Browse Items (432 total)
Sort by:
-
X-Ray and ?-Ray Shielding Efficiency of Polymer Composites: Choice of Fillers, Effect of Loading and Filler Size, Photon Energy and Multifunctionality
Use of X-rays and ?-rays have become inevitable in medical sectors like radiology, interventional cardiology and diagnostic imaging, radiation physics laboratories, nuclear reactors and accelerator facilities. As radiation exposures above permitted levels pose potential risk to personnel working in close proximity to these facilities, protective measures aimed at reducing the exposure for safeguarding against harmful effects of ionizing radiations are essential. Traditionally, lead and lead based materials have been used as efficient radiation shielding materials owing to the high atomic number and high density of lead. Presently, use of lead is discouraged due to its heavy weight, toxicity and long-term effects on the environment. Consequently, the last two decades have seen research on light weight and cost-effective polymer composites with appropriate additives, having good workability, high specific strength, thermo-chemical stability and radiation shielding efficacy, gaining momentum. This article gives an overview of the state-of-the-art polymer composites reinforced with different fillers studied for their use as effective radiation shields. Here, we summarize the recent advancement and current trends in polymer composites-based radiation shields highlighting the different approaches adopted, choice of polymer/fillers, shielding effectiveness in terms of either linear and/or mass attenuation coefficients, for those who venture into radiation research and development. 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Women and Fairness: Navigating an Unfair World
[No abstract available] -
Will the antioxidant supplements impact the mitigation of oxidative stress in Parkinsons disease?
Parkinsons disease is a frequent neurodegenerative condition marked by both non-motor and motor symptoms. It is brought on by the selective depletion of dopamine neurons from the substantia nigra region of the midbrain. Numerous variables, including lifestyle, environment, age, smoking, and underlying medical disorders, affect the occurrence of Parkinsons disease. The free radicals created by oxidative stress have an impact on the morphology and function of neuronal cells and are a factor in many neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinsons and Alzheimers, disorder. Although the pathophysiological mechanism causing neuronal degeneration is still unknown, oxidative stress plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic Parkinsons disease. It also has an association with numerous proteins, including ?-synuclein, amyloid, DJ-1 protein and several signalling pathways like extracellular regulated protein kinases. Reactive oxygen species also contribute to complex Is mitochondrial respiratory activity. The naturally occurring antioxidants are the phenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins, and lignans. These antioxidants retain the reactive oxygen species generation and plays a role in several biological effects. As a result, natural plant antioxidants may have an impact on Parkinsons disease and offer an alternative therapy that minimises oxidative stress and slows down the evolution of the disease. 2024 Visagaa Publishing House. -
Wastewater treatment using chitosan and its derivatives: A mini review on latest developments
Effluents and contaminants released from the industries are needed to be treated before releasing them to water bodies. Most common effluents from these industrial wastes are organic compounds, dyes and heavy metals. Heavy metals and their associated anions, as well as organic material, have been separated from wastewaters in industries using a variety of methods. Adsorption is an effective method for water treatment as they are less energy consuming and cost effective. Biopolymers such as chitosan, cellulose, keratin are used for the process of adsorption as they are present abundantly and recyclable. Chitosan is a deacetylated product of chitin. Chitosan and its derivatives are extremely essential due to their abundant availability, low cost, environmental friendliness, and biodegradability and can be widely applied in wastewater treatment.-NH2 and-OH groups are present in chitosan and provide chitosan an opportunity to make physical and chemical modifications. Modifications of chitosan into hydrogels and nanocomposites provide wider applications in wastewater treatment. 2022, Horticulture and Forestry Society from Transylvania. All rights reserved. -
Waste elimination to porous carbonaceous materials for the application of electrochemical sensors: Recent developments
World is expected to face a big disaster from waste materials generated as a result of the ever-growing industrialization. Recent developments in the area of biomass-derived materials and valuable products has attracted many into its diverse applications. Biomass-derived porous carbonaceous materials are highly recommended for the development of electrochemical sensors due to their unique features like cost-effectiveness, distinctive structure, sustainability, and regenerative nature. The electrochemical and catalytic activity of the sensor differ based on their surface morphology specifically surface area, pore-volume, and pore size. Various techniques like activation, doping, and dispersion of metal nanoparticles are efficient in enhancing the performance of sensors. Some of the essential or seminal developments in the area of biomass-derived carbonaceous materials for detecting diverse target analytes like pharmaceutical drugs, metal ions, biomolecules, food additives, pollutants, and flavonoids are reviewed. 2020 Elsevier Ltd -
Utilizing social psychology to drive financial policy solutions: Addressing female feticide and infanticide
Female feticide and infanticide, are two of the most serious problems confronting Indian society. This issue is largely caused by the identification of female fetuses through technology, which frequently results in the termination of a pregnancy. Despite the governments efforts to curb these practices, progress has been limited. There are facilities in cities for determining the gender of an unborn child. The financial difficulty of raising a girl child is a key element in the preference for male offspring. The aim of this study is to propose innovative financial solutions that the government can implement to address this longstanding and complex issue. By exploring various financial inclusion strategies, this study seeks to identify effective measures that can bring about social change and promote gender equality. 2024 by author(s). -
Usage data for predicting user trends and behavioral analysis in E-commerce applications
Reviewing and buying the right goods from online websites is growing day by day in todays fast internet environment. Numerous goods in the same label are available to consumers. It is thus a difficult job for consumers to pick up the correct commodity at a decent price under different market conditions. Therefore, it is important for owners of online shopping websites to better understand their customers needs and offer better services. For these reasons, the access log documented a vast amount of data related to user interactions with the websites. This access log therefore plays a key role in predicting user access trends and in recommending the best product to consumers. This research work therefore focuses on one such methodology for evaluating the pattern and behavioral analysis of users in e-commerce websites. Copyright 2021, IGI Global. -
Updated aspects of alpha-Solanine as a potential anticancer agent: Mechanistic insights and future directions
Cancer remains a critical global health challenge, with limited progress in reducing mortality despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment. The growing resistance of tumors to existing chemotherapy exacerbates this burden. In response, the search for new anticancer compounds from plants has intensified, given their historical success in yielding effective treatments. This review focuses on ?-solanine, a glycoalkaloid primarily derived from potato tubers and nightshade family plants, recognized for its diverse biological activities, including anti-allergic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antibiotic properties. Recently, ?-solanine has gained attention as a potential anticancer agent. Utilizing resources like PubMed/MedLine, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, the American Chemical Society, Google Scholar, Springer Link, Wiley, and various commercial websites, this review consolidates two decades of research on ?-solanine's anticancer effects and mechanisms against nine different cancers, highlighting its role in modulating various signaling pathways. It also discusses ?-solanine's potential as a lead compound in cancer therapy. The abundant availability of potato peel, often discarded as waste or sold cheaply, is suggested as a sustainable source for large-scale ?-solanine extraction. The study concludes that ?-solanine holds promise as a standalone or adjunctive cancer treatment. However, further research is necessary to optimize this lead compound and mitigate its toxicity through various strategies. 2024 The Authors. Food Science & Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
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. -
Unraveling connections with artificial sweeteners and their impact on human health: A comprehensive review
There is a recent trend showing an uptick in the artificial sweetener's usage, particularly the nonnourishing variety. The allure of a low-calorie choice that lets people indulge in their sweet tooths while consuming less calories overall is what motivates this. Children's food products often contain a substantial number of artificial sweeteners due to their properties that aid in moisture retention, act as fillers, and serve as bulking agents. This article provides a comprehensive overview of artificial sweeteners and influences in human wealth. Studies have linked the use of artificial sweeteners to premature birth, highlighting the teratogenic potential of these compounds, particularly in beverages. Pregnant women who incorporate nonnutritive sweeteners into their diet during pregnancy are more likely to have children with birth defects, as indicated by studies on the subject. Artificial sweeteners should not be added to food for children because studies show that eating them while a child's body is still developing might disturb the balance of gut microbiota and cause potential problems like heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. The ingestion of nonnourishing sweeteners has adverse effects on the fertility of both men and women. Studies indicate that exceeding the recommended daily consumption that the FDA has set for artificial sweeteners can result in conditions of infertility for both genders. Additionally, there is a connection between the onset of cancer and the use of artificial sweeteners. Presently, a considerable amount of research relies on animal models rather than human ones, creating a notable gap in research. The limitation of extensive human model studies represents a drawback in validating results. Furthermore, there is a necessity for increased research focused on advancing techniques that can minimize the adverse effects of artificial sweeteners, making them more suitable for addressing issues related to obesity and various types of diabetes. 2024 The Author(s). eFood published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd. on behalf of International Association of Dietetic Nutrition and Safety. -
Understanding the Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Neutrophil Extracellular Traps Promoting Autoimmune Disorders
AMPs are small oligopeptides acting as integral elements of the innate immune system and are of tremendous potential in the medical field owing to their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. They offer a multitude of immunomodulatory properties such as immune cell differentiation, inflammatory responses, cytokine production, and chemoattraction. Aberrancy in neutrophil or epithelial cell-producing AMPs leads to inflammation culminating in various autoimmune responses. In this review, we have tried to explore the role of prominent mammalian AMPsdefensins and cathelicidins, as immune regulators with special emphasis on their role in neutrophil extracellular traps which promotes autoimmune disorders. When complexed with self-DNA or self-RNA, AMPs act as autoantigens which activate plasmacytoid dendritic cells and myeloid dendritic cells leading to the production of interferons and cytokines. These trigger a series of self-directed inflammatory reactions, leading to the emergence of diverse autoimmune disorders. Since AMPs show both anti- and pro-inflammatory abilities in different ADs, there is a dire need for a complete understanding of their role before developing AMP-based therapy for autoimmune disorders. 2023 by the authors. -
Understanding Agape Leadership: A Scoping Review
Agape, a Greek term for unconditional love, is often overlooked in the context of leadership, which has traditionally emphasized control and dominance. Agape leadership is a type of leadership that places the well-being and growth of individuals, communities, and society at the forefront. This style of leadership is characterized by a profound sense of compassion and consideration for others and is grounded in the principles of love, compassion, and empathy. This paper reviews the literature on agape leadership, exploring how it is conceptualized, practiced, and studied. The review finds that agape leadership is linked to favourable results, including increased trust, motivation, performance, respect, and collaboration, in which people can thrive and reach their full potential. This style of leadership is not only focused on achieving specific goals or outcomes, but also on fostering a sense of purpose, meaning, and fulfilment in the lives of those being led. The leadership style of agape can bring about enduring and constructive transformations in society as it motivates and galvanizes individuals to collaborate toward a collective aspiration of a more promising tomorrow. Agape leaders also place a high value on personal growth and development and are constantly seeking to learn and grow in their own leadership journey. 2023 Open Access/Author/s - Online @ http//: www.pharosjot.com -
Two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene for photocatalytic hydrogen production: A review
This study focuses on the utilization of two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene as a catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen production. MXenes, a class of transition metal carbides/nitrides, exhibit exceptional properties conducive to enhancing photocatalytic reactions. This research explores the performance of Ti3C2 MXene as a cocatalyst in photocatalytic systems, aiming to improve charge separation, inhibit recombination, and facilitate efficient hydrogen evolution from water under light irradiation. The synthesis methods, catalyst-loading strategies, and overall photocatalytic mechanisms are investigated, shedding light on the potential of Ti3C2 MXene as a promising material for advancing hydrogen production through sustainable means. 2023 Korean Chemical Society, Seoul & Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Tuning the output of the higher plants Circadian Clock
The circadian clock is an ascribed regulator found in the cells of creatures, that keeps biological and behavioral processes in stnc with dailt environmental changes throughout the 24-hour ctcles. When the circadian clock in humans malfunctions or is misaligned with environmental signals, the timing of the sleep-wake ctcle is altered and several circadian rhtthm sleep disorders result. Due to the Earth's rotation on its axis, predictable environmental changes are anticipated bt complex processes. The combined term for these ststems is the circadian clock. The circadian rhtthm regulates photostnthesis and photoperiodism, making it the "primart controller of plant life." The circadian clock is made up of post-translational alterations to core oscillators, epigenetic tweaks to DNA and histones, and auto regulatort feedback loops in transcription. In addition, the circadian clock is cell-autonomous and regulates the circadian rhtthms of distinct organs. Biochemical elements such as photostnthetic products, mineral nutrients, calcium ions, and hormones are used bt the core oscillators to communicate with one another. Arabidopsis is utilized to identift clock-related genes that govern plant growth, germination, pollination, flowering, abiotic and biotic stress responses, and more. The biological ctcles of all species, notablt humans, are undoubtedlt impacted bt other elements, including high altitude and changing ecoststems, in addition to the ones alreadt stated. Although it hasn't tet published ant experimental or scientific evidence to support them, the implication that living things have lives does appear inescapable. Hence, the present studt elaborates on the higher plants related to the circadian clock. The Author(s). -
Triggers of Changes in Business Processes and Applications: A Systematic Review
Organizations must constantly adapt due to the rapid rate of technological development, market conditions, and customer expectations. The multidimensional world of catalysts that drive changes in corporate processes and applications is explored in this systematic review. Every business must adopt the changes if it wants to compete in the market and outlast its rivals. A wide range of factors, including internal and external forces, can cause applications and business processes to change. These changes are frequently necessary to stay current with the shifting demands of the market, technology advancements, organizational requirements, competitive pressures, legal compliance, environmental and sustainability programs, market trends, and consumer insights. Taking this into account, this chapter attempts to concentrate on the causes of changes in business processes and applications by analyzing the perspective. 2024, Iquz Galaxy Publisher. All rights reserved. -
Treating troubled families: Therapeutic scenario in India
India, a country of diverse cultures, languages, life styles, and ethnicities, is becoming a land of economic change, political stability, technological advancement, and changing traditional structures of relationships as well as health consciousness. Being known for its ancient traditions, rituals, religious orientation, spiritual outlook and folk beliefs, Indian families attempt to continue certain healthy and traditional elements such as warmth, strong bond, hierarchy, extended support, cultural orientation, shared values and time, tolerance, respect for the aged and inculcation of religious teachings and traditions in families. These factors, or practices, in fact have strong therapeutic value in supplementing the growth and development of individuals in the family system in spite of its transitional position. This paper deals with the review of family-based mental health services and focuses on the changing trends of those practices in India and the advancement of Indian families in their engaging ability with mentally ill members as well as with the treating team. 2012 Institute of Psychiatry. -
Toxic Effects of Nanoparticles on Fish Embryos
Nanoparticles are used widely in the in-drug delivery, diagnostics, cosmetics, paints, electronics, fabrics, solar cells, medicines etc. Their wide application is due to their special properties which include minute size, high reaction rate, increased surface area and quantum effect. Despite their multiple applications, nanoparticles have harmful effects too due to their improper disposal causing their entry into the aquatic environment greatly threatening the ecological security as well as our health. Zebra fishes (Danio rerio) are used more commonly for the evaluation of toxicity and are considered a promising animal model. Studies on Salmon and Labeo rohita have also been used for toxicity evaluation. Nanoparticles affect the embryo more easily than the adult since the embryo are more sensitive. Hence it becomes important for us to study the effect of the nanoparticles on the embryo of the fishes. These nanoparticles have the ability to cross the chorion layer and affect the developing embryo. Since the fishes are a part of the food chain, when these organisms get affected they will eventually harm the humans too. This review focuses on the effect of metal nanoparticles (NPs) like gold(Au), silver(Ag), copper(Cu), platinum and metal oxides nanoparticles like titanium dioxide, aluminium oxide, copper oxide, nickel oxide zinc oxide on the embryonic development of fish embryos. When compared to the other nanoparticles (NPs) like silver, copper and platinum, it has been observed that the gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) showed no toxicity to embryos of zebrafish though few studies contradict this. Aluminium nanoparticles showed no toxicity and role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in enhancing the toxicity of nanoparticles have also been discussed. 2021 World Research Association. All rights reserved. -
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. -
Three decades of advances in extraction and analytical techniques for guava (Psidium guajava L.): A review
Despite extensive experimental focus, there remains a notable gap in comprehending the progressive development of these techniques over time. This comprehensive review is dedicated to cataloging the evolution of extraction and analytical methods spanning several decades. In this article, we meticulously traced the development of analytical and extraction techniques. Additionally, we intricately map the periodic discovery of metabolites within guava fruit, aligning them with the chronological utilization of analytical methods. This article results from extensive research and literature analysis to bridge the knowledge gap. Our efforts highlight the advantageous phytochemicals in guava and the diverse extraction techniques available. By encompassing various facets of analytical methods and delving into metabolomics, this review can offer substantial benefits to cultivating future guava varieties. Subsequent sections within this review will serve as a valuable resource, aiding prospective researchers in identifying the most effective extraction and analytical methods for discovering novel metabolites in guava or similar biological samples. Furthermore, through a comprehensive timeline detailing methodological advancements, this review enhances our understanding of the evolutionary path of guava research. Such insights empower researchers to make informed decisions and actively contribute to the continual advancement of the field of research. 2024