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Vacuum annealed tin sulfide (SnS) thin films for solar cell applications
Thin films of tin sulfide (SnS) were grown on a glass substrate at an optimum temperature of 300 C by thermal evaporation technique. Following the deposition, films were vacuum annealed at different temperatures in the range of 100 to 300 C for 2 h. The effect of annealing temperature (Ta) on the composition, surface morphology, microstructure, optical and electrical properties was investigated. Elemental analysis showed sulfur deficiency of annealed films and the Sn to S atomic percent ratio increased from 1.0 to 1.1. XRD analysis confirmed the orthorhombic crystal structure of the films with (111) preferred orientation and phase purity. Degree of preferred orientation decreased with increase in Ta and the diffraction peaks corresponding to other planes intensified. Increasing the Ta to 300 C led to an increase in crystallite size to 129 nm. Results indicated presence of several crystallites in the grains of as-deposited films. AFM studies revealed the fragmentation of larger grain and the average grain size reduced form 265 nm for as-deposited films to 132.8 nm for the film annealed at 300 C. An apparent shift in absorption edge towards longer wavelengths is observed for films annealed at Ta > 200 C. The optical constant such as optical band gap, extinction coefficient (k), absorption coefficient (?) and refractive index (n) have been evaluated. The optical band gap of SnS thin films varied marginally with the annealing temperature and remained in between 1.331.29 eV. The extinction coefficient of the film annealed at 300 C was enhanced and is found to be 0.85 at 700 nm. At the annealing temperature of 300 C, the SnS films had enhanced electrical properties: the electrical resistivity was 7.8 ? cm, the p-type carrier concentration was up to 2.17 1016 cm?3, and the mobility was about 36.9 cm2V?1s?1. The variation of physical parameters with Ta has been explained by taking into account the crystallite size and the presented values are discussed with relevance to solar cells. 2017 Elsevier B.V. -
Validating a Teacher Professional Development Program to Develop Leadership and Mentorship among in-Service Teachers
School teachers are pivotal in shaping the world's future. Their ongoing professional development (PD) is crucial to fostering a positive school culture. This study aimed to develop and validate a PD program for in-service teachers, ensuring its content and empirical validity in enhancing teacher leadership and mentorship. The module underwent content validation by 14 experts using Lawshe's content validity ratio and the content validity index to determine its appropriateness and alignment with PD proposed by the National Education Policy 2020. Empirical validation was conducted with 30 participants using a single-group pre-testpost-test design to measure the module's impact. Content validation confirmed the high expert agreement, indicating strong content relevance. Empirical validation revealed significant improvements in participants leadership and mentorship competencies as evidenced by positive post-test outcomes. The findings suggest that the module effectively enhances teacher professional development (TPD) by improving association, professional learning, assessment, instruction, community and policy in leadership, and self-efficacy and outcome expectancy in mentorship. The validated module is a structured framework for TPD that contributes to evidence-based educational training. Future research could explore its long-term effectiveness with larger samples and a mixed-methods design, employing multiple models and frameworks, including India-specific ones, across diverse educational contexts. The Author(s) 2026 -
VALIDATION OF CONTINUOUS FLOW METAL PLATE REACTORS IN THE TERPENE KETONE SYNTHESIS BY ALCOHOL OXIDATION
The present study elucidates the oxidation of alcohols to terpene ketones using dichloro(p-cymene) ruthenium (II) dimer catalyst by continuous flow process using a metal plate reactor. The synthesized products were separated and validated using GC, GCMS,1 H-NMR, and13 C-NMR techniques. The reaction process exhibited product yield in the range of 80-95% on a scale of 1-80 grams. Optimization studies were conducted to calibrate the reaction conditions to improve the product yield. The scope of the reaction was explored using aromatic, cyclic, and aliphatic alcohols under optimized conditions, which resulted in high yields of terpene ketones. A reaction mechanism is proposed for the oxidation of alcohols by a continuous flow process. The significant advantages of the current protocol include synthesis at mild conditions, safer handling of reagents, flexibility to tune reaction conditions, and straightforward scale-up in the range of 1-80 grams with high efficiency and reproducibility. 2024, Rasayan Journal of Chemistry, c/o Dr. Pratima Sharma. All rights reserved. -
Validation of localised coastal wind forecasts for artisan fishers of southwestern India
[No abstract available] -
Validity of a Short Version Scale of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Indigenous Women in Mexico
The study evaluated the validity and reliability of the Scale of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Sexual and Reproductive Health (ECAPSSR) in indigenous women in Mexico. A total of 177 women aged 14 to 48 participated, and signed and authorized their participation. Three dimensions were evaluated: knowledge, attitudes and practices. A final version of 78 questions of the original scale was obtained with acceptable reliability. Confirmatory Factor Analysis suggests an acceptable fit in three subscales. A valid, reliable and structured version was obtained as a screening option that allowed the evaluation of sexual and reproductive health in indigenous women. 2025 Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. -
Valorisation of coffee husk as replacement of sand in alkali-activated bricks
The coffee industry is known to generate voluminous amount of waste during its production process. Different types of waste such as coffee hush ash and spent coffee ground, to name a few, have been extensively researched as a substitute in the construction industry. However, the utilization of coffee husk as a substitute for construction materials has seen limited exploration. In particular, there are no studies which investigate the utilization of waste coffee husk (WCH) in alkali-activated bricks. Therefore, in this research WCH was employed as a substitute to sand in alkali-activated bricks. Alkali-activated bricks were synthesized with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), fly ash (FA), sand, and sodium silicate solution (SS). Sand was replaced with WCH at replacement rates of 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, and 30 % by volume. The developed bricks were evaluated for strength, density, water absorption, porosity, and efflorescence. Additionally, structural and morphological characteristics of bricks were assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results indicate that bricks with WCH improve the compressive strength with a maximum value of 15.7 MPa, and reduce the density with a minimum value of 1509 kg/m3 for composites with 30 % WCH, respectively. The water absorption and porosity of bricks increased with incorporation of WCH due to porous structure of WCH. The physico-chemical analysis of the bricks shows effective geopolymerization in the composite system with WCH, and further the bricks with 30 % WCH depict thermal stability with insignificant weight loss at 575 ?. Finally, the composites with 30 % WCH classify as good quality bricks as per IS 1077: 1992 specifications, and this will improve practical feasibility of such materials in the construction industry. 2024 The Authors -
Valorisation of starfruit waste derived pectin for biodegradable sheet fabrication: A comprehensive study on extraction and characterization
This research work focuses on the extraction and characterization of pectin from starfruit peel and its application for fabrication of pectin film. Starfruit is chosen as the source for pectin extraction as the data regarding pectin extraction starfruit is relatively scarce in the available literature. Conventional organic acid based extraction using citric acid is employed for pectin extraction as it is eco-friendly and cost effective. The yield of pectin was found to be 8.22 1.018 (w/w). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), analysis is used to identify functional groups present in the extracted pectin and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) is done to check its crystallinity. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization was performed to deduce the morphological characteristics of the extracted biopolymer. The particle size was found to be between 1m and 20 m. Fabrication of pectin based film was done using solvent cast method. The biodegradable film developed was found to be transparent and flexible. This work highlights the use of starfruit as a cost effective substrate for pectin extraction. Future studies should aim at exploring various applications of pectin and utilizing its potential in diverse applications. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/). -
Valorization of agro-industrial fruit peel waste to fluorescent nanocarbon sensor: Ultrasensitive detection of potentially hazardous tropane alkaloid
Millions of tonnes of agro-industrial waste are generated each year globally, with the vast majority of it going untreated, underutilized, and disposed of by burning or landfilling, causing severe environmental distress and economic downturn. A practical solution to this global issue is to use green chemistry to convert this waste into value-added products. Accordingly, in the present study, agro-industrial orange peel waste was valorized into fluorescent nanodiamond-like carbon sensor via a green route involving hydrothermal treatment of microwave carbonized orange peel waste. The developed sensor, used for the fluorescence detection of potentially hazardous drug atropine sulfate, exhibits unique dual linearity over concentration ranges of 300 nM to 1 M and from 1 M to 10 M, as well as ultra-low sensitivity of 34.42 nM and 356.46 nM, respectively. Additionally, the sensor demonstrates excellent reproducibility, high stability, and satisfactory recovery when used to identify and quantify atropine sulfate in biological samples and commercially available pharmaceuticals, indicating promising multidisciplinary applications. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2021, Higher Education Press. -
Valorization of bovine tannery fleshing waste as a fish meal replacer: a conceivable green approach
The study intended to utilize bovine tannery fleshing (BTF) a significant contributor of solid wastes in leather industries, in its unhydrolyzed form (raw fleshing flour [RFF]) as well as in fermented form (fermented fleshing flour [FFF]) as fish meal (FM) replacer in formulated aqua feeds. In line with this, experimental diets were formulated, characterized, and evaluated for their virtue. Improvement in the physical quality of diets was achieved with FFF incorporation, enabling better pelletability, palatability, and feed texture. As the formulated diets were of sinking type, feeding trials on column as well as bottom feeders were concertedly attempted, as a value-added application of proteinaceous feed ingredient (BTF) in aquaculture sector. FFF inclusion diets proved superior to RFF inclusion diets. Maximum protein and lipid retentions of 89% and 92% were evidenced. Fish feeding experiments disclosed the productive impact of substituting FM with FFF by 50 and 75% on the performance (fish growth) of Cirrhinus mrigala (19.03 cm final length, 112.89 g Kg-1 final body weight, and 99% survival rate) and Labeo rohita (22.19 cm final length, 214.99 g Kg-1 final body weight, and 97% survival rate) respectively, with enhanced muscle biochemical compositions. FFF inclusion diets best suited column feeders than bottom feeders, with acceptable feed conversion ratio (< 2) and about 65% and 69% of protein in Rohu and Mrigal, respectively after 90 days of feeding. Absence of feed related mortality and multimycotoxins in FFF inclusion diets authenticated its invulnerable nature, signifying the need of bacterial fermentation processes to pull out the maximum worth of the solid waste. Thus, bovine tannery fleshing (BTF) would probably be used as a relatively inexpensive, effectual, safe, and an absolute source of protein for marine animals, reinforcing aquaculture business to strengthen up its profitability and eventually; this is an assuring conscientious solid waste management strategy that could be scaled-up to develop high-quality aquaculture feeds. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Valorization of bovine tannery fleshing waste as a fish meal replacer: a conceivable green approach
The study intended to utilize bovine tannery fleshing (BTF) a significant contributor of solid wastes in leather industries, in its unhydrolyzed form (raw fleshing flour [RFF]) as well as in fermented form (fermented fleshing flour [FFF]) as fish meal (FM) replacer in formulated aqua feeds. In line with this, experimental diets were formulated, characterized, and evaluated for their virtue. Improvement in the physical quality of diets was achieved with FFF incorporation, enabling better pelletability, palatability, and feed texture. As the formulated diets were of sinking type, feeding trials on column as well as bottom feeders were concertedly attempted, as a value-added application of proteinaceous feed ingredient (BTF) in aquaculture sector. FFF inclusion diets proved superior to RFF inclusion diets. Maximum protein and lipid retentions of 89% and 92% were evidenced. Fish feeding experiments disclosed the productive impact of substituting FM with FFF by 50 and 75% on the performance (fish growth) of Cirrhinus mrigala (19.03 cm final length, 112.89 g Kg-1 final body weight, and 99% survival rate) and Labeo rohita (22.19 cm final length, 214.99 g Kg-1 final body weight, and 97% survival rate) respectively, with enhanced muscle biochemical compositions. FFF inclusion diets best suited column feeders than bottom feeders, with acceptable feed conversion ratio (< 2) and about 65% and 69% of protein in Rohu and Mrigal, respectively after 90 days of feeding. Absence of feed related mortality and multimycotoxins in FFF inclusion diets authenticated its invulnerable nature, signifying the need of bacterial fermentation processes to pull out the maximum worth of the solid waste. Thus, bovine tannery fleshing (BTF) would probably be used as a relatively inexpensive, effectual, safe, and an absolute source of protein for marine animals, reinforcing aquaculture business to strengthen up its profitability and eventually; this is an assuring conscientious solid waste management strategy that could be scaled-up to develop high-quality aquaculture feeds. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2023. -
Valorization of Fish Waste for Chitosan Production: A Sustainable Approach
Fish waste can be used as an ideal substrate for extraction of commercially important bio-polymers like chitosan. Chitosan is a versatile biopolymer with various biological and chemical properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and antimicrobial properties and can be a major applicant in different industries. The present research work focuses on extracting chitosan from fish scale waste through chemical extraction methods. Demineralization in this study is done using 1% HCl for 36 hours at 150 rpm and deproteinization is done using dilute 0.5N NaOH for 18 hours at 150 rpm. The final step deacetylation is done using a concentrated 40% NaOH solution at 90?C for 6 hours. The extracted chitosan had a yield of 12% per 100g of fish scale and characterization was done using FTIR, XRD, TGA and DSC. Further the possibility of fabrication of chitosan films followed by assessing their biodegradability will be the future scope of the work. The Electrochemical Society -
Valorization of lignin to produce nanofibers of industrial importance
Lignin nanofibers (LNFs) have emerged as promising materials for various environmental applications due to their unique properties, abundance, and sustainability. This review examines recent advances in LNF synthesis and their environmental applications, lignin types are discussed in relation to nanofiber production. Synthesis techniques are evaluated, with electrospinning emerging as a versatile method for producing LNFs with diameters typically in the nanometer range. The intrinsic properties including molecular weight, polydispersity, and glass transition temperature, significantly influence nanofiber formation and performance. Environmental applications of LNFs are extensively reviewed, highlighting their potential in adsorption of pollutants, air filtration, energy storage devices, and as catalyst supports. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in large-scale production, consistency of properties, and economic viability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of LNFs technology, addressing both opportunities and challenges in leveraging this sustainable material for environmental solutions. 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
Valorization of pineapple peel waste for fungal pigment production using Talaromyces albobiverticillius: Insights into antibacterial, antioxidant and textile dyeing properties
The present study explores natural pigments as sustainable alternatives to synthetic textile dyes. Due to their therapeutic applications and easy production, fungal pigments have gained attention. However, data on pigment production using solid-state fermentation and optimization is limited. Milk whey was used to grow Talaromyces sp., followed by an evaluation of pigment production in solid and liquid media. Pineapple peels were used as a cost-effective substrate for pigment production, and a one-factor-at-a-time approach was used to enhance pigment production. Pineapple peel-based media produced 0.523 0.231 mg/g of pigment after eight days of incubation. The crude pigment had promising antibacterial and significant antioxidant properties. The extraction fungal pigment's possible use as an eco-friendly textile dye was assessed through fabric dyeing experiments with different mordants. This work contributes to the valorization of agricultural waste and provides insight into using fungal pigments as sustainable alternatives to synthetic textile dyes. 2023 Elsevier Inc. -
Valorization of pineapple peels through single cell protein production using saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC 364
Background and objective: Pineapple peels contain significant quantities of carbohydrates, which can be used as cheap raw materials for production of commercially important products through fermentation. The aim of this study was to use this feed stock for the cultivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC 364 and its use as single cell protein. Material and methods: The single cell protein was produced using discarded pineapple peels and Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC 364. Optimization of bioprocess variables (temperature, pH, incubation period, carbon source and nitrogen source) affecting single cell protein production was carried out using classical "one factor at a time" approach. The harvested cells from optimized media were screened for amino acid content using high-performance thin-layer chromatography. Results and conclusion: The Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC 364 produced maximum single cell protein in pineapple peel based media, compared to non-optimized media. The "one factor at a time" approach showed that the maximum biomass production was achieved at optimized levels of temperature of 25C, pH of 5, incubation period of 120 h, carbon source of 1% sucrose and nitrogen source of 0.5% beef extract. The amino acid profiling of the harvested biomass using high-performance thin-layer chromatography analysis revealed that tryptophan included a comparatively higher concentration of 6.52%, followed by threonine (3.25%). Results of this study suggest that easily available raw materials such as fruit peels offer cost-effective substrates for production of commercially important microbial proteins for alarming global issues linked to protein malnutrition. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. 2019 National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute. -
Valorization of pineapple peels through single cell protein production using saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC364 /
Applied Food Biotechnology, Vol.6, Issue 4, pp.255-263, ISSN No: 2345-5357. -
Valorization of pomegranate peel waste as a sustainable feed additive: enhancing growth, digestion, immunity, and disease resistance in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii
The growing demand for sustainable aquaculture and eco-friendly feed resources necessitates the development of circular economy strategies that valorize agro-industrial by-products. This study evaluated pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel, a nutrient-rich fruit waste, as a functional and sustainable feed additive in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. A 60-day feeding trial included a control (0X) and five experimental diets (P1P5) supplemented with P. granatum peel protease (0.02X0.10X). Growth, digestive enzyme activity, immune-oxidative responses, and tissue histology were assessed, followed by a 72-h post-challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Growth improved significantly in P4 and P5 (p < 0.05), with the highest specific growth rate (2.14 0.03%/day in P4; 2.13 0.01%/day in P5) and lowest feed conversion ratio (0.39 0.01) in P5. P4 showed the highest protein (240.01 2.68mg/g) and amino acids (148.16 0.83mg/g). Protease activity peaked in P4 (1.55 0.03IU/g), while amylase and lipase remained unchanged. Antioxidant defenses in P5 were elevated, including superoxide dismutase (43.31 0.33%), catalase (1.91 0.05 U/min/mg protein), glutathione S-transferase (1.43 0.01 U/min/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (5.97 0.02 U/min/mg protein), and total hemocyte count (22.80 0.05 10? cells/mL). Histology confirmed improved hepatopancreas structure. P. granatum exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against A. hydrophila (MIC 6.25mg/mL), and in vivo challenge showed the lowest mortality in P4 and P5 (16.25 1.77%) versus control (71.25 1.77%). These results highlight P. granatum peel as a viable circular bioresource, promoting nutrient recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable aquaculture productivity while minimizing reliance on synthetic additives. Future studies should focus on long-term feeding trials and large-scale farm evaluations to further validate the commercial viability of P. granatum peel as a sustainable functional feed additive in aquaculture. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Valorization of waste chilli stalks (Capsicum annuum) as a sustainable substrate for cellulose extraction: insights into its thermomechanical, film forming and biodegradation properties
Rising global population accelerates food waste generation, thereby creating a crisis in food waste management. A solution involves deriving value-added products like cellulose biopolymer from food waste. Chilli stalk wastes are one such food waste which are generated in large quantities and are unsuitable for field use or incineration due to health and environmental challenges. A greener alternative is extracting cellulose biopolymer from chilli stalk waste. The extraction of cellulose biopolymer from chilli stalk results in a renewable, biodegradable and economically efficient biomaterial with a broad range of applications. The extraction process involving alkali treatment (NaOH) and bleaching (alkaline H2O2), resulted in a yield of 29.85% cellulose biopolymer. The extracted cellulose was subjected to quantification and functional property analysis followed by characterization (FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC and SEM) to analyse functional groups, crystallinity, thermal properties and surface morphology. Functional property analysis resulted in higher values when compared with commercial cellulose. The characterization techniques confirmed the effective removal of impurities such as lignin, hemicellulose and pectin by the chemical treatments. Cellulose sheets, fabricated using solvent casting, exhibited exceptional biodegradability (85.36%) within 20days, surpassing conventional food packaging materials, commercial food packaging paper (15.95 0.12% [%w/w]) and plastic sheets (7.89 0.33% [%w/w]) over the same time period. The novelty of this research lies in the innovative valorization of chilli stalk waste, which often remains unused in large quantities globally. This study introduces a cost-effective method to convert it into a value-added, highly biodegradable biopolymer. The resulting cellulose sheets provide an eco-friendly substitute for traditional food packaging materials. 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Valorization of waste chilli stalks (Capsicum annuum) as a sustainable substrate for cellulose extraction: insights into its thermomechanical, film forming and biodegradation properties
Rising global population accelerates food waste generation, thereby creating a crisis in food waste management. A solution involves deriving value-added products like cellulose biopolymer from food waste. Chilli stalk wastes are one such food waste which are generated in large quantities and are unsuitable for field use or incineration due to health and environmental challenges. A greener alternative is extracting cellulose biopolymer from chilli stalk waste. The extraction of cellulose biopolymer from chilli stalk results in a renewable, biodegradable and economically efficient biomaterial with a broad range of applications. The extraction process involving alkali treatment (NaOH) and bleaching (alkaline H2O2), resulted in a yield of 29.85% cellulose biopolymer. The extracted cellulose was subjected to quantification and functional property analysis followed by characterization (FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC and SEM) to analyse functional groups, crystallinity, thermal properties and surface morphology. Functional property analysis resulted in higher values when compared with commercial cellulose. The characterization techniques confirmed the effective removal of impurities such as lignin, hemicellulose and pectin by the chemical treatments. Cellulose sheets, fabricated using solvent casting, exhibited exceptional biodegradability (85.36%) within 20days, surpassing conventional food packaging materials, commercial food packaging paper (15.95 0.12% [%w/w]) and plastic sheets (7.89 0.33% [%w/w]) over the same time period. The novelty of this research lies in the innovative valorization of chilli stalk waste, which often remains unused in large quantities globally. This study introduces a cost-effective method to convert it into a value-added, highly biodegradable biopolymer. The resulting cellulose sheets provide an eco-friendly substitute for traditional food packaging materials. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Valuation of the Capital Assets Pricing Model on the Islamic Retails Banks in Bahrain
The Gulf countries are rapidly changing after the coronavirus pandemic. It has many notable impacts on the banking sectors especially in the Islamic retail banks. This study has focused on the valuation of the Islamic retail banks in Bahrain. There are only six Islamic retail banks that follow Shariah rules and regulations. This paper consists of the monthly data from July 2016 to June 2021. The CAPM model has been applied for the valuation of Islamic retail banks and the multiple regression method run for the impact of Islamic retail banks on the Bahrain Bank index during the period. The outcomes of CAPM have identified overvalued BISB, Baraka, Salam, KHCB, and ITHMR except for the KFH, which is undervalued. The significant results have found the relationship between the six retail Islamic banks and the Bahrain banks index in Bahrain. The interpretation of t-statistics shows a substantial difference between the CAPM and actual returns of Islamic retail banks in Bahrain. The banking system will be a modern economic world which helps to create the nation. The nation will develop if society will be aware about financial literacy and analytics. This paper will help the industrialist, practitioner, brokers, promoters, and investors. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Value added tax and its impact on revenue generation in India /
Scholedge International Journal Of Multidisciplinary And Allied Studies, Vol.2, Issue 8, pp.43-50, ISSN No: 2394-336X.