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Geopolitical shockwaves: the Russia-Ukraine wars impact on BRICS financial markets
The Russia-Ukraine War triggered global financial market turmoil and disrupted the global supply chain, including agriculture and energy. This study explores the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on BRICS nations stock markets, highlighting varying degrees of volatility and contagion effects. It examines the extent of contagion in the BRICS stock markets and their financial linkages by employing the multivariate DCC-GARCH model. The study reveals sensitive turbulence in Russian markets post-crisis, influenced by its direct involvement in the conflict. Brazil and China experienced higher market volatility after the event, and Brazil shifted its financial linkages with the global market. Conversely, the Indian market experienced eased overall volatility, but its financial linkage with Russia has increased due to its trade partnership. In the post-event period, China and South African markets indicate structural market decoupling. The long-term volatility persists over the short-term volatility of BRICS market dynamics. This study underscores the implications for investors and policymakers, emphasising the need for adjustments in monetary and fiscal policies to stabilise financial markets amid geopolitical uncertainties. 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. -
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. -
Exploring the efficiency and scalability of using algae as a biomass feedstock for biofuel production
Sustainability is paramount to preserving essential resources for future generations. The widespread use of fossil fuels generates significant pollution, severely impacting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems through phenomena such as acid rain. Despite their rapid growth, high photosynthetic efficiency, and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, algae have become a viable alternative biomass feedstock for biofuel production. This review explores the efficiency and scalability of algae-based biofuels, focusing on key factors such as biomass yield, lipid content, and conversion technologies. Algae have a higher lipid yield compared to traditional biofuel feedstocks such as corn or soybeans, making them an attractive option for large-scale fuel production. However, several obstacles hinder the widespread adoption of algae-based biofuels, including high production costs, energy-intensive cultivation, and water consumption. This paper also examines the efficiency and suitability of various cultivation technologies, including open ponds and photobioreactors, for large-scale production. Algal biofuel production could become more economically viable and environmentally sustainable through the integration of carbon capture technology and wastewater treatment. Advances in genetic engineering and metabolic optimization are further increasing lipid productivity, offering promising prospects for large-scale applications. This review additionally provides an analysis of genetic engineering techniques aimed at increasing biofuel yields. The study emphasizes the potential of algae-based biofuels to serve as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, highlighting these innovative approaches. While the evaluation acknowledges that algae-based biofuels can reduce dependency on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change, it also notes that further research and development are necessary to overcome current financial and technological challenges. This review explores the recent advancements in algae cultivation, harvesting techniques, and biofuel extraction processes. Its goal is to present a comprehensive understanding of the current state of algae as a sustainable and effective feedstock for biofuel production, along with future prospects. 2025 Elsevier B.V. -
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. -
Bromelain improves the growth, biochemical, and hematological profiles of the fingerlings of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
A 6-week-long feeding trial experiment was conducted to study the efficacy of Bromelain, a blend of proteolytic enzymes present in pineapple wastes on growth performance, biochemical, and hematological profiles of the fingerlings of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. For this, 240 Nile tilapia fingerlings (9 0.11 cm) were fed a commercial diet, supplemented with different levels of pineapple peel extract (PPE) at 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratios. After 45 days of the feeding trial, growth parameters, biochemical constituents, and the level of blood cells were assessed. It was found that the growth parameters such as weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and specific growth rate were increased (p < 0.05) along with the total protein and amino acid content and few hematological parameters; whereas the feed conversion ratio was found to be reduced significantly (p > 0.05) without changing the white blood cell count with PPE supplementation. Thus, the PPE can be a potential feed supplement in Nile tilapia aquaculture. 2022 Gopal Raaj et al. -
A Comparative Study of Nutrient Composition, Proteolytic Activity, Phytochemical Profiles, Vitamin C Content, and Antioxidant Properties in the Peels of Selected Perennial Fruits
The escalating global demand for fruits has led to a surge in fruit production, resulting in significant fruit waste, particularly peels. The present study aims to investigate the nutrient content, proteolytic activity, phytochemical levels, vitamin C and antioxidant properties of five perennial fruits, namely Carica papaya (papaya), Selenicereus costaricensis (Red dragon fruit), Ananas comosus (Pineapple), Musa acuminata (Cavendish banana), Punica granatum (Pomegranate) peels of varying ripening stages. Accordingly, two ripening stages for pomegranate, papaya and dragon fruit (PoR1 and PoR2; PaR1 and PaR2; DR1 and DR2, respectively) and three stages for banana and pineapple (BR1, BR2 and BR3; PiR1, PiR2 and PiR3, respectively) were identified based on ethylene gas emission. The elemental analysis showed that fruit peels of Pineapple (PiR3), Banana (BR2), Papaya (PaR2), and Dragon fruit (DR2) showed significantly higher content of macro and micro-elements compared to the other ripening stages. Pomegranate peels exhibited the highest proteolytic activity (5.09 0.98unitsg?1), total phenolics (246.09 0.25mgg?1), total flavonoids (158.27 1.72mgg?1), tannins (103.94 0.09mgg?1), DPPH scavenging activity (129.43 1.34%), and antioxidant activity (127.14 1.35mgg?1 by phosphomolybdate assay). A. comosus peels had the greatest vitamin C levels (95.53 3.52mgg?1). Anti-nutrient analysis revealed safe levels of oxalates, phytates, and alkaloids, except for high oxalate levels in pomegranate peels. Notably, all parameters exhibited an increasing trend with ripening stages, with a decline during senescence in Banana (BR3) and Pomegranate peel (PoR2). This knowledge of fruit peel composition can enhance their utilization by humans, pharmaceutical and food industries, while also contributing to more effective waste management. Our study addresses the pressing need for sustainable fruit peel utilization in the context of escalating fruit production and waste. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to National Academy of Agricultural Sciences 2024. -
The effect of dietary supplementation of proteases on growth, digestive enzymes, oxidative stress, and intestinal morphology in fishes A review
Optimizing utilization of nutrients and improving protein digestibility, particularly in the early stages of cultivable species, is a challenging task for the sustainable development of aquaculture. The use of protein-digesting enzymes as a feed supplement is an eco-friendly approach to improve protein digestibility. Exogenous enzymes, particularly proteases, have been shown to improve fish growth, nutrient digestibility, immunological parameters, intestinal topography, and most importantly, water quality. Although there is a clear understanding of the role of proteases and their mechanism of action, their role as a feed supplement in aquaculture remains controversial. In this review, we present updated information on the impact of proteases in improving various development indicators and fish health in general. Based on the information gathered from the current state of knowledge, it is clear that extensive research has to be made to broaden the application of proteases overcoming the drawbacks that could hinder its application in the field. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law. -
Valorization of pomegranate peel waste as a sustainable feed additive: enhancing growth, digestion, immunity, and disease resistance in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii
The growing demand for sustainable aquaculture and eco-friendly feed resources necessitates the development of circular economy strategies that valorize agro-industrial by-products. This study evaluated pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel, a nutrient-rich fruit waste, as a functional and sustainable feed additive in the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. A 60-day feeding trial included a control (0X) and five experimental diets (P1P5) supplemented with P. granatum peel protease (0.02X0.10X). Growth, digestive enzyme activity, immune-oxidative responses, and tissue histology were assessed, followed by a 72-h post-challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Growth improved significantly in P4 and P5 (p < 0.05), with the highest specific growth rate (2.14 0.03%/day in P4; 2.13 0.01%/day in P5) and lowest feed conversion ratio (0.39 0.01) in P5. P4 showed the highest protein (240.01 2.68mg/g) and amino acids (148.16 0.83mg/g). Protease activity peaked in P4 (1.55 0.03IU/g), while amylase and lipase remained unchanged. Antioxidant defenses in P5 were elevated, including superoxide dismutase (43.31 0.33%), catalase (1.91 0.05 U/min/mg protein), glutathione S-transferase (1.43 0.01 U/min/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (5.97 0.02 U/min/mg protein), and total hemocyte count (22.80 0.05 10? cells/mL). Histology confirmed improved hepatopancreas structure. P. granatum exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against A. hydrophila (MIC 6.25mg/mL), and in vivo challenge showed the lowest mortality in P4 and P5 (16.25 1.77%) versus control (71.25 1.77%). These results highlight P. granatum peel as a viable circular bioresource, promoting nutrient recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable aquaculture productivity while minimizing reliance on synthetic additives. Future studies should focus on long-term feeding trials and large-scale farm evaluations to further validate the commercial viability of P. granatum peel as a sustainable functional feed additive in aquaculture. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
Kinetic characterisation of proteases from Punica granatum, Musa acuminata, Carica papaya, and Ananas comosus as sustainable enzyme sources
Proteases are vital industrial enzymes, contributing approximately 60% of the global enzyme market, by facilitating protein hydrolysis. Fruit peels, a major agricultural waste, offer a sustainable alternative for commercial enzyme production. This study investigates the proteases extracted from the peels of Punica granatum, Musa acuminata, Carica papaya, and Ananas comosus, with a primary focus on determining their optimal pH, temperature, and substrate specificity. Additionally, K? and V??? kinetics were assessed to characterize their catalytic efficiency. Optimal proteolytic activity was observed at pH 8 and 30C for P. granatum, pH 7 and 30C for M. acuminata, pH 8 and 30C for C. papaya, and pH 7 and 50C for A. comosus. substrate specificity of protease was assessed using casein, fish meal, soybean meal, black soldier fly larvae, bovine serum albumin, and egg albumin, revealing broad applicability, especially in P. granatum peels. The stability of P. granatum proteases across substrates suggests multiple isoforms or a flexible active site. Kinetic analysis using Lineweaver-Burk plots revealed Vmax and KM values of 8.45 mol/min/mL and 3.81 M (P. granatum), 4.56 mol/min/mL and 10.08 M (M. acuminata), 2.98 mol/min/mL and 2.84 M (C. papaya), and 2.97 mol/min/mL and 11.38 M (A. comosus) respectively. Among the tested fruit peels, P. granatum exhibited the highest reaction rate, while C. papaya demonstrated the highest substrate affinity, making them as promising candidates for feed supplementation and industrial enzyme applications. The broad substrate specificity and high catalytic efficiency of P. granatum further reinforce its potential for use in feed formulations, enhancing protein hydrolysis and improving nutrient availability. These findings highlight the significant potential of fruit peel-derived proteases in promoting sustainable enzyme production and advancing bioeconomic applications. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026. -
A Comparative Study of Nutrient Composition, Proteolytic Activity, Phytochemical Profiles, Vitamin C Content, and Antioxidant Properties in the Peels of Selected Perennial Fruits
The escalating global demand for fruits has led to a surge in fruit production, resulting in significant fruit waste, particularly peels. The present study aims to investigate the nutrient content, proteolytic activity, phytochemical levels, vitamin C and antioxidant properties of five perennial fruits, namely Carica papaya (papaya), Selenicereus costaricensis (Red dragon fruit), Ananas comosus (Pineapple), Musa acuminata (Cavendish banana), Punica granatum (Pomegranate) peels of varying ripening stages. Accordingly, two ripening stages for pomegranate, papaya and dragon fruit (PoR1 and PoR2; PaR1 and PaR2; DR1 and DR2, respectively) and three stages for banana and pineapple (BR1, BR2 and BR3; PiR1, PiR2 and PiR3, respectively) were identified based on ethylene gas emission. The elemental analysis showed that fruit peels of Pineapple (PiR3), Banana (BR2), Papaya (PaR2), and Dragon fruit (DR2) showed significantly higher content of macro and micro-elements compared to the other ripening stages. Pomegranate peels exhibited the highest proteolytic activity (5.09 0.98unitsg?1), total phenolics (246.09 0.25mgg?1), total flavonoids (158.27 1.72mgg?1), tannins (103.94 0.09mgg?1), DPPH scavenging activity (129.43 1.34%), and antioxidant activity (127.14 1.35mgg?1 by phosphomolybdate assay). A. comosus peels had the greatest vitamin C levels (95.53 3.52mgg?1). Anti-nutrient analysis revealed safe levels of oxalates, phytates, and alkaloids, except for high oxalate levels in pomegranate peels. Notably, all parameters exhibited an increasing trend with ripening stages, with a decline during senescence in Banana (BR3) and Pomegranate peel (PoR2). This knowledge of fruit peel composition can enhance their utilization by humans, pharmaceutical and food industries, while also contributing to more effective waste management. Our study addresses the pressing need for sustainable fruit peel utilization in the context of escalating fruit production and waste. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to National Academy of Agricultural Sciences 2024. -
Eco-friendly valorization of fruit peels: Physicochemical and functional characterization for feed industry applications
The fruit processing industry generates large amounts of fruit peels as waste. These peels, however, are rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolics, with excellent antioxidant properties. Utilizing them as feed ingredients provides an eco-friendly waste management solution and adds value to the processing chain. This study aimed to characterize the physicochemical (e.g., pH, ash, moisture content, crude lipid, crude fibre, carbohydrates content) and functional properties (e.g., bulk density, tap density, flowability, porosity, water and oil absorption capacities, foaming capacity, stability, and least gelation concentration) of selected fruit peels such as Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, Musa acuminata, and Punica granatum. The findings highlight the potential of the selected fruit peels as valuable feed ingredients. The low bulk density and tap density in M. acuminata peels (0.29 0.01 g. cm-3 and 0.31 0.01 g. cm-3, respectively) helps in enhanced palatability. M. acuminata peels also showed excellent water and oil absorption (5.30 0.10 mL. g-1 and 1.570.05 mL. g-1) and porosity (71.15 2.22), indicating their role as effective food hydrocolloids, improving digestibility and binding properties. Notably, P. granatum, C. papaya and A. comosus peels also demonstrated strong performance across all selected parameters, suggesting their utility in the feed industry. While the ash content was notably high in M. acuminata peels, all fruit peels exhibited high fibre content, which is beneficial for digestive health and gut functionality in livestock. These properties contribute to better feed stability, energy retention, and eco-friendly production, promoting sustainable waste valorization practices. 2025 University of Food Technologies Plovdiv. All rights reserved. -
Antimicrobial potential of selected fruit peel extracts against multidrug-resistant bacteria: An eco-friendly approach
The rapid rise of multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria due to the misuse of antibiotics necessitates the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of selected fruit peels: Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, Musa acuminata, and Punica granatum. These extracts were tested against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The findings indicated that all four fruit peel extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the selected pathogenic strains. The effectiveness of the extracts followed the following orders: P. granatum > M. acuminata > C. papaya > A. comosus for S. aureus, P. granatum > C. papaya > M. acuminata > A. comosus for P. aeruginosa, and A. comosus > M. acuminata > C. papaya > P. granatum for K. pneumoniae. Notably, K. pneumoniae demonstrated high sensitivity to A. comosus extract with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL. S. aureus inhibition was observed with a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and M. acuminata extracts, while P. aeruginosa showed a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and C. papaya extracts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis along with structural elucidation using Gas chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), identified medicinally significant compounds like Tetracyclononane hexamethyl, phthalic acid, 9-octadecenal, 7-methyl undecane, 2-dodecyl-propanediol in these peels, likely contributing to their antimicrobial activity. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of these fruit peels as effective antimicrobial agents and highlights their role in sustainable waste management. : Author (s). -
Antimicrobial potential of selected fruit peel extracts against multidrug-resistant bacteria: An eco-friendly approach
The rapid rise of multidrug resistance (MDR) bacteria due to the misuse of antibiotics necessitates the discovery of alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of methanolic extract of selected fruit peels: Carica papaya, Ananas comosus, Musa acuminata, and Punica granatum. These extracts were tested against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The findings indicated that all four fruit peel extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the selected pathogenic strains. The effectiveness of the extracts followed the following orders: P. granatum > M. acuminata > C. papaya > A. comosus for S. aureus, P. granatum > C. papaya > M. acuminata > A. comosus for P. aeruginosa, and A. comosus > M. acuminata > C. papaya > P. granatum for K. pneumoniae. Notably, K. pneumoniae demonstrated high sensitivity to A. comosus extract with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/mL. S. aureus inhibition was observed with a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and M. acuminata extracts, while P. aeruginosa showed a MIC of 12.5 mg/mL for both P. granatum and C. papaya extracts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis along with structural elucidation using Gas chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), identified medicinally significant compounds like Tetracyclononane hexamethyl, phthalic acid, 9-octadecenal, 7-methyl undecane, 2-dodecyl-propanediol in these peels, likely contributing to their antimicrobial activity. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of these fruit peels as effective antimicrobial agents and highlights their role in sustainable waste management. : Author (s). -
Performance Analysis of Nonlinear Companding Techniques for PAPR Mitigation in 5G GFDM Systems
Generalized Frequency Division Multiplexing (GFDM) is a 5G waveform contender that offers asynchronous and non-orthogonal data transmission, featuring several advantages, some of them being low latency, reduced out-of-band (OOB) radiation and low adjacent channel leakage ratio. GFDM is a non-orthogonal multicarrier waveform which enables data transmission on a time frequency grid. However, like orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and many other multicarrier systems, high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) is one of the main problems in GFDM, which degrades the high-power amplifier (HPA) efficiency and distorts the transmitted signal, thereby affecting the bit error rate (BER) performance of the system. Hence, PAPR reduction is essential for improved system performance and enhanced efficiency. Nonlinear companding techniques are known to be one of the effective low complexity PAPR reduction techniques for multicarrier systems. In this paper, a GFDM system is evaluated using mu law companding, root companding and exponential companding techniques for efficient PAPR reduction. The PAPR and BER graphs are used to evaluate the proposed methods in the presence of an HPA. Simulations show that, out of these three techniques, exponential companding was found to provide a trade-off between the PAPR reduction and BER performance. 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Strategies to achieve carbon neutrality and foster sustainability in data centers
Data centers and transmission networks are crucial in the digital age, with the market expected to grow from $50 billion in 2021 to $120 billion by 2030. However, their extensive computing infrastructure and continuous operation generate significant heat, necessitating energy-intensive cooling systems. The IEA report revealed that data center power consumption surged by over 60% between 2015 and 2021, with transmission networks experiencing a 60% usage increase. Addressing these growing energy demands poses significant challenges for the industry, with some countries considering restrictions on new data center licenses due to environmental concerns. To mitigate the climate impact, the industry must prioritize the procurement of low-carbon or carbon-free electricity to reduce Scope 2 emissions related to electricity, heating, and cooling. Tech giants like AWS, Google, and Meta/Facebook have already adopted ambitious public targets, either running on carbon-free electricity or investing in global projects for cost-effective and large-scale emissions reduction. 2024, IGI Global. -
Nanostructured Carbon Materials from Plant Extracts
Nanostructured Carbon Materials from Plant Extracts: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications guides the reader through the preparation and utilization of carbon nanomaterials based on various biomass sources, including fruits, vegetables, leaves, pulp and other plant extracts. The book covers the fundamentals of nanostructured carbon materials and synthesis methods from a range of plant sources. Other chapters focus on characterization, analysis, simulation and modeling in order to prepare plant extract based carbon nanomaterials with the required properties. Final sections highlight key application areas, presenting methods and approaches to prepare these materials for specific uses. This book will be of interest to researchers and advanced students across nanomaterials, polymer science, composite science, sustainable materials, chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science, as well as industrial scientists, engineers, and R&D professionals with an interest in sustainable carbon nanomaterials. 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. -
Explainable IoT Forensics: Investigation on Digital Evidence
This research examines the relevance of digital forensics in the field of Internet of Things and describes how different forensics tools and software are used to investigate cybercrimes. It emphasizes the importance of IoT Forensics and how it's used to tackle cybercrimes. It also discusses on the challenges faced by IoT forensics and gives an insight into the recent advancements in the field. It gives a walkthrough about how digital forensics investigation is done in 'data stolen' or 'data deleted' scenario. An outline of research potential and problems in IoT forensics is given in this chapter. The main details of IoT forensics are described. In all stages of a forensic investigation, issues linked to IoT are highlighted along with the potential that IoT presents for forensics. An illustration of an IoT forensics case is given with appropriate analytics. A brief research overview is provided, with information on the important research directions and a review of relevant articles. Future research proposals are included in the chapter's conclusion. 2023 IEEE. -
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Polyester and Epoxy Resin Matrices Reinforced with Jute, E-glass and coconut Fiber
Composite manufacturing is a novel branch of science and often finds numerous applications in several industries. Some of them are sport, automobile, aerospace and marine industries. Some of the properties that can be highlighted are good mechanical properties along with stiffness and comparatively lighter weight. There is a continuous research in this area is as the constant pursuit to achieve greater performance by changing various materials and the combinations of those with various resins are experimented. In the current work, polyester and epoxy resins were reinforced with coconut, E-glass and jute fibers of 5-6mm length and were prepared by hand layup method. The fiber and resin were taken in 18:82 weight percentages. Post production of the composites they were subjected to various physical mechanical and microstructural studies to determine various properties. The morphological features were analyzed through the microstructural study done through scanning electron microscope. In comparison with the composites manufactured, The artificial fiber reinforced composite, E-glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites exhibited superior tensile strength, flexural strength, impact toughness and hardness values. Among the natural fiber reinforced composite, coconut fiber reinforced composites exhibited better tensile, impact and hardness than its counterpart jute reinforced composites. Thus the resins reinforced with E-glass fiber had the highest mechanical properties when compared with jute fiber reinforced composites (JFRC) and coconut fiber reinforced composites (CFRC). The cost effectiveness of the natural fiber reinforced composites is also an added advantage over the artificial fiber reinforced composites. 2018 Elsevier Ltd. -
Rapid Prototyping Methods in Manufacturing of Biomedical Implants: A Review
The advancements in science and technology have given the flexibility in various levels for the scientists to manufacture variety of components. Rapid prototyping is one of the most sought-after techniques in the field of biomedical engineering for material manufacture. Bio-inertness, biocompatibility, and manufacturability are the desirable properties for biomedical applications. The review aims to provide a valuable contribution to the biomedical field, by identifying and comparing the rapid prototyping methods on the basis of time, quality, and cost. This work is dedicated to study, identify, and compare different methods of rapid prototyping in the manufacture of biomedical implants, the materials used for these processes. It also encompasses comparison of the process parameters for each manufacturing method and the advantages and disadvantages of the processes. Polysiloxane, hydroxyapatite, bioceramics, and titanium alloys due to its bio-inertness and nontoxic nature are some of the identified materials in the current review of the research. The highly sophisticated and complex biomedical implant manufacturing by various methods was studied and compared. Immense researches are being carried out in this novel field and are more prevalent in biomedical field due to its beautiful characteristics. The rapid advanced technological methods facilitate immediate intervention and faster treatment of the patient which reduces the risk and helps in faster recovery. 2020, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Internet chat based intervention as a mode for therapy and counselling
Increasing mental health issues in India demands for a strong intervention to curb the rise. According to the World Health Organization, roughly around 21 Indians out of 100,000 die by suicide every year. The burden on mental health domain increases due to the existing system as most of the existing services follow a traditional approach and are most sought after but lack reachability and ease of access. This study recognises the need for programmes that help in reachability and ease of access while simultaneously maintaining anonymity, therefore, analyses the impact of chat-based therapy provided online through the platform. The paper analyses the difference in subjective unit of well-being (SUW) pre and post chat-based sessions among 2624 college students and 805 corporate employees. The Wilcoxon signed rank test between pre and post intervention indicates significant results with the p < 0.001 (Z = -44.100a) suggesting and increase in SUW scores post intervention. Further, the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that the gender of the clients has an association with the SUW scores (p < 0.05). It was also found that the duration of the sessions had a positive relation with the impact scores (p < 0.001). The Author(s), 2025.