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A strong technique for solving the fractional model of multi-dimensional Schnakenberg reaction-diffusion system
In recent times, researchers have increasingly directed their focus toward Reaction-Diffusion models, attracted by their versatile applications across various scientific domains. Within these models, the Schnakenberg Reaction-Diffusion System (SRDS) has gained significant attention for its ability to explain intricate phenomena such as oscillatory behavior, limit cycles, pattern formations and diffusion in biochemistry. This paper specifically delves into the Fractional Schnakenberg Reaction Diffusion System (FSRDS), an extension of SRDS that incorporates principles of fractional calculus. This extension provides a more comprehensive framework for understanding complex dynamics. The unique aspect of this work lies in the innovative approach used to derive an analytical solution for FSRDS - the Residual Power Series Method with Laplace Transform (L.T.)/Laplace Residual Power series Method (LRPSM). By employing LRPSM and considering the provided initial conditions, our objective is to unveil an analytical solution for FSRDS. 2025 World Scientific Publishing Company. -
Optical properties of MnTe2 few-layer quantum dots
Quantum dots (QDs) are gaining attention as a possible emissive material that might be used in flexible optoelectronic and photonic systems. In the present work, the temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TDPL) property of manganese di-telluride (MnTe2) QDs was investigated. The room-temperature PL is attributed to the abrupt breakage of the large-area MnTe2 nanosheets by ultrasonication, which integrates defect-mediated localized trap states inside the electronic bandgap. As a result, deliberately generated defect states ultimately generate such PL emission of QDs. Density functional theory (DFT) results further validate the experimental interpretations of the origin of TDPL. In addition, through an in-situ liquid diffusion approach, the QDs were also integrated into a NaCl matrix. Due to light scattering properties, the hybrid crystals exhibit fluorescence centres at various excitation wavelengths. These results suggest that these MnTe2 QDs can be used as an effective basis for future flexible optoelectronic applications. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Redefining copreneurs: a four decadal review adopting computer aided text analysis
The study defines copreneurs and presents a four decadal review on copreneurial literature. The purpose is to bring conceptualization and characterization of copreneurs, on surface from its fragmented literature. A structured literature review on copreneurship research published between 1984 and 2023 is conducted. The search is made adopting indexing (Scopus, Clarivate and ABDC), digital libraries including ProQuest and EBSCO, and research articles published in journals by renowned publishers namely Elsevier, Emerald, Inderscience, Sage, Springer, Taylor & Francis and Wiley. Inclusion/exclusion criteria was defined and duplicates were eliminated. Finally, using POWER review model, the existing literature is organized under six themes namely Gender Roles, Spousal Support & Relationship Satisfaction, Work Life Balance, Business Commitment & Motivation, Leadership & Decision Making and Division of Labour & Responsibilities in the Intertwined Worlds. Using Inter- Rater Reliability, five definitions of copreneurs were framed and rated by nine experts from academics and industry. Finally, the definition with highest score and acceptable I-CVI value for simplicity & clarity is proposed. The fragmented literature on copreneurs speaks volume about the need for more impactful research on them. By using the proposed definition of copreneurs, scholars can uniformly identify the copreneurs, with future opportunities for micro-level research on copreneurs. Policy makers can utilise the findings of these research and formulate schemes, policies & programmes for betterment of copreneurs. The study intends to bridge the disciplinary gaps existing for identifying copreneurs and serve as a foundation for information sharing, regarding copreneurs and their entrepreneurial practices. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Comprehensive spectro-temporal studies of GX 17+2 using AstroSat observations
We performed a comprehensive spectro-temporal study of the Z-type neutron star low-mass X-ray binary GX 17+2 using long term data from the AstroSat/Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) and Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC). The hardnessintensity diagrams (HIDs) of the source revealed a positive correlation between the hardness and intensity, characteristic of soft spectral state. Additionally, the LAXPC-20 HID showed the presence of secular shifts in both hardness and intensity. Time-averaged spectral modelling in the 0.7 ? 30.0 keV energy range indicated that the spectra could be well fitted with the model combination: constant edge edge tbabs thcomp bbodyrad. This analysis yielded a blackbody radius (Rbb) of ?59 km, photon index (?) of ?2.84 and electron temperature (kTe) of ?4.84 keV. Time-averaged temporal analysis revealed normal branch oscillations (NBOs) at ? 7 Hz in Observations 1 and 3, flaring branch oscillation (FBO) at ?15 Hz in Observation 2, and horizontal branch oscillation (HBO) at ?36 Hz in Observation 5. Flux resolved spectro-temporal analysis indicated that the source remained in the soft spectral state throughout all observations. A positive correlation was observed between kTbb, Fbb and Fbol, whereas an anti-correlation was noted between kTe and Fbol. The constant frequency of NBOs with an increase in Fbol suggests that their origin lies in a region strongly influenced by the corona, as explained by the radiation-hydrodynamic model. The origin of FBOs may be attributed to the damped radiation-hydrodynamic mode of radial flow, while the origin of HBOs is supported by the beat-frequency model. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Construction of multifunctional hyaluronic acid modified gold nanoparticles clocked with Irinotecan and indocyanine green: Investigation of chemotherapy and cancer cell imaging
To overcome the inherent limits of conventional cancer therapy, there is an immediate need to establish multifunctional drugs that combine accurate diagnosis with treatment. The work describes a small nanocomposite's mild and easy fabrication, including Irinotecan, folic acid, hyaluronic acid, and indocyanine green-integrated gold nanoparticles. The gold nanoparticles with indocyanine green integrated (HA@ICG/Au) were developed in one step for photodynamic treatment and biological fluorescence imaging. Both the drug delivery of Irinotecan and the enhancement of cellular selectivity are achieved by the hyaluronic acid-altered ICG/Au (HA@ICG/Au). To regulate the release of Irinotecan during tumour chemotherapy, the dual-targeted and pH-responsive system known as HA@ICG/Au:FA@IRI was developed. The nanocomposite composed of HA@ICG/Au:FA@IRI had a tiny surface area and was highly efficient at encapsulation and loading drugs. In an acidic milieu, the nanocomposite showed excellent biocompatibility, colloidal stability, photostability, and a rapid cumulative release rate. The improved cellular uptake of HA@ICG/Au:FA@IRI for fluorescence imaging was validated by fluorescence microscopy in vitro. The nanocomposite showed impressive cancer cell death when exposed to laser irradiation using a combination of synergistic chemotherapy and photodynamic treatment (PDT). Taken as a whole, the results show that the nanocomposite was successfully developed to target tumors in two different ways, resulting in a potentially helpful theranostics agent. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Deep Learning Based Multi Constraint Hybrid Optimization Algorithm for Transshipment-Based Inventory Routing with Dynamic Demands
The Inventory-Routing Problem (IRP) is considered a major issue in supply chain management as it comprises two areas: vehicle routing and inventory control. The existing techniqueswere unable to incorporate location details for enhancing the decision-making and it failed to consider the uncertainty of the demands. Hence to solve this issue, a Snake Artificial Ecosystem Optimization (SAEO) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The SAEO algorithm is developed to address the transshipment IRP with dynamic demands by combining the AEO model and SO to enhance the optimizer's performance. Further, a penalty strategy is proposed, where Deep Quantum Neural Network (DQNN) is employed for calculating the penalty for verifying the feasibility of the solution generated in case of violations in model constraints. In addition, the efficiency of the proposed SAEO-DQNN technique is examined by considering metrics, like transportation cost, transshipment cost, and total cost, and it achieved improved values of 0.391, 0.518, and 1.012 when compared to existing techniques such as Genetic Algorithm with Deep Reinforcement Learning (GA + Deep RL) and Kernel Search Multi-vehicle IRP (KSMIRP). The Author(s) 2024. -
Serendipitous detection of an intense X-ray flare in the weak-line T Tauri star KM Ori with SRG/eROSITA
Weak-line T Tauri stars (WTTS) exhibit X-ray flares, likely resulting from magnetic reconnection that heats the stellar plasma to very high temperatures. These flares are difficult to identify through targeted observations. Here, we report the serendipitous detection of the brightest X-ray flaring state of the WTTS KM Ori in the eROSITA DR1 survey. Observations from SRG/eROSITA, Chandra X-ray Observatory, and XMM-Newton are analysed to assess the X-ray properties of KM Ori, thereby establishing its flaring state at the eROSITA epoch. The long-term (1999-2020) X-ray light curve generated for the Chandra observations confirmed that eROSITA captured the source at its highest X-ray flaring state recorded to date. Multi-instrument observations support the X-ray flaring state of the source, with time-averaged X-ray luminosity reaching at the eROSITA epoch, marking it the brightest and possibly the longest flare observed so far. Such intense X-ray flares have been detected only in a few WTTS. The X-ray spectral analysis unveils the presence of multiple thermal plasma components at all epochs. The notably high luminosity , energy (erg), and the elevated emission measures of the thermal components in the eROSITA epoch indicate a superflare/megaflare state of KM Ori. Additionally, the H line equivalent width of from our optical spectral analysis, combined with the lack of infrared excess in the spectral energy distribution, were used to re-confirm the WTTS (thin disc/disc-less) classification of the source. The long-duration flare of KM Ori observed by eROSITA indicates the possibility of a slow-rise top-flat flare. The detection demonstrates the potential of eROSITA to uncover such rare, transient events, thereby providing new insights into the X-ray activity of WTTS. The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Astronomical Society of Australia. -
Appraisal of prolyl 4-hydroxylase alpha subunit gene polymorphisms in Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia of Handigodu type (SEMDHG)
Background: The Handigodu variant of Spondyloepimetaphyseal Dysplasia (SEMDHG) is a severe, progressive osteoarthritic disorder characterized by chronic pain and joint degeneration. Clinically, the disorder presents in three distinct phenotypic forms, each exhibiting varying degrees of stature reduction and disease severity. Urine analysis of affected individuals reveals an elevated peptide-bound proline to 4-hydroxyproline ratio relative to controls, suggesting disruptions in collagen metabolism. Given the critical role of prolyl 4-hydroxylase enzymes in stabilizing collagen structure, this study undertook a comprehensive sequence analysis of all three isoforms of prolyl 4-hydroxylase in both affected and unaffected individuals to elucidate potential molecular underpinnings of the disorder. Method: The entire exonic regions and 2000 base pairs upstream of the translation start sites of the P4HA1, P4HA2, and P4HA3 genes were sequenced in a cohort of 300 individuals, comprising 166 affected and 134 unaffected individuals. Results: Sequence analysis of the ? (I), ? (II), and ? (III) subunit genes identified three novel SNPs and a 39-bp deletion variant, in addition to ten previously reported SNPs catalogued in dbSNP. The SNP rs28384495 in P4HA1, the 39-bp deletion variant, and a novel mutation (SNP3) in P4HA3 exhibited significantly different allele frequencies between patients and controls. Genotype association analysis revealed that SNPs in P4HA1 and P4HA3 were associated with Type 2 and Type 3 HD under various genetic models. Notably, all Type 2 HD patients were heterozygous for the 39-bp deletion, whereas all Type 3 HD patients were homozygous for the variant. Haplotype analysis corroborated the findings of the genotype association analysis. Conclusion: This study is the first to account an association between the P4H gene and disease. Further research is needed to evaluate the functional implications of the identified mutations. 2024 -
A Methodological Framework for Descriptive Phenomenological Research
Background: Descriptive phenomenological research is crucial in nursing for understanding individuals experiences, perceptions, and relationships, which are essential for person-centered healthcare. However, a common critique is that researchers often use phenomenological methods without fully comprehending their historical and philosophical foundations. Existing literature highlights discrepancies in the application of phenomenological principles by nurse researchers, particularly in their presentation of philosophical underpinnings and methodological details. Aim: This article aims to provide a comprehensive methodological framework for descriptive phenomenological research in nursing, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects to guide novice researchers. Data Sources: This framework synthesizes existing scholarship on descriptive phenomenology. Discussion: Starting from Husserl, this article provides a detailed overview of the history, foundations, and philosophical assumptions of the methodology. It also includes key terms and a comprehensive detailing of all aspects of the research process. Conclusion: This framework enriches existing scholarship by offering a streamlined, step-by-step methodological guide for researchers embarking on descriptive phenomenological studies. It emphasizes the importance of establishing minimum, yet critical criteria for publishing research employing this methodology. Implications for Research: Future nurse researchers are encouraged to enhance methodological transparency in their descriptive phenomenological studies to facilitate rigorous evaluation of method effectiveness and study quality. This framework aims to alleviate potential apprehensions and provide clarity and structure to novice researchers in the field. The Author(s) 2024. -
Cross Correlation Between Plasmaspheric Hiss Waves and Enhanced Radiation Levels at Aviation Altitudes
Enhanced radiation in the Earth's atmosphere can pose serious hazards to pilots, aircraft passengers, and commercial space travelers. Recent results have shown, statistically, that there is a strong correlation between dose rates observed by Automated Radiation Measurements for Aerospace Safety (ARMAS) instruments at aviation altitudes (>9km) and plasmaspheric hiss wave power measured by NASA's Van Allen Probes within the inner magnetosphere. Plasmaspheric hiss waves play a very important role in removing energetic electrons from the Earth's radiation belts by precipitating them into the upper atmosphere. These relativistic electrons generally drift eastwards along closed magnetic drift shells. In this study, we use magnetic conjunction events between ARMAS and the Van Allen Probes to analyze the causality between plasmaspheric hiss waves and enhanced radiation observed at aviation altitude. We specifically study how the size of the conjunction window and a shift in L and MLT of the conjunction window affect the correlation between dose rates and plasmaspheric hiss wave power. This is to determine if the observed enhanced radiation at aviation altitude is indeed caused by the plasmaspheric hiss waves in the inner magnetosphere. The results show that the enhanced radiation levels are only correlated with plasmaspheric hiss waves within conjunction windows of ?1 (Formula presented.) L (Formula presented.) 1 and 0 (Formula presented.) MLT (Formula presented.) 2. The correlation between dose rate and hiss wave power increases slightly if ARMAS is shifted approximately 1hr in MLT to the east of the Van Allen Probes, consistent with the drift trajectory of the electrons precipitating into the atmosphere. 2025. The Author(s). -
A First Report of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Clocked Polymer Enveloped Gold Nanoparticles: A Way to Precision Breast Cancer and Triple Negative Breast Cancer Therapy and Its Apoptosis Induction
Functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are extensively utilized in various disciplines due to their excellent bioactivity, biocompatibility, and extended drug half-life, influenced by the ligands and size that are changed on surfaces. In this study, we successfully fabricated GNPs coated with ligands containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) clocked by a carboxyl group. These nanoparticles are referred to as MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA. The cytotoxicity results demonstrate that MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA exhibits superior cell selectivity, explicitly inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancerous cells than noncancerous cell lines. Apoptosis is involved in the reduction of cell proliferation by MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA, as demonstrated clearly through many assays measuring apoptotic index, including AO/EB staining, DAPI, annexin V-FITC staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement. The efficacy of MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA in inducing apoptosis was demonstrated by its inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction by ROS. MPA@GNPs-PEG-DHA has the potential to improve the induction of apoptosis in breast cancerous cells. 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Environmental value development among preadolescents: a content analysis of reflective responses
Addressing the environmentally detrimental values prevalent in society in the context of rapid climate change is the need of the hour. Combining empathy with cognitive skills such as reflective thinking effectively creates new values among people. The present study attempts to reveal the pattern of environmental value development among 33 preadolescents by reflecting upon the empathy-generating story experiences and the related contents. The study is part of a more extensive quasi-experimental study, and it specifically performs a content analysis on the participants responses in their workbooks. Biospheric nature-related values are the most highly developed, and social justice is the least developed value, implying the need to focus more on the value of social justice. Stories are aids, and reflective thinking and empathetic elicitation are effective techniques for passing environmental values. Empathy generation instead of negative emotions from self-concern and emotion regulation through reflective thinking may be helpful to promote well-being in the context of climate change. Reflective thinking helps environmental value development by enhancing comprehension, emotion regulation, and self-awareness of values, implying a shift from telling the moral of a story to exploring the same through reflective thinking. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Influence of alkali treatment on physiochemical and morphological properties of palmyra fibers
As a part of sustainable development in construction, natural fibers are used as reinforcement in cement composites. The degradation of these natural fibers in matrix has led to growing interest among researchers to enhance the fiber properties by adopting suitable treatment techniques. This research focuses on examining the influence of alkali treatment on various aspects, including the physical, chemical, crystallinity, mechanical and surface characteristics of palmyra fibers. Herein, the palmyra fibers were immersed in alkaline solution for different duration (30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes) to arrive at optimum treatment period. The investigation utilizes XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDS analysis to gain insights into these properties. The findings indicated that the treatment effectively removed excess amorphous components like extractives, hemicellulose and lignin leading to the increase in crystallinity index and surface roughness. The crystallinity index increased by 11 %, 13 % and 23 % for 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes treatment respectively. The water absorption of palmyra fibers reduced by 13 %, 14 % and 14 % for 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes treatment duration respectively. Additionally, SEM-EDS exhibited best results for 60 min treatment of fibers, with 38 % increase in Oxygen to Carbon ratio of cellulose compared to untreated fibers. Among the different treatment duration, the 60 minutes treatment duration of fibers in 0.5 M sodium hydroxide solution has exhibited considerable enhancement in properties. These enhancements in palmyra fiber properties post-alkali treatment suggests their potential utility in the reinforcement of composites using alkali treated palmyra fibers. 2024 The Authors -
Polypyrrole functionalized MoS2 for sensitive and simultaneous determination of heavy metal ions in water
Assessing heavy metal ion (HMI) contamination to sustain drinking water hygiene is a challenge. Conventional approaches are appealing for the detection of HMIs but electrochemical approaches can resolve the limitations of these approaches, such as tedious sample preparation, high cost, time consuming and the need for trained professionals. Here, an electrochemical approach is developed using a nano-sphered polypyrrole (PPy) functionalized with MoS2 (PPy/MoS2) by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry for the detection of HMIs. The developed sensor can detect Pb2+ with a limit of detection of 0.03 nM and a sensitivity of 36.42 ?A nM?1. Additionally, the PPy/MoS2 sensor was employed for the simultaneous detection of HMIs of Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+ and Hg2+. The reproducibility, stability and anti-interference studies confirm that the sensor can be used to monitor HMI contamination of water. 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
An exploration of 'pull' and 'push' motivational factors among transgender entrepreneurs
To date, studies have focused on the men and women entrepreneurs and the gender difference in motivations among cisgender entrepreneurs. The study aims to determine whether a transgender individual entrepreneur is motivated through a push motivational factor or a pull motivational factor. This study employs a qualitative approach uses face-to-face interviews and a semi-structured interview with a sample size of 16 transgender entrepreneurs in India. It was found that the participants in this study were motivated by both push and pull factors. The motivational factors, which add to the knowledge of already existing push and pull factors, were to forego begging and commercial sex work, to break stereotypes, to create a business opportunity for other transgender individuals, to earn respect from society, to prove entrepreneurship is non-binary, to be a role model for other transgender individuals and to the society. In contrast, the push motivational factors were the limited opportunities, support received from society, the hijra guru, media, government support, family, friends, landlords, NGOs and another push motivational factor was the exhibitions conducted exclusively for the transgender individual entrepreneurs. 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Electrical transport and magnetoresistance studies on the magnetic moment compensated Mn2V1-xCoxZ (Z=Ga, Al; x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) Heusler alloys
We report the electrical resistivity and magnetoresistance properties of arc-melted Mn2V1-xCoxZ (Z=Ga, Al; x =0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) alloys, which possess compensated ferrimagnetic behaviour with high TC when x=0.5. Apart from metallicity, the alloys in the Ga series with x= 0, 0.75, 1 composition showed a positive to negative crossover in the magnetoresistance versus temperature curves. This crossover was absent for Mn2V0.75Co0.25Ga and the fully compensated ferrimagnet Mn2V0.5Co0.5Ga. In contrast to this, Co-substituted Mn2VAl exhibits distinctly different resistive behaviour. While the alloys Mn2VAl and Mn2CoAl exhibit metallic and semiconducting behaviour respectively, the intermediate compositions show a gradual metallic to semiconducting transition as the Co concentration increases. The compensated ferrimagnet Mn2V0.5Co0.5Al showed a mixed transport behaviour of metallic and semiconducting nature with a resistivity minimum at 140 K. In contrast to this mixed response of the arc-melted bulk sample, the Mn2V0.5Co0.5Al melt-spun ribbon shows a clear semiconducting nature throughout the temperature range, indicating that the sample preparation methods could highly influence the electrical properties of the investigated compensated ferrimagnets. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Unfolding the aggression and locus of control paradigm in sportspersons and non-sportspersons
The present study investigated Aggression and Locus of Control on Combat Sports Persons, Non-Combat Sports Persons, and Non-Sports Persons. In this study, a sample of 240 individuals (80 Combat sports, 80 Non-Combat Sports & 80 Non-Sportspersons) was used through purposive sampling. The tools administered were the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire by Arnold H. Buss and Mark Perry and Rotters Locus of Control Scale by Julian Rotter respectively. The objective of the study was to investigate Aggression and Locus of Control in males and females from Combat, Non-Combat, and Non-Sports persons. This research also aims to explore the relationship between Aggression and Locus of Control. Mean, t-test, F-value (ANOVA), and correlation have been computed over SPSS-16. Results suggest that males from Combat have higher Aggression than people from non-sports and non-combat sports. There is also a significant difference between non-sports persons and sports people over the Locus of Control, sports persons showed internal locus of control compared to non-sports persons who were higher on external locus of control. The result also indicates a significant relationship between the anger dimension of the Aggression and Locus of Control. 2025 ARD Asociaci Espala. -
A method for identification of restarted radio sources from large radiosurveys
Active galaxies hosting radio jets can exhibit distinct active phases marked by two sets of radio lobes. Typically, these episodic radio sources have been identified through morphological observations. In addition, spectral characteristics-based methods are also employed wherever multi-frequency deep radio observations are available. However, these methods are inefficient in detecting restarted radio sources that do not exhibit a clear morphology. To address this, a method of using the spectral curvature (SPC=?150MHz1400MHz-?74MHz150MHz) to identify restarted radio sources is presented. This is based on the fact that restarted radio sources with significant remnant emission are expected to have concave spectra in contrast to the convex or straight spectra observed in most radio sources. We use available wide area radio surveys in the range of frequencies from 74MHz to 1.4GHz to search for episodic radio sources and to shortlist 9,405 sources based on the criteria of SPC?0.5. The candidates thus identified can be followed up for detailed morphological and spectral index studies. This method will find application in the automated identification of episodic radio sources in large radio sky surveys from telescopes like LOFAR and SKA. Indian Academy of Sciences 2025. -
Surface modified CaO nanoparticles with CMC/D-carvone for enhanced anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities
The rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and the continued challenge to cancer therapy are in desperate need of developing innovative therapeutic strategies. In this regard, the present research work focuses on the development of CaO NPs and CaO-CMC-Dcar nanocomposites for enhanced antimicrobial and anti-cancer activities. CaO nanoparticles were synthesized by facile one pot chemical approach and eventually functionalized with CMC and D-carvone biomolecules. XRD analysis revealed that the crystallite size for CaO and CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles was found to be 21.18 nm and 17.02 nm respectively. The band gap values obtained for CaO and CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles were 4.44 eV, and 4.25 eV respectively. The CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles show absorption maxima at 292 nm, slightly red-shifted from bare CaO nanoparticles. HRTEM and SEM analysis revealed that the prepared samples were roughly spherical and agglomerated in nature. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) for CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles against MRSA and C. albicans was 20.1 0.3 mm and 21.1 0.2 mm, respectively, significantly higher than that of pure CaO nanoparticles (14.1 0.2 mm and 13.2 0.1 mm) and comparable to standard anti-bacterial streptomycin and antifungal fluconazole discs. Anticancer activity was assessed via MTT assay against MOLT-4 blood cancer cells, where the IC50 values for CaO and CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles were 22.6 ?g/mL and 21.54 ?g/mL, respectively. Additionally, CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity (80 %) compared to CaO (70 %) at 20 ?g/mL, with performance comparable to that of Vitamin C. Experimental results revealed that the CaO-CMC-Dcar nanoparticles exhibited superior biological activity compared to pure CaO nanoparticles. 2025 Indian Chemical Society -
Beyond the basics: mapping the inflation response to fiscal deficit in India with smooth transition autoregressive model
Purpose: Indias historical fiscal performance has featured elevated deficit levels. Driven by the imperative need for fiscal stimulus measures in response to the crisis, efforts toward fiscal consolidation from 2003 to 2008 were reversed in 20082009 due to the financial crisis. These stimulus actions are believed to have wielded a notable influence on inflation dynamics. Presumably, a high inflation rate hinders growth and inflicts severe welfare costs. Accordingly, the principal objective of this paper is to scrutinise the threshold effects of fiscal deficit on inflation within the context of the Indian economy. Design/methodology/approach: We employed the Smooth Transition Autoregressive (STAR) Model, a robust tool for capturing non-linear relationships, to discern the specific threshold level of fiscal deficit. Our analysis encompasses annual data spanning from 1971 to 2020. Additionally, we have leveraged the Toda-Yamamoto causality test to establish the existence and direction of a causal connection between fiscal deficit and inflation in the Indian economy. Findings: Our analysis pinpointed a critical threshold level of 3.40% for fiscal deficit, a value beyond which inflation dynamics in India undergo a marked transition, signifying the presence of significant non-linear effects. Moreover, the results derived from the Toda-Yamamoto causality test offer substantiating evidence of a causal relationship originating from the fiscal deficit and leading to inflation within the Indian economic framework. Research limitations/implications: The findings of our study carry significant implications, particularly for the formulation and execution of both fiscal and monetary policies. Understanding the threshold effects of fiscal deficit on inflation in India provides policymakers with valuable insights into achieving a harmonious balance between these two critical economic variables. Originality/value: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to empirically investigate threshold effects of fiscal deficit on inflation in India from a non-linear perspective using the Smooth Transition Autoregression (STAR) model. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited.