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Metaverse marketing: a review and future research agenda
Purpose: The metaverse represents a rapidly evolving digital environment that blurs the lines between physical and virtual reality, and it offers unique opportunities and challenges for businesses and marketers. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of metaverse marketing research. The present study reviews the literature on metaverse to identify theories, contexts, gaps and methodologies using TCCM framework (Theories, Contexts, Characteristics and Methodology) to set a future research agenda. Design/methodology/approach: A review was conducted of 179 English papers related to metaverse marketing from 2010 to 2023 from the Scopus and Web of Science core collection after applying relevant filters using the TCCM framework. Findings: The findings suggest that the studies have inadequately distinguished metaverse as something that only builds interactive experiences that combine the virtual environment and the real world, whereas the theoretical domain of metaverse is dominated by studies in various domains. The applicability of metaverse marketing research is pertinent in various domains of the management field. The study explores various facets of metaverse marketing to capture its dynamic nature. Research limitations/implications: By presenting a comprehensive review, themes and knowledge gaps of the research on metaverse marketing, this study will enhance research output and provide valuable tools for future research on metaverse. Practical implications: By analyzing metaverse in marketing, the companies will be able to use this concept effectively to formulate innovative marketing strategies and personalized consumer experiences and understand consumer behavior. Furthermore, research into metaverse marketing will be helpful in offering predictions about future trends in consumer behavior, technology adoption and virtual world development. Originality/value: This study provides a thorough analysis of the current state of research on metaverse in marketing and provides a road map for further research in this area. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
A Bird's-Eye View on Deep Eutectic Solvent-Mediated Multicomponent Synthesis of N-Heterocycles
Multicomponent reactions are crucial for operating organic synthesis. In today's world, chemists concentrate on greener methodologies that cater to rising environmental concerns. Most conventional organic solvents are harsh on the environment, which can be addressed by environmentally and pocket-friendly Deep eutectic solvents (DES). Organic synthesis via MCR in the presence of DES has resulted in the blend of green methodology and green solvent for organic transformations. Forasmuch as addressing the environmental concerns and developing higher heterocycles, our review focuses on the literature published on the DES-mediated Multicomponent synthesis of N-Heterocyclic compounds. 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
A Mini Review on the Multicomponent Synthesis of Pyridine Derivatives
Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have emerged as key green tool in organic synthesis for their methodological simplicity. MCRs have made heterocycle synthesis more versatile. The most crucial molecule among the most often used heterocycles is pyridine, which is widely used in biological, industrial, and pharmaceutical sectors. In light of this, our mini-review highlights the literature on substituted pyridine synthesis published from the year 2016 to early 2022 via multicomponent approach. 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Forensic toxicological and analytical aspects of carbamate poisoning A review
Pesticides play a pivotal role in modern agricultural practices and effective domestic pest control. Despite their advantages, pesticides pose a great danger to humans and animals due to their toxicity. Pesticides, particularly carbamates, are extensively used all over the world in crop protection and domestic pest control, however, also causing morbidity and mortality on a larger scale, which is of great significance in both clinical and criminal justice management.Carbamates are derived from a carbamic acid (NH2COOH) that are commonly used as insecticides. Ethienocarb, Sevin, Carbaryl, Fenoxycarb, Furadan, Carbofuran, Aldicarb, and 2-(1-Methylpropyl) phenyl N-methylcarbamate are examples of insecticides that include the carbamate functional group. By reversibly inactivating the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, these insecticides can induce cholinesterase inhibition poisoning.Chromatographic methods, notably gas and liquid chromatography have traditionally been employed to analyse carbamate pesticides and their metabolites in various matrices. These approaches are employed due to their ability to separate the chemicals contained in a sample; as well as identify and quantify these compounds utilizing advanced detection systems. Aside from these GC and LC conventional methods, other detection and/or hyphenated techniques such as single-quadrupole, ion-trap, triple-quadrupole, or tandem mass spectrometry, have been used in carbamate analysis to provide quick results with excellent sensitivity, precision, and accuracy.The objective of this review is to describe various analytical techniques used to detect and determine carbamate pesticides in various matrices which include urine, blood, and tissues that are commonly encountered in emergency hospital laboratories and forensic science laboratories. 2022 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine -
Recent Advances in Analytical Techniques for Antidepressants Determination in Complex Biological Matrices: A Review
Depression is one of the most prevalent but severe of mental disorders, affecting thousands of individuals across the globe. Depression, in its most extreme form, may result in self-harm and an increased likelihood of suicide. Antidepressant drugs are first-line medications to treat mental disorders. Unfortunately, these medications are also prescribed for other in- and off-label conditions, such as deficit/hyperactivity disorders, attention disorders, migraine, smoking cessation, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, pain, and insomnia. This results in an increase in the use of antidepressant medications, leading to clinical and forensic overdose cases that could be either accidental or deliberate. The findings revealed that people who used antidepressants had a 33% greater chance of dying sooner than expected, compared to those who did not take the medications. Analytical techniques for precisely identifying and detecting antidepressants and their metabolic products in a variety of biological matrices are greatly needed to be developed and made available. Hence, this study attempts to discuss various analytical techniques used to identify and determine antidepressants in various biological matrices, which include urine, blood, oral fluid (saliva), and tissues, which are commonly encountered in clinical and forensic science laboratories. The Author(s) 2023. -
Commercialization potential of agro-based polyhydroxyalkanoates biorefinery: A technical perspective on advances and critical barriers
The exponential increase in the use and careless discard of synthetic plastics has created an alarming concern over the environmental health due to the detrimental effects of petroleum based synthetic polymeric compounds. Piling up of these plastic commodities on various ecological niches and entry of their fragmented parts into soil and water has clearly affected the quality of these ecosystems in the past few decades. Among the many constructive strategies developed to tackle this global issue, use of biopolymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates as sustainable alternatives for synthetic plastics has gained momentum. Despite their excellent material properties and significant biodegradability, polyhydroxyalkanoates still fails to compete with their synthetic counterparts majorly due to the high cost associated with their production and purification thereby limiting their commercialization. Usage of renewable feedstocks as substrates for polyhydroxyalkanoates production has been the thrust area of research to attain the sustainability tag. This review work attempts to provide insights about the recent developments in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates using renewable feedstock along with various pretreatment methods used for substrate preparation for polyhydroxyalkanoates production. Further, the application of blends based on polyhydroxyalkanoates, and the challenges associated with the waste valorization based polyhydroxyalkanoates production strategy is elaborated in this review work. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
Environmental Pollutants as Emerging Concerns for Cardiac Diseases: A Review on Their Impacts on Cardiac Health
Comorbidities related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and environmental pollution have emerged as serious concerns. The exposome concept underscores the cumulative impact of environmental factors, including climate change, air pollution, chemicals like PFAS, and heavy metals, on cardiovascular health. Chronic exposure to these pollutants contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, further exacerbating the global burden of CVDs. Specifically, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), heavy metals, pesticides, and micro- and nanoplastics have been implicated in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality through various mechanisms. PM2.5 exposure leads to inflammation and metabolic disruptions. Ozone and CO exposure induce oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction. NO2 exposure contributes to cardiac remodeling and acute cardiovascular events, and sulfur dioxide and heavy metals exacerbate oxidative stress and cellular damage. Pesticides and microplastics pose emerging risks linked to inflammation and cardiovascular tissue damage. Monitoring and risk assessment play a crucial role in identifying vulnerable populations and assessing pollutant impacts, considering factors like age, gender, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle disorders. This review explores the impact of cardiovascular disease, discussing risk-assessment methods, intervention strategies, and the challenges clinicians face in addressing pollutant-induced cardiovascular diseases. It calls for stronger regulatory policies, public health interventions, and green urban planning. 2025 by the authors. -
Micropollutants characteristics, fate, and sustainable removal technologies for landfill leachate: A technical perspective
Waste disposal in landfills has gained momentum in the last few decades as it is one among the easy and cost-effective method for waste management for the accelerating global population. Heterogenous nature of the waste ending up in landfills makes it difficult to predict the fate of these pollutants making it difficult for its biomonitoring and specific treatment. Among the major issues associated with landfill treatment, liquid percolation from this heterogenous waste substrate collectively referred as leachate poses the greater risk to environment through soil and ground water pollution. The diversity of micropollutants presents in landfill leachates ranging from microbial pathogens, pesticides, microplastics, pharmaceuticals and other harmful chemicals calls for crucial attention towards improving methods used for their treatment and removal. This review summarizes the key components of landfill leachates with specific emphasize on micropollutant content of leachate. Further the features of most recent and advanced technologies that were successfully explored for micropollutant removal from landfill leachates are presented in this review. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Emerging challenges for the agro-industrial food waste utilization: A review on food waste biorefinery
Modernization and industrialization has undoubtedly revolutionized the food and agro-industrial sector leading to the drastic increase in their productivity and marketing thereby accelerating the amount of agro-industrial food waste generated. In the past few decades the potential of these agro-industrial food waste to serve as bio refineries for the extraction of commercially viable products like organic acids, biochemical and biofuels was largely discussed and explored over the conventional method of disposing in landfills. The sustainable development of such strategies largely depends on understanding the techno economic challenges and planning for future strategies to overcome these hurdles. This review work presents a comprehensive outlook on the complex nature of agro-industrial food waste and pretreatment methods for their valorization into commercially viable products along with the challenges in the commercialization of food waste bio refineries that need critical attention to popularize the concept of circular bio economy. 2022 -
Origin, ecotoxicity, and analytical methods for microplastic detection in aquatic systems
Over the decades, interaction of microplastics with other pollutants in a dynamic environmental set up was observed to increase their toxic effects. This scenario is worse in aquatic environments due to the entry of huge loads of microplastic components into the waterbodies through direct plastic dumping and those delivered from effluents originating from various treatment plants. Although extensive research was done to understand the issue associated with microplastic contamination of various aquatic environments, a huge research gap still exists in areas like their ecotoxicology, fate, distribution, and detection methods in aquatic environments. Moreover, the combined deleterious effect of microplastics in association with other environmental pollutants is not widely studied and requires more research focus. The major scope of this review is to present a comprehensive outlook on the recent studies carried out to understand the types, origin, distribution, transport, fate, and toxicity of microplastics in aquatic environments, both fresh water and marine. The review summarizes the ecotoxicological effects of microplastic contaminants in aquatic environment like the oxidative damage, neurotoxicity and decreased reproductive potential. An in-depth discussion regarding the ability of the microplastics in combination with other pollutants to serve as potentially hazardous agents in aquatic environment is also elaborated in the review. Further a summary on various microplastic detection methods, challenges associated with microplastic detection and management is carefully reviewed and compiled in this work. The need for proper awareness programs to general public highlighting the toxicity of microplastics and strict regulations regarding their continuous assessment and management in waterbodies are essential factors in controlling their adverse effect on aquatic environment. 2023 Elsevier B.V. -
A Retrospection on Mercury Contamination, Bioaccumulation, and Toxicity in Diverse Environments: Current Insights and Future Prospects
Owing to various industrial applications of mercury (Hg), its release into the environment at high concentration is becoming a great threat to living organisms on a global scale. Human exposure to Hg is greatly correlated with contamination in the food chain through cereal crops and sea foods. Since Hg is a non-essential component and does not possess a biological role and exhibits carcinogenic and genotoxic behaviour, biomonitoring with a focus on biomagnification of higher living animals and plants is the need of the hour. This review traces the plausible relationship between Hg concentration, chemical form, exposure, bioavailability, bioaccumulation, distribution, and ecotoxicology. The toxicity with molecular mechanisms, oxidative stress (OS), protein alteration, genomic change, and enzymatic disruptions are discussed. In addition, this review also elaborates advanced strategies for reducing Hg contamination such as algal and phytoremediation, biochar application, catalytical oxidation, and immobilization. Furthermore, there are challenges to overcome and future perspectives considering Hg concentrations, biomarkers, and identification through the nature of exposures are recommended. 2023 by the authors. -
Recent advances in carbon nanotubes-based biocatalysts and their applications
Enzymes have been incorporated into a wide variety of fields and industries as they catalyze many biochemical and chemical reactions. The immobilization of enzymes on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for generating nano biocatalysts with high stability and reusability is gaining great attention among researchers. Functionalized CNTs act as excellent support for effective enzyme immobilization. Depending on the application, the enzymes can be tailored using the various surface functionalization techniques on the CNTs to extricate the desirable characteristics. Aiming at the preparation of efficient, stable, and recyclable nanobiocatalysts, this review provides an overview of the methods developed to immobilize the various enzymes. Various applications of carbon nanotube-based biocatalysts in water purification, bioremediation, biosensors, and biofuel cells have been comprehensively reviewed. 2021 Elsevier B.V. -
Prospective applications of two-dimensional materials beyond laboratory frontiers: A review
The development of nanotechnology has been advancing for decades and gained acceleration in the 21st century. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are widely available, giving them a wide range of material platforms for technological study and the advancement of atomic-level applications. The design and application of 2D materials are discussed in this review. In order to evaluate the performance of 2D materials, which might lead to greater applications benefiting the electrical and electronics sectors as well as society, the future paradigm of 2D materials needs to be visualized. The development of 2D hybrid materials with better characteristics that will help industry and society at large is anticipated to result from intensive research in 2D materials. This enhanced evaluation might open new opportunities for the synthesis of 2D materials and the creation of devices that are more effective than traditional ones in various sectors of application. 2023 The Authors -
Experiences of Students with Learning Disabilities in Higher Education: A Scoping Review
Background: As the number of students with learning disabilities (SwLD) entering higher education (HE) increases, a need arises to improve the services provided to them by understanding their experiences. This scoping review explores the extent and type of evidence on the experiences of SwLD in HE. Method: The review followed the six stages outlined by Arksey and OMalley. PubMed, Science Direct, EBSCO, ProQuest, and APA PsycNet were searched for primary data, and studies published between January 2012 and July 2022 were included. The following information was extracted and collated from the included studies: author/s, year, location, objective/aim, study design, materials and methods, and major findings. Results: The search yielded 3729 titles and abstracts. Their screening resulted in 26 eligible articles. The review of these articles identified three major themes: (a) academic concerns, (b) psychosocial experiences, and (c) support systems and accommodations. The academic concerns included difficulties in areas such as reading, writing, and spelling. The studies on psychosocial experiences showed that SwLD experience stress, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. The studies on support systems and accommodations indicate that they get academic support, technological support, and extra time for examinations from educational institutions. Conclusion: The SwLD experiences academic and psychosocial challenges during higher studies. However, the existing support systems do not address these challenges, and there is a need for further research in this area. 2023 The Author(s). -
Review on Dietary Factors in Fermented Foods and their Efficacy in Disease Management
The process of preservation of various food sources, over time, gave rise to fermented foods. Traditionally, each ethnic group has its distinct fermented food(s) incorporated into their diet, both as culinary enjoyment and nutrition. Fermentation increases nutrient availability and enhances the texture and flavor of the original food. The benefits of fermented food consumption and potential probiotic intake are discussed in this review. The review describes mechanism(s) of action of bioactive components from fermented foods on the human system, their role in health management, and an overview of the role of fermented foods in improving diseases, namely obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), hematological cancers, and radiation-induced diarrhea in cancer patients and allergies are briefly reviewed. 2022 Bentham Science Publishers. -
Synthesis of Inorganic Nanoparticles Using Traditionally Used Indian Medicinal Plants
Considering the exclusive environmental conditions and geological characteristics, Indian flora is extensive and rich in medicinal plants. From primeval times, plant parts and their metabolites have been widely explored for various practices including medicinal as well as culinary. The phytochemicals present in these plants are potential reducing agents for the bio-fabrication of these nanoparticles. The non-toxic nature and combination of the plant phytochemicals with precursor ions act as key aspects for synthesized nanoparticles. The present review highlights the potential applications of Inorganic nanoparticles synthesized from 148 traditionally used medicinal plants present in the Indian geographical region. In addition, parameters that influence the green synthesis of Inorganic nanoparticles such as the extraction methods, solvents used for extraction, the concentration of precursor and plant phytochemicals, pH, temperature, reaction time, and characterization techniques of the nanoparticles are discussed. Thus, the review provides information on the research that has been done in the area of green synthesis using Indian medicinal plants. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. -
Gratitude as a path to human prosperity during adverse circumstances: a narrative review
Although each person faces their own share of challenges, it is their individual perception and responses to these difficulties that determine how they are affected by them. In this paper we investigate the association between gratitude and human prosperity including the underlying mechanism that helps people thrive during trying circumstances. We survey the literature, examining how gratitude enables people to prosper amidst adversity and employ a narrative style to present these unique characteristics. This review suggests that gratitude enhances coping abilities, such as meaning-focused coping and positive reframing, which foster positive emotions and augment personal resources like resilience, perseverance, and social bonds. These elements, in turn, may possibly explain the association between gratitude and human prosperity during dire circumstances. 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Importance of positive emotions in software developers performance: a narrative review
Software development depends heavily on human efforts and collaborations, which are simultaneously influenced by human emotions, and it is considered among the most difficult tasks. Software developers are susceptible to various health concerns such as burnout, anxiety and depression due to the work nature and demands of the software industry, and this may have detrimental effects on their performance. However, evidence portray significant beneficial effects of positive emotions on well-being, growth, and success. Accordingly, this paper investigates the relevance of positive emotions among software developers and strives to understand how positive emotions benefit developers performance. It surveys literature that examine the importance of affect among developers and the benefits of positive emotions on human well-being and employs a narrative style to present these aspects. This review discusses the potential mechanisms that underlie the association between frequent experiences of positive emotions and improved performance and suggests that positive emotions benefit developers performance. This emotional awareness has the potential to enhance the developer efficacy, thus contributing to the discipline of ergonomics. Findings also have positive implications for organisational counsellors as they help in developing and maintaining a positive organisational climate. 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
Synthetic Biology Tools for Genome and Transcriptome Engineering of Solventogenic Clostridium
Strains of Clostridium genus are used for production of various value-added products including fuels and chemicals. Development of any commercially viable production process requires a combination of both strain and fermentation process development strategies. The strain development in Clostridium sp. could be achieved by random mutagenesis, and targeted gene alteration methods. However, strain improvement in Clostridium sp. by targeted gene alteration method was challenging due to the lack of efficient tools for genome and transcriptome engineering in this organism. Recently, various synthetic biology tools have been developed to facilitate the strain engineering of solventogenic Clostridium. In this review, we consolidated the recent advancements in toolbox development for genome and transcriptome engineering in solventogenic Clostridium. Here we reviewed the genome-engineering tools employing mobile group II intron, pyrE alleles exchange, and CRISPR/Cas9 with their application for strain development of Clostridium sp. Next, transcriptome engineering tools such as untranslated region (UTR) engineering and synthetic sRNA techniques were also discussed in context of Clostridium strain engineering. Application of any of these discussed techniques will facilitate the metabolic engineering of clostridia for development of improved strains with respect to requisite functional attributes. This might lead to the development of an economically viable butanol production process with improved titer, yield and productivity. Copyright 2020 Kwon, Paari, Malaviya and Jang. -
Elusive Justice to Dalits in the 'Land of Social Justice'
The recent inhuman incident of mixing human faeces in the overhead tank supplying water to Dalit colony in Vengaivayal village in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu refl ects the perpetuating violence against the Dalits. Locating this brutal violence within the larger framework of violence against Dalits in Tamil Nadu, the lackadaisical attitude of Dravidian parties when dealing with the issues related to Dalits is brought to the fore.. 2023 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved.