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The impact of Bacillus subtilis NJ22, a Fe-resilient soil isolate as a potent plant Growth-Promoting agent to Spinacia oleracea L
A soil isolate Bacillus subtilis NJ22 showed remarkable Fe tolerance up to 500g/mL. Along with Nitrogen fixation and phosphate and potassium solubilisation, the isolate NJ22 also showed other plant growth promoting traits including IAA, Ammonia, Siderophore, HCN production capabilities. The isolate, NJ22 substantially improved the growth of Spinacia oleracea in Fe-stressed soil. Soluble Fe content increased in soil containing PGPR. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Society for Plant Research 2025. -
UV-C and gamma radiation mediated L-DOPA production from in-vitro cultures of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC
This is the first report on UV-C and gamma rays mediated in-vitro elicitation of L-DOPA from Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. cell suspension cultures. Gamma and ultraviolet rays are used on plants to induce mutations which results in activation of defence cascades and production of secondary metabolites due to this abiotic stress. The in-vitro callus developed from 0.5mg/L picloram was suspended into liquid medium and exposed to different time intervals (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60min) of UV-C radiations. On the other hand, the seeds were directly exposed to different doses (25, 50, 100, 150 and 200Gy) of gamma radiations and these irradiated seeds were grown in-vitro from which callus and cell cultures were established. From all these in-vitro cultures, the anti-Parkinsons drug L-DOPA was quantified using HPLC. 60 and 30-minute exposure of UV-C radiations resulted in highest biomass (193.27g/L FW) and L-DOPA production (5.13mg/g DW) respectively both showing a 1.5-fold increase than the control. In gamma radiation studies, 100Gy (Gy) dose showed the highest (83%) seed germination rate, 150Gy increased the in-vitro root and shoot length, while 100Gy increased the biomass of the cell cultures. Also, 150Gy dose showed a 6.1, 2.6 and 2.4-fold increase in L-DOPA production in the in-vitro roots, in-vitro shoots, and cell suspension culture respectively when compared to the control. UV light exposure of 30min and 150Gy doses of gamma radiation showed a significant increase in L-DOPA production. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Society for Plant Research 2024. -
Explainable artificial intelligence enhanced quantum-inspired spider monkey optimization for a constrained portfolio optimization proble
Optimizing portfolios has consistently posed significant challenges while being an extensively researched subject in finance and accounting. This process requires selecting and distributing appropriate assets in alignment with a set of specified objectives. This nonlinear constraint issue is not effectively solvable using traditional methods. This paper investigates the use of spider monkey optimization, ageist spider monkey optimization, and a newly proposed enhanced spider monkey optimization technique for portfolio optimization problems. The explainability of the spider monkey optimization has been improved without compromising the optimization results. It has been observed that the proposed technique marginally enhances the results of spider monkey optimization and can improve trust and risk management in the portfolio optimization problem. Furthermore, a quantum-inspired version of the proposed method is also implemented, and the results are compared using three benchmarked datasets from Dow Jones, BSE, and NASDAQ. Experimental results obtained using these benchmark datasets demonstrate that the newly introduced technique within the quantum-inspired framework marginally outperforms all other methods in the classical and quantum-inspired domains. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
A hybrid ensemble framework with particle swarm optimization for network anomaly detection
The increasing complexity of cyber threats necessitates the development of a robust and adaptive Intrusion Detection System (IDS) capable of safeguarding network infrastructures. Traditional IDS approaches often struggle to detect sophisticated attacks due to their reliance on predefined patterns. We propose an adaptive particle swarm optimization (PSO)-optimized ensemble learning framework tailored to address these challenges in modern IDS applications. Our approach leverages the NSL-KDD and CICIDS datasets to ensure the IDS is trained and evaluated on data reflecting current network behaviours and threat landscapes. We evaluate multiple machine learning models, including Decision Trees (DT), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forests (RF), and an ensemble of these models for both binary and multi-class classification tasks. By incorporating adaptive mechanisms within the PSO algorithm, our framework dynamically adjusts hyperparameters during optimization, enhancing model robustness and convergence speed. The proposed framework is also benchmarked against state-of-the-art IDS approaches, including ASRL and PSOGSA. Empirical evaluations demonstrate that the ensemble model achieves superior detection accuracy and reduced false positive rates, thereby advancing the efficacy of intrusion detection methodologies. The Author(s) 2025. -
Design and validation of minimal jerk lane changing manoeuvre for adaptive cruise control in electric vehicles
Vehicle stability largely depends on the driving conditions and the driver. In Autonomous vehicles the stability of the vehicle is an important factor and is directly related to safety. When performing the steering manoeuvres during overtaking or during turns, the autonomous features should ensure that the vehicle remains stable. This work focuses on design and development of a steering manoeuvre that ensures smooth operation during overtaking and turns. The model will be implemented along with Adaptive Cruise Control and Anti-Lock Braking mechanism. The validation of the model is performed in IPG CarMaker software. The software is linked with Matlab/Simulink which enables to operate the model at the backend to perform the validation of the safety and stability features. Article Highlights Proposes a minimal jerk-based lane-changing maneuver for smoother Adaptive Cruise Control in EVs. Integrates real-time optimization for dynamic driving conditions using MATLAB/Simulink and IPG CarMaker. Combines minimal jerk control, Adaptive Cruise Control, and ABS to enhance safety and skid prevention. The Author(s) 2025. -
A hybrid multi-optimizer approach using CNN and GB for accurate prediction of citrus fruit diseases
Efficient prediction of citrus fruit diseases is essential for maintaining orchard health and productivity. Traditional diagnostic methods, often relying on manual inspection, are labor-intensive and prone to inaccuracies. Deep learning techniques, especially Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), offer an automated and accurate alternative. This study introduces a novel model integrating CNN with Gradient Boosting (GB) and optimized using the Nesterov-Accelerated Adaptive Moment Estimation (Nadam) optimizer to enhance prediction accuracy. The model employs a custom CNN architecture combined with GB, leveraging Nadam for faster convergence and improved performance. Trained on a dataset of 3,000 citrus fruit images sourced from Kaggle, the model follows a structured process of preprocessing, feature extraction, integration of GB with CNN, and optimal prediction. Comparative analysis using metrics such as accuracy, precision, F1 score, and recall demonstrates the model's effectiveness, achieving an accuracy of 98.03% and precision of 98.04%. This robust approach addresses limitations of traditional methods by enabling automated feature extraction and reliable disease prediction. The proposed CNN-GB-Nadam model significantly enhances efficiency and reliability, providing a valuable tool for protecting citrus fruit health and improving orchard management practices. The Author(s) 2025. -
Scaling new heights: personal transformation through high altitude trekking in the Himalayas
In recent times, the human-nature continuum is being explored and studies have shown different kinds of terrains and nature evoke different emotional responses in individuals. Trekking in high-altitude mountains is one kind of nature and is special in terms of the height, the extent of naturalness and the experience of living in the wilderness that is involved. The current study focuses on understanding the experience of high-altitude trekking for novice Indian trekkers. The semi-structured interview data from eight participants who had gone on four different treks in the Himalayas was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The following themes- motivational factors, preparation, environmental shift, social relationships, psychological impact and physical impact- emerged with personal transformation being the essence of the experience. The themes bring forth the various psychological benefits of interacting with nature whilst facilitating social connection. The research emphasises the psychosocial benefits of the trekking experience and paves the way for a holistic approach towards health and well-being in theoretical and therapeutic approaches in the Indian scenario. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Outdoor Education Australia 2025. -
Advanced electrochemical performance of N-Ti3C2/MnO2 MXene as a promising electrode for energy storage
In this study, we demonstrate a simple and efficient two-step synthetic strategy to design a high-performance N-Ti3C2/MnO2 composite for energy storage application. Nitrogen doping alters the electronic structure of electrode materials and enhances pseudocapacitance. N-Ti3C2 serves as a supporting substrate for MnO2, boosting the active surface area by preventing Ti3C2 layer stacking. Benefitting from the collaborative contribution and synergistic interaction within this multicomponent system, N-Ti3C2/MnO2 results in exceptional specific capacitance of 2107.1 Fg?1 at 1 Ag?1. It also exhibits a low internal resistance and maintains a capacitive retention of 94% over 3000 cycles. The asymmetric capacitor also delivers an energy density of 117.1 Whkg?1 at a power density of 1290.1 Wkg?1. This work presents a straightforward method for modifying Ti3C2 through nitrogen doping and the insertion of MnO2 as an interlayer spacer to enhance electrochemical performance. Qatar University and Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Exploring the potential application of Cr2AlC MAX phase as an emerging electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
A three-dimensional (3D) chromium carbide ceramic type, H-phase (211) categorized as Cr2AlC, MAX phase has garnered enormous attention in recent times due to its unique structure and bonding, surface area, thermal stability, and thermo-electrical conductivity, and hydrophilicity. A simple synthesis approach is proposed for obtaining layered Cr2AlC, MAX phase, with X-ray diffraction data and SEM morphology confirming the formation of the H-phase. The electrocatalyst Cr2AlC is being utilized for electrocatalytic water splitting application. The Cr2AlC is observed to exhibit an overpotential and Tafel slopes of 215 mV/88.3 mV dec? 1 for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 376 mV/96.5 mV dec? 1 for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, demonstrating good stability for up to 7200s. This study establishes a straightforward method for producing emergent material, Cr2AlC MAX phase, and highlights its promising applications in water electrolysis, hydrogen evolution, and oxygen evolution reactions. Qatar University and Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Sociocentric and Cosmocentric Coping: Cultural Logics of Parenting During Crisis in Low-Resource Indian Families
Coping with crisis is a culturally situated process shaped by models of self, morality, and notions of good life rather than by individual stress regulation alone. Drawing on cultural psychology frameworks, this study examines how parents of young children in low-resource settings coped with adversity situated within the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Using a constructivist qualitative design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 parents of children under six years of age belonging from economically marginalized communities living in urban Delhi, India. Data were analyzed through Reflexive Thematic Analysis, guided by Kirmayers (2007) model of Cultural Configurations of the Self. These narratives illustrate how coping emerged as a moral, relational, and faith-based practice under conditions of adversity and uncertainty. Sociocentric coping reflects a relational orientation in which well-being is understood as collective, caregiving is regarded as morally central, and emotional regulation is oriented toward preserving family harmony. Cosmocentric coping reflects an orientation toward higher-order forces through which uncertainty is accepted, distress is externalized, and endurance cultivated. The study challenges individualistic models of coping and highlights how care, endurance, and meaning-making are collectively organized in contexts of structural vulnerability. The paper extends theoretical understanding of coping with crisis and calls for a contextually grounded model of parental coping. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Burnout Among Academicians: a Review of Antecedent and Protective Factors of Burnout in University Teaching Faculties
The producers and intermediaries of knowledge are teachers. In addition to their teaching duties, faculty have another responsibility to generate new knowledge through scientific research. Teaching faculties in such a multi-tasking environment may feel equally stressed in their job as those in other highly demanding roles. Such unaddressed work-related stresses would at times increase burnout among faculty members. Hence, it is a pressing need to understand the causes of burnout among teaching staff. This systematic review aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to all stakeholders in education by summarising the academic publications on the determinants of academic burnout. In addition, the study also aimed to identify protective factors against burnout among university teaching faculties. To achieve this goal, a literature search was conducted using the PRISMA-P 2015 methodology, encompassing studies of empirical research published between January 2010 and October 2025. The search yielded 2,731 records, of which 24 studies were selected after undergoing several rounds of screening to meet the study criteria. Based on the results, excessive workloads, pressure to publish, lack of support, low pay, and negative cognitive styles were identified as key risk factors for academic burnout. Protective variables such as strong individual qualities, perceived supervisor support, psychological capital, and self-efficacy were frequently identified as effective in reducing burnout. This concludes that there are complex interrelationships between institutional stressors and personal susceptibility that contribute to academic burnout among university faculty members. The findings provide valuable information for policymakers, teachers, and researchers who are struggling to reconcile the requirement to publish with the duty to teach in modern institutions of higher learning. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Entwined Selves: Identity, Individuality, and Mental Health in Identical Twin Relationships
The relationship between identical twins is highly complex; the delicate dynamics between the twins put forwards lot of challenges in front of both the individuals. Previous researches done on dynamics of identical twin relationships have pointed out the differences between identical twins and siblings. The current study delves into the intricate dynamics of identical twin relationships and the impact on their mental health, with a focus on their perception of their identity. Utlizing Braun and Clark's thematic analysis method, the present study studies the lived experiences of identical twins and how they perceive their relationship. In-depth interview was conducted on six sets of identical twins. Thematic analysis was conducted on the results to understand the ways in which identical twins addresses their challenges. The research explores aspects such as emotional support, communication, and shared identity as crucial elements in understanding the dynamics of identical twin relationships. The implication of the research shows the need for mental health interventions that utilize the distinctive advantages of twin relationships as it reveals these complex dynamics. The results are discussed in light of proper theoretical background. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026. -
Can Tradition and Ambition Coexist? Unpacking Career and Collective Identity Integration Among Indian Emerging Adults
Developing a meaningful identity requires integrating lived experiences by coordinating the past, present and future identities, integrating multiple personally meaningful identity domains, or aligning ones identities with ones culture to form a coherent sense of self. However, there is a dearth of studies on identity integration across multiple identity domains in the Indian sociocultural context. Even in the West, identity integration is studied using survey methods predominantly in minority populations and on identity domains like ethnicity/religion and religion/sexuality. However, this focus risks overlooking the complexity and nuance of identity experiences, which are often deeply shaped by personally salient and central domains such as career and family. Thus, this paper expands the understanding of identity integration across career and collective identity, considering its relevance among Indian emerging adults using a qualitative approach. Ten emerging adults (1825 years) were purposively selected, and their interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The narrative accounts revealed career and collective identity integration as a bidirectional phenomenon where family dynamics influence career identities, which, in turn, influence family relations and the reshaping of their worth and communication dynamics. A unique configuration of struggling to balance between family and career emerged as emerging adults negotiated between their desire to stay with family and career pursuits. The impact of financial independence on career identity and parental relationships emerged as another significant aspect. The results discuss theoretical and practical implications for identity research in light of urban Indias unique sociocultural context. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Untold Stories from the Slums: A Qualitative Exploration of the Lives of Female Informal Waste Workers
The present study investigates the nuanced experiences of urban informal waste workers, shedding light on the intricate realities shaping their daily lives. Employing purposive sampling, in-depth interviews were conducted, specifically targeting female participants aged eighteen and above, engaged in informal waste work for a minimum duration of one year. A total of ten in-depth interviews were meticulously executed, with recordings subsequently translated and transcribed for thorough analysis. Utilizing Braun and Clarks thematic analysis method, a comprehensive examination of the data yielded a hierarchical structure comprising codes, sub-themes, and overarching themes. The central themes identified encapsulate the multifaceted challenges encountered by urban informal waste workers, including Occupational Hardships and Vulnerability, Economic Struggles and Diminished Quality of Life, Commitment to Family, Emotional and Psychosocial Challenges, Appreciation and Acknowledgment of Support Received, Decreased Willingness to seek help, and Aspirations and Hopes for the future. By amplifying the voices of these marginalized workers, this study advocates for the implementation of inclusive policies and interventions tailored to address their diverse needs within the urban milieu. Through its findings, the study aims to cultivate a more compassionate and supportive environment that not only recognizes the invaluable contributions of urban informal waste workers but also strives to enhance their overall well-being and socio-economic standing. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025. -
Understanding Peer Victimisation and Related Coping Strategies Among Young Adults
Peer victimisation is a term used to describe the process of an individual being bullied by other peers, physically as well as socially, which affects the victims personality, emotional functioning, behaviour, and well-being. In response, the victims adopt several coping strategies to deal with the situation. However, the experience makes an indelible mark on those who have been victims of the process. This current study aims to understand the perspectives of young adults who have experienced peer victimisation and also explore the coping strategies used by them. The study adopts a qualitative research design, based on which data was collected from young adults (n = 10) using semi-structured interviews. After a process of screening, participants were chosen using a purposive sampling method. The data collected was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), through which various super-ordinate themes emerged. The significant themes focus on the nature of peers, experiences of peer victimisation, risk factors leading to peer victimisation, consequences of peer victimisation, coping mechanisms, and strategies to prevent peer victimisation. The findings highlight the understanding of the repercussions of peer victimisation and emphasise the need to adopt innovative strategies, implement pre-emptive interventions, and mandate decisive measures to mitigate instances of peer victimisation. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Sexual Relationship Decision Making Based on Entertainment Media: A Qualitative Perspective Among Young Couples
As important as physical, mental, or social health is sexual health. Teenage pregnancy, STDs/STIs, and unsafe abortions are just a few of the population health issues that can arise from the absence of adequate sex education for young people. The purpose of this study is to investigate the process of sexual decision-making as influenced by media intervention among couples. Entertainment education (EE) is an approach that uses storytelling to influence large-scale behaviour change. EE has been used as a potent tool to educate, enlighten, and influence society and individual behaviour change worldwide. Through entertainment education, people have been taught about themes like HIV, family planning, pregnancy and child health, violence against women, and other subjects. Web series or movies that are accessible on the online subscription service, Netflix was taken into consideration for this study. Although there is a great deal of research on adolescent sexuality, studies of sexual decision-making have traditionally been gendered, meaning that men and women have been examined separately. This study is designed for a qualitative investigation using a phenomenological approach. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse semi-structured interviews of couples in a heterosexual romantic relationship. The findings will reveal the influence of entertainment education on young couples choices in their intimate relationships. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Resilience in Children from Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds: An Exploratory Study
Poverty, violence, substance abuse, family dissonance and illness represent a few potential vulnerabilities in the lives of children who are at risk of failing in their future prospects. It is thus essential to explore resilience in children, owing to the excess or deficit of exposure and access in a childs life. This study aims at exploring the resilience of children of the age group 710years, from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The socioeconomic status was determined using the Kuppuswamy socioeconomic scale and these children had parents with authoritarian and permissive parenting styles which were screened through the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire which act as risk factors for the children. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews with the participants and was analysed using thematic analysis. For the lower socioeconomic status group, the main themes identified were social interaction and competence, overcoming distress and future focus, and for the upper socioeconomic status group, the main themes identified were social interaction and competence and emotional management. The study paves the way for further exploration of the impact of economic status on childrens wellbeing and might inform changes at a clinical, research and policy level. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. -
Exploring White Knight Syndrome in an Indian Setting: A Grounded Theory Approach
White knights are individuals who enter into romantic relationships with damaged and vulnerable partners, hoping that love will transform their partners behaviour or life. Existing literature on white knight is limited to a handful of studies, primarily based on Western population. The present research aimed at developing a substantive theory on white knight syndrome in an Indian setting. The study follows a qualitative paradigm and the research design is grounded theory approach to be specific. Participants for the study were screened using Lamias white knight checklist. Data has been collected from eighteen young adults aged 1825years through semi-structured interviews. The data was analyzed using Strauss and Corbin grounded theory analysis. The study identified six phasespre-relationship phase, needs exploration phase, shining white knight phase, drained white knight phase, golden realization phase, and finally delayed breakup. Along with the phases, the study identified factors, characteristics, and types of white knight. The study has implications in the clinical and counselling field in identifying and understanding white knight tendencies. Additionally, the theory is applicable in the Indian setting highlighting the intricate interaction between culture, norms, roles, and the recent social factors. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. -
Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Promotion of Social Competence: a Conceptual Framework
Developmental disorders have a substantial effect on the social competence of children affecting their overall psychosocial functioning. Social competence entails the process of being socially mature by establishing stable and adaptive patterns of social behavior. Animal-assisted therapy, as an alternative treatment modality, has offered some new prospects for improving social cognition. This conceptual paper, thus, attempts to throw light on how animal-assisted therapy can help improve social competence. The paper draws its knowledge from the existing theories and empirical work done to propose a conceptual framework that can enhance social competence by incorporating therapy animals. It can be concluded that animal-assisted therapy has found to improve different dimensions crucial for development of social competence. This further suggests the dire need to explore the effectiveness of human-animal interactions by utilizing it for improving social competence. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022. -
Just: towards jute pest classification by combination of supervised learning and triplet loss aided contrastive learning
Jute is a vital agricultural commodity contributing significantly to the GDP of countries like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and China. However, because of its inaccuracy and slowness, its vulnerability to pest infestations-which are often handled by manual inspections-poses serious cost concerns. This study suggests a unique method for early and accurate pest identification that combines contrastive and supervised learning. Contrastive learning enhances feature representation by distinguishing between positive and negative samples, ensuring that instances within the same class are closely grouped while maintaining separation between different classes. It reduces false negatives by classifying some samples as negative and others with the same label as positive. Supervised learning enables precise pest identification by aligning features with distinctive characteristics of each class. Metrics including precision, recall, F1 score, ROC curve, and confusion matrix are used to assess the hybrid models performance; the findings show notable accuracy gains over conventional techniques. This scalable and dependable solution lowers losses caused by pests and provides a sustainable method of growing jute using cutting-edge advanced machine-learning techniques. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.