Jawaharlal Nehru University

The present manuscript examines the significant effects of hydrogen (H₂) exposure on the structural properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) thin films through in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Molybdenum (Mo) thin films were initially deposited using the electron beam (e-beam) deposition method and subsequently sulfurized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to obtain MoS₂ thin films. The quality of the MoS₂ films was optimized by varying the thickness of the Mo layer, sulfurization temperature, and the temperature of the Mo film. It was determined that crystalline MoS₂ thin films with an optimal thickness of 20 nm can be achieved through sulfurization at 220 °C, while maintaining the Mo thin film at 600 °C. Pressure-dependent hydrogenation of the MoS₂ thin films, as investigated by in-situ XRD, reveals an increase in crystallite size accompanied by a decrease in the relative intensity of the diffraction peaks with rising hydrogen pressure. Furthermore, a microstrain of approximately 6.3% is induced in the MoS₂ films upon exposure to 1% and 10% hydrogen. Notably, the MoS₂ thin films remain predominantly stable up to a hydrogen pressure of 400 mbar; however, they undergo abrupt transformations and become entirely amorphous when the hydrogen gas pressure is subsequently elevated to 800 mbar. These observations of hydrogen-induced crystalline-amorphous phase transformation in MoS₂ not only enhance the understanding of the interactions between MoS₂ and hydrogen but also have critical implications for the application of MoS₂ thin films in various devices.

Higher educational institutions in India actively address plagiarism through policies, training, and library initiatives. Despite efforts, frequent plagiarism incidents leading to retractions suggest gaps in understanding policies or their effectiveness. This study explores research students' awareness of anti-plagiarism norms and differences by gender. Findings reveal misconceptions about unintentional versus intentional plagiarism. Notably, 31.1% of respondents didn't recognise content similarity as plagiarism. Interestingly, gender showed no significant difference in intentional plagiarism incidents. Awareness of policies correlates with text-matching software use. The role of university libraries in educating students on ethics and plagiarism prevention is crucial for fostering integrity in research and education.

Visible-light photocatalysis offers a sustainable approach to environmental remediation and renewable energy generation. However, traditional photocatalysts often require ultraviolet light, which limits their efficiency in utilizing sunlight. In this study we address this challenge by exploring the potential of [KNbO3](1−x)–[Ba(Ni0.1Zn0.3Nb0.6)O3−δ]x perovskites for visible-light photocatalysis. Incorporation of Ba(Ni0.1Zn0.3Nb0.6)O3−δ into KNbO3 results in a structural phase transition from orthorhombic (at x = 0) to pseudo cubic (at x = 0.3) and reduces the bandgap from 3.14 eV to 1.1–2.0 eV, enhancing visible-light absorption. Theoretical models are investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) to provide the underlying physics, revealing that the incorporation of Zn²⁺/Ni²⁺ at the B-site introduces 3d states in the conduction band, and oxygen vacancies create impurity states near the valence band edge, which lower the bandgap. Additionally, octahedral distortion splits the degenerate Nb $4d_{{z^{2} }}$ and $4d_{{x^{2} - y^{2} }}$ orbitals, shifting them closer to the Fermi level and further contributing to the reduction of the bandgap. This combined experimental and theoretical approach provides valuable insights for designing visible-light-active ferroelectric perovskite oxides for enhanced photocatalytic applications.

Fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) is a popularly-known method used for image segmentation. To handle sensitivity due to noise, many variants are proposed in the literature. However, these methods do not perform well for data having non-spherical distribution and are also sensitive to unbalanced cluster size. Many of these methods suffer from noise sensitivity. To overcome these limitations, in this paper, we propose the FkPCM_S_UB method that utilizes a weighted sum of FCM and FkPC to segment images having non-spherical or a mixture of flat-shaped and spherical-shaped data. It includes both local spatial and gray-level information to control the effect of noise and a fuzzy exponential entropy term to tackle the problem of unbalanced cluster size. The effectiveness of the proposed FkPCM_S_UB method is evaluated on four medical image datasets using the average segmentation accuracy and dice score as performance measures. The proposed FkPCM_S_UB method outperforms all eighteen existing methods for ASA and DS for all four medical image datasets. Friedman statistical test is also utilized to establish the statistically significant better performance of the proposed FkPCM_S_UB method compared to the eighteen existing methods used for medical image segmentation.

Superconductors based on transition metal dichalcogenides are of substantial current relevance towards the material realization of topological superconductivity. Here, we report a detailed study on the synthesis and characterization of single crystals of 2H-TaSeS. A superconducting transition is confirmed at 4.15K that coexists with a charge-density wave ordering at 66K. The temperature dependence of the RF penetration depth indicates s-wave characteristics in the weak-coupling limit. Moderate electronic anisotropy is observed in the upper critical fields. DFT calculations confirm that the most stable structure belongs to the P63mc space group. Negative values in the phonon dispersion curves verify the possibility of coexisting superconductivity with a charge-density wave in 2H-TaSeS. We also study vortex dynamics in this novel superconductor. Overall, our analysis suggests that 2H-TaSeS is a conventional Type-II superconductor without any evidence for topological superconductivity.

Bacterial systems have recently emerged as the most potential candidates for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. This revolutionary approach has given a new dimension to green technology where biocompatible, stable, and cost-effective metal nanoparticles can be synthesized using simple methods. Bacterial cell offers various advantages as a nanofactory owing to their outstanding features like high growth rate, ease of culture, high extracellular secretions, an eco-friendly catalyst for metal remediation, and ability to interact with a vast range of materials (metal salts). Metal nanoparticle synthesis using a bacterial nanofactory depends on various parameters like solvent, temperature, pressure and pH, exposure time to substrate, substrate and biomolecule concentration, light, cellular activities, and enzymatic processes. Several native bacterial species have been successfully demonstrated as “Bio-nanofactory” for synthesizing metal nanoparticles via utilizing different mechanisms inside and outside the bacterial cell, such as biosorption, biotransformation, bioleaching, and bioaccumulation. Additionally, recombinant DNA technology has been used to generate bacterial recombinant nanofactories where genes coding for metal-interacting biomolecules in other microorganisms or other species can be expressed in the host bacterial cell and utilized for the enhanced mechanism for metal nanoparticle synthesis. This review presents the detailed mechanism of metal nanoparticle synthesis by native and recombinant bacterial nanofactories, their purification, and the characterization method with commercial applications. A comment is made on the present status, issues, and future potential in upscaling the process so that this green technology can be used extensively to serve humankind in the coming times.

Targeting interactions between a virus and a host protein is one of the important approaches to developing antiviral therapies. We previously identified host nucleolin as a novel interacting partner of the influenza A virus nucleoprotein, and it was demonstrated that this interaction restricts virus replication. In the current study, we examined the interaction of nucleolin with the viral nucleoprotein at the domain and amino acid levels using in vitro and in silico approaches. Both approaches demonstrated a direct and specific interaction between these two proteins. Furthermore, it was observed that previous pandemic strains of influenza A virus had specific amino acid residues in their nucleoproteins that were predicted to be critical for interaction with nucleolin. This preliminary analysis provides insights into the binding process, which could be explored for developing antiviral strategies.

In the present work, the vibration behavior of honeycomb cored multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and Ti 3 C 2 T x ‐MXene reinforced sandwich composite plate has been investigated. The elastic properties of two‐phase (Ti 3 C 2 Tx‐MXene‐MWCNT)/epoxy sandwich composite were evaluated by utilizing the Halpin‐Tsai method. Then, glass fiber was incorporated as reinforcement, and the elastic characteristics of the hybridized three phase composite were obtained using the Chamis analytical model. The vibration behavior of sandwich panels was investigated with the help of finite element formulation by obtaining the strain fields using high‐order shear deformation theory. The developed numerical model was experimentally validated, demonstrating its efficacy in predicting the natural frequencies of sandwich composite panels under varying conditions. Nano‐filler reinforcement consistently increased natural frequencies across all vibration modes, regardless of boundary conditions. A parametric study revealed that natural frequency monotonically increased with higher aspect ratio and weight fraction of MWCNTs and Ti 3 C 2 T x ‐MXene. However, the thickness ratio had a significantly greater effect on natural frequency than other parameters. Clamping conditions also affected vibration behavior, with natural frequencies following the order: CFFF < SSSS < SFSF < CFCF < CSCS < CCCC. Regarding the transverse response, the root mean square velocity decreased with increasing MXene/CNT concentration and aspect ratio, attributed to enhanced stiffness and load‐bearing capacity of the hybrid sandwich composite. This study offers valuable insights for effective utilization of different types of nanoparticles in conjunction and design and development of nanoparticle‐reinforced sandwich composites, aiding in the prediction of the vibration behavior of these nanostructures. Highlights Synergetic effect of MWCNT and MXene on the natural frequency are revealed Numerical and experimental techniques are applied to measure the natural frequency Effect of nano‐filler concentration, aspect ratio and boundary conditions are studied CNT exerted more pronounced impact on vibration behavior than the MXene RMA velocity decreased with increase in the concentration and aspect ratio of nano‐fillers

This article delves into the coverage of the Israel-Hamas war by the Hindi media in India since October 7, 2023. The analysis concentrates on eight prominent Hindi dailies, namely, Danik Bhaskar, Danik Jagran, Amar Ujala, Hindustan, Jansatta, Rajasthan Patrika, Prabhat Khabar, and Punjab Kesari. There were divergent perspectives on Israel-Hamas War that are highlighted by the choices of language and the argumentation that the authors and editors justified through historical, religious and moral viewpoints. However, a nuanced narrative also emerges, reflecting the support of Indian perspective and interests. The article contributes to understanding how the Hindi-speaking public perceives this historical conflict within India’s overall foreign policy framework.

The Baltic Sea Region (BSR) has been a strategically important region due to its geographical position and economic potential. The end of the Cold War and EU expansion allowed countries in the region to cooperate in many fields, including energy. Since the region includes major energy producers and consumers, significant efforts were made to establish cooperative mechanisms in the energy sector, including the Nord Stream pipelines. Efforts have been made to create more integrated gas and electricity systems to improve efficiency and address environmental and climate concerns. However, the landscape of energy cooperation has undergone a significant shift due to the Russia-Ukraine war. The chapter first examines the energy profiles of the BSR countries. Following this, it delves into the various measures implemented to enhance energy cooperation in the region, which includes projects like the Nord Stream pipelines. Lastly, the chapter discusses the altered energy dynamics and policy initiatives that have emerged in response to the Ukraine war.

With the outbreak of the Ukraine war in February 2022, the European security architecture has irrevocably broken down. For the three Baltic states that became independent from the Soviet Union, it has produced a major security dilemma and some would call an existential threat. Russia has mounted a hybrid war not only in Ukraine, but also in the Baltic region, thereby systematically undermining the security. At a structural level, it has laid bare that Russia is not averse to taking unprecedented risks and imposing huge costs on other countries. Although the war has not produced the result Moscow was anticipating, it has put the Baltic states on alert given their history and geopolitical proximity to Russia. The paper examines, the how the Ukraine war has impacted the European security with reference to the Baltic region by examining their new vulnerabilities and assessing the new security landscape, the centrality of NATO and EU to address the new threats.

Boron toxicity is an increasingly serious problem leading to soil degradation and vegetation loss in arid and semi-arid environments worldwide. The soils of solonetzic complexes often display this characteristic. This study aimed to investigate the vertical distribution of hot water soluble-boron (hws-B) in the sodic and agricultural soils of Israna block in Haryana, India. The study also examined the influence of various soil variables on hws-B. The samples were collected at six depths to assess the availability of B. Additionally, an assessment was conducted to ascertain the appropriateness of the water sources for irrigation. The findings of our study revealed a notable disparity in the hws-B content between sodic soils and control agricultural soils, with the former exceeding the toxic thresholds. The levels of B available to plants were highest in the upper layers of soil and reduced as the depth increased. A number of variables influenced the water-soluble B content in sodic soils, particularly pH, calcite content, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), and calcium-boron ratio (Ca/B). The results indicated that the boron levels in both surface and groundwater were within acceptable limits for irrigation purposes, suggesting that boron toxicity may not be directly attributed to these sources. Our study suggests that sodic soils contain high levels of boron, which can be toxic, and consequently, proper management of these soils is recommended. It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of boron levels in surface and sub-surface soils, as well as in irrigation water, in order to effectively manage soil and improve crop productivity.

Russian-speaking minorities represent a substantial part of the population in the Baltic nations. Following their independence, these States were engaged in evolving into market-economies and building democracies as part of returning to Europe. However, this process of nation-building raised some very critical questions including the position of the Russian speakers within their societies and policies required to integrate them. The challenge of accepting substantive number of Russian speakers as part of the body politic has been continuous and crises in Ukraine as the 2014 and 2022 once again underscored the existential threat that Russia poses and the importance of successful integration and unquestionable loyalty of the Russian-speaking minorities for these states. This chapter analyses the nation-building process in these countries and argues that these states given their history and geography continue to follow aggressive nationalising policies though this has not been able to allay their fears of the Russian-speaking minority.

The Baltic and East European countries share a common communist past and most of them joined the European Union on May 1, 2004. However, they differ greatly in terms of their political, social and economic development. The process of economic and political transformation in the region resulted in massive changes in the lives of people across the region. All the countries in this region to date need active support in one way or another to continue on their way to becoming fully functional European democratic states because the process of institutionalizing democracy is not yet complete. Among all these concerns and challenges of transition, the questions regarding gender equality and the status of women are no exception. This chapter focuses on the status of women in the Baltic states in the post-Soviet era. The chapter attempts to discern what the nature of the life of women under communist regimes was and how it changed after the period of transition. In brief, it attempts to evaluate the impact of transition on the lives of women in the region with a specific focus on the economic and political sphere, and how it has impacted educational achievements, employment, personal choice, freedom and health of women.

The vulnerability of small states is shaped by the international security environment and is an important factor in determining their security policy and strategy. Depending on the historical contexts and limitations in terms of perceptions and capabilities, small states craft their security policies and strategies. The Baltic States face security challenges that primarily emanate from Russia’s dominance in the region and its assertions in pursuit of its ‘Near Abroad’ policy. To deal with the emerging insecurities, the Baltic states have employed different tools and strategies that range from seeking ‘strategic shelters’ to strengthening their own national defence capabilities. Increasing the resilience of their societies have also been a part of the endeavour. Though the Atlantic Alliance remains the main Baltic defence security strategy, other policy strategies such as regional cooperation and bilateral defence cooperation are equally important. This paper will focus on what being ‘small’ means in the context of international security and will highlight some of the security strategies adopted by the Baltic states to secure themselves in the dramatically changing global security environment, post-Russia’s war in Ukraine.

India had recognized the Baltic countries—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania soon after their independence in 1991 and established diplomatic relations since 1992. More than three decades have passed in between, but relations with the Baltic countries including its regional and global dimensions are far from satisfactory. In fact, Baltic as a region, has not caught the imagination of India’s strategic radar due to a number of reasons including the Russia factor. In between, these Baltic countries have become members of the EU and NATO, which make India to tread the path carefully. But in recent years, India’s outreach to the EU and the individual European countries across regions provides an opportunity for renewed engagement with this Baltic region. One of the key factors driving this evolution is India’s growing economic and strategic interests in the Baltic region. The Baltic states, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Russia, offer India valuable opportunities for trade and investment. India has also shown interest in leveraging the Baltic states’ advanced technological capabilities, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and e-governance. On the other hand, the Baltic states see India as a potential partner for expanding their economic and diplomatic horizons. India’s booming economy and its status as a global player make it an attractive partner for the Baltic states as they seek to diversify their trade and investment partners beyond Europe.

The centrality of security concerns has driven foreign policy of the Baltic states as they regained independence in 1991 and pushed them to seek membership of organisations like the EU and the NATO. Russia looms large in their security calculus given their size, geographical location and historical experience of loss of independence and domination. Thus, even post EU and NATO membership security questions remain ever relevant. It is in this context that the paper looks at the Baltic-China equation. Looking beyond Europe, in Asia, China is an important player. China tailored the 16+1(17+1 after Greece joined) to engage with Central and East European countries in 2012 and the Baltics reciprocated. Subsequently, their reservation about China for posing a challenge to the rules-based international order has rapidly increased. The chapter argues that while the foreign policy choices that the Baltic states made of aligning with the US and their membership in the EU and NATO have increased their ‘action capacity’, their ‘vulnerability’ vis-à-vis Russia continues and both ‘action capacity’ and ‘vulnerability’ are at play in conditioning their current relation with China.