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Unveiling the synergistic effect of amorphous CoW-phospho-borides for overall alkaline water electrolysis
Amorphous transition-metal-phospho-borides (TMPBs) are emerging as a new class of hybrid bifunctional catalysts for water-splitting. The present work reports the discovery of CoWPB as a new promising material that adds to the smaller family of TMPBs. The optimized compositions, namely Co4WPB5 and Co2WPB1 could achieve 10 mA/cm2 at just 72 mV and 262 mV of overpotentials for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, in 1 M KOH. Furthermore, the catalyst showed good performance in a 2-electrode assembly (1.59 V for 10 mA/cm2) with considerable stability (70 h stability, 10,000 operating cycles). Detailed morphological and electrochemical characterizations unveiled insights into the role of all elements in catalyst's improved performance. The presence of W was found to be crucial in improving the electronic conductivity and charge redistribution, making CoWPB suitable for both HER and OER. In computational simulation analysis, two configurations with different atomic environments, namely, CoWPBH and CoWPBO were found to have the lowest calculated overpotentials for HER and OER, respectively. It was found that the surface P-sites in CoWPBH were HER-active while the Co-sites in CoWPBO were OER-active sites. The study presents new knowledge about active sites in such multi-component catalysts that will foster more advancement in the area of water electrolysis. 2024 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
Unveiling the kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction in defect-engineered B/P-incorporated cobalt-oxide electrocatalysts
Defect-rich transition-metal oxide electrocatalysts hold great promise for alkaline water electrolysis due to their enhanced activity and stability. This study presents a new strategy that significantly improve the OER activity of Co-oxide nanosheets through incorporation of B and P (B/P-CoOx NS), eventually leading to abundant surface defects and oxygen vacancies. The B/P-CoOx NS demonstrates low overpotential of 220 mV to achieve 10 mA/cm2. The electrochemical and kinetic studies coupled with conventional morphological and structural characterizations, reveal that various crystalline defects like vacancies, dislocations, twin planes, and grain boundaries play crucial roles in promoting the OH? ion adsorption, the formation of intermediates, and the desorption of oxygen molecules. The industrial viability of the developed electrocatalyst is substantiated through assessments under harsh industrial conditions of 6 M KOH at 60 C in a zero-gap single-cell alkaline electrolyzer which achieves 1 A/cm2 at 1.95 V. Chronoamperometry tests (100 h) highlight remarkable robustness of the electrocatalyst. This work establishes a new strategy to fabricate defect-rich OER electrocatalysts, setting a precedent to achieve better OER rates with non-noble materials. 2024 -
Exploring In Situ Kinetics of Oxygen Vacancy-Rich B/P-Incorporated Cobalt Oxide Nanowires for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Defect-engineering of transition-metal oxide-based nanocatalysts is an innovative approach for improving the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) owing to their enhanced activity and stability. The present study introduces a facile approach aimed at enhancing OER activity by incorporating boron and phosphorus into cobalt oxide nanowires (B/P-CoOx NWs). The resulting material, enriched with oxygen vacancies (Ov), as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), induced a complete structural transformation from Co3O4 to a CoO phase. The B/P-CoOx NWs exhibited an impressive overpotential of only 230 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH. The presence of Ov was proved to be responsible for the improvement in conductivity along with the quantity and quality of active sites. Electrochemical kinetic analysis was performed to reveal the crucial role of Ov in facilitating the OER mechanism by enhancing the adsorption and desorption of OH- ions and O2 molecules from the surface. The robustness of the developed electrocatalyst was demonstrated through a chronoamperometric test conducted over 80 h and a recyclability test spanning 10 000 cycles. This study focuses on the fabrication and dynamic investigation of the electrocatalyst, laying the groundwork for further advancements in non-noble material-based electrocatalysts. 2024 American Chemical Society. -
Instigating the mixed phases of cobalt oxide in nanowires for electrolysis of urea-based water
The urea oxidation reaction (UOR) offers a more energy-efficient alternative to water splitting, with a lower theoretical potential of 0.37 V and the possibility of using urea-based wastewater as an electrolyte. In this study, phosphorus/boron-incorporated cobalt oxide nanowires supported on nickel foam (P,B-CoxOy NW@NF) are synthesized by hydrothermal and reduction methods as an electrocatalyst for UOR. The P,B-CoxOy NW@NF demonstrates exceptional electrocatalytic performance with a low UOR potential of 1.33 V at 50 mA/cm2 in alkaline media. Comprehensive structural and morphological analyses reveal the formation of mixed Co3O4-CoO phases with abundant oxygen vacancies (Ov) and Co2+ species, which synergistically enhance conductivity and provide ideal surroundings for active M?OOH species formation. In-situ electrochemical kinetic studies highlight the superior catalytic activity of P,B-CoxOy NW@NF, attributed to a high density of active sites, improved reactant adsorption, and efficient desorption of byproducts, including CO2. The catalyst exhibits excellent long-term stability with minimal degradation of 7 % over 100 h of continuous chronoamperometry testing and 2 % loss after 10,000 cycles. Furthermore, the activity of P,B-CoxOy NW@NF is evaluated in alkaline natural cow urine, requiring just 1.35 V at 50 mA/cm2 for UOR, demonstrating its practical relevance for real-world applications. These findings showcase the significant potential of P,B-CoxOy NW@NF as a scalable and stable electrocatalyst for sustainable hydrogen production from wastewater. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
An Effective IoT based Vein Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Soft Computing Techniques for Dorsal Vein Pattern Analysis
In this research, we provide a CNN-based system that can reliably identify the dorsal veins of the hand. In order to get better results on different picture quality datasets, the suggested model makes use of refined variants of the pre-trained VGG Net-16 and VGG Net-19 designs. We use the BOSPHORUS dataset, which provides medium-quality photos, in addition to two self-constructed datasets that provide good-and low-quality images. By using state-of-the-art augmenting image methods, streamlined pre-processing procedures, and meticulously designed CNN designs, the fine-tuned VGG Net-16 model achieves superior performance in comparison to all other models. Using ROI pictures with a resolution of 22424 pixels, a multi-class technique is employed for arranging the vein patterns. Improving data quality during training makes the approach more broad, which helps prevent over fitting. On every dataset, the proposed method achieves better results than standard ML models like K-NN and SVM, and the experimental outcomes demonstrate significant improvements in accuracy. The modifying process led to a considerable decrease in the equal error rates (EER) when compared to benchmark methods. The structure enhances efficiency in computing with GPU-accelerated studying. It was built with the help of Python extensions like as OpenCV, Keras, and TensorFlow. Results from extensive testing of the proposed method show an accuracy of 99.98%, a precision of 98.98%, and a recall of 98.8%. From what we can see, the technique is both adaptable and dependable; making it well suited for use in practical biometrics vein recognition applications. 2025, American Scientific Publishing Group (ASPG). All rights reserved. -
IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT ADVERTISEMENTS ABOUT AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION IN SENSITISING RURAL FARMERS: A STUDY OF MARATHWADA REGION IN MAHARASHTRA
To stimulate the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, has initiated a myriad of welfare initiatives aimed at farmers, entailing a substantial financial commitment. A portion of this financial outlay is also allocated to the dissemination of pertinent information among the farming community. However, a pertinent question arises: does this information reach the rural farmers and do they avail the benefit? The present study attempts to address this issue. Based on a tested questionnaire, a primary survey was conducted in Marathwada region of Maharashtra where the incidence of agrarian crisis is insurmountable. The study found a limited impact of government advertisements regarding agricultural information on farmers in terms of increasing their awareness level. The primary conduit for agricultural information, as ascertained by the study, predominantly stems from informal sources. Among the socio-economic characteristics, only education and land ownership are found to have an impact on the level of awareness and their willingness to acquire information on agriculture. The percentages of farmers, who are aware of the scheme and get its benefits, do not even exceed 30 per cent, irrespective of the scheme under consideration. It was found that only limited farmers are taking benefit of the scheme even after receiving information. A general disinterest was observed among the farmers because of the heavy paperwork of availing those benefits. To engender a constructive transformation in farmers awareness levels regarding agricultural schemes and programmes, a well-thought-out and strategic endeavour becomes indispensable. 2022 National Institute of Rural Development. All rights reserved. -
Big Data De-duplication using modified SHA algorithm in cloud servers for optimal capacity utilization and reduced transmission bandwidth; [Big Data Deduplicaci utilizando algoritmo SHA modificado en servidores en la nube para una utilizaci tima de la capacidad y un ancho de banda de transmisi reducido]
Data de-duplication in cloud storage is crucial for optimizing resource utilization and reducing transmission overhead. By eliminating redundant copies of data, it enhances storage efficiency, lowers costs, and minimizes network bandwidth requirements, thereby improving overall performance and scalability of cloud-based systems. The research investigates the critical intersection of data de-duplication (DD) and privacy concerns within cloud storage services. Distributed Data (DD), a widely employed technique in these services and aims to enhance capacity utilization and reduce transmission bandwidth. However, it poses challenges to information privacy, typically addressed through encoding mechanisms. One significant approach to mitigating this conflict is hierarchical approved de-duplication, which empowers cloud users to conduct privilegebased duplicate checks before data upload. This hierarchical structure allows cloud servers to profile users based on their privileges, enabling more nuanced control over data management. In this research, we introduce the SHA method for de-duplication within cloud servers, supplemented by a secure pre-processing assessment. The proposed method accommodates dynamic privilege modifications, providing flexibility and adaptability to evolving user needs and access levels. Extensive theoretical analysis and simulated investigations validate the efficacy and security of the proposed system. By leveraging the SHA algorithm and incorporating robust pre-processing techniques, our approach not only enhances efficiency in data deduplication but also addresses crucial privacy concerns inherent in cloud storage environments. This research contributes to advancing the understanding and implementation of efficient and secure data management practices within cloud infrastructures, with implications for a wide range of applications and industries. 2024; Los autores. -
Regression testing on services in mobile applications
The power of mobile devices has increased dramatically in the last few years. The Mobile apps market increases every day and Mobile device has become one of the most important equipment in peoples daily life, which brings us not only convenience of communication, but more and more work and entertainment applications. Mobile testing becomes very crucial as the mobile applications and mobile users are growing rapidly. Test consultants, test specialist, test managers and software engineering researchers are finding ways to do effective verification methods and to ensure reliability of mobile applications. In this paper, we propose regression testing framework on services in Remote Link Lite (RLL) mobile application. In order to perform regression test on mobile application, we have considered RLL application for POC purpose. Research India Publications. -
Examining the Impacts and Obstacles of AI-Driven Management in Present-Day Business Contexts
This paper explores the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the management structures of modern business organizations. In order to improve operational effectiveness and overall success, it focuses on the integration and effects of AI within Management Information Systems (MIS). The study finds the many advantages artificial intelligence (AI) offers to knowledge management, resource management systems, and organizational effectiveness through a thorough analysis. The paper uses a wide range of scholarly references to explain different aspects of AI-powered management, such as strategic planning, decision-making, and sustainable marketing tactics. The study highlights a notable void in the all-encompassing comprehension of artificial intelligence's concrete contribution to business improvement, thereby promoting a deeper and more empirical investigation of AI's incorporation into business operations. 2024 IEEE. -
Security and Privacy in Internet of Things (IoT) Environments
Although the proliferation of IoT devices has led to unparalleled ease of use and accessibility, it has also raised serious privacy and safety issues. Using a systematic approach that incorporates security and privacy modelling, data analysis, and empirical trials, this study provides a deep dive into the topic of IoT security and privacy. Our results show how crucial it is to take precautions against 'Information Disclosure' by using strong encryption and authorization protocols. The need to protect against 'Unencrypted Data' vulnerabilities is further emphasized by vulnerability analysis. Encryption (AES-256) and other access control rules fare very well in the assessment of security systems. Furthermore, 'Homomorphic Encryption' is identified as a potential strategy to protecting user privacy while retaining data usefulness based on our review of privacy preservation strategies. A more secure and privacyaware IoT environment may be fostered thanks to the findings of this study, which have ramifications for the industry, government, consumers, and academics. Addressing the ever-evolving security and privacy issues in the IoT will need a future focus on cutting-edge security mechanisms, privacy-preserving technology, regulatory compliance, user-centric design, multidisciplinary cooperation, and threat intelligence sharing. 2024 IEEE. -
Rejuvenating human resource accounting research: a review using bibliometric analysis
The current study attempts to map the intellectual structure of Human Resource Accounting to understand the research gaps and future trajectories. The study employs systematic literature review technique to extract relevant literature, bibliometric analysis to map the intellectual structure of research in human resource accounting, to identify underlying research themes and content analysis to identify avenues for future research. Based on 2438publications, author keyword co-occurrences extracted four themes namely, Human Resource Management, Intellectual Capital, Human Capital, and Voluntary Disclosure. The study also summarizes significant findings of papers under each cluster through content analysis identifying areas for future research. The study provides a birds eye view of the intellectual structure of academic research efforts in the field of human resource accounting. The study is one of the first attempt to comprehensively review the academic literature from Scopus database employing systematic literature review, bibliometric methods, and content analysis in the field of human resource accounting. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. -
Insinuating cocktailed components in biocompatible-nanoparticles could act as an impressive neo-adjuvant strategy to combat COVID-19
The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread, freezes all sectors, and was declared as a life-threatening disease by the World Health Organization on Jan 30, 2020. So far, no specific drugs are identified or approved for treating SARS-CoV-2. In the past few years, nanomaterials are in the limelight for their ability to deliver the drugs effectively and selectively like siRNA to target/prime infection sites, and benefits us to visualize the particular regions, treatment reactions via non-intruding imaging techniques. As intranasal delivery interacts directly to the infection site with minimal side effects on the healthy cell, we postulate to administer a mixture of few polyherbal formulations like the golden spice curcumin, sitopaladi churna (SPC), and kaempferol in zein-chitosan nanoparticles as a life-saving measure for treating Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. This viewpoint will shed light on the antiviral role of curcumin, SPC, and kaempferol zein-chitosan nanoparticle to modulate immune responses and observe its curative approach to the current pandemic COVID. 2021, Visagaa Publishing House. All rights reserved. -
Preterm Birth and Prematurity Prevention
About 3.2% of live births comprise twins, and 20% account for preterm labor, with delivery of twins before 37 and 32weeks of gestation approximately 60% and 10.7%. About five times elevated risk of initial neonatal and infant mortality is noted in the case of twin pregnancy in preterm parturition cases. Both spontaneous and indicated preterm labor are observed more in monochorionic twins than in dichorionic twins. Prediction and diagnosis of preterm labor is effectively done using transvaginal ultrasound to compute the length of the cervix before 24weeks without any risk. Vaginal administration of progesterone in women with less than 25 mm cervical length is beneficial to prevent preterm and neonatal obstacles in twin pregnancies. Physical evaluation showed that women undergoing cerclage surgery, when cervical dilation is greater than 1cm, have lowered risk of perinatal death and preterm labor at varied gestational stages. In a few studies, twin delivery is not directly associated with preterm and related complications. However, pregnancies weighing less than 1000g are associated with major disability around year 1 compared to singleton preterm. All these considerations are crucial in order to optimize the antenatal management of this group of pregnancies destined to show an increasing trend. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Twins and Preterm Birth
About 3.2% of live births comprise twins, and 20% account for preterm labor, with delivery of twins before 37 and 32weeks of gestation approximately 60% and 10.7%. About five times elevated risk of initial neonatal and infant mortality is noted in the case of twin pregnancy in preterm parturition cases. Both spontaneous and indicated preterm labor is observed more in monochorionic twins than in dichorionic twins. Prediction and diagnosis of preterm labor is effectively done using transvaginal ultrasound to compute the length of the cervix before 24weeks without any risk. Vaginal administration of progesterone in women with less than 25 mm cervical length is beneficial to prevent preterm and neonatal obstacles in twin pregnancies. Physical evaluation showed women undergoing cerclage surgery, when cervical dilation is greater than 1cm, have lowered the risk of perinatal death and preterm labor at varied gestational stages. In a few studies, twin delivery is not directly associated with preterm and related complications. However, pregnancies weighing less than 1000g are associated with major disability around year 1 compared to singleton preterm. All these considerations are crucial in order to optimize the antenatal management of this group of pregnancies destinated to show an increasing trend. The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
The Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Objectives Effect on Investment Decisions: Retail Investors Knowledge and Views on Sector-Specific ESG Factors
Following the global financial crisis, Environmental, Social, and Governance discretion in stock market investment decisions has become necessary for sustainable development. Environmental, Social, and Governance consider investing qualities such as accountability, risk minimization, and long-term return. This study investigates how individual stock market investors perceive and are aware of Environmental, Social, and Governance concerns, as well as how the purpose of an investment influences how judgments are made regarding it. The studys sequential mixed research methodology begins with an interview and progresses to a cluster and snowball sampling procedure for a survey of stock market investors. The studys findings show how the Environmental, Social, and Governance factor moderates investment decisions, with implications for managers, investors, and regulators. Investors will be assured a long-term return on investment as well as accountability to the environment, society, and economic equilibrium, which could lead to sustainable development. It is also recommended that future research be performed in various states and countries with diverse causes and conceptions. 2025 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Advanced Fraud Detection Using Machine Learning Techniques in Accounting and Finance Sector
Monetary fraud, which is a deceptive method for getting cash, has turned into a typical issue in organizations and associations as of late. Customary techniques like manual checks and reviews aren't extremely precise, are costly, and consume most of the day. Attempting to get cash by lying. With the ascent of simulated intelligence, approaches based on machine learning have become more well known. can be utilized shrewdly to track down fraud by dissecting an enormous number of monetary exercises information. Thus, this work attempts to give a systematic literature review (SLR) that ganders at the literature in a systematic manner. reviews and sums up the exploration on machine learning (ML)-based fraud recognizing that has proactively been finished. In particular, the review utilized the Kitchenham strategy, which depends on clear systems. It will then, at that point, concentrate and rundowns the significant pieces of the articles and give the outcomes. Considering the Few investigations have been finished to accumulate search systems from well-known electronic information base libraries. 93 pieces were picked, examined, and integrated in light of measures for what to incorporate and what to forget about. As the monetary world gets more confounded, robbery is turning into a more serious issue in the accounting and finance industry. Fraudulent activities cost cash, yet they likewise make it harder for individuals to trust monetary frameworks. To stop this danger, we want further developed ways of tracking down fraud straightaway. This theoretical gives an outline of how machine learning strategies are utilized to further develop fraud detection in accounting and finance. 2024 IEEE. -
Development of biocompatible NiTi@?-TCP nanocomposite with improved antibacterial and anticancer activities for bone-related biomedical applications
In the present study, ?-TCP and NiTi@?-TCP nanocomposite were synthesized using a modified solgel method. DLS analysis revealed hydrodynamic particle sizes of ?290 nm for ?-TCP and ?231 nm for NiTi@?-TCP, suggesting improved dispersion after NiTi modification. Optical studies showed a red shift in UVVis absorption from 321 nm (?-TCP) to 396 nm (NiTi@?-TCP) with a reduced band gap from 3.8 eV to 3.1 eV, indicating enhanced electronic interactions. Morphological analysis using SEM and HRTEM revealed nanoscale particles (?1530 nm) with clear lattice fringes and polycrystalline diffraction patterns. The NiTi@?-TCP nanocomposite exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity against S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, K. pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, producing inhibition zones of 17, 13, 14, and 12 mm, respectively, compared with approximately 10 mm for pure ?-TCP. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values for S. aureus were 0.3 mg mL? and 0.5 mg mL? for NiTi@?-TCP, respectively, which were lower than those of ?-TCP (MIC 0.5 mg mL?; MBC 0.7 mg mL?). Histidine scavenger experiments demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a dominant role in bacterial inhibition. Biocompatibility studies using L929 fibroblast cells showed high cell viability (>87% at 150 ?g mL?), confirming good cytocompatibility. In contrast, the nanocomposite exhibited enhanced anticancer activity against MG-63 osteosarcoma cells, with an IC?? value of 115 ?g mL?, compared with 138 ?g mL? for ?-TCP. These results demonstrate that NiTi@?-TCP nanocomposite possesses improved antibacterial and anticancer properties while maintaining good biocompatibility, making it a promising multifunctional biomaterial for biomedical and bone-related therapeutic applications. 2026 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
Biofunctional TiVO4chitosanL-histidine hybrid nanomaterials for enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer applications
The growing pervasiveness of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and the limitations of conventional chemotherapeutics demand the development of multifunctional nanomaterials with enhanced efficacy and biocompatibility. In this study, titanium vanadate (TiVO4) nanoparticles and TiVO4chitosanL-histidine (TiVO4CsLH) HNM's were successfully synthesized via a wet chemical solgel route followed by surface functionalization. Structural analysis confirmed the formation of phase-pure tetragonal TiVO4 with an average crystallite size of ?38 nm, which was significantly reduced to ?24 nm upon CsLH functionalization. UVVisible spectroscopy revealed band gap narrowing from 4.75 eV (TiVO4) to 4.15 eV (TiVO4CsLH), indicating modified electronic structure and improved light absorption. The TiVO4CsLH HNM's exhibited superior broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 18 to 19 mm against Gram positive, Gram negative and fungal strain, outperforming TiVO4. In vitro anticancer evaluation against MCF-7 breast cancer cells demonstrated pronounced concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity, with IC50 values decreasing from 29.8 ?g mL?1 (24 h) to 20.6 ?g mL?1 (72 h), significantly lower than those of TiVO4. Biocompatibility studies using L929 fibroblast cells revealed high cell viability (>82%) even at 60 ?g mL?1, which confirms the selective anticancer activity of TiVO4-Cs-LH HNMs. The enhanced biological performance of the TiVO4CsLH HNM's arose from synergistic effects of reduced crystallite size, improved dispersion, defect-assisted charge separation, and biofunctional surface chemistry, making it a promising candidate for antimicrobial and anticancer applications. 2026 Elsevier B.V. -
Urbanisation and Quality of Life: A Comparative Assessment between Developed and Developing Countries
It is widely accepted that rapid and haphazard urbanisation of the planet is the most concrete and finite phenomenon of the changes in global human settlement patterns. Urbanisation, like all human-induced modifications, is a response to socioeconomic, political, or environmental circumstances and is marked by an unprecedented concentration of people in urban areas (Davis and Golden 1954, Oteng-Ababio and Agyemang 2012, Zhang 2016). In general, urbanisation depicts the shift from a rural economy, way of life, and culture to an urban one, often referred to as the proportionate expansion of the urban population. This process occurs during globalisation, as people migrate to urban areas for opportunities and a higher quality of life (Davis 1965, Zhang 2016). While the procedure of urban development in developed nations has been extremely sluggish due to industrial and agrarian revolutions, higher incomes, and high living standards. However, developing nations are experiencing rapid urbanisation due to the expansion of their service sectors, rather than industrialisation (Macbeth and Collinson 2002). Davis and Golden (1954) coined the word over-urbanisation to describe the simultaneous existence of urban misery and rural poverty. Raza and Kundu (1978) argued that urban accumulation and unstable urbanisation lead to population concentration in large cities without increasing their economic foundations (Ray 2017). Worldwide, urbanisation is accelerating quickly, with only 2% of people living in cities in 1800 and 15% in 1900. The 20th century saw significant changes, with urban population growth picking up in the 1950s. By 2008, 3.3 billion people lived in urban areas, marking a historical first. By 2030, it is predicted that more than 6 billion people or 69% of the worlds population will reside in urban areas (UNFPA 2007, UN-Habitat 2008, United Nations 2010, UNDESA 2011, Oteng-Ababio and Ernest 2012, Zhang 2016, https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink xlink:href=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/world/agglomerations/">https://www.citypopulation.de/en/world/agglomerations/). The 2011 Global Report of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme highlights the detrimental effects of urbanisation and climate change on social, economic, and living standards of people and human settlements (UNHABITAT 2011, Yu 2014). Nowadays, a sizable portion of this urban population resides in peri-urban areas, making the management of peri-urbanisation one of the most important concerns in 21st-century sustainable urban development (United Nations 2001, Webster 2002, Dayaratne and Samarawickrama 2003, Webster and Muller 2004, Lin 2006, Aguilar 2008, Watson 2009, Zhao 2013). Prior to 1950, developed countries experienced majority of urbanisation due to industrialisation in Europe and North America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, this trend continues (Zhang 2016, https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink xlink:href=https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/society/urbanization-in-developed-and-developing-countries-around-the-world/4678">https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/society/urbanization-in-developed-and-developing-countries-around-the-world/4678). Now, urbanisation is causing significant impacts on developing nations, with Asia, Africa, and Latin America predicted to account for 54%, 32.5%, and 6.8% of the global increase in urban population, respectively, with the developing world accounting for 93% of projected urban population growth (Zhang 2016). The largest cities in these nations have instead absorbed the urban growth in the developing world (Diego 2009). According to a 2007 UN survey revealed that 88% of developing countries find urban population distribution unacceptable, and the proportion of nations implementing migration restrictions increased from 44% to 74% (Annez and Buckley 2009, Zhang 2016). 2025 selection and editorial matter, Uday Chatterjee, Avishek Bhunia, Jyothi Gupta and Krishnendu Gupta; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Design and synthesis of bioactive Ru(II) complexes: antibacterial activity, biocompatibility and biomolecular binding
Ruthenium(ii) complexes with N- and S-donor ligands have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to their stability, biocompatibility, and ability to interact with biological macromolecules. In this work, a series of four Ru(ii)thiazolidine complexes, [Ru(ii)(L1L4)(p-cymene)Cl]PF6, were synthesized and structurally characterized using spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography. Their interactions with DNA and proteins showed partial groove binding with calf thymus DNA and a static quenching mechanism with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Biological investigations revealed that two of the complexes exhibited strong antioxidant activity and significant antibacterial effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumonia (KP). Moreover, hemolysis assays confirmed their favourable biocompatibility. These results highlight Ru(ii)thiazolidine frameworks as promising candidates for antimicrobial drug development. This study not only underscores their therapeutic potential but also advances the role of ruthenium-based coordination chemistry in addressing the persistent challenge of antibiotic resistance. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025