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Properties of alkali-activated concrete (AAC) incorporating demolished building waste (DBW) as aggregates
This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of demolished building waste (DBW) as aggregates in alkali-activated concrete (AAC). A recent road-widening activity led to the demolition of commercial buildings along National Highway 275, Bangalore-Bantwal, India. DBW was collected from these sites and processed manually at the laboratory facility of CHRIST (Deemed to be University). Processing of DBW was done to obtain both waste coarse and fine aggregates from demolished concrete and brick waste units, respectively. AAC was synthesized by fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate, along with waste aggregate replacement rates of 0, 25, 50, and 75% by weight of natural aggregates. Fresh and hardened properties of developed concrete mixtures were experimentally determined. Results of the study indicate that 28-day compressive strength of 30.4 and 21 MPa was obtained for AAC with 25 and 50% DBW aggregates, which was 8.6 and 36.9% lower than control mix, respectively. Further, there was an increase in the water absorption and a reduction to acid resistance for all the AAC mixes with DBW aggregates. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that AAC with 25 and 50% DBW aggregates find great potential in civil engineering applications. 2021 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license. -
An hybrid technique for optimized clustering of EHR using binary particle swarm and constrained optimization for better performance in prediction of cardiovascular diseases
The significant adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in healthcare has furnished large new quantities of information for statistical machine gaining knowledge of researchers in their efforts to version and expects affected person health popularity, doubtlessly permitting novel advances in treatment. Unsupervised system learning is the project of studying styles in facts where no labels are present. In comparison to loads of optimization problems, an most beneficial clustering end result does not exist. One-of-a-kind algorithms with special parameters produce special clusters, and none can be proved to be the quality answer given that numerous good walls of the records might be found. In the previous work, a novel Two-fold clustering technique which uses the Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) technique (TFC: LSTM) for the prediction of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) was proposed. The proposed model was fond to be experimentally efficient; however when applied to large EHR data, the model suffered from optimization issues on the number of clusters formed and time complexity. In order to overcome the drawbacks, this paper proposes a hybrid method of optimization using the Binary Particle Swarm (BPS) and Constrained Optimization (CO) for optimizing the number of clusters produced and to increase the efficiency in terms of decreasing the time complexity. 2022 The Authors -
CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing of crops: Food and nutritional security
The United Nations established the goal of achieving global food security by 2030 as one of its top sustainable development goals in 2015. The current agricultural harvest is insufficient to accomplish the zero-hunger objective and feed the world's growing population. It would require more extensive and consistent crop production. Gene-editing technologies have recently emerged as viable alternatives to permit precise modifications in genomes with increased efficiency and yield higher agricultural productivity. Due to their simplicity, adaptability, and reproducibility across a diverse variety of species, genetic engineering techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 have become quite prominent. CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology can improve crop yields, quality, stress resistance, food safety, nutritional security, and shelf-life, reduce antibiotic resistance, and hasten plant domestication. Cutting-edge techniques like genome editing (GE) allow for the precise introduction or mutation of specified genes into plant genomes. The advent of programmable nucleases like CRISPR-Cas9 has improved gene editing and potentially improved food production and nutritional security. Knock-out, knock-in, gene activation, gene repression, nuclear rearrangements, base editing, molecular breeding, and epigenome engineering are just a few ways that CRISPR systems can target and change genes. For novel applications in plant genetic engineering, CRISPR-Cas systems can be repurposed for GE toward de-novo speciation; mitochondrial and plastid genome engineering toward enhancing photosynthesis, submergence, and drought tolerance. The versatility of CRISPR-associated systems broadens the scope of crop development applications that they can be used for, especially in improving food and nutritional security, which is the focus of this chapter. 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
Architecture of visible-light induced Z-scheme MoS2/g-C3N4/ZnO ternary photocatalysts for malachite green dye degradation
The synthesis of bilayer heterojunctions has received considerable attention recently. Fabrication of novel bilayer composites is of significant interest to improve their photocatalytic efficiency. In this study, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a layered dichalcogenide material exhibiting unique properties, in combination with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a carbon-based layered material, was fabricated with small amounts of zinc oxide (ZnO). Three composites, MoS2/g-C3N4, MoS2/ZnO, and MoS2/g-C3N4/ZnO were prepared via a simple exfoliation method and characterized by various physicochemical methods. The Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism in the prepared ternary composite improves efficiency by inhibiting the recombination rate of electron-hole pairs. It has shown excellent performance in degrading a major water contaminant, malachite green (MG) dye, under visible light irradiation. 2022 Elsevier Inc. -
The catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol using MoS2/ZnO nanocomposite
Nanocomposite MoS2/ZnO was prepared by an exfoliation process and characterized. A flower-like morphology was obtained for the hybrid where uniformly spread ZnO is stacked over thin layers of MoS2. A tight interface between the two components coupled with the energy band bending at the junction has resulted in a high activity of the composite towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol. A complete reduction to 4-aminophenol from 4-nitrophenol took place within 15 min under the optimized conditions. The catalyst has a recyclability of six times without any perceptible decrease in the catalytic activity. 2022 The Author(s) -
Artificial intelligence talent acquisition in HEIs recruitments
Purpose: The current research study aims to examine the application feasibility and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) among higher educational institutions (HEIs) in talent acquisitions (TA). Design/methodology/approach: A systematic sampling method was adopted to collect the responses from the 385 staff working across the various levels of management in HEIs in metropolitan cities in India. JAMOVI & SmartPLS 4 were applied to validate the hypothesis by performing the simple percentage analysis and structural equation modelling. The demographic and construct variables considered were adoption, actual usage, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and talent management. Findings: The key indicators of perceived usefulness are productivity, perceived ease of use, adaptability, candidate experience with the adoption of AI, frequency in decision-making in its actual usage and career path of development in the HEIs. These are the most influential items impacting the application of AI in TA. Originality/value: AI has the potential to revolutionize TA in HEIs in the form of enhanced efficiency, improved candidate experience, more objective hiring decisions, talent analytics and risk automation. However, they facilitate resume screening, candidate sourcing, applicant tracking, interviewing and predictive analytics for attrition. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Sexual harassment complaints across BSE100 companies: a longitudinal dataset (20132023)
Objective: This dataset offers empirical support for understanding the number of sexual harassment complaints across various industries and sectors, and for analysing patterns over a decade. The data was manually collected from the annual integrated report or business responsibility report of each company on the BSE100 list. This dataset can be utilised by the Indian Ministry of Women & Child Development and related stakeholders as a foundation for studying the impact of previous interventions and policy changes on complaint reporting rates. Additionally, it can also be used to analyse patterns and trends and give way to revisions to existing legal frameworks and improvements to grievance redressal mechanisms for sexual harassment complaints. Data description: Data includes descriptive statistics for all variables and compares complaints received between each year and the subsequent year, with a total of 10 year-to-year comparisons for the period: 20132024. The variables are: (1) List of BSE100 Companies, (2) Industry, (3) Sector, (4) Number of sexual harassment complaints received for the periods: 20132024, (5) Number of sexual harassment complaints pending during the periods: 20132024. The Author(s) 2025. -
Cr2C MXene quantum dots for selective detection of mercury ions
Mercury (Hg), a highly toxic environmental contaminant that presents significant ecological and health risks, even at low concentrations. There is an urgent need for precise and sensitive methods for detecting Hg2+ ions in the environment. In recent years, a new class of 2D layered materials, MXene, has gained enormous attention due to their unique properties, such as high surface area, oxidation resistance, thermal and chemical stability, electrical and thermal conductivity. This study presents the synthesis and characterization of Cr2C MXene quantum dots (MQDs) derived from Cr2CTx nanolayered MXene sheets via the probe-sonication method. The Cr2C-MQDs were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS mapping, and Zeta potential analysis. The vibrant green fluorescence material, Cr2C-MQDs, was investigated for Hg2+ detection, which exhibited high selectivity and stability with a limit of detection of 30.7 nM. The sensing mechanism is attributed to the strong affinity of Cr2C MXene quantum dots for Hg2+ ions. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Green is the new beautiful: exploring the role of sustainability in building brand equity in cosmetic brands
Purpose This study investigates how embracing environmental responsibility and eco-friendly innovation in cosmetic brands cultivates brand equity. It specifically explores the mediating roles of a green brand image and consumer trust in driving sustainable value creation through these initiatives. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design was employed using survey data from 326 online respondents, mainly young and educated females. A structured questionnaire with Likert-scale items adapted from validated studies measured environmental responsibility, eco-friendly product innovation, green brand image, consumer trust and buying engagement. Data analysis included reliability testing, factor analysis and structural equation modeling with bootstrapping to examine direct and mediating relationships. Findings The study results show that perceived environmental responsibility strongly predicts buying engagement and significantly improves green brand image and consumer trust. Eco-friendly product innovation positively influences consumer trust but does not directly strengthen green brand image, indicating that innovation alone is insufficient without clear communication. Green brand image and consumer trust act as key mediators influencing buying engagement. Originality/value This study presents an empirically validated framework explaining how perceived environmental responsibility and eco-friendly innovation enhance brand equity. It highlights the distinct mediating roles of green brand image and consumer trust, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication in aligning sustainability initiatives with consumer perceptions and supporting informed strategic decision-making. Naveen Kumar R, Neerupa C, Muthukrishnan R, Vengatesan G and Muthu Kumar T -
Does the nifty sectoral indices shake hands with nifty? : A time series analysis /
International Journal Of Applied Business And Economic Research, Vol.15, Issue 10, pp.251-262, ISSN: 9727-7302. -
Pluronic F127-functionalized cerium fluoride nanocomposite: synthesis, characterization, and its enhanced antibacterial activities
The persistence of pathogenic bacteria, rising antibiotic resistance, and the ongoing need for effective anticancer agents necessitate the development of advanced multifunctional therapeutic strategies. In this study, CeF? nanoparticles and PF127-functionalized CeF? (CeF?PF127) nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile wet chemical route and systematically characterized for their structural, optical, and biological properties. XRD confirmed the formation of phase-pure hexagonal CeF? with crystallite sizes of 31nm (CeF?) and 27nm (CeF?PF127), while SAED revealed lattice fringes of approximately 0.27nm (CeF?) and 0.29nm (CeF?PF127). EDAX and XPS validated the Ce/F stoichiometry and the successful surface functionalization with PF127. Optical analyses showed a slight reduction in band gap from 3.15 to 3.09eV upon polymer coating, and PL spectra indicated enhanced defect-related emission in CeF?PF127, suggesting stabilization of Ce3? ions and oxygen vacancy sites. Biological evaluations demonstrated that CeF?PF127 exhibited superior antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) and enhanced anticancer efficacy against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, with lower IC?? values over 2472h. Antibacterial studies against S. aureus, B. subtilis, K. pneumoniae, and S. dysenteriae revealed larger inhibition zones (1820.5mm) and improved MIC/MBC values (600/1000gmL?1) compared to bare CeF?. Biocompatibility assessment using L929 fibroblasts confirmed cell viability exceeding 80% for both samples. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CeF?PF127 is a stable, multifunctional nanocomposite with promising potential for biomedical applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric studies of La2CoMnO6 double perovskite
The double perovskite material La?CoMnO? was synthesized using the sol-gel method. Its structural characteristics were analyzed through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), with Rietveld refinement confirming that the sample crystallizes in a monoclinic structure within the P2?/n space group. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images revealed a non-uniform, slightly porous, and agglomerated structure, while elemental composition was determined through EDAX analysis. Magnetic studies indicated a frustrated magnetic ground state with competing interactions, along with a para-to-ferro magnetic transition at a Curie temperature (TC) of 209 K. Analysis using Arrotts plot confirmed that the magnetic transition in La?CoMnO? is of second order. Magnetocaloric studies showed that the ?SM(T) curve remains nearly stable over the investigated temperature range, demonstrating a broadened entropy profile, which positions this material as a promising candidate for magnetic cooling applications. The Author(s) 2026. -
Structural investigation of Cr2CTx/NiFe2O4 MXene composite as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting
The electrocatalytic water splitting offers great potential as an environmentally friendly and sustainable method to produce hydrogen and oxygen, the former serving as a renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. MXene, a novel two-dimensional (2D) layered class of materials, has gained enormous attention as an electrocatalyst for water splitting. This versatile material can be tailored to enhance its electroactive surface sites and stability toward electrocatalytic performance. Herein, we have designed a 2D hybrid material, Cr2CTx/NiFe2O4, via an in-situ hydrothermal approach. NiFe2O4 spheres decorated on layered-Cr2CTx are subjected to analysis using XRD, FTIR, TGA, XPS, FESEM, HRTEM-SAED, and optical profilometry. The synthesized hybrid MXene material shows outstanding activity for overall water splitting compared to Cr2CTx and NiFe2O4. Cr2CTx/NiFe2O4 exhibits an overpotential of 144 mV and 159 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm?2 for hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions, respectively, and achieves a cell potential of 1.69 V for overall water splitting. This study reveals valuable insights on bi-functional 2D hybrid MXene materials for electrocatalytic water splitting. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
A culturally grounded mental health response to intimate partner violence among tribal women in Wayanad, Kerala: a case study
Purpose This case study aims to develop a culturally grounded mental health intervention for tribal women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Wayanad, Kerala. It responds to the urgent need for trauma-informed mental health services that resonate with the cultural identities, worldviews and healing traditions of indigenous communities. Design/methodology/approach The intervention was developed through a mixed-methods doctoral research project grounded in Bronfenbrenners Ecological Systems Theory and psychodynamic principles. Data were collected via qualitative interviews with tribal women survivors (n?=?25), quantitative mental health screening and participatory engagement with traditional healers, local leader and Self-Help Group (SHG) facilitators. Thematic analysis and iterative community consultations shaped the design of the intervention. Findings The resulting intervention integrates healing circles, folklore-based psychoeducation, engagement with traditional leaders and SHG-based empowerment. These components reflect indigenous practices, spiritual worldviews and collective resilience strategies. Participants reported increased emotional safety, cultural validation and a sense of solidarity and empowerment. Research limitations/implications The intervention is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual frameworks of Wayanads tribal communities. This context-specific design may limit the generalizability of the model to other indigenous groups with differing belief systems, social structures or ritual practices. Some biomedical professionals and institutional stakeholders may resist integrating traditional practices due to concerns about scientific validity or standardization. Negotiating these tensions requires ongoing dialogue and institutional buy-in. Differences in cultural practices, taboos and language even within Wayanads tribal groups (e.g. Paniya vs Kurumba) can affect the uniformity of intervention delivery and reception. Practical implications The model can inform mental health practitioners and NGOs working in indigenous or marginalized contexts by offering a flexible, community-rooted intervention framework adaptable across tribal regions. Social implications By legitimizing indigenous knowledge and promoting collective healing, the intervention strengthens social cohesion, reduces stigma around IPV and empowers tribal women to reclaim agency within their communities. Originality/value This is one of the few interventions in India that explicitly centers tribal worldviews in mental health care for IPV survivors. It demonstrates how formal psychological models can be meaningfully adapted through cultural co-creation. 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited -
Beyond trauma: a culturally grounded call for mindfulness and expressive arts in the mental health response to intimate partner violence among tribal women in India
Purpose This commentary aims to explore the urgent need for culturally grounded mental health interventions for tribal women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in India. It advocates for the integration of mindfulness-based expressive art therapy (MBAT) as a culturally relevant, trauma-informed approach to healing that aligns with indigenous epistemologies and traditional modes of expression. Design/methodology/approach Using insights from a scoping review of existing literature on mindfulness and expressive art therapies for IPV survivors, this paper critically evaluates the limitations of Western therapeutic models in tribal contexts. It synthesizes theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence and cultural considerations to propose a decolonial model of healing centered on community, nonverbal expression and ancestral wisdom. Findings Mindfulness and expressive art therapies demonstrate efficacy in enhancing emotional regulation, reducing trauma symptoms and fostering resilience among IPV survivors. However, existing interventions often lack cultural adaptation and ignore the sociohistorical realities of tribal communities. This paper finds that when these therapeutic modalities are tailored to tribal worldviews through symbolic imagery, indigenous art forms and collective healing practices they become powerful tools for trauma recovery and identity restoration. Practical implications This commentary offers clear implications for practice, including culturally responsive therapist training, community-based MBAT delivery and participatory program design. It urges policymakers to incorporate MBAT into district-level public health initiatives and calls for further research on culturally adapted interventions in tribal settings. Originality/value This work contributes original insights by reframing MBAT not as an alternative therapy but as a culturally and spiritually congruent first-line approach for tribal IPV survivors. It bridges gaps in both theory and practice by integrating decolonial perspectives, arts-based methodologies and indigenous knowledge systems into mental health discourse. 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited -
Rock abrading in South India /
Encyclopedia of Global Archaeology, pp.1-10 -
A top-down approach for studying the in-silico effect of the novel phytocompound tribulusamide B on the inhibition of Nipah virus transmission through targeting fusion glycoprotein and matrix protein
The proteins of Nipah virus ascribe to its lifecycle and are crucial to infections caused by the virus. In the absence of approved therapeutics, these proteins can be considered as drug targets. This study examined the potential of fifty-three (53) natural compounds to inhibit Nipah virus fusion glycoprotein (NiV F) and matrix protein (NiV M) in silico. The molecular docking experiment, supported by the principal component analysis (PCA), showed that out of all the phytochemicals considered, Tribulusamide B had the highest inhibitory potential against the target proteins NiV F and NiV M (-9.21 and ?8.66 kcal mol?1, respectively), when compared to the control drug, Ribavirin (-7.01 and ?6.52 kcal mol?1, respectively). Furthermore, it was found that Tribulusamide B pharmacophores, namely, hydrogen donors, acceptors, aromatic and hydrophobic groups, contributed towards the effective residual interactions with the target proteins. The molecular dynamic simulation further validated the results of the docking studies and concluded that Tribulusamide B formed a stable complex with the target proteins. The data obtained from MM-PBSA study further explained that the phytochemical could strongly bind with NiV F (-31.26 kJ mol?1) and NiV M (-40.26 kJ mol?1) proteins in comparison with the control drug Ribavirin (-13.12 and ?13.94 kJ mol?1, respectively). Finally, the results indicated that Tribulusamide B, a common inhibitor effective against multiple proteins, can be considered a potential therapeutic entity in treating the Nipah virus infection. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Evaluation of therapeutic potentials of selected phytochemicals against Nipah virus, a multi-dimensional in silico study
The current study attempted to evaluate the potential of fifty-three (53) natural compounds as Nipah virus attachment glycoprotein (NiV G) inhibitors through in silico molecular docking study. Pharmacophore alignment of the four(4) selected compounds (Naringin, Mulberrofuran B, Rutin and Quercetin 3-galactoside) through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that common pharmacophores, namely four H bond acceptors, one H bond donor and two aromatic groups were responsible for the residual interaction with the target protein. Out of these four compounds, Naringin was found to have the highest inhibitory potential ( 9.19kcalmol?1) against the target protein NiV G, when compared to the control drug, Ribavirin ( 6.95kcalmol?1). The molecular dynamic simulation revealed that Naringin could make a stable complex with the target protein in the near-native physiological condition. Finally, MM-PBSA (Molecular Mechanics-PoissonBoltzmann Solvent-Accessible Surface Area) analysis in agreement with our molecular docking result, showed that Naringin ( 218.664kJmol?1) could strongly bind with the target protein NiV G than the control drug Ribavirin ( 83.812kJmol?1). 2023, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. -
Systematic investigation on unsymmetrical mesogenic cyanobiphenyl dimers towards optical storage devices: synthesis, mesomorphic, photo switching and DFT studies
This research presents the synthesis and analysis of a novel series of mesogenic dimers comprising cyanobiphenyl and azonaphthyl units. Structural validation was performed using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, etc. The dimers thermotropic behaviours were studied through POM and DSC, revealing enantiotropic nematic phases in all cases, with some also showing monotropic smectic C phases. The study explores the relationship between the chemical structure of the dimers and the length of the flexible spacer, the odd-even effect, and their phase transition temperatures. Longer chains tended to form smectic phases, while shorter chains primarily exhibited nematic phases. Computational analysis using B3LYP/6-31g(d,p) and evaluations of electrostatic potential (ESP) and optical properties provided further insight into the electronic structures. Photoisomerization studies demonstrated consistent photochromic responses, with all dimers showing high conversion efficiency (88-95%) under UV light along with similar back relaxation times (?10-12 hours). Optical storage devices prepared by these materials showed excellent contrast between dark and bright states elucidating the importance of such materials for the future. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Modeling User Movement Patterns for Enhanced Internet Experience
Providing an effective quality of service (QoS) can be very challenging, especially in mobile or dynamic environments. The goal of this study is to improve the Internet in a way that anticipates user mobility allowing for more efficient and responsive resource allocation through real-time resource management and connectivity prognostic. The ability for the model to determine typical paths, times, and transition probabilities between access points is accomplished by exploring historical location data, mobility traces, and user activity in a networked environment. The proposed findings can be integrated into network control algorithms requiring spatial predictive data for future user behaviours such as prefetching, intelligent handover, and load balance to configurable infrastructures. User mobility predictions of future mobility are augmented by the combination of machine learning and Markov Chains. Usability testing conducted utilizing real-world mobility datasets is suggestive of many improvements in terms of connection stability, reduction of latency, and increased efficiency of bandwidth utilization. The supporting evidence obtained from this study is supportive of the hypothesis that network management which aware of the mobile user will enhance performance and experience in urban areas and smart cities. This research is important because it further develops a notion of intelligent, human-centric communication systems towards 5G (and beyond) to reframe spatial and temporal user behaviour to be responsive, anticipatory internet service structures and/or systems. 2025, Innovative Information Science and Technology Research Group. All rights reserved.