field, current density, skin friction co-efficient and Nusselt number distributions have been discussed with the help of graphs. The results obtained by using HPM, are compared to those obtained by using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg 4-5th order method and an excellent agreement is found. The impact of Casson fluid parameter and the exponential heat source is qualitatively agreed for all flow fields. 2019 IIETA. -
Deforestation, Climate Change and the Sustainability of Agriculture: A Review
This study aims to survey the literature and factual evidence on the nexus between deforestation and agriculture through an assessment of the potential impacts of climate change in the context of the world, India, and the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats region was chosen for this study because of its deep ecological significance. A few underlying themes were created and findings were documented under each theme that ranged from the causes of deforestation, the transformation of forest land for agriculture, the nexus between agriculture, deforestation and climate change, climate-driven agricultural vulnerability and the reconciliation of forest protection with agriculture. These findings suggest that shifting agriculture has been a dominant source of deforestation. The primary climatic impacts on agriculture are seen through crop yield falls. Indias arid and semiarid tropical regions have witnessed high climate-driven agricultural sensitivity. This could be on account of the fact that Indias tropical forests have witnessed high deforestation. The presence of higher tree densities in areas under Joint Forest Planning and Management in the Western Ghats create the potential for sparing remaining land areas for non-forest uses such as agriculture. 2024, Editorial office of Journal of Resources and Ecology. All rights reserved. -
Inverse Problem for the Forgotten and the Hyper Zagreb Indices of Trees
Let G = (E(G); V (G)) be a (molecular) graph with vertex set V (G) and edge set E(G). The forgotten Zagreb index and the hyper Zagreb index of G are defined by F(G) = P u2V (G) d(u)3 and HM(G) = P uv2E(G)(d(u) + d(v))2 where d(u) and d(v) are the degrees of the vertices u and v in G, respectively. A recent problem called the inverse problem deals with the numerical realizations of topological indices. We see that there exist trees for all even positive integers with F(G) > 88 and with HM(G) > 158. Along with the result, we show that there exist no trees with F(G) lt; 90 and HM(G) lt; 160 with some exceptional even positive integers and hence characterize the forgotten Zagreb index and the hyper Zagreb index for trees. 2022 The authors. -
Balanced constrained partitioning of distinct objects
Partition is the process of dividing ? elements of a set into ? non-empty subsets where every element is included in exactly one subset. Set partitioning problems play an important role in real-world scenarios such as scheduling, management and grouping. In this paper, n distinct objects are arranged into different groups and the problem of partition is evaluated concerning a people assignment problem of a multi-site company. New constraints such as minimum and the maximum number of people in a single-site company (respectively m and M) that are fixed for all sites are introduced and the solutions for the partition problem for the constraints are also established. BEIESP. -
Mathematics as an agent of dialogue in the society
Though Mathematics is mostly considered as a subject of the intelligent, it is used by everybody for daily activities. It acts as an efficient agent of dialogue in the society. Its role in transferring abstract knowledge to concrete experience, in interpreting the unknown and as a tool for problem-solving are discussed in this paper. Mathematics also helps human beings to transcend from concrete experience to abstract knowledge. This paper showcases various elements of Mathematics over a wide spectrum, from those useful in everyday life of human beings to the discussions on potential and actual infinity. Mathematics is an integral part of human life and an essential tool in knowing the universe. We do not deliberately side with any of the schools in Mathematics or that of Philosophy. 2017 Journal of Dharma: Dharmaram Journal of Religions and Philosophies (DVK, Bangalore). -
Line completion number of grid graph Pn Pm
The concept of super line graph was introduced in the year 1995 by Bagga, Beineke and Varma. Given a graph with at least r edges, the super line graph of index r, Lr(G), has as its vertices the sets of r-edges of G, with two adjacent if there is an edge in one set adjacent to an edge in the other set. The line completion number lc(G) of a graph G is the least positive integer r for which Lr(G) is a complete graph. In this paper, we find the line completion number of grid graph Pn Pm for various cases of n and m. 2021 Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University. -
Sibling influence on musical identity in emerging adults
A key characteristic and an important task of emerging adulthood is identity development. Music provides an important context for identity development, especially in emerging adults, and siblings in turn play an important role in the process of identity development. Using a qualitative narrative approach, this study aims to understand the role of siblings in the musical identity development of emerging adults. Five emerging adults between the age range of 1825years were recruited and interviewed individually. Thematic narrative analysis of the transcripts gave rise to 3 themes: Sibling Relationships, Early Identity and Discrepancy, and The Growth Journey. Overall, it was evident that siblings played a crucial role and had a large impact on the identity development process of the participants. This study provided support for Arnett's theory of emerging adulthood, with identity exploration being a defining feature of this developmental period. Further, the study also supported the notion of important others impacting the identity verification process according to identity control theory. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023. -
Poetry writing can enhance character formation in school students through the application of rational emotive behavior theory
This study explores the role of poetry writing and the ABC model of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) in promoting character development and moral behavior among students. The study used DAS SF1 and SF2 and assessed poetic talent using a poetry attitude and knowledge test. Forty-eight students were selected using the purposive method from five Convent schools, along with five teachers. Following a two-month intervention of 30 sessions, the researcher conducted interviews to evaluate the methods efficacy. Content analysis of the integrated poetry writing and REBT program was performed using NVivo, while both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS. The study found significant positive correlations between the integration of REBT and improved behavior, suggesting that incorporating poetry writing into the curriculum can enhance students behavior and attitudes. 2024 National Association for Poetry Therapy. -
Cholesterol reduction and heavy metal assimilation characteristics of Pediococcus pentosaceus strains isolated from pickle and moor-kuzhambu
Aims: Consumption of fermented foods are known to provide various health benefits. The present study was aimed to isolate novel potent probiotic strains from the homemade fermented Indian recipe Moor Kuzhambu and Pickle and its characterization to elucidate the efficacy of isolate in cholesterol and heavy metal reduction. Methodology and results: Cultures isolated from Pickle (CK2) and Moor Kuzhambu (CK3) were identified as different strains of Pediococcus pentosaceus using the 16S rDNA sequence-based bacterial identification method. The study analysed the survival of probiotic strains under the influence of various chemical and natural stimulants. The isolated strains exhibited tolerance to gastric juice and were able to exhibit a broad range of tolerance to varying temperatures, pH, NaCl, solvent, phenol, trypsin and artificial gastric juice. Microencapsulation studies were conducted using alginate and chitosan to increase the shelf life of the isolated probiotic. Preliminary analysis regarding cell surface studies such as autoaggregation, co-aggregations and cell surface hydrophobicity determined the ability of the strains to aggregate on to intestinal cell surface and manifest competitive pathogen displacement. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Remarkable biofilm reduction of 48% to 80% was observed in the probiotic-supplemented samples. Similarly, a reduction of 80% to 85% free cholesterol was noted in cholesterol assimilation assays and heavy metal (Cu+, Pb+, Zn+ and Fe+) assimilation ability was observed. Further studies are required to characterize the nature of the secretory products and their mode of action in the survival and immune enhancement in animal models. 2023, Malaysian Journal of Microbiology. All Rights Reserved. -
One-Pot Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Garcinia gummi-gutta: Characterisation, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-Cancerous and Photocatalytic Applications
Background: Methods like the bio-synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using plant extracts have become promising due to their eco-friendly approach. The study aimed to examine the utilization of Garcinia gummi-gutta fruit phytochemicals as agents in the biosynthesis of Ag NPs, evaluation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-cancerous properties, as well as the photocatalytic ability of bio-synthesized Ag NPs against Crystal Violet (CV), a triphenylmethane dye. Methods: The characterization of the physical properties of the Ag NPs synthesized via the green route was done using UVVis spectrophotometry (UVVis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Zeta potential analysis, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The dye degradation efficiency of CV was determined using synthesized Ag NPs under UV light by analyzing the absorption maximum at 579 nm. The antimicrobial efficacy of Ag NPs against E. coli, S. aureus, Candida tropicalis, and Candida albicans was examined using the broth dilution method. The antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of the synthesized Ag NPs were assessed using the DPPH and MTT assays. Results: The UV analysis revealed that the peak of synthesized Ag NPs was 442 nm. Data from FTIR, XRD, Zeta potential, SEM, and TEM analysis confirmed the formation of nanoparticles. The SEM and TEM analysis identified the presence of spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 29.12 nm and 24.18 nm, respectively. Maximum dye degradation efficiency of CV was observed at 90.08% after 320 min without any silver leaching, confirming the photocatalytic activity of Ag NPs. The bio-efficiency of the treatment was assessed using the Allium cepa root growth inhibition test, toxicity analysis on Vigna radiata, and Brine shrimp lethality assay. Conclusions: The findings revealed the environmentally friendly nature of green Ag NPs over physical/chemically synthesized Ag NPs. The synthesized Ag NPs can effectively be used in biomedical and photocatalytic applications. Copyright: 2023 The Author(s). -
Biogenic ZnO Nanoparticles Derived from Garcinia gummi-gutta Leaves: Synthesis, Characterization and its Multifaceted Applications
The current study focused on the bioreduction synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Garcinia gummi-gutta leaf extracts. The UV-vis analysis of the nanoparticles has reported the formation of an SPR peak at 379 nm. The functional groups taking part in the reduction reaction were analyzed using the FTIR technique and the average crystalline size of ZnO nanoparticles were found to be 22.27 nm from XRD measurements. The SEM and TEM images revealed the hexagonal shape of the nanoparticles with an average size 72.78 nm and 71.91 nm, respectively. Further, the synthesized nanoparticles were reported to be efficient degradation reactive textile dyes. The photodegradation results reported 92-100% degradation of the reactive dyes within 80-320 min. The antibacterial efficacy of the nanoparticles was investigated and the MIC of the nanoparticles was found to be 100 g/mL. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles have exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on the MCF and HEP-G2 cell lines. 2024 Asian Publication Corporation. All rights reserved. -
Garcinia indica Leaf Extract Derived Ag-Zn Nanocomposites: A Sustainable Approach for Textile Dyes Photodegradation
The recent advancements for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles from plant biomass offer a promising avenue for the sustainable and environmentally friendly production of nanomaterials. The utilization of plant extracts as bioreductants and capping agents leverages naturally occurring biomolecules for the controlled synthesis of nanoparticles, minimizing environmental impacts and promoting a more sustainable nanotechnology landscape. This study explores the biofabrication of silver-zinc nanocomposites (Ag-Zn NCs) using Garcinia indica leaf extract, offering a green and sustainable alternative to conventional methods. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using UV-vis, FTIR, XRD and TEM analyses. The UV-vis spectra confirmed the formation of nanocomposites with distinct surface plasmon resonance peaks (355 nm and 408 nm). FTIR identified functional groups involved in the bioreduction, while XRD indicated a crystalline size of 6.26 nm. TEM images revealed a mixture of hexagonal, spherical and rod-shaped nanocomposites with an average size of 40.37 nm. Furthermore, the study evaluated the photocatalytic activity of the Ag-Zn NCs against various reactive textile dyes (RY-86, RY-145, RB-220 and RB-222). Remarkably, the nanoparticles achieved an impressive 87-100% degradation of these dyes within 160-320 min under UV irradiation. This highlights the potential of biofabricated Ag-Zn NCs for environmental remediation, particularly in treating dye contaminated industrial effluents. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using G. indica leaf extract for the sustainable synthesis of Ag-Zn NCs with efficient dye degradation capabilities. 2024 Asian Publication Corporation. All rights reserved. -
Synthesis of Nanoflowers using Garcinia gummi-gutta Leaf Extract via Green Route for Enhanced Antifungal and Anti-cancerous Activities
Due to its envisaged relevance in nanomedicine and materials research, the bio-engineering of nanoparticles (NPs) is becoming progressively more promising. Compared to physical and chemical processes, green synthesis produces NPs that are less hazardous to the environment. The usage of phytochemicals in Garcinia gummigutta (L.) leaf extract (GGL) in the bio-reduction of GGL-Ag NPs with potential antifungal and anti-cancerous activities was the main focus of the current study. UV-vis spectrophotometry at 442 nm verified the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs. The average diameters of the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM and zeta-sizer studies to be 166.69 nm and 148.2 nm, respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) examinations of the GGL-Ag NPs confirmed the crystalline nature and the elemental constitution of the NPs. Additionally, the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs' FTIR spectra demonstrated the presence of Phyto components acting as capping agents. Zeta potential measurements (-26.2 4.13 mV) authenticated the stability of the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs. Antimicrobial activity testing of the GGL-Ag NPs demonstrated considerable suppression against Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans at a dose of 100 g/ml and 60 g/ml. Additionally, the synthesized GGL-Ag NPs have demonstrated considerable cytotoxic effects on the Hep-G2 cell line. The current study results show that GGL-Ag NPs may be produced at a low cost and with minimal environmental impact for nanobiotechnology and biomedicine usage. 2024, Brawijaya University. All rights reserved. -
Exploring the Central Region of NGC 1365 in the Ultraviolet Domain
Active galactic nuclei (AGN) feedback and its impact on their host galaxies are critical to our understanding of galaxy evolution. Here, we present a combined analysis of new high resolution ultraviolet (UV) data from the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) on AstroSat and archival optical spectroscopic data from the Very Large Telescope/MUSE, for the Seyfert galaxy, NGC 1365. Concentrating on the central 5 kpc region, the UVIT images in the far- and near-UV show bright star-forming knots in the circumnuclear ring as well as a faint central source. After correcting for extinction, we found the star formation rate (SFR) surface density of the circumnuclear 2 kpc ring to be similar to other starbursts, despite the presence of an AGN outflow, as seen in [O iii] 5007 On the other hand, we found fainter UV and thus lower SFR in the direction southeast of the AGN relative to northwest in agreement with observations at other wavelengths from JWST and Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The AGN outflow velocity is found to be lesser than the escape velocity, suggesting that the outflowing gas will rain back into the galaxy. The deep UV data have also revealed diffuse UV emission in the direction of the AGN outflow. By combining [O iii] and UV data, we found the diffuse emission to be of AGN origin. 2024. The Author(s). Published by the American Astronomical Society. -
Transgenders in the Mainstream: Welfare Schemes in KeralaKochi Metro Rail Project, Education Programme, Health Clinics, and Old-Age Pension
Marginalization is the process which inhibits an individual or community from enjoying the rights, privileges, resources or opportunities enjoyed by other members of the society. Of all its marginalized sections, society most often tends to ignore the conditions of transgender persons. The 2011 census reported 480,000 of Indias population as transgender. Kerala pioneered a model for a trans-friendly state1 with the launch of a 10-day-long state-wide survey, which was followed by the introduction of a state policy for transgender individuals, the establishment of a justice board and Indias first transgender school, scholarships for transgender individuals and the introduction of health clinics, old-age pensions and employment for them in the Kochi Metro, as well as various literary, sports and fashion events. This study is an attempt to critically explore the welfare schemes for transgender persons in Kerala amidst recent developments. 2021 SAGE Publications. -
Perceived stress and fatigue in software developers: Examining the benefits of gratitude
Software development demands creativity and adept problem-solving skills. However, long-term stress and fatigue might impede these skills in software developers. From the perspective of positive psychology, this cross-sectional study investigated the effects of gratitude, age, and gender on stress and fatigue in 421 participants, 244 males (58 %) and 177 females (42 %), aged between 21 and 57 years (M = 36.20; SD = 7.56). The tools employed included the multi-component gratitude measure, perceived stress scale and fatigue assessment scale. Multiple linear regressions confirmed the beneficial effects of gratitude, and they indicated higher levels of perceived stress and fatigue in women and younger professionals. These findings have positive implications for organisational psychologists, as they signify the favourable impacts of gratitude in mitigating stress and fatigue in software developers. The authors recommend that organisational practitioners should focus on enhancing the professionals' well-being by strategizing and implementing gratitude training programmes. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Perceived stress among information technology professionals in India during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Information Technology (IT) industry in India is an integral part of the nations economy. The COVID-19 pandemic is a cause of disquietude and is probably the gravest challenge encountered by the IT industry at present. Although the IT industry has contributed to varied sectors globally amid the crisis, IT professionals encounter a profusion of mental health challenges. Despite this, there have as yet been limited studies focusing on the mental health impact on IT professionals during this period. This study strives to explore the role of socio-demographic factors on perceived stress and to examine the association between gratitude and perceived stress among IT professionals in India during the pandemic. Data from 219 participants were included for analysis in this cross-sectional, correlational study. Findings suggest that there exists a significant difference in perceived stress based on gender, marital status, and parental status. Furthermore, the results demonstrate a significant negative association between gratitude and perceived stress. The study contributes to the field of cognitive ergonomics and broadens the theoretical knowledge base of perceived stress based on socio-demographic elements. Findings also have positive implications for organisational psychologists as they suggest that encouraging a focus on gratitude could aid in lower perceived stress. 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.