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Cyberfraud knows no boundaries and increases with the emergence of technology adoption. The remarkable rise of cybercrime and its catastrophic consequences pose a significant threat to financial institutions in India. Existing literature proves that banks are most affected among other sectors due to their resilience on the Internet, particularly e-Banking platforms. This study incorporates cybersecurity knowledge and awareness with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine the association to usage intention among e-Banking users in India. Co-variance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) was used to analyse the sample size of 428 responses. The findings suggested that e-Banking users' cybersecurity knowledge and awareness positively influence e-Banking usage intention. Users' behavioural protection is influenced by knowledge and awareness. It was also observed that cybersecurity knowledge, awareness, and behavioural choice protection were consistent with TAM theory. Emerging cyberfraud has become a significant challenge in accepting e-banking platforms. The structural model suggests that cybersecurity awareness among e-Banking users against cyberfraud could help safeguard users' bank accounts and positively influence usage intention. Cybersecurity awareness must be taught to e-Banking users to counter rising cyberfraud incidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient wastewater treatment, particularly the removal of heavy metal ions, remains a challenging priority in environmental remediation. This study introduces a novel sandwich-structured nanocomposite, RGO-CuS-PPy, composed of reduced graphene oxide (RGO), copper sulfide (CuS), and polypyrrole (PPy), synthesized via a straightforward hydrothermal method. The unique combination of RGO, CuS, and PPy offers enhanced adsorption capacity for Ni(II) ions due to RGO's high surface area and CuS's active binding sites, supported by PPy's structural stability contributions. This study is among the first to explore this specific nanocomposite architecture for Ni(II) removal, achieving an adsorption capacity of 166.67 mg/g and a high removal efficiency of 94.9% within 210 min for 55 mg/L of Ni(II) concentration at pH 6 and adsorbent dose of 3 mg/15 mL. The kinetic analysis shows the best fitted time-dependent experimental data with the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption. Isotherm studies confirmed the Langmuir model as the best fit, yielding a high monolayer adsorption capacity of 166.67 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis shows the adsorption process was endothermic (ΔH° = 80.23 kJ/mol) and spontaneous (ΔG° ranging from −6.985 to −14.399 kJ/mol). Additionally, reusability tests using 0.1 M HCl for desorption demonstrated good reusability, emphasizing the RGO-CuS-PPy nanocomposite's potential as a sustainable adsorbent for Ni(II) removal in wastewater treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective wastewater treatment remains a critical challenge, especially when dealing with hazardous pollutants like antimony (Sb(III)). This study addresses this issue by using innovative nanocomposites to remove Sb(III) ions from water, while simultaneously repurposing the spent adsorbents for energy storage applications. We developed reduced graphene oxide-NiFe2O3-SiO2-polyindole nanocomposites (RGO-NiFe2O3-SiO2-PIn NCs) via a hydrothermal synthesis method, achieving a high removal efficiency of 91.84% for Sb(III) ions at an initial concentration of 50 mg/L at pH 8. After adsorption, the exhausted adsorbent was repurposed for energy storage, effectively minimizing secondary pollution. The Sb(III)-loaded adsorbent (RGO-NiFe2O3-SiO2-PIn@SbOx) exhibited excellent performance as an energy storage material, with a specific capacitance (Cs) of 701.36 F/g at a current density of 2 A/g and a retention rate of 80.15% after 10,000 cycles. This dual-purpose approach not only advances wastewater treatment technologies but also contributes to sustainable and economical recycling practices, particularly in the field of energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiently treating wastewater, particularly the elimination of heavy metal ions from water systems, continues to be one of the most pressing and complex challenges in modern environmental management. In this work, reduced graphene oxide coupled silver molybdate binary nanocomposites (RGO-Ag2MoO4 NCs) have been prepared via hydrothermal method. The crystalline nature and surface properties of the developed RGO-Ag2MoO4 NCs were proved by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDS techniques. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that the nanocomposites (NCs) effectively removed Pb(II) ions within 120 min, achieving a maximum removal efficiency ranging from 94.96% to 86.37% for Pb(II) concentrations between 20 and 100 mg/L at pH 6. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second order model. Isotherm analysis presented that the Langmuir model provided the greatest fit for the equilibrium data, with a monolayer adsorption capacity of 128.94 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The results of this study highlight RGO-Ag2MoO4 NCs as a highly promising and eco-friendly material for the effective elimination of Pb(II) ions from wastewater. Their strong adsorption capacity, coupled with sustainable properties, makes them an efficient solution for addressing lead contamination, offering significant potential for practical applications in water treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability has become a top priority in today's corporate climate due to growing environmental concerns and social pressure for moral behavior. Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration offers a revolutionary path toward accomplishing sustainability objectives, building resilience, and guaranteeing long-term viability. This chapter delves into the many ways that artificial intelligence (AI) might improve corporate sustainability. It clarifies the ways in which AI technology can be used to build adaptable and resilient businesses. The talk opens with a summary of sustainability in the business world, highlighting the main obstacles and chances that businesses must overcome in order to pursue sustainable development. It draws attention to how urgently creative solutions for waste minimization, resource management, and moral supply chain procedures are needed. In this sense, artificial intelligence (AI) shows itself to be a potent instrument that may improve decision-making, optimize operations, and promote a sustainable culture. The chapter explores particular AI uses that support long-term commercial viability. These include AI-driven insights for sustainable supply chain management, machine learning algorithms for waste reduction and recycling, and predictive analytics for effective resource usage. Businesses may significantly increase operational efficiency and lessen their environmental impact by utilizing big data and sophisticated analytics. In order to demonstrate how AI may help mitigate the effects of climate change, its potential to drive energy efficiency through smart grid technology and real-time energy management systems is also explored. The strategic implications of integrating AI for company resilience are also covered in this chapter. It emphasizes how crucial AI is to improving adaptive capacity and helping firms more efficiently foresee and react to crises. The chapter illustrates how AI-driven innovations have helped firms overcome obstacles brought on by shifting customer expectations, environmental changes, and economic instability through case studies and actual data. But there are difficulties in integrating AI for sustainability. The chapter discusses ethical issues such as algorithmic biases, data privacy, and the socioeconomic effects of AI use. It asks for a well-rounded strategy to guarantee that the advantages of AI are dispersed fairly and in line with larger social ideals. The emphasis is on the necessity of strong governance frameworks and moral principles to direct the use of AI and guarantee the openness, accountability, and inclusivity of AI-driven sustainability projects. This chapter concludes by arguing that AI has the enormous potential to transform corporate sustainability by promoting adaptation and resilience in the face of new obstacles. Businesses may improve their sustainability performance and obtain a competitive advantage in a market where consumers are becoming more conscientious by adopting AI technology. The chapter promotes an aggressive, all-encompassing strategy for integrating AI that combines scientific advancement with the ideas of sustainable development. A resilient and sustainable future will be shaped by enterprises' strategic alignment of AI with sustainability objectives as they set out on this revolutionary path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coating materials Polyaniline (PANi), Polyaniline-TiO2, and Chitosan-Polyaniline-TiO2 ternary nanocomposite (CPT) were separately synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization with ammonium persulphate as an oxidant in a hydrochloride aqueous medium. The synthesized materials were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The FT-IR and XRD result adequately established the interaction between chitosan, PANi, and TiO2 NPs. Microstructural studies revealed significant variation in the morphologies of PANi, PANi-TiO2, and chitosan-polyaniline-TiO2 nanocomposite and embedment of TiO2 NPs in the polymer matrix. The coating materials PANi, PANi-TiO2, and CPT were mixed with epoxy resin (10%) and subsequently, cast on low carbon steel (LCS) using NMP as solvent and triethyl tetra amine as curing agent. The anti-corrosion properties of coated specimens in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was evaluated using EIS studies, PDP, Salt spray test, water uptake test, immersion test, and SEM. Results of corrosion tests revealed superior corrosion protection offered by CPT ternary nanocomposite coating to LCS in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution compared to PANi and PANi-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of heavy metals with high acute toxicity in wastewater poses a substantial risk to both the environment and human health. To address this issue, we developed a nanocomposite of alginate-encapsulated polypyrrole (PPy) decorated with α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (Alg@Mag/PPy NCs), fabricated for the removal of mercury(II) from synthetic wastewater. In the adsorption experiments, various parameters were examined to identify the ideal conditions. These parameters included temperature (ranging from 298 to 323 K), initial pH levels (ranging from two to nine), interaction time, amount of adsorbent (from 8 to 80 mg/40 mL), and initial concentrations (from 10 to 200 mg/L). The results of these studies demonstrated that the removal efficiency of mercury(II) was obtained to be 95.58% at the optimum pH of 7 and a temperature of 303 K. The analysis of adsorption kinetics demonstrated that the removal of mercury(II) adhered closely to the pseudo-second-order model. Additionally, it displayed a three-stage intraparticle diffusion model throughout the entire adsorption process. The Langmuir model most accurately represented equilibrium data. The Alg@Mag/PPy NCs exhibited an estimated maximum adsorption capacity of 213.72 mg/g at 303 K, surpassing the capacities of most of the other polymer-based adsorbents previously reported. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that the removal of mercury(II) from the Alg@Mag/PPy NCs was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. In summary, this study suggests that Alg@Mag/PPy NCs could serve as a promising choice for confiscating toxic heavy metal ions from wastewater through adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing is an advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) method for developing thermoplastic-based parts. Researchers studied FDM-based 3D printing of PLA with whole biomass and biomass resources such as lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. These composites are environmentally friendly, sustainable and have wide applications in healthcare. There is scope for developing the 3D printing of biocomposite with medical surgical cotton fabric, where PLA is unique for such manufacturing. The development and characterisation of FDM 3D printed medical surgical cotton fabric- PLA biocomposite is the primary objective of this work. Experimental methods used for the development of biocomposites involve the use of three types of cotton fabric of pore sizes 0.6 mm x 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm x 0.8 mm, and 1.0 mm x 1.0 mm with three different 3D printing pore sizes 0.5 mm x 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm x 1.0 and 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm. The development of biocomposites is found feasible. Breaking strength, percentage extension, and water absorption capacity increased in 3D printing pore sizes and pore wall width for each fabric. The maximum 235.40 N and minimum 123.20 N breaking strength, maximum 2.288 % and minimum 1.506 % extension, and maximum 7.63 % and minimum 3.57 % absorption capacity have been observed for the developed biocomposite. The behaviours of these biocomposites are adequate for healthcare applications and may be used as a bandage in wound healing. The present work is limited to the feasibility study of the unique biocomposite. Analysis of other properties and testing of biocomposite on animals and humans may be carried out in future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nano-scale Artemisia absinthium extract-silver nanoparticles composite (AAE-AgNPs) was biosynthesised and tested as a novel, eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel (MS) in 1M HCl. AAE-AgNPs was characterised using FTIR, UV–visible, XRD, DLS, and TEM techniques. UV–Vis determined the SPR signal of AgNPs at 408 nm while XRD defined the lattices planes (111), (200), (220), and (311) corresponding to FCC structure of AgNPs. DLS and TEM confirmed the integration of AgNPs in the extract. Corrosion inhibition efficiency (I.E) of AAE-AgNPs composite was evaluated engaging gravimetric, PDP, and EIS techniques. The gravimetric analysis was conducted over temperatures 30 °C–60 °C, and it revealed that AAE-AgNPs composite exhibited highest I.E of 93.74% at 30 °C at a concentration of 500 ppm. EIS results revealed the formation of an inhibitive barrier film between MS and 1 M HCl, while PDP analysis described that AAE-AgNPs is behaving as a mixed type inhibitor, i.e. it is controlling both anodic dissolution of MS and cathodic evolution of H2. Values of ΔGads obtained near −20 kJ mol−1 indicate that physisorption is the most likely scenario of adsorption. FTIR and UV–Vis studies predicted the interaction occurring between MS and AAE-AgNPs while SEM established improved surface morphology of MS in inhibited medium and appearance of O and Ag peak at 3 KeV under EDAX spectrum confirmed the formation of adsorbed inhibitive film of AAE-AgNPs on MS. Artemisia absinthium -silver nanoparticles composite (AAE-AgNPs) was synthesised and characterised by UV, FTIR, XRD, DLS, and TEM AAE-AgNPs was investigated as effective inhibitor by WL, EIS, PDP, FTIR, UV, and SEM/EDAX techniques AAE-AgNPs proved an efficient green inhibitor exhibiting inhibition efficiency of 93.74% at 500 ppm Conducted Immersion and TGA study displayed the biochemical and thermal stability of AAE-AgNPs The adsorption of AAE-AgNPs on MS conformed to Langmuir adsorption isotherm model [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the green synthesis of novel ZrO2-Glycine nanocomposite referred to as ZrO2-Gly NC followed by its characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, SEM/EDX, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Further, the inhibition effect of the varying concentration of ZrO2-Gly NC on the corrosion of mild steel (MS) in 1 M HCl was investigated by weight loss and electrochemical measurements at 40–80 °C. The percentage inhibition efficacy of NC increased with the increase of concentration and temperature and reached about 81.01% at 500 ppm at 70 °C which decreased at 80 °C and exhibited 73.5% inhibition efficiencies. According to the polarization measurements, the investigated ZrO2-Gly NC works as a mixed-type inhibitor with predominantly inhibiting cathodic reaction. Also, the adsorption isotherm analysis indicated that the adsorption was spontaneous and followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Furthermore, the contact angle measurement revealed the water-repelling property of the investigated inhibitor. The surface morphological study via SEM–EDS micrograph affirmed the appearance of a smooth surface in presence of inhibited media suggesting the formation of protective film by the adsorption of ZrO2-Gly NC on the surface of the MS even at higher temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being part of the national capital region of India, the Sonipat district of Haryana has undergone significant industrialization and urbanization through the decade. As a result, the risk of having groundwater pollution in the area is high. Major Ion concentration (Fluoride, Sulfate, and Nitrate), Heavy metal (Iron, Manganese) and Uranium concentration has been reported above the permissible limit assigned by BIS & WHO for drinking water at many locations. Therefore, Groundwater vulnerability mapping for the shallow aquifers of the district has been carried out using a GIS-based DRASTIC model to assess vulnerability to pollution. The model also considers the region's hydrogeological conditions. To analyze the anthropogenic influence, the DRASTIC model has been extended by integrating land use land cover data from the district. The findings reveal that the degree of susceptibility has increased. The improved DRASTIC model was validated using water quality parameters (F−, SO42−, and NO3−) whose concentrations are over the maximum limit in some locations. The result synchronizes with the model to a greater extent. The modified DRASTIC model thereby gives an insight into the effects of human intervention along with the hydrogeological setting have on groundwater vulnerability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the green synthesis of novel ZrO2-Glycine nanocomposite referred to as ZrO2-Gly NC followed by its characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, SEM/EDX, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Further, the inhibition effect of the varying concentration of ZrO2-Gly NC on the corrosion of mild steel (MS) in 1 M HCl was investigated by weight loss and electrochemical measurements at 40–80 °C. The percentage inhibition efficacy of NC increased with the increase of concentration and temperature and reached about 81.01% at 500 ppm at 70 °C which decreased at 80 °C and exhibited 73.5% inhibition efficiencies. According to the polarization measurements, the investigated ZrO2-Gly NC works as a mixed-type inhibitor with predominantly inhibiting cathodic reaction. Also, the adsorption isotherm analysis indicated that the adsorption was spontaneous and followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Furthermore, the contact angle measurement revealed the water-repelling property of the investigated inhibitor. The surface morphological study via SEM–EDS micrograph affirmed the appearance of a smooth surface in presence of inhibited media suggesting the formation of protective film by the adsorption of ZrO2-Gly NC on the surface of the MS even at higher temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal pollution due to the untreated city sewage, power plants and other industries is observed as a major cause of interference in riverine ecosystem in recent years. Current study is done to quantify the effect of thermal pollution on the growth of zooplankton, especially confined in the Shahjahanpur stretch of Garrah river of Uttar Pradesh, India. There was a significant decrease in abundance and diversity of zooplankton; which was observed parallel to the decrease in DO and dissolved CO2 level, caused by the thermal pollution. As per the current observation there is an emergent need to check the level of thermal pollution by pretreatment of thermal power plants, city sewage and industries effluents to check the loss of biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cost effective and facile sol–gel method is used to synthesize graphene oxide (GO)/Mn3O4 nanocomposite (NC). The synthesized materials (GO and GO/Mn3O4 nanocomposite) were analyzed using different characterization techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of Mn3O4 nanoparticles incorporated in the synthesized GO matrix. The stretching and bending vibrational modes corresponding to various functional groups (–OH, C–H, C–C, etc.) present in the FTIR spectra of the synthesized nanocomposite. The microstructural studies have been carried out through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) that revealed the layered morphology of GO and uniform size distribution of Mn3O4 nanoparticles over the GO layers. UV–visible measurement indicates a red shift in the GO/Mn3O4 nanocomposite absorption edge as compared to the GO and associated band gap reduced from 4.46 eV (GO) to 2.95 eV (GO/Mn3O4) attributed to the π–π non-covalent electrostatic interactions. The electrochemical study revealed a high specific capacitance of GO/Mn3O4 nanocomposite as compared to GO sheets, making it suitable candidate for supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene polyindole (Gr@PIn) nanocomposite with varying content of graphene was synthesized via an in‐situ redox polymerization doping technique. The techniques like FT‐IR, XRD, SEM, and TEM were utilized to characterize the produced nanocomposites. The produced nanocomposites were cast on LCS (low carbon steel) substrate employing NMP as a solvent, 10% epoxy as a binder, and triethylenetetramine as a curing agent. The anti‐corrosion ability of the Gr@PIn nanocomposite coatings was established by performing corrosion tests such as OCP, EIS, PDP measurements, Salt spray test, and Wettability test. Gr@PIn coating was observed as an effective anti‐corrosion coating for LCS substrate in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. The anticorrosion behavior of coating was dependent on graphene content; the higher content of graphene providing higher protection. The anticorrosion performance of Gr@PIn nanocomposite coating was also compared with that of Polyindole (PIn) coating and bare steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline undoped and chromium doped (2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a simple acid-modified sol–gel method. Influence of chromium (Cr) doping on the microstructural, electrical, optical, and photocatalytic properties was studied using various analytical techniques viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), two-probe resistivity measurement and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement of the XRD data reveals single phase, anatase crystal structure of the NPs in tetragonal symmetry with space group I41/amd. FTIR spectra demonstrate various functional groups and ensure anatase phase of all the samples. TEM images exhibit a significant change in the shape, size and morphology of the NPs on Cr incorporation in TiO2. Temperature-dependent resistivity measurements indicate the semiconducting nature of the samples and obey Arrhenius behaviour based on the mechanism of thermally activated conduction. A red shift in the UV–visible absorption spectra is noted on Cr doping, associated with the decrease in band gap from 3.1 eV for an undoped sample to 2.5 eV for an 8% Cr doped sample. Photoluminescence spectra signify that the dopant ions alter the density of oxygen vacancies that directly influence the electron–hole recombination rate. The photocatalytic performance is studied with regard to the degradation of chromophoric dyes, namely, rhodamine B and methylene blue under visible light illumination, revealing an increase in the photocatalytic activity with 82.2% and 73.4% degradation of the dyes after 120 min for the 6% Cr doped sample. This significant enhancement in the photocatalytic activity is attributed to the ease in the electron and hole separation by trapping sites produced due to Cr ions and oxygen vacancies. These observed results suggest that the Cr doped TiO2 NPs can be considered efficient photocatalysts with the advantage to tune the electronic structure and optical properties for possible applications in waste water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential to bias chemical reaction pathways is a significant goal for physicists and material researchers to design revolutionary materials. Recently, two-dimensional materials have appeared as a promising candidate for exploring novel catalyst activity in organic reaction. In this context, herein we report an easy and efficient synthesis of substituted benzodiazepines in high yields through the graphene-based mesoporous TiO2 nanocomposite (Gr@TiO2 NCs) catalyst. To validate the merits of the Gr@TiO2 NCs as a catalyst, we have also designed TiO2 nanoparticle (NPs) under similar conditions. Successful comprehension realization of Gr@TiO2 NCs and TiO2 NPs were concluded from the XRD, SEM, HR-TEM, EDS elemental mapping, FT-IR, Raman, UV-Vis and TGA analysis. Gr@TiO2 NCs has the propitious catalyst performance (~98%) over the TiO2 NPs (~77%), which could be scrutinized in terms of graphene support toward the TiO2 NPs and enable the large contact area between graphene and TiO2 NPs. Incorporated graphene maintaining TiO2 as a catalytically active and attracting electron to site isolation, as well as protecting TiO2 from oxidative degradation during the reaction. Moreover, the role of graphene is suggested to prolonged reaction duration, yield and unaltered throughout the reaction because of the π-π interaction between graphene and TiO2 NPs. Additionally, the catalyst is recycled by filtration and reprocessed six times without having a significant loss in its catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers have been used as a main tool to control the drug release rate from the formulations and for its taste masking ability. Polymers were synthesized using 4-vinyl pyridine (4-VP), 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methacrylic acid (MA), and methyl methacrylate (MMA) using free radical chain growth polymerization in microwave synthesis system. Characterization of polymers was done on various parameters of viscosity, solubility, molecular weight etc. The result revealed that the synthesized polymers are able to mask the taste of some bitter drugs like Cefuroxime axetil (CA), Cefpodoxime proxetil (CP) and Cefixime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was taken up with the objective to synthesize graphene-zinc oxide nano particles (NPs) nanocomposite (Gr@ZnO-Nc) via In-situ synthesis method. The structural, optical, thermal, electrical and photocatalytic properties of the synthesized Gr@ZnO-Nc were studied. The characterization data confirmed that the ZnO NPs were successfully incorporated into the graphene sheets. Further, TGA/DTA results exhibited an enhanced thermal stability of the Gr@ZnO-Nc compared with the graphene. The Gr@ZnO-Nc, graphene sheets were uniformly wrapped by ZnO NPs, which can protect graphene and delay their oxidation in air. The synthesized Gr@ZnO-Nc was used for the efficient photodegradation of a carcinogenic methyl orange (MO) dye. The results exhibited promising photodegradation of the MO dye under UV light irradiation through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The promising effect of Gr@ZnO-Nc on the photodegradation properties was conferred by the large surface area which increased adsorption capacity, and the strong electron transfer ability. Thus, it is encouraging to conclude that the synthesized Gr@ZnO-Nc has environmental significance with its utility in remediation in the hazardous MO dye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helminth parasites of veterinary importance cause huge revenue losses to agrarian economy worldwide. With the emergence of drug resistance against the current formulations, there is a need to focus on the alternative approaches in order to control this menace. In the present study, biocompatible zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were used to see their in vitro effect on the biliary amphistomes, Gigantocotyle explanatum, infecting Bubalus bubalis because these nanoparticles are involved in generation of free radicals that induce oxidative stress, resulting in disruption of cellular machinery. The ZnO NPs were synthesized by using egg albumin as a biotemplate and subsequently characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction and Spectrophotometrical, which showed that ZnO NPs were highly purified wurtzite type polycrystals, with a mean size of 16.7 nm. When the parasites were treated with lower concentrations (0.004% and 0.008%) of the ZnO NPs, the worms mounted a protective response by stimulating the antioxidant system but the treatment of G. explanatum with 0.012% ZnO NPs produced significant inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p< 0.05) and glutathione S- transferase (GST) (p<0.01), while the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation marker, was significantly (p< 0.01) elevated. SEM and histopathology revealed pronounced tegumental damage showing the disruption of surface papillae and the annulations, particularly in the posterior region near acetabulum. The under expression of a number of polypeptides, loss of worm motility in a time dependent manner, further reflect strong anthelmintic potential of ZnO NPs. It can be concluded that the anthelmintic effect might be due to the production of reactive oxygen species that target a variety of macromolecules such as nucleic acid, protein and lipids which are involved in different cellular processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]