Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University

The catalytic performance of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) depends on their geometry, porosity, and surface functionality. In this study, we synthesized a Zn-BDC MOF having unique topology via the solvothermal method. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed a monoclinic crystal system (Z = 2), with Zn(II) centers in distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry coordinated to four O atoms from BDC and one O from a DMF guest molecule. Unlike typical MOFs, the BDC ligands here coordinate exclusively in a monodentate fashion, forming a rigid sinusoidal laddertype 3D framework with host-guest cavities. Non-covalent Zn center dot center dot center dot Zn interactions (2.942 & Aring;), hydrogen bonding (3.303 & Aring;), and DMF coordination (O center dot center dot center dot O = 2.590 & Aring;) contribute to the structural integrity. Thermal stability up to 450 degrees C and a surface area of 108.14 m2/g (BET) were observed. Catalytic studies demonstrated the Zn-BDC MOF's efficiency and green catalytic behavior in the N-alkylation of aromatic amines using environmentally benign diethyl carbonate (DEC) under solvent-free conditions. Optimal conditions (10 mol% catalyst, 180 degrees C, 4 h) gave 90% yield for N-ethylation of p-anisidine. Systematic variation confirmed strong dependence on catalyst loading, temperature, and reactant molar ratios. The substrate scope included substituted aromatic amines, delivering yields of 81-91%. These results highlight the Zn-BDC MOF as a thermally stable, recyclable, and efficient heterogeneous catalyst, and thus demonstrating the design of organic polymeric frameworks to play a key role in its catalytic potential.

This review presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of three next-generation photovoltaic technologies - perovskite, thin-film and tandem solar cells - focusing on their efficiency, production cost, stability and environmental impact. While numerous reviews have explored efficiency enhancement and scalability in individual technologies, a unified comparison of these emerging systems has been lacking. This manuscript bridges that gap by providing organized insights into their advancement and commercialization challenges. For perovskite solar cells, the review highlights remarkable efficiency gains enabled by improved lab-scale and scalable fabrication routes, defect passivation and encapsulation strategies, while critically examining persistent barriers such as long-term instability and lead toxicity. In thin-film photovoltaic, a comparative analysis of α-Si, CdTe, CIGS, and CZTS/CZTSSe is provided, emphasizing their maturity, efficiency trends and material specific limitations. CIGS emerges as the leading thin-film candidate, whereas kesterite compounds as sustainable alternatives. Tandem solar cells are highlighted for their potential to exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit through bandgap-complementary stacking along with key challenges involving current matching and optical management. Overall, the study reveals that no single technology fully satisfies the combined requirements of high efficiency, low cost, long-term durability and environmental stability. The review also includes perspectives on future opportunities in the field. The review offers a concise resource for researchers seeking an integrated understanding of the current progress, limitations and future directions in solar energy conversion.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a significant health concern affecting both men and women, leading to physical discomfort and psychological distress that can negatively impact quality of life. This condition affects individuals across all age groups and populations worldwide, with various risk factors contributing to its onset. A range of treatment approaches is available for managing UI. Conservative management, particularly physiotherapy, is typically the first line of treatment. This review aims to assess the current prevalence of UI in both men and women and to examine recent evidence-based literature on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in managing UI. A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed, focusing on observational studies and randomized controlled trials published in English between January 2015 and January 2024. A total of 38 studies were included in this review. To assess the quality of prevalence studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used, and the methodological quality of the randomized controlled trials was assessed by the Jadad scale. Findings indicate that the prevalence of UI among females ranges from 12% to 100%, while in males, it varies between 14.2% and 75.5%. Pelvic floor muscle training was found to be an effective and commonly used physiotherapy intervention for treating UI in this review. Reported prevalence rates differ widely across studies due to variations in UI definitions and study designs. Pelvic floor muscle training and other physiotherapy techniques play a crucial role in reducing UI symptoms. Various risk factors for both genders were identified. However, further population-based studies and high-quality randomized controlled trials-particularly in male populations-are needed to establish the long-term benefits of physiotherapy interventions.

This study explores how ordinary individuals-particularly women-are victimised by state and insurgent violence in conflict-ridden regions, with a focus on Danesh Ranas' novel Red Maize (2015). Drawing on Ranas' lived experience as a police officer in the violence-torn Doda district during the late 1990s, the novel offers an intimate portrayal of trauma and survival amid geopolitical turmoil. The paper analyses the novels' depiction ofgendered trauma, alternating narrative voices, symbolic representations such as the maize crop, and the roles of female agency and resilience in a militarised zone. Through a trauma-theoretical lens, this paper examines how Red Maize functions as a site of resistance literature that illuminates both individual suffering and collective resilience.