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Genetically modified foods: bibliometric analysis on consumer perception and preference
In this study, we present the bibliometric trends emerging from research outputs on consumer perception and preference for genetically modified (GM) foods and policy prescriptions for enabling the consumption using VOSviewer visualization software. Consumers positive response is largely influenced by the decision of the governments to ban or approve the GM crops cultivation. Similarly, the public support increases when the potential benefits of the technology are well articulated, consumption increases with a price discount, peoples trust on the government and belief in science increases with a positive influence by the media. Europe and the USA are the first region and country, respectively, in terms of the number of active institutions per research output, per-capita GDP publication and citations. We suggest research-, agri-food industries-, and society-oriented policies to be implemented by the stakeholders to ensure the safety of GM foods, encourage consumer-based studies, and increase public awareness toward these food products. 2022 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Toward sustainable and eco-friendly production of coffee: abatement of wastewater and evaluation of its potential valorization
Abstract: Coffee is one of the most significant beverages consumed worldwide, dating to times immemorial. It plays a pivotal role in several economies owing to its second position in the list of trading commodity, after petroleum. The growing demand for coffee has resulted in a great amount of coffee production and processing and subsequent release of large volumes of wastewater. This wastewater is characterized to have very high chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand with potential to cause environmental pollution thus requiring smart strategies to effectively reduce their load of the wastewater before releasing them into the habitable ambiance. The existing research on coffee wastewater treatment should be critically analyzed for their sustainability and economic viability for them to be commercially used in developing countries for effluent mitigation. This literature review aims to suggest an effective way to treat the wastewater by combining various methods, coupling it with value addition like energy generation. The goal of this review is to provide a direction for future research to integrated treatment with valorization along with a focus on emerging technologies. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. -
Enabling Agricultural Sector through Blockchain Technology Farmers Perspective
The agricultural sectors in India and abroad have been affected extensively due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is necessary to provide solutions for the availability of resources, controlling the cost, quality in production, transparent food supply, fulfilling demand, and removing intermediaries. The structural reforms in the agricultural sector by adopting emerging technologies, especially blockchain technology (BCT) and the robotics automation process, are inevitable during the pandemic and future development. To study the impact of blockchain on the Agriculture sector, the farmer's level of awareness of the blockchain technology, its methodological influence, the inclination of farmers to adopt the technology in their farming, and agri-related activity are vital. This paper aims to explore the opportunities of BCT in expanding the agriculture sector, ascertain the awareness and intensity of farmers' knowledge of the effect of BCT, and develop the mean difference in the opinion of the farmers towards the utilization of BCT in the relevant field of agriculture. A structured interview schedule was administered with 360 sample farmers from the Delta regions of three states located in the southern part of India, such as Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamilnadu, using a purposive sampling technique intending. Irrespective of the age, gender, land capacity, possession, education level, learned procedures, and abundant experience helped the farmers demand a new technology interface to improve their income level and register their sustainability. 2022 by authors, all rights reserved. -
Recent advances in polyethylene glycol as a dual-functional agent in heterocycle synthesis: Solvent and catalyst
Reactant solubility, which dictates achievable concentrations, and the stability of reaction intermediates (excited states), solvents modulate the potential energy landscape and influence reaction rates. Consequently, solvent selection is pivotal in optimizing process productivity, economic feasibility, and environmental footprint. At present, organic synthesis pivots around the idea of sustainability. In particular, PEG-400, a popular solvent and phase transfer catalyst, is considered greener as it can be reused several times without significant loss in its catalytic activity, which checks the box regarding sustainability. This review highlights the emerging potential of Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG-400) as a dual-threat agent in sustainable organic synthesis. We explore its efficacy as a catalyst, promoting various reactions under mild conditions and often eliminating the need for traditional metal catalysts. Additionally, PEG-400's role as a green solvent is addressed, emphasizing its biodegradability, low toxicity, and ability to facilitate reactions without hazardous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The review examines recent research on PEG-400 mediated reactions, showcasing its effectiveness in diverse transformations, thus exploring the potential of PEG 400 as a facilitator for heterocycle synthesis in both multicomponent reactions and stepwise approaches. It identifies exciting research directions that promise to expand the boundaries of polymer-based solvents in heterocyclic chemistry. 2024 The Author(s). Polymers for Advanced Technologies published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Development challenges for agriculture in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is heralded as one of the economically advanced states, but this illusion crashed under the attack of COVID-19 virus and economic deterioration is expected to follow. It is argued here that the state policy dished out a raw deal to the agricultural sector and set the sector under severe stress. The path of this retrogression, reasons behind the trends and the possible policy platform for the last six decades are traced. Stagnation has gripped the agricultural sector, and it is losing cultivable land to other uses. This is accompanied by a sharp increase in small and marginal holdings. Surprisingly, the state has no agricultural policy document in place and the sector largely depends on only sporadic firefighting approaches with a policy paralysis. 2020 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
The nutraceutical properties and health benefits of pseudocereals: a comprehensive treatise
This review article depicts the possible replacement of staple cereal sources with some pseudocereals like Chia, Quinoa, Buckwheat, and Amaranth, which not only provide recommended daily allowance of all nutrients but also help to reduce the chances of many non-communicable infections owing to the presence of several bioactive compounds. These pseudocereals are neglected plant seeds and should be added in our routine diet. Besides, they can serve as nutraceuticals in combating various diseases by improving the health status of the consumers. The bioactive compounds like rutin, quercetin, peptide chains, angiotensin I, and many other antioxidants present in these plant seeds help to reduce the oxidative stress in the body which leads toward better health of the consumers. All these pseudocereals have high quantity of soluble fiber which helps to regulate bowel movement, control hypercholesterolemia (presence of high plasma cholesterol levels), hypertension (high blood pressure), and cardiovascular diseases. The ultimate result of consumption of pseudocereals either as a whole or in combination with true cereals as staple food may help to retain the integrity of the human body which increases the life expectancy by slowing down the aging process. 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Heavy metal ion sensing strategies using fluorophores for environmental remediation
The main aim of this review is to provide a holistic summary of the latest advances within the research area focusing on the detection of heavy metal ion pollution, particularly the sensing strategies. The review explores various heavy metal ion detection approaches, encompassing spectrometry, electrochemical methods, and optical techniques. Numerous initiatives have been undertaken in recent times in response to the increasing demand for fast, sensitive, and selective sensors. Notably, fluorescent sensors have acquired prominence owing to the numerous advantages such as good specificity, reversibility, and sensitivity. Further, this review also explores the advantages of various nanomaterials employed in sensing heavy metal ions. In this regard, exclusive emphasis is placed on fluorescent nanomaterials based on organic dyes, quantum dots, and fluorescent aptasensors for metal ion removal from aqueous systems, and to identify the fate of heavy metal ions in the natural environment. 2024 -
Exploring the efficiency of green synthesized silver nanoparticles as photocatalysts for organic dye degradation: unveiling key insights
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received a lot of interest for their several applications, including their remarkable potential as photocatalysts for organic dye degradation. This research thoroughly investigates the efficacy of ecologically friendly, green-synthesized AgNPs in the treatment of synthetic dye-contaminated wastewater. The synthesis of AgNPs from various biological substrates is investigated, emphasizing their economic viability, significant conductivity, and considerable biocompatibility. The improper disposal of synthetic dyes in wastewater poses severe environmental and health risks due to their non-biodegradable nature and persistent chemical features. In response to this challenge, this review paper investigates the capability of AgNPs to serve as effective photocatalysts for degrading a range of organic dyes commonly found in industrial effluents. Specific dyes, including methyl orange, congo red, nitrophenol, methylene blue, and malachite green, are studied in the context of wastewater treatment, providing insights into the efficacy of AgNPs synthesized from diverse biological sources. The review sheds light on the photocatalytic degradation methods used by green-synthesized AgNPs, shedding light on the transition of these synthetic dyes into less hazardous compounds. It also delves into the toxicity aspect of the AgNPs and its possible remediation from the environment. The ecologically friendly synthesis procedures investigated in this work provide an alternative to traditional methods, highlighting the importance of sustainable technologies in solving modern environmental concerns. Furthermore, a comparative examination of various biological substrates for AgNPs synthesis is presented, evaluating their respective dye degradation efficiencies. This not only helps researchers understand the environmental impact of synthetic dyes, but it also directs them in choosing the best substrates for the production of AgNPs with enhanced photocatalytic activities. 2024 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd. -
Microplastic residues in clinical samples: A retrospection on sources, entry routes, detection methods and human toxicity
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging toxicants which have been detected in varying environments. Despite MPs adverse effects, reports on MPs detection from human clinical samples are only a few. This is due to several reasons such as inefficiency of current MPs detection techniques to detect them from human clinical samples, lack of understanding about the MPs toxicity to human organs and ethical regulations that restricts study with human placental exposure to MPs. This review gives a comprehensive outlook on the major sources MPs sources and routes into human system and their human toxicity mechanisms. Further an in-depth discussion on the significance and limitations of various MPs detection methods is elaborated in the review. Challenges in current research framework for detection of MPs from human clinical samples and the possible future directions in this imperative research domain are also focused in this review. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Hydrogen Sulfide: A new warrior in assisting seed germination during adverse environmental conditions
Seed, being a truly static period of the plant's existence, is exposed to a variety of biotic and abiotic shocks during dormancy that causes many cellular alterations. To improve its germination and vigor, the seed industry employs a variety of invigoration techniques, which are commonly referred to as seed priming procedures. The treatment with an exogenous H2S donor such as sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) has been proven to improve seed germination. The H2S molecule is not only a key contributor to the signal transduction pathway meant for the sensation of seed exposure to various biotic and abiotic stresses but also contribute toward the alleviation of different abiotic stress. Although it was initially recognized as a toxic molecule, later its identification as a third gaseous transmitter molecule unveiled its potential role in seed germination, root development, and opening of stomata. Its involvement in cross talks with several other molecules, including plant hormones, also guides numerous physiological responses in the seeds, such as regulation of gene expression and enzymatic activities, which contribute to reliving various biological and non-biological stresses. However, the other metabolic pathways that could be implicated in the dynamics of the germination process when H2S is used are unclear. These pathways possibly may contribute to the seed germinability process with improved performance and stress tolerance. The present review briefly addresses the signaling and physiological impact of H2S in improving seed germination on exposure to various stresses. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. -
Biomass-Derived Carbon Materials in Heterogeneous Catalysis: A Step towards Sustainable Future
Biomass-derived carbons are emerging materials with a wide range of catalytic properties, such as large surface area and porosity, which make them ideal candidates to be used as heterogeneous catalysts and catalytic supports. Their unique physical and chemical properties, such as their tunable surface, chemical inertness, and hydrophobicity, along with being environmentally friendly and cost effective, give them an edge over other catalysts. The biomass-derived carbon materials are compatible with a wide range of reactions including organic transformations, electrocatalytic reactions, and photocatalytic reactions. This review discusses the uses of materials produced from biomass in the realm of heterogeneous catalysis, highlighting the different types of carbon materials derived from biomass that are potential catalysts, and the importance and unique properties of heterogeneous catalysts with different preparation methods are summarized. Furthermore, this review article presents the relevant work carried out in recent years where unique biomass-derived materials are used as heterogeneous catalysts and their contribution to the field of catalysis. The challenges and potential prospects of heterogeneous catalysis are also discussed. 2022 by the authors. -
Shaping sustainable paths for perishable food supply chains - contemporary insights and future prospects
The pursuit for a sustainable system for perishable Food Supply Chains (FSCs) centres on delivering sustenance to potential stakeholders while minimizing environmental repercussions and conserving precious natural resources. Despite extensive literature review on process and quality in FSCs, the existing gap between research and industry practice still remains a challenge. A lack of comprehensive framework encompassing all stages of perishable FSCs and a dearth of understanding regarding consumer preferences and recent market trends emphasize the need for further research. The present study efforts to address the existing gap by employing an advanced bibliographical technique that categorizes emerging research trends and transcends conventional literature approaches. Through an extensive analysis, the present study objectives to scrutinize the current state of sustainability within perishable FSCs while also mapping out a blueprint for forthcoming research. This comprehensive exploration identifies five pivotal themes: Strategic Governance and Innovation, Consumer Attitudes and Short FSCs, Sustainable Supply Chains Network Design, Sustainable Supply Chains and Circular Economy, and Integration of Emerging Technologies. By probing into prescriptive content analysis, the study delves into research gaps and trends, providing an all-encompassing panorama of prior sustainable FSC research. Furthermore, the study concentrates on two generic research questions that pave the way for embracing sustainable approaches in the realm of perishable FSC research, thereby propelling the field towards a more impactful and sustainable future. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024. -
A rapid investigation of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent switch-on probes for detection and in cellulo tracking of G-quadruplex and double-stranded DNA
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in Near Infrared (NIR) fluorescence switch-on probes designed for the detection and in cellulo tracking of G-quadruplex and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). G-quadruplexes, non-canonical DNA structures, play pivotal roles in regulating various biological processes, making them critical targets for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The unique properties of NIR fluorescence probes, such as deep tissue penetration, minimal photodamage, and low autofluorescence background, offer significant advantages for bioimaging. We critically analyze the design strategies, photophysical properties, and binding mechanisms of various NIR fluorescence switch-on probes. Additionally, we discuss their efficacy and specificity in identifying G-quadruplexes and dsDNA within cellular environments. Key challenges and future directions for improving the sensitivity, selectivity, and biocompatibility of these probes are also highlighted. This review aims to underscore the potential of NIR fluorescence probes in advancing our understanding of DNA dynamics and their applications in biomedical research. 2024 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Cinema and the non-violence versus violence discourse: a review of the film RRR
[No abstract available] -
Green Power: The Role of Plant-Based Biochar in Advanced Energy Storage
This comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of recent progress in utilizing plant-based biochar for supercapacitors. It specifically focuses on biochar derived from plant biomass such as agricultural residues, weeds and aquatic plants, examining their potential in energy storage applications. It explores various synthesis methods like pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization and evaluates their impact on biochar's structure and electrochemical properties. Additionally, it examines the electrochemical performance of biochar-based supercapacitors, focusing on parameters such as capacitance, cycling stability, and rate capability. Strategies to enhance biochar's electrochemical performance, such as surface modification and composite fabrication, are also discussed. Furthermore, it addresses existing challenges and prospects in harnessing plant-based biochar for supercapacitor applications, highlighting its potential as a sustainable and efficient electrode material for next-generation energy storage devices. 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Interparental Conflict and Young Adult Romantic Relationships: A Systematic Review
In the last two decades, researchers have been progressively investigating the impact of interparental conflict (IPC) on young adults romantic relationships. This systematic review aimed to synthesize literature on IPC and romantic relationship outcomes among young adults and highlight mechanisms found in this link. Following the PRISMA protocol, 3232 studies were identified using Boolean searches on ProQuest, PubMed, EBSCOhost, Jstor, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, and 17 met the eligibility criteria. To be included, in addition to having IPC and romantic relationship outcomes as variables, studies had to be quantitative in design, have a mean sample age of 1825, include only participants in romantic relationships at the time of the study, and be published in English with full text available. The review found that IPC is associated with negative conflict management, both perpetration and victimization of aggression, worse communication, negative conflict behaviors, and poor relationship quality. Other outcomes like relationship satisfaction, commitment, as well as mediator variables in the link between IPC and young adult romantic relationship outcomes, such as attitudes towards marriage and conflict attributions, yielded varied results. Several shortcomings in the methodology of the reviewed articles, such as the research sample and measures, were discovered. To deal with the impact of IPC on offsprings romantic relationships, preventive interventions should be designed and evaluated, and more research with different variables and study designs, with more men, other ethnicities, and more representative sample frames are needed to detect crucial mediators and obtain reliable and generalizable results. The Author(s) 2022. -
Multifarious pigment producing fungi of Western Ghats and their potential
Concerns about the negative impacts of synthetic colorants on both con-sumers and the environment have sparked a surge of interest in natural col-orants. This has boosted the global demand for natural colorants in the food, cosmetics and textile industries. Pigments and colorants derived from plants and microorganisms are currently the principal sources used by mod-ern industry. When compared to the hazardous effects of synthetic dyes on human health, natural colors are quickly degradable and have no negative consequences. In fact, fungal pigments have multidimensional bioactivity spectra too. Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot has a lot of unique eco-logical niches known to harbor potential endophytic pigment-producing fungi having enumerable industrial and medical applications. Most of the fungi have coevolved with the plants in a geographical niche and hence the endophytic associations can be thought to bring about many mutually ben-eficial traits. The current review aims to highlight the potential of fungal pigments found in the Western ghats of India depicting various methods of isolation and screening, pigment extraction and uses. There is an urgent need for bioprospecting for the identification and characterization of ex-tremophilic endophytic fungi to meet industry demands and attain sustain-ability and balance in nature, especially from geographic hotspots like the Western Ghats. 2022 Horizon e-Publishing Group. All rights reserved. -
A heuristic analysis of equity and equality in the institutionalisation of property rights: The Baliraja water distribution experiment, India
Natural resource management perceived as a search for institutions that can ensure simultaneous fulfilment of three goals: productivity (or efficiency), sustainability and equity. In this article, we study the implications of pursuing the goal of equity in the management of surface water resources for irrigation with a heuristic model incorporating a Leontief-type fixed production function. The analysis has been carried out in the backdrop of the Baliraja water distribution experiment in India. One suggestion is that the allocating tradable water rights over water, a common property natural resource, can be used as an instrument to improve equity. Unfortunately, advocating the use of water distribution as an instrument of poverty alleviation is fraught with implicit assumptions about the rural economy and uncertain outcomes. It is important for planners to understand that the concepts of equity and equality are applicable to inputs and outputs or outcomes. We attempt to understand the implications of equality in water distribution on social welfare with a simple heuristic analysis. Theoretical analysis shows the possible outcomes of such a policy and also intended to raise pertinent questions and hypotheses in studying the effectiveness of irrigation and watershed initiatives where rights over water have been redistributed equally. Copyright 2009 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. -
Partition Refugees in Jammu Cry for Protection of Land and Job Rights
Article 370 was presented as an obstacle in the complete integration of Kashmir and it had denied citizenship and land rights to around 1.5 lakh West Pakistan Refugees (all Hindus) since their migration in 1947. However, after the lapse of merely five years of the abrogation, these WPRs, the new citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, have started feeling disillusioned and demanding protection of lands and jobs under Article 371 of the Indian Constitution. 2024 Economic and Political Weekly. All rights reserved. -
A Prompt Study on Recent Advances in the Development Of Colorimetric and Fluorescent Chemosensors for Nanomolar Detection of Biologically Important Analytes
Fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensors for selective detection of various biologically important analytes have been widely applied in different areas such as biology, physiology, pharmacology, and environmental sciences. The research area based on fluorescent chemosensors has been in existence for about 150years with the development of large number of fluorescent chemosensors for selective detection of cations as metal ions, anions, reactive species, neutral molecules and different gases etc. Despite the progress made in this field, several problems and challenges still exist. The most important part of sensing is limit of detection (LOD) which is the lowest concentration that can be measured (detected) with statistical significance by means of a given analytical procedure. Although there are so many reports available for detection of millimolar to micromolar range but the development of chemosensors for the detection of analytes in nanomolar range is still a challenging task. Therefore, in our current review we have focused the history and a general overview of the development in the research of fluorescent sensors for selective detection of various analytes at nanomolar level only. The basic principles involved in the design of chemosensors for specific analytes, binding mode, photophysical properties and various directions are also covered here. Summary of physiochemical properties, mechanistic view and type of different chemosensors has been demonstrated concisely in the tabular forms. Graphical Abstract: In our current review we have focused the history and a general overview of the development in the research of fluorescent sensors for selective detection of various analytes at nanomolar level only. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.