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Improving Signal Coverage in Millimeter-Wave Massive MIMO via Efficient Predefined-Time Adaptive Neural NetworkBased Beam Training
This paper proposes an advanced deep learning framework for efficient beam training in millimeter wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. To overcome the limitations of conventional beam training approaches such as high overhead, slow adaptation to dynamic environments, and poor scalability, an Improving Signal Coverage in Millimeter Wave Massive MIMO via Efficient Predefined Time Adaptive Neural Network based Beam Training (ISC-MMIMO-EPTANN-BT) model is proposed. The proposed model used deep neural network (DNN) to learn complicated nonlinearities in channel power leakage (CPL) and used an efficient predefined time adaptive neural network (EPTANN) to provide real-time responsiveness and temporal synchronism in beam training. The parameters of the model are also optimized using fire hawk optimization algorithm (FHOA) to get better convergence speed and signal coverage. The proposed technique is executed in MATLAB. The proposed approach attains better performance under successful rate by significantly less beam training overhead and also increases signal coverage based on simulation results. The proposed ISC-MMIMO-EPTANN-BT method attains 26.15%, 21.08%, and 33.75% higher successful rates and 16.32%, 28.94%, and 20.24% lower normalized mean square error compared with existing methods such as deep learning for beam training in millimeter wave massive MIMO schemes (BT-MMIMO-DNN), deep learning for combined feedback and channel prediction in large-scale MIMO systems (CNN-JCS-MMIMO), and triple-refined hybrid-field beam training in mmWave extremely large-scale MIMO (TR-FBT-MIMO), respectively. The ISC-MMIMO-EPTANN-BT technique reduced beam training overhead, enhanced signal coverage, and identified a promising candidate for successful beam training in mmWave massive MIMO schemes. 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Energy-Efficient Cluster-Based Reliable Routing Using Hybrid Nutcracker and Improved Sand Cat Optimization Algorithm for Extending Network Lifetime in WSNs
In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), sensor nodes are deployed in a target region for sensing environmental physical parameters to attain the objective of reactive decision-making. These sensor nodes necessitate energy for processing and forwarding the sensed data to the base station (BS) for better data delivery in WSNs. Balanced energy utilization in WSNs prevents the problem of hotspot, and dynamic cluster head (CH) selection with reliable route establishment is a vital decision-making approach that helps in optimal path selection with maximized energy conservation. In this paper, a nutcracker and sand cat optimization algorithm (NCSCOA)based multiobjective CH selection and sink node mobility scheme is propounded for enabling rapid and reliable data transmission with reduced energy consumption in heterogeneous WSNs. This NCSCOA handled the problem of hotspot as well as isolated nodes and facilitated loop-free routing with the support of the improved nutcracker optimization algorithm (INCOA) that makes the decision of routing using local and global search optimization processes. It constructed an energy-level matrix (ELM) by deriving the impactful factors of intercluster formation, distance between CH and BS, residual energy (RE), and node density for achieving optimal CH selection and route determination. In specific, improved sand cat optimization algorithm (ISCOA) is used during the intercluster formation phase by discovering the optimized path between source and destination during route establishment. Simulation-based findings of the proposed NCSCOA confirmed its efficacy by improving the mean number of alive nodes by 23.18%, reducing energy consumption and delay by 21.86% and 20.98% compared to benchmarked protocols. 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Investigating Factors for an Inclusive Workforce for Women in the Logistics and Supply Chain Industry
This study seeks to identify and analyze the major factors that contribute to an inclusive workforce for women in the area of logistics and supply chain. It further addresses the need for gender diversity and inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated field by adopting a human-centric approach. This study employs a combination of Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) and Fuzzy Best Worst Method (FBWM) for methodically identifying and prioritizing factors that influence inclusiveness for women in the logistics and supply chain industry. FDM gathers experts' opinions and achieves a consensus on the identified relevant factors. Subsequently, FBWM is used to analyze the factors, providing a clear priority ranking based on their relative significance. The analysis identified potential factors that are crucial for fostering an inclusive workforce in the logistics and supply chain industry for women. The factors were classified into three main categories: employee growth and culture, inclusive business ecosystems, and accessibility and diversity factors. Based on the global weights, the top three ranked factors are: gender-inclusive supply chain practices, skill development workshops, and supporting women-owned businesses. This study is original in terms of gender inclusiveness in the logistics and supply chain industry. The innovative combination of multiple methods stipulates a robust methodology for identifying and analyzing the factors that impact inclusiveness, offering a novel contribution to the literature and practical applications in this field. 2025 The Author(s). Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Dual-Responsive Excited-State Intramolecular Double-Proton Transfer-Based Optical Probe for Hypochlorite and Picric Acid Detection With Applications in 3D-Printed Indicators, Biosensing, and Theranostics
A dual-mode fluorescent probe incorporating aggregation-induced emission (AIE) activity, named 2-((E)-1-(((E)-4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazineylidene)ethyl)naphthalen-1-ol (DHN), was formulated and synthesized for the selective detection of explosive picric acid (PA) and hypochlorite (OCl?) via suppression of the excited-state intramolecular double-proton transfer (ESIDPT) mechanism. A significant fluorescence quenching of DHN at 535 nm was observed upon interaction with both PA and OCl? with the detection limits at 0.012 ?M and 2.34 ?M as well as high quenching efficiencies (Ksv) of 3.811 104 M?1 and 1.164 104 M?1, respectively. To elucidate the sensing behavior, various spectroscopic techniques were employed. Interestingly, DHN exhibited AIE behavior in high water content, showing a red-shifted emission accompanied by a visible fluorescence change from whitish green to yellow. As a novel application, DHN was incorporated into a 3D-printed polymer system, demonstrating its practical utility in detecting PA and OCl?. Further, for biological relevance, the interaction of DHN with OCl? was explored for its cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and its imaging capability in physiological media. Therefore, we believe that the present work provides a promising direction for the future development of optical-based detection of hypochlorite and picric acid in liquid as well as solid phases. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Effects of Dispersion on Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity in Biomass-Based Nano Systems
Ensuring the long-term stability of nanofluids (NFs) remains a challenge due to nanoparticle aggregation, precipitation, and poor dispersion. Zeta potential (ZP) plays a crucial role in preventing agglomeration and enhancing stability. This study investigates, for the first time, the combined effect of stability and thermal conductivity (TC) enhancement in nanofluids based on biomass-derived carbon nanospheres (CNSs). CNSs synthesized from eight different biowaste sources exhibited ZP values ranging from ?17.0 to ?45.6 mV, influencing dispersion and fluid behavior. These NFs demonstrated exceptional stability for up to 40 days without surfactants and achieved a TC enhancement of up to 111.8%. The research also explores the influence of ZP on TC, dynamic viscosity (V), and thermal diffusivity. The NFs displayed shear-thinning, non-Newtonian behavior, with viscosity values depending on CNS concentration, reaching 0.0000000302 Pas. The effect of pH (312) on stability and TC revealed maximum performance at pH 8, while optimal TC enhancement was achieved at 0.1 wt% CNS concentration. This study bridges the gap between laboratory research and industrial applications, offering sustainable, low-cost, and high-efficiency coolant solutions for the automotive sector. It supports seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through an innovative waste-to-wealth approach. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Porous Carbon Nanospheres Derived From Caesalpinia Sappan Pods as Novel Antibacterial Agents
The current work shows how catalyst-free carbon nanospheres (CNS) can be produced utilizing straightforward one-step pyrolysis methods employing biowaste Caesalpinia sappan pods as a carbon precursor. The manufactured CNS with a particle size range of 4050 nm that is obtained show a porous nature and contain more than 87% carbon. The synthesized CNS are used as potential antibacterial agents against E. coli and S. aureus by microscopic analysis. By observing the distorted cell envelopes of both E. coli and S. aureus compared with those of untreated cells, it is well understood that CNS, by binding to the outer envelope of cells, renders some changes in the peptidoglycan layer of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbes, which in turn restricts their further growth. This study confirms the first report of use of CNS as an effective antibacterial agent. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
High-Performance Ammonia Sensing with Citrus Hystrix-Mediated ZnO Nanoparticles in TFT-Based Devices
We present a sustainable green synthesis approach for zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) utilizing Citrus hystrix leaf extract and their application as an active medium in a thin film transistor (TFT)-based ammonia gas sensor. For the first time, ZnO NPs derived from Citrus hystrix serve as a receptor layer in a thin film transistor (TFT) device, enabling selective ammonia detection at a significantly reduced initiation temperature. The synthesized ZnO NPs, with a wurtzite structure and an average crystallite size of approximately 14 nm, are deposited onto the TFT sensor without the need for an external conducting layer. The sensor demonstrates excellent sensitivity and selectivity, achieving a maximum response of ~85 % at 20 ppm, with a rapid response time of about 10 seconds at room temperature. Notably, the TFT device exhibits an electron mobility of ~10.2 cm2/V ? s and a high on/off ratio (>10?) at room temperature. The sensing mechanism is attributed to the oxidation-reduction interactions between surface-adsorbed oxygen and NH? molecules on the ZnO NPs, which modulate the device's electrical conductivity. This work underscores the importance of eco-friendly fabrication of high-performance, durable devices, addressing contemporary environmental and economic concerns. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Dynamic Carboxylic Acid Arms Enable Proton Shuttling in Iron-Based Hydrogen Catalysis
Devising artificial electrocatalyst with smartly installed proton relay motifs, as present in natural hydrogenase enzyme has long been proved to be an effective strategy. Proton responsive groups properly positioned near the active center act as a proton shuttle site and facilitate H2 generation via an easy hydride/proton coupling step. Herein we investigated a series of Fe (III) complexes of substituted picolinic acid which undergoes reversible dechelation and chelation in presence of acids and base respectively, making free carboxylic acid arms available near the metal center in acid conditions (CF3COOH/HBF4). Investigations on the electrocatalytic activity of these complexes showcased the involvement of these free carboxylic acid arms in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Further, detailed mechanistic analysis reveals sequential two-electron reductions followed by protonation, enabled by pendant carboxylic acid arms, allow the formation of a metal hydride intermediate which facilitates efficient H2 generation. The catalyst showed efficient HER activity achieving maximum turnover frequency (TOFmax) of 10,000 s?1 with faradaic efficiency above 90%. These findings underscore the importance of tailored secondary-sphere interactions in designing efficient, earth-abundant electrocatalysts and these insights could be useful for future design principles of catalyst for several small molecule activation reactions. 2026 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Harnessing MOF Derived Frustrated Lewis Pair-CeO2 Nano Catalyst for CO2-Activated Soft Oxidation of Furfural to Furoic Acid
CO2 as a soft oxidant is scarcely explored in literature for furfural oxidation to furoic acid, and where CeO2, capitalizes on the synergistic effect of FLPs for enhanced CO2 reduction and furfural oxidation. This study presents a comparative analysis by the synthesis method to produce hydrothermal and MOF-derived CeO2 nanocatalyst and their effect on the formation of oxygen vacancies and metastable Ce3+ ions. The normalized surface concentration derived from XPS At% and specific surface area effectively quantifies accessible Ce3+ sites and oxygen vacancies, capturing FLP sites. Oxygen vacancies near surface Ce3+ sites (FLPs) critically modulated the catalytic performance, and evidenced by high turnover number (TON). FTIR adsorption study revealed that CO2 forms bidentate carbonate species and furfural, bi-coordination via ?2- (C, O) mode on the catalyst surface. Further active site masking strategy helped to understand and validate the crucial role of FLPs. The Central Composite Design model was utilized to optimize the reaction conditions and obtained high furfural conversion (99%) and furoic acid selectivity (99%). The catalyst was resistant to active site leaching and exhibited excellent stability, recyclability, and robustness. The findings highlight a potential pathway for the catalytic soft oxidation of furfural to furoic acid by CO2 utilization. 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue From Aqueous Solution Using Hybrid Biomass-Derived Nanostructured Carbon-TiO2 Photocatalyst
Industrial dye usage results in substantial wastewater discharge, posing environmental and health hazards. Hence, developing efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective treatment technologies is crucial. Photocatalysis using TiO? has emerged as a promising approach for dye degradation. This study explores the photocatalytic removal of methylene blue (MB), a model dye pollutant, using a composite of biomass-derived carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and nanosized TiO? under UV light. The CNPs were synthesized via one-step pyrolysis from waste coffee leaves, offering a sustainable carbon source. The resulting CNPs (CL-10) and the TiO?-CNP composite (PC@CL-10) were thoroughly characterized using advanced techniques. Incorporating carbon significantly reduces the band gap of TiO? from ?3.2eV to 2.90eV, enhancing photocatalytic activity. Degradation studies under varying catalyst doses, dye concentrations, and pH levels demonstrate effective MB removal under UV irradiation. Photocatalytic experiments revealed up to 99% degradation of MB under UV light, while tests conducted in the dark showed negligible activity, confirming the light-dependent efficiency. Kinetic analysis indicated that intra-particle diffusion (IPD) governs the dye degradation process. Moreover, recyclability tests over seven cycles showed consistent performance with minimal decline, highlighting the catalyst's stability and reusability. These findings suggest that PC@CL-10 is a highly effective, low-cost photocatalyst with strong potential for large-scale wastewater treatment applications. 2025 The Author(s). Chemistry A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Diversity of Endophytic Fungi in Plant Species: Traditional vs. High-Throughput Sequencing Approaches
The plant microbiome significantly impacts plant life, with fungi playing a crucial role in shaping interactions and classifications. Advances in cultivation technologies have refined fungal classification, and research highlights the vital connection between endophytic fungi and their plant hosts. The present study employs morphological and phylogenetic techniques, predicting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) secondary structure and using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data to detect fungal endophytes in plant leaves via both traditional and conventional approaches. The research area, with its hot semi-arid environment and red and black soils, supports drought-resistant plants like Senna auriculata, Ziziphus mauritiana, and Catunaregam spinosa, known for their medicinal properties. These plants, rich in antioxidants, play a vital role in traditional medicine and highlight the region's rich ethno-botanical heritage. The culture-dependent study on the foliage yielded a total of 17 isolates from S. auriculata and 16 each from both C. spinosa and Z. mauritiana. The most common genera, Alternaria and Nigrospora, account for 18.3% of all isolated endophytic fungi. Three plants were colonized with Nigrospora and Lasiodiplodia, and their morphotypes were determined using ITS2 secondary structure prediction. Recent ecological studies highlight unculturable taxa, or dark taxa, where many species cannot sporulate or be cultured, emphasizing the need for High - Throughput Sequencing (HTS) approaches. The study gathered 68,791 reads from S. auriculata with 101 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), 58,620 from C. spinosa with 219 OTUs, and 66,087 from Z. mauritiana with 193 OTUs, with the majority of OTUs related to Colletotrichum (69%) and a minimum of Myrmaecium (2%). A total of 49 fungal isolates were obtained from traditional methods, whereas 513 fungal OTUs were retrieved through HTS methods, confirming the presence of a highly abundant fungus population in plant samples. The study reveals that using the ITS short amplicon sequencing technique provides distinct insights into endophytic fungal communities in three plant samples. In conclusion, analyzing plant fungal components using a combination of culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques may be a novel strategy. 2025 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland. -
Treatment of Attachment Trauma: Effects of an Online EMDR Couple Protocol on Trauma Symptoms, Conflict Resolution, and Forgiveness
Background: Incidents characterised by betrayal, abandonment, or emotional neglect within a romantic relationship can profoundly impact relational functioning and lead to post-traumatic stress symptoms in both partners. Although in-person therapies, such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), have shown promise, the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering EMDR online to address attachment trauma remain underexplored. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an online EMDR couple protocol in reducing trauma-related symptoms, improving conflict resolution strategies, and increasing willingness to forgive among couples with a history of attachment trauma. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on gender, partner roles (offending and injured), and types of conflict (single incident and complex). A secondary aim was to determine if gains were sustained at a one-month follow-up. Methods: Participants were 34 individuals (17 couples) presenting with attachment trauma, with a subjective unit of disturbance score over 5. Couples received a two-phase online EMDR intervention comprising individual and conjoint sessions. Pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up measures of post-traumatic stress (Impact of Events Scale), conflict behaviours (Romantic Partner Conflict Scale), and offence-specific forgiveness (Marriage OffenceSpecific Forgiveness Scale) were collected. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyse changes over time, with follow-up t-tests examining gender and role differences. Results: Participants demonstrated significant reductions in intrusion, avoidance, hyperarousal, and overall trauma impact, with improvements largely maintained at 1-month follow-up. Conflict styles, notably compromise and submission, showed statistically significant positive shifts. Forgiveness scores improved through reductions in resentment avoidance. No significant gender, partner role, or type of conflict differences emerged, indicating uniform benefits across subgroups. Conclusion: Findings suggest that an online EMDR couple protocol can effectively alleviate trauma-related distress, enhance constructive conflict resolution, and facilitate forgiveness in couples with attachment trauma. EMDR is equally beneficial for both offending and injured partners, as well as complex and single-incident conflicts. Trial Registration: Trial registered by the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI). Registration Number: CTRI/2023/07/055625, registered on July 25, 2023. https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid=87803&EncHid=&userName=CTRI/2023/07/055625. 2025 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. -
Tolerance of Ambiguity, Perfectionism, and Counselling Self-Efficacy Among Trainee Counsellors in India
Background: The presence of a wide gap between the need and availability of mental health counsellors has been a constant challenge in the Indian mental healthcare system. Considering the inherent complexity within the counselling profession and with literature evidence indicating that the fear stemming from the ambiguity of the counselling process, professional requirements, and internship experiences influences counsellors career decisions, it becomes crucial to focus on important factors at play. Methods: This research aimed to investigate the relationships between tolerance of ambiguity, perfectionism, and counselling self-efficacy among trainee counsellors in India. A quantitative correlational cross-sectional design is employed. The participants constitute post-graduate students pursuing their final year of master's in counselling psychology, counselling specialization or applied psychology programmes. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique (N = 435). The scales administered are as follows: (i) Multiple Stimulus Types Ambiguity Tolerance Scale-II (MSTAT-II), (ii) Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS) and (iii) Counsellor Activity Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES). Findings: The findings indicate that intolerance of ambiguity significantly correlates negatively with counselling self-efficacy, as demonstrated by Pearson correlation analysis (r = ?0.254, p < 0.001). Regression results showed that tolerance of ambiguity significantly predicted 6% of counselling self-efficacy. Furthermore, an independent samples t-test indicated gender differences, with female trainee counsellors (M = 37.6; SD = 6.84) having a higher tolerance of ambiguity than males (M = 34.9; SD = 6.85); and male trainee counsellors (M = 256.3; SD = 47.36) having higher counselling self-efficacy than females (M = 219.2; SD = 55.11), with a medium to large effect size. Discussion: This study has implications for counsellor training and allows for a deeper understanding of counsellor self-efficacy, providing insight into the current status of counselling trainees in India. Efforts should be taken to reduce ambiguity in educational and training experiences and improve tolerance and self-efficacy among male and female trainees. 2025 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. -
An Exploratory Study of Emotional Labour Among Therapists and Counsellors in India
Background: Emotional labour has been extensively investigated in the service sector, where employees manage their emotions to ensure a positive customer experience. However, there is a dearth of research into how therapists perform emotional labour during therapy sessions. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore psychotherapists' and counsellors' experiences of performing emotional labour in therapeutic settings. Method: The study used a qualitative research design with an exploratory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four clinical psychologists and four counsellors. The interviews were conducted via video call and lasted about 4560 min. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes. Results: The analysis revealed that therapists experience an array of emotions during sessions. However, the expression of these emotions is guided by professional norms and emotional display rules. Participants disclosed that they use several techniques to manage their emotions both during and after sessions and that participating in emotional labour yielded both favourable and unfavourable outcomes for the therapists. Conclusion: The findings presented in this study provide insight into emotional labour and inform professionals on how this can negatively impact them if not sufficiently addressed. The study highlights the need for further investigation. In the meantime, therapists and counsellors would benefit from integrating the study's findings into their respective practices. 2025 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. -
Exploring Therapeutic Change in Indian Clients Experiencing Emotional Abuse: A Social Justice Approach to Counselling
Background: This study examined the lived experiences of emotional abuse (EA) in Indian parent-adult child relationships, emphasising the intersection of systemic influences in maintaining EA. Employing a social justice framework, the research explored pathways to foster change at both individual and societal levels to address EA. Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with ten participants undergoing therapy, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Four master themes emerged: State of Lack, Lack of Relatability to Gender and Culture Norms, Therapy as a Catalyst for Regaining Sense of Self and Empowerment, and Cultural Shifts, Therapeutic Integration and Redefining Norms to Address Emotional Abuse. Conclusion: The findings emphasise the contribution of gender and cultural norms in the reinforcement of EA, while highlighting therapy's potential in fostering individual healing while advocating for societal transformation. Our study adds valuable literature to the fields of counselling, social justice research, cultural psychology, social psychology, and feminist psychology, and provides a basis for future research. 2025 British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. -
Investigating the Interaction of Digital Capabilities, Sustainable Practices, Product Quality, and Customer Satisfaction in Perishable Food Supply Chains
To ensure efficient delivery of perishable food products, food supply chains (FSCs) have advanced the usage of recent technologies and started integrating them into logistical systems. This study examines the interplay between digital capabilities, sustainable practices, logistical networks, and customer satisfaction in perishable FSCs through a cross-sectional survey of 416 Indian consumers. It draws on a comprehensive literature review that highlights the potential variables and their impacts on the perishable FSCs. The data was collected using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire, analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and robustness was ensured by Harman's test. The study integrates value percept theory (VPT) to develop a comprehensive conceptual framework that explains how digital capabilities and sustainable practices enhance product quality and customer satisfaction in perishable FSCs. The findings from the study explicitly support the positive moderating role of logistical networks in the relationship between digital capabilities and product quality. The findings can assist management professionals operating in the perishable food sector in enhancing their theoretical and practical comprehension of the profound influence exerted by digital capabilities, sustainable practices, and logistical networks on the crucial nexus between product quality and customer satisfaction. 2026 ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Determinants of Adoption of Green Technology in a Corporate Sustainability Setting: A Quantitative Analysis
Selecting a green technological solution that aligns with the enterprise's operational characteristics is a critical step in attaining sustainable green goals. It also plays a key role in the technology's successful commercialization. The obstructions lie in identifying the determinants that may arise during the adoption and transformation of green technology. A survey of 526 respondents from the Indian manufacturing industry was conducted, and the data collected were evaluated using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and a structural equation modeling approach. The study's findings reveal that barriers related to market and cost greatly affected green technology adoption. Regarding drivers, green technology implementation was positively impacted by business, environmental, and economic factors. This study discovered valued understandings for corporate decision-makers seeking to implement green technologies and contribute to enduring environmental and economic sustainability. 2025 ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Effect of Doping Concentration on the Luminescence Properties of MoO3: Tb3+ Nanobelts
The development of rare-earth-doped oxide nanomaterials has garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in display and biomedical imaging technologies. Among them, MoO3, with its favourable optical properties, emerges as a promising host material for nanophosphors. In this work, the hydrothermal method was employed to synthesise MoO3: Tb3+ nanobelts by varying the terbium concentration. Structural, optical, morphological and photoluminescence characteristics were systematically examined. FESEM and TEM revealed nanobelt morphology. XPS verified the successful incorporation of Tb3+ ions. A thorough study of the photoluminescence mechanism, including concentration quenching and lifetime measurements, was carried out, as these aspects are still not well studied for this material. Under 260 nm excitation, blue-green emission was observed with optimal photoluminescence intensity at 2 mol% Tb3+ doping. The optimised sample was annealed at 500C for 12 h, resulting in greenish-white emission. Emission colour coordinates were determined using the CIE chromaticity diagram, and a dipoledipole interaction mechanism with a critical distance of 17 was identified as the cause of quenching. The average photoluminescence lifetime of the annealed sample was ~1.1 ?s. These results demonstrate the potential of MoO3: Tb3+ nanobelts as efficient phosphor materials for next-generation display and bioimaging applications. 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Synthesis and Characterization of Eu2+/Nd3+ Activated CaSi2O5 Phosphor for Bioimaging Applications
The advancement of non-invasive diagnostic tools has propelled the development of luminescent nanomaterials with enhanced imaging capabilities. In this study, Eu2+/Nd3+ codoped CaSi2O5 phosphors were synthesized via a conventional solid-state reaction route under a reducing environment to explore their potential for bioimaging applications. Calcium silicate, known for its intrinsic biocompatibility, served as the host matrix, whereas Eu2+ acted as the primary luminescent centre and Nd3+ was used as the near-infrared (NIR) sensitizer to support deep-tissue excitation. Structural analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD) verified the formation of a triclinic crystal structure and the average crystallite size was validated through both Scherrer equation and WilliamsonHall analyses. Field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) images revealed flower-like microstructures with embedded fine white particles. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) detected the existence of expected chemical components of the phosphor, whereas Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra provided evidence of successful dopant incorporation through characteristic vibrations corresponding to CaO, SiOSi, EuO and NdO bonds. Photoluminescence studies showed an excitation spectrum with distinct and intense absorption bands within the range of 7001000 nm, attributed to the 4f4f transitions of Nd3+ ions, and upon excitation at approximately 800 nm, the phosphor exhibited dual emission bands around 410 and 440 nm with optimal intensity corresponding to the characteristic 4f65d1 ? 4f7 transitions of Eu2+. The afterglow decay analysis showed persistent luminescence exceeding 15 min, and CIE chromaticity analysis confirmed that the emission lies within the blue spectral range (x = 0.155, y = 0.059), indicating high potential for background-free bioimaging with high chromatic accuracy. These findings suggest that Eu2+/Nd3+ doped CaSi2O5 can be a promising luminescent material for advanced biomedical imaging applications. 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Biocidal Activity of Barium and Iron-Co-Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites, Synthesized by Psidium guajava-Mediated Precipitation Method
The emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms and the need for effective anticancer agents necessitate the development of novel nanomaterials with enhanced biomedical performance. This study aims to synthesize barium and iron dual-doped titanium dioxide (TiBaFeO NC) using a green precipitation method with Psidium guajava leaf extract, targeting improved antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by various analytical techniques. XRD confirmed the crystalline anatase phase of TiO2 and TiBaFeO NC, with average crystallite sizes of 40 and 37nm, respectively, suitable for biomedical applications. UV-Vis analysis showed a decrease in bandgap from 3.79eV for TiO2 to 3.67eV for TiBaFeO NC, indicating enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation potential. PL spectra exhibited green emissions at 520nm for TiO2 and 523nm for TiBaFeO NC, reflecting a higher oxygen vacancy defect density in the doped nanocomposite. Biological evaluations demonstrated that TiBaFeO NC exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium), Gram-negative bacteria (Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris), and fungi (Candida albicans). Furthermore, TiBaFeO NC showed enhanced anticancer activity against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) with an IC50 of 9.8g/mL, outperforming TiO2. These results suggest that TiBaFeO NC is a promising nanocomposite for advanced biomedical applications, combining enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer properties through defect-mediated ROS generation. 2026 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.