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Multi-Objective Reinforcement Learning With Physics-Aware Vehicle Dynamics for Safe and Efficient Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) enhances safety and comfort in autonomous vehicles by maintaining appropriate inter-vehicular distance and speed regulation. Traditional ACC systems based on PID or Model Predictive Control (MPC) often struggle to handle complex, unforeseen traffic scenarios such as sudden braking, pedestrian crossings, or lane changes. Reinforcement Learning (RL) offers an adaptive alternative by enabling policy learning through environment interaction. However, existing RL-based ACC methods frequently suffer from poor smoothness and energy inefficiency under emergency conditions. This work proposes an enhanced RL-based ACC framework that integrates a physics-informed, multi-objective reward function to jointly optimize safety, ride comfort, and energy efficiency. The reward components are normalized and dynamically weighted based on the current driving context, allowing the agent to adaptively prioritize objectives. Vehicular dynamics are explicitly incorporated into the learning process to improve real-world applicability. The system is trained using the DDPG algorithm, which supports continuous control and stable policy convergence. Extensive MATLAB-based simulations were conducted across diverse urban driving scenarios including stopgo traffic, traffic signals, lane changes, and pedestrian interactions. Comparative analysis against PID and MPC-based ACC controllers demonstrates that the proposed framework achieves superior performance in maintaining safe inter-vehicular distance, reducing jerk, and improving energy efficiency. This study validates the feasibility of deploying a computationally efficient, model-free RL-based ACC for robust and safe autonomous driving in dynamic traffic environments. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to ITS Japan 2026. -
Detection and analysis of android malwares using hybrid dual Path bi-LSTM Kepler dynamic graph convolutional network
In past decade, the android malware threats have been rapidly increasing with the widespread usage of internet applications. In respect of security purpose, there are several machine learning techniques attempted to detect the malwares effectively, but failed to achieve the accurate detection due to increasing number of features, more time consumption decreases in detection efficiency. To overcome these limitations, in this research work an innovative Hybrid dual path Bidirectional long short-term memory Kepler dynamic graph Convolutional Network (HBKCN) is proposed to analyze and detect android malwares effectively. First, the augmented abstract syntax tree is applied for pre-processing and extracts the string function from each malware. Second, the adaptive aphid ant optimization is utilized to choose the most appropriate features and remove irrelevant features. Finally, the proposed HBKCN classifies benign and malware apps based on their specifications. Four benchmark datasets, namely Drebin, VirusShare, Malgenome -215, and MaMaDroid datasets, are employed to estimate the effectiveness of the technique. The result demonstrates that the HBKCN technique achieved excellent performance with respect to a few important metrics compared to existing methods. Moreover, detection accuracies of 99.2%, 99.1%,99.8% and 99.8% are achieved for the considered datasets, respectively. Also, the computation time is greatly reduced, illustrating the efficiency of the proposed model in identifying android malwares. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Bimetallic Cobalt-Vanadium Boride as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
The transition to a hydrogen-based economy necessitates the development of sustainable and cost-effective electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production via water electrolysis. In this study, we report a novel cobalt-vanadium boride (CoVB) catalyst, which exhibits enhanced bifunctional activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. CoVB was synthesized using a facile one-step chemical reduction method with varying vanadium concentrations, optimizing performance at a 3% vanadium content. Electrochemical analyses demonstrated that CoVB significantly outperformed cobalt boride (CoB), achieving an HER and OER overpotential (?10) of 80mV and 320mV, respectively, comparable to noble metal benchmarks. Characterization results revealed that V plays a promoting role in inhibiting the growth of particles and agglomeration of particles, leading to an increase in surface area and producing unique mixed amorphous and crystalline structures in CoVB to enhance catalytic activity by increasing the number of active sites and conductivity across the interface. Furthermore, in two-electrode systems, the cell voltage of 1.66V was needed to achieve 10mA/cm2 of current density with superior stability and reusability. Overall, the CoVB catalyst, a new candidate from the metal boride family, presents a promising alternative to precious metals for efficient and sustainable water-splitting in alkaline electrolyzers. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Application of Corn Oil Derived Carbon Nano-onions Using Flame Pyrolysis as Durable Catalyst Support for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
The reliance of carbon black as catalyst support for Pt in PEM fuel cell has posed a major challenge in its durability as carbon blacks are highly prone to corrosion. As an alternative, CNTs, CNFs, and graphene are explored as catalyst support, however at the expense of tedious synthesis procedure and production cost. So to combat this issue, a facile flame pyrolysis route was adopted to produce carbon nano-onions using eco-friendly corn oil. Further modification in the carbon nano-onions exhibited better corrosion resistance in comparison to carbon black (Vulcan XC-72R). Also, a systematic approach was adopted towards developing a durable electrocatalyst which was designed to withstand harsh fuel cell operating conditions. The electrocatalyst was successfully analyzed using stringent standard testing protocols (< 40% ECSA loss). Among all the electrocatalyst studied, Pt/fOC exhibited only 37.1% loss in electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) after 5000 cycles, thus indicating its excellent durability. A full cell was also constructed with Pt/fOC as cathode electrocatalyst which showed a maximum power density of 365 mW cm?2comparable to commercial Pt/C (367 mW cm?2). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the application of corn oil derived carbon nano-onions as catalyst support for PEM fuel cells. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Parsing the Promise of Mindfulness for Obsessive-CompulsiveDisorder: From Heterogeneous Evidence to Mechanistic Precision
This extended commentary critically evaluates recent mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with particular attention to the synthesis by Reis et al. (Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 24(7), 735741,2024). Drawing on a meta-analysis by Chien et al. (Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 32, 100712,2022) and 10 randomized controlled trials, this review highlighted substantial heterogeneity across intervention types, delivery formats, and outcome measures. Key distinctions were identified among mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based exposure and response prevention (MB-ERP). Notable discrepancies between self-reported and clinician-rated outcomes, divergent theoretical frameworks, and the need for greater mechanistic precision were underscored. Integration of mindfulness within ERP emerges as a theoretically promising but still preliminary strategy to enhance inhibitory learning, reduce covert compulsions, and strengthen distress tolerance and treatment engagement. A forward-looking research agenda was proposed, emphasizing mechanism-matched trials, optimization of intervention sequencing, culturally adapted protocols, and scalable digital MB-ERP platforms with fidelity monitoring. This approach aimed to support the development of individualized, effective, and durable mindfulness-based treatments for OCD. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
CalciumCobaltCurcumin Functionalized TiO? Nanoparticles for Enhanced Biological Activities Using a Multivariable Regression Approach
A multifunctional TiO?-based NPs, TiCaCoCur, was synthesized by coating TiO? nanoparticles with calcium, cobalt, and curcumin. XRD confirmed the retention of the anatase phase with crystallite sizes of 35nm for TiO? and 27nm for TiCaCoCur. FTIR verified curcumin incorporation via hydrogen bonding and metal coordination. UVVis spectra showed shifts in absorption peaks, indicating electronic interactions, while PL suggested the presence of surface defect states and improved electronhole separation. SEM and TEM revealed spherical nanoparticles (~ 2526nm) with SAED patterns consistent with XRD. DLS indicated a reduced hydrodynamic size (116 6nm) for TiCaCoCur compared to TiO? (152 8nm), and XPS confirmed the presence of Ti??, Ca?, Co?, and surface-bound curcumin.TiCaCoCur exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and C. albicans, and showed improved DPPH radical scavenging activity, approaching that of Vitamin C. MTT assays on MOLT-4 cells demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with an IC?? value of 8.7g/mL for TiCaCoCur. In addition, a simple multivariable regression analysis was carried out to examine the relationship between key physicochemical parameters and biological activity. The results suggest that reduced particle size (DLS), smaller crystallite size (XRD), and changes in optical absorption behavior (UVVis) collectively contribute to the improved biological performance of the modified nanoparticles.Overall, the synergistic combination of TiO?, curcumin, and metal ions yields a NPs with enhanced structural, optical, and biological properties, making it a promising candidate for biomedical applications including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer uses. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Chitosan Coated-Liposomal Microencapsulation of Fucoidan Extracted from Marine Sargassum wightii: Assessment of Its Biofunctional and Therapeutic Properties
Fucoidan, a sulphated polysaccharide derived from Sargassum wightii, holds significant therapeutic potential due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Despite its therapeutic properties, its clinical efficacy is limited by poor bioavailability and instability. This study reports the successful encapsulation of fucoidan in liposomes employing the thin-film hydration technique, followed by chitosan coating to enhance its stability and biological activity. Structural integrity and successful encapsulation were confirmed through FTIR and UVVis spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity assessed via DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays demonstrated concentration-dependent radical scavenging, with chitosan-coated formulations exhibiting superior efficacy. The formulation was reported to exhibit strong antioxidant potential, as indicated by DPPH (38.65% at 500?g/ml) and H?O? (40.707% at 400 ?g/ml). Antimicrobial testing revealed notable activity against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, but not against the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, suggesting a narrow-spectrum antibacterial potential. The antimicrobial assays conducted reported a zone of inhibition of 11.4mm for a concentration of 2mg/ml. Furthermore, scratch wound assays and MTT-based cytotoxicity analysis on L929 fibroblast cells indicated promising wound-healing activity, with a wound closure of 92.72% observed 72h after treatment with the sample. The IC?? value of 100?g/ml was also reported to have high cell viability of 84.22%. These findings underscore the potential of chitosan-coated liposomal fucoidan as a multifunctional bioactive system for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Sr and Co Co-Doped TiO?Folic Acid Nanocomposites: Antibacterial, Antifungal (Candida albicans), Antioxidant (DPPH and Trolox), and In Vitro Anticancer Activity against HepG2 Cells
Liver cancer and multidrug-resistant bacterial infections pose significant health challenges, highlighting the urgent need for multifunctional therapeutics. In this study, a TiO? nanocomposite co-doped with strontium (Sr) and cobalt (Co) and surface-functionalized with folic acid (TiO?SrCoFA) nanocomposite was synthesized via a hydrothermal method followed by post-synthesis FA functionalization. XRD confirmed the anatase phase, with reduced crystallite size for TiO?SrCoFA, while TEM showed spherical, uniformly dispersed nanoparticles (~ 23nm) with no agglomeration. DLS revealed a hydrodynamic diameter of 138.6nm, and XPS/FTIR confirmed Sr, Co, and FA incorporation. Optical studies (UV-Vis and PL) indicated electronic modifications conducive to ROS generation. TiO?SrCoFA exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium), Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris), and Candida albicans. Antioxidant assays demonstrated concentration-dependent scavenging (2883%) comparable to vitamin C. In HepG2 liver cancer cells, TiO?SrCoFA showed superior cytotoxicity with an IC?? of 6.5g/mL versus 9.8g/mL for TiO?, inducing apoptosis and oxidative stress. The enhanced bioactivity is attributed to nanoscale size, Sr/Co doping, FA-mediated targeting, and ROS generation. TiO?SrCoFA thus represents a promising multifunctional nanotherapeutic platform for simultaneous antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Biogenic Copper Oxide@rGO Nanocomposite for Decontamination of a Food Threat B. Cereus in a Rice Model
Pathogenic microorganisms have become a serious threat to human beings all over the world as they cause severe disease illnesses. This study used supercritical carbon dioxide as a green solvent to prepare a nanocomposite composed of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The resulting nanocomposite was examined using a various of alanytical techniques. The developed CuO/rGO nanocomposite exhibited potenail antimicrobial ability against a food pathogenic bacterium, Bacillus cereus. Additionality, it showed high toxicity towards B. cereus, confirmed by the means of fluorescent live-dead counting of cells. Its mechanistic role against a food meneac was confirmed by the means of time-kill ability (complete inhibition at 200min), cell membrane integrity (OD of control: 1.62; CuO/rGO: 3.78 at 60min), membrane uptake (Control: 27.21%; Cuo/rGO: 64.33%), and membrane potential ability (Control: 58.33; CuO/rGO: 24.12) towards B. cereus. Study of scanning electron microscopy analyse resulted in the membrane disruption of B. cereus by the nanocomposite. Moreover, the CuO/rGO nanocomposite inhibited in vitro biofilm formation ability (Crystal violet uptake - Control: 31.33%; CuO/rGO: 59.11%) of B. cereus. Furthermore, the nanocomposite coating was used as a rinse solution for rice bowl packages. Interestingly, a rinsing solution (20% and 4060min) significantly inhibited the CFU count of B. cereus in rice by 2.1 log cfu/g as compaered to control 6.2 log cfu/g. The outcomes highlight the effectiveness of nanocomposite coating against food menace B. cereus, suggesting that the developed nanocomposite could be applied as an effective antimicrobial marinade and/or a rinse for raw rice preservation aginst hazardous foodborne pathogens. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Biological and Environmental Applications of Myco-synthesized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
In the present investigation, TiO2NPs were myco-synthesized through the extracellular enzymes of endophytic fungi, Aspergillus versicolor FCPRS11 isolated from stem of Azadirachta indica. The synthesized TiO2NPs was characterized using UV- Vis, FT-IR, SEM, XRD, EDX, DLS and Zeta Potential. The synthesized TiO2NPs were analyzed for their antimicrobicidal properties against five clinical pathogens with two fungal pathogens and were exhibiting significant inhibition towards the bacteria at minimum concentration of 50g/ml of TiO2NPs. The free radical scavenging mechanism of the synthesized TiO2NPs was monitored through various assessment to understand about NPs antioxidant properties and the IC50 values were compared with the IC50 value of standard ascorbic acid (91g/ml). Further the NPs were analyzed for in vitro anti- inflammatory property exhibiting 73.87% inhibition and anti- diabetic properties (62.18% inhibition) proving that TiO2NPs evinced a promising biomedical activity. The larger surface area of the synthesized TiO2NPs as per the SEM analysis, allowed evaluation of their adsorption capacity on soil collected from metallurgical site containing combination of heavy metals and contaminants. The results of adsorption studies demonstrated that the adsorption increases with increase in time of exposure of TiO2NPs and adsorption capacity was determined by employing Langmuir model. The % dye degradation was evaluated by photocatalytic dye degradation studies where at 100mg/L of TiO2NPs, over 91% dye was found to be degraded within 240mins.These findings highlight the potential of myco-synthesized TiO?NPs as effective agents for biomedical applications and environmental nanoremediation. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Nanoremediation of Groundwater Contaminants Through Mycosynthesized CuONPs and ZnONPs
The global wide threatening problem is the pollution, especially water and soil pollution are biggest threats to our people. The pollution not only damages the resources but also enters the ecosystem and impairs our health. The pollution disfigures the fertility of the soil and contaminates the groundwater table which is the most reliable source of all living organisms. Due to urbanization of people and scarcity of the water resources, the people rely on the groundwater for the domestic and drinking needs. Earlier researches include the bioremediation and physico-chemical mechanisms in removal of toxic/heavy metals from water but still faced several post-treatment issues. The advancement in science and technology paved a path as nanotechnology to overcome these problems. In this current investigation, the CuO nanoparticles (CuONPs) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized from endophytic fungal strain and characterized which were previously reported. The groundwater samples were collected near, in, and around of the garbage-dump site of Vellalore-Kurichi village, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India; three areas were selected, and water samples were collected. The basic physico-chemical parameters such as BOD, COD, TDS, hardness, pH, chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, and heavy metal(s) of the collected samples were analyzed. The adsorption studies were initiated with three different concentrations of CuONPs and ZnONPs in 100mL of polluted groundwater samples, and the kinetics was started with 0th min and extended till 180min. The adsorption rate increased with the increase in time; the CuONPs and ZnONPs adsorbed the few pollutants that also included arsenic (V) effectively. The nanoremediated samples were further taken to determine the effectiveness in aiding the plant growth promotion, and this was executed in Trigonella sp. plants. The plants were grown well which was compared to the control plants, and the phytochemical assessment was carried out. The presence of phytochemicals of the plants grown in nanoremediated samples was similar to that of control plants. Further, the CuONPs and ZnONPs have the ability in remediating the pollutants/contaminants in the groundwater. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Bioprospecting Soil Bacteria for Protease Production Using Agro-Waste: Toward Sustainable Detergent Formulations
Purpose: Microbial proteases, particularly from soil-dwelling Bacillus species, are preferred over plant- and animal-derived enzymes due to their high yield, stability, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale production in industries. This study aimed to isolate and characterize potent protease-producing bacteria from soil and explore their application in developing a sustainable, bio-based stain remover. The formulation incorporates waste (citrus fruit peel and flower), promoting the valorization of agro-waste as part of a sustainable waste management strategy. Methods and Results: Soil samples collected from market waste disposal sites in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, yielded eight distinct bacterial isolates, among which strain S-5 showed the highest proteolytic activity on skimmed milk agar. Molecular identification confirmed the isolate as Bacillus aerius based on 16S rRNA sequencing.The crude enzyme extract obtained after 48h of incubation exhibited maximum proteolytic activity at pH 11, with an activity of 0.928U/mL. This confirms that enzyme production improves at higher pH levels. A biodegradable stain remover was prepared by combining the crude protease extract with citrus peel extract in water and ethanol formulations. The prepared formulation effectively removed oil, paint, and dye stains from cotton cloth within 20min of treatment without mechanical rubbing, whereas control samples showed minimal stain removal. Ethanol-based formulations demonstrated higher cleaning efficiency compared to water-based extracts, showing extensive stain removal in all replicates, while control treatments showed only minor or minimal removal. Conclusion: The integration of microbial proteases from soil-derived bacteria with agro-waste components produced an eco-friendly stain remover, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical detergents and promoting waste valorization in circular economy-based green product development. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2026. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.