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The low cost and fine‐tunability of the luminescence of copper nanoclusters make them attractive candidates for opto‐electronic, imaging, and sensing applications; their stability, and a precise understanding of the structure–function correlations however, continue to be challenging. A comprehensive chemical etching strategy is developed to synthesize orange, blue, and cyan emitting nanoclusters from a single source of ultrasmall copper nanoparticles; high quantum yields up to ≈34% are realized. Steady state and time‐resolved spectroscopy, electron microscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry, and computational modeling provide critical mechanistic insight into the polychromatic luminescence. A facile method for the fabrication of polymer nanocomposite thin films that sustain and stabilize the luminescent nanoclusters is presented. A subtle variation of the etching strategy without the need to admix multiple components, provides white luminescent thin films with Commission Internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) coordinates, x = 0.35, y = 0.33. The highlights of this work are i) the simple solution synthesis of stable, uniform, and pure ultrasmall Cu nanoparticles, ii) their chemical etching by subtle variations in an optimized protocol to produce highly luminescent, polychromatic nanoclusters, including white‐emitting ones, iii) stabilization of the bright luminescent systems in nanocomposite thin films, and iv) a detailed analysis of the luminescence tuning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Realization of scalable technologies for key processes like electrochemical water splitting requires the development of sustainable, efficient and cost‐effective catalytic electrodes. The innumerable electrocatalysts being developed in contemporary research rely on the use of a limited choice of binders for effective deployment in the electrolysis setting. Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of electrically insulating hydrogel polymers as suitable matrices for incorporating the electrocatalyst nanoparticles; the nanocomposite thin films coated on conducting substrates mediate highly efficient electrocatalytic water splitting reactions through the effective confinement of the electrolyte within and release of the gaseous products. After a brief introduction to the basic challenges in the field and the existing approaches that address them, this article outlines the promise of hydrogel based nanocomposite thin films in developing efficient and sustainable catalytic electrodes for water splitting, and their functional role in enhancing the efficiency of the electrochemical process. Directions for further development in this domain are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of cost-effective catalysts providing low overpotentials and enhanced efficiency is a critical goal of contemporary research on electrochemical water splitting and other technologically significant processes. Translation to practical applications demands that they should also enable high current densities to be extracted. A simple strategy of encapsulating the active electrocatalyst in hydrogel polymer matrices is shown to provide a facile solution in several respects, especially regarding the last criterion. The concept is illustrated using two examples of 'gelectrodes' based on nanocomposites of cobalt oxyhydroxide and nickel–iron hydroxide with chitosan on nickel foam, and their efficient mediation of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Comparison with control systems show that significantly lower overpotentials and higher current densities with extended temporal stability can be achieved with the gelectrodes; the cobalt oxyhydroxide – chitosan and nickel-iron hydroxide – chitosan systems provide stable current densities up to 1.6–1.7 A cm−2 for the OER with alkaline aqueous electrolyte. This simple design strategy opens up a general route to technologically useful electrocatalyst performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced fluorescence emission in supramolecular aggregates and molecular solids is of significant interest from fundamental photophysics and functional materials perspectives. Fluorescence response tuning in these materials is mostly realized through the modification of the molecular structure or supramolecular assembly patterns. We show that the fluorescence emission of diaminodicyanoquinodimethane (DADQ) based molecular solids can be fine-tuned by short exposure to weak acid vapor, and the effects are reversible. Contrary to the earlier observations in similar contexts, no significant molecular or crystal structure changes are observed. Optical spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and NMR investigations of representative systems indicate that the fluorescence variation results from the weak protonation that leads to subtle changes in the dielectric environment of the molecules. This idea is supported by computational modelling of the electronic ground and excited states of a DADQ molecule including the standard solvation effect; this can be visualized as the solid state analogue of conventional solvatochromism. Dielectric measurement by impedance spectroscopy and surface potential measurement by Kelvin probe force microscopy provide experimental verification of this general concept. The model developed in this study should prove useful for a broader understanding of fluorescence emission tuning in molecular solids under mild perturbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the implementation of a control algorithm for MIMO system, which is mostly used in industries and it is a highly nonlinear system, the main aim is to control the level of a liquid in a tank. A challenge in process industries is naturally multi-input and multi-output systems, compared to the single input and single output systems. The process parameters change with the operating point and it is a difficult task in different tanks to control the level of liquid for (ITTHS). The output of the level process is nonlinear, it should be linearized by the Taylor Series method, which converts nonlinear equations to linear equations for MIMO system. The transfer function for ITTHS is derived and tuning parameters in the case of PI, PID controller. The objective is to analyse the various tuning controllers by simulation using the MATLAB SIMULINK platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process control and automation system is one of the significant features in any process plant. The control valve is considered a fundamental part of the process control system. It regulates the fluid flow by changing the size of the flow passage as directed by the controller. If properly maintained, the control valves can help to reduce process variability and improve product quality, which in turn increases the overall efficiency of the plant. But control valve stiction is an enduring concern within process industries which eventually affects the efficiency of plant operation. Hence, it is extremely essential to detect and quantify stiction at the earliest opportunity, to determine the correct maintenance measures. Numerous methods related to stiction detection and estimation have been carried out so far by researchers. A literature study of the latest publications in stiction detection and quantification discloses that research in the conventional methods of stiction detection and quantification such as limit cycle pattern-based, waveform shape-based, nonlinearity-based, and model-based methods is gradually declining. At the same time, most stiction detection/quantification methods reported in the recent literature are based on artificial neural network and convolutional neural network. This implies that future stiction detection and quantification research will be focused towards machine learning (ML) algorithms. Taking this into consideration, this paper aims to provide a literature review of stiction detection and quantification methods by focusing on the latest research ideas and innovative approaches. This review also aims to compare recent techniques based on ML algorithms with conventional methods by pointing out the relationship among different methods, differences, and possible points of weakness. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplementing optimal quantities of nutrients in soil is considered to be one of the challenging tasks faced by farmers mainly because of the lack of information on the status of soil nutrients. Quantitative estimation of soil elements across agricultural farms is a hard problem to address. Although there are several studies proposed to spatially predict the soil nutrients employing geostatistical, computational, or by using AI techniques, most of these methods either do not have sufficient accuracy or perform well only with datasets similar to the model building dataset. In this study, we propose supervised Self-Organizing Maps (xyf-SOM) for the first time to quantitatively and spatially predict soil micronutrients viz. Boron, Iron, Manganese, Copper and Zinc. Soil nutrient data (2594 samples) pertaining to Alappuzha District, Kerala, India, collected during 2019–20 was used for the study. Geo-environmental predictors generated from remote sensing data such as topography, vegetation, land surface temperature, and precipitation were used as explanatory variables. The prediction accuracy was compared with Regression Kriging and Random Forest based spatial prediction. The results showed that supervised Self-organizing Maps predictions resulted significantly high and consistent prediction accuracy for all micronutrients when compared with Geostatistical and random forest predictions. The models were validated with test data set as well as with an independent dataset. The prediction model was applied to a data grid with a 200 x 200-m spatial interval, and the prediction results were converted and visualized in a geospatial framework.

Background: Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability and has a potentially enormous emotional and socio-economic impact on patients, their families, and health services. Perceptions of patients with stroke have already been studied worldwide, which are unique in terms of their cultural background. However, in India, there is a lack of studies about the experience of the disease by stroke survivors and their perspectives of understanding the situation. Objective: This study aimed to explore lived experience of stroke survivors in India. Methods: A phenomenological study design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of ten stroke survivors who had experienced post-stroke deficits three months to one year after stroke. Data were analyzed using Diekelmann’s hermeneutical approach to identify underlying themes. Results: Two main themes emerged: (1) emergence of stroke (actual occurrence, mental perception, and recognition of illness) and (2) therapeutic concerns (enhanced and weakened recovery). Conclusion: Recognizing how patients experience the illness is crucial in planning care for stroke survivors. Strengthening factors enhancing recovery and limiting the hindering factors through effective therapeutic management is a necessity. The findings might also contribute to refining existing interventions and designing holistic multi-component rehabilitation programs that facilitate easy recovery. The study also highlights the need for providing information to general public on recognizing warning signs of stroke.

The amorphous/crystalline (A/C) assembly in molecular solids has a direct bearing on their attributes and applications, including mechanical, pharmaceutical, electronic and photophysical. A systematic analysis of the molecular features and interactions that determine the predilection towards the A, C or bi-stable A-C states is critical. This fundamental problem is addressed through an exhaustive investigation of a large family of alkoxyalkyl diaminodicyanoquinodimethanes (ROR'-DADQs); enhancement of their fluorescence from the solution, to the A, to the C state serves as an excellent signature of the phase preference and temporal stability. Their thermal characteristics and single crystal structure investigations coupled with Hirshfeld surface analysis of the intermolecular interactions, not only confirm the spectroscopic observations, but also reveal the significant impact of the molecular structural features, key interactions like H-bonds, and molecular orientations in the lattice, on the phase stability. These explorations lead to a basic structure-phase correlation; its predictive power is demonstrated by identifying the borderline systems as functional phase change materials, and the subsequent verification through the reversible cycles of fluorescence switching between the A/C states. The factors promoting the A or C forms of molecular solids can guide the design of novel materials exploiting such supramolecular structures and their interconversions., (© 2025 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Mucus plug obstruction is a common complication in prone patients associated with loss of ventilation and hemodynamic instability. This case presents a 62-year-old female with chronic bronchitis who underwent posterior cervical fusion for a type III dens fracture with extension into the pars articularis and pedicles. Glycopyrrolate was administered to assist with fiberoptic intubation. After successful intubation, bronchoscopy revealed copious endotracheal secretions requiring preoperative therapeutic removal. Despite extensive removal of thick endotracheal secretions preoperatively, obstructive mucus plugging developed intraoperatively with complete loss of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO 2 ) while the patient was in Mayfield head pins. With limited airway access, suctioning and prone flexible bronchoscopy were performed, successfully restoring ETCO 2 . This experience underscores the need for heightened awareness and preparedness for mucus plug obstruction in chronic bronchitis patients undergoing prone cervical spine surgeries., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Veligandla et al.)

The present study delves into the evolution of traditional Ayurvedic oil preparations through innovative strategies to develop advanced gel formulations, aiming at amplifying their therapeutic efficacy. Ayurvedic oils have a rich historical context in healing practices, yet their conversion into contemporary gel-based formulations represents a revolutionary approach to augment their medicinal potential. The primary objective of this transformation is to leverage scientific advancements and modern pharmaceutical techniques to enhance the application, absorption, and overall therapeutic impact of these traditional remedies. By encapsulating the essential constituents of Ayurvedic oils within gel matrices, these novel strategies endeavor to improve their stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery mechanisms. This review highlights the fusion of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with cutting-edge pharmaceutical technology, paving the way for more effective and accessible utilization of these revered remedies in modern healthcare.

Urbanization has resulted in a surge in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, posing critical waste management challenges in urban areas. To tackle this issue, we introduce a novel approach for mapping garbage vulnerability zones (GVZ) in Coimbatore City, India, combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Seven criteria, including per capita waste generation, open dumping, land use land cover, road/railway networks, and population, were integrated and analyzed in GIS. AHP pairwise comparison method assigned weights to each criterion and principal component analysis (PCA) further validated the interconnectedness of the criteria and their impact on the GVZs. The results indicated that open dumping locations and population density are the most influential factors contributing to the risk of garbage accumulation, making up 23.7% and 21.2% of the total weight, respectively. The GVZ map reveals that 94.6% of Coimbatore City is at risk of MSW accumulation, with 20.2% highly and 74.4% moderately vulnerable. Eleven high GVZ clusters were identified, with Saravanampatti, located in the northeastern part of Coimbatore City, being the most vulnerable area. The H3 hexagon format of the GVZ map enhances its usability for monitoring and mitigation capabilities. In conclusion, our comprehensive AHP-GIS approach facilitates effective waste management practices, sustainable resource utilization, and better environmental and public health outcomes in urban areas. The demonstrated methodology has the potential for application in similar developing urban areas in South Asia and the Global South, serving as a valuable tool to address the challenges posed by increasing MSW generation., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Hypertension is a cardiovascular disorder that is an incurable clinical condition. It requires lifelong therapy for its management along with long terms application of synthetic drugs associated with severe toxicity in multiple organs. However, the therapeutic application of herbal medicines to treat hypertension has gained considerable attention. The limitations and hurdles associated with conventional plant extract medications are their safety, efficacy, dose, and unknown biological activity., Objective: In the modern era, the active phytoconstituent-based formulation has come into trend. Various extraction techniques have been reported to extract and isolate active phytoconstituents. Pharmacognostic, physiochemical, phytochemical, and quantitative analytical methods were developed for their qualitative and quantitative analysis. The passage of time and changes in lifestyle also modulate the variable cause of hypertension. Single-drug-based approach therapy cannot efficiently control the cause of hypertension. Designing a potent herbal formulation with different active constituents and modes of action against hypertension is necessary to effectively manage hypertension., Methods: This review comprises a selection of three different plants, Boerhavia diffusa, Rauwolfia Serpentina , and Elaeocarpus ganitrus exhibiting antihypertension activity., Results: The objective behind selecting individual plants is their active constituents which have different mechanisms of action for the treatment of hypertension. This review comprises the various extraction methods of the active phytoconstituents and pharmacognostic, physiochemical, phytochemical, and quantitative analysis parameters, respectively. It also lists active phytoconstituents present in plants and the different pharmacological modes of action. Selected plant extracts have different antihypertensive mechanisms. Extract of Boerhavia diffusa consisting of Liriodendron & Syringaresnol mono β-D-Glucosidase exhibit Ca 2+ channel antagonistic activity; where Reserpine is a phytoconstituent of Rauwolfia serpentina , which depletes catecholamine, Ajmalin shows an antiarrhythmic effect by blocking the sodium channel and the aqueous extract of E. ganitrus seeds reduces mean arterial blood pressure by inhibiting the ACE enzyme., Conclusion: It has been revealed that poly-herbal formulation of respective phytoconstituent can be used as potent antihypertensive medicine to treat hypertension effectively., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)