Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

The reaction cross-sections for the $^{121}$Sb($n,\gamma$)$^{122}$Sb reaction were determined at 1.66, 2.65, and 3.05 MeV. The experiment was conducted using the neutron activation technique followed by the offline $\gamma$-ray spectrometry. The neutrons were generated using the $^{7}$Li($p,n)^{7}$Be reaction, and the reaction cross-section for $^{121}$Sb($n,\gamma$)$^{122}$Sb was measured with respect to the $^{115}$In($n,n'\gamma$)$^{115}$In$^{m}$ monitor reaction cross-section. Wood–Saxon phenomenological optical model potentials (OMP) were used to calculate the uncertainties of the theoretical calculation for the $^{121}$Sb($n,\gamma$)$^{122}$Sb reaction cross-section. The measured reaction cross-section data are compared to the existing data available in the EXFOR database. Additionally, the data are compared to the evaluated data from ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEFF-3.1/A. TALYS-1.96 nuclear code is used for the theoretical calculations. The measured cross-sections are given along with their uncertainties and covariance matrices. In this work, the theoretical cross-section uncertainties have been estimated using the uncertainties in the level density and optical model parameters.

Controlling vibrational modes and energy gap by creating van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures through strain engineering is a novel approach to tailor the vibrational and electronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Numerous theoretical and experimental studies have significantly contributed to analysing the properties of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), known for their multifunctional applications. In this study, we investigate the strain and stacking dependent vibrational properties of WSe2/MoSe2 and MoSe2/WSe2/MoSe2 vdW heterostructures using first-principles based density functional theory calculations. The dynamical stability of all vdW heterostructures makes them feasible in fabrication. Our phonon calculations and zone centre phonon modes analysis signify that the interlayer interaction influences interlayer breathing and shear phonon modes, which play an important role in thermal properties. The effect of strain engineering on the vibrational modes and energy gap of vdW heterostructures are further discussed. The tensile and compressive biaxial strain on the vdW heterostructures results in phonon softening and hardening, respectively.

The main challenge for water electrolysis is that continuous and effective hydrogen evolution at high current densities is unattainable due to the quick degradation of performance that occurs with extended large‐current operation. In this work, sulfur‐doped nickel ferrite nanocomposites were prepared using simple hydrothermal method with the objective of improving electrocatalytic green hydrogen production at industrial current densities. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyse the crystalline structure, morphology, and chemical composition of the synthesised nanocomposites. The prepared S−NiFe2O4/NF (NS‐85) catalyst exhibits excellent electrochemical water‐splitting activity, a low overpotential, a high current density, and extended stability lasting more than 12 hours. The NS‐85/NF electrode has a cathodic current density of 300 mA cm⁻² at −0.329 V overpotential and at the lowest overpotential of −0.264 V, the electrode has a current density of 100 mA cm⁻². Our work provides new approaches to the development of earth‐abundant, stable, scalable, and highly effective catalysts for industrial water electrolysis.

Urban areas have received increasing attention as key areas to accelerate and upscale climate change. Several Indian cities are witnessing a huge demand for residential buildings, and consequently, for energy-intensive building materials. Using the case study of Ahmedabad city in western India, the study used a bottom-up methodology to develop a methodological framework for estimating the material demand for the residential sector by 2050. The objective of the study was to estimate future housing stock for Ahmedabad and its impact on material demand and CO2 emissions this study adopted a mixed-method approach. The estimated material demand (EMD) for 2050 was derived from the calculated total constructed floor area (CFA) and quantity of material consumption per square meter. The total CFA is calculated using percentages of different housing types, unit sizes, and building height. Using trend analyses data from the last 50 years (1965–2015) and forecasts for the different building typologies, future floor space was estimated. Quantitative research was further strengthened by conducting semi-structured interviews with 16 experts. The results show a residential building typologies over time, with a decline in independent houses and an increase in multistoried apartments by 2050. With the continuation of current trends, 3.1 million new housing units will need to be constructed by 2050. Without policy intervention, 45.6 Mt of cement, 13.3 Mt of steel, and 150 Mt of bricks would be required resulting in 178.1 MtCO2 emissions. The EMD establishes the need to adopt alternative sustainable pathways, including reducing the demand for floor space, and adopting resource efficiency and circular economic principles for building materials. The paper concludes with recommendations for Ahmedabad, which can be replicated in other Indian cities. Future studies could explore alternative scenarios of urban development and how approaches to sufficiency or efficiency can alter material consumption.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a well-known pro-inflammatory cytokine originally recognized for its ability to induce apoptosis and cell death. However, recent research has revealed that TNF-α also plays a crucial role as a mediator of cell survival, influencing a wide range of cellular functions. The signaling of TNF-α is mediated through two distinct receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2, which trigger various intracellular pathways, including NF-κB, JNK, and caspase signaling cascades. Both TNFR1 and TNFR2 are expressed in astrocytes, which are specialized glial cells essential for maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes support neuronal function by regulating brain homeostasis, maintaining synaptic function, and supplying metabolic substrates. In addition, astrocytes are known to secrete a variety of growth factors and neurotrophins, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and NT-4/5. These neurotrophins play a critical role in supporting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and myelination within the brain. The present study focuses on the role of TNF-α in modulating neurotrophin expression and secretion in rat cortical astrocytes. We demonstrate that TNF-α induces the upregulation of neurotrophins, particularly NGF and BDNF, in cultured astrocytes. This effect is accompanied by an increase in the expression of their respective receptors (TrkA & TrkB), further suggesting a functional modulation of neurotrophic signaling pathways. Notably, we show that the modulation of neurotrophin expression by TNF-α is mediated via the NF-κB signaling pathway. Additionally, we observed that TNF-α also regulates the secretion levels of NGF and BDNF into the culture media of astrocytes in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that TNF-α can modulate both the production and release of these growth factors. Taken together, our findings highlight a previously underexplored neuroprotective role of TNF-α in astrocytes. Specifically, we propose that TNF-α, through the upregulation of neurotrophins, may contribute to maintaining neuronal health and supporting neuroprotection under disease conditions.

Jacobi polynomial $P_{n}^{\left( \alpha ,\beta \right)}(x)$ is a well-known orthogonal polynomial. In the present work, several new properties of generalized Jacobi polynomial $P_{n,\tau}^{\left( \alpha ,\gamma,\beta \right)}(x)$ (Waghela D., Rao S.B. A Note on Sequence of Functions associated with the Generalized Jacobi polynomial, Researches Math. 31 (2), 1-18 (2023)) and its special case $P_{n}^{\left( \alpha ,\gamma,\beta \right)}(x)$ have been studied, which along with different representations of the said generalization includes crucial orthogonality property, generating function, results involving integral representation, differentiation of generalized Jacobi polynomial; also many well-known transformations of this generalized polynomial have been obtained.

Millets are generally referred to as “nutrient poor” or “underutilized” crops; but recently, they have received much consideration due to the nutritional value they contain and their potential to make cereal products more nutritious. The present review article throws light on the importance of millets as a rich source of essential nutrients and their application in making bakery products nutrient-dense. It focuses on distinctive varieties of millets, their nutritional content, and their It focuses on distinctive varieties of millets, their nutritional content, and preparatioin of their appropriate remix in bakery preparations. Moreover, a short note on critical issues and prospects linked with millets use in bakery production will also be discussed, outlining possible approaches to address the same. Overall, millets seem to be a promising crop for developing a more nutritional bakery line and fostering healthier consumption habits.

This study consists of the synthesis of sustainable heterogeneous catalysts comprising dilacunary phosphotungstate and different acidic supports (zeolite HY and hydrous zirconia) via the incipient wet impregnation method. The catalysts...

This chapter examines the strategies and innovations necessary for enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate change, focusing on developing countries. It highlights the importance of biodiversity and structural diversity in increasing resilience, suggesting that management practices promoting heterogeneity can mitigate climate warming impacts. Ecosystem restoration is highlighted as a critical strategy involving identifying and removing stressors such as pollution and land degradation. Techniques like plant establishment, topsoil replacement and reestablishment of microbial flora are essential for restoring ecosystem health and ensuring long-term recovery. Capacity building through educational programs is crucial for promoting sustainable practices and fostering climate-resilient ecosystems. Higher education institutions play a significant role in embedding sustainability principles and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration despite challenges like limited resources. Technological solutions, particularly AI, are emphasized for their potential to improve climate predictions and support proactive adaptation strategies. These technologies can enhance decision-making strategies. While the theoretical underpinnings of ecosystem resilience are extensively documented, there still needs to be a more practical application of effective strategies within resource-constrained environments, necessitating the promotion of customized methodologies to tackle the distinct obstacles encountered by developing nations. Obstacles to the implementation process, such as inadequate education, insufficient infrastructure, and the lack of localized data, are acknowledged as significant challenges. Addressing these challenges necessitates a dedication to capacity building and promoting accessible technological innovations. This paper advocates for a multifaceted approach that integrates ecosystem restoration, capacity building, technological solutions, and community-based strategies to enhance ecosystem resilience and climate change mitigation efforts in developing countries.

In this paper we obtain a characterization of k-typetransitivity for a $\mathbb{Z}^d$-action on certain spaces andthen prove that k-type SDIC is redundant in the definition ofk-type Devaney chaos for $\mathbb{Z}^d$-actions on infinitemetric spaces. We define different types of chaos for$\mathbb{Z}^d$-actions and prove results related to theirpreservations under conjugacy and uniform conjugacy. Finally wediscuss k-type properties on product spaces.

The study focuses on the sandstones of the Jhuran Formation (JF) (Kimmeridgian to Tithonian age) exposed in the Mundhan dome (MD), Kachchh, analyzing their provenance and tectonic setting through petrography, heavy mineral analysis, and geochemistry. Petrographical work, including modal analysis, reveals that these sandstones are predominantly composed of quartz, feldspars, and rock fragments in a modal ratio of Q87F8L5. Geochemical analysis shows high SiO2 levels, a higher concentration of Na2O compared to K2O, and relatively low Fe2O3, which aligns with the petrographical findings. The heavy mineral data points to the origin of these sediments from plutonic and metamorphic sources. Combined petrographical and geochemical evidence suggests that the sandstones were deposited in a passive continental margin with minimal recycling, which is further corroborated by paleo-weathering indices. Tectonic discrimination diagrams suggest a quartzose sedimentary provenance, indicating that the sediments were primarily derived from a cratonic interior area. These findings imply that the sediments from the JF in the MD were sourced from plutonic and/or metamorphic terrains, probably from the Aravalli craton, and were deposited in a passive continental setting within a non-marine to transitional settings of deltaic environment. The findings of the present study will aid in understanding the sedimentation history of the correlatable Mesozoic outcrops in the Kachchh basin.

Early and accurate diagnosis of leprosy is important but remains a significant challenge till date. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is an isothermal process for amplification of nucleic acids at constant temperature and has been used to develop field-friendly tests for many diseases. In the present study, we have described the development of a colorimetric LAMP assay targeting Mycobacterium leprae-specific 450 bp conserved region of the repeat sequences known as RLEP. Furthermore, the amplicons of LAMP were subjected to restriction analysis by the enzyme EcoRV for specificity. This method has the potential to become an accurate and efficient alternative to Sanger sequencing which is currently in use to validate the RLEP amplified products.

This study reports the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Barleria prattensis leaf extract. Phytochemicals from B. prattensis extract serve as reducing and stabilizing agents for the biosynthesis of Bp-AgNPs. The Bp-AgNPs were characterized via multiple analytical techniques, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The analyses revealed spherical, face-centered cubic nanostructures with an average particle size of 28.57 ± 7.8 nm by TEM. The Bp-AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial properties against gram-positive strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus altitudinis, as well as gram-negative pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas stutzeri. Significant antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 13.94 μg/mL, which is comparable to that of ascorbic acid (IC50 = 10.14 μg/mL), was observed for the Bp-AgNPs. Furthermore, the Bp-AgNPs exhibited considerable cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with an IC50 of 19.91 μg/mL. Additionally, Bp-AgNPs exhibited significant catalytic efficacy in the degradation of 4-nitrophenol and methylene blue. It can be concluded that Bp-AgNPs have potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and catalytic properties, making them promising for medical and environmental applications. Graphical abstract Diagram illustrating the synthesis of Bp-AgNPs using B. prattensis leaf extract, followed by characterization and in vitro biological evaluation.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), due to unhealthy lifestyle has been a disturbance to the population worldwide. For this complex disease, tolerance has been observed with current therapy and also novel drug discovery is at bay. While one target- one drug is unfavorable for complex disorders, the current definition of disease also obstructs the precise treatment. Thus, the urgent need is to redefine the disease which is more based on endotypes rather than phenotypes. The new definition will expand driver genes, proteins and their disease modules. With the help of blooming field of bioinformatics, the genes, encoded proteins and associated pathways were identified for MetS using software like STRING, KEGG pathways. The network between them were created by Cytoscape. The genes with most significant interactions were reviewed as potential drug targets for MetS. With precise and effective targeting, the therapy will shift from treating symptoms to curing disease.

The aim of the research is to optimise percentage ratio of hybrid reinforcements and stirring speed to maximize the mechanical properties of the hybrid composite by applying Taguchi analysis and grey relational analysis. The matrix material employed in this study is Al 7075, while boron carbide (B4C) and titanium diboride (TiB2) serve as the reinforcement materials. The hybrid metal matrix composite is produced via the stir casting method. For experimental design Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was adopted, with the weight percentage of the reinforcement materials and stirring speed identified as experimental factors. The specified levels of weight percentage for the reinforcements B4C and TiB2 were established at 3%, 6%, and 9%. The incorporation of both hard ceramic particles, B4C and TiB2 plays a significant role in improving the mechanical properties of the hybrid composite. The highest tensile strength, hardness and flexural strength achieved is 203.72MPa, 129.2 BHN and 369 MPa respectively for highest percentage ratio of both the reinforcements i.e. Al/9% B4C/ 9% TiB2 and for 600 rpm stirring speed. The mechanical properties analysed as response parameters consist of tensile strength, hardness, impact strength, and flexural strength. The Taguchi analysis, particularly the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio evaluation, reveals that the percentage weight of TiB2 is the predominant factor affecting tensile strength. In contrast, the percentage weight of B4C significantly influences both hardness and flexural strength, while stirring speed is the most critical parameter for impact strength. The optimal parameters identified for maximizing tensile strength, hardness, and flexural strength are 9% B4C, 9% TiB2, and a stirring speed of 600 rpm. Multi-objective optimization employing grey relational analysis is performed to maximise the mechanical properties. The highest grey relational grade was attained in experiment number 9, which is having parameter values 9% of B4C, 9% of TiB2 and stirring speed of 600 rpm. The integration of Taguchi and grey relational analysis provides a robust optimization framework, offering a systematic methodology that enhances the understanding of parameters and enables the development of high-performance HMMCs tailored for engineering applications characterized by high significant demands.

Switching to cleaner and greener energy sources is now imperative to meet the ever-increasing global demands while keeping the carbon footprint low to minimize the impacts of climate change. Cyanobacteria, having higher photosynthetic efficiency and biomass productivity among all terrestrial plants, are robust cellular factories with extraordinary potential to produce biohydrogen. Commercial biohydrogen production using cyanobacteria is still at the nascent stage due to several challenges, including (1) cyanobacteria’s hydrogenase sensitivity to oxygen, (2) low hydrogenase efficiency, (3) competing pathways and metabolism flux, (4) photobioreactor design and scale-up, (5) strain stability, (6) multi-parameters optimization, (5) regulatory and ethical issues with genetic transformation, and (6) techno-economic challenges. However, metabolic pathway engineering techniques could improve the low biohydrogen yield in cyanobacteria. In cyanobacteria farming, along with genetic modifications, optimizing the various cultivation parameters (nutrients, reactor design, strain selection, air flow, temperature, and light intensity) could help enhance biomass productivity, leading to higher biohydrogen production. This chapter discusses various molecular approaches and genetic engineering techniques to overcome the challenges mentioned above. In the future, Artificial Intelligence and mathematical models can help optimize multiple parameters to enhance the growth of genetically modified cyanobacteria that can pave the path to commercial scale biohydrogen production using cyanobacteria.

One of the top 10 global concerns include AntiMicrobial Resistance (AMR), which warrants the need to develop materials and methods for detection of AMR genes. Here, we propose a proof-of-concept approach for selective and ultrasensitive detection of AMR gene employing fluorescent carbon dots. Waste pistachio shell derived green emissive carbon dots (PCDs) with a high quantum yield of 24 were prepared via hydrothermal carbonization process and characterised using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The fluorescence-based Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR) mediated sensing studies demonstrated the ability of the PCD sensor to detect AMR gene, compared to random and single mismatch DNA with a limit of detection of 16.17 pM. This strategy of waste valorization to design fluorescent probe offer excellent cost-effective and sustainable alternative for ultra-trace level detection of DNA.

Introduction Metabolic disorder is a cluster of disorder of metabolism like hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and obesity. Any of these alone or in combination can lead to high risk for the development of high levels of cholesterol, triglyceride and insulin resistance.