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Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Efficacies and Related Mechanisms of Cirsimaritin in MPTP-Induced Parkinson in Mice with Following the Molecular Docking Studies
Parkinsons disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss and oxidative stressinduced apoptosis. The present study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of cirsimaritin against MPTP-induced PD in mice and explored its possible mechanism through combined in silico and in vivo approaches. Molecular docking using AutoDock Vina revealed that cirsimaritin exhibits strong binding affinities with key antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx, and SOD) and apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, ?8, and ? 9), suggesting possible modulation of oxidative and apoptotic signaling pathways. In vivo, PD was induced by MPTP (30mg/kg, i.p., for 7days), followed by oral administration of cirsimaritin (25 and 50mg/kg). Behavioral assessmentsincluding the open field, narrow beam walking, and wire hanging testsdemonstrated significant improvement in locomotor and neuromuscular performance in cirsimaritin-treated mice. Biochemical analyses revealed that cirsimaritin restored dopamine and its metabolites, decreased lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and GPx). Additionally, cirsimaritin attenuated apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax and caspase-3 expression. Histopathological examination confirmed reduced neurodegeneration in the brain hippocampus of treated mice. These findings indicate that cirsimaritin exerts potent neuroprotective effects in MPTP-induced PD mice, likely through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic actions, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for Parkinsons disease. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Physical Analysis of White and Brick Red Eri Silk Fiber
Despite growing interest in Eri silk, limited research compares the properties of white and brick red varieties, particularly their optical, mechanical, and crystallinity behaviour. This study investigates the structural, optical, thermal, and surface properties of both varieties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UVvis analysis (UVvis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Eri silk fibers were evaluated for weight loss percentage, functional groups, thermal stability, tensile strength, and amino acid composition. Both experienced around 10% weight loss after degumming. UVvis analysis revealed an increase in optical band gap and decrease in Urbach energy after degumming, indicating improved structural order. XRD analysis showed crystallinity of 55% for degummed white and 50% for brick red Eri silk fiber. TGA demonstrated that undegummed white Eri silk exhibited 10% less mass loss than brick red, indicating higher thermal stability. SEM analysis showed white fibers with an average diameter of 19.34m, compared to 16.32m for brick red. White Eri silk fiber also demonstrated superior stretchability and flexibility in tensile strength tests. Amino acid profiling indicated a higher alanine content in white fiber. These findings enhance the understanding of physical properties of Eri silks varieties for potential applications in textiles and biomaterials. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the Korean Fiber Society 2025. -
Electrochemical Detection of Tartrazine via MIL-100(Fe)/MWCNTs Nanocomposite: Integrated Experimental and Computational Insights
Excessive consumption of synthetic food colourants such as tartrazine (TZ) poses significant health risks, highlighting the need for sensitive detection methods for food safety applications. Here, we report a binder-free electrochemical sensor based on synergistic integration of iron-based metalorganic framework MIL-100(Fe) with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The nanocomposite leverages MIL-100's high porosity and accessible Fe3? sites combined with MWCNT's superior conductivity, achieving an 11-fold enlarged electroactive surface area (0.786 cm2) and 19-fold enhanced exchange current density. Under optimized conditions using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the sensor exhibited a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.11?M, a wide linear range (0.9 to 7.5?M, R2 = 0.9891), and excellent selectivity over amaranth (AM) and common interferents. Mechanistic studies revealed adsorption-controlled, one-electron/one-proton irreversible oxidation with ultralow charge transfer resistance (0.073 k?). The sensor demonstrated robust performance with excellent repeatability (RSD = 2.11%), reproducibility (RSD = 4.11%), and stability (> 98% retention, 14days). Real-sample analysis of fruit juices and sweets yielded satisfactory recoveries (85.63118.39%, RSD < 2.17%) without pre-treatment. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations substantiated the selectivity mechanism, revealing stronger TZ adsorption sites relative to AM on the MIL-100(Fe)/MWCNTs nanocomposite. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations yielded valuable insights into the electronic properties and solvation behaviour of the isolated TZ, the MIL-100(Fe) fragment, and their composite (MIL-100(Fe)/TZ) system in aqueous environments. This integrated experimental-computational approach establishes a rational framework for developing next-generation MOF-based electrochemical sensors with predictable performance for food safety monitoring. The Author(s) 2026. -
Colorimetric Indicator Solution from Sappan Heartwood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) Extract for Milk Quality Monitoring
This study utilizes Caesalpinia sappan L., traditionally valued for its culinary and medicinal uses, to develop a colorimetric indicator solution for monitoring milk spoilage. The indicator provides real-time updates on milk freshness through color changes induced by biochemical alterations during spoilage. The color of the indicator solution transitions distinctly from orange-red to orange to yellow as the pH shifts from 7.00 to 5.50 to 3.50, correlating with progressive stages of spoilage. An orange-red color was observed for the fresh stage, orange color for about to be spoilt, and yellow color for the spoilt stage of milk samples. The colorimetric changes are attributed to the presence of Brazelin in Caesalpinia sappan L. Digital images of the indicator solution treated with milk samples were analyzed using RGB (red, green, and blue) indices, with the green chromatic shift serving as a reliable parameter for quantifying color changes, providing reliable assessment of milk spoilage. Findings of this study highlight a simple, accessible, and accurate method for milk quality monitoring that requires no specialized equipment or trained personnel, making it suitable for food safety practices in resource-limited settings. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Climate predictors in Indian summer monsoon forecasting: a novel De-correlated RVFL ensemble strategy
Excessive rainfall and droughts harshly impact India's social and economic growth. Though several statistical methods have been used in literature to predict Indian monsoons, uncertainties cannot be ruled out. The accuracy prediction of ISMR (Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall) is scientifically demanding. From this perspective, it is essential to explore exploiting machine learning techniques. In this paper, a novel De-correlated Regularized Random Vector Functional Link Neural Network Ensemble (DRRNE) prediction approach was proposed using Climate Predictors such as Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly (SST), El-Ni Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and Dipole Mode Index (DMI) to predict ISMR. The proposed work has also investigated the predictability of climate above predictors using the DRRNE approach to predict ISMR. In addition to the predictors above, the data for an 8-year training window time series for June to September is combined and analyzed for four predictors (ENSO, DMI, SOI, and SST) to derive another predictor, ENSO-DMI-SOI-SST (EDSS). It is found that the combination of these four predictors- the EDSS- produces better accuracy than using any of the individual predictors in this study. Among the individual predictors (ENSO, DMI, SOI, and SST), the DMI predictor has shown the best predictability for ISMR prediction. Thus, the suggestedstudy concludes that the DRRNE technique with negative correlation learning may be a suitable tool for predicting the ISMR using the combined outcome of the four climate predictorsas mentioned above. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Psychotic-like experiences in the emotional dysregulation-impulsivity link
Emerging research suggests psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) exist on a continuum and consist of subclinical phenomena like perceptual abnormalities and delusional ideation. PLEs may influence impulsivity- and previous literature shows a link between emotional dysregulation and impulsivity. This study examined whether PLEs as well as gender moderated the relationship between emotional dysregulation and impulsivity in a non-clinical sample of young adults. A total of 95 females and 95 males completed self-report measures assessing emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and PLEs. Associations among study variables were examined using correlational analyses, followed by a moderated moderation analysis conducted using Hayes PROCESS macro. Emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, as well as PLEs and impulsivity, were positively correlated. Moderation analyses revealed gender-specific effects: among females, higher PLEs attenuated the association between emotional dysregulation and impulsivity, whereas in males, PLEs amplified this relationship. These findings suggest that PLEs shape how dysregulated affect translates into impulsive behavior differently for men and women, potentially reflecting distinct emotion regulation strategies. Future research should investigate the mechanisms behind these gender-specific pathways and examine whether these patterns generalize across cultural contexts. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
High trait emotional intelligence lessens the impact of the dark triad on trolling propensity
Trolling is a pervasive form of online aggression, often rooted in adverse personality traits and amplified by the disinhibiting affordances of social media. The current study applies the I3 aggression model to examine the role of Dark Triad (DT) traits as impelling factors that increase trolling propensity, and Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI) as an inhibiting factor that could constrain such behavior. The study also investigates whether TEI buffers the impact of DT traits on trolling and whether age further moderates this moderating effect. A total of 427 adult social media users (Mage = 22.71 years, SD = 3.71) participated in the study. Correlation analysis indicated that all three DT traits were positively correlated with trolling propensity, whereas TEI showed a negative association. Hierarchical regressions demonstrated that all three DT traits uniquely and positively predicted trolling. Machiavellianism and narcissism emerged as robust predictors even after accounting for shared variance with more callous traits such as psychopathy. TEI remained a significant negative predictor, and higher TEI levels attenuated the influence of each DT trait on trolling. Three-way interactions further suggested that the protective role of TEI in the relationship between psychopathy and trolling became stronger with age. Still, this pattern did not generalize to Machiavellianism or narcissism. Although three-way interactions were modest and inconsistent across traits, they underscore a concerning developmental trend as trolling appears to be most pronounced when dark traits surface during the emotionally formative period of emerging adulthood. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Beyond apologies: A systematic review of forgiveness in different relationship contexts
Forgiveness is a vital psychological process that contributes significantly to an individuals emotional well-being, fostering personal growth, reducing stress, and alleviating negative emotions. Beyond the individual, forgiveness also positively influences communities by promoting harmony, reducing conflict, and strengthening social bonds, thereby enhancing collective mental health and relational stability. This paper aims to examine how forgiveness has been explored within various interpersonal contexts, including marriage, peer interactions, familial bonds, workplace relationships, and among dating couples. A comprehensive search across ten databases yielded 37 articles that met the inclusion criteria. These studies utilized four primary methodologies: quantitative approaches (surveys, interventions, experiments), qualitative approaches (case studies and interviews), longitudinal designs and mixed method designs. Findings indicate that fostering forgiveness significantly enhances relational health and interpersonal dynamics, alongside improvements in physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The systematic review highlights how forgiveness processes and interventions vary by relationship context, shaped by unique relational dynamics and cultural factors. However, more experimental and intervention based research is necessary to establish evidence based forgiveness practices, tailored to specific relationship dynamics. The promotion and study of forgiveness should be furthered to reinforce its multifaceted benefits across diverse interpersonal relationships. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Exploring the effectiveness of mindfulness-based intervention among college students in India
This study investigated the effectiveness of an eight-week mindfulness-based intervention program on the trait mindfulness, psychological well-being and emotion regulation of college-going students. The experimental group participants were college-going students (N = 40) who enrolled for the intervention, and the participants in the control group (N = 40) were interested in the intervention and considered as a wait-list control group. The experimental group underwent mindfulness-based interventions, which included 1112 sessions, including brief exercises and meditations related to their trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being. They received 23h of training per week for eight weeks. Repeated Measures of ANOVA together with an independent sample t-test were used to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention programme. Further, Cohens d was used to calculate the effect size to explain the variance caused by the intervention program in trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being. The results indicated that students significantly improved in their trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being after receiving mindfulness training. In conclusion, the application of this eight-week mindfulness-based intervention sheds light on the common psychological issues confronted by college students in India, presenting itself as an advantageous tool for the professionals working in this field and offering positive effects on the overall well-being of college students. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Intergenerational Transference of Collective Trauma in the Exilic Lives of Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees
The present study explores the intergenerational transference of collective trauma among the Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees (SLTR). Thirty-three in-depth interviews were conducted across first, second, and third generation SLTR living at the refugee camps in Tamil Nadu, India. The study found that the traumatic experiences and internal conflicts associated with exile among the first-generation participants (FGP) and second-generation participants (SGP) are primarily channeled through social customs and parenting styles. Refugee identity and correlated difficulties are constituted as collective trauma. The motive for resolving the fragmented self was unconscious replicated nightmares among the participants. Irrespective of generations, participants unconsciously tried to reintegrate their fragmented collective existence. The FGP and SGP passed the Sri Lankan Tamil culture onto their offspring, imposing expectations on the next generation to reclaim Tamil land and sustain cultural legacies. The study highlighted that helping behavior differs across generations, influenced by the encountered atrocities. Further extensive research on humanitarian rehabilitation policies is needed for their collective social integration. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025. -
I Was One of Them: The Journey of Return Migrants Becoming Subagents in Keralas Recruitment Networks
Kerala has long been a prominent hub for international labour migration, with a unique phenomenon of return migrants transitioning into subagents supporting blue-collar workers navigating recruitment networks. These returnees leverage their personal migration journeys to address challenges faced by prospective migrants. Yet, little is known about what motivates them to assume this role and how they contribute to the broader migration process. This qualitative study examines the lived experiences of return migrants turned subagents, shedding light on their motivations and the ripple effects of their work on migration systems. Drawing on 22 in-depth interviews, the findings reveal three interconnected themes: (1) utilizing lived migration experiences to build empathy and trust; (2) creating a bridge between aspirants and recruitment agencies through cultural and procedural expertise; and (3) fostering a sense of purpose by addressing systemic challenges they once faced. These insights demonstrate how return migrants unique positionality enhances recruitment efficiency and reliability, offering micro-level support to migrants and meso-level improvements to recruitment systems. This study contributes to the growing literature on migration facilitation by highlighting the transformative role of return migrants in reshaping recruitment practices, with implications for migration policy, workforce mobility, and sustainable recruitment frameworks. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025. -
Relationship Between Family Environment, Objectified Body Consciousness and Appearance Self-Esteem Among Urban Indian Young Adults
Extant research has shown that objectification, especially sexual objectification, can encourage the internalization of others perspective on their own bodies and thereby transforming their own self into object of continuous assessment and judgement. Using the objectification theory and theories of identity formation, the present research examines how family environment (FE) and objectified body consciousness (OBC) may have a relation with appearance self esteem (ASE) among urban Indian young adults. Based on previous literature, it was hypothesized that OBC and FE would have a significant association with ASE. To examine the hypotheses, a survey was conducted on young adults (N = 141) of age range from 18 to 25years. Regression analysis was carried out using statistical tools. Multiple-linear regression showed that the model was found to account for a statistically significant amount of variance in ASE. The results point out how OBC has a negative relationship with ASE. This implies that the level to which one objectifies themselves negatively relates to how they value their appearance or looks. The present research discusses the implication of understanding the different factors which may be associated with low appearance-related self-esteem. The research also explains the findings in line with cultural underpinnings. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Analytical and AINN-based investigation of surface wave propagation in dry long bones with initial stress, magnetic field, and rotation effects
This study presents a comprehensive analytical and artificial intelligence neural network (AINN)-based investigation of wave propagation in dry long bones, modeled as an orthotropic hollow cylindrical structure. The proposed model incorporates the combined effects of initial stress, magnetic field, and rotational motion to capture the complex behavior of bone-like media under coupled physical influences. The governing equations are formulated within a continuum mechanics framework and solved analytically using displacement potential methods, yielding solutions in terms of Bessel functions that satisfy the cylindrical geometry and boundary conditions. Two distinct cases, corresponding to the absence and presence of rotation, are examined to assess the influence of rotational effects on wave dynamics. A detailed parametric analysis is carried out to evaluate the variation of phase velocity and frequency with respect to wave number, initial stress, magnetic parameter, density, and geometric ratios. The analytical results indicate that initial stress enhances wave propagation, while magnetic effects introduce damping and rotation significantly modifies dispersion characteristics. To improve computational efficiency and predictive capability, an AINN model is developed and trained using analytically generated data. The AINN predictions show excellent agreement with the analytical results, as confirmed through parity plots, error analysis, residual distribution, and loss convergence behavior. The novelty of the study lies in the unified analytical-AINN framework that integrates mechanical, electromagnetic, and rotational effects within a single model. The findings provide important insights for wave-based characterization of bone structures and have potential applications in non-destructive evaluation, ultrasonic diagnostics, and advanced biomedical sensing systems. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Ageing with Disability and Family Dynamics: A Social Constructionist Reading of Rohinton Mistrys Family Matter
This article examines how disability and ageing intersect within family structures and cultural expectations, foregrounding the role of ableism and ageism in shaping individual and collective experience. By examining Rohinton Mistrys Family Matters through the frameworks of social constructionism and ageism, the research underscores how age and disability are socially constructed and often associated with dependency and burden. Through the character of Nariman Vakeel, who experiences the dual challenges of old age and physical disability, this article critically examines how disability and ageing shape his health and wellbeing, access to care, and reliance on family and community support. The analysis highlights the ethics of caregiving and family responsibility, encouraging more inclusive and empathetic approaches to ageing and disability across cultural and familial contexts. Mistrys narrative mirrors real-world dynamics of care, responsibility, and economic burden within families. By situating Family Matters within broader discourses on ageing with disability, this article contributes to the growing field of interdisciplinary ageing studies and underscores the value of literature as a cultural text that reflects and critiques social realities. The study emphasises the importance of intergenerational understanding, encouraging families to recognise the emotional and social value of the elderly beyond their physical limitations. Finally, by demonstrating how literature reflects lived realities, the study highlights the role of cultural narratives in shaping more empathetic attitudes towards ageing and disability. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2026. -
Convolutional bi-directional autoencoder assisted generative adversarial de-blurring framework for palm leaf character analysis
Palm leaf manuscripts have historically educated people on a variety of topics, including astronomy, mathematics, astrology and medicine. These manuscripts are constructed from dried palm leaves, which contain a wealth of information that remains largely untapped due to the challenges of digitalization and transcription. Recognizing the characters found in palm leaf manuscripts is a complex problem because blurred images of these manuscripts often conceal critical information. The present study proposes an automated de-blurring model to effectively identify exact Malayalam characters in palm leaf manuscripts. The input images are gathered from a real-time dataset to address this challenge. The Weighted Guided Image Filtering (WG_IF) method is employed to extract the detail layer, which not only reveals important information about the characters but also eliminates unwanted noise. The detailed layer is then input into the proposed Convolutional Bi-directional AutoEncoder assisted Generative Adversarial De-blurring (CBiAE_GADeblur) framework. This framework comprises two main blocks: the generator and the discriminator. The generator block uses the Convolutional Bi-directional Long Short Term Memory with AutoEncoder (CBLSTM_AE) method to produce de-blurred images. The discriminator block classifies these images as real or fake, enhancing the prediction accuracy of the palm characters. The proposed method demonstrates a superior accuracy rate of 98.25% in Prasavachikilsa and Vishavydyam datasets and exhibits lower time complexity. The motivation behind this research is to overcome the significant barriers posed by blurred palm leaf images, thereby unlocking and preserving the invaluable knowledge contained within these historical documents. Indian Academy of Sciences 2025. -
A novel mathematical investigation of carbon emissions, economic growth, carbon taxation and renewable energy dynamics: stability analysis and forecasting
The main cause of global warming is carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, acting as a significant greenhouse gas. These emissions stem from various sources and significantly contribute to climate change. Fortunately, we have countermeasures like carbon taxes to curb CO2 output. Carbon taxes incentivise a reduction in CO2 production and a shift towards cleaner energy sources by placing a cost on emissions. This paper investigates the interplay between carbon tax policy, carbon emissions, economic output (GDP) and renewable energy consumption. A system of differential equations is constructed to model these relationships based on a comprehensive literature review. Parameter estimation based on real-world data yielded successful fits for the variables. However, the fit for the carbon tax equation is less conclusive, suggesting a more complex relationship with carbon emissions. Stability analysis and the boundedness of the system are carried out. Auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) forecasting is employed to predict future trends. The results suggest a projected increase in GDP and renewable energy consumption over the next ten years, indicating a potential for a cleaner energy transition. Furthermore, the forecasts anticipate a rise in carbon tax implementation. This analysis emphasises how important carbon taxes are for cutting emissions and advancing renewable energy. Results indicate that carbon taxes can promote decarbonisation and economic growth, despite the complicated link between them and CO2 emissions. Both GDP growth and the use of renewable energy are anticipated to increase. However, policies must be improved to combat climate change effectively. Future studies should improve parameters and investigate other relevant elements to promote a low-carbon future. Indian Academy of Sciences 2025. -
Quintessence and false vacuum: Two sides of the same coin?
We studied the late-time acceleration scenarios using a quintessence field initially trapped in a metastable false vacuum state. The false vacuum has non-zero vacuum energy and can drive exponential expansion if not coupled with gravity. Upon decay of the false vacuum, the quintessence field is released and begins to evolve. We assumed conditions where the effective scalar potential gradient must satisfy ?Veff>A, characterised by a pressure term approximately ?p/p>O(?) invoking the string swampland criteria. We then derived the effective potential of the scalar with an upper bound on the coupling constant ?<0.6. Further analysis revealed that Veff shows a slow-roll behaviour for 0.1>?>-0.04 in the effective dark energy equation of state (EoS) -0.8 -
A multi-frequency study of the candidate doubledouble radio galaxy J2349?0003 with a possible misalignment
We present a multi-frequency analysis of the candidate doubledouble radio galaxy (DDRG) J2349?0003, exhibiting a possible lobe misalignment. High-resolution uGMRT observations at Bands 3 and 4 reveal a complex radio morphology featuring a pair of inner and outer lobes, and the radio core, while the Band 5 image detects the core and the compact components. The positioning of both pairs of lobes with the central core supports its classification as a DDRG. Spectral age estimates for the inner and outer lobes indicate two distinct episodes of active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity interspaced by a short quiescent phase. The possible compact steep-spectrum nature of the core, together with its concave spectral curvature, suggests ongoing or recent jet activity, suggesting the possibility that J2349?0003 may be a candidate triple-double radio galaxy. With a projected linear size of 1.08 Mpc, J2349?0003 is classified as a giant radio galaxy (GRG), although its moderate radio power (?1024 WHz-1) suggests a sparse surrounding environment. Arm-length (R?) and flux density ratios (RS) indicate environmental influences on source symmetry. The observed lobe misalignment and the presence of nearby galaxies in the optical image suggest that merger-driven processes may have played a key role in shaping the sources evolution. Indian Academy of Sciences 2025. -
UVIT data release version 7: Regenerated high-level UVIT data products
Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) on board AstroSat is an active telescope capable of high-resolution far-ultraviolet imaging (<1.5??) and low-resolution (?/???100) slitless spectroscopy with a field-of-view as large as ? 0.5?. Now almost a decade old, UVIT continues to be operational and generates valuable data for the scientific community. UVIT is also capable of near-ultraviolet imaging (<1.5??); however, the near-ultraviolet channel stopped working in August 2018 after providing data for nearly 3years. This paper gives an overview of the latest version (7.0.1) of the UVIT pipeline and UVIT data release version 7. The high-level products generated using pipeline versions having a major ver. no. 7 will be called UVIT data release version 7. The latest pipeline version overcomes two limitations of the previous version (6.3), namely: (a) inability to combine all episode-wise images; and (b) failure of the astrometry module in a large fraction of the observations. The procedures adopted to overcome these two limitations as well as a comparison of the performance of this new version over the previous one, are presented in this paper. The UVIT data release version 7 products are available at the Indian Space Science Data Center of the Indian Space Research Organization for archival and dissemination from 1 June 2024. New pipeline version is open source and made available on GitHub. Indian Academy of Sciences 2025. -
Fabrication of liquid-crystal retarders for solar polarimetry: A facile method
A high-precision polarimeter for simultaneous multi-line spectropolarimetric Sun observations is under development at Indian Institute of Astrophysics. Towards this end, we plan to use liquid-crystal retarders as the polarization modulators. A prototype liquid-crystal variable retarder (LCVR) is fabricated and characterized. A solution-processed method is adapted to fabricate the LCVR using commercially available E7 nematic liquid-crystal material. Thickness of the alignment layer of the LC retarder was optimized to achieve uniformity. The fabricated LCVR demonstrates spatial uniformity of retardance comparable to a commercial waveplate. The device is found to have a low-range of operational voltage of <20 V and a very short response time of <1 ms. Also, the device shows consistent operational stability. Indian Academy of Sciences 2025.