RK University (RKU) is a private university in Rajkot, Gujarat, India. It was created by the state of Gujarat under the Private State University Act by a gazetted notification dated 12 October 2011, along with three other universities. On Rajkot-Bhavnagar Highway, in a campus of nearly 100 acres, RK University has been functioning as RK Group of Colleges since 2005, offering degrees in engineering, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and in management studies. It has more than 5500 students. The campus offers hostel facilities for nearly 1200 students.
In the past few decades, electronic excitation-induced changes in BiFeO3 (BFO)-type systems have attracted a lot of attention due to their potential for modifying existing material properties and exploring applications. Dense electronic excitation led by Swift Heavy Ion (SHI) irradiation can modify the structural, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of materials. In the present study, electronic excitation-induced modifications in the structural, microstructural, and resistive switching properties of Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD)-grown 20% Ca-doped BFO-based heterostructures using a LaNiO3 (LNO) conducting buffer layer on LaAlO3 (LAO) (100) substrates have been studied by varying the ion fluences of 5 & times; 1010, 5 & times; 1011, 1 & times; 1012, and 5 & times; 1012 ions/cm2 of 150 MeV Ag11+ ions. X-ray diffraction confirms the single-phase nature of the heterostructure along with the modulation of the structural strain with ion fluences. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements show changes in grain morphologies, including the formation of hillock-like and track-like defects after ion irradiation. Cross-sectional Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Rutherford Backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) measurements confirm the interface modifications due to ion irradiation, which play an important role in charge conduction. Interface modification, formation of oxygen vacancies, and structural defects due to SHI irradiation affect the resistive switching and charge conduction in the proposed system, which is also validated by theoretical fittings of the space charge-limited conduction mechanism. In addition, the impact of ion irradiation on the optical band gap has been understood using UV-visible spectroscopy and correlated with other results.
Thiazolidinone scaffolds exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. Based on the literature, the primary aim of the present work was to synthesize novel, potent, bioactive thiazolidinone derivatives. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new series of thiazolidinone-based compounds via the cyclocondensation of thioglycolic acid with Schiff bases. All compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (S. aureus, S. pyogenes) and Gram-negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) bacteria and fungal species (C. albicans, A. clavatus, A. niger) using standard drugs as references. 4-4-[2-(4-Nitrophenyl)-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl]phenylmorpholin-3-one (6j) was identified as the most potent antimicrobial agent. The compounds were also subjected to in silico molecular docking studies with target proteins from bacteria (PDB IDs: 1JIJ, 4ROT, 1KZN, 4JVI) and fungi (PDB IDs: 5C5G, 1IYL, 1UKC) to analyze their potential inhibitory properties. The study suggests that compounds 6c and 6e show promising potential and, following further detailed investigations, could be beneficial for medicinal applications.
Cesium Tin halides (CsSnX3, X = Halide ions) are potential and competitive absorber materials for alternate leadbased Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs). The present research is intended to study the efficiency of CsSnX3-based PSCs by employing numerical simulation through the One-Dimensional Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS-1D). Device modeling for PSCs has been performed for five different Electron Transport Layers (ETLs), namely TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide), ZnO (Zinc Oxide), WS2 (Tungsten Disulfide), PCBM ([6,6]-Phenyl-C61-Butyric Acid Methyl ester), IGZO (Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide) and two distinct Hole Transport Layers (HTLs), such as Cu2O (Cuprous Oxide) and CuO (Cupric Oxide). The optimized solar cell structure (ITO/WS2/CsSnCl3/Cu2O) showed the best photovoltaic performance with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.15 %, a fill factor (FF) of 82.01 %, an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.0289 V, and a short circuit current density (JSC) of 26.25 mA/cm2, followed by (ITO/ZnO/CsSnCl3/Cu2O) with a PCE of 22.09 %, a FF of 82.02 %, a VOC of 1.0267 V, and a JSC of 26.23 mA/cm2. CuO showed the best performance with ETL WS2, having a PCE of 22.04 %, a FF of 82.19 %, VOC of 1.0226 V, and a JSC of 26.22 mA/cm2. We observed the effect of the thickness of the perovskite layer and ETL, temperature, interface defect density between the ETL and perovskite layer and work function on PCE, FF, VOC and JSC of the proposed PSCs. The effect of temperature on the performance of the device revealed that lower temperature led to better functionality.
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) have emerged as a popular non-invasive approach for treating skin-related disorders, offering quick and reliable drug delivery into the skin, thereby accelerating therapeutic efficacy. In India, there is a growing interest in TDDS due to its perceived safety and effectiveness. Researchers are actively developing new formulations and technologies to enhance drug delivery efficiency and reduce side effects. Recent trends indicate a focus on overcoming challenges such as low permeability and stability issues through innovative nanoparticle-based delivery systems. Nanotechnology has revolutionized transdermal drug delivery by offering precise control over nanoparticle properties, enabling enhanced skin permeation and targeted delivery. Various nanoparticle formulations, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanotubes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions, have shown promise in improving drug solubility, bioavailability, and sustained release. Additionally, microneedles have emerged as a successful transdermal delivery method, offering advantages over traditional creams and patches. Metallic nanocarriers and nanoemulsions are also being explored for their potential in targeted drug delivery and enhanced skin penetration. Despite these advancements, challenges such as toxicity and biocompatibility need to be addressed for widespread clinical translation. Overall, the growing interest in transdermal drug delivery systems in India reflects the potential for improved therapeutic outcomes and patient convenience through innovative nanoparticle- based formulations and technologies.
This review aims to provide insights into the various characteristics of psyllium husk (Plantago ovata). Specifically, the review focuses primarily on its role in managing chronic disease and the potential mechanisms responsible for these health benefits. The studies have highlighted the multifaceted functional properties of psyllium husk, including its high water-holding capacity, gel-forming ability, and viscosity, which contribute to its efficacy in promoting gastrointestinal health. The consumption of psyllium husk may improve glycemic control, reduce cholesterol, and enhance bowel function. The various mechanisms responsible for health benefits include the binding of bile acids, modulation of the gut microbiome, enhanced satiety, and delayed gastric emptying. Psyllium consumption promotes the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp., thereby increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, several adverse effects were observed, including bloating, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal obstruction (resulting from inadequate water consumption). Psyllium husk can be used as an adjunct therapy in managing body weight, hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes, and gut health. It is generally considered safe; careful consideration of dosage and hydration is necessary to minimize adverse effects. Further research is required to optimize dosage and investigate the long-term effects on metabolic health.
