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Responsible and sustainable lending by Financial institutions: a literature Review
The subject of the study is to use an extensive literature review to evaluate how academic research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is developing. The journals and papers in the ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Taylor&Francis databases served as the foundation for this literature review. The purpose of the study is to highlight essential papers, referenced journals importance, and potential future study directions. Determinants that impact the CSR performance of an organization are governance, profitability, firm characteristics, and minimum expenditure. The impact of CSR has been measured using accounting-based market value, risk, excess return on a stock, and moral capital. All the variables are discussed with strongly supported literature and then concluded by giving a framework. The novelty of our study is that it analyses new research trends while concentrating on the CSR research frontiers. The conclusion identifies possible areas for scientists to further develop their expertise, including sustainable and responsible financing and ESG strategy. Sachdeva S., Ramesh L., 2023. -
International investments and environmental protection in India - Policy and implementation gaps in mitigating the carbon footprints
Introduction: While India's contribution and progress on environment protection has been applauded by global leaders, India continues to be one of the biggest carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter globally. Major sectors responsible for carbon emissions are also the major sectors attracting international investments. This paper intends review such investments and examine their impact on environment. Methodology: A comprehensive review of the existing literature to identify the prevailing laws and policies that apply to corporations to meeting environmental standards was undertaken. In addition, extensive search was undertaken on the internet for reports and database that monitor corporate behavior and report about their disclosures and efforts on addressing environmental concerns. A review of the investment agreements signed, adopted and in-force in India was also undertaken to understand if they meet the standards of environmental protection. Data collection was done between July 2022 to June 2023. Findings: The Constitution of India stipulates protection and improvement of public and environmental health of the country. Several laws and policies have been adopted to meet this constitutional standard in India, including The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The 17 SDGs have direct and indirect linkages and impact on the environment. It is evident that all international investment agreements up to 2017 have no mention of environment exemption clause nor incorporates the GATT Article XX exceptions. However, the recent IIAs do mention environment as exception to expropriation. It is also seen that investments by big corporations have been responsible for huge deforestation, water pollution, and fossil fuel globally and most of them have their footprints in India and continue to contribute to the countries carbon footprint. India's commitment to renewable and non-conventional energy is the silver lining to meeting the SDG goals and the net zero emission targets. Meeting ESG standards and its disclosures by regulatory body is another positive step towards environmental protection from international investments. Conclusion: The biggest global contributors to GHG and carbon emissions have their presence in India and thus contribute to the overall carbon foot print of India. All international investments must be required to comply with the legal and policy regulations on public health and environment protection. In this regard, corporations should be mandated to follow ESG standards to meet the SDGs objectives. 2023 The Authors -
Biodiversity and Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge of North-East India: Navigating Climate Change Impacts on Medicinal Plants for Conservation and Advancement
The northeastern region of India holds the sixth position among the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots, covering approximately 8% of the nation's total land area, which amounts to 262, 060 square kilometres. Situated in the eastern Himalayas, any alterations in this biodiversity-rich area can have significant and far-reaching consequences. Indigenous tribes of this region believe in the remarkable healing properties of certain medicinal plants, and within its diverse population of around 225 communities, each tribal and sub -tribal group possesses distinct traditional knowledge. Capturing and harnessing this indigenous wisdom by scientists and researchers could unlock new avenues for progress, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. Climate change stands as one of the paramount global environmental challenges. Predictions indicate that by the close of the 21st century, the Earth's average temperature might rise by anywhere between 0.3 to 4.8 C, accompanied by a potential sea level increase of 26 to 82 cm. These climate shifts could have adverse effects on the abundance and accessibility of medicinal plants, potentially leading to species extinction. Moreover, the impact of climate change could extend beyond availability to also encompass alterations in the pharmacological properties of various plants, particularly those found in alpine environments. This discussion underscores the importance of existing knowledge, critical analyses, challenges, opportunities, and the immense value of medicinal plants. It emphasizes the intersection of changing climate and the vulnerability of medicinal plant resources, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of these effects in the context of the North Eastern region of India. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for in-depth research on the geographical distribution of plant communities and strategies to enhance the secondary synthesis of critically endangered medicinal plants under the current climate change scenarios. The Author(s). -
An extensive critique on expert system control in solar photovoltaic dominated microgrids
Solar and wind power have recently become a potential option in power systems and act significantly to meet load penetration demands. The present growth of such renewable energy sources has shown an exponential increase. The high penetration of such system helps a grid effectively meet its load in an irregular demand but also creates some disturbances in the grid due to frequent additions and detachments of load or source. The way by which the renewable energy sources usually work in the on-grid mode is to be attached to and cut down from the grids without creating disturbances in a stable grid. Another important requirement is effective load management with fewer transmission losses. This article presents a detailed review of a microgrid and enumerates the possible methods for the analysis of the system, feature extraction, control methods, and options for machine learning. This paper examines the factors affecting the operations in a power system, their nature, interdependability, and controllability. It also inspects the various machine learning algorithms, their feasibility, and possible applications in power systems. The major contribution of the paper is the elucidation of expert system control methods for the performance improvement of solar PV assisted DC microgrids. The major objective of the paper is to provide an overview on various algorithms intended for the microgrid systems pertaining to its accuracy, precision, classification, prediction and forecasting. 2023 The Authors. IET Renewable Power Generation published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Institution of Engineering and Technology. -
Phytochemicals as weapons against drug resistance
Phytochemicals are plant-based products with high medicinal value. These metabolites effectively target disease-causing microbes. Drug-resistant pathogens have developed mechanisms to sustain themselves even with inhibitors. Drug resistance has emerged as a global giant, causing all available treatment options to fail. The solution to this problem is in the phytochemicals of plants with antibacterial and drug resistance modulation properties. Phytochemicals might be able to get rid of efflux pumps, drug-modulating enzymes, resistance genes, quorum sensing, and biofilm, all of which cause pathogens to be resistant to drugs. Moreover, anti-obesogenic and cardioprotective properties are also observed in phytochemicals. Additionally, studies show the success of phytochemical-based nanoparticles in drug resistance regulation. This review emphasizes phytochemicals' different mechanisms of action and their derivatives in curbing drug-resistant pathogens and cancer cells. 2023 The Author(s) -
Biological treatment solutions using bioreactors for environmental contaminants from industrial waste water
Human needs have led to the development of various products which are produced in the industries. These industries in turn have become a source of various environmental concerns. As industries release regulated and unregulated contaminants into the water bodies, it has become a serious concern for all living organisms. Various emerging contaminates from industries like pesticides, pharmaceuticals drugs like hormones, antibiotics, dyes, etc., along with byproducts and new complexes contaminate the water bodies. Numerous traditional approaches have been utilized for the treatment of these pollutants; however, these technologies are not efficient in most cases as the contaminants are mixed with complex structures or as new substances. Advanced technologies such as bioreactor techniques, advanced oxidation processes, and so on have been used for the treatment of industrial wastewater and have served as an alternative way for wastewater treatment. Overall, biological treatment techniques based on bioreactors provide a long-term and ecologically useful solution to industrial wastewater contamination. They play an important role in saving water resources and encouraging a greener sustainable future for mankind. The current review outlines the industrial effluents that are released into water bodies, contaminating them, as well as the numerous traditional and novel treatment procedures used for industrial wastewater treatment. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.] 2023, The Author(s). -
Role of Bacillus thuringiensis in development of transgenic plants
One of the most significant advancements in plant biotechnology has been the production of genetically engineered plants. Due to the effects of pests damaging the majority of crops, the development of pest immunity was necessary for crop preservation. Plants that have had their gene makeup altered in-utero, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, which has insecticidal properties and helps protect crops from pests, are referred to as "genetically modified plants." Cry proteins, which are poisonous proteins that exist in the state of crystals, are the major genes responsible for the development of transgenic plants. Based on the effect of different pest species, cry proteins are divided into many categories. Since they are extremely specific by nature and only affect the target proteins, they are considered environmentally beneficial pesticides since they have no impact on the physiologically significant soil bacteria or other bacterial flora. These cry proteins stay as dormant crystals, but when a pest consumes plants, the inactive form of the crystals becomes active in the alkaline stomach pH of the microorganism, aiding in the rupture of the gut epithelium and ultimately causing the microorganism to die. These days, transgenic plants have been created, including BT corn, BT rice, sugarcane, brinjal, potato, tomato, and many more, it was also discovered that using these transgenic plants increased crop productivity. Transgenic plants can prevent several ecological issues associated with traditional pesticides, including the emergence of resistance, their toxicity to non-target living things, and the buildup of toxic waste in the environment. 2023 Horizon e-Publishing Group. All rights reserved. -
In vitro Analytical Techniques as Screening Tools to investigate the Metal chelate-DNA interactions
Deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) is found to be the most efficient pharmacological target of many synthetic molecules which are deemed as potential drugs with clinical applications. DNA binding agents are known to regulate several cell functions (gene expression and replication) by adopting various protocols which include the annihilation of the cell membrane, interruption in protein synthesis, and irreversible binding to cell receptors. Recently, several studies have explored fundamental aspects of drug-DNA interactions, providing new insights into the driving forces that render the formation of the drug-DNA complex. In order to study and understand these biologically important reaction mechanisms, several screening tools have been devised and the specificity of drug molecules binding to DNA were studied in detail. This review will discuss the utilization of various analytical tools which include UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, viscosity measurement, Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and DNA fragmentation assay used for studying drug binding mode and the mechanism involved. 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
The crux of bioactive metabolites in endophytic and thermophilic fungi and their proximal prospects in biotechnological and industrial domains
Fungi are ubiquitous in distribution and are found in grasses to hot springs. Their mode of nutrition provides sustenance for living and propagation. Ironically, varied fungal species have developed customized strategies for protection and survival by producing diverse secondary metabolites. The review aimed to project the contrasting potential features of the endophytic and thermophilic fungi groups. The metabolites and the enzymes of endophytic and thermophilic fungi served as the backbone to thrive and adapt within-host and in extreme conditions like higher pH, heat, and salinity, respectively. Identification, knowledge of their biochemistry and pathway, exploration, production, and utilization of these bioactive molecules in various commercial, industrial, and pharmaceutical domains were briefly discussed. The uniqueness of endophytes includes stress management and improved biomass production of the host, green fuel production, omnipresence, selected triple-symbiosis with the virus, synthesis of polyketides, and other active metabolites are widely used in biomedical applications and agriculture management. This review attempted to limelight the specific applications of thermophilic fungal metabolites and the roles of thermo-stable enzymes in bioprospecting. Moreover, probing the metabolites of thermophiles rendered novel antibiotic compounds, which were proven effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria and harboured the potential to curtail infectious diseases. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Cadmium toxicity in medicinal plants: An overview of the tolerance strategies, biotechnological and omics approaches to alleviate metal stress
Medicinal plants, an important source of herbal medicine, are gaining more demand with the growing human needs in recent times. However, these medicinal plants have been recognized as one of the possible sources of heavy metal toxicity in humans as these medicinal plants are exposed to cadmium-rich soil and water because of extensive industrial and agricultural operations. Cadmium (Cd) is an extremely hazardous metal that has a deleterious impact on plant development and productivity. These plants uptake Cd by symplastic, apoplastic, or via specialized transporters such as HMA, MTPs, NRAMP, ZIP, and ZRT-IRT-like proteins. Cd exerts its effect by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interfere with a range of metabolic and physiological pathways. Studies have shown that it has detrimental effects on various plant growth stages like germination, vegetative and reproductive stages by analyzing the anatomical, morphological and biochemical changes (changes in photosynthetic machinery and membrane permeability). Also, plants respond to Cd toxicity by using various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Furthermore, the ROS generated due to the heavy metal stress alters the genes that are actively involved in signal transduction. Thus, the biosynthetic pathway of the important secondary metabolite is altered thereby affecting the synthesis of secondary metabolites either by enhancing or suppressing the metabolite production. The present review discusses the abundance of Cd and its incorporation, accumulation and translocation by plants, phytotoxic implications, and morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular responses of medicinal plants to Cd toxicity. It explains the Cd detoxification mechanisms exhibited by the medicinal plants and further discusses the omics and biotechnological strategies such as genetic engineering and gene editing CRISPR- Cas 9 approach to ameliorate the Cd stress. Copyright 2023 Al-Khayri, Banadka, Rashmi, Nagella, Alessa and Almaghasla. -
Authentication of symmetric cryptosystem using anti-aging controller-based true random number generator
In todays digital world, data protection is extremely important. Every companys data is a valuable asset, so its important to ensure that it's secured from outside threats. Information security is not only an effective but also a necessary element to protect data from unauthorized access. The confidentiality of any communication system is strengthening with the help of random number generators along with some analog circuitry. This type of analog models demands more power and area. So analog circuit-based hardware Random Number Generators (RNG) are least preferred over digital RNGs. To improve the security every industry depends on the one-time password (OTP). Which gives the security but generation of the OTP is very easy. Random number generator is used for the generation of OTP. Similarly, hacking such OTP is easier than creating them. This paper introduces the Anti-Aging controller TRNG, a highly stable high-performance random number generator Anti-Aging Cryptographically Secured True Random Number Generator (AACTRNG). Implementation of this work can be done by using TANNER EDA Tools and ModelSim-Altera 6.4a (Quartus-II 9.0) used for the simulation to retrieve random numbers. 2021, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. -
Design and genome engineering of microbial cell factories for efficient conversion of lignocellulose to fuel
The gradually increasing need for fossil fuels demands renewable biofuel substitutes. This has fascinated an increasing investigation to design innovative energy fuels that have comparable Physico-chemical and combustion characteristics with fossil-derived fuels. The efficient microbes for bioenergy synthesis desire the proficiency to consume a large quantity of carbon substrate, transfer various carbohydrates through efficient metabolic pathways, capability to withstand inhibitory components and other degradation compounds, and improve metabolic fluxes to synthesize target compounds. Metabolically engineered microbes could be an efficient methodology for synthesizing biofuel from cellulosic biomass by cautiously manipulating enzymes and metabolic pathways. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on the trends and advances in metabolic and genetic engineering technologies for advanced biofuel synthesis by applying various heterologous hosts. Probable technologies include enzyme engineering, heterologous expression of multiple genes, CRISPR-Cas technologies for genome editing, and cell surface display. 2022 Elsevier Ltd -
Cytokine see-saw across pregnancy, its related complexities and consequences
During pregnancy, a woman's immune system adapts to the changing hormonal concentrations, causing immunologic transition. These immunologic changes are required for a full-term pregnancy, preserving the fetus' innate and adaptive immunity. Preterm labor, miscarriage, gestational diabetes mellitus, and pre-eclampsia are all caused by abnormal cytokine expression during pregnancy and childbirth. A disruption in the cytokine balance can lead to autoimmune diseases or microbiologic infections, or to autoimmune illness remission during pregnancy with postpartum recurrence. The cytokine treatments are essential and damaging to the developing fetus. The current review summarizes the known research on cytokine changes during pregnancy and their possible consequences for pregnant women. Studies suggest that customizing medication for each woman and her progesterone levels should be based on the cytokine profile of each pregnant woman. Immune cells and chemicals play an important function in development of the placenta and embryo. During pregnancy, T cells divide and move, and a careful balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is necessary. The present review focuses on the mother's endurance in generating fetal cells and the immunologic mechanism involved. 2022 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. -
Exploring the anti-inflammatory activities, mechanism of action and prospective drug delivery systems of tocotrienol to target neurodegenerative diseases
A major cause of death in the elderly worldwide is attributed to neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD (Alzheimers disease), PD (Parkinsons disease), ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), FRDA (Friedreichs ataxia), VaD (Vascular dementia) etc. These can be caused due to multiple factors such as genetic, physiological problems like stroke or tumor, or even external causes like viruses, toxins, or chemicals. T3s (tocotrienols) exhibit various bioactive properties where it acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and cholesterol lowering agent. Since T3 interferes with and influences several anti-inflammatory mechanisms, it aids in combating inflammatory responses that lead to disease progression. T3s are found to have a profound neuroprotective ability, however, due to their poor oral bioavailability, their full potential could not be exploited. Hence there is a need to explore other drug delivery techniques, especially focusing on aspects of nanotechnology. In this review paper we explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of T3 to apply it in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and also discusses the possibilities of nano methods of administering tocotrienols to target neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright: 2023 Mathew AM et al. -
Exopolysaccharides Derived from Probiotic Bacteria and their Health Benefits
Probiotic bacteria are producers of secretory products such as bacteriocins and polysaccharides. Both homopolymeric and heteropolymeric exopolysaccharides (EPS) present on the surface of microorganisms have shown beneficial properties. While the fact that they play a role in bacterial homeostasis is well established, studies exploring their health promoting effects have also gained traction. Some exopolysaccharides function by inducing immune tolerance, others act by evading immune responses such as those by B and T cells. The interaction between the EPS and the immune system helps protect the bacteria against an attack by the host immune system. Several exopolysaccharides also show tolerogenic properties by reducing the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing IL-10 production. They are also associated with anti-bacterial activity, anti-biofilm activity and anti-tumour properties. This review highlights the different types of exopolysaccharides and their health benefiting potentials. Better understanding of these mechanisms will pave the way for harnessing their potential to improve our health. The Author(s) 2023. -
Photoresponsive Carbon-Azobenzene Hybrids: A Promising Material for Energy Devices
Advancements in renewable energy technology have been a hot topic in the field of photoresponsive materials for a sustainable community. Organic compounds that function as photoswitches is being researched and developed for use in a variety of energy storage systems. Azobenzene photoswitches can be used to store and release solar energy in solar thermal fuels. This review draws out the significance of azobenzene as photoswitches and its recent advances in solar thermal fuels. The recent developments of nano carbon templated azobenzene, their interactions and the effect of substituents are highlighted. The review also introduces their applications in solar thermal fuels and concludes with the challenges and future scope of the material. The advancements of solar thermal fuels with cost effective and desired optimal properties can be explored by scientists and engineers from different technological backgrounds. 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Green Synthesis of Bioinspired Nanoparticles Mediated from Plant Extracts of Asteraceae Family for Potential Biological Applications
The Asteraceae family is one of the largest families in the plant kingdom with many of them extensively used for significant traditional and medicinal values. Being a rich source of various phytochemicals, they have found numerous applications in various biological fields and have been extensively used for therapeutic purposes. Owing to its potential phytochemicals present and biological activity, these plants have found their way into pharmaceutical industry as well as in various aspects of nanotechnology such as green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles developed from the plants of Asteraceae family are highly stable, less expensive, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. Synthesized Asteraceae-mediated nanoparticles have extensive applications in antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and photocatalytic degradation activities. This current review provides an opportunity to understand the recent trend to design and develop strategies for advanced nanoparticles through green synthesis. Here, the review discussed about the plant parts, extraction methods, synthesis, solvents utilized, phytochemicals involved optimization conditions, characterization techniques, and toxicity of nanoparticles using species of Asteraceae and their potential applications for human welfare. Constraints and future prospects for green synthesis of nanoparticles from members of the Asteraceae family are summarized. 2023 by the authors. -
New Horizons in the Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of MXene Quantum Dots
The progress of MXenes, a 2D layered structural material since its discovery in 2011 recently arouses a great deal of attention due to their plethora of applications in a diverse range of fields. Their excellent properties in terms of surface chemistry, optical activity, electrical conductivity, presence of abundant active catalytic sites, tunable band gap structure, ease of surface functionalization, and good biocompatibility make them an ideal candidate. The authors aim to guide the readers through various aspects such as their unique properties, synthesis techniques, and the recent advancements associated with MXene quantum dots (QDs). Herein, this review serves as a one-stop point for prospective researchers to gain a better understanding of the application of MXene QDs in various fields including electrochemical detection, biomedical applications, and energy conversion and storage applications. 2023 The Authors. Advanced Materials Interfaces published by Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of Three Focused Interventions
Autism is a neurological developmental disorder that impacts a persons physical, social, and emotional behavior. This disorder develops over time and is characterized by social deficits and repetitive behavior. Although there is no cure for this disorder, an early diagnosis and intervention can do significant wonders and can help the subject to become active functioning members of the family and society. The aim of this study is to minimize the diagnostic period by finding an optimal diagnosis procedure from the existing diagnosis tools. The diagnosis of autism can be done in three ways: 1. clinical evaluation; 2. screening tools; 3. brain images. In this review paper, we have thoroughly gone through all three types of diagnostic procedures and found that there was no single diagnostic tool to confirm the disorder. We also found that the diagnosis period was too long. As the result of this review, we found an ASD diagnosis triad which helps to choose the right diagnosis procedure based on the subjects age which reduces the diagnostic period and helps to aid early diagnosis by eliminating the chaos in choosing the diagnostic tools. 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. -
Occurrence, identification, and decontamination of potential mycotoxins in fruits and fruit by-products
The incidence of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and patulin in fruits and processed fruit products has been ever more challenging and gained additional focus on ecofriendly mitigation strategies. The onset of these toxins is due to several factors involving insect attacks, agricultural practices, and climate change. Acute and chronic health hazards are clinically proven after consuming contaminated foodstuffs, even at lower concentrations of mycotoxins. Synergistic, masked, and substantial occurrence in fruit matrices increase their complexity in detection and detoxification; apparently, this article reviewed the available information on the occurrence of mycotoxins in several fruits and their products, focused on the conventional and advanced methods of identification, quantification, and decontamination techniques. Strengthening and implementing stringent international and national guidelines are required for impactful, tangible measures in the future. Nevertheless, controlling the mycotoxins in fruits will certainly be challenging for scientists. Therefore, more impactful technologies are still needed to eliminate the toxins at the threshold level of the food chain and ensure sustainable global food safety. 2023 The Authors. Food Frontiers published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd and Nanchang University, Northwest University, Jiangsu University, Zhejiang University, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University.