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Fish waste valorisation through production of biodiesel and biopolymers for sustainable development: A mini review
Fish processing waste accounts for one of the major classes of food waste generated worldwide in terms of the high volume of waste generated. The presence of high amounts of organic compounds (proteins: 1530 %, lipids: 520 %) in fish waste makes them highly susceptible to autolysis which when not managed properly pose adverse effects on the environment like production of offensive odor, generation of hydrogen sulfide, higher biological oxygen demand (1000 mg/L to 12,000 mg/L or even higher) (BOD), and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria. Fish waste is rich in lipids and polysaccharides that can be channelized for biodiesel and biopolymer production respectively. Biodiesel refers to the biofuel produced from transesterification of plant and animal fats. Extraction of oils from fish waste followed by transesterification reactions can yield biodiesel through a biorefinery approach. Biorefinery concept emphasizes the conversion of biomass into commercially important byproducts. Biopolymers refers to the natural polymers that can be extracted from the natural sources or produced through microbial fermentation process. Furthermore, commercially important biopolymers like chitosan and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) can be used as biorefineries. This review work presents the sequential strategies for conversion of fish waste to biodiesel, PHA and chitosan through various physicochemical and biological methods. The review also presents the existing challenges and the future in the fish waste biorefinery concept. The scope of this review is to present a broader concept of integrating fish waste biorefinery for production of multiple value added products like biodiesel and biopolymers. 2025 Elsevier Ltd -
SARS-CoV-2 Footprints in the Placenta: What We Know after Three Years of the Pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into its third year, there is accumulating evidence on the consequences of maternal infection. Emerging data indicate increased obstetrics risks, including maternal complications, preterm births, impaired intrauterine fetal growth, hypertensive disorders, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, and a risk of developmental defects in neonates. Overall, controversial concerns still exist regarding the potential for vertical transmission. Histopathological examination of the placenta can represent a useful instrument for investigation and can contribute significant information regarding the possible immunohistopathological mechanisms involved in developing unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Based on current evidence, SARS-CoV-2 infection can affect placental tissue by inducing several specific changes. The level of placental involvement is considered one of the determining factors for unfavorable outcomes during pregnancy due to inflammation and vascular injuries contributing to complex cascade immunological and biological events; however, available evidence does not indicate a strong and absolute correlation between maternal infection, placental lesions, and obstetric outcomes. As existing studies are still limited, we further explore the placenta at three different levels, using histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular genetics to understand the epidemiological and virological changes observed in the ongoing pandemic. 2023 by the authors. -
Phyto- and zoomass-derived nanostructured carbon as efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells: a review
Abstract: The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) plays a pivotal role in several energy storage and conversion technologies, including metal-air batteries, microbial fuel cells, and low-temperature hydrogen and alcohol fuel cells. Fuel cells, in particular, have gained significant traction as a feasible alternative energy source due to their efficiency, cleanliness, adaptability, and ability to reuse exhaust heat. However, the complex nature of ORR requires highly efficient electrocatalysts for optimal fuel cell performance. While Pt-based electrocatalysts are widely regarded as the most suitable for both the cathode and anode in fuel cells, their high cost, scarcity, and susceptibility to fuel crossover have driven the search for alternative ORR catalysts. In this context, carbon materials have emerged as promising candidates due to their low cost, long-term stability, and strong electrocatalytic activity. Recent advancements in biomass-derived carbon nanostructures align with the global push for sustainable energy and a pollution-free environment. This review examines carbon structures derived from the carbonization of plant and animal biomass and evaluates their performance as noble metal supports, non-noble metal electrocatalysts, and metal-free electrocatalysts for ORR. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024. -
Advancement and Challenges of Biosensing Using Field Effect Transistors
Field-effect transistors (FETs) have become eminent electronic devices for biosensing applications owing to their high sensitivity, faster response and availability of advanced fabrication techniques for their production. The device physics of this sensor is now well understood due to the emergence of several numerical modelling and simulation papers over the years. The pace of advancement along with the knowhow of theoretical concepts proved to be highly effective in detecting deadly pathogens, especially the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein of the coronavirus with the onset of the (coronavirus disease of 2019) COVID-19 pandemic. However, the advancement in the sensing system is also accompanied by various hurdles that degrade the performance. In this review, we have explored all these challenges and how these are tackled with innovative approaches, techniques and device modifications that have also raised the detection sensitivity and specificity. The functional materials of the device are also structurally modified towards improving the surface area and minimizing power dissipation for developing miniaturized microarrays applicable in ultra large scale integration (ULSI) technology. Several theoretical models and simulations have also been carried out in this domain which have given a deeper insight on the electron transport mechanism in these devices and provided the direction for optimizing performance. 2022 by the authors. -
Epigenetic Mechanisms Induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Promote Its Survival in the Host
Tuberculosis caused by the obligate intracellular pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is one among the prime causes of death worldwide. An urgent remedy against tuberculosis is of paramount importance in the current scenario. However, the complex nature of this appalling disease contributes to the limitations of existing medications. The quest for better treatment approaches is driving the research in the field of host epigenomics forward in context with tuberculosis. The interplay between various host epigenetic factors and the pathogen is under investigation. A comprehensive understanding of how Mycobacterium tuberculosis orchestrates such epigenetic factors and favors its survival within the host is in increasing demand. The modifications beneficial to the pathogen are reversible and possess the potential to be better targets for various therapeutic approaches. The mechanisms, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and miRNA modification, are being explored for their impact on pathogenesis. In this article, we are deciphering the role of mycobacterial epigenetic regulators on various strategies like cytokine expression, macrophage polarization, autophagy, and apoptosis, along with a glimpse of the potential of host-directed therapies. 2024 by the authors. -
Review of recent progress in the development and properties of aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotube by powder metallurgy route
Aluminum and its alloys are finding increasing applications in every sphere of industry with various reinforcements. New reinforcements like graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are in focus on account of its contribution in mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Achieving uniform distribution and selecting the right manufacturing process still remain a challenge. Hence, this review takes into account the contributions by many researchers and attempts to consolidate the findings that may close the gap and identify the scope for future research. In spite of the advantages of aluminum, it requires improvement in strength, wear resistance, heat resistance, conductivity, and thermal expansion. Among the available reinforcements, CNT stands out because of its unique features of thermal conductivity, expansion, and strength. The effect of multiwalled CNT reinforcement in metal on precipitation hardening is also discussed. Copyright 2019 by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959 -
Electrochemical efficacies of coal derived nanocarbons
Carbon based nanomaterials are acknowledged for their admirable optical, electrical, mechanical characteristics and broad class of applications. Choice of precursor and simple synthesis techniques have decisive roles in viable production and commercialization of carbon produce. The intense demand to develop high purity carbon nanomaterials through inexpensive techniques has promoted usage of fossil derivatives as feasible source of carbon. Coal serves as a naturally available, abundant and cheap feedstock for carbon materials. From the crystalline clusters of aromatic hydrocarbons in a cross-linked network, carbon nanostructures can easily be extracted through green synthesis routes. It promotes a potent alternative for the cost effective and scaled up production of nanocarbon. The well-developed pores distribution, presence of numerous active sites and appropriate migration channels for ions enhance the electrochemical parameters necessary for the fabrication of supercapacitors, batteries and electrochemical sensors. The metallic impurities contained in coal contribute towards faradic redox reactions required for an efficient electrode modification. In this review, the potential uses of coal based carbon nanomaterials in energy storage and environmental sectors are discussed in detail. 2020, The Author(s). -
Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis: A Review
Early detection and treatment is a successful method to fight against cancer. The use of conventional methods often limits the early-stage detection of the same. Nanotechnology, especially nanomedicine, has become an evolving field in research today. Nanoparticles, with their diverse application in medicine, have grown tremendously. Despite their physicochemical properties, the toxicity of nanoparticles in living organisms has helped the scientific community develop these nanoparticles for cancer treatment. In this review, we highlight the two different types of synthesis of nanoparticles: Top-down and Bottom-up approaches, many instances of various techniques and other inorganic nanoparticles that are good platforms for bioimaging and biosensing applications, drug delivery nanocarriers for specific tumor targeting, thereby reducing the toxicity to healthy tissues and Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and Photo Thermal Therapy (PTT), their mechanism and nanoparticles and examples of their surface functionalization used in cancer treatment. 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
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. -
Roadmap of effects of biowaste-synthesized carbon nanomaterials on carbon nano-reinforced composites
Sustainable growth can be achieved by recycling waste material into useful resources without affecting the natural ecosystem. Among all nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials from biowaste are used for various applications. The pyrolysis process is one of the eco-friendly ways for synthesizing such carbon nanomaterials. Recently, polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) filled with bio-waste-based carbon nanomaterials attracted a lot of attention due to their enhanced mechanical properties. A variety of polymers, such as thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, elastomers, and their blends, can be used in the formation of composite materials. This review summarizes the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials, polymer nanocomposites, and mechanical properties of PNCs. The review also focuses on various biowaste-based precursors, their nanoproperties, and turning them into proper composites. PNCs show improved mechanical properties by varying the loading per-centages of carbon nanomaterials, which are vital for many defence-and aerospace-related indus-tries. Different synthesis processes are used to achieve enhanced ultimate tensile strength and mod-ulus. The present review summarizes the last 5 years work in detail on these PNCs and their appli-cations. 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. -
A comprehensive review on application of atomic force microscopy in Forensic science
The primary objective of forensic investigation of a case is to recognize, identify, locate, and examine the evidence. Microscopy is a technique that provides crucial information for resolving a case or advancing the investigation process by analyzing the evidence obtained from a crime scene. It is often used in conjunction with suitable analytical techniques. Various microscopes are employed; scanning probe microscopes are available in diverse forensic analyses and studies. Among these, the atomic force microscope (AFM) is the most commonly used scanning probe technology, offering a unique morphological and physico-chemical perspective for analyzing multiple pieces of evidence in forensic investigations. Notably, it is a non-destructive technique capable of operating in liquid or air without complex sample preparation. The article delves into a detailed exploration of the applications of AFM in the realms of nanomechanical forensics and nanoscale characterization of forensically significant samples. 2024 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine -
Influence of Mindfulness on Game Addiction-Mediating Role of Emotional Control
In the past few decades, online games have become immensely popular among the younger generation thus leading to online game addiction. Previous researches acknowledge that mindfulness or present-focused awareness may reduce addiction. Moreover, addiction is found to have an impact on the propensity to respond to the situations in the environment in a way that is acceptable to all the people (emotional control). The present study attempts to study the influence of mindfulness and emotional control on game addiction. For this, 187 college students were selected through the Simple Random Sampling method. Personal Profile Sheet, The Online Game Addiction Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and The Emotional Control Questionnaire, with four dimensions of Rehearsal, Emotional Inhibition, Aggression Control and Benign control were used to collect the data. The study found a significant gender difference in the level of game addiction where boys being more addicted to online games than girls. Mindfulness shows a significant negative influence over Game Addiction. Among the four dimensions of emotional control, the two dimensions viz., rehearsal and benign control show mediation effect between mindfulness and game addiction. However, the mediating role of emotional inhibition and aggression control was not significantly demonstrative. The Author(s) 2024. -
GalNAc-siRNA conjugates: Prospective tools on the frontier of anti-viral therapeutics
The growing use of short-interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutics for viral diseases reflects the most recent innovations in anti-viral vaccines and drugs. These drugs play crucial roles in the fight against many hitherto incurable diseases, the causes, pathophysiologies, and molecular processes of which remain unknown. Targeted liver drug delivery systems are in clinical trials. The receptor-mediated endocytosis approach involving the abundant asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) on the surfaces of liver cells show great promise. We here review N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-siRNA conjugates that treat viral diseases such as hepatitis B infection, but we also mention that novel, native conjugate-based, targeted siRNA anti-viral drugs may also cure several life-threatening diseases such as hemorrhagic cystitis, multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronaviruses and human herpes virus. 2021 Elsevier Ltd -
Evidence-Based Interventions for Improved Psychosocial Outcomes in Harmful Alcohol Use: A Scoping Review
Background. Harmful alcohol use is defined as a drinking pattern that lasts at least one month or has occurred often during the preceding 12 months and that negatively impacts multiple facets of life. It has a high recurrence rate and a poor prognosis, despite the availability of cognitive-behavioral and psychosocial therapy. Emerging neuromodulation techniques for treating harmful alcohol use are gaining traction in the field of psychotherapy, but knowing their efficacy in terms of psychosocial outcomes necessitates an adjuvant approach. This scoping review aims to investigate the existing evidence on the effectiveness of various psychosocial interventions that improve quality of life (QoL) dimensions in conjunction with neurotherapies for individuals with harmful alcohol use. Methods. The review utilized a five-stage technique to search for research papers from 2000 to 2022. After screening and reviewing 41 full-text papers, 29 were found to meet the inclusion criteria. Conclusion. The articles highlighted the advantages of integrated therapeutic interventions such as motivation enhancement therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, neurotherapy, multimodal therapy, supportive therapy, and 12-step facilitation programs. However, limited studies have explored the effectiveness of combining neurotherapy with psychosocial interventions. Implications. Future research should focus on the efficacy of combining neurofeedback with psychosocial therapies to improve QoL for individuals with harmful alcohol use. 2024. Thakuria and Bennett. -
Review - Electrochemical Strategies for Selective Fluorination of Organic Compounds
The conventional methods for carrying out fluorination of organic compounds are typically conducted using a pre-modified starting material, usually expensive and toxic reagents. In this regard, electrochemical fluorination has been recognized as a sustainable and scalable strategy. Electrofluorination has proven to be an environmentally benign, highly effective, and versatile platform for the synthesis of selective organofluorine compounds under mild conditions. This review provides an overview on the use of anodic electrochemical methods for vicinal difluorination, iodofluorination, fluoroalkynylation, fluorodecarboxylation, fluoro desulfurization, radiofluorination, and synthesis of fluorinated heterocycles. Modern advances in the field of electrochemical fluorination, such as ionic liquids mediated electrochemical fluorination, triethylammonium halides, mixed non-aqueous solvents, alkali-metal fluoride, and split-bipolar electrodes in the field of electrochemical fluorination are also discussed. 2021 The Electrochemical Society ("ECS"). Published on behalf of ECS by IOP Publishing Limited. -
The Renaissance of Electro-Organic Synthesis for the Difunctionalization of Alkenes and Alkynes: A Sustainable Approach
Electro-organic reactions are now considered as one of the most efficient and environmentally benign methodologies to synthesize highly functionalized motifs like difunctionalized unsaturated compounds from readily available substrates. Excellent regioselectivity, functional group tolerance and broad range of substrates are the main advantages of electrochemical difunctionalization reactions. Alkenes and alkynes readily accept radical or ionic derivatives which makes it vital precursors for the electrochemical synthesis of industrially relevant and biologically active molecules through difunctionalization. This review aims to provide the readers an excellent coverage of the different electrochemical difunctionalization of alkenes and alkynes such as 1,2-homodifunctionalization, 1,2-heterodifunctionalization, rearrangement, ipso-migration, cyclization and dehydrogenative annulation reactions. 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH -
Social media influencers: literature review, trends and research agenda
Purpose: This study aims to provide a holistic review of social media influencers (SMIs) research based on a unique approach of bibliometric analysis and content analysis between 2011 and 2020. The review examines the main influential aspects, themes and research streams to identify research directions for the future. Design/methodology/approach: The sample selection and data collection were done from the Scopus database. The sample dataset was refined based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine the final dataset of 183 articles. The dataset was exported in the BibTeX format and then imported into the BiblioShiny app for bibliometric analysis. The content analysis was done following the theory-context-methodology framework. Findings: The several findings of this study include (1) Co-word analysis of most used keywords; (2) Longitudinal thematic evolution; (3) The focus of the research papers as per the theory-context-methodology review protocol are persuasion knowledge model, fashion and beauty industries, Instagram and content analysis, respectively; and (4) The network analysis of the research studies is known as the co-citation analysis and depicts the intellectual structure in the domain. This analysis resulted in four clusters of the research streams from the literature and two emergent themes (Chen etal., 2010) Originality/value: In general, the previous reviews in the area are either domain, method or theory-based. Thus, this study aims to complement and extend the existing literature by presenting the overall picture of the SMI research with the help of a unique combined approach and further highlighting the trends and future research directions based on the findings of this study. 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
Recent Trends in the Synthesis and Mechanistic Implications of Phenanthridines
Phenanthridine derivatives are one of the most intensively studied families of biologically active compounds. There has been considerable scientific interest in the turn of this century in the synthesis of these N-containing heterocycles as they are prevalent in many alkaloids and also possess striking biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor activities. In this regard, a number of synthetic approaches toward the construction of phenanthridine moieties with various substituents, and to increase their yield have been developed by the synthetic organic community. Even though many researchers have developed various innovative methods for the synthesis of phenanthridine derivatives for the past few years, still there is substantial scope for the discovery of novel synthetic methods. In this review, the latest developments in the diverse synthetic strategies of phenanthridine derivatives in the presence and absence of metals were described. The present review also enlightens the use of different reagents, the diversity of the substrates identified, and the plausible mechanisms unravelled towards the construction of these biologically relevant scaffolds. (Figure presented.). 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH -
Synthetic approaches toward butenolide-containing natural products
The butenolide scaffold is ubiquitous in many natural products and pharmaceutical active ingredients. These candidates appeal to organic chemists for the synthesis of products with various biological activities. This review delineates the efforts made in the total synthesis of natural products based on the butenolide core unit such as umbelactones, akolactones, ansepcinolide, lissoclinolide, fugomycin, and muricadienin. Many of the reported syntheses involve chiral pool, enzyme resolution, and chiral auxiliary, or enantioselective approaches as a key step. Overall, this review highlights the synthetic methods involved in the preparation of butenolide-containing molecules and aims to increase the profile of such scaffolds to the synthetic community. 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. -
Synthetic Approaches of Prelactone and Its Analogues: A Review
In this review we have discussed the synthetic approaches of prelactones and their epimers from 1997 to date. The presence of unique molecular architecture and its high biological importance enhanced the research activity over the last two decades. Most of the syntheses involve either a chiral auxiliary, chiral pool or catalytic enantioselective approaches as a key step. Overall this review highlights the contribution from different research groups in the total synthesis of various prelactones. 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH