Browse Items (16481 total)
Sort by:
-
Relationship Between Family Environment, Objectified Body Consciousness and Appearance Self-Esteem Among Urban Indian Young Adults
Extant research has shown that objectification, especially sexual objectification, can encourage the internalization of others perspective on their own bodies and thereby transforming their own self into object of continuous assessment and judgement. Using the objectification theory and theories of identity formation, the present research examines how family environment (FE) and objectified body consciousness (OBC) may have a relation with appearance self esteem (ASE) among urban Indian young adults. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized that OBC and FE would have a significant association with ASE. To examine the hypotheses, a survey was conducted on young adults (N = 141) of age range from 18 to 25years. Regression analysis was carried out using statistical tools. Multiple-linear regression showed that the model was found to account for a statistically significant amount of variance in ASE. The results point out how OBC has a negative relationship with ASE. This implies that the level to which one objectifies themselves negatively relates to how they value their appearance or looks. The present research discusses the implication of understanding the different factors which may be associated with low appearance-related self-esteem. The research also explains the findings in line with cultural underpinnings. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
I Was One of Them: The Journey of Return Migrants Becoming Subagents in Keralas Recruitment Networks
Kerala has long been a prominent hub for international labour migration, with a unique phenomenon of return migrants transitioning into subagents supporting blue-collar workers navigating recruitment networks. These returnees leverage their personal migration journeys to address challenges faced by prospective migrants. Yet, little is known about what motivates them to assume this role and how they contribute to the broader migration process. This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of return migrants turned subagents, shedding light on their motivations and the ripple effects of their work on migration systems. Drawing on 22 in-depth interviews, the findings reveal three interconnected themes: (1) utilizing lived migration experiences to build empathy and trust; (2) creating a bridge between aspirants and recruitment agencies through cultural and procedural expertise; and (3) fostering a sense of purpose by addressing systemic challenges they once faced. These insights demonstrate how return migrants unique positionality enhances recruitment efficiency and reliability, offering micro-level support to migrants and meso-level improvements to recruitment systems. This study contributes to the growing literature on migration facilitation by highlighting the transformative role of return migrants in reshaping recruitment practices, with implications for migration policy, workforce mobility, and sustainable recruitment frameworks. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025. -
Intergenerational Transference of Collective Trauma in the Exilic Lives of Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees
The present study explores the intergenerational transference of collective trauma among the Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees (SLTR). Thirty-three in-depth interviews were conducted across first, second, and third generation SLTR living at the refugee camps in Tamil Nadu, India. The study found that the traumatic experiences and internal conflicts associated with exile among the first-generation participants (FGP) and second-generation participants (SGP) are primarily channeled through social customs and parenting styles. Refugee identity and correlated difficulties are constituted as collective trauma. The motive for resolving the fragmented self was unconscious replicated nightmares among the participants. Irrespective of generations, participants unconsciously tried to reintegrate their fragmented collective existence. The FGP and SGP passed the Sri Lankan Tamil culture onto their offspring, imposing expectations on the next generation to reclaim Tamil land and sustain cultural legacies. The study highlighted that helping behavior differs across generations, influenced by the encountered atrocities. Further extensive research on humanitarian rehabilitation policies is needed for their collective social integration. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025. -
Exploring the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention among college students in India
This study investigated the effectiveness of an eight-week mindfulness-based intervention program on the trait mindfulness, psychological well-being and emotion regulation of college-going students. The experimental group participants were college-going students (N = 40) who enrolled for the intervention, and the participants in the control group (N = 40) were interested in the intervention and considered as a wait-list control group. The experimental group underwent mindfulness-based interventions, which included 1112 sessions, including brief exercises and meditations related to their trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being. They received 23h of training per week for eight weeks. Repeated Measures of ANOVA together with an independent sample t-test were used to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention programme. Further, Cohens d was used to calculate the effect size to explain the variance caused by the intervention program in trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being. The results indicated that students significantly improved in their trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being after receiving mindfulness training. In conclusion, the application of this eight-week mindfulness-based intervention sheds light on the common psychological issues confronted by college students in India, presenting itself as an advantageous tool for the professionals working in this field and offering positive effects on the overall well-being of college students. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Beyond apologies: A systematic review of forgiveness in different relationship contexts
Forgiveness is a vital psychological process that contributes significantly to an individuals emotional well-being, fostering personal growth, reducing stress, and alleviating negative emotions. Beyond the individual, forgiveness also positively influences communities by promoting harmony, reducing conflict, and strengthening social bonds, thereby enhancing collective mental health and relational stability. This paper aims to examine how forgiveness has been explored within various interpersonal contexts, including marriage, peer interactions, familial bonds, workplace relationships, and among dating couples. A comprehensive search across ten databases yielded 37 articles that met the inclusion criteria. These studies utilized four primary methodologies: quantitative approaches (surveys, interventions, experiments), qualitative approaches (case studies and interviews), longitudinal designs and mixed method designs. Findings indicate that fostering forgiveness significantly enhances relational health and interpersonal dynamics, alongside improvements in physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The systematic review highlights how forgiveness processes and interventions vary by relationship context, shaped by unique relational dynamics and cultural factors. However, more experimental and intervention based research is necessary to establish evidence based forgiveness practices, tailored to specific relationship dynamics. The promotion and study of forgiveness should be furthered to reinforce its multifaceted benefits across diverse interpersonal relationships. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
High trait emotional intelligence lessens the impact of the dark triad on trolling propensity
Trolling is a pervasive form of online aggression, often rooted in adverse personality traits and amplified by the disinhibiting affordances of social media. The current study applies the I3 aggression model to examine the role of Dark Triad (DT) traits as impelling factors that increase trolling propensity, and Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) as an inhibiting factor that could constrain such behavior. The study also investigates whether TEI buffers the impact of DT traits on trolling and whether age further moderates this moderating effect. A total of 427 adult social media users (Mage = 22.71 years, SD = 3.71) participated in the study. Correlation analysis indicated that all three DT traits were positively correlated with trolling propensity, whereas TEI showed a negative association. Hierarchical regressions demonstrated that all three DT traits uniquely and positively predicted trolling. Machiavellianism and narcissism emerged as robust predictors even after accounting for shared variance with more callous traits such as psychopathy. TEI remained a significant negative predictor, and higher TEI levels attenuated the influence of each DT trait on trolling. Three-way interactions further suggested that the protective role of TEI in the relationship between psychopathy and trolling became stronger with age. Still, this pattern did not generalize to Machiavellianism or narcissism. Although three-way interactions were modest and inconsistent across traits, they underscore a concerning developmental trend as trolling appears to be most pronounced when dark traits surface during the emotionally formative period of emerging adulthood. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Psychotic-like experiences in the emotional dysregulation-impulsivity link
Emerging research suggests psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) exist on a continuum and consist of subclinical phenomena like perceptual abnormalities and delusional ideation. PLEs may influence impulsivity- and previous literature shows a link between emotional dysregulation and impulsivity. This study examined whether PLEs as well as gender moderated the relationship between emotional dysregulation and impulsivity in a non-clinical sample of young adults. A total of 95 females and 95 males completed self-report measures assessing emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and PLEs. Associations among study variables were examined using correlational analyses, followed by a moderated moderation analysis conducted using Hayes PROCESS macro. Emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, as well as PLEs and impulsivity, were positively correlated. Moderation analyses revealed gender-specific effects: among females, higher PLEs attenuated the association between emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, whereas in males, PLEs amplified this relationship. These findings suggest that PLEs shape how dysregulated affect translates into impulsive behavior differently for men and women, potentially reflecting distinct emotion regulation strategies. Future research should investigate the mechanisms behind these gender-specific pathways and examine whether these patterns generalize across cultural contexts. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Climate predictors in Indian summer monsoon forecasting: a novel De-correlated RVFL ensemble strategy
Excessive rainfall and droughts harshly impact India's social and economic growth. Though several statistical methods have been used in literature to predict Indian monsoons, uncertainties cannot be ruled out. The accuracy prediction of ISMR (Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall) is scientifically demanding. From this perspective, it is essential to explore exploiting machine learning techniques. In this paper, a novel De-correlated Regularized Random Vector Functional Link Neural Network Ensemble (DRRNE) prediction approach was proposed using Climate Predictors such as Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly (SST), El-Ni Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and Dipole Mode Index (DMI) to predict ISMR. The proposed work has also investigated the predictability of climate above predictors using the DRRNE approach to predict ISMR. In addition to the predictors above, the data for an 8-year training window time series for June to September is combined and analyzed for four predictors (ENSO, DMI, SOI, and SST) to derive another predictor, ENSO-DMI-SOI-SST (EDSS). It is found that the combination of these four predictors- the EDSS- produces better accuracy than using any of the individual predictors in this study. Among the individual predictors (ENSO, DMI, SOI, and SST), the DMI predictor has shown the best predictability for ISMR prediction. Thus, the suggestedstudy concludes that the DRRNE technique with negative correlation learning may be a suitable tool for predicting the ISMR using the combined outcome of the four climate predictorsas mentioned above. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Colorimetric Indicator Solution from Sappan Heartwood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) Extract for Milk Quality Monitoring
This study utilizes Caesalpinia sappan L., traditionally valued for its culinary and medicinal uses, to develop a colorimetric indicator solution for monitoring milk spoilage. The indicator provides real-time updates on milk freshness through color changes induced by biochemical alterations during spoilage. The color of the indicator solution transitions distinctly from orange-red to orange to yellow as the pH shifts from 7.00 to 5.50 to 3.50, correlating with progressive stages of spoilage. An orange-red color was observed for the fresh stage, orange color for about to be spoilt, and yellow color for the spoilt stage of milk samples. The colorimetric changes are attributed to the presence of Brazelin in Caesalpinia sappan L. Digital images of the indicator solution treated with milk samples were analyzed using RGB (red, green, and blue) indices, with the green chromatic shift serving as a reliable parameter for quantifying color changes, providing reliable assessment of milk spoilage. Findings of this study highlight a simple, accessible, and accurate method for milk quality monitoring that requires no specialized equipment or trained personnel, making it suitable for food safety practices in resource-limited settings. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Electrochemical Detection of Tartrazine via MIL-100(Fe)/MWCNTs Nanocomposite: Integrated Experimental and Computational Insights
Excessive consumption of synthetic food colourants such as tartrazine (TZ) poses significant health risks, highlighting the need for sensitive detection methods for food safety applications. Here, we report a binder-free electrochemical sensor based on synergistic integration of iron-based metalorganic framework MIL-100(Fe) with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The nanocomposite leverages MIL-100's high porosity and accessible Fe3? sites combined with MWCNT's superior conductivity, achieving an 11-fold enlarged electroactive surface area (0.786 cm2) and 19-fold enhanced exchange current density. Under optimized conditions using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the sensor exhibited a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.11?M, a wide linear range (0.9 to 7.5?M, R2 = 0.9891), and excellent selectivity over amaranth (AM) and common interferents. Mechanistic studies revealed adsorption-controlled, one-electron/one-proton irreversible oxidation with ultralow charge transfer resistance (0.073 k?). The sensor demonstrated robust performance with excellent repeatability (RSD = 2.11%), reproducibility (RSD = 4.11%), and stability (> 98% retention, 14days). Real-sample analysis of fruit juices and sweets yielded satisfactory recoveries (85.63118.39%, RSD < 2.17%) without pre-treatment. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations substantiated the selectivity mechanism, revealing stronger TZ adsorption sites relative to AM on the MIL-100(Fe)/MWCNTs nanocomposite. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations yielded valuable insights into the electronic properties and solvation behaviour of the isolated TZ, the MIL-100(Fe) fragment, and their composite (MIL-100(Fe)/TZ) system in aqueous environments. This integrated experimental-computational approach establishes a rational framework for developing next-generation MOF-based electrochemical sensors with predictable performance for food safety monitoring. The Author(s) 2026. -
Physical Analysis of White and Brick Red Eri Silk Fiber
Despite growing interest in Eri silk, limited research compares the properties of white and brick red varieties, particularly their optical, mechanical, and crystallinity behaviour. This study investigates the structural, optical, thermal, and surface properties of both varieties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UVvis analysis (UVvis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Eri silk fibers were evaluated for weight loss percentage, functional groups, thermal stability, tensile strength, and amino acid composition. Both experienced around 10% weight loss after degumming. UVvis analysis revealed an increase in optical band gap and decrease in Urbach energy after degumming, indicating improved structural order. XRD analysis showed crystallinity of 55% for degummed white and 50% for brick red Eri silk fiber. TGA demonstrated that undegummed white Eri silk exhibited 10% less mass loss than brick red, indicating higher thermal stability. SEM analysis showed white fibers with an average diameter of 19.34m, compared to 16.32m for brick red. White Eri silk fiber also demonstrated superior stretchability and flexibility in tensile strength tests. Amino acid profiling indicated a higher alanine content in white fiber. These findings enhance the understanding of physical properties of Eri silks varieties for potential applications in textiles and biomaterials. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the Korean Fiber Society 2025. -
Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Efficacies and Related Mechanisms of Cirsimaritin in MPTP-Induced Parkinson in Mice with Following the Molecular Docking Studies
Parkinsons disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss and oxidative stressinduced apoptosis. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of cirsimaritin against MPTP-induced PD in mice and explored its possible mechanism through combined in silico and in vivo approaches. Molecular docking using AutoDock Vina revealed that cirsimaritin exhibits strong binding affinities with key antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx, and SOD) and apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, ?8, and ? 9), suggesting possible modulation of oxidative and apoptotic signaling pathways. In vivo, PD was induced by MPTP (30mg/kg, i.p., for 7days), followed by oral administration of cirsimaritin (25 and 50mg/kg). Behavioral assessmentsincluding the open field, narrow beam walking, and wire hanging testsdemonstrated significant improvement in locomotor and neuromuscular performance in cirsimaritin-treated mice. Biochemical analyses revealed that cirsimaritin restored dopamine and its metabolites, decreased lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and GPx). Additionally, cirsimaritin attenuated apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax and caspase-3 expression. Histopathological examination confirmed reduced neurodegeneration in the brain hippocampus of treated mice. These findings indicate that cirsimaritin exerts potent neuroprotective effects in MPTP-induced PD mice, likely through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic actions, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for Parkinsons disease. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
SCN1A Genetic Alterations and Oxidative Stress in Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy Patients: A Causative Analysis in Refractory Cases
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) have found it be associated with drug resistance in epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of SCN1A gene polymorphism in developing drug resistance in idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) patients, along with increased oxidative stress. The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Delhi, India. We recruited 100 patients diagnosed with IGE patients, grouped as drug-resistant and drug-responsive, and then further compared the SCN1A SNP rs10167228 A*/T analysis between the two groups. We utilized the PCR-RFLP technique to investigate the association between polymorphisms and refractory epilepsy. Serum HMGB1 levels were estimated using the ELISA technique to analyze oxidative stress in both groups. rs10167228 A*/T polymorphism genotypes AT and AA genotypes are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing drug resistance. Serum HMGB1, IL-1?, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in drug-resistant cases, compared to the drug-responsive group. The association of SCN1A gene polymorphisms, in conjunction with raised oxidative stress, may be predictive of the development of drug-resistant epilepsy. The AT and AA genotypes of rs10167228 may pose a risk factor for developing drug-resistant epilepsy. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Association of Clinical Biochemists of India 2023. -
A comprehensive record of fishes and crustaceans in a poorly known tropical estuary-Kavvayi from the west coast of India
A comprehensive study conducted from 2019 to 2021 in the Kavvayi estuarine wetland along Indias southwest coast documented its fish and crustacean diversity, providing valuable insights for conservation. Monthly surveys across 19 sampling stations recorded 151 species, including 79 demersal fish, 55 pelagic fish, and 17 crustaceans from 63 families. According to IUCN criteria, 98 species are classified as Least concern, 32 as Not evaluated, 14 as 'Data Deficient',four as Vulnerable, two as Near threatened, and one as Critically endangered. Marine migrant species dominate the estuary, while freshwater species are rare. The Eupercaria order contributes significantly to finfish diversity, representing 12.58%. Families such as Carangidae (14 species), Portunidae (8), and Clupeidae (7) exhibit notable species richness. Prominent species like Ambassis gymnocephalus, Mugil cephalus, Planiliza macrolepisStolephorus indicus, Etroplus suratensis, Pseudetroplus maculatus, Sillago sihama, Caranx ignobilis, and Gerres filamentosus are consistently present throughout the year, highlighting the estuarys reliability as a habitat. This dataset not only offers a crucial inventory of Kavvayis biodiversity but also emphasizes its conservation potential. The scarcity of information on the fish and crustacean diversity underscores the importance of the dataset provided in this paper, as it will significantly contribute to the assessment for designating Kavvayi estuary as a wetland of international importance. This dataset enhances local, regional, and global fish community data for estuarine fisheries. It also addresses the challenges faced by the fishing community, emphasizing the need for conservation strategies to ensure the long-term health of the estuarine ecosystem. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Senckenberg Gesellschaft f Naturforschung 2025. -
High-performance 2D photonic crystal sensor for simultaneous detection of chemical and biological analytes
This work proposes a two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystal based sensor for multi-analyte detection across biochemical and biological domains. The proposed sensor can detect sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, salt concentrations in seawater, alcohol detection, cancer cell detection, and aberrant bone tissue without any external modification to the sensor configuration. The intriguing aspect of the proposed sensor is that its structural parameters are optimised to detect refractive index values in the range of 12, and the resonant wavelength is therefore shifted to a longer wavelength. Based on the shift, the performance parameters of the analyte are observed. The proposed sensor offers excellent performance metrics, including a high transmission efficiency of 100%, a high-quality factor of 1,600, a sensitivity of 315nm/RIU, and a maximum detection limit of 0.09. The footprint of the proposed design is 16?m. This makes the sensor suitable for photonic integrated circuits and lab-on-chip applications. It offers a promising platform for next-generation optical sensing technologies. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The Optical Society of India 2025. -
Optical characterization of oxadiazoles analogues doped PMMA film for photonic application
In the present study, newly synthesized nitrobenzene derivatives (PBT and PBF) doped poly(methyl methacrylate) films were prepared using spin coating techniques, and their optical properties were analyzed. The absorption spectra of various weight percentages (0.02%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) of nitrobenzene derivative-doped polymer films were recorded using a UVvisible spectrometer. From the absorption spectra, optical properties such as refractive index, band gap energy, extinction coefficient, and dielectric constant were calculated. The effect of doping on the optical properties of PMMA was investigated, with results revealing normal dispersive behavior from the refractive index and extinction coefficient. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the synthesized films have a low degree of roughness and a smooth surface. Additionally, the nonlinear optical properties of the PBF-doped polymer film were investigated, and the ? value was determined to be 7.403cm/W. Overall, the findings suggest that PBF-doped polymer films are promising candidates for photonic applications. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science 2024. -
A Comparative Study of the Nonlinear Optical Properties of CaO Nanoparticles and rGO-CaO Nanocomposites
Recently, graphene-based materials decorated with metal/metal oxide nanoparticles have gained significant interest among researchers owing to their wide range of technological applications. In this study, we synthesized reduced graphene oxide-calcium oxide nanocomposites (rGO-CaO) using a one-pot solvothermal technique. The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of CaO nanoparticles and (rGO-CaO) nanocomposites were explored by performing a single-beam Z-scan experiment. Since the samples exhibited reverse saturation absorption behavior (RSA) and a negative nonlinear index of refraction, CaO nanoparticles are promising candidates for nonlinear optical limiting and optical switching applications. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science 2024. -
Study on gravitational waves from binary mergers and constraints on the Hubble parameter
Einsteins general theory of relativity predicted the existence of gravitational waves (GWs), which offer a way to explore cosmic events like binary mergers and could help resolve the Hubble Tension. The Hubble Tension refers to the discrepancy in the measurements of the Hubble Constant, Ho, obtained through different methods and missions over various periods. By analyzing gravitational wave data, particularly from mergers that also emit light (electromagnetic radiation), such as Bright Sirens, we aim to reduce this tension. This paper will investigate the properties of GWs produced by these binary mergers and utilize a mathematical framework to tackle the Hubble Tension. Future advancements in gravitational wave astronomy, particularly with initiatives like LIGO-India and LISA, promise to enhance research outcomes. The ground-based LIGO-India will increase sensitivity and improve localization, while the space-based LISA will target lower frequency ranges of GWs, enabling the detection of signals from a wider array of sources. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science 2025. -
Impact of anionic concentration on the structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of ZnS quantum dots
ZnS quantum dots exhibit remarkable versatility with novel properties and diverse applications. Highly crystalline ZnS quantum dots with cubic structure were prepared using a simple wet-chemical route by varying the sulphur concentration. This work offers an in-depth study of the influence of sulphur concentration on the optical, surface and structural characteristics of ZnS quantum dots. Structural analysis using XRD affirmed the cubic structure of ZnS. FESEM disclosed non-uniform nanosphere-like morphology, while TEM was utilized for particle size determination. Optical characteristics were assessed utilizing UVVis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The ZnS quantum dots synthesized with sulphur concentration double that of the zinc concentration in the precursor solution exhibited the appropriate stoichiometry with minimum point defects. Owing to their high crystallinity, small crystallite size, excellent stability, and suitable optical properties, ZnS quantum dots are favourable candidates for optoelectronic applications. Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science 2025. -
A Pilot Study on Latent Fingerprint Development Using Cow Dung-Derived Biochar
In forensic investigations, human latent fingerprints (LFPs), due to their unique characteristics, serve as crucial tangible evidence for the identification of criminals. The widely used procedure for the development of LFPs is the powder dusting approach. Several chemical powders have already been utilised for the same. However, the production processes, expenses, and toxicity-related factors limit their utilization. To address these constraints, the present work attempted to analyse the efficacy of a biowaste-derived Biochar (BC) for the development of LFPs on various surfaces. Commonly available biowaste, Cow dung (CD), was utilized as a precursor to synthesize BC in an easy, economical, environmentally friendly, and sustainable approach. The synthesis of BC was carried out by pyrolysis at 350C for 4h in a limited oxygen environment. The physical and chemical properties of BC were indicated by the SEM, FTIR, XRD, and Raman characterisation techniques. Further, the BC was tested for the development of LFPs on the selected non-porous, porous, and frequently stolen materials using the powder dusting method. Additionally, aging studies were also carried out to determine the efficiency of the material over time to ensure its relevance in a real-time forensic scenario. CD-derived BC was found to be a promising powder for the development of LFPs on different surfaces, revealing the characteristic fingerprint patterns. Results revealed that the BC material produced good contrast fingerprints on frequently stolen materials even after nine days of deposition. This pilot study presents the first report on the utilisation of CD-derived BC in forensic applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.
