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Upper Bounds of Zagreb Radio Indices
Let G= (V, E) be a simple connected graph with vertex set V and edge set E. This chapter consists of several bounds of the Zagreb radio indices of graphs such as the Primary Zagreb Radio Index, the First Zagreb Radio Index, the Second Zagreb Radio Index and the Third Zagreb Radio Index. The indices are defined for graphs after administering a radio labelling. In radio labelling, vertices are labelled with the positive integers such that the absolute difference of two vertex labels added to their distance should be at least one more than the diameter of the graph. In radio labelling, every vertex gets distinct labels. The least possible labels given to the vertices are used to create the radio indices. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Uplifting and Uncanny Conversations Around Death and Dying: Qualitative Study Among Indian Adolescents and Emerging Adults
This study explores perspectives of adolescents and emerging adults on having conversations around death and dying, if there is a value in discussing death early in life, and to explore the views on likelihood of introducing death education in Indian curriculum. Using constructivist grounded theory of qualitative research, the study inquired the perspectives of adolescents and emerging adults employing semi-structured interviews. All participants showed interest in discussing the topic; they actively participated in sharing their views, something that they heard, and inquiring about cultural practices. In analyzing the interview data, mainly three themes emerged: 1. Understanding death in relation to shadow and spirit stories; 2. Existential view on death and managing grief and anxiety; 3. Social and cultural narratives into death education. This study sets out to address a gap in research among adolescents and emerging adult attitudes and opinions toward death. However, there is a need to understand barriers in normalizing conversations around death and dying in wider communities in India and further research is essential. The Author(s) 2024. -
Upgradation of business applications with autonomic computing
Autonomic computing has come a long way since its inception a decade ago and has been positioned as a venerable and value-adding technology for producing and sustaining self-managing, real-time, and resilient systems for the future. A series of concerted efforts by multiple IT companies and academic research laboratories across the world have brought in a number of advancements in this discipline with vigorous study and research. A variety of proven and potential mathematical and computational concepts have been selected and synchronized to arrive at noteworthy improvements in the autonomic systems design, development, deployment, and delivery methods. Having understood the unique value-proposition and the significant achievements in the autonomic computing space, business executives and IT experts are consciously embracing the autonomic idea, which is very generic to be easily embedded in any kind of business and IT systems. However, the penetration of this technology into both IT and business applications has not been as originally envisaged by its creators due to various reasons. The business environment is still filled and saturated with large-scale packaged and monolithic applications. If the autonomic capabilities are innately squeezed into business and IT applications, then there can be major differentiators in how those applications function in seamlessly and spontaneously automating business operations. Both, existing as well as emerging applications can be targeted to become autonomic in their operations, outputs, and outlooks. In this paper, we have described how the leading enterprise packages (ERP, CRM, SCM, and so on.) can be enabled to be adaptive, highly available, secure, and scalable in their actions and reactions. The well-known enterprise applications such as CRM, Online Retail, and Marketing with focus on self-optimization characteristics are described here. A detailed analysis of a Discount Manager in an online retail scenario is also explained. The simulation results obtained clearly show how embedded autonomic capability is very close to human thinking and decision-making ability. 2013 ACM. -
Updated aspects of alpha-Solanine as a potential anticancer agent: Mechanistic insights and future directions
Cancer remains a critical global health challenge, with limited progress in reducing mortality despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. The growing resistance of tumors to existing chemotherapy exacerbates this burden. In response, the search for new anticancer compounds from plants has intensified, given their historical success in yielding effective treatments. This review focuses on ?-solanine, a glycoalkaloid primarily derived from potato tubers and nightshade family plants, recognized for its diverse biological activities, including anti-allergic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antibiotic properties. Recently, ?-solanine has gained attention as a potential anticancer agent. Utilizing resources like PubMed/MedLine, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, the American Chemical Society, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Wiley, and various commercial websites, this review consolidates two decades of research on ?-solanine's anticancer effects and mechanisms against nine different cancers, highlighting its role in modulating various signaling pathways. It also discusses ?-solanine's potential as a lead compound in cancer therapy. The abundant availability of potato peel, often discarded as waste or sold cheaply, is suggested as a sustainable source for large-scale ?-solanine extraction. The study concludes that ?-solanine holds promise as a standalone or adjunctive cancer treatment. However, further research is necessary to optimize this lead compound and mitigate its toxicity through various strategies. 2024 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Upconversion nanoparticles for detection of small biomolecules and ions
In recent years, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have resulted in substantial advances in the area of sensitive and selective detection of small biomolecules and ions. UCNPs possess a unique optical property known as lanthanide upconversion luminescence. This phenomenon enables them to absorb low-energy light from the near-infrared region and subsequently emit higher-energy light in the visible or ultraviolet part of the spectrum. This process, often referred to as the anti-Stokes shift, resists the conventional fluorescence behavior by absorbing lower-energy photons, followed by emission of higher-energy photons. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanism of upconversion fluorescence and explores the properties of UCNPs. It then delves into the applications of UCNPs in detection of biomolecules like proteins and amino acids, nucleic acids, and tumor biomarkers, thus facilitating early diagnosis and patient care. Additionally, UCNPs are useful in the detection of ions by altering their surface chemistry to bind selectively to target ions, expanding their utility in environmental monitoring and chemical analysis. 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. -
Unzipped MWCNT/polypyrrole hybrid composites: a pathway to high-performance asymmetric supercapacitors
A novel method has been developed for the conversion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into unzipped MWCNTs (UzMWCNT) using a modified Hummer's method followed by reduction. This technique allows for the controlled modification of MWCNTs in both transverse and longitudinal directions. The UzMWCNT exhibits unique structural characteristics that combine the properties of 1D nanotubes and graphene-like features. The UzMWCNT/PPy composite exhibited an impressive specific capacitance of 944 F g?1 along with excellent cycling stability, retaining 92% of its capacitance after 5000 cycles. For the UzMWCNT/PPy//AC composite, the gravimetric capacitance decreased with increasing current density, from 400 F g?1 at 1.0 A g?1 to 162 F g?1 at 2.5 A g?1. Furthermore, the UzMWCNT/PPy//AC composite demonstrated outstanding long-term durability, retaining approximately 95% of its capacitance after 5000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g?1, underscoring its excellent cycling stability. This research paves the way for the development of high-performance supercapacitor electrodes using hybrid materials derived from MWCNTs. 2025 RSC. -
Unveiling virtual interactive marketplaces: Shopping motivations in the Metaverse through the lens of uses and gratifications theory
The emergence of Metaverse has transformed the consumer shopping experience. This novel e-commerce platform offers a fresh approach to shopping, with Generation Z primarily exploring this innovative technology. Our research examines shopping within the Metaverse by developing a model based on the Uses and Gratifications Theory and Metaverse-related factors. A total of 1220 Gen Z consumers were surveyed, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Further, analysis of collected data was done using PLS-SEM. The results reveal that information seeking, perceived enjoyment, escapism, social interaction, sense of immersion, and personalization influence the shopping intention in the Metaverse, and perceived risk negatively influences the shopping intention of consumers. Further, shopping intention influences the potential use of Metaverse for shopping, and this relationship is moderated by technological innovativeness. This investigation into the adoption of the Metaverse for retail purposes augments the current Metaverse research and enhances the uses and gratifications theory within the Metaverse domain. Metaverse e-commerce professionals, including managers and developers, can acquire valuable perspectives on consumer shopping tendencies in the Metaverse from this study. 2025 The Author(s) -
Unveiling virtual interactive marketplaces: Shopping motivations in the Metaverse through the lens of uses and gratifications theory
The emergence of Metaverse has transformed the consumer shopping experience. This novel e-commerce platform offers a fresh approach to shopping, with Generation Z primarily exploring this innovative technology. Our research examines shopping within the Metaverse by developing a model based on the Uses and Gratifications Theory and Metaverse-related factors. A total of 1220 Gen Z consumers were surveyed, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Further, analysis of collected data was done using PLS-SEM. The results reveal that information seeking, perceived enjoyment, escapism, social interaction, sense of immersion, and personalization influence the shopping intention in the Metaverse, and perceived risk negatively influences the shopping intention of consumers. Further, shopping intention influences the potential use of Metaverse for shopping, and this relationship is moderated by technological innovativeness. This investigation into the adoption of the Metaverse for retail purposes augments the current Metaverse research and enhances the uses and gratifications theory within the Metaverse domain. Metaverse e-commerce professionals, including managers and developers, can acquire valuable perspectives on consumer shopping tendencies in the Metaverse from this study. 2025 The Author(s) -
Unveiling thePower ofBayesian Optimization: Methods, Insights, andApplications
Bayesian optimization (BO) has emerged as a popular approach for optimizing expensive black-box functions, which are common in modern machine learning, scientific research, and industrial design. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in Bayesian optimization techniques, addressing new methodological developments such as multi-fidelity optimization, transfer learning, and neural network surrogates. Additionally, we explore the increasing role of BO in complex, high-dimensional, and multi-objective optimization problems, as well as its application in various fields like hyperparameter tuning, reinforcement learning, and neural architecture search. The goal of this review is to offer both theoretical insights and practical guidelines to researchers and practitioners working in areas where BO is a suitable tool. Finally, we discuss key challenges and propose directions for future research in the rapidly evolving field of Bayesian optimization. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2026. -
Unveiling the transformative role of chatbots: An insight from industry
In the 21st century, technological advancements have left an indelible mark on various industries. This study seeks to gauge the effectiveness of Chatbots with a specific lens on four pivotal sectors: Banking, Healthcare, Education and Information Technology. Acting as virtual conversation agents, Chatbots simulate human-like interactions. Through the lens of the Dialogue Manager theory, this research aims to pinpoint crucial attributes spanning distinct dimensions. These include the realm of the attributes, namely customer experience (user-friendliness, attentiveness, clarity, awareness and security), company experience (passion, timeliness, customer engagement, tracking customer), communication experience (observer, respectfulness, emotions, good listener, preciseness) and technology experience (updated technology, industry applied, quick response, problem-solving, high backup). This study investigates user perceptions, facilitating a more profound comprehension of Chatbot efficacy. The outcomes benefit the aforementioned industries, aiding them in refining their automation processes for heightened user-friendliness. Moreover, the potential for extending this research with empirical analysis opens avenues for further exploration. 2025 Shimmy Francis and Sangeetha Rangasamy. All rights reserved. -
Unveiling the therapeutic potential of azopyridine derivatives for trypsin inhibition: a DFT and In-Vitro approach
Heterocyclic azo derivatives have emerged as promising scaffolds for drug development. This study focused on the synthesis, computational analysis, and biological evaluation of a series of azopyridine derivatives (1a, 1d, 1 g, 1 h, 1 m, 1p, and 1s) as potential trypsin inhibitors. Density Functional Theory calculations indicated that derivative 1 h exhibited the lowest HOMO-LUMO energy gap 3.167 eV and was characterised as a soft molecule, suggesting strong binding capabilities. Molecular docking studies confirmed that 1 h binds favourably to the active site of trypsin with a glide score of ?6.581 kcal/mol and binding energy of ?29.95 kcal/mol. Along with docking studies, the stability of the trypsin-1 h complex was further analyzed using molecular dynamic simulations at 200 ns. The results showed that the ligand molecule 1 h bound strongly at the active site of trypsin. In-vitro enzyme assays determined the IC50 value of the molecule as 100 M, demonstrating enhanced potency. These results indicate that AzPy derivatives, particularly 1 h, hold considerable promise as therapeutic agents for inflammatory disorders and cancer, paving the way for further exploration in drug development and targeted therapies. Further research is warranted to explore 1hs efficacy, safety, and structure-activity relationships. Highlights: DFT studies were used to classify molecules based on their softness and hardness. Molecular docking, simulation, and in-vitro studies have identified potential anti-trypsin activity of candidate molecules. Experimental and computational calculations were in close agreement. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Unveiling the therapeutic potential of azopyridine derivatives for trypsin inhibition: a DFT and In-Vitro approach
Heterocyclic azo derivatives have emerged as promising scaffolds for drug development. This study focused on the synthesis, computational analysis, and biological evaluation of a series of azopyridine derivatives (1a, 1d, 1 g, 1 h, 1 m, 1p, and 1s) as potential trypsin inhibitors. Density Functional Theory calculations indicated that derivative 1 h exhibited the lowest HOMO-LUMO energy gap 3.167 eV and was characterised as a soft molecule, suggesting strong binding capabilities. Molecular docking studies confirmed that 1 h binds favourably to the active site of trypsin with a glide score of ?6.581 kcal/mol and binding energy of ?29.95 kcal/mol. Along with docking studies, the stability of the trypsin-1 h complex was further analyzed using molecular dynamic simulations at 200 ns. The results showed that the ligand molecule 1 h bound strongly at the active site of trypsin. In-vitro enzyme assays determined the IC50 value of the molecule as 100 M, demonstrating enhanced potency. These results indicate that AzPy derivatives, particularly 1 h, hold considerable promise as therapeutic agents for inflammatory disorders and cancer, paving the way for further exploration in drug development and targeted therapies. Further research is warranted to explore 1hs efficacy, safety, and structure-activity relationships. Highlights: DFT studies were used to classify molecules based on their softness and hardness. Molecular docking, simulation, and in-vitro studies have identified potential anti-trypsin activity of candidate molecules. Experimental and computational calculations were in close agreement. 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Unveiling the Temporal Properties of MAXI J1820+070 through AstroSat Observations
We present here the results of the first broadband simultaneous spectral and temporal studies of the newly detected black hole binary MAXI J1820+070 as seen by Soft X-ray Telescope and Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) on board AstroSat. The observed combined spectra in the energy range 0.7-80 keV were well modeled using disk blackbody emission, thermal Comptonization, and a reflection component. The spectral analysis revealed that the source was in its hard spectral state (? = 1.61) with a cool disk (kT in = 0.22 keV). We report the energy dependent time-lag and root mean squared (rms) variability at different frequencies in the energy range 3-80 keV using LAXPC data. We also modeled the flux variability using a single-zone stochastic propagation model to quantify the observed energy dependence of time lag and fractional rms variability, and then compared the results with that of Cygnus X-1. Additionally, we confirm the detection of a quasi-periodic oscillation with the centroid frequency at 47.7 mHz. 2020. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.. -
Unveiling the synergistic effect of amorphous CoW-phospho-borides for overall alkaline water electrolysis
Amorphous transition-metal-phospho-borides (TMPBs) are emerging as a new class of hybrid bifunctional catalysts for water-splitting. The present work reports the discovery of CoWPB as a new promising material that adds to the smaller family of TMPBs. The optimized compositions, namely Co4WPB5 and Co2WPB1 could achieve 10 mA/cm2 at just 72 mV and 262 mV of overpotentials for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, in 1 M KOH. Furthermore, the catalyst showed good performance in a 2-electrode assembly (1.59 V for 10 mA/cm2) with considerable stability (70 h stability, 10,000 operating cycles). Detailed morphological and electrochemical characterizations unveiled insights into the role of all elements in catalyst's improved performance. The presence of W was found to be crucial in improving the electronic conductivity and charge redistribution, making CoWPB suitable for both HER and OER. In computational simulation analysis, two configurations with different atomic environments, namely, CoWPBH and CoWPBO were found to have the lowest calculated overpotentials for HER and OER, respectively. It was found that the surface P-sites in CoWPBH were HER-active while the Co-sites in CoWPBO were OER-active sites. The study presents new knowledge about active sites in such multi-component catalysts that will foster more advancement in the area of water electrolysis. 2024 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC -
Unveiling the supercapacitive behavior of electrospun Cr2CTx/carbon nanofiber membrane
A novel electrospinning-based strategy was employed to fabricate Cr2CTx/carbon nanofibers using Cr2CTx MXene and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as precursors. This approach enables the formation of porous, conductive composite MXene layers dispersed in carbon nanofibers. The resulting material exhibited notable supercapacitive performance, delivering 338.8 F g?1 capacitance, 67.7 Wh kg?1 energy, and 1998 W kg?1 power density. This journal is The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025 -
Unveiling the root causes of diabetes using explainable AI
Diabetes is a non-communicable wide spread disease across the world. To investigate the risky factors that are associated with diabetes, and to start early and customized treatment, researchers are fascinated to explore existing machine learning or deep learning models and to develop more reliable algorithms. The advancement in technology and the increase in world population is an enriching source to prompt and explore the factors that decide a person to be diabetic. Several algorithms and approaches are in place to address these factors but are lacking in emphasizing with more interpretable features which convinces patent to trust the medicine, treatment, and have meaningful conversation with the physicians and artificially intelligent systems. To encourage the participation of people with diabetes for customized treatment and considering societal needs, this chapter explores the possibility of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) in diabetes detection and figuring out the significant features that dominate diabetes. 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. -
Unveiling the Role of Psychological Pain within Informal Institutions in Addressing Intimate Partner Violence
This study redefines the exploration of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) by emphasizing psychological pain as the pivotal element of trauma, shifting away from focusing solely on aftermath experiences. Psychological pain has been considered as a core area for this research through the lens of biopsychosocial model and unbearable psychache. These theoretical approaches examine psychological pain as the foundational factor in subsequent victim experiences and reactions involved in intimate partner violences (IPV). Utilizing an in-depth case study method, it rigorously analyzes a victim's narrative within the IPV realm, detailing the intricate connection between psychological pain and resulting trauma. The participant of this study is visually impaired and the perceived pain and its intensity in the context of disability have also been analyzed. This pain significantly influences victimization and exacerbates physical suffering. IPV, trauma, and visual impairment intersect, creating complex challenges for individuals and communities. The paper discusses pain and IPV in the context of informal institutions and their complementary or challenging roles. By emphasizing psychological pain as the core of trauma dynamics, this research redefines the understanding of pain involved in IPV. The insights gained can contribute to the crucial implications for interventions among survivors in the realm of intimate partner violence. 2024 by authors, all rights reserved. -
Unveiling the response of food inflationto the economic policy uncertainty, energy price shocks andcarbon emission
Purpose This research paper examines the impact of economic policy uncertainty, energy price shocks and carbon emissions on food inflation from a global perspective, for the period of 20012023. Design/methodology/approach To calibrate the economic policy uncertainty, carbon emissions and energy price shock, we apply the economic uncertainty index of Baker etal. (2016), carbon dioxide in a million tonnes and the energy price index. Finally, to accomplish the relevant objectives, we exert the panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and panel Granger non-causality model. Findings We can summarise the key empirical insights from this pragmatic examination as follows: Initially, the panel ARDL outcome suggests that in the long-run, economic policy uncertainty and energy inflation positively influence food inflation. The result further reveals that a surge in economic policy uncertainty and energy inflation would lead to an increase in food prices in the long run in these panel countries. Secondly, the relevant outcome demonstrates that, in the long run, carbon emissions do not have a significant impact on food prices across the panel nation. Finally, the causality analysis concludes that there is unidirectional causality from energy inflation, carbon emissions and economic policy uncertainty to food inflation. Originality/value This investigation aims to add three aspects to the theme of food inflation. First of all, we endeavour to capture the presence of the underlying impact of economic policy uncertainty, energy price shock and carbon emissions on food prices. Second, current research extends the literature by employing panel data econometric analysis in the above context. Furthermore, our research is novel in that we consider carbon emissions to reveal their impact on food prices, whereas none of the previous analyses ever contemplated the impact of carbon emissions on food prices. Finally, by extending this analysis to a heterogeneous economic outlook that includes both advanced and emerging economies globally, it provides policymakers with a clear understanding of an effective strategy for managing food inflation and achieving sustainability. 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited -
Unveiling the Redox Characteristics of Rutin Trihydrate-Canvas-Based Sensor for Hydrazine Sensing in Water Samples
The inclusion of redox mediators into electrocatalytic systems facilitates rapid electron shuttling kinetics and boosts the overall catalytic performance of the electrode. This approach overcomes the sluggish reaction dynamics associated with direct electron transfer, which may be impeded by restricted analyte access to the electrodes active sites. In contrast to conventional synthetic redox mediators, naturally sourced phytomolecule rutin trihydrate (RT), extracted from apple juice, offers potential ecological advantages. This bands with green chemistry principles and sustainability in electroanalytical approaches. The current work presents an eco-friendly and direct electrochemical approach to fabricate a redox-active RT-immobilized MWCNT-infused PEDOT hybrid material-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/MWCNT + PEDOT@RT). The developed electrode showcased a sharp and stable redox signal at E0 = 0.63 V vs Ag/AgCl with no surface-fouling characteristics. The efficacious functionalization of RT onto MWCNT + PEDOT was corroborated by a remarkable increase in the surface characteristics, enhanced electrochemical current responses, and low charge transfer resistance. The GCE/MWCNT + PEDOT@RT exhibited highly selective and sensitive sensing responses toward the toxic and potentially carcinogenic hydrazine (HZ) via cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques, yielding a low detection limit (DL) of 1.02 ?M and a sensitivity of 0.032 ?A ?M-1 in a linear dynamic range between 0 and 1350 ?M. In addition, the method was highly efficient for HZ detection in real samples of tanker, tap, and wastewater samples, producing a good recovery of ?98%. 2025 American Chemical Society. -
Unveiling the Redox Characteristics of Rutin Trihydrate-Canvas-Based Sensor for Hydrazine Sensing in Water Samples
The inclusion of redox mediators into electrocatalytic systems facilitates rapid electron shuttling kinetics and boosts the overall catalytic performance of the electrode. This approach overcomes the sluggish reaction dynamics associated with direct electron transfer, which may be impeded by restricted analyte access to the electrodes active sites. In contrast to conventional synthetic redox mediators, naturally sourced phytomolecule rutin trihydrate (RT), extracted from apple juice, offers potential ecological advantages. This bands with green chemistry principles and sustainability in electroanalytical approaches. The current work presents an eco-friendly and direct electrochemical approach to fabricate a redox-active RT-immobilized MWCNT-infused PEDOT hybrid material-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/MWCNT + PEDOT@RT). The developed electrode showcased a sharp and stable redox signal at E0 = 0.63 V vs Ag/AgCl with no surface-fouling characteristics. The efficacious functionalization of RT onto MWCNT + PEDOT was corroborated by a remarkable increase in the surface characteristics, enhanced electrochemical current responses, and low charge transfer resistance. The GCE/MWCNT + PEDOT@RT exhibited highly selective and sensitive sensing responses toward the toxic and potentially carcinogenic hydrazine (HZ) via cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques, yielding a low detection limit (DL) of 1.02 ?M and a sensitivity of 0.032 ?A ?M-1 in a linear dynamic range between 0 and 1350 ?M. In addition, the method was highly efficient for HZ detection in real samples of tanker, tap, and wastewater samples, producing a good recovery of ?98%. 2025 American Chemical Society.