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Role of spiritual intelligence and occupational stress on organizational commitment: Evidence from outsourcing industry
As the world passes through uncertainty, researchers contemplate the future of work. While trying times highlight the importance of spiritual intelligence and commitment towards the organization, change brings with it large amounts of stress. Even before the pandemic, a large portion of the working population was moving towards the 'gig' style of working. The freedom of choice and the level of control that the option brought with it, made it a rather attractive option. However, for organizations the question remains on how to instil the same level of commitment in an employee who is not directly linked to the organization. In an attempt to understand the same, the current study looks at the drivers of organizational commitment for employees of the outsourcing industry. Similar to gig employees, these employees remain outside the organization they currently work for. Additionally, they are expected to balance the expectations of the parent and the host organization. The findings of the study suggest that the individual's spiritual intelligence levels and the level of perceived stress in the role would be significant in determining their levels of commitment. These findings are of significance for organizations dealing with outsourced employees and especially for those attempting to create alternate employment opportunities within their organization. 2019 by Advance Scientific Research. This is an open-access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) -
Synthesis, mechanisms, challenges, and future prospects of Ti3C2 MXene and its heterojunctions for photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency: a comprehensive review
In recent years, significant attention has been given to developing novel two-dimensional (2D) materials, including MXenes. Titanium carbide (Ti3C2) is one such MXene with a bandgap ranging from 0.92 eV to 1.75 eV. MXenes possess unique physical and chemical properties that make them useful in various applications, including electrocatalysis, supercapacitors, semiconductors, batteries, sensing, biomedicine, water splitting, and photocatalysis. Research on environmental photocatalysis has focused on enhancing properties such as high conductivity, structural stability, and morphology. However, a single catalytic material may not be sufficient to achieve high catalytic efficiency. Hence, there is a need to modify MXenes. This review provides an overview of the various synthesis methods of MXene and their remarkable properties. It also discusses recent advances in MXene composites and catalytic mechanisms for dye degradation. To improve the catalytic performance of MXene, a heterojunction and Schottky junction are proposed. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Green-synthesized nanoparticles and their therapeutic applications: A review
Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms are a rising issue when it comes to human health. Microbial pathogens that cause harmful infections are quickly becoming resistant to the antimicrobial action of traditional antibiotics. Nanotechnology, an innovative sector being an indispensable part of healthcare and research, has in-depth and extensive applications. Nano-compounds have been promising antimicrobial agents, anti-cancerous mediators, vehicles for drug delivery, formulations for functional foods, identification of pathogens, food and drug packaging industry, and many more. However, the chemical synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has certain drawbacks such as causing toxicity and other adverse effects. For more than a decade, the use of NPs that are conjugated or green-synthesized has gained popularity due to the two-fold action of metallic NPs mixed with biological sources. In contrast, NPs synthesized using plant or microbial extracts, conjugated with biologically active components, appear to be a safe alternative approach as they are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Such environmentally safe techniques are referred to as "green nanotechnology"or "clean technology"and are feasible alternatives to chemical methods. Furthermore, NPs conjugated with natural biomolecules have improved bioavailability and have minimal side effects, as they are smaller in size and have higher permeability in addition to being reducing and stabilizing agents possessing excellent antioxidant activity. NPs serve as potential antimicrobial agents due to their affinity towards sulphur-rich amino acids, adhere to microbial cell walls by means of electrostatic attraction, and disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane along with the nucleic acid of microbes. They possess anticancer activity owing to oxidative stress, damage to cellular DNA, and lipid peroxidation. The green-synthesized NPs are thus a promising and safe alternative for healthcare therapeutic applications. 2023 the author(s), published by De Gruyter. -
Review on the fish collagen-based scaffolds in wound healing and tissue engineering
Collagen from marine organisms is an emerging source in tissue engineering, an alternative to bovine and porcine collagen. Despite the positive results on wound healing from fish collagen scaffolds, the comprehension and advancements in its properties are limited. Given this context, this study aimed to carry out a systematic review to examine the effects of collagen scaffolds on different models of experimental skin wounds, the advantages and its limitations. The search was conducted according to the orientations of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and the MeSH (Medical Subject Healings) terms used were Fish Collagen AND Wound Healing AND Scaffold. 36 articles in total were sorted out from the databases of Google Scholar and PubMed. After the analysis, the current review covers 10 articles from the beginning of 2017 to March 2023. The results are mainly focused on the different methods of collagen extraction, preparation of scaffolds and its treatment on the animal model along with its effects. To infer, this current review states that, despite the positive effects of collagen on tissue repair and regeneration, no product is available for medical purposes. Thus, this review also demonstrates the huge potential for collagen in tissue engineering. 2024 Visagaa Publishing House. -
Critical review on arsenic: Its occurrence, contamination and remediation from water and soil
With the increasing pollution in todays world, importance is being given to solve a problem and do it in a sustainable, eco-friendly manner. Arsenic is a class-1 carcinogen and also causes many other side effects to humans, plants and animals. The utilization of arsenic as wood preservatives, pesticides, or its historical overuse by some military units for rice killing operations has led to the increase in the toxic effects of arsenic like its carcinogenicity, decreased immune response etc. Although conventional methods like coagulation, lime softening, adsorption, membrane technology are effective, they have their disadvantages like additional waste generation, causing increased pollution and are expensive. The better alternative is phytoremediation. Appropriate plants like Brassica juncea, Hydrilla verticilata, Pteris vittata L., Vallisneria natans, can be chosen based on the method of the remediation like phytoextraction, phytostabilization and phytofiltration or phytovoltalization. This review provides the list of a few plants which can be likely chosen for the purpose of both water and soil remediation. Advancements are occurring in bioremediation studies with the development of transgenic plants like transgenic tobacco, transgenic Arabidopsis thali-ana for better phytoremediation. Understanding the mechanism employed by the plant for its uptake/detoxification can aid in the enhancement of the process of remediation with the external supply of phosphorus. Along with this, the proper and safe disposal of plants is crucial for the remediation process. In addition, awareness of this solution to the general public is to be made for its effectiveness. : Author (s). Publishing rights @ ANSF. -
A road map on synthetic strategies and applications of biodegradable polymers
Biodegradable polymers have emerged as fascinating materials due to their non-toxicity, environmentally benign nature and good mechanical strength. The toxic effects of non-biodegradable plastics paved way for the development of sustainable and biodegradable polymers. The engineering of biodegradable polymers employing various strategies like radical ring opening polymerization, enzymatic ring opening polymerization, anionic ring opening polymerization, photo-initiated radical polymerization, chemoenzymatic method, enzymatic polymerization, ring opening polymerization and coordinative ring opening polymerization have been discussed in this review. The application of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles in the biomedical field and cosmetic industry is considered to be an emerging field of interest. However, this review mainly highlights the applications of selected biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid, poly(?-caprolactone), polyethylene glycol, polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and polytrimethyl carbonate in various fields like agriculture, biomedical, biosensing, food packaging, automobiles, wastewater treatment, textile and hygiene, cosmetics and electronic devices. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Processing of nanoreinforced aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites and the effect of post-heat treatment: a review
The demand for cutting-edge materials with a high strength-to-weight ratio and economic considerations is steadily increasing. Lightweight materials such as aluminium (Al) and its alloys are attractive, but some properties such as low thermal stability and high wear rate limit the application of aluminium alloys (AA) to some extent. Many researchers have developed various composites to get around these restrictions and increase the performance of aluminium and its alloy. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) with nanoparticles have revealed greater mechanical and tribological properties compared with micron-sized reinforcements. Most engineering applications require materials with excellent multidimensional properties, which are difficult to achieve using single reinforced MMCs. Hybrid metal matrix composites (HMMCs) with superior properties are the latest trends in composite technology. The choice of reinforcement selection has a vibrant role in the manufacturing of hybrid metal matrix composites. Researchers face a major challenge in finding optimum reinforcement combinations and their corresponding concentrations. The manufacturing of nanocomposites is difficult due to their high surface area and energy. To determine the most effective reinforcement combinations for hybrid composites, this article addresses several nanoreinforcements, their effects, and the appropriate processing methods for aluminium and its alloys. Researchers have paid less attention to the impact of precipitation hardening in aluminium and its alloys; thus, this paper also considers the effect of post-heat treatment ofaluminium composites. 2022, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. -
Harnessing transition metal oxide?carbon heterostructures: Pioneering electrocatalysts for energy systems and other applications
Exponential demand for energy resources and fossil fuel substitution with green alternatives are essential to bringing sustainable development and a solution to the energy crisis. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) and their composites (TMOCs) as promising electrocatalysts to develop potential energy conversion and storage devices contribute to the solution to this crisis. The productivity of green fuels such as hydrogen from water-splitting reactions, the efficiency of energy storage and harvesting devices including supercapacitors and batteries, and the performance of electrochemical sensors can be remarkably enhanced with TMOs and their composites. Excellent electrochemical attributes, stability, abundant reserves, low cost, environment-friendly, and low toxicity make TMOs and their composites an excellent choice. The tunability of the physical and chemical properties of TMOs makes them attractive for research in designing different energy storage devices. This review presents a concise overview of the unique physical and electrochemical aspects of various TMOs and TMOCs, such as spinels, perovskites, and TMO-integrated carbon-based compounds, and their relevance for specific applications, emphasizing energy-related fields. The recent research advancements of TMOs-based functional materials for emerging applications, such as water splitting, fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries, and sensing, are discussed. This review also highlights the advantageous properties and pertinent fabrication methods of TMOs and TMOCs for electrocatalysis, along with the methods to enhance their electrocatalytic abilities, which improve the overall efficiency of the desired applications. 2024 -
The Puzzle of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia: From Epidemiology to Treatment
Inherited neurodegenerative pathology characterized by lower muscle tone and increasing spasticity in the lower limbs is termed hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). HSP is associated with changes in about 80 genes and their products involved in various biochemical pathways, such as lipid droplet formation, endoplasmic reticulum shaping, axon transport, endosome trafficking, and mitochondrial function. With the inheritance patterns of autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked recessive, and mitochondrial inheritance, HSP is prevalent around the globe at a rate of 15 cases in every 100,000 individuals. Recent technology and medical interventions somewhat aid in recognizing and managing the malaise. However, HSP still lacks an appropriate and adequate therapeutic approach. Current therapies are based on the clinical manifestations observed in the patients, for example, smoothing the relaxant spastic muscle and physiotherapies. The limited clinical trial studies contribute to the absence of specific pharmaceuticals for HSPs. Our current work briefly explains the causative genes, epidemiology, underlying mechanism, and the management approach undertaken to date. We have also mentioned the latest approved drugs to summarise the available knowledge on therapeutic strategies for HSP. 2022 by the authors. -
Cytokine see-saw across pregnancy, its related complexities and consequences
During pregnancy, a woman's immune system adapts to the changing hormonal concentrations, causing immunologic transition. These immunologic changes are required for a full-term pregnancy, preserving the fetus' innate and adaptive immunity. Preterm labor, miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, and pre-eclampsia are all caused by abnormal cytokine expression during pregnancy and childbirth. A disruption in the cytokine balance can lead to autoimmune diseases or microbiologic infections, or to autoimmune illness remission during pregnancy with postpartum recurrence. The cytokine treatments are essential and damaging to the developing fetus. The current review summarizes the known research on cytokine changes during pregnancy and their possible consequences for pregnant women. Studies suggest that customizing medication for each woman and her progesterone levels should be based on the cytokine profile of each pregnant woman. Immune cells and chemicals play an important function in development of the placenta and embryo. During pregnancy, T cells divide and move, and a careful balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is necessary. The present review focuses on the mother's endurance in generating fetal cells and the immunologic mechanism involved. 2022 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. -
Nutrition paves the way to environmental toxicants and influences fetal development during pregnancy
Nutrition plays a major role in the healthy pregnancy and development of the fetus. In addition, nutrition can expose humans to a wide range of potentially hazardous environmental constituents, such as organic pollutants and heavy metals from marine or agricultural food products while processing, producing, and packaging. Humans constantly face these constituents through air, water, soil, food, and domestic products. During pregnancy, the rate of cellular division and differentiation is higher; exposure to any of these environmental toxicants can lead to developmental defects as they cross the placental barrier and, in some cases, can harm the successive generation too, as some contaminants can act on the reproductive cells of the fetus (Diethylstilbestrol). Pregnant women are considered a vulnerable population to food contaminant exposure and require a proper dietary chart and conscious food choices. Food is a source of both essential nutrients and environmental toxicants. Here, we have researched the possible toxicants of the food industry and their influence on the fetus's in-utero development, along with the importance of dietary interventions and the need to balance a healthy diet to overcome the harms. The cumulative exposure to environmental toxicants can influence the mother's prenatal environment and affect the fetus's development. 2023 -
COVID-19 in pregnant women and children: Insights on clinical manifestations, complexities, and pathogenesis
Pregnancy changes the body's immune system to counteract the spectrum of infections, including COVID-19, which can pose complications. Pregnant women are less likely to contract COVID-19 infections than the general public. However, pregnant women are at slightly increased risk of becoming severely unwell if they do catch COVID-19, and congenital conditions in pregnant women may worsen the state of infection and lead to critical stages and even mortality. The possibility of vertical transmission has been reported in only a few cases of COVID-19; however, it was not noted in cases of SARS and MERS. Vaccination coverage in pregnant women remains a challenge. Children are the next suspected and vulnerable population to acquire infection after the first and second waves. Children are disproportionately infected compared with older populations, but the severity of infection is less compared to adults. This review highlights the complexities of COVID-19 in pregnant women and the underlying reasons why children tend to be comparatively less severely affected. Ethnicity, nutrition, lifestyle, and therapeutics influence the severity of infection in children. Low expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors, indigenous virus competence, and maternal immunity is the first-line defense for children against COVID-19. Habituating herbal medicines from childhood may help support a robust and defensive immune system to counteract novel antigens and encourage healthy generations. 2021 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics -
Unveiling Cutting Edge Innovations in the Catalytic Valorization of Biodiesel Byproduct Glycerol into Value Added Products
The increasing production of biodiesel has led to a glut in the production of glycerol, which is a byproduct. This has resulted in the quest for alternative applications using glycerol as a cheap and readily available starting material. One promising approach is the catalytic valorization of glycerol, which converts glycerol into valuable chemicals such as 1,2-propanediol, lactic acid, and acrolein. The glycerol formed affects the efficiency of the biodiesel, and hence it must be removed. Different processes can convert glycerol to various useful products like glycerol carbonate, glycidol, solketal, lactic acid, and glyceric acid. These different products, the processes used for synthesis, and the various catalysts used have been discussed. The most effective methods for the syntheses, the numerous catalyst systems, mechanisms of the reactions, and applications of these products in different fields are discussed in this review. The paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities of glycerol valorization, including the need for improved catalyst selectivity and activity and the potential for integrating glycerol valorization with other biorefinery processes. Overall, the catalytic valorization of glycerol offers a promising pathway for utilizing this abundantly available resource, and this review provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners working in this area. 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Roadmap on ionic liquid crystal electrolytes for energy storage devices
The current organic liquid electrolytes used in electrochemical energy systems cause rapid performance degradation and even combustion. The advancement of new electrolytes with exceptional safety and electrochemical performance is crucial in addressing these challenges. Recently developed ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) offer promising opportunities for tailoring ion transport channels through modified nano segregated structures, thereby ensuring excellent operating safety and combining the advantageous properties of ionic liquids and liquid crystals. This review focuses on investigating the ion conductive properties and operational mechanisms of ILC electrolytes for energy storage and conversion devices, which play a pivotal role in the development of superior electrolytes. The review critically analyzes the recent development and fundamental properties electrochemical interaction framework of ILC electrolytes applied in energy storage devices. Particular attention is given to elucidating the mechanism of ILC and phase formation, past decade fabrication of energy storage device with ILC electrolytes, emphasizing their capacity for ion redistribution and exceptional stability. Additionally, the review addresses the drawback, limitation, commercialization, challenges and provides future perspective for the growth of ILC electrolytes in the field of energy storage. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Past decade of supercapacitor research Lessons learned for future innovations
Due to their high power density, long cycle stability, and quick charge/discharge rates, supercapacitors are gaining popularity in the field of energy storage devices. These distinct features have enabled supercapacitors to create their own space in the energy storage device realm. This review addresses contemporary ways to increase not just the power density, rate capability, cycle stability, and other properties of supercapacitors, but also their energy density utilising hybrid topologies. Because electrodes are the most significant component of a supercapacitor cell and the last decade mainly focused on the material realm, this paper focuses on the design of hybrid supercapacitor electrodes with high specific capacitance, as well as the explication of the mechanisms involved. We have also given an insight about the merits and demerits of various electrode materials that have been employed till date. The new trends and improvement in supercapacitor development are also summarized. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Low-cost bio-waste carbon nanocomposites for sustainable electrochemical devices: A systematic review
Innovative brains have always drawn inspiration from nature while creating new designs. Animals and plants offer a variety of structures that are stronger, have higher energy sorption capacities, and have lower densities. These structures can inspire the creation of new, functional designs. Scientists have created structures by drawing inspiration from biological structures seen in nature. These structures have been demonstrated to significantly outperform conventional structures for use in the environmental and energy sectors. Due to their simple synthesis, adaptability, excellent performance, and variety of uses, including in light-harvesting systems, batteries, catalysis, bio-fuels, water, and air purification, and environmental monitoring, bio-fabricated materials have demonstrated several advantages. However, sensitive fabrication tools that can create bio-inspired structures and scale up manufacturing from laboratory-scale synthesis are urgently needed. A quick rundown of recent developments in bionanomaterials for different electrochemical systems, particularly the extensively researched rechargeable batteries, sensors, and supercapacitors, provided a discussion of the design principles for bionanomaterials, synthesis, and strategies for low-cost bio-inspired nanomaterial synthesis and device integration. A quick overview of the future research priorities is then suggested, followed by a critical analysis of the current problems. This review is anticipated to provide some understanding of biowaste-nanocomposites for electrochemical applications by taking cues from nature. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
A review on anti-cancer plants of India
India has a high level of endemism and a diverse range of floral species. Cancer is one of the most significant challenges facing global health today. The indigenous peoples and residents who live in India have, for a very long time, made use of specific medicinal plants to fight cancer. This practice is still prevalent today. Several different drugs may be utilized in the treatment of cancer. Because of the potential drawbacks associated with such treatments and the development of drug resistance, the quest for new therapies that are both safer and much more effective is still the most challenging field of study. Several cancer medicines used today come from natural sources. We're returning to our old ways because medicinal plants are a good, natural way to make medicines that prevent cancer without causing major side effects. Within the scope of this study, a few herbs traditionally used to treat cancer are looked at to see what they might be good for. The cytotoxicity of these plants, the processes that lead to them, and the different compounds they make were looked into. This study has tried to focus on how these plants fight cancer. The Author(s). -
Surface tuning of nanostructured graphitic carbon nitrides for enhanced electrocatalytic applications: a review
The precursors for developing sustainable and environment-friendly energy conversion and storage devices requires the utilization of advanced, highly efficient, and economical nano-structured electrocatalysts instead of conventional and expensive noble metals. Therefore, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as a material has gained wide attention due to its relative ease of synthesis, high nitrogen content, conductivity, and tuneable band gap energy. In recent years, their tunable electronic properties along with physicochemical stability have given rise to numerous research delving into their diverse range of applications. With the advancement in the tuning of their electrochemical performance, the electrical conductivity of g-C3N4 can be enhanced by structurally modifying the g-C3N4 framework accordingly. This review focuses on various structural modifications of g-C3N4 by functionalization, elemental doping, and hybridizing techniques for ameliorating the number of active sites resulting in enhanced electrocatalytic performance. Herein, the prospective researchers are given a concise perspective regarding the surface tuning of g-C3N4 for improving their electrocatalytic applications. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Growth of Indian cement industry, its environment impact and emerging alternatives
The present study provides a detailed review on growth of Indian cement industry, its environmental implications of cement production and its significant influence on the future trajectory of the Indian concrete industry. The Indian cement sector, a vital contributor to the nation's economy, faces a dual challenge of meeting the growing demand for construction materials while mitigating its environmental footprint. The study delves into the industry's current status as the world's second-largest cement producer and its impact on various sectors, including employment, GDP contribution, and dependence on real estate and infrastructure. The paper identifies key obstacles hindering the Indian concrete industry's full potential, such as a slowdown in real estate development, low industrial investment, regulatory changes, and constraints on resource extraction. Despite the industry's promising growth, the looming threats from emerging technologies and increasing environmental concerns, particularly related to greenhouse gas emissions, necessitate a strategic shift towards sustainability. A central focus of the research is the urgent need for the Indian concrete industry to address its environmental impact, specifically the 7% contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. The study explores the industry's role in creating carbon-neutral concrete by 2050 and emphasizes the importance of collaboration with policymakers, financial institutions like the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and end users in achieving this ambitious goal. The study reveals the comprehensive resource for industry stakeholders, and researchers interested in understanding the environmental implications of cement production and charting a sustainable course for the future of the Indian concrete industry and emerging alternatives. 2024, National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research. All rights reserved. -
Suspension culture of somatic embryos for the production of high-value secondary metabolites
Secondary metabolites from plants are ubiquitous and have applications in medicines, food additives, scents, colorants, and natural pesticides. Biotechnological production of secondary metabolites that have economic benefits is an attractive alternative to conventional methods. Cell, adventitious, and hairy root suspension cultures are typically used to produce secondary metabolites. According to recent studies, somatic embryos in suspension culture are useful tools for the generation of secondary metabolites. Somatic embryogenesis is a mode of regeneration in several plant species. This review provides an update on the use of somatic embryogenesis in the production of valuable secondary metabolites. The factors influencing the generation of secondary metabolites using somatic embryos in suspension cultures, elicitation methods, and prospective applications are also discussed in this review. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2023, Prof. H.S. Srivastava Foundation for Science and Society.