ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education

This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, and surface behavior of poly lactic acid (PLA)-based composites reinforced with silane-treated luffa vine stem microfiber and silane-treated volcanic pumice filler. Mechanical characterization revealed significant improvements in tensile strength, flexural strength, impact energy, and hardness with the incorporation of treated reinforcements. Among all specimens, PLV2 (67 vol.

Epoxy resins are a widely used polymeric material for a wide range of applications. Nevertheless, the intrinsic flammable nature of epoxy resins limits their applications in extreme conditions. Chemists look for suitable flame-retardants (FRs) to impart flame retardance to the epoxy resin. Adapting suitable organic synthetic approaches to synthesize FRs is always viable. Schiff base chemistry has emerged as a promising approach for developing FRs in epoxy resins, mainly due to its efficient char-forming ability. The imine group (  C N  ) not only serves as a functional site for attaching FR agents like DOPO, but also contributes to flame retardance in the condensed phase by facilitating the formation of cross-linked, nitrogen-containing cyclic networks between Schiff base units. The present review provides an overview of possible approaches to make FRs for epoxy resins via Schiff base chemistries. The flame-retardant mechanism of Schiff base-containing epoxy thermosets is also proposed. Significant findings from multiple research groups, as well as major insights and viewpoints, are discussed.

Correction for ‘Towards advanced mineral identification for future space mining applications employing LIBS and machine learning’ by Homa Saeidfirozeh et al. , J. Anal. At. Spectrom. , 2026, 41 , 615–632, https://doi.org/10.1039/D5JA00377F.

This study investigates the asymmetric and nonlinear relationship between fiscal deficit and economic growth in India over the period 1970 to 2022. The primary objective is to assess whether fiscal deficits act as a stimulus or a constraint on economic performance, accounting for the roles of foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign aid (AID), and human capital development (proxied by primary school enrolment, PSE). Using advanced econometric methodologies, including Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), Nonlinear ARDL (NARDL), and Multiple Threshold NARDL (MTNARDL) models, the study captures both long-run and short-run dynamics along with threshold and asymmetric effects. The findings reveal that positive shocks in fiscal deficit negatively impact long-run growth, whereas negative shocks (i.e., fiscal consolidation) enhance it. In the short run, however, moderate increases in deficit have an expansionary effect, especially when starting from low-deficit levels. Therefore, fiscal deficit constrains economic growth in the long run but stimulates it in the short term, but only when beginning deficit levels are low. Control variables such as FDI and AID exhibit positive long-term growth effects, while PSE contributes to growth primarily in the long run, highlighting the lagged effect of education investments. The study recommends a threshold-sensitive and growth-oriented fiscal policy, prioritizing capital expenditure and maintaining deficits within moderate, sustainable bounds. Policymakers should also foster FDI, improve aid effectiveness, and invest strategically in human capital to ensure long-term macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth.

This study explored the lived experiences of women with gynaecological cancer to understand the complex web of concerns they encounter during the treatment process. A qualitative research design was adopted using purposive sampling. Sixteen married women above the age of 21, diagnosed with ovarian, cervical or uterine cancer, were recruited from Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad, India. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to identify emerging themes. The analysis revealed six major themes: lack of awareness of symptoms, cancer as a punishment for past sin, concerns related to the treatment of cancer, family-related-distress, pressure to be resilient, and non-disclosure of the diagnosis. Among these, concerns related to the treatment of cancer comprised three sub-themes, which were side-effects of the treatment, fear of cancer recurrence, and hospital anxiety, while the theme family-related distress included two sub-themes, consisting of worry about children and burden to family. The findings of this study have implications for healthcare professionals working in the field of oncology, as it helps them understand the need to address the psychological issues to improve the quality of life for women undergoing treatment for cancer.