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Consumption Behaviour of Poor Consumers: A Bibliometric and Content Analysis
The poor people segment has gained considerable scholarly attention, particularly after eight scholars established it as an untapped market. This study attempts to understand the nine consumption behaviours of a poor consumer. Therefore, we collate 384 scholarly papers indexed in the Scopus database, published during the period 19752020. Both evaluative and bibliometric relationship techniques, namely, Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, are utilized to understand the domains progress in the past 45 years. Besides this, content analysis is conducted via hand search to identify the most utilized research methods, popularly applied theories and most explored contexts. Results show that research in this field has grown exponentially, particularly after 2007, with research focusing on low-income consumers, bottom-of-pyramid consumers and mobile money users. The findings indicate this domain demonstrates skewed development, and there is a huge room for future studies. 2022 Fortune Institute of International Business. -
Food wastage and consumerism in circular economy: a review and research directions
Purpose: Considering food waste as a global problem resulting from the wastage of valuable resources that could fulfil the requirements of malnourished people, the current research focusses on understanding consumerisms impact on this phenomenon. Additionally, the circular economy (CE) approach can be critical in reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted using bibliometrics and network analysis. The study reviewed 326 articles within 10 years, from 2013 to 2023. Findings: The findings reveal four prominent factors behavioural, environmental, socioeconomic and technological in managing food waste (FW). Reducing FW at a holistic level can benefit individuals and the environment in several ways. Research limitations/implications: Consumers are encouraged to be more responsible for their food consumption by reducing food waste, as it affects societies and businesses both economically and environmentally. This can help promote a responsible consumption culture that values quality over quantity and encourages people to make more informed choices about what they eat and how they dispose of it post-consumption. All stakeholders, including firms, the government and consumers, must examine the motives behind inculcating pro-environmental behaviour. Originality/value: Addressing consumerism and the ability to decrease FW behaviour are complex issues that require a multidimensional approach. This study seeks to fill the gap in understanding consumerism and the capacity to reduce FW using the CE approach and understand the research gaps and future research trends. 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited. -
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. -
A Comprehensive Review on Antibacterial, Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of Noble Metal Nanoparticles
Their health industry is facing challenges due to a rise in mortality rates brought on by various multi-drug-resistant bacterial strains. As a result, new and improvedantibacterial drugs are urgently needed. Similarly, when some unwanted foreign pathogensenter the cellular premises to disturb its homeostasis, inflammation develops as an immune reaction. However, these immune responses also become a double-edged sword when the inflammatory reaction lasts for a long time, and pain is also linked to inflammatory responses. Inflammation and pain are both signs of tissue injury. Pain is,by definition, an unpleasant experience that ultimately interferes with their normalwell-being. Hence, bacterial infection, inflammation, and pain need medical assistance to maintain homeostasis. Conventional medicines possess so many repercussive effects, which then demand a replacement with a less toxic and more efficient modern drug. In their review article, for the first time, they present recent advancements in biomedical applications such as the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of noble metal nanoparticles. Noble metals have limited availability in the earth's crust. Hence, their physicochemical characterizations and applications are greatly limited. Still, there are some interesting research findings that offer a significant ray of hope for the health sector all over the world. 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. -
Advancements in thiol-yne click chemistry: Recent trends and applications in polymer synthesis and functionalization
The 2022 Nobel Prize in chemistry brought the world's attention to click chemistry, a field as fascinating as its name, characterized by attractive features like high yield, stereospecificity, and broad scope. Since its inception, click chemistry has been synonymous with copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne reactions, owing to their remarkable advantages. However, as the field advanced, there has been a proactive search to develop metal-free alternatives for more biocompatible applications. This led to the extensive adoption of thiol-ene click reactions in the past decade. Yet, due to the growing requirement for polymers with complex architecture and functionality, in recent years, thiol-yne click reactions have come to the forefront with additional advantages over its ene counterparts, allowing the addition of two thiols to an alkyne. This review provides a concise overview of some of the significant developments in polymer synthesis and functionalization utilizing thiol-yne click chemistry. The focus is primarily on radical-mediated thiol-yne reactions, considering the substantial body of work in this area. Moreover, the review provides adequate discussion on other mechanistic pathways like nucleophilic and metal-catalyzed thiol-yne reactions that have gained traction recently. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Recent advances in polyethylene glycol as a dual-functional agent in heterocycle synthesis: Solvent and catalyst
Reactant solubility, which dictates achievable concentrations, and the stability of reaction intermediates (excited states), solvents modulate the potential energy landscape and influence reaction rates. Consequently, solvent selection is pivotal in optimizing process productivity, economic feasibility, and environmental footprint. At present, organic synthesis pivots around the idea of sustainability. In particular, PEG-400, a popular solvent and phase transfer catalyst, is considered greener as it can be reused several times without significant loss in its catalytic activity, which checks the box regarding sustainability. This review highlights the emerging potential of Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG-400) as a dual-threat agent in sustainable organic synthesis. We explore its efficacy as a catalyst, promoting various reactions under mild conditions and often eliminating the need for traditional metal catalysts. Additionally, PEG-400's role as a green solvent is addressed, emphasizing its biodegradability, low toxicity, and ability to facilitate reactions without hazardous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The review examines recent research on PEG-400 mediated reactions, showcasing its effectiveness in diverse transformations, thus exploring the potential of PEG 400 as a facilitator for heterocycle synthesis in both multicomponent reactions and stepwise approaches. It identifies exciting research directions that promise to expand the boundaries of polymer-based solvents in heterocyclic chemistry. 2024 The Author(s). Polymers for Advanced Technologies published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Synthesis, properties, and state-of-the-art advances in surface tuning of borophene for emerging applications
Being composed of boron atoms that can be maneuvered to orchestrate low planar hexagonal structures, this two-dimensional material carefully exhibits versatility and has conventional covalent bonds between each atom. Borophene has recently proliferated the scientific research community by storm, trailblazing industries from fine chemicals, electrical equipment manufacturing, and biomedical innovation up to sustainable energy. Here, we provide streamlined information and particulars about the recent advances in the evolution of borophene since its inception and the essence of its electrocatalytic applications. We first introduce the sophisticatedly cultivated progress in borophene's structural, mechanical, optical, and electrical properties and further discuss its variegated polymorphism. Subsequently, we also delve into several capable synthesis techniques and recently concocted surface tuning and doping methods. Finally, we analyze the advancing state-of-the-art applications of this two-dimensional nanomaterial under investigation, ranging from bioimaging, energy storage, electrode reduction, and electrochemical sensing. Further, we have broadly discussed the future insights and challenges that borophene brings. 2024 -
A SWOT analysis of integrating cognitive and non-cognitive learning strategies in education
Students must receive the knowledge and skills they require for succeeding in a constantly changing world. Meeting each student's diverse needs, nevertheless, is difficult. For the purpose to promote student development and improve educational outcomes, this review study attempts to give a thorough conceptual framework for integrating both cognitive and non-cognitive learning methodologies. While non-cognitive learning focuses on social and interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience, cognitive learning involves the acquisition of intellectual skills and critical thinking. Both types of education are essential for children's holistic development. Integrating non-cognitive and cognitive approaches in education sector has several advantages. It promotes a well-rounded education by offering a balanced approach that addresses the intellectual, emotional, and social elements of student progress. To support the suggested conceptual framework, a thorough analysis of recent research on the subject is conducted. The implementation of cognitive and non-cognitive learning in the present condition is examined through a bibliometric analysis, which identifies research trends and gaps. In addition, a SWOT analysis has been done to assess the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities, and threats related to these strategies. The issues and areas that require additional research and development are better understood due to this analysis. The research's conclusions demonstrate the importance of adopting a well-rounded educational strategy which considers various demands of students. The education system can encourage academic performance, critical thinking, socio-emotional well-being, and prepare students for success in a variety of spheres of life by integrating cognitive and non-cognitive learning. It also points out the research gaps and underlines the value of further study for enhancing comprehension and cognitive and non-cognitive learning methodologies' application. 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. -
Research progress of MXenes and MXenes-based catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting: A systematic review
The field of two-dimensional (2D) materials has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, especially on a class of materials known as MXenes. MXenes have garnered significant attention for their exceptional physicochemical properties, which include high electrical and thermal conductivity, large surface area, adjustable bandgap, and hydrophilicity. These characteristics have paved the way for a diverse range of applications, including photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, supercapacitors, sensing, and biomedicine. MXenes have been recognized to be particularly effective in applications such as photocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting reactions. This involves using MXenes as cocatalysts to enhance the efficiency of the photocatalytic process. In this review, the various synthetic methods for producing MXenes and MXenes-based catalysts are summarized, shedding light on the versatility of their fabrication techniques. The underlying mechanisms of photocatalytic H2 evolution are explored, providing insights into how MXenes function as cocatalysts in these reactions. These mechanisms are crucial for understanding the enhancement of H2 production and improving the overall efficiency of the water splitting process. Furthermore, the review delves into the challenges that researchers face when utilizing MXenes and MXene-based materials for electrocatalytic water splitting. These challenges serve as motivation for further exploration and innovation in the field, driving the development of more efficient and sustainable electrocatalytic systems. In this discussion, the potential future applications of MXenes and their composites in electrocatalytic water splitting and other fields are explored. This suggests that ongoing research and advancements in MXene-based materials have the potential to revolutionize various technological areas, contributing to the development of cleaner energy sources and more efficient catalytic processes. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Properties, Synthesis and Emerging Applications of Graphdiyne: A Journey Through Recent Advancements
Graphdiyne (GDY) is a new variant of nano-carbon material with excellent chemical, physical and electronic properties. It has attracted wide attention from researchers and industrialists for its extensive role in the fields of optics, electronics, bio-medics and energy. The unique arrangement of spsp2 carbon atoms, linear acetylenic linkages, uniform pores and highly conjugated structure offer numerous potentials for further exploration of GDY materials. However, since the material is at its infancy, not much understanding is available regarding its properties, growth mechanism and future applications. Therefore, in this review, readers are guided through a brief discussion on GDYs properties, different synthesis procedures with a special focus on surface functionalization and a list of applications for GDY. The review also critically analyses the advantages and disadvantages of each synthesis route and emphasizes the future scope of the material. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.) The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. -
Eco-friendly innovations in food packaging: A sustainable revolution
Packaging is crucial in ensuring the quality and safety of food, protecting it from various contaminants, and extending its shelf life. Materials used for packaging food must be economical, durable, and possess good barrier properties. One of the major challenges faced by the food industry is developing an eco-friendly, economical, and sustainable packaging system. The conventional materials, which majorly depend on petroleum-derived polymers, are associated with several significant problems, such as environmental pollution, depletion of resources, generation of single-use wastes, leakage of chemicals into food products, limited recycling, and so on. As the food sector focuses on reducing its environmental impact, by encouraging revolutionary changes for an effective sustainable food packaging approach. The core objective of industrial packaging was to innovate a biodegradable material, especially derived from renewable biomass resources as eco-friendly alternatives in the food industry. One of the significant trends involves production of bioplastics, which are derived from renewable polymers such as corn starch, sugarcane, or algae. These materials offer a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, as they are often compostable or biodegradable. The development of advanced bioplastics with improved barrier properties and durability is gaining traction, addressing environmental and health concerns and functionalizing a packaging material. The present review discusses the limitations of conventional packaging materials used in the food industry and focuses on the various polymers derived from natural sources, their physio-chemical properties, and their potential application as a sustainable material that reduce carbon emission, and enhance preservation of food and ensure food safety. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Startups' empowerment of employees: An analysis using VOSviewer
The purpose of this study is to evaluate and consolidate existing research on the factors that affect the performance of employees in startup companies. Specifically, it focuses on factors such as empowerment, motivation, dedication, leadership styles, and self-determination. This study aims to understand how these factors influence employee performance in the context of startup organizations. The theoretical framework of this study is based on the HR value chain model. The HR value chain model demonstrates how HR practices can benefit organizations by showing the various HR processes that support a company's goals. Additionally, the study incorporates psychological factors related to employee performance, such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The methodology section mentions that the research primarily covers management-related articles from 2010 to 2022. The research involved reviewing primary studies by searching computerized databases and selected journal articles from specific websites. VOSviewer 1.6.18 was used to analyze eligible articles, and bibliometric networks were generated to connect keywords to relevant articles. The study's findings indicate that empowerment, motivation, commitment, and other traits are linked to the success of new startup businesses. Effective leadership tactics play a crucial role in creating a healthier, happier work environment with dedicated employees. It appears that the study identified 20 papers, including 17 research articles, that establish connections between empowerment and startup performance. The use of VOSviewer's overlay bibliometric networks helped visualize these connections. 2024, Malque Publishing. All rights reserved. -
The Role of the Gut Microbiota in Neurodegenerative Diseases
The human gut has a rich and dynamic microbial population that plays an important role in many physiological activities. This review explores the complex interaction between the gut microbiota and human health, with an emphasis on its effect on neurodegenerative illnesses. The makeup of the gut microbiome and its impact on brain function through the gutbrain axis is highlighted. Dysbiosis, characterized by changes in the gut microbiotas composition, has been linked to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, Huntingtons, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A Bidirectional communication between the stomach and the brain takes place via a variety of channels, including neurotransmitters and metabolites generated by gut bacteria. We investigate the processes through which dysbiosis causes neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage, which drive disease development. Potential therapeutic approaches that focus on the gut microbiota, such as antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, are reviewed, with promising preclinical and clinical findings. Overall, this study emphasizes the relevance of gut microbiota to neurodegenerative illnesses, as well as the need to understand and target the gut-brain axis for future treatment options. 2024 by the authors. -
Evolution of Single-Session Therapy: A Bibliometric Analysis
OBJECTIVE: This bibliometric analysis aimed to explore the publication and citation metrics of the research literature on single-session therapy (SST) to understand its current status, trends, and future prospects. METHODS: Seventy-five keywords were validated by subject matter experts. Publications from 1972 through September 2023 were extracted from the bibliometric website Lens.org. Publication trends, citation patterns, prominent journals, and influential authors were examined as part of the bibliometric analysis. Citation network analysis, bibliographic coupling of authors, and coauthorship network analysis were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 301 SST publications, including 18 books, 85 book chapters, and 176 journal articles, were found, published by 493 authors. The citation- and publication-related metrics suggested a growing level of subject matter expertise over time. Initially, single-author publications held more prominence than collaborative work, but this pattern shifted. From 2011 to 2020, scholarly interest surged, resulting in 144 publications during this period. CONCLUSIONS: This bibliometric analysis, the first systematic exploration of the SST knowledge base, can be used to expand and enrich future SST research. -
Roadmap on ionic liquid crystal electrolytes for energy storage devices
The current organic liquid electrolytes used in electrochemical energy systems cause rapid performance degradation and even combustion. The advancement of new electrolytes with exceptional safety and electrochemical performance is crucial in addressing these challenges. Recently developed ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) offer promising opportunities for tailoring ion transport channels through modified nano segregated structures, thereby ensuring excellent operating safety and combining the advantageous properties of ionic liquids and liquid crystals. This review focuses on investigating the ion conductive properties and operational mechanisms of ILC electrolytes for energy storage and conversion devices, which play a pivotal role in the development of superior electrolytes. The review critically analyzes the recent development and fundamental properties electrochemical interaction framework of ILC electrolytes applied in energy storage devices. Particular attention is given to elucidating the mechanism of ILC and phase formation, past decade fabrication of energy storage device with ILC electrolytes, emphasizing their capacity for ion redistribution and exceptional stability. Additionally, the review addresses the drawback, limitation, commercialization, challenges and provides future perspective for the growth of ILC electrolytes in the field of energy storage. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Exploring the efficiency of green synthesized silver nanoparticles as photocatalysts for organic dye degradation: unveiling key insights
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received a lot of interest for their several applications, including their remarkable potential as photocatalysts for organic dye degradation. This research thoroughly investigates the efficacy of ecologically friendly, green-synthesized AgNPs in the treatment of synthetic dye-contaminated wastewater. The synthesis of AgNPs from various biological substrates is investigated, emphasizing their economic viability, significant conductivity, and considerable biocompatibility. The improper disposal of synthetic dyes in wastewater poses severe environmental and health risks due to their non-biodegradable nature and persistent chemical features. In response to this challenge, this review paper investigates the capability of AgNPs to serve as effective photocatalysts for degrading a range of organic dyes commonly found in industrial effluents. Specific dyes, including methyl orange, congo red, nitrophenol, methylene blue, and malachite green, are studied in the context of wastewater treatment, providing insights into the efficacy of AgNPs synthesized from diverse biological sources. The review sheds light on the photocatalytic degradation methods used by green-synthesized AgNPs, shedding light on the transition of these synthetic dyes into less hazardous compounds. It also delves into the toxicity aspect of the AgNPs and its possible remediation from the environment. The ecologically friendly synthesis procedures investigated in this work provide an alternative to traditional methods, highlighting the importance of sustainable technologies in solving modern environmental concerns. Furthermore, a comparative examination of various biological substrates for AgNPs synthesis is presented, evaluating their respective dye degradation efficiencies. This not only helps researchers understand the environmental impact of synthetic dyes, but it also directs them in choosing the best substrates for the production of AgNPs with enhanced photocatalytic activities. 2024 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd. -
Knots of the umbilical cord: Incidence, diagnosis, and management
Knot(s) of the umbilical cord have received emphasis because the clinical assessments and sonographic literature show a crucial role in fetal outcomes. The true umbilical cord knot could be a knot in a singleton pregnancy or an entanglement of two umbilical cords in monoamniotic twins. Clinical manifestations are almost silent, which can raise clinical challenges. They worsen outcomes, and the pathology can be easily missed during prenatal visits because ultrasonographers do not pay attention to the cord during an obstetric ultrasound scan. However, most medical centers now have ultrasound machines that improve fetal assessment. The umbilical cord should be routinely evaluated during a fetal assessment, and suspicion of an umbilical cord knot can be more frequently diagnosed and is detected only incidentally. Clinical outcome is usually good but depends on the knot's characteristics and if it is tight or loose. In this review, we discuss pathophysiology, the theories on formation, the main risk factors, ultrasound signs and findings, different opinions in the management, and features of pregnancy outcomes feature. 2024 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. -
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 -
Recent trends in hierarchical electrode materials in supercapacitor: Synthesis, electrochemical measurements, performance and their charge-storage mechanism
Supercapacitors are energy storage devices that getting significant research interest among global researchers due to their features such as high specific capacitance, quick charge/discharge, high power density, prolonged cycle life, and safety that contribute to applications in portable electronic devices. Electrode materials are key constituents of supercapacitors and they control their electrochemical performances. There are various structures of electrode materials have been developed for supercapacitors such as core-shell structures, hetero-structures, and hierarchical structures. Among the structures, hierarchical electrode materials (HEMs) are low-cost, easy to synthesize, have high surface area, high active sites, and high electrochemical performances. Thus, this review focuses on the recent synthesis of hierarchical-type electrode materials, electrochemical setup, and characterization, analyses three- and two-electrode system performances in the use of supercapacitors, and charge-storage mechanisms, and summarizes critical viewpoints for future research. The performance of HEMs-based supercapacitors is shown to be high when compared to a single type of electrode. In supercapacitors, porous carbons, metal-organic frameworks, and transition metal sulfides-based HEMs have exceptional electrochemical capabilities across all parameters, including specific capacitance, cycle stability, energy density, and capacitance retention, as found in this review. This review may be helpful to the primary researchers who are working on the preparation and measurement of HEMs for supercapacitor applications. Further, the hierarchical structure-based electrode material is promising for future research in advanced supercapacitor research and could be of interest in technology transfer. 2024 Elsevier Ltd -
Production of betalains in plant cell and organ cultures: a review
Betalains are nitrogen-containing natural pigments that are water soluble and they comprise of the red-violet betacyanin and the yellow betaxanthin which are abundant in plants such as red/yellow beet, amaranth, prickly pear, pitaya, and others. They are widely used as food coloring agents for many centuries. Betalains are used in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and cosmeceuticals, since they have tremendous potential to scavenge free radicals and prevent diseases, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, cancer, neurological disorders, and vascular stenosis. Betalains are proven to be toxicologically safe and have health benefits, they have been approved as food additives in the United States of America, and European countries. Although betalains can be found in natural resources, there are differences in their composition, amounts, and seasonality. For this reason, researchers have developed alternative methods of producing these valuable compounds using cell and organ culture techniques. In several plants, cell and organ cultures are established, and bioreactor technologies have been used to produce betalains on a wide scale. In this review, we discuss the varied biotechnological methods and approaches applied for the biosynthesis of betalains including metabolic engineering approaches. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.