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Microbial engineering strategies for synthetic microplastics clean up: A review on recent approaches
Microplastics are the small fragments of the plastic molecules which find their applications in various routine products such as beauty products. Later, it was realized that it has several toxic effects on marine and terrestrial organisms. This review is an approach in understanding the microplastics, their origin, dispersal in the aquatic system, their biodegradation and factors affecting biodegradation. In addition, the paper discusses the major engineering approaches applied in microbial biotechnology. Specifically, it reviews microbial genetic engineering, such as PET-ase engineering, MHET-ase engineering, and immobilization approaches. Moreover, the major challenges associated with the plastic removal are presented by evaluating the recent reports available. 2022 Elsevier B.V. -
Microcannular electrode/polymer electrolyte interface for high performance supercapacitor
In the present work, the ionic resistance in the activated carbon (AC) electrode and blend polymer electrolyte (BPE) interface is reduced by tuning binder and BPE. A unique microcannulars channel connecting AC, binder and gaur gum (GG)/polyvinylalcohol (PVA) electrolyte is developed for easy Li+ movement. The use of AC derived from areca nut and natural GG as a binder makes the developed method more environmentally sustainable. The presence of microcannular structures on the electrode surface and BPE was confirmed using SEM and TEM analysis. Combined DSC-TGA data for BPE showed that PVA provides the mechanical support to jelly guar gum. The ionic conductivity, activation energy, dielectric studies were studied to understand the electrode/electrolyte interface mechanism. Dielectric studies revealed that the unique pathway of microcannular structures reduces the charge transfer resistance significantly at the interface. Optimized BPE was used in the fabrication of supercapacitor and specific capacitance was found to be 542 Fg-1. The time constant was 0.4 s and showed consistent cyclic pattern during galvanostatic charge/discharge studies with 99% Columbic efficiency. 2020 Elsevier Ltd -
Microhardness studies of GaTe whiskers
Single crystal whiskers of gallium telluride (GaTe) have been grown by the physical vapour deposition (PVD) method. Microindentation studies were carried out on the prism faces of the needles to understand their mechanical behaviour. The variation in the microhardnessof GaTe crystals with applied load has been determined at room temperature using Vickers microhardness indenter. The work- hardening exponent has also been computed for different load regions. 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. -
Microlearning and Learning Performance in Higher Education: A Post-Test Control Group Study
This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of microlearning in higher education. The sample consisted of first-year MBA students, and a post-test control group design was used to assess the effectiveness of a microlearning module. The results indicated that the use of microlearning was significantly related to learning performance and participants' reactions to the module. Moreover, the microlearning group scored significantly higher than the control group. The findings suggest that microlearning has the potential to improve learning outcomes and enhance participant engagement. However, the study has certain limitations, and future research is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the optimal design and delivery of microlearning modules. The study supports the use of microlearning in higher education as an effective instructional strategy. 2024, Commonwealth of Learning. All rights reserved. -
Microplastics in food: Occurrence, toxicity, green analytical detection methods and future challenges
The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has raised significant concerns about their infiltration into the human food chain. In current review, the occurrence and distribution of MPs in various food matrices such as seafood, drinking water, fruits, vegetables, and beverages are discussed along with their potential routes of MPs entry into the human food chain. The toxicity of MPs on human health and different organs are discussed in brief. Current technological advancement and green analytical methods for the detection of MPs in food samples are compared, discussing their advantages and limitations. Green analytical methods, including stereomicroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and enzymatic digestion, are evaluated for their efficacy and environmental impact. The Analytical Eco-Scale is used to assess the greenness of these methods. Challenges associated with MPs detection in food, such as complex food matrices, pretreatment methods, and variability in MPs concentrations, are addressed. 2024 The Author(s) -
Microscale screen printing of large-area arrays of microparticles for the fabrication of photonic structures and for optical sorting
There are a limited number of methods applicable to the large-scale fabrication of arrays of discrete microparticles; however, such methods can be applied to the fabrication of structures applicable to photonics, barcoding, and optoelectronics. This manuscript describes a universal method, "microparticle screen printing" (?SP), for the rational patterning of micron-scale particles onto a variety of 2D substrates with diverse mechanical and chemical properties. Specifically, an array of microparticles of different sizes and compositions were patterned onto an array of materials of varying chemistry and stiffness using ?SP yielding a diversity of homo/heterogeneous microparticle-based structures. Further, this manuscript reports how the Young's moduli of the substrate can be used to calculate contact area and thus interaction energies (quantified using Hamaker constants) between the particle/substrate during ?SP. Generally, ?SP is most effective for substrates with low Young's moduli and large Hamaker constants (A132) with the target particles, as confirmed by the performance (quantified using yield and accuracy metrics) of ?SP for the different empirically investigated particle/substrate combinations. These understandings allow for the design of optimal surface/particle pairing for ?SP and were applied to the fabrication of a diversity of heterogeneous structures, including those with periodic vacancies in HCP (hexagonally closed packed) 2D photonic crystal useful to structural optics, optical particle screening useful to chemical assays, and the fabrication of structural barcodes useful for labeling and anticounterfeiting. 2018 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Microscopic, pharmacognostic and phytochemical screening of Epiphyllum oxypetalum (dc) haw leaves /
Journal of Pharmacognosy And Phytochemistry, Vol.7, Issue 6, pp.972-980, ISSN No: 2349-8234. -
Microstructural evolution and wear characteristics of equal channel angular pressing processed semi-solid-cast hypoeutectic aluminum alloys
This work investigated the microstructural evolution of Al-7Si-Mg alloy cast semi-solid using a cooling slope as well as conventional casting followed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) in a 120 die. Feed materials were prepared for ECAP by cooling slope casting and by conventional casting. The microstructure of the processed alloys extruded was observed by optical microscope and by transmission electron microscope, and their hardness and wear resistance were evaluated. After ECAP processing, the primary ?-Al phase tended to be elongated while the Si particles became fragmented and more nearly globular in shape and uniform in size than in the as-cast sample. The microstructure of the cooling slope-cast ECAPed samples was more homogenous than that of the conventionally cast ECAPed sample. The ?-Al phase sub-grains were refined to sub-micrometer sizes for samples cast by both methods after ECAP. The hardness of the cooling slope-cast ECAPed sample was also higher than that of the conventionally cast ECAPed sample. The wear resistance of the alloy improved after cooling slope casting and ECAP processing. 2014 The Authors. -
Microwave assisted structural engineering on efficient eco-friendly natural dye alizarin for dye sensitized solar cells application
The novel eco-friendly natural dyes, (9E, 10E), ? 9, 10-bis(2-(4-nitrobenzylidene) hydrazono) ? 9,10 dihydroanthracene-1,2-diol (NHA) have been synthesised using the one-pot microwave-assisted solvent evaporation method, and physicochemical characterizations were carried out using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, GC-MS, and FT-IR data. The photophysical properties of NHA dye were determined using experimental and theoretical techniques. The Stoke's shift shows a large bathochromic shift in polar solvents, which is due to the ??? * transition. The ground-state optimization of NHA dye was carried out using density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP/631 G level basis set. The HOMO-LUMO and energy band gap values computed from density functional theory and absorption threshold wavelengths are good agreement with each other. Further, the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on NHA dye has been studied using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. It was observed that, NHA dye showed fluorescence quenching in the presence of TiO2 NPs, which is due to the photo induced electron transfer process. The apparent association constant of the interaction between NHA dye and TiO2 nanoparticles is also calculated using the Benesi-Hildebrand model. The Rehm-Weller relation infers that thermodynamically favourable electron transfer takes place between dyes and TiO2 NPs. Further, the solar cell was constructed using NHA dye as a sensitizer, and the photovoltaic conversion efficiency was found to be 1.16%. 2023 Elsevier GmbH -
Migration in India: Questions of social exclusion /
International Research Journal Of Social Sciences, Vol.4, Issue 4, pp.87-91, ISSN No: 2319-3565. -
Migration, threats to identity and diminishing human dignity /
RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, Vol.5, Issue 2, pp.49-52, ISSN No. 2455-3085. -
Millets Industry Dynamics: Leveraging Sales Projection and Customer Segmentation
Millets delves into the dynamics of the millets industry, with a particular focus on sales projection and customer segmentation as strategic levers for growth. The research commences with an in-depth analysis of the millets market, encompassing production patterns, consumption trends, and emerging market opportunities. It explores the diverse range of millets varieties, their nutritional profiles, and the factors driving consumer preference. By understanding the market landscape, the study identifies key trends and challenges shaping the industry. A core component of this research is the development of a robust sales projection model. Employing advanced statistical and data-driven techniques, the model forecasts future sales based on historical data, market trends, and relevant economic indicators. The model incorporates factors such as consumer demographics, purchasing behavior, and competitive landscape to provide accurate and actionable insights. Customer segmentation is another critical aspect of the study. By applying clustering and profiling methodologies, the research identifies distinct customer segments based on factors such as age, income, dietary preferences, and purchasing habits. This segmentation enables a deeper understanding of customer needs and preferences, facilitating targeted marketing strategies and product development. The integration of sales projection and customer segmentation empowers businesses to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall market performance. By aligning product offerings and marketing efforts with customer segments, companies can achieve higher customer satisfaction, increased market share, and improved profitability. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the millets industry by providing valuable insights into market dynamics, sales forecasting, and customer segmentation. The findings offer practical guidance for industry stakeholders, including farmers, processors, retailers, and policymakers, in navigating the evolving millets landscape. By leveraging the potential of sales projection and customer segmentation, the millets industry can unlock new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
Mindfully fashioned: Sustaining style through product value retention
In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion industry, the pursuit of sustainability and mindful consumption has emerged as an imperative. This study presents an innovative and integrated framework that amalgamates the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach. This comprehensive framework explores the dynamic interplay between Sustainable Mindfulness (SM), Product Value Retention (PVR), Brand Loyalty (BL) and Circular Practices (CP) in the fashion domain. The study underscores Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the theoretical foundation, shedding light on how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control shape SM and, subsequently, PVR. This study explores into the multidimensional aspects of sustainable fashion, enabling a holistic understanding of the nuanced relationships between PVR strategies, and sustainable consumption attitudes. The study sets the stage for a more harmonious coexistence between style and sustainability, charting a course for the fashion industry that values mindfulness, longevity, and environmental responsibility. The findings offer actionable insights for fashion managers, emphasizing strategic approaches to enhance sustainability, consumer awareness, and circular initiatives in the industry. This study not only advances theoretical discourse but also offers actionable insights for fashion brands and policymakers aiming to foster SM among diverse consumer segments. It sets the stage for a more harmonious coexistence between style and sustainability, charting a course for the fashion industry that values mindfulness, longevity, and environmental responsibility. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Mindfulness-based strengths practice: a conceptual framework and empirical review of the literature
This review set out to provide empirical literature on mindfulness-based strengths practice (MBSP), a new approach in positive psychology that integrates mindfulness with character strengths, two positive predictors of well-being. First, the conceptualization of integrating character strengths and mindfulness into MBSP is discussed. The literature on the interrelatedness of character strengths and mindfulness is then described, along with ways that the intervention of MBSP encourages positive outcomes at various levels. The literature search returned 7 (10 samples, N = 3,851) studies supporting a positive association between character strengths and mindfulness (r = 0.30.4) and the mediating role of character strengths/virtues in mindfulness and mindfulnesss role in enhancing character strengths toward psychological well-being. The nine MBSP intervention studies (9 samples, N = 354) conducted in diverse contexts provide evidence of a significant improvement in well-being, engagement, life satisfaction, mindfulness, positive affect, character strengths, work-related outcomes, heightened birthing parents well-being during pregnancy and childbirth, increased academic performance, and enhanced mental health among students. The intervention studies also reported the fostering of mindful positive parenting and contributions to a significant reduction in negative psychological states, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and negative affect. This comprehensive review provides empirical support for the MBSP framework and its positive impact on well-being across various domains, including organizations, education, healthcare, and family. However, it underscores the need for more extensive research, as the current literature on MBSP is limited. The review encourages future studies to explore MBSP applications in diverse domains, thereby paving the way for a deeper understanding of its potential benefits. 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. -
Mindfulness: An emotional aid to the glass ceiling experiences
We have progressed to a phase where there is very little difference between men and women, but the reality in many countries is that women are looked down as the inferior gender and not given career opportunities to explore. They are not let into the decision-making roles at the organization even when they have an equal qualification, experience and skill. They are placed low in the hierarchy which allows them to witness the functions at the higher level of the organization but restricts them from participating in them. There are a lot of factors like cultural, socio-demographic factors and society itself that influence this disparity in the organization. These contributory factors create the glass ceiling phenomenon at the workplace, thereby generating emotional and psychological imbalances in women employees. This is a conceptual paper aiming to explore the concept and impact of mindfulness, and various concepts of mindfulness could be used as an emotional aid to treat the psychological effects of the glass ceiling. It further explains some of the mindful concepts like mindful walking, mindful life and mindfulness-based stress reduction technique in treating some of the psychological and emotional issues like depression, anxiety, frustration, traumatic experiences, adjustment issues, addiction, stress, low self-esteem, low self-confidence and aggression. It also elucidates adopting mindfulness techniques in real organizational scenarios where women are constantly discriminated because of their gender and opportunities are taken away. 2021 The Author(s). This open access article is distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license. -
Mine Waste-Based Next Generation Bricks: A Case Study of Iron Ore Tailings, Red Mudand GGBS Utilization in Bricks
Utilization of mine wastes as a building material in the construction industry surmises to environmental and sustainable concepts in civil engineering.The potential environmental threat posed by mining wastes, as well as a growing societal awareness of the need to effectively treat mining wastes, has elevated the subject importance.The present research proposes a method of producing bricks that is both cost effective and environmentally benign. The research is based on the geopolymerization, known to save energy by obviating high-temperature kiln firing and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The methodology encompasses the mixing of red mud and iron ore tailings in the range of 90% to 50% with a decrement of 10% with GGBS in the range of 10% to 50% with an increment of 10%. The raw materials and the developed composites have been tested as per Indian and ASTM standards.In addition to tests pertaining to the physical and mechanical properties, XRF, XRD, and SEM tests have been performed for examining various related issues. Based on the result analysis, the compressive strength values showed noticeable differences in case of IOT and red mud bricks with IOT-based bricks showing better compressive strengths. 2021 M. Beulah et al. -
Minimizing Energy Depletion Using Extended Lifespan: QoS Satisfied Multiple Learned Rate (ELQSSM-ML) for Increased Lifespan of Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANET)
Mobile Adhoc Networks (MANETs) typically employ with the aid of new technology to increase Quality-of-Service (QoS) when forwarding multiple data rates. This kind of network causes high forwarding delays and improper data transfer rates because of the changes in the nodes vicinity. Although an optimized routing technique to transfer energy has been used to lessen the delay and improve the throughput by assigning a proper data rate, it does not consider the objective of minimizing the energy use, which results in less network lifetime. The goal of the proposed work is to minimize the energy depletion in a MANET, which results in an extended Lifespan of the network. In this research paper, an Extended Life span and QSSM-ML routing algorithm is proposed, which minimizes energy use and enhances the network lifetime. First, an optimization problem is formulated with the purpose of increasing the networks lifetime while limiting the energy utilization and stability of the path along with residual. Second, an adaptive policy is applied for the asymmetric distribution of energy at both origin and intermediate nodes. In order to achieve maximum network lifespan and minimal energy depletion, the optimization problem was framed when power usage is a constraint by allowing the network to make use of the leftover power. An asymmetric energy transmission strategy was also designed for the adaptive allocation of maximum transmission energy in the origin. This made the network lifespan extended with the help of reducing the nodes energy use for broadcasting the data from the origin to the target. Moreover, the nodes energy use during packet forwarding is reduced to recover the network lifetime. The overall benefit of the proposed work is that it can achieve both minimal energy depletion and maximizes the lifetime of the network. Finally, the simulation findings reveal that the ELQSSM-ML algorithm accomplishes a better network performance than the classical algorithms. 2023 by the authors. -
Mining and Interpretation of Critical Aspects of Infant Health Status Using Multi-Objective Evolutionary Feature Selection Approaches
The rate of infant mortality (IMR) in a population under one year of age is a marker for infant mortality. It is a major sensitive marker of a community's overall physical health. Protecting the lives of newborns has become a challenging issue in public health, development programs, and humanitarian initiatives. Almost 10.1% infants died in the United States of America (USA) in 2021. Therefore, this paper aims to extract and understand the various influential factors causing infant deaths in the USA. A crowding distance-based multi-objective ant lion optimization (MOALO-CD) is proposed here with statistical evidence for feature selection. The proposed technique is compared with competitive metaheuristic models such as multi-objective genetic algorithm based on crowding distance (MOGA-CD), multi-objective filter approaches, and recursive feature elimination. Various machine learning classifiers are applied to the selected feature subset obtained from MOALO-CD on the USA's infant dataset. Extensive experimental results indicate that the proposed model outperforms the existing metaheuristic approaches in terms of Generational Distance, Inverted Generational Distance, Spread, and Hyper volume. Also, the comparative analysis of various machine learning models reveals that random forest achieves significantly better performance on the feature subset obtained from MOALO-CD. 2013 IEEE. -
Mining the web data for classifying and predicting users' requests
Consumers are the most important asset of any organization. The commercial activity of an organization booms with the presence of a loyal customer who is visibly content with the product and services being offered. In a dynamic market, understanding variations in client?s behavior can help executives establish operative promotional campaigns. A good number of new consumers are frequently picked up by traders during promotions. Though, several of these engrossed consumers are one-time deal seekers, the promotions undeniably leave a positive impact on sales. It is crucial for traders to identify who can be converted to loyal consumer and then have them patronize products and services to reduce the promotion cost and increase the return on investments. This study integrates a classifier that allows prediction of the type of purchase that a customer would make, as well as the number of visits that he/she would make during a year. The proposed model also creates outlines of users and brands or items used by them. These outlines may not be useful only for this particular prediction task, but could also be used for other important tasks in e-commerce, such as client segmentation, product recommendation and client base growth for brands. Copyright 2018 Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. All rights reserved. -
Mirabijalones S-W, rotenoids from rhizomes of white Mirabilis jalapa Linn. and their cell proliferative studies
Five undescribed (2-6) rotenoid derivatives along with three known rotenoids (1, 7 and 8) were isolated from the rhizomes of white colored variety of Mirabilis jalapa Linn. The structures of these undescribed compounds were elucidated based on UV, IR, HR-MS (ESI), 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques. Selected compounds were evaluated for their cell viability and proliferation in two cancer cell lines namely, cervical (HeLa), breast (SKBR-3) and normal lung fibroblast (WI-38). Among them, the compounds Boeravinone C (1), Mirabijalone S (2), Mirabijalone T (3) and 4, 6, 11-trihydroxy-9-methoxy-10-methylchromeno [3, 4-b] chromen-12(6H)-one (8) showed moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cells with IC50 values in the 8.40 ? 12.9 ?M range, and compound 8 exhibited cytotoxicity against SKBR-3 cells with IC50 value of 17.6 ?M. Molecular docking studies of isolated compounds were performed with three apoptosis proteins, 3H11, 2AR9 and 1X0X. These results revealed that the isolated compounds were found to interact with Caspase 8 and 9 along with the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin. Since these compounds exhibit cytotoxic effects against SKBR3 and HeLa cells, they are expected to show apoptosis and may be further utilized for wet lab apoptotic studies. 2021 Phytochemical Society of Europe