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CLASS onboard Chandrayaan-2: Five years around the Moon
Chandrayaan-2 Large Area soft X-ray Spectrometer (CLASS) is a remote X-ray Fluorescence experiment to map the lunar surface elemental abundances. With its large effective area and low energy threshold, CLASS generates the highest spatial resolution maps of all major rock-forming elements on the Moon, such as Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, and Fe. Five years of operation in lunar orbit has resulted in global coverage. With several lunar missions planned for this decade for in situ exploration and sample returns, the 155 km geochemical maps from CLASS will serve as an important dataset. This article highlights the scientific results of CLASS in the last five years and discusses its potential applications. Indian Academy of Sciences 2025. -
A method for identification of restarted radio sources from large radiosurveys
Active galaxies hosting radio jets can exhibit distinct active phases marked by two sets of radio lobes. Typically, these episodic radio sources have been identified through morphological observations. In addition, spectral characteristics-based methods are also employed wherever multi-frequency deep radio observations are available. However, these methods are inefficient in detecting restarted radio sources that do not exhibit a clear morphology. To address this, a method of using the spectral curvature (SPC=?150MHz1400MHz-?74MHz150MHz) to identify restarted radio sources is presented. This is based on the fact that restarted radio sources with significant remnant emission are expected to have concave spectra in contrast to the convex or straight spectra observed in most radio sources. We use available wide area radio surveys in the range of frequencies from 74MHz to 1.4GHz to search for episodic radio sources and to shortlist 9,405 sources based on the criteria of SPC?0.5. The candidates thus identified can be followed up for detailed morphological and spectral index studies. This method will find application in the automated identification of episodic radio sources in large radio sky surveys from telescopes like LOFAR and SKA. Indian Academy of Sciences 2025. -
In Vitro Cytotoxic Potential and Integrated Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamic Approaches to Decipher the Mechanism of Gymnostachyum febrifugum Benth., in the Treatment of Breast Cancer
Gymnostachyum febrifugum, a less-known ethnomedicinal plant from the Western Ghats of India, is used to treat various diseases and serves as an antioxidant and antibacterial herb. The present study aims to profile the cytotoxic phytochemicals in G. febrifugum roots using GCMS/MS, in vitro confirmation of cytotoxic potential against breast cancer and an in silico study to understand the mechanism of action. Phytochemical profiling using GCMS/MS showed the presence of eight cytotoxic molecules with lupeol in high abundance. A potent cytotoxic effect of G. febrifugum roots against breast cancer was also observed with antiproliferation, antimigration, inhibition in colony formation and death of breast cancer cells. Further, the cytotoxic potential of the plant was confirmed with the apoptosis of cells as observed in the flow cytometry. In silico network pharmacology, GO and KEGG analysis suggested the modulation of proteins of MAPK, PI3K-AKT and apoptosis pathways by lupeol to induce cytotoxicity in breast cancer. Further, dynamic simulation revealed MAPK and AKT as the major targets for lupeol. Our studies comprehensively elucidated the role of lupeol, a major phytochemical in G. febrifugum to induce cytotoxicity against breast cancer by targeting major cancer signaling pathways, providing a promising strategy and scientific basis to explore lupeol in targeted cancer therapy. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Optimal setting of arc welding robot and laser sensor variables for getting maximal weld quality, positional accuracy, and smooth trajectory
Abstract: For seam-finding applications, a robotic welding system and laser sensor can be coupled to achieve improved repeatability and shorter cycle times. This manuscript investigates the impact of several robot variables, including robot orientation, robot travel speed, and focal length of the laser sensor, on three key factors: positioning error, associated joint jerk-torque rate, and weld quality. An Enhanced Multi-Objective NSGA-II (EMONSGA-II) is proposed, which combines NSGA-II with Nelder Mead local search to find the best values for robot and sensor variables. The goal is to acquire the lowest values for joint jerk-torque rate, positional error, and maximum weld quality metrics. The maximized weld quality is represented by maximized ultimate strength, yield strength, and penetration of weld joint, as minimized weld bead height and width. Fuzzy logic has been used to transform the multi-performance weld characteristics into one term of the weld quality. The experiments have been performed using the Arc 50 series welding system with AccuFast point laser sensor integrated MOTOMAN MA 1440 arc welding robot system. Finally, the optimal setting of the robot and sensor parameters have been validated through experimentation to observe the weld quality and positional accuracy. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
An improved atom search optimization algorithm based on ranking strategy and sine cosine algorithm for epileptic seizure detection
Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder that remains difficult to detect with high accuracy. Automated seizure detection using EEG signals has gained increasing attention, and optimization algorithms are often applied to improve system performance. Atom Search Optimization (ASO) has strong global search ability but frequently suffers from premature convergence and limited local search efficiency. To address these issues, this study proposes a hybrid algorithm that combines ASO with the SineCosine Algorithm (SCA) and a ranking strategy (RSHASOSCA). ASO provides effective global exploration, SCA enhances local exploitation, and the ranking strategy stabilizes convergence, together creating a more balanced and reliable search process. The method was evaluated on the CHB-MIT scalp EEG dataset. Features were extracted using Wavelet Packet Transform (WPT) and refined with the KruskalWallis test (p ? 0.001). Comparative experiments against twelve established optimization algorithms showed that the RSHASOSCA framework achieved superior performance. When applied with an SVM classifier, it reached 99.13% accuracy and an AUC of 1. These findings highlight the value of integrating ASO, SCA, and ranking strategy, and demonstrate the potential of the proposed framework for reliable and efficient seizure detection in clinical practice. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Investigating key biological traits of Malva parviflora influencing its competitive invasion in wheat crops
Plant invasion is a major concern for ecologists and agriculturists. Early detection of potential invaders (weeds) would save energy and resources that would otherwise be used to tackle them after they had spread. A study was initiated at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, on the basis of the early detection and rapid response (EDRR) strategy. For this study, we choose the little mallow (Malva parviflora L.), a newly introduced Malvaceae family weed in the agricultural fields of Delhi and adjoining regions of India. The above-ground allometric parameters ofM. parviflora populations in the main field and the field boundary were compared. The findings revealed that the EDRR approaches established by this study provided useful information to corroborate the weed species' invasion. The canopy diameter, plant height, and the number of leaves M. parviflora differed between the field boundaries (25.72cm, 24.40cm, 58.97, respectively) and main field (12.79cm, 49.08cm, 18.85, respectively) populations in all three locations, except the canopy diameter was comparable in location 2. Furthermore, neighborhood analysis showed that the M. parviflora had greater acclimatization with a variety of neighbors (38 plant species), i.e., legumes, noxious weeds, and seasonal dominant weeds. Malva parviflora has become a dominant weed along the field boundary. However, it has the potential to spread to the main field and become a serious weed in winter crops in the future. The EDRR methodologies developed in this study can be used to assess the invasion of new weeds in a variety of habitats. Plant Science and Biodiversity Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS), Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS), Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) 2025. -
Tailoring natural rubber properties through CaO nanoparticle integration and curing technique
The present study investigates the development of natural rubber nanocomposites reinforced with calcium oxide nanoparticles and cured using pentane-1,5-diylidenediamine, a green crosslinker derived from glutaraldehyde and ammonia. calcium oxide nanoparticles (0.020.16wt%) were incorporated via latex blending, and composites were evaluated in both uncured and pentane-1,5-diylidenediamine -cured forms. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the calcium oxide nanoparticles were well dispersed and actively involved in crosslinking with the rubber matrix. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the cured composites had a more uniform surface and better distribution of nanoparticles. Mechanical testing revealed a remarkable tenfold increase in tensile strength from 0.217MPa to 8.478MPa and a significant improvement in elongation at break, rising from 666 to 1317% in the pentane-1,5-diylidenediamine -cured samples. The best mechanical performance was achieved at 0.10wt% calcium oxide. Dielectric measurements further highlighted an increase in permittivity and AC conductivity, especially in the cured composites, attributed to interfacial polarization and the formation of nanoparticle networks. Altogether, these results underline the synergistic benefits of calcium oxide nanoparticles and pentane-1,5-diylidenediamine curing in enhancing the structural, mechanical, and dielectric properties of natural rubber, making it a strong candidate for advanced elastomeric and dielectric applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences 2026. -
Design space optimization for the extraction of anti-thrombin-rich phenolics and flavonoids from Justicia adhatoda L. using response surface methodology and in silico validation of their anti-thrombin activity
The study focused on optimizing the extraction of anti-thrombin phenolics and flavonoids from the stem and flower ofJusticia adhatoda(JA) using response surface methodology (RSM). Key factors utilized for the optimization included HCl concentration (0.11N), extract concentration (50150mg/mL), methanol proportion (0100%), and incubation temperature (32 2C for hot and 6 2C for cold). Fluorescence microscopy identified plant parts enriched with pharmacologically active compounds. The optimized extracts demonstrated substantial levels of phenolics, flavonoids and thrombin inhibitory activity across all samples. Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Furthermore, multivariate optimization enhanced the antioxidant properties of the extracts. LCMS analysis of the optimized extracts fromJA(stem and flower) identified the presence of 22 compounds, with anti-thrombin polyphenols and flavonoids predominating, constituting approximately 30% and 35%, respectively. In silico studies, including molecular docking and dynamic simulations, revealed that the flavonoid Naringenin (?4.868kcalmol?1) had a higher inhibitory potential against the thrombin protein compared to the reference drug Dabigatran (?4.269kcalmol?1). This study demonstrated that flavonoids with significant anti-thrombin activity can be effectively extracted fromJ. adhatodastem and flower using this optimized extraction procedure. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences 2025. -
Multivariate statistical optimization of phenolics and antioxidants from nutmeg seeds (Myristica fragrans Houtt)
The present study aimed to optimize the phenolic and antioxidant-rich extract from the nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) by using a two-factor 26-run central composite design-based response surface methodology tool. The selected parameters were extraction period (2 to 5days), solvent-to-water ratio (v/v) (50100%), and type of solvent (acetone or ethanol). The optimized extract at conditions of 3.14days incubation and 68% (v/v) acetone showed total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH antioxidant assay as 376.38mg GAE/g DW, 34.40mg QUE/g DW and 842.46mg AAE/g DW, respectively. Among the nineteen (19) compounds identified by the LCMS, myristicin (37.74%) was found to be the highest. Nine (9) alkane-fatty acyl compounds were determined by the GCMS analysis, as well. Additionally, SEM and XRD revealed sheet-like anatomy with the presence of Carbon (C), Oxygen (O) and Potassium (K). The study presented a unique approach to optimizing phenolic-rich antioxidant extracts from nutmeg using response surface methodology, offering valuable insights for more efficient extraction of bioactive compounds with minimal resource waste and potentially enhancing the utilization of nutmeg's nutraceutical properties. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Performance Evaluation of Friction Stir Spot Welding of Al 5754 and Al 6111 using Machine Learning Approaches
This study evaluates advanced machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models for predicting the tensile shear and bending strength of friction stir spot welding joints involving Al 5754 and Al 6111 alloys. ML techniques include Linear Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors, Support Vector Regression, and XGBoost, while DL models comprise Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN). The models were assessed for discrepancies between experimental and predicted results, with the best-performing model identified using R-squared (R2), Root-Mean-Square Error, Mean Square Error, and Mean Absolute Error. The data preprocessing phase included feature scaling and an 85:15 train-test split. Key input process parameters included spindle speed, dwell time, plunge depth, and tool pin profile. The results demonstrate that XGBoost yielded the highest predictive accuracy, achieving an R2 score of 99.99% for both tensile shear and bending strength, while RF offered a strong balance between accuracy and robustness. Other ML models struggled with the datasets complexity, resulting in lower performance. Among DL approaches, the BPNN outperformed the RNN, achieving approximately 99.8% accuracy by effectively capturing complex data patterns. ASM International 2025. -
Unusual Generation of Filament-Like Crystal on Vapor-Deposited Sb2Se3 Whiskers Under Ambient Atmosphere
This research article proposes a novel strategy to explore the nucleation and growth mechanism of a filamentary spike-like feature (secondary growth) on vapor-deposited antimony selenide (Sb2S3) whiskers (primary crystallization) due to the influence of electric fields, defects, and ambient atmosphere. Small, ultra-long, branched whiskers were produced by the physical vapor deposition (PVD) method utilizing a homemade tubular furnace. In order to grow these crystal features, a temperature difference (?T) of 180C was maintained by adjusting the temperature in the hot (710C) and cold zones (530C), followed by a fast cooling rate of 12C/min. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, three-dimensional (3D) profilometry, and Raman imaging analysis were utilized to investigate the surface features of the as-grown and electrically activated whiskers under ambient atmosphere. A possible crystallization (secondary growth) mechanism of the filamentary crystals in the defective region under the influence of an electric field was proposed. We noted that the effect of extrinsic impurities like oxygen coupled with an electric field promoted the growth of filamentary crystals on the whiskers, which were probed utilizing x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). An orthorhombic crystal structure with unit dimensions of a = 11.632 b = 11.798 and c = 3.987was calculated from the XRD results. This research provides a new growth mechanism and a comprehensive picture of nucleation followed by branching of filamentary crystals on the primary crystallized Sb2Se3 whisker surface. The research output with regard to layered chalcogenide materials (LCMs) will undoubtedly help researchers focus on removing secondary/whisker growth from LCM-based optoelectronic devices. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2025. -
Carbonized Molybdenum Disulfide-Decorated Carbon from Waste Papaya Straws as Counter Electrode for Bifacial Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Abstract: Ongoing research efforts are aimed at developing bifacial dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) that are both economically viable and high-performance. In this investigation, molybdenum disulfide-decorated biomass-derived carbon from waste papaya straws (MoS2@PS) was synthesized via a hydrothermal technique, and then subsequently subjected to annealing at various temperatures, referred to as PS26, PS27, and PS28. Annealing MoS2 -decorated PS resulted in an increase in surface area which was confirmed using BrunauerEmmettTeller measurements, revealing type IV isotherms with an H3 hysteresis loop showing the mesoscopic nature of PS28. The maximum recorded photovoltaic conversion efficiency was approximately 6.85% for the PS28 composite counter electrode (CE), highlighting its potential as a platinum-free alternative. Moreover, cyclic voltammetry and Tafel polarization studies confirmed the superior electrocatalytic activity of the MoS2@PS CE in the reduction process of triiodide ions (I3?). Studies on transmittance were conducted to validate the bifacial characteristics of DSSCs. The results from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicate that the MoS2@PS CE-based DSSCs exhibit rapid charge transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface, with a resistance of RCT = 24.27 ? for the PS28 counter electrode. The favourable attributes of optimal conversion efficiency, high transmittance, ease of preparation, rapid charge transfer, and affordability suggest that MoS2@PS counter electrodes hold significant potential for applications in DSSCs. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2025. -
Green Energy Harvesting using a Flexible Bio-triboelectric Nanogenerator
Bio-triboelectric nanogenerators (B-TENGs) show promise as a sustainable and renewable source for harvesting green energy using natural biocompatible and biodegradable substrates. Dry leaves contribute to a large amount of waste accumulation daily, even though they can be used to generate energy. Almost all the dry leaves collected during cleaning procedures are burned, resulting in greenhouse emissions and air pollution. This work aims to consider using biodegradable fresh and dry leaves as a bio-source for a cost-effective, sustainable, and flexible energy-harvesting system. When different frequencies and pressures were applied to B-TENGs, significant potential power output of around ~30V and ~350?W was produced. The experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the charge transport phenomenon in dry-leaf powder under different compressive strains. A surface influences charge generation in B-TENGs and the presence of functional groups with inhomogeneous particle distribution, as demonstrated by experimental and mathematical modeling. The current work is ideal for large-scale manufacturing since it uses natural waste materials in dried forms, as well as simple and low-cost preparation. Therefore, our environmentally friendly solutions highlight the special abilities of plants to produce electricity for various flexible electronic applications. The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2025. -
High performance symmetric supercapacitor based on microporous PANI@?-Fe2O3/MXene hybrid nanocomposite
MXene (Ti3C2Tx), a 2D layered material, has become a trending topic in the field of energy storage, due to its high-power density, flexibility, hydrophilic nature, and ease at which it can form composites with polymers, CNTs, metal oxides, and more. However, the layers of MXene restacks quite easily restricting the number of active sites to the flow of charges. Herein, we have synthesized tri-composite of Ti3C2Tx, ?-Fe2O3, and polyaniline (PANI@?-Fe2O3/Ti3C2TX) via hydrothermal treatment followed by oxidative polymerization. The insertion of ?-Fe2O3 broadens the interlayer distance allowing easy charge/discharge of ions, further addition of PANI enhanced MXenes energy density without altering its power density making MXene more reliable material for energy storage application. The composite exhibits a very high and notable electrochemical performance with 2689.3 Fg?1 specific capacitance at a current density of 1 Ag?1 compared to that of bare MXene (402 Fg?1 at 1 Ag?1). The retention capacitance of 120.7% over 5000 cycles is reported making MXene a promising material in reducing the volume expansion of PANI. A symmetric supercapacitor was fabricated exhibiting a very high energy density of 75.60 Wh kg?1. This work intends to increase MXenes performance favoring hybrid energy storage systems. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025. -
Analysis of magnetohydrodynamic casson fluid flow with chemical reaction in a vertical channel: thermal and mass transfer effects
This study investigates Casson fluid flow in a vertical channel within a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) region, incorporating chemical reaction effects. The channel consists of two regions: one filled with an electrically conducting fluid and the other with a Casson fluid. The nonlinear coupled governing equations are solved using the perturbation method with a small perturbation parameter. The results are presented graphically to analyze the flow characteristics. This systematic analysis yields the velocity and temperature distributions, governed by key parameters such as the Grashof number (Gr), Hartmann number (M), Casson parameter (?), and chemical reaction rate, all of which critically influence the hydrodynamic and thermal behavior of the system. It is observed that the larger the values of the viscosity ratio, width ratio, and the conductivity ratio, the larger the flow field. The findings reveal that the presence of Casson fluid enhances the thermal and mass Grashof numbers, attributed to buoyancy forces. Conversely, the chemical reaction parameter and Hartmann number exhibit a suppressive effect on the flow. The Author(s) under exclusive license to Universitdegli Studi di Ferrara 2026. -
All-Optical Plasmonic Neurosensor for Self-Learning Anomaly Detection in Smart IoT Systems
An integrated plasmonic neurosensing platform is introduced to enable ultrafast, self-learning anomaly detection within next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) environments. The research attempts to design an all-optical plasmonic neurosensor that can monitor irregularities as well as at the same time learns in hardware without the aid of electronics. The big picture is to develop an ultra-fast energy-saving sensorial unit that can scale to large tissues of IoT network applications and, autonomously, adjusts to varying conditions. The most significant invention of the paper is that localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) nanostructures are proposed to combine both nonlinear optical memory-effect and physical learning in sensor plasmonic gap. The technique is a hybrid between FDTD/FEM electromagnetic modelling, nanoimprint based production of sub-20-nm bow-tie antennas, nonlinear optical modulation experimental studies, and scalability analysis on the network level. A simulated system determined the optimal bow-tie configuration that resonated at 817nm with a field enhancement of approximately 28x with gap dimensions of 10nm long. Fabricated devices attained resonance of 823nm with Q-factor of 18.7. A refractive-index modulation was achieved of 3.1 10? and overall shift of the resonance at 51nm of 50 cycles in optical learning. The IoT level testing had 94.6% anomaly-detection errors and 47 ps response time, whereas the scalability experiment enabled the growth of bandwidth linearly with WDM and 92% fabrication yield. These findings provide an answer to the consequences that will lead to ultra-dense self-learning photonic IoT designs. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Ag Ions Versus Ag Nanoparticle-Embedded Glass for Antimicrobial Activity Under Light
Incorporating silver nanoparticles (NPs) into a host material has been recognized to limit the release of Ag+ ions, yet their efficacy in neutralizing nearby microorganisms remains uncertain. This study aims to compare the toxicity of Ag+ ions versus the plasmonic effect of Ag NPs within a glass matrix, assessing their respective killing efficiency and mechanisms against microorganisms. To achieve this objective, a simple ion exchange technique was employed to embed glass with silver ions, nanoclusters (NCs), or NPs, which was confirmed by UVVis-NIR spectrometer, photoluminescence (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The biocidal action of these Ag species on model Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria was investigated in the absence and presence of visible light. The findings revealed that in the absence of light, plasmonic Ag NPs were less toxic to E. coli compared to Ag+ ions due to the predominant release of Ag+ ions dictating the antibacterial effect. However, exposure to visible light triggered the plasmonic effect in Ag NPs to disintegrate 100% E. coli in 1h compared to Ag+ ions (68%) owing to the localized heating around the Ag NPs, facilitated by surface plasmon resonance relaxation. The cell morphology investigated by Bio-AFM assisted in unraveling the mechanism leading to bacterial cell damage. Overall, this study demonstrates the sustained disinfection capability of Ag NPs embedded in glass without significant leaching, emphasizing their potential in prolonged antimicrobial applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Redefining copreneurs: a four decadal review adopting computer aided text analysis
The study defines copreneurs and presents a four decadal review on copreneurial literature. The purpose is to bring conceptualization and characterization of copreneurs, on surface from its fragmented literature. A structured literature review on copreneurship research published between 1984 and 2023 is conducted. The search is made adopting indexing (Scopus, Clarivate and ABDC), digital libraries including ProQuest and EBSCO, and research articles published in journals by renowned publishers namely Elsevier, Emerald, Inderscience, Sage, Springer, Taylor & Francis and Wiley. Inclusion/exclusion criteria was defined and duplicates were eliminated. Finally, using POWER review model, the existing literature is organized under six themes namely Gender Roles, Spousal Support & Relationship Satisfaction, Work Life Balance, Business Commitment & Motivation, Leadership & Decision Making and Division of Labour & Responsibilities in the Intertwined Worlds. Using Inter- Rater Reliability, five definitions of copreneurs were framed and rated by nine experts from academics and industry. Finally, the definition with highest score and acceptable I-CVI value for simplicity & clarity is proposed. The fragmented literature on copreneurs speaks volume about the need for more impactful research on them. By using the proposed definition of copreneurs, scholars can uniformly identify the copreneurs, with future opportunities for micro-level research on copreneurs. Policy makers can utilise the findings of these research and formulate schemes, policies & programmes for betterment of copreneurs. The study intends to bridge the disciplinary gaps existing for identifying copreneurs and serve as a foundation for information sharing, regarding copreneurs and their entrepreneurial practices. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Valorization of pomegranate peel waste as a sustainable feed additive: enhancing growth, digestion, immunity, and disease resistance in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii
The growing demand for sustainable aquaculture and eco-friendly feed resources necessitates the development of circular economy strategies that valorize agro-industrial by-products. This study evaluated pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel, a nutrient-rich fruit waste, as a functional and sustainable feed additive in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. A 60-day feeding trial included a control (0X) and five experimental diets (P1P5) supplemented with P. granatum peel protease (0.02X0.10X). Growth, digestive enzyme activity, immune-oxidative responses, and tissue histology were assessed, followed by a 72-h post-challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Growth improved significantly in P4 and P5 (p < 0.05), with the highest specific growth rate (2.14 0.03%/day in P4; 2.13 0.01%/day in P5) and lowest feed conversion ratio (0.39 0.01) in P5. P4 showed the highest protein (240.01 2.68mg/g) and amino acids (148.16 0.83mg/g). Protease activity peaked in P4 (1.55 0.03IU/g), while amylase and lipase remained unchanged. Antioxidant defenses in P5 were elevated, including superoxide dismutase (43.31 0.33%), catalase (1.91 0.05 U/min/mg protein), glutathione S-transferase (1.43 0.01 U/min/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (5.97 0.02 U/min/mg protein), and total hemocyte count (22.80 0.05 10? cells/mL). Histology confirmed improved hepatopancreas structure. P. granatum exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against A. hydrophila (MIC 6.25mg/mL), and in vivo challenge showed the lowest mortality in P4 and P5 (16.25 1.77%) versus control (71.25 1.77%). These results highlight P. granatum peel as a viable circular bioresource, promoting nutrient recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable aquaculture productivity while minimizing reliance on synthetic additives. Future studies should focus on long-term feeding trials and large-scale farm evaluations to further validate the commercial viability of P. granatum peel as a sustainable functional feed additive in aquaculture. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Unveiling the Quassia indica derived synthesis of Co3O4/ZnO nanohybrids for efficient dye degradation and cytotoxicity assessment
While there are exciting possibilities in nanotechnology, creating environmentally safe nanoparticles with a variety of uses in photocatalysis and biomedicine continues to be a significant issue. This work addresses the gap by introducing Quassia indica leaf extract as a bio reductant and stabilizer in the green synthesis of cobalt oxide-zinc oxide nanoparticles (QI: Co3O4/ZnO NP). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including UVvisible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The existence of hexagonal zinc oxide and cubic cobalt oxide phases in the synthesized nanoparticles was verified by XRD analysis. The elemental composition was confirmed by EDX, which showed that oxygen, zinc, and cobalt were present. The average hydrodynamic diameter of 244.5 d. nm was found via DLS measurements, indicating well dispersed nanoparticles. Under UV light irradiation, photocatalytic activity of QI: Co3O4/ZnO NP was assessed for the degradation of textile dyes (Reactive Blue-222, Reactive Blue-220, Reactive Red-120, and Reactive Yellow-145). Phytotoxicity tests were conducted to examine the possible environmental impact of the deteriorated dye solution, revealing promising results in mitigating the detrimental impact of industrial dyes. QI: Co3O4/ZnO NP was also assessed for cytotoxicity studies in DLA and EAC cells which showed a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect. The research outcomes emphasize the significant potential of these nanoparticles in diverse arena by offering a sustainable and efficacious resolution to the present-day problems. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025.