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Removal of high concentration Cr (VI) through the synergetic effect of CuInS?/Ni-MoS?/NrGO Z-scheme heterojunction and Deinococcus radiodurans R1 nano-biohybrid system
The efficient removal of high-strength hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)] from industrial effluents continues to be a significant challenge. This study introduces a nano-biohybrid approach that combines a CuInS?/Ni-MoS?/NrGO Z-scheme heterojunction with live biomass of Deinococcus radiodurans R1 under anaerobic conditions. This combination aims to enhance the reductive sorption of Cr (VI). A Z-scheme heterojunction composed of CuInS?, Ni-MoS?, and NrGO was synthesized using the hydrothermal technique. The structural and morphological properties of the synthesized nanomaterials (NMs) were examined through various techniques, including XRD, FT-IR, UV-VIS DRS, FE-SEM, EDX, PL, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and Mott-Schottky analysis. The CuInS?-Ni-MoS?-NrGO nanocomposite achieved nearly 97% removal of Cr (VI) at an initial dose of 50 mg/L within 3 h, which is almost three times more effective than the individual NMs CuInS?, Ni-MoS?, and NrGO. Further, applying the nano-biohybrid synergetic system enabled complete removal of Cr (VI) even at 200 mg/L, enhancing its removal capacity by 2.5-fold higher than the bare nanocomposite. The Langmuir isotherm model fits well with the experimental data, confirming homogeneous monolayer adsorption with a maximum Cr (VI) reductive sorption capacity of 333 mg/g. The intra-particle diffusion model analysis indicated that external mass transfer plays a dominant role in controlling the overall Cr (VI) sorption process. Furthermore, kinetic studies revealed that the Cr (VI) removal follows a pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption as the primary mechanism. The nanocomposite exhibited strong reusability, maintaining 86.5% Cr (VI) removal efficiency over 4 cycles. These results highlight the potential of nano-biohybrid systems as an efficient strategy for Cr (VI) remediation from contaminated wastewater. 2026 Elsevier B.V. -
Environmental and innovational dynamics for sustainable competitiveness in the manufacturing industry
This research examines how environmental management system, recycling, eco-innovation, and open innovation effect sustainable competitive advantage in the Indian manufacturing sector in New Delhi. This quantitative research was carried out using a questionnaire-based approach, where 583 participants responded using the PLS-SEM method via Smart-PLS 4. the results of this paper indicate that environmental management systems mediate the relationship between recycling and Eco-Innovation. Furthermore, external sources of information and open innovation show significant relations to eco-innovation, which, in turn, contributes highly to sustainable competitive advantage. The paper's originality is to illustrate the mediating effect of environmental management system within the recycling-innovation nexus and further provide empirical evidence that eco-innovation is an important causal factor for long-term competitive advantage. Therefore, businesses that practice eco-innovation are well-placed to comply with regulations and market demands concerning greener products, thereby achieving a strategic advantage. 2025 -
Behavioural nudges and maternal diet: Results from a cluster-randomised pilot trial among pregnant women in India
Micronutrient shortfalls pose a significant threat to maternal health across India. We evaluate whether brief, low-intensity informational nudges can improve short-run maternal diet quality during pregnancy. We conducted a pilot cluster-randomised controlled trial across 22 primary health centre (PHC) catchments in Karnataka, assigning catchments to one of three behavioural interventions (printed pamphlets, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) home visits, or research-team phone calls) or to routine-care control. A panel of 440 pregnant women was surveyed at baseline and again four weeks later. Primary outcomes were small meal frequency and two 24-hour dietary diversity measures: a continuous score and the binary Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women. Using multi-arm difference-in-differences models with pooled specifications, we find modest improvements over time across all arms. However, the interventions did not improve meal frequency or dietary diversity relative to the control group. These inferences were robust to 100 control-group subsampling iterations. Over this four week pilot period, low intensity, information only nudges did not improve meal frequency or dietary diversity beyond standard care by policy relevant amounts, helping bound the short run impacts of brief informational messaging in this setting. 2026 Elsevier Inc. -
Forgotten lives: A mixed-methods study on cognitive decline associated with discrimination among elderly transgender individuals in India
Transgender older adults face a unique and under-researched set of health risks, particularly in relation to cognitive decline. This mixed-methods study explores how lifelong discrimination contributes to cognitive vulnerability among elderly transgender individuals in India. Quantitative data were collected through surveys with 137 participants aged 45 and above, while qualitative insights were drawn from 35 semi-structured interviews. Results revealed that the mean cognitive decline score (M = 5.93) was significantly higher than the general population benchmark (t(135) = 5.39, p < 0.001), with qualitative narratives expressing fear of gender reversal due to memory loss. Notably, over 69 % of respondents lacked confidence in healthcare providers' knowledge of transgender health needs, and 60 % reported frequent or constant social isolation. The findings were interpreted using Minority Stress Theory, highlighting the compounded impact of lifelong stigma, medical neglect, and aging. This study underscores the urgent need for trans-inclusive memory care, provider training, and policy-level reforms in eldercare services. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Disentangling homeowner motives for solar PV: Psychometric development, validation and invariance test of the Motivation for Rooftop Solar Adoption Scale
The rooftop photovoltaic (PV) adoption of households is shaped by heterogeneous motives of the household that extend beyond economic calculus, yet prior research often measures these motives using ad hoc or single-item indicators, limiting comparability across studies. This study develops and validates the Motivation for Rooftop Solar Adoption Scale (MRSAS) to disentangle the key motivational dimensions that drives the household PV adoption. Following established scale-development guidance, we generated an initial item pool from theory and recent PV-adoption evidence, assessed content adequacy using a structured Q-sort, and then conducted exploratory factor analysis (N = 295), followed by confirmatory factor analysis (N = 312). Results support a parsimonious 22 item six-factor model with Social Influence, Financial Motivation, Environmental Protectionism, Energy Self-Reliance, Facilitating Conditions, and Technophile Attitude as dimensions. The model exhibits excellent confirmatory model fit along with strong reliability and discriminant validity. Multi-group CFA establishes scalar invariance between adopters and non-adopters, aligning with theory, adopters score higher across all six motivational dimensions. The MRSAS provides a psychometrically robust and transferable tool for profiling why households adopt solar, supporting cumulative theory-building and enabling practitioners to tailor incentives, communication and programme design to the motivations that matter. 2026 The Authors. -
Investigation of hot corrosion behavior of plasma sprayed cermet composite coatings on titanium and special steel alloys
In the present study, titanium-15 alloy and a special steel alloy (MDN 420) were used as base materials. These components are employed in high-temperature applications. Three types of pure powders were deposited on titanium-15 and a special steel (MDN 420) alloys. The three coatings were 35 % (WC-Co) + 65 % (Cr3C2-NiCr), 70 % NiCrAlY + 30 % TiO2, and 70 % NiCrAlY+25%Cr2O3 + 5%YSZ. The coatings and base alloys underwent various metallurgical, mechanical, and hot corrosion tests. The hot corrosion behavior of the coatings was investigated in a Na2SO460%V2O5 molten salt medium at 700 C, with an accuracy of 5 C. Each test cycle consisting of 50 cycles, with heating followed by 1 h cooling for 20 min. When three coatings were compared, NiCrAlY+Cr2O3 + YSZ coating exhibited superior resistance to hot corrosion on both the alloys. The enhanced corrosion resistance of the NiCrAlY+Cr2O3 + YSZ coating was attributed to the formation of a protective oxide layer containing Cr2O3.The tests were conducted in a highly acidic molten salt environment, with Na2SO4 being less soluble (60 % V2O5). The results showed that the NiCrAlY+Cr2O3 + YSZ coating displayed better corrosion resistance for titanium-15 and MDN 420 alloys, when compared to the other two coatings. The formation of an oxide layer containing Cr2O3 was the main reason for the improved corrosion resistance. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Anticorrosive studies of Chitosan/TiO2/g-C3N4 composite on mild steel in saline and acidic conditions
This work focuses on the synthesis of a nanocomposite coating that enhances the anticorrosive property of the metal. The nanocomposite under study is a synergistic blend of chitosan, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), effectively challenging the corrosion problem faced by various industries. The environment-friendly and natural properties of chitosan, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles, and the efficient electrical conductivity of g-C3N4 make the composite an ideal material for studying anticorrosion activity. Experimental techniques like XPS, XRD, HR-TEM, FE-SEM, TGA, BET surface area, and FTIR analysis have been employed to characterize the nanocomposite. Weight loss studies indicate the efficacy of the nanocomposite on mild steel in 3.5 % NaCl and 1 M HCl. The corrosion behavior of the nanocomposite is examined by Tafel curves and electrochemical impedance analysis. The results indicate that the inhibition efficiency of chitosan/TiO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite is 99 % with a charge transfer resistance value of 152.43 ?, which is more effective in the corrosion inhibition of mild steel than chitosan, TiO2, and g-C3N4 when taken separately. The anticorrosive coating prepared using this composite can be applied on different surfaces under various environmental conditions to reduce corrosion. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Facile synthesis of novel ternary g-C?N?/MnO?/CQDs nanocomposite for efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and DFT study
A novel type II staggered heterojunction photocatalyst, g-C?N?/MnO?/CQDs (CCM nanocomposite), has prepared through a facile hydrothermal route using MnO? nanoparticles (NPs) varying between 3 % and 5 %. The 5 % CCM nanocomposite has exhibited superior photocatalytic performance, achieving a maximum degradation efficiency of 98.38 % for methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation within 120 min. This performance significantly surpassed those of pristine g-C?N? and MnO?. Kinetic analysis has demonstrated a rate constant of 2.96 10? min? and a half-life of 23.42 min under optimal conditions. The degradation efficiency gets increased from 93.15 % to 98.38 % with the increase in pH from 3 to 7, whereas higher dye concentrations (10 and 20 ppm) has resulted with the decreasing efficiencies of 87.1 % and 73.9 %, respectively. BrunauerEmmettTeller (BET) analysis has confirmed the mesoporous nature of the 5 % CCM nanocomposite, with a specific surface area of 5.27 m g?, an average pore size of 11.52 nm, and a pore volume of 0.03 cm g?. The bandgap energies are determined to be notably reduced to 2.7 eV for 5 % CCM nanocomposite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has shown the excellent thermal stability of the 5 % CCM nanocomposite up to 750 C. Vibration Sample Magnometer (VSM) analysis has specified the weak ferromagnetic behaviour. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to evaluate the electronic structure and charge-transfer mechanism underlying the improved performance. Importantly, reusability tests over five consecutive cycles showed that the 5 % CCM nanocomposite has retained 80 % of its initial photocatalytic activity, demonstrating excellent catalyst stability and potential for practical applications. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Facile mechanochemical assembly of PANI-modified tetra-amino zinc phthalocyanine@Bi2O3 hybrid for enhanced visible-light-driven dye degradation
This work describes a fast, green, and solvent-free mechanochemical route to produce an advanced photocatalyst tetra-amino zinc phthalocyanine embedded in a polyanilineBi2O3 matrix (PANI-TAZnPc@Bi2O3). Comprehensive FTIR, Raman, FESEM, XRD, HRTEM, and DRS analyses confirm the successful synthesis of the materials, revealing irregular nanoscale particles with crystallite sizes of 8.36 nm (TAZnPc), 29.26 nm (Bi2O3), and 29.86 nm (PANITAZnPc@Bi2O3). TGA reveals that Bi2O3 exhibits excellent thermal stability up to 930 C, while the PANITAZnPc@Bi2O3 composite up to about 150 C. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by degrading methylene blue (MB) in the presence of H2O2 under visible light, with systematic variations in catalyst dosage, irradiation time, solution pH, and reusability. Compared to bare Bi2O3 and TAZnPc@Bi2O3, the PANI-TAZnPc@Bi2O3 composite showed superior activity- its narrower band gap, enhanced MB adsorption, and reduced electronhole recombination, achieving 99.75 % dye removal in 100 min under optimal conditions. The PANITAZnPc@Bi2O3 photocatalyst demonstrated excellent stability, retaining its photocatalytic activity over five consecutive cycles with no significant changes in its XRD and FTIR profiles. Reactive species such as OH and O?? drive methylene blue degradation, leading to its mineralization into inorganic ions as confirmed by ionic chromatography. Finally, a detailed photocatalytic mechanism is proposed to explain the enhanced performance of this nanocomposite. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
A Flexible HfO2 Nanofilm deposition on activated carbon fiber using atomic layer deposition method for Uric acid Detection
Flexible devices are in demand for the future development of electronic products. This study introduces a method where a uniform HfO2 thin nanofilm (10 nm) is deposited on flexible carbon cloth (CC) using atomic layer deposition (ALD). This electrode replaces traditional glassy carbon electrodes and other metal electrodes used in sensor fabrication. The ALD technique is employed for the first time in the fabrication of nanomaterials for non-enzymatic uric acid detection, offering advantages such as a solvent-free, binder-free, and low-chemical synthesis process. Synergistic effect of CC and HfO2 active sites contributes to its benchmark performance as a uric-acid sensors. HfO2 structure can supply more reaction sites and ion diffusion pathways. ALD-derived HfO2 exhibit a significant number of oxygen vacancies due to the suboxide formation. These oxygen vacancies or defects act as charge-trapping sites, and when biomolecules are introduced, the film electrical conductivity is altered. The presence of a uniformly distributed, grainy porous structure explains the successful immobilization of uric acid on HfO?. The highly rough surface and large surface area of 200-HfO?/CC boost uric acid sensitivity by more than five times compared with cleaned CC. This research work confirmed that the sensor possesses high selectivity and good reproducibility, suggesting its ability for practical application. HfO2 with a nanofilm structure was chosen for the selective detection of uric acid for the first time, with higher stability and lower detection level (10 nM) (less than reported literature). Herein, this study presents a promising electrocatalyst for nonenzymatic uric acid detection and real-time monitoring of uric acid in human serum and urine for disease prevention. 2026 Elsevier B.V. -
Engineering CoMn2O? nanofibers: Enhancing one-dimensional electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors
One-dimensional CoMn2O4 nanofibers were developed via the electrospinning method, offers a novel approach for designing electrode materials for energy storage device -supercapacitors. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) with EDX confirmed the highly porous CoMn2O4 phase with desired composition. Elemental mapping studies confirmed uniform distribution of Co, Mn, and O elements throughout the nanofibers.Electrochemical studies underscored the crucial role of structural voids and spacing in enhancing energy storage capacity, establishing CoMn2O4 as a promising electrode material. Specific energy and power studies yielded remarkable results of 93.84 Whr/kg and 55.20 kW/kg, respectively. Additionally, specific capacitance determination returned 937.42 F/g, indicating exceptional charging and discharging performance over 1000 cycles with 93.3 % capacitance retention. Moreover, the flexible symmetric supercapacitor is expected to demonstrate exceptional flexibility and electrochemical stability, achieving a specific energy of 232 Wh/kg and a specific power of 84 kW/kg at a current density of 1 mA/cm. These findings advance our understanding of CoMn2O4 nanofibers and offer insights into developing efficient and stable energy storage systems for diverse applications. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Polypyrrole/silver/graphene ternary composites for high-performance Ku-band electromagnetic interference shielding
Unwanted electromagnetic waves can significantly affect the performance of electronic devices and communication systems. A high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI) material is a solution to this issue. This study introduces a cost-effective one-pot synthesis method for polypyrrole/silver (Ppy/Ag), polypyrrole/graphene (Ppy/Gr) and polypyrrole/silver/graphene (Ppy/Ag/Gr) ternary composites with adjustable graphene concentrations. Detailed structural and morphological analyses using FTIR, XRD and STEM confirm the successful incorporation of Ag nanoparticles and graphene into the polypyrrole matrix. The total shielding effectiveness (SET) of the ternary composites in the Ku band shows an impressive 30.86 dB at 12.7 GHz for the 5 wt.% graphene composite, primarily driven by absorption mechanisms (SEA> SER). The synergistic interaction between Ag, which provides conductive pathways, and graphene, which offers structural reinforcement, significantly enhances interfacial polarisation and conductivity, surpassing the performance of binary counterparts (Ppy/Ag and Ppy/Gr. The results of this work introduce a lightweight, potent and economical composite material for EMI shielding applications in the Ku band. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
Chemical fingerprinting of Peganum harmala seeds via UVVis, XRD, TGA, FTIR, and GC-MS techniques; In vitro assessment of cytotoxic properties
Peganum harmala L., a perennial herb traditionally valued for medicinal and ritual uses, was comprehensively profiled to elucidate its chemical composition and cytotoxic potential. Methanolic seed extracts contained diverse primary and secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, proteins, and carbohydrates. Proximate analysis revealed high moisture (45.88 %) and crude fibre (18.39 %) with moderate fat (14.74 %) and protein (7.67 %) levels. Spectroscopic studies supported the presence of ?-carboline alkaloids: FTIR spectra showed characteristic functional group vibrations, UVVis displayed a strong absorption at 440 nm, and X-ray diffraction revealed semi-crystalline patterns enriched in harmine and harmaline. GCMS provided definitive chemical identification, detecting harmine (53.13 %) and harmaline (39.12 %) as major constituents. Thermal analyses (TGADTA and DTG) indicated multiphase decomposition typical of complex organic matrices. Cytotoxicity assessment using the MTT assay on L929 fibroblast cells demonstrated a dose-dependent decline in cell viability, with an LC50 of 243.9 ?g/mL, signifying moderatehigh cytotoxic potential. These findings validate the ethnomedicinal significance of P. harmala and underscore its promise for phytomedicine, nutraceutical applications, and pharmaceutical research, while highlighting the necessity of standardized and regulated use to ensure efficacy and safety. 2025 -
Advancing precision medicine: Uncovering biomarkers and strategies to mitigate immune-related adverse events in immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy
Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) can have a major influence on patient outcomes, but their usage is frequently confounded by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which have revolutionized cancer treatment by increasing anti-tumor immunity. With a focus on immunological dysregulation and the resulting tissue-specific toxicities, this review clarifies the fundamental processes of irAEs. We look at contemporary clinical treatment techniques to lessen the impact of these adverse events, such as the application of immunosuppressants and patient monitoring procedures. Additionally, it is emphasized how future research is necessary to find predictive biomarkers that can forecast the development of irAEs, allowing for early intervention and individualized therapy methods. In order to improve the therapeutic index of ICIs, we also examine the crucial balance between optimizing anti-tumor activity and reducing immunotoxicity. This study aims to further the existing discussion on enhancing the safety and effectiveness of ICI medicines, which will eventually improve cancer patient care, by pointing out possible research avenues. 2025 The Authors -
Brinkman-Bard convection in a rotating-binary liquid saturated porous medium
The primary intent of the work is to investigate the linear and weakly non-linear stability analyses of natural convection in a rotating binary liquidsaturated porous medium. In the mathematical model, Newtonian binary liquid-saturated porous medium with uniform rotation subjected to stress-free isothermal boundaries and the validity of OseenBoussinesq approximation is considered in the study. Normal mode analysis is operated to acquire the DarcyRayleigh number expression in terms of the other parameters. The amount of heat and mass transfer rates are approximated at the lower boundary by performing weakly non-linear stability analysis using truncated Fourier series solution. The analysis of critical Rayleigh number, critical wave number, heat, and mass transfer is done for different values of parameters and discussed in detail with the help of plots and tables. Lewis number stabilizes the convective system, whereas increasing in the separation ratio coefficient destabilizes the convective system. Weakly nonlinear stability analysis reveals that the binary liquids with a smaller separation ratio coefficient transport the maximum heat and minimum mass compared to binary liquids with large separation ratio coefficient values. The amount of heat transport is enhanced by 14% with increase in the values of Ta whereas the same is diminished by 3.5 % and 5% respectively for the ? and Le. Thus, the effect of rotations pronounced on the onset of convection, heat and mass transports predominantly compared to the effect of binary mixtures parameters. The results of the classical RayleighBard convection and natural convection in a liquid-saturated porous medium with local thermal-equilibrium assumption can be obtained as a particular case of the study by setting the appropriate limits. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Flow and heat transfer of penta-hybrid nanofluid at stagnation point over a stretching/shrinking sheet
This research investigates the influence of penta-hybrid nanofluid on the flow and heat-mass transfer at a stagnation point over a stretching/shrinking sheet. The Penta hybrid nanofluid has been effectively synthesized by assimilation of Silver Ag, Gold Au, Magnesium oxide Mgo, Copper Cu, Titanium oxide TiO2 as a nanoparticle with a convectional fluid water H2O. Additionally, microorganisms are added to the fluid to improve the stability of nanoparticles by preventing aggregation, ensuring uniform dispersion. The governing nonlinear system of partial differential equations describing the problem are developed and converted into dimensionless form using proper similarity transformation. The obtained resultant equations are solved numerically by employing the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg (RKF45) method. The results are confirmed by cross-referencing them with findings from established literature to assure consistency and precision. Further, the effect of dimensionless parameter on velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are interpreted through the help of graphs. This research explores how stretching and shrinking conditions affect temperature distribution. It is found that the stretching surface shows enhanced thermal and mass transfer efficiency, due to a better distribution of nanoparticles and a reduction in boundary layer thickness. Also, it is seen that Penta-hybrid nanofluid increased the heat transfer rate by 5.71% as compared to tetra-hybrid nanofluids. Hence, these results support the penta-hybrid nanofluids for practical applications in fields such as photocatalysis, biomedical, and other energy storage systems. Further, the efficiency of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model used to forecast flow behavior and heat transfer rate is assessed and supported by the regression coefficient R=1. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
Investigation of thermal performance of moving concave parabolic porous fin wetted by water based MoS2 nanofluid using Homotopy Perturbation Method
Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to significant improvements in the design, manufacturing, and thermal efficiency of engineering systems. Nanofluids, when combined with extended surfaces, enhance heat transfer performance, helping to prevent overheating while also offering improved stability, durability, and adaptability across various environmental conditions. This research focuses on the thermal response of a moving porous fin featuring a concave parabolic profile, immersed in a nanofluid composed of water as the base fluid and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoparticles. The governing nonlinear nanofluid model is nondimensionalized, and thermal characteristics such as temperature profiles, heat transfer rates, efficiency, and fin effectiveness are obtained using the Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM). The effects of important dimensionless parameters on thermal profiles are examined through graphical illustrations. The results demonstrate that temperature rises with increases in the Peclet number and thermal conductivity, whereas it decreases as porosity, radiation, convection, and emissivity parameters increase. Furthermore, the inclusion of MoS2 nanofluid leads to an average heat transfer enhancement of approximately 3.84% compared to conventional fluids under radiative conditions. 2025 -
On the compositional and thermal stability of sputter deposited Inconel based multilayer solar absorber coating
A multilayer concept has been used to coat Inconel-718 in the presence of Ar+O2 atmosphere. The coating structure of metal oxide/metal/metal oxide was deposited on stainless steel SS304 substrate with the bottom most oxide layer as non-stoichiometric and the top oxide layer as stoichiometric in nature. This led to the solar absorptance of 0.887 and emissivity of 0.19. The absorption of this multilayer stack was increased by depositing an additional layer of SiO2 which improves the absorptance in the range of 0.940-0.951 without affecting the emittance (0.17 - 0.19). Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis was carried out for studying the morphological properties of the coating. The reflectance properties of the coating were analyzed using UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy and the X-ray diffraction analysis was used for the structural properties. The findings of these studies highlight Inconel's suitability as a solar selective absorber coating. Contrary to high temperature stability of bulk Inconel, thermal stability investigations of the coating reveal its stability only up to 300 C in air for long durations. A detailed metallographic analysis conducted on both the bulk and the metal layer, to compare the intermetallic phases present, revealed the absence of the intermetallic phases in the metallic layer. This absence indeed caused the deterioration in thermal stability of the absorber layer. Further, energy dispersive X-ray analysis revealed that, unlike the bulk material, the sputtered Inconel layer exhibited absence of Nb composition. This absence of Nb is significant, as it contributes to the formation of intermetallic phases, thereby, influencing the observed differences in thermal behavior. 2026 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. -
Assessing the socio-ecological effects of lakeside gentrificationA case study of two lakes in South India
The global push for sustainability and the urgency of addressing climate change have compelled city governments worldwide to prioritize the upkeep and restoration of urban commons. However, this state-led or private-driven greening often becomes a marker of gentrification. This study examines the ecological conservation policies applied to Periyakulam Lake in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and Hebbal Lake in Bengaluru, Karnataka, aiming to elucidate how these policies exhibit flaws and lack inclusivity. Through the lens of urban political ecology, the research scrutinizes the state-led and state-supported strategies, emphasizing their tendency to favour a minuscule population while perpetuating aspects of gentrification. It critically examines the dual phases of lakeside gentrification, wherein the first phase involves the modification of the lake under the label of rejuvenation. The subsequent phase witnessed a transformation in the surrounding region's social, spatial, and economic characteristics as it became increasingly attractive and subject to investment. Such processes displace and dispossess livelihoods and instil a new urban imaginary where only urban elites become the standpoint for such beautification consumption. This study contributes to the literature on lakeside gentrification and argues how state-led and state-supported extractive policies remove the safety valves for a stable future by negating the linkages between society and nature. 2025 The Author(s) -
Resilience-oriented optimal integration of photovoltaic, fast-charging stations, and energy storage systems in radial distribution systems
This study proposes a bilevel, resilience-oriented optimization framework for the coordinated allocation of photovoltaic (PV) and fast-charging stations (FCS) and battery energy storage with DSTATCOM (BESDSTATCOM) in radial distribution networks. Unlike existing approaches, the proposed method captures both the grid-connected performance and islanding resilience within a unified framework. The problem is formulated as a single-objective optimization to minimize the real power loss, while the voltage profile and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are evaluated as performance indices. The complexity of the single-objective, multi-constraint, and multivariable optimization problem was solved using the Crayfish Optimization Algorithm (COA), which was selected for its balanced explorationexploitation capability and fast convergence characteristics compared with conventional algorithms. The results on the IEEE 33-bus radial distribution network reveal that the uncoordinated integration of FCSs significantly deteriorates the system performance, increasing the real power losses by 48, 163, and 183% and GHG emissions by 28, 53, and 67% for one, two, and three FCSs, respectively. However, coordinated PV integration effectively mitigates these impacts, achieving up to ?93% loss reduction, improving the minimum voltage from 0.913 p.u. to 0.992 p.u., and reducing GHG emissions by up to ?88%. Furthermore, optimal PV penetration levels (up to 86.6%) are critical for emission reduction. Under islanding conditions, the BESDSTATCOM ensures energy balance and can effectively neutralize grid-based emissions. Comparative analysis confirmed that COA provided robust and consistent convergence compared to HPO and AOA. Overall, the study contributes to the achievement of United Nations goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action), by promoting sustainable energy integration, cleaner transportation, and reduced environmental emissions within modern power distribution systems. 2026 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/