Bangalore University

This work demonstrates intrinsic lattice-driven chirality in CsPbBr3 nanorods, arising from strain-induced octahedral distortion, and fundamentally distinct from chiral-ligand-induced or molecule-driven chirality reported in most halide perovskites. The highly quantum-confined nanorods exhibit exceptionally large lattice strain nearly an order of magnitude higher than in previously reported systems which acts as the primary driving force for breaking local inversion symmetry. This strain-mediated symmetry breaking gives rise to strong circular dichroism (CD), natural circular dichroism (NCD), and robust polarization-dependent photoluminescence (PL), all persisting up to room temperature. Piezoresponse force microscopy confirms local ferroelectricity, magnetization measurement showed diamagnetic to superparamagnetic transition while magneto-optical measurements reveal nonlinear Zeeman response and zero-field magnetic signatures linked to the asymmetric chiral potential. Collectively, these results establish strain as a powerful route for inducing chirality, ferroelectricity, and magneto-optical coupling in achiral inorganic lattices, opening new pathways for chiral optoelectronics and spin-selective devices.

The financial landscape is dynamic and has shifted; the involvement of Generation Z (Gen Z) in investment has kindled several studies. Earlier studies utilised the Theory of Planned Behavior to assess investment behavior; however, it has yet to consider the driving components that shape such investment decisions. Thus, this study aimed at integrating the theory of basic psychological needs with the theory of planned behavior, particularly in the context of Generation Z equity investment intentions. This posits that those basic psychological needs, mainly need satisfaction and frustration (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), shape equity investment intentions through attitude, subjective norms, financial self-efficacy. To empirically validate this complex structural model, we utilised PLS-SEM on responses collected from MBA students from NIRF-ranked institutions in India. The findings suggest that need satisfaction is more relevant than need frustration in predictors of planned behavior (i.e., attitude and subjective norms). However, only attitude significantly mediates the relationship between need satisfaction and equity investment intention. This research has implications for marketers, by identifying intrinsic motivation factors for Gen Z members to increase participation in the market. Another contribution lies in that it provides theoretical integration between two major psychological and behavioral frameworks, hence contributing to the enhancement of current research. Bringing together these two leading psychological frameworks yields valuable insights into the process of financial decision-making. This work proposes an original theoretical framework that reveals the underlying determinants of intention to invest.

ABSTRACT Silver‐doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (Ag/CeO 2 NPs) were synthesized using Ricinus communis seed extract as a bio‐derived fuel in a solution combustion method. The combustion reaction, carried out at 450°C with AgNO 3 and (NH 4 ) 2 [Ce (NO 3 ) 6 ] as metal precursors, produced CeO 2 and Ag/CeO 2 NPs. Their structure and morphology were estimated by P‐XRD and TEM, which confirmed the formation of cerianite with cubic fluorite CeO 2 crystal structure, while SEM revealed a porous morphology characteristic of combustion‐driven gas evolution. EDS revealed the presence of Ce, O, and Ag in the Ag/CeO 2 NPs. Optical studies, including UV–Vis and PL, showed that Ag incorporation narrowed the band gap and improved charge‐carrier separation, contributing to enhanced visible‐light activity. XPS analysis verified the successful incorporation of Ag species into the CeO 2 lattice. Among the investigated NPs, the 0.3 wt% Ag/CeO 2 sample exhibited the lowest PL intensity, indicating improved charge‐carrier separation, which was further supported by its high quantum yield (0.789). These results correlate with its enhanced photocatalytic activity. The nanomaterials were evaluated for dye degradation, Cr (VI) reduction, photocatalytic H 2 evolution, and antibacterial activity. The influences of pH, catalyst dosage, dye concentration, light intensity, radical scavengers, and recyclability were also systematically assessed. Overall, the study presents a sustainable synthesis approach for high‐performance Ag/CeO 2 NPs with broad potential in environmental remediation and antimicrobial applications.