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Microplastic residues in clinical samples: A retrospection on sources, entry routes, detection methods and human toxicity
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging toxicants which have been detected in varying environments. Despite MPs adverse effects, reports on MPs detection from human clinical samples are only a few. This is due to several reasons such as inefficiency of current MPs detection techniques to detect them from human clinical samples, lack of understanding about the MPs toxicity to human organs and ethical regulations that restricts study with human placental exposure to MPs. This review gives a comprehensive outlook on the major sources MPs sources and routes into human system and their human toxicity mechanisms. Further an in-depth discussion on the significance and limitations of various MPs detection methods is elaborated in the review. Challenges in current research framework for detection of MPs from human clinical samples and the possible future directions in this imperative research domain are also focused in this review. 2024 Elsevier B.V. -
Microplastics distribution and potential health implications of food and food products
Microplastics, miniscule plastic fragments ubiquitous in the environment, pose a growing threat as they infiltrate our food chain. This review delves into the contamination of various food categories, including seafood, agricultural products, and even processed foods through packaging and processing methods. Developing reliable analytical techniques to accurately detect microplastics levels within complex food matrices is crucial to gauge the true extent of this contamination. Although the entire range of potential health effects associated with microplastic intake is not yet known, there is reason to be concerned about the risks. These include the potential for microplastics to physically hurt the gastrointestinal tract, exposure to chemicals that seep from the polymers themselves, and the potential for microplastics to act as carriers for other dangerous compounds. This analysis identifies important knowledge gaps about the long-term health effects of microplastics exposure. It highlights the urgent need for more investigation to fully assess the possible dangers connected to microplastics in the food chain. Furthermore, it is imperative that efficient mitigation measures be put in place as soon as possible to protect food safety from microplastics contamination. More cooperation is required to create more stringent laws governing the use of plastic, investigate substitute materials for manufacturing and packaging, and create effective filtering systems for the processing of food and water. Through devoted research to close knowledge gaps and the implementation of strong mitigation strategies, can make proactive efforts to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of our food supply chain for future generations. 2024 Elsevier Inc. -
Microplastics in food: Occurrence, toxicity, green analytical detection methods and future challenges
The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has raised significant concerns about their infiltration into the human food chain. In current review, the occurrence and distribution of MPs in various food matrices such as seafood, drinking water, fruits, vegetables, and beverages are discussed along with their potential routes of MPs entry into the human food chain. The toxicity of MPs on human health and different organs are discussed in brief. Current technological advancement and green analytical methods for the detection of MPs in food samples are compared, discussing their advantages and limitations. Green analytical methods, including stereomicroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and enzymatic digestion, are evaluated for their efficacy and environmental impact. The Analytical Eco-Scale is used to assess the greenness of these methods. Challenges associated with MPs detection in food, such as complex food matrices, pretreatment methods, and variability in MPs concentrations, are addressed. 2024 The Author(s) -
Micropollutants characteristics, fate, and sustainable removal technologies for landfill leachate: A technical perspective
Waste disposal in landfills has gained momentum in the last few decades as it is one among the easy and cost-effective method for waste management for the accelerating global population. Heterogenous nature of the waste ending up in landfills makes it difficult to predict the fate of these pollutants making it difficult for its biomonitoring and specific treatment. Among the major issues associated with landfill treatment, liquid percolation from this heterogenous waste substrate collectively referred as leachate poses the greater risk to environment through soil and ground water pollution. The diversity of micropollutants presents in landfill leachates ranging from microbial pathogens, pesticides, microplastics, pharmaceuticals and other harmful chemicals calls for crucial attention towards improving methods used for their treatment and removal. This review summarizes the key components of landfill leachates with specific emphasize on micropollutant content of leachate. Further the features of most recent and advanced technologies that were successfully explored for micropollutant removal from landfill leachates are presented in this review. 2023 Elsevier Ltd -
Microscale screen printing of large-area arrays of microparticles for the fabrication of photonic structures and for optical sorting
There are a limited number of methods applicable to the large-scale fabrication of arrays of discrete microparticles; however, such methods can be applied to the fabrication of structures applicable to photonics, barcoding, and optoelectronics. This manuscript describes a universal method, "microparticle screen printing" (?SP), for the rational patterning of micron-scale particles onto a variety of 2D substrates with diverse mechanical and chemical properties. Specifically, an array of microparticles of different sizes and compositions were patterned onto an array of materials of varying chemistry and stiffness using ?SP yielding a diversity of homo/heterogeneous microparticle-based structures. Further, this manuscript reports how the Young's moduli of the substrate can be used to calculate contact area and thus interaction energies (quantified using Hamaker constants) between the particle/substrate during ?SP. Generally, ?SP is most effective for substrates with low Young's moduli and large Hamaker constants (A132) with the target particles, as confirmed by the performance (quantified using yield and accuracy metrics) of ?SP for the different empirically investigated particle/substrate combinations. These understandings allow for the design of optimal surface/particle pairing for ?SP and were applied to the fabrication of a diversity of heterogeneous structures, including those with periodic vacancies in HCP (hexagonally closed packed) 2D photonic crystal useful to structural optics, optical particle screening useful to chemical assays, and the fabrication of structural barcodes useful for labeling and anticounterfeiting. 2018 The Royal Society of Chemistry. -
Microscopic, pharmacognostic and phytochemical screening of Epiphyllum oxypetalum (dc) haw leaves /
Journal of Pharmacognosy And Phytochemistry, Vol.7, Issue 6, pp.972-980, ISSN No: 2349-8234. -
Microstructural evolution and wear characteristics of equal channel angular pressing processed semi-solid-cast hypoeutectic aluminum alloys
This work investigated the microstructural evolution of Al-7Si-Mg alloy cast semi-solid using a cooling slope as well as conventional casting followed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) in a 120 die. Feed materials were prepared for ECAP by cooling slope casting and by conventional casting. The microstructure of the processed alloys extruded was observed by optical microscope and by transmission electron microscope, and their hardness and wear resistance were evaluated. After ECAP processing, the primary ?-Al phase tended to be elongated while the Si particles became fragmented and more nearly globular in shape and uniform in size than in the as-cast sample. The microstructure of the cooling slope-cast ECAPed samples was more homogenous than that of the conventionally cast ECAPed sample. The ?-Al phase sub-grains were refined to sub-micrometer sizes for samples cast by both methods after ECAP. The hardness of the cooling slope-cast ECAPed sample was also higher than that of the conventionally cast ECAPed sample. The wear resistance of the alloy improved after cooling slope casting and ECAP processing. 2014 The Authors. -
Microstructure and Mechanical Behaviour of Al6061-ZrB2 In-situ Metal Matrix Composites
Aluminium matrix composites processed through in-situ molten reaction has emerged as an alternative for eliminating defects existing in ex-situ reinforced metal matrix composites. Development of composites through in-situ method using inorganic salts via liquid metallurgy route is the most widely accepted technique. In the present work, Al6061-ZrB2 in-situ composites have been developed through in-situ reaction of Al-10%Zr and Al-3%B master alloys in Al6061 alloy. Study of microstructure and mechanical properties of in-situ reinforced ZrB2 in Al6061 alloy have been carried out. Composite exhibited grain refinement and improved the mechanical properties of Al6061 alloy. Ductility of composite is reduced with increase in content of ZrB2. Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd. -
Microwave assisted structural engineering on efficient eco-friendly natural dye alizarin for dye sensitized solar cells application
The novel eco-friendly natural dyes, (9E, 10E), ? 9, 10-bis(2-(4-nitrobenzylidene) hydrazono) ? 9,10 dihydroanthracene-1,2-diol (NHA) have been synthesised using the one-pot microwave-assisted solvent evaporation method, and physicochemical characterizations were carried out using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, GC-MS, and FT-IR data. The photophysical properties of NHA dye were determined using experimental and theoretical techniques. The Stoke's shift shows a large bathochromic shift in polar solvents, which is due to the ??? * transition. The ground-state optimization of NHA dye was carried out using density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP/631 G level basis set. The HOMO-LUMO and energy band gap values computed from density functional theory and absorption threshold wavelengths are good agreement with each other. Further, the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on NHA dye has been studied using spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. It was observed that, NHA dye showed fluorescence quenching in the presence of TiO2 NPs, which is due to the photo induced electron transfer process. The apparent association constant of the interaction between NHA dye and TiO2 nanoparticles is also calculated using the Benesi-Hildebrand model. The Rehm-Weller relation infers that thermodynamically favourable electron transfer takes place between dyes and TiO2 NPs. Further, the solar cell was constructed using NHA dye as a sensitizer, and the photovoltaic conversion efficiency was found to be 1.16%. 2023 Elsevier GmbH -
Microwave-assisted extraction of phytochemicals
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) has emerged as a promising technique for the extraction of phytochemicals and has received substantial scientific attention in recent years. MAE involves the utilization of microwaves to heat the sample, which facilitates the release of bioactive compounds from the plant matrix. MAE offers several advantages over traditional extraction methods, including faster extraction times, higher extraction yields, and reduced solvent consumption. To improve the efficiency of the extraction process, research has concentrated on optimizing various parameters, including the extraction temperature, extraction time, and solvent type. Additional studies have investigated the effect of MAE on the chemistry and bioactivity of the extracted phytochemicals. Several classes of phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and alkaloids, have been successfully extracted using MAE. These compounds possess various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Essential oils from aromatic plants have also been extracted using MAE, which is widely employed in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Despite its many advantages, the major challenge in the application of MAE is the potential degradation of the extracted compounds due to the high-temperature and high-pressure conditions during extraction. Additionally, the cost of microwave equipment and the need for specialized expertise may stunt its widespread adoption. In diverse omics disciplines, MAE shows promise, notably for the development of analytical platforms for research in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and related subdisciplines. Nonetheless, more investigation is required to optimize the extraction conditions and guarantee that the chemical makeup and biological activity of the isolated phytochemicals are preserved. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023, Corrected Publication 2023. All rights reserved. -
Mid-career dilemmas of female academics: An Indian perspective
Historically, many studies have shown discrimination, bias, and barriers for women entering leadership roles in Indian institutions of higher education. The objective of the present .study is to understand the mid-career dilemma of Indian women leaders based on their personal experiences. The study follows a phenomenological approach. The phenomenological approach as a qualitative research methodology provides for analysing the subjective experiences of individuals and their interpretations of these experiences. Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire. The study aggregates the views of women leaders and understands the challenges they face in pursuing their careers and maintaining their leadership roles. The study explored the transitions experienced by women through the ages, and hence, a qualitative paradigm with thematic analysis provided a better scope for understanding the experiences of women leaders. 2022, IGI Global. All rights reserved. -
Mid-infrared variability of ?-ray emitting blazars
Using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, we studied the mid-infrared (mid-IR) 3.4 ?m (W1-band) and 4.6 ?m (W2-band) flux variability of ? -ray emitting blazars. Our sample consists of 460 flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) and 575 BL Lacertae (BL Lac) objects. On intraday time-scales, the median amplitude of variability (? m) for FSRQs is 0.04+0.03?0.02 and 0.05+0.03?0.02 mag in W1 and W2 bands. For BL Lacs, we found median ? m in W1(W2) bands of 0.04+0.01?0.02 (0.04+0.02?0.02) mag. On long time-scales, for FSRQs we found a median ? m of 0.44+0.28?0.27 and 0.45+0.27?0.27 mag in W1 and W2 bands, while for BL Lacs, the median values are 0.21+0.18?0.12 and 0.22+0.18?.011 mag in W1 and W2 bands. From statistical tests, we found FSRQs to show larger ? m than BL Lacs on both intraday and long time-scales. Among blazars, low synchrotron peaked sources showed larger ? m compared to intermediate synchrotron peaked and high synchrotron peaked sources. The larger ? m seen in FSRQs relative to BL Lacs on both intraday and long time-scales could be due to them having the most powerful relativistic jets and/or their mid-IR band coinciding with the peak of the electron energy distribution. BL Lacs have low power jets and the observational window too traces the emission from low-energy electrons, thereby leading to low ? m. In both FSRQs and BL Lacs predominantly a bluer when brighter behaviour was observed. No correlation is found between ? m and black hole mass. 2020 The Author(s) Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Astronomical Society -
Migrant labour and mobile sensibilities
[No abstract available] -
Migrants and homelessness: Life on the streets in urban India
There has been division and segregation of urban spaces and homeless migrants highlighting urbanization's contradiction. Despite being unseen, they make up a sizable portion of urban population. Being homeless in the city is a case of minimum citizenship, devoid of the right to the city, and is subject to ongoing violence. The expanding claim for the citizen's right to various public areas like pathways, pavements, and parks challenges their very existence on the streets and sidewalks (where they live). How do they perceive the hatred and disinterest of the wealthier classes? What uneasiness does the politics being played out in the name of locals against migrants create? The study will also examine the country's approach to the homeless, including their access to housing and sources of income. The Indian government has taken some steps to address homelessness among migrant workers, including providing financial assistance and setting up temporary shelters. Still, more needs to be done to address the root causes of this issue and ensure that migrant workers have access to safe and affordable housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This chapter plans to investigate issues, including how frequently migrants who are homeless experience violence and humiliation. It would analyze the macromicro paradox of the dynamics of migration. As the invisibleness and neglect of migrants frequently coincide with a widespread belief that migration must be reduced, this has obvious policy implications and implications for the inclusive growth model. In addition to that, this chapter has analyzed the country's policies on the homeless and their livelihood. The data was collected from secondary sources, and extensive study was conducted on various literature available from multiple databases. 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved. -
Migration in India: Questions of social exclusion /
International Research Journal Of Social Sciences, Vol.4, Issue 4, pp.87-91, ISSN No: 2319-3565. -
Migration to bangalore : A study of return migration of IT professionals
Bengaluru, Karnataka, is widely known as India s Silicon Valley and an important centre for Information Technology (IT). It is also one of the fastest growing cities in India. Migration to the city has contributed to its growth and this study has focussed on the phenomenon of return migration with specific reference to the return migration of IT professionals to Bengaluru. The main newlineobjectives of the study were to explore some of the factors underlying return migration in general and return migration to Bengaluru in particular, to examine the reasons underlying the decision to migrate, to examine the process of return migration, to describe transnationalism in the context of this return migration and to observe the experience of being back home This study used mixed methods and adopted concurrent triangulation to analyse and interpret the data in the study of the research problem. The framework adopted by Lee was also used to understand the factors that influence the decision to migrate within a broader theoretical framework to study return migration. The researcher explored the factors that influenced the decision to return which were an outcome of the push factors operating from the place of origin and the pull factors operating in the place of destination, India and Bengaluru in this case, both sets of which relate to the socio-cultural, economic and political realms. The newlineresearcher examined the factors that operated as push factors in the host country as well as those that operated as pull factors upon professionals working in the IT sector in the context of return migration to Bengaluru.According to the study, the pull factors being exercised from the city of newlineBengaluru were more relevant in terms of the forces underlying the decision to move. Bengaluru s reputation as a technopole or a high tech cluster has contributed largely to the way in which the migrants have been drawn to the city. -
Migration, threats to identity and diminishing human dignity /
RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary, Vol.5, Issue 2, pp.49-52, ISSN No. 2455-3085. -
Millets Industry Dynamics: Leveraging Sales Projection and Customer Segmentation
Millets delves into the dynamics of the millets industry, with a particular focus on sales projection and customer segmentation as strategic levers for growth. The research commences with an in-depth analysis of the millets market, encompassing production patterns, consumption trends, and emerging market opportunities. It explores the diverse range of millets varieties, their nutritional profiles, and the factors driving consumer preference. By understanding the market landscape, the study identifies key trends and challenges shaping the industry. A core component of this research is the development of a robust sales projection model. Employing advanced statistical and data-driven techniques, the model forecasts future sales based on historical data, market trends, and relevant economic indicators. The model incorporates factors such as consumer demographics, purchasing behavior, and competitive landscape to provide accurate and actionable insights. Customer segmentation is another critical aspect of the study. By applying clustering and profiling methodologies, the research identifies distinct customer segments based on factors such as age, income, dietary preferences, and purchasing habits. This segmentation enables a deeper understanding of customer needs and preferences, facilitating targeted marketing strategies and product development. The integration of sales projection and customer segmentation empowers businesses to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall market performance. By aligning product offerings and marketing efforts with customer segments, companies can achieve higher customer satisfaction, increased market share, and improved profitability. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the millets industry by providing valuable insights into market dynamics, sales forecasting, and customer segmentation. The findings offer practical guidance for industry stakeholders, including farmers, processors, retailers, and policymakers, in navigating the evolving millets landscape. By leveraging the potential of sales projection and customer segmentation, the millets industry can unlock new opportunities and achieve sustainable growth. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024. -
Mind and Nature: Study on Mental Health, Nature Connectedness, Pro-Nature Conservation Behaviors and Geographical Green Cover among Indian Adults
For centuries the relation between mind and nature has been represented through literature, songs and cultural traditions. However with increasing urgency of the climate crisis and the corresponding growing distance between humans and nature, we find very limited scientific work exploring their relationship, which could perhaps help re-bridge the connection between the two. A significant, yet not directly observable, and often overlooked impact of the climate crisis is its impact on mental health. This study looks at this relationship in the Indian context, through a relatively unexplored perspective, by investigating the effects of nature connectedness (NC), pro-nature conservation behaviours (ProCoB) and geographical green cover (GGC) on mental health (MH) among middle-aged adults residing in India, and the existing inter-relationships. 180 middle-aged Indian adults, selected through purposive and snowball sampling, from across 21 states and 2 Union Territories (UTs), were administered questionnaires through a Google form. Their data was collected and scored, and the GGC was calculated for each state/ UT from the India State of Forest Report 2021. Correlation and Regression analysis were conducted on the scores using SPSS. A positive and statistically significant correlation exists between the variables NC, ProCoB and MH; NC, MH and GGC; and NC and ProCoB. NC and ProCoB predict MH. Gardening also predicts MH. The findings are new and contribute to the field of Environmental Psychology. It provides a scientific basis for the often romanticized relationship between man and nature as found in literature. It has great implications for the future, such as increasing awareness and understanding, and planning interventions to improve both environment and wellbeing. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. Sundeep Katevarapu, Dr. Anand Pratap Singh, Dr. Priyanka Tiwari, Ms. Akriti Varshney, Ms. Priya Lanka, Ms. Aankur Pradhan, Dr. Neeraj Panwar, Dr. Kumud Sapru Wangnue; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Mind of a portfolio investor: Which strategies should I use as a basis for my investment decisions
It is smart for investors to plan for a drop that may be accompanied by a recession in the late stages of a bull market. The authors examine a variety of passive and active strategies, as well as their success in different crises. However, while choosing the best of strategies in the worst of circumstances, investors must be cautious in defining 'best.' It's critical to comprehend not only the long-term performance but also the whole cost of putting various preventive measures in place. The authors analyse popular strategies like technical analysis, fundamental analysis, relying on financial news, seeking professional advice, tips from trade experts, and self-intuition while making portfolios. Our findings indicate that every investment is unique. Some defensive methods will be more effective than others in each case. As a result, diversification across several viable strategies may be the wisest course of action. 2023, IGI Global. All rights reserved.