Cobaltosic oxide/nickel oxide (Co3O4/NiO) composite nanofibers were synthesizedviaan electrospinning technique and their electrocatalytic activities toward non-enzymatic glucose sensors were evaluated in detail.

Gadolinium (Gd) doped Bismuth ferrite (BFO) nanofibers (Bi 1 À x Gd x FeO 3 (x ¼ 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20)) were synthesized via electrospinning. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the diameter of the nanofibers ranged from 150 to 250 nm. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a structural phase transition with varying 'x', the compositions with x r 0.10 have crystal structures with space group R3c, while the compositions with x 4 0.10 have crystal structures with space group Pnma. Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) analysis exhibited the weak ferromagnetic nature of the BFO nanofibers. However an increase in the saturated magnetic moment with increase in Gd dopant concentration was observed. The Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the Bi 1 À x Gd x FeO 3 nanofibers show enhanced Near Band Emission (NBE) intensity at x ¼0.10 due to the passivation of oxygen vacancies by Gd doping.

In India, students’ level of learning is measured through their reading, writing and arithmetic abilities. Although prerequisite, but these are not sufficient for excelling as individuals in the 21st century, for preparing future leaders within the nation and for expediting growth of a nation into an economic powerhouse. In our view, we need to equip students with a new extended skill set as identified by Partnership for 21st century skills (P21) so that they can apply their academic learning innovatively into new situations for overcoming day-to-today challenges in their lives and in the society. Therefore, a novel Conceptual Research Experience program was introduced at Indus World School in Indore(India), where selected secondary and higher secondary school students underwent research process and were encouraged to be creative, critically think, collaborate and communicate their research findings on a topic ranging from science and commerce to law and humanities. These students not only improved reading, writing and arithmetic abilities, but with better conceptual understanding were able to deliver an innovative solution for a practical problem and disseminate it at an international level, thus creating new opportunities for themselves and for their nation.