Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani - Goa Campus

Pure gauge theories in more than one spatial dimension are extremely interesting as they allow pure gauge observables such as glueballs and Wilson loops. Simulating the real-time dynamics of pure non-Abelian lattice gauge theories poses a significant computational challenge due to the large number of spurious gauge degrees of freedom. This work presents a brute-force (exact diagonalization) study of 2+1-dimensional SU(2) lattice gauge theory, leveraging the gauge-invariant Loop-String-Hadron (LSH) framework. Using only CPU-based computation, we have successfully demonstrated classical simulation on systems of up to 9 plaquettes and aim to push it further by leveraging combinations of CPUs and GPUs. This work provides crucial benchmarks for GPU implementations, near-term tensor network simulators, and quantum simulations, opening a new avenue for studying fundamental phenomena like thermalization in a non-Abelian gauge theory directly from the Hamiltonian perspective in higher dimensions.

Land-based Carbon sequestration is projected to play a critical role in India’s long-term low-carbon development strategy. This study aims to (i) identify the data, monitoring and modeling needs for Carbon sequestration programs in forestry and agroforestry systems, (ii) review the research funding agencies and programs, (iii) identify the research priorities and (iv) suggest a strategy to promote research on Carbon sequestration in India. The methodology for the study adopted includes review and assessments of research institutions, programs and projects on Carbon sequestration in India. Carbon trading mechanisms, Carbon sequestration programs, projects, and inventory estimations require Carbon sequestration data and modeling. A number of government departments fund research programs, and there are large research organizations involved, along with many think tanks in Carbon sequestration research. Despite these efforts, there are limitations with respect to the lack of data on land availability, its suitability, and Carbon sequestration rates for the forestry and agroforestry systems for land-based Carbon sequestration projects. Additionally, there is an absence of models and frameworks for mitigation potential assessment. Research priorities identified include: creation of databases and access to the existing datasets, development of region-specific forestry and agroforestry models for the assessment of mitigation potential and the reduction of uncertainties. The strategies include enhanced funding and networking to create accessible databases and the establishment of dedicated programs to develop forestry and agroforestry systems, along with Carbon sequestration rates and institutional arrangements for long-term research, modeling and uncertainty reduction. This could lead to the promotion of robust large-scale Carbon sequestration programs in India.

Clinical oncology faces a critical technological bottleneck driven by the rapid emergence of therapy-resistant tumors. Melanoma, in particular, remains a highly aggressive malignancy with pronounced metastatic potential and poor responsiveness to traditional therapy, signify the demand for advanced therapeutic strategies. Herein, we report a multifunctional nanoplatform integrating ternary layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with an injectable hydrogel system for localized and controlled melanoma therapy. The engineered trimetallic Cu-Zn-Fe LDHs (CZF) exhibit tunable physicochemical properties, enabling efficient drug intercalation, enhanced structural stability, and stimuli-responsive release within the tumor microenvironment. Doxorubicin (Dox) loaded LDHs (CZF@Dox) demonstrate high loading efficiency and sustained release, minimizing premature leakage and systemic toxicity. Computational insights from molecular dynamics and machine learning-assisted modeling reveal optimized host-guest interactions for improved delivery performance. In vitro studies confirm excellent biocompatibility toward normal 3T3-L1 cells (∼10% cell death at 20 μg/mL, 72 h), alongside significant cytotoxicity against B16F10 and SiHa cancer cells (∼80-85% cell death at the same conditions). In vivo evaluation further demonstrates effective tumor suppression with prolonged dosing intervals (96 h). Overall, this platform offers a predictive, minimally invasive, and efficient strategy for next-generation melanoma therapy.

Strain engineering has emerged as a powerful approach for tailoring the optical response of two-dimensional semiconductors. In this work, we show that monolayer MoS2 exhibits tunable excitonic emission, when nanoneedle-like oxide protrusions form across the monolayer surface during a photo-oxidation-assisted exfoliation process. These protrusions locally deform the lattice, generating spatially varying strain fields within the MoS2 layer. Photoluminescence and Raman measurements reveal a clear correlation between strained regions, exciton peak shifts, and enhanced emission, with the photoluminescence intensity increasing by approximately 3-fold, accompanied by a red shift of the in-plane (E2g 1) vibrational mode, indicative of strain. Furthermore, selected monolayers and unexfoliated regions exhibit additional emergent near-infrared photoluminescence features absent in pristine MoS2. Unlike conventional strain-engineering approaches requiring external mechanical deformation, specialized substrate prepatterning, or complex heterostructures, this simple one-step process generates intrinsic nanoneedle-induced strain, providing an effective route for tailoring excitonic recombination and extending the optical response of monolayer TMDCs.