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High-spin states in neutron-rich indium isotope 116In have been observed for the first time by using incomplete fusion of 7Li on a 116Cd target at a beam energy of 42 MeV. A negative-parity band with πg9/2−1⊗νh11/2 configuration and a pair of positive-parity doublet bands with πg9/2−1⊗ν(g7/2/d5/2)h11/22 configurations have been identified. The positive-parity doublet bands are tentatively interpreted as chiral doublet bands, which is supported by the adiabatic and configuration-fixed constrained triaxial relativistic-mean-field and multiparticle plus rotor model calculations. This observation reports a possible new region of chirality in neutron-rich A≈ 120 mass region.

Nearly degenerate positive-parity doublet bands and several E1 transitions between positive- and negative-parity bands have been identified in 76Br. These experimental observations are interpreted as the coexistence of chirality and octupole correlations, based on the analysis of detailed γ-ray spectroscopy with the precise lifetime measurements and theoretical calculations, and play a key role to explore the simultaneous breaking of chiral and reflection symmetry and their interplay. The present work provides the first test for chirality in the A≈80 mass region by lifetime measurements, and firstly elucidates the formation of chiral geometry in the presence of the octupole correlations in Br isotopes, leading to the conclusion that the reflection symmetry breaking catalyzes rather than destroys chiral symmetry breaking in nuclear systems.

Level lifetimes for the candidate chiral doublet bands of 80Br were extracted by means of the Doppler-shift attenuation method. The absolute transition probabilities derived from the lifetimes agree well with the M1 and E2 chiral electromagnetic selection rules, and are well reproduced by the triaxial particle rotor model calculations. Such good agreements among the experimental data, selection rules of chiral doublet bands and theoretical calculations are rare and outstanding in researches of nuclear chirality. Besides odd-odd Cs isotopes, odd-odd Br isotopes in the A≈ 80 mass region represent another territory that exhibits the ideal selection rules expected for chiral doublet bands.

The precession of an atomic nucleus can be approximately described as wobbling motion, arising from the coupling of a rotation and a harmonic vibration. Recently, a number of wobbling bands were reported at low spin, which violate the wobbling approximation that can be valid only at high spin. In the present work, we explore the nature of the reported low-spin wobbling bands. Via a new experiment including both angular correlation and linear polarization measurements, we demonstrate that one such band in 187Au is generated by dominant single-particle excitation rather than by the excitation of a wobbling phonon. Assessing the experimental proofs and discussions to assign the reported low-spin wobbling bands, we further point out that the imperfect research paradigm used previously would lead to unreliable identification of low-spin wobbling bands.

Background: Vision related quality of life (VRQOL) measures one's satisfaction with their visual ability to perform daily activities. Aging leads to vision impairment that can negatively affect VRQOL and physical, psychological, and social well-being. Objective: To assess vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) and its determinants among elderly residents from rural blocks of Haryana, India. Method: This cross-sectional study was performed across 52 Indian villages. The vision-related quality of life scores was assessed using National Eye Institute Vision Function Questionnaire-25(VFQ-25). Social Connectedness, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini-Mental Status Examination, and the Katz Index of Independence were collected using validated tools. Continuous data was represented as Mean (±SD) or median (IQR) depending upon their distribution. Categorical data as frequency (%). Bivariate analysis was done using Student t-test or Rank Sum test for continuous variables (for up to 2 groups) and One-Way ANOVA was run for continuous variables (for more than 2 groups). Chi-Sq. test or Fisher's for categorical variables and multivariable linear regression model was run to calculate the determinants of the VFQ composite score. Result: Amongst the 420 participants, 58 % were females and 74 % were illiterates. The mean VR-QOL was 42.30 ± 11.19 in the study population. The study found higher VR-QOL scores in General Health, Distance activities, and Near activities, while lower scores were observed in Mental health, Dependency, Social functioning, Ocular pain, General vision, and Role difficulties. Both the mean VR-QOL composite score and the VR-QOL domains of General Health, General Vision, Ocular Pain, Role Difficulties, Mental Health, and Dependence were all greater for women than for men. Among the reported morbidities 26 % had hearing loss, 23 % were hypertensives, 9 % were diabetics, 85 % were dependent, 60 % had depression, 14 % had moderate dementia, 10 % had lower tendency to connect, 8 % had low vision and 35 % had vertigo. VFQ scores were lower among males, non-Hindus, hypertensives and among person with history of vertigo and those living in dim light than their counterparts. Conclusion: The current study shows that VR-QOL is significantly lower in male, participants with history of vertigo, hypertension, diabetes and who live in dim light. There is a need to develop strategies to address these determinants through multidisciplinary approach including chronic disease management and environmental modification and promote healthy aging of elderly population.

The research aims to evaluate effectiveness of natural clam shell derived adsorbents for the treatment of azo dyes. The nanomaterials were synthesized via hydrothermal methods, and their adsorption capacities were scrutinized against a spectrum of dyes, including methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), rhodamine B (RB), malachite green (MG), safranin (SR), as well as commercial red and blue dyes. Remarkably, the clam shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) exhibited notable dye removal efficiencies, achieving removal rates of approximately 87%, 89%, 97.75%, 97.60%, and 97.11% for MB, RB, CV, MG, and SR, respectively. These removal rates were accomplished within varied interaction times ranging from 45 to 10 min, utilizing a dose of 100 mg/L of nanoadsorbent. Furthermore, the nanomaterials displayed removal efficiencies exceeding 80% against commercial blue and red dyes. Considering their exceptional adsorption capacities, clam shell nanomaterials stand out as cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly biosorbents for effectively removing dyes from aqueous solutions. This study highlights the promising potential of clam shell-based nanomaterials in addressing the challenges presented by water pollution.

Background: Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune thrombophilic condition characterized by obstetric manifestations, including pregnancy loss, preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Early diagnosis and management are key to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the perinatal outcomes in APS, the development of various adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO), and their association with specific antibody profiles. Material methods: This observational study was carried out on booked cases of singleton pregnancy and diagnosed cases of primary APS in our High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) clinic from January 2018 to December 2022 after approval from institutional ethics committee. Forty-three confirmed cases of primary APS were enrolled and started on low-dose aspirin and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as per the patient's body weight after confirmation of fetal heart activity radiologically until 36 weeks of gestation as a standard of care. Results: Forty patients (93 %) had obstetric APS, and three patients (7 %) had thrombotic APS. During the course of the current pregnancy, adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) developed in 12 (30 %) out of 40 cases of obstetric APS and in all 3 patients with thrombotic APS. Preeclampsia was seen in 11 (25.5 %), FGR in 12 (27.9 %), and preterm birth in 7 (16.2 %) cases. Patients with an antibody profile showing the presence of Anti-β2 GP-I positivity and ACL positivity had fewer APOs (20 % and 29 %) in comparison to patients with a LA and triple positive antibody profile (55 % and 50 %). Conclusion: Treatment of pregnant women with APS causes significant improvement in the live birth rate. The late pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, FGR, and premature birth, occurring despite treatment still remains a challenge and emphasizes the need for stringent antepartum surveillance and timely delivery.