Mesoporous MCM41 and Al-MCM41 supports were prepared with varying the Si/Al (25, 50, 100 and 150) ratios. Nickel is deposited onto these supports via the incipient wetness impregnation and explored for the single step production of valeric acid (VA) via levulinic acid (LA) hydrogenation. The transformation of LA to VA occurs through the intermediate of gamma-valerolactone (GVL). Modification of MCM41 with Al significantly changed the product distribution. Catalytic activity studies revealed that Ni/MCM41 exhibited selectivity mainly towards the hydrogenation of LA to GVL. Conversely, Ni supported on Al-modified MCM41 catalysts demonstrated enhanced catalytic activity for the formation of VA. Rate of GVL is reduced consequently the VA rate is improved in the presence of Al with an optimum Al insertion in to the framework is (Si/Al = 100) demonstrated 100 % LA conversion. Further increase of the aluminum content, which is accompanied by structural distortions, causes a distinct decrease of acidic sites. The better performance of 20Ni/Al-MCM41-100 was justified by assessing the physicochemical properties of the catalyst, analyzed by powder XRD, H2-TPR, BET-surface area, 27Al and 29Si MAS NMR, NH3-TPD, TEM and H2 pulse chemisorption techniques. Both surface Ni species and strong acid sites play significant role in the ring-opening process of GVL. The solid-state 27Al NMR results emphasized the presence of higher number of framework tetrahedral -Al sites on the 20Ni/Al-MCM41-100 catalyst compared to other catalysts. High selectivity of VA on 20NiAl-MCM41-100 catalysts can be attributed to the existence of strong acid sites, distinguishing it from the other catalysts.
Heterostructure-based photodetectors often face performance limitations due to strong interlayer coupling and restricted band modulation. An alternative approach is engineering doped 2D TMDs, particularly through hole doping, to achieve tunable electronic and optoelectronic properties. In this work, we report oxygen passivation of selenium vacancies in MoSe2 (OP-MoSe2) and compare it with vacancy-rich MoSe2 (VSe-MoSe2) in terms of structural, chemical, and optoelectronic characteristics, demonstrating its application in weak-light photodetection. Raman spectroscopy, PL spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm that oxygen passivation improves structural quality and optical performance. Low-temperature PL reveals reduced inhomogeneous broadening and biexcitonic features, indicating modulation of excitonic interactions. First-principles calculations show oxygen preferentially occupies vacancy sites, effectively passivating them and suppressing defect-related states. Consequently, OP-MoSe2 photodetectors achieve outstanding performance under 530 nm illumination, with responsivity of 0.74 × 105 A/W, detectivity of ~1014 Jones, at 89 nW/cm2, and a low noise-equivalent power of 0.087 fW/Hz1/2. Furthermore, we demonstrate weak-light tracking of moving objects at varying speeds, mimicking security surveillance conditions. These results establish oxygen-passivated MoSe2 as a promising platform for high-performance, low-light photodetection. This work underscores oxygen passivation as an effective defect engineering strategy for high-performance, ultra-sensitive 2D photodetectors.
This paper introduces a Chakravarty-type poverty index as an alternative measure of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), offering a theoretically robust framework that accounts for inequality among households experiencing CHE. Unlike conventional CHE measures that treat all overshoots uniformly, the Chakravarty adaptation incorporates a flexible ethical aversion parameter, enabling differential weighting of moderate and extreme overshoots. The paper further demonstrates that this measure accommodates key qualitative features of already adapted Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) and Watts-type weighting structures, thereby providing an integrated analytical framework for assessing CHE severity. The study also proposes decay functions corresponding to the FGT and Chakravarty-type CHE measures to model the dynamic relationship between overshoot and recovery, allowing estimation of the time required for households to recover from the adverse impacts of CHE. Both measures depict state-dependent exit paths, in contrast to the existing Watts-based memoryless proportional decay. Flexibility in setting the ethical aversion parameter in the Chakravarty measure allows targeting specific policy goals, enabling more sensitive evaluation of financial distress among highly vulnerable population subgroups. Finally, the paper presents an empirical application using nationally representative household data from India, estimating CHE and exit times at the aggregate level and across key socioeconomic subgroups.
Background:India faces a complex spectrum of malnutrition, with undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising overweight and obesity coexisting across populations and life stages. National surveys, such as the National Family Health Survey, Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey, and WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance, provide essential population-level estimates but are episodic, limiting their utility for timely, institution-level prevention and early detection of nutrition and metabolic risks. Continuous, life course-oriented surveillance is required to support responsive public health action and double-duty approaches addressing multiple forms of malnutrition. Objective:This study aims to describe a life course framework and study protocol for an institute-based, standardized surveillance system to monitor overweight, obesity, and metabolic risk factors in India. Methods:This study protocol was developed through a structured synthesis of international surveillance models and public health frameworks, combined with operational insights from ongoing implementation initiatives in India. The proposed surveillance system is institution-anchored and spans key life stages from preconception to young adulthood. Core domains include anthropometry, diet, selected biochemical markers, and behavioral risk factors. Data collection is designed using a hybrid model incorporating optical mark recognition-based paper tools, digital platforms, and connected measurement devices, guided by principles of primary health care, including equity, community participation, intersectoral coordination, and appropriate technology. Results:The surveillance protocol has transitioned from conceptual development to implementation through 2 intramural research platforms: NULRISC (sanctioned July 2024) and COPRIME (sanctioned May 2025). Formative phase activities are ongoing in Telangana across approximately 15 high schools and colleges, as well as primary health care-linked platforms, including 3 primary health centers, 2 kindergartens, and 5 primary schools. At the time of manuscript revision, 10 educational institutions (5 schools and 5 colleges) were onboarded, with expansion to 30 institutions planned. The first surveillance round is scheduled for June 2026 in Hyderabad and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts, and initial analytical outputs are anticipated in 2027. Conclusions:An institute-based, standardized surveillance system has the potential to shift nutrition and metabolic risk monitoring in India from episodic assessment to continuous prevention. By embedding surveillance within routine institutional platforms and aligning with primary health care principles, the proposed protocol offers a feasible and sustainable approach to strengthening evidence-informed policy and practice across the life course.
This study investigates the impact of heat treatment on CGPed Nimonic 263 alloy, commonly used in marine engines and gas turbine applications. CGP refines the grain structure, while post-CGP aging at different temperatures influences mechanical properties and strain-hardening behavior. CGP increased yield strength and ultimate tensile strength by 218 % and 52 %, respectively, with post-CGP aging at 800 degrees C, further enhancing them by 266 % and 160 %. Vickers hardness also improved after CGP (59 %) and aging (88 %) compared to asreceived material. Kocks-Mecking plot analysis showed distinct strain hardening behaviors, and fractography indicated brittle fracture in CGPed specimens and mixed-mode fracture in heat-treated samples. Aging at 800 degrees C proved most effective in enhancing Nimonic 263's microstructure and properties, broadening its potential use in gas turbine blades, discs, and combustors in aircraft.
