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An enchanting yet challenging task is the development of higher productivity in plants to meet the ample food demands for the growing global population while harmonizing the ecosystem using front-line technologies. This has kindled the practice of green microalgae cultivation as a driver of key biostimulant products, targeting agronomic needs. To this end, a prodigious and economical strategy for producing bioactive compounds (sources of secondary metabolites) from microalgae using carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) as a platform can circumvent these hurdles. Recently, the nanobionics approach of incorporating CNMs with living systems has emerged as a promising technique to develop organelles with new and augmented functions. Herein, we discuss the importance of 2D carbon nanosheets (CNS) as an alternative carbon source for the phototrophic cultivation of microalgae. CNS not only aids in cost reduction for algal cultivation but also confers combinatorial innate or exogenous functions that enhance its programmed biosynthetic metabolism, proliferation, or tolerance to stress. Moreover, the inherent ability of CNS to act as efficient biocatalysts can enhance the rate of photosynthesis. The primary focus of this mini-review is the development of an economic route for enhanced yield of bioactive compounds while simultaneously serving as a heterogeneous platform for enhancing the sustainable production of biostimulants including bioactive compounds from algal biomass for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Comprehending the radio--infrared (IR) relations of the faint extragalactic radio sources is important for using radio emission as a tracer of star-formation in high redshift ($z$) star-forming galaxies (SFGs). Using deep uGMRT observations of the ELAIS-N1 field in the 0.3--0.5\,GHz range, we study the statistical properties of the radio--IR relations and the variation of the `$q$-parameter' up to $z=2$ after broadly classifying the faint sources as SFGs and AGN. We find the dust temperature ($\tdust$) to increase with $z$. This gives rise to $\qmir$, measured at $24\,\upmu$m, to increase with $z$ as the peak of IR emission shifts towards shorter wavelengths, resulting in the largest scatter among different measures of $q$-parameters. $\qfir$ measured at $70\,\upmu$m, and $q_{\rm TIR}$ using total-IR (TIR) emission are largely unaffected by $\tdust$. We observe strong, non-linear correlations between the radio luminosities at 0.4 and 1.4\,GHz with $70\,\upmu$m luminosity and TIR luminosity($\ltir$). To assess the possible role of the radio-continuum spectrum in making the relations non-linear, for the first time we study them at high $z$ using integrated radio luminosity ($\lrc$) in the range 0.1--2\,GHz. In SFGs, the $\lrc$--$\ltir$ relation remains non-linear with a slope of $1.07\pm0.02$, has a factor of 2 lower scatter compared to monochromatic radio luminosities, and $\qtirbol$ decreases with $z$ as $\qtirbol = (2.27 \pm 0.03)\,(1+z)^{-0.12 \pm 0.03}$. A redshift variation of $q$ is a natural consequence of non-linearity. We suggest that a redshift evolution of magnetic field strengths and/or cosmic ray acceleration efficiency in high-$z$ SFGs could give rise to non-linear radio--IR relations., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS (20 pages, 20 Figures and one Appendix)

Photoexcited molecular trajectories on potential energy surfaces (PESs) prior to thermalization are intimately connected to the photochemical reaction outcome. The excited-state trajectories of a diplatinum complex featuring photo-activated metal–metal σ-bond formation and associated Pt−Pt stretching motions were detected in real time using femtosecond wide-angle X-ray solution scattering. The observed motions correspond well with coherent vibrational wavepacket motions detected by femtosecond optical transient absorption. Two key coordinates for intersystem crossing have been identified, the Pt−Pt bond length and the orientation of the ligands coordinated with the platinum centers, along which the excited-state trajectories can be projected onto the calculated PESs of the excited states. This investigation has gleaned novel insight into electronic transitions occurring on the time scales of vibrational motions measured in real time, revealing ultrafast nonadiabatic or non-equilibrium processes along excited-state trajectories involving multiple excited-state PESs.

Single-pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) is a key operation in biopharmaceutical downstream processing for in-process volume reduction, and for achieving a higher final concentration than conventional ultrafiltration processes. The performance of SPTFF also impacts the overall process yield. A model-based multi-objective optimization framework is proposed for determining the optimum configuration of membranes connected in series or parallel inside a multistage SPTFF module for maximising the volume concentration factor (VCF) and the throughput. The resistance-in-series model is used for predicting the permeate flux. Single objective optimization was performed to determine maximum achievable VCF and throughput over wide ranges of feed flow rate and transmembrane pressure using the Particle Swarm Optimization. A non-dominated sorting-based genetic algorithm was used for multi-objective optimization to determine the optimum operating parameters for maximum throughput as well as maximum VCF. The optimization results were validated with published experimental data. A mixed variable multi-objective optimization framework was applied to obtain the optimal membrane configuration by minimizing the number of membranes while maximizing VCF and throughput; and for a given configuration of SPTFF, a set of optimal operating conditions were identified. These optimization results provide useful guidelines and insights for designers and plant operators to achieve cost-effective and efficient ultrafiltration.

We describe a research-for-development (R4D) strategy developed to address how investments and interventions in agricultural intensification as a means to achieve community development can be designed to be more socially inclusive and equitable. We draw on results from a 5-year project – Promoting socially inclusive and sustainable agricultural intensification in West Bengal (India) and southern Bangladesh (SIAGI). We reflect on a major pivot in the project’s strategy, from being primarily research-driven to placing community concerns and priorities at the centre with a shift towards Ethical Community Engagement (ECE). This became the foundational framework which guided the definition and undertaking of all subsequent activities – including a rethink of methods and concepts to develop tools and frameworks fit for purpose and local context, and inculcating a culture of reflexivity and mutual learning in the project. We show that creating the conditions for true participation, where project beneficiaries and non-government organizations are equal partners alongside researchers and government actors, and for co-learning using the ECE framework, sets the foundations for increased and potentially enduring social inclusion in agricultural intensification.

Lath martensite substructures in as-quenched plain carbon steels exhibit dislocation-like contrast in the transmission electron microscope. More recent observations reported internal twins and nanoscale auto-tempered intra-lath carbides as additional lath substructures in ultra-low-C binary Fe–C steels. Modern microalloyed steels often have similar ultra-low C contents besides microalloying elements like Ti, Nb or V and, more recently, Mo, to achieve high strength, toughness and weldability. Nonetheless, little is known about the lath substructure evolution in the as-quenched state of microalloyed steels. This study investigates the hierarchical martensite substructure evolution post-quenching of microalloyed Nb and NbMo steels with 0.1 wt% C. Hierarchical microstructure characterization was done using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction methods including parent grain reconstructions with MTEX. Thermokinetic simulations using MatCalc to determine the carbide evolution during auto-tempering were corroborated with site-specific transmission electron microscopy. Mo addition led to lowering of the martensite start temperature, yet the Nb steel showed a finer hierarchical microstructure. Finer laths with in-lath dislocations, short and long twins, and lath boundary decoration of carbides were found in the Nb steel. Conversely, laths in the NbMo were wider, with frequent intra-lath auto-tempered precipitates in the vicinity of dislocations, without twins.

The ability of the rotary slingers to achieve fuel atomization by employing the rotational speed of the turbine shaft obviates the use of high-pressure fuel pump and makes those a popular choice for small gas turbine engines. Such atomizers contain arrays of orifices on their outer periphery for injection of the liquid into the combustion chambers. In the present work, we experimentally investigate the influence of the choice of orifice size on primary liquid breakup dynamics and spray characteristics in slinger atomizers. Three slinger discs with the same disc size and number of orifices but with different orifice size, d o (= 1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm) are examined in a high-speed slinger test rig for a range of rotational speed (2000–10,000 rpm) and liquid feed rate (0.2–1 lpm). The operating conditions are relevant to part-load and engine relighting conditions for which the selection of geometric parameters of the injector may play a crucial role in achieving the atomizer performance. In the current work, the liquid breakup process in the vicinity of the slinger orifices was visualized using front light illumination technique, whereas the pulse-shadowgraph technique was employed for droplet sizing. It is found that smaller orifice size promotes column mode of liquid breakup which results in larger primary liquid breakup length and subsequently results in larger Sauter mean diameter. The results highlight that the orifice size is an important design parameter as the liquid atomization in slinger atomizers is sensitive to the selection of orifice size especially for lower range of rotational speeds.

With a great response from Indian urban consumers, home services start- up, Urban Clap looked forward to venture into the global markets. The think tanks thought of rebranding the company from Urban Clap to Urban Company. The company was successful in luring investors and raising capital. It rigorously focused on employee training and improving customer experience which resulted in great success for a 6-year-old start – up. Urban Company co-founder Abhiraj Bhal said at the announcement that the intention behind the rebranding was to have a globally acceptable company name (Sheth, 2020). For increasing the scale of operations, the company tied up with NSDC to source, train and employ at least a million individuals from tier 2 and 3 cities. It is a historical fact that many times rebranding may fail. When we compare the entry of foreign brands into India, we see that the majority have used their original name and value proposition which is carried by the parent brand. Only time can tell that the decision will go right or wrong for “Urban Company”.

We report the first $5\sigma$ detection of HI 21 cm emission from a star-forming galaxy at redshift $z\sim1.3$ (nearly 9 billion years ago) using upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT). This is the highest redshift HI detection in emission from an individual galaxy to date. The emission is strongly boosted by the gravitational lens, an early type elliptical galaxy, at redshift $z \sim 0.13$. The measured HI mass of the galaxy is $\rm M_{HI} = (0.90 \pm 0.14 \pm 0.05) \times 10^{10}M_{\odot}$, which is almost twice the inferred stellar mass of the galaxy, indicating an extended structure of the HI gas inside the galaxy. By fitting two-dimensional Gaussian to the HI signal at the peak of the spectral line, we find the source to be marginally resolved with the position angle consistent with the emission being tangential to the critical curve of the lens mass distribution. This indicates that the solid angle of the approaching HI line flux comes very close to the inner lens caustic and results in very high magnification. These results, for the first time, demonstrate the feasibility of observing high redshift HI in a lensed system with a modest amount of telescope time and open up exciting new possibilities for probing the cosmic evolution of neutral gas with existing and upcoming low-frequency radio telescopes in the near future., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. There are 8 pages, 1 table and 6 figures

The redshifted 21-cm radiation from the atomic hydrogen (HI) provides an excellent direct probe to study the evolution of HI in IGM and thus reveal the nature of the first luminous objects, their evolution and role during Cosmic Dawn (CD) and Epoch of Reionization (EoR), and formation and evolution of the structures thereafter. Direct mapping of the HI density during the CD-EoR is rather difficult with the current and future instruments due to large foreground and other observational contamination. The first detection of this redshifted HI signal is planned through statistical estimators. Given the utmost importance of the detection and analysis of the redshifted 21-cm signal, physics of CD-EoR is one of the objectives of the upcoming SKA-Low telescope. This paper summarizes the collective effort of Indian astronomers to understand the origin of the redshifted 21-cm signal, sources of first ionizing photons, their propagation through the IGM, various cosmological effects on the expected 21-cm signal, various statistical measures of the signal like power spectrum, bispectrum, etc. A collective effort on detection of the signal by developing estimators of the statistical measures with rigorous assessment of their expected uncertainties, various challenges like that of the large foreground emission and calibration issues are also discussed. Various versions of the detection methods discussed here have also been used in practice with the GMRT with successful assessment of the foreground contamination and upper limits on the matter density in EoR and post-EoR. The collective efforts compiled here has been a large part of the global effort to prepare proper observational technique and analysis procedure for the first light of the CD-EoR through the SKA-Low., 37 pages, 26 figures, Review article, Accepted for publication in the Special Issue of Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy on "Indian Participation in the SKA"

Intricate potential energy surfaces (PESs) of some transition metal complexes (TMCs) pose challenges in mapping out initial excited-state pathways that could influence photochemical outcomes. Ultrafast intersystem crossing (ISC) dynamics of four structurally related platinum(II) dimer complexes were examined by detecting their coherent vibrational wavepacket (CVWP) motions of Pt-Pt stretching mode in the metal-metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer excited states. Structurally dependent CVWP behaviors (frequency, dephasing time, and oscillation amplitudes) were captured by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, analyzed by short-time Fourier transformation, and rationalized by quantum mechanical calculations, revealing dual ISC pathways. The results suggest that the ligands could fine-tune the PESs to influence the proximity of the conical intersections of the excited states with the Franck-Condon state and thus to control the branching ratio of the dual ISC pathways. This comparative study presents future opportunities in control excited-state trajectories of TMCs via ligand structures.

Abstract: Ethnographic research gives access to distinct insights on political participation. Sensitized by classic and contemporary theoretical work, ethnographers follow political participation outside as well as inside the realm of institutionalized citizenship, focusing on activities that politicize or depoliticize in a wide range of institutional and everyday sites. This chapter argues that ethnographic research is especially good at illuminating three aspects of political participation: First and foremost, ethnographers uncover the meanings and practices that constitute different kinds of political participation. Second, ethnographic research clarifies relations between political ideas and political actors, in different settings. Third, ethnography illuminates the ambiguous and shifting boundaries between what is and is not political or politicized. In each of these areas, ethnographic work improves understandings based on assumptions that commonly drive non-ethnographic or non-empirical writings.

Studying the spatial distribution of extragalactic source populations is vital in understanding the matter distribution in the Universe. It also enables understanding the cosmological evolution of dark matter density fields and the relationship between dark matter and luminous matter. Clustering studies are also required for EoR foreground studies since it affects the relevant angular scales. This paper investigates the angular and spatial clustering properties and the bias parameter of radio-selected sources in the Lockman Hole field at 325 MHz. The data probes sources with fluxes $\gtrsim$0.3 mJy within a radius of 1.8$^\circ$ around the phase center of a $6^\circ \times 6^\circ$ mosaic. Based on their radio luminosity, the sources are classified into Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs) and Star-Forming Galaxies (SFGs). Clustering and bias parameters are determined for the combined populations and the classified sources. The spatial correlation length and the bias of AGNs are greater than SFGs -- indicating that more massive haloes host the former. This study is the first reported estimate of the clustering property of sources at 325 MHz, intermediate between the preexisting studies at high and low-frequency bands. It also probes a well-studied deep field at an unexplored frequency with moderate depth and area. Clustering studies require such observations along different lines of sight, with various fields and data sets across frequencies to avoid cosmic variance and systematics. Thus, an extragalactic deep field has been studied in this work to contribute to this knowledge., 16 Pages, 10 Figures, submitted after minor revision to MNRAS