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The pursuit of advanced brain‐inspired electronic devices and memory technologies has led to explore novel materials by processing multimodal and multilevel tailored conductive properties as the next generation of semiconductor platforms, due to von Neumann architecture limits. Among such materials, antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) thin films exhibit outstanding optical and electronic properties, and therefore, they are ideal for applications such as thin‐film solar cells and nonvolatile memory systems. This study investigates the conduction modulation and memory functionalities of Sb2S3 thin films deposited via the vapor transport deposition technique. Experimental results indicate that the Ag/Sb2S3/Pt device possesses properties suitable for memory applications, including low operational voltages, robust endurance, and reliable switching behavior. Further, the reproducibility and stability of these properties across different device batches validate the reliability of these devices for practical implementation. Moreover, Sb2S3‐based memristors exhibit artificial neuroplasticity with prolonged stability, promising considerable advancements in neuromorphic computing. Leveraging the photosensitivity of Sb2S3 enables the Ag/Sb2S3/Pt device to exhibit significant low operating potential and conductivity modulation under optical stimulation for memory applications. This research highlights the potential applications of Sb2S3 in future memory devices and optoelectronics and in shaping electronics with versatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, a series of MnAlxFe2−xO4 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized via auto‐combustion method and investigated for the structural, optical, and antifungal characteristics. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy are employed to analyze the structure and morphology, revealing alterations in the lattice parameters and crystallite size (24.83–17.95 nm) due to Al doping. The optical properties of the synthesized nanoparticles are examined through UV–visible spectroscopy, indicating a decrease in the bandgap energy (1.44–1.33 eV) with the incorporation of Al3+ ions. Additionally, the antifungal activity of the Al‐doped MnFe2O4 nanoparticles is assessed against two selected fungal strains, i.e., Aspergillus niger (MTCC 282) and Candida albicans (MTCC 227). The findings contribute to the understanding of the multifaceted properties of Al‐doped MnFe2O4, highlighting its potential applications in diverse fields such as sensors, and biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an increasingly digitized work environment, techno‐stress is becoming one of the most important concerns for employees. Based on the premise of job demands‐resources (JD‐R) theory, this study looks to determine how techno‐stressors affect employees' work‐life balance (WLB) and turnover intention through burnout; and to what level positive psychological capital could moderate this relationship. We gathered data in a time‐lagged approach from 528 employees of Indian IT companies. To test the hypotheses, we applied a moderation‐mediation model. Further, the statistical analysis of the aforementioned associations was carried out using Smart‐partial least squares (PLS). The results suggest that burnout does mediate the relationship between techno‐stress and employees' WLB. Secondly, psychological capital as a resource does moderate the impact of techno‐stress on burnout. Through these findings, the authors contribute to an extant literature by emphasizing the significance of recognizing techno‐stress, and managing technology‐induced burnout along with theoretical and practical implications offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica‐capped Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles were synthesized for the use as stable and long‐term antibacterial agents because silica is a very important component in food packaging applications for moisture absorption in tune with its property of biocompatibility and water solubility. The variation in morphological and optical properties of core‐shell nanostructures was studied by changing the concentration of silica in a core‐shell combination. The structural and morphological properties of silica‐capped ZnS have been observed by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies, respectively. Uncapped ZnS nanoparticles with particle size of 2‐4 nm in a highly agglomerated state have been observed from TEM, which shows that they can be used only for short‐term antibacterial action despite its excellent zone of inhibition (antibiotic sensitivity). However, ZnS/SiO2 core‐shell nanostructures are highly monodisperse in nature and the particle size increases up to 5‐8 nm with increase in silica concentration. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirms the formation of silica capping on the ZnS surface. The inhibition of defect‐related emission by silica capping in energy‐resolved photoluminescence studies also shows the formation of very stable ZnS nanoparticles. To study the antibacterial properties of the pure and silica‐capped ZnS nanostructure the agar‐well diffusion method was employed against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. The obtained results indicate that pure ZnS shows excellent antibacterial action but it can last only for few days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, one‐step green strategy is demonstrated for the synthesis of multifunctional polymer nanocomposite material using eco‐friendly thiol‐enephotopolymerization reaction at room temperature without use of any crosslinking agents. The greener route of thiol‐ene click reaction results in the formation of extremely high functional groups incorporated crosslinked surface as the thiol groups are reacted with each double bond in the nanograpite network, which is difficult to obtain by any other conventional method. In an attempt to encounter with environmental issues, this facile nanocomposite material can not only detect organic vapor in air but also degrades organic pollutant and microorganisms in water. The response time obtained by thiol‐ene functionalized nanocomposite (TE‐f‐NC) material is recorded as 6 seconds and the recovery is not more than 60 seconds towards formaldehyde vapors. The TE‐f‐NCs for detection of formaldehyde vapor will make a value‐added ultimate product and their commercialization will directly benefit to the society. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the obtained TE‐f‐NC material for the degradation of methyl blue (MB) under UV irradiation source was investigated, and found more than 50% of the initial concentration of MB dye degraded within first 3 min using TE‐f‐NC (0.6%) polymer nanocomposite. Along with photocatalytic activity, It is worth pointing out that the hybrid material can be readily used for antimicrobial activity toward various pathogenic microbes depicting the growth inhibition of microorganism by disrupting the cell walls. Demonstration of a green synthesis of a novel multifunctional polymer nanocomposite, which can detect the organic vapour in air as well as degrades organic pollutant and microorganisms in water. Along with photocatalytic activity, this hybrid material can also be readily used for antimicrobial activity toward various pathogenic microbes depicting the growth inhibition of microorganism by disrupting the cell walls exhibiting a sustainable material for energy conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are preferred molecular markers because of their abundance, robustness, high reproducibility, high efficiency in detecting variation and suitability for high‐throughput analysis. In this study, an attempt was made to mine and analyse the SSRs from the genomes of two seed‐borne fungal pathogens, viz Ustilago maydis, which causes common smut of maize, and Tilletia horrida, the cause of rice kernel smut. After elimination of redundant sequences, 2,703 SSR loci of U. maydis were identified. Of the remaining SSRS, 44.5% accounted for di‐nucleotide repeats followed by 29.8% and 2.7% tri‐ and tetranucleotide repeats, respectively. Similarly, 2,638 SSR loci were identified in T. horrida, of which 20.2% were di‐nucleotide, 50.4% tri‐ and 20.5% tetra‐nucleotide repeats. A set of 65 SSRs designed from each fungus were validated, which yielded 23 polymorphic SSRs from Ustilago and 21 from Tilletia. These polymorphic SSR loci were also successfully cross‐amplified with the Ustilago segetum tritici and Tilletia indica. Principal coordinate analysis of SSR data clustered isolates according to their respective species. These newly developed and validated microsatellite markers may have immediate applications for detection of genetic variability and in population studies of bunt and smut of wheat and other related host plants. Moreover, this is first comprehensive report on molecular markers suitable for variability studies in wheat seed‐borne pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the involvement of the receptor gene for advanced glycation (RAGE), its ligand EN-RAGE, and COX-2 in endometriosis.Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of the corresponding genes were determined from endometriotic cells from 28 study patients and healthy endometrial stromal cells from 20 controls by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively, using beta-actin as an invariant control.Results: The expression of COX-2, RAGE, and EN-RAGE was significantly increased, as evidenced by the significantly greater mRNA and protein expression in the cells of the study patients (P<0.001). Previous treatment for endometriosis did not lessen mRNA and protein expression (P<0.001).Conclusion: Our findings strengthen the hypothesis of an underlying inflammation in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and suggest exploring anti-inflammatory therapies as adjunct treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opposite clinal variation for desiccation and starvation tolerance are observed in four altitudinal populations (219–2202 m), each of two sympatric and cold adapted species: Drosophila takahashii and Drosophila nepalensis from northern India. The high-altitude populations are more tolerant to desiccation than those from lower altitudes, whereas the reverse trend occurs for starvation tolerance. The magnitude of tolerances are significantly high in D. nepalensis, which is better adapted to cold conditions. During winter months (November to February), there are significant decreases in Tmax, Tmin and relative humidity along the altitudinal transect. Higher desiccation resistance can develop under cold conditions over short-range, altitudinally varying, geographical areas (250 km) compared with our previously reported long-range (>2000 km), latitudinal variations under tropical climatic conditions. However, significant starvation tolerances are favoured by small body size, higher dispersal rate and higher ambient temperature of the site of origin of populations. Significant correlations of two climatic factors (the mean monthly coefficients of variation of temperature and relative humidity) with these two physiological traits can best explain the observed altitudinal clinal variations under natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]