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Global warming and environmental pollution triggered by CO2 emission are the two critical challenges facing humankind. There is a need to focus science and technology pursuits to tackle these issues to restore the Earth's health and provide a sustainable future for the next generations. In this regard, many techniques and advanced nanomaterials have been extensively studied to capture CO2 emissions from large industries and many other sources. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials like metal sulphides (MoS2), carbon-based materials including g-C3N4, graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) etc., have become the most promising nanomaterials to capture the CO2 in a significant way. More importantly, the hybrids of MoS2, g-C3N4, carbonaceous nanomaterials have emerged as attractive candidates for CO2 capture and its reduction into clean and low-carbon fuels and valuable chemical feedstock sustainable and intermittent renewable energy sources of sunlight and electricity through the heterogeneous photo(electro)catalysis. Hence, in this chapter, we focused on this important type of 2D nanomaterial (NMs) for CO2 capture by photocatalysis, photo(electro)catalysis to convert into clean fuels and value-added chemicals.

Ternary nanohybrids based on mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (g-C

Now a day’s contribution of Electronic banking towards economic development plays a crucial role in developing countries like India. Banks are no longer restricted to traditional banking rather it is shifted to the virtual banking system. Customers are experiences more feasible in banking operations because of Information technology. The banks are adopting IT-enabled tools and techniques for banking operations which improve in offering quality service to the customers. In traditional banking customers has to visit bank branches to avail banking services. Now with the ATMs, Internet banking, Mobile banking and Information Technology-enabled services are replacing the traditional method of service. In the recent days banks are concentrating on value-based service through E-banking. The present study throws a light on the growth of Electronic banking and its product which are used in the banking sector. Keywords: Electronic banking, Economic development, ATMs, Informational technology.

Abrasive waterjet technology is favored over solid cutting tools for cutting of multi-layered structures in view of its non-contact nature and its ability to cut a wide range of materials. However, the stochastic nature of abrasive water jet (AWJ) interacting with a multi-layered structure (MLS) produces a non-uniform kerf geometry. This non-uniformity depends on the characteristics of jet i.e. jet energy, the duration of interaction of jet with the material, and the nature of material exposed to the jet during cutting. This paper attempts to cover a study that systematically analyses the geometry of kerf generated in MLS and a stack of multiple materials with each material having different mechanical properties. It also covers a study to analyse the role of interfacial adhesive layer on kerf profile variation, and the preferential orientation of multi-layered structure and stacked materials, with its top layer, having an appropriate mechanical resistance (MR), in order to arrive at a strategy to present the structure or a stack of materials to AWJs for producing near uniform kerf profile. Hence, AWJ cutting experiments were carried out over a single- and double- layered structures (SLSs, DLSs) with two different materials such as aluminum (Al), mild steel (MS), which showed a completely different kerf geometry when these materials are stacked in different ways. Stacking of these materials in different ways produced kerf of different geometry not only in the materials but also at their interface. This systematic study enabled to suggest the correct presentation of MLS and also a stack of multiple materials with a suitable material in top layer, to AWJ, for producing near uniform kerf in them. Further, this study also suggested several hypotheses like the importance of relative MR of adjoining layers, critical jet traverse rate, pseudo focusing nozzle, and the choice of layer placement in producing near uniform kerf on MLS and a stack of materials, so as to minimize the efforts in post machining of AWJ cut surfaces. Finally, the relevance of the proposed hypotheses was validated by analyzing the kerf formed over MS-rubber-MS and rubber-MS-rubber configured three-layered structure.

Day by day, humans and animals are infected with life-threatening and deadly diseases due to mosquito bites. Current methods used to fight these diseases are not fully viable and unsafe for humans and animals. Controlling the germ-carrying mosquitoes requires the immediate transfer of a conceptual paradigm. This experiment suggested a safe mosquito control mechanism with fluorescence iron-oxide core carbon-coated (f-Fe3O4@C) nontoxic nanoparticles used as an active agent. As the concept of experiment, we chose mosquitoes of Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex genera because they are found worldwide and infect pathogens. The progression of the life cycle of mosquitoes was observed and imaging under the treated known concentration of f-Fe3O4@C nanoparticles. Resulted that a minimum 3 mg/L and above concentration of f-Fe3O4@C nanoparticles in breeding water these group of larvae can’t attend their adulthood and ultimately died under prolong stay in the larval stage. In this case, though the species can be studied for a sustained time the originality of the wild species is lost.

CdS based nanocomposites are well reported for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions because of their favorable band edge potentials. The preparation of well dispersed photocatalyst plays an ...

The Garcinia mangostana Linn, a medicinal plant commonly used in Southeast Asia. The crude extract and isolated metabolites were used to evaluate its potential anti-cancer activity which was compared to methotrexate (MTX) in cervical cancer cell line. The present study involved in using crude mangosteen (CM), γ-mangostin (γ-M), isopropyl mangostin (IPM) and Di-O-methyl mangostin (DMM) against the standard anti-neoplastic drug MTX. Cell viability and cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were assessed. Analysis of DNA fragmentation and clonogenic assay further supports the anti-cancer activity of the drugs in HeLa cells. The IC50 value for CM, γ-M, DMM, IPM and MTX were 13.4µg, 34.84µM, 15.57µM 5.3µM and 16.05µM respectively observed in the present study. This study suggests that the G. mangostana and its derivatives have potential anti-cancer activity an in vitro study in cervical cancer.

Coronavirus (CoVs) is a large family of enveloped, single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses that infect a wide range of vertebrates. They are extensively found in bats and also in many other birds and mammals including humans. SARS-CoV-2 is a global pandemic and originated from Wuhan States of China. The SARS-CoV-2 is more genetically similar to zoonotic SARS-CoV and less similar to MERS-CoV. The viral surface spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor of Type II alveolar cells of the lungs and it appears to be the major portal of entry by this virus. The subsequent activation of the spike protein by transmembrane protease-2 and in addition to lung, ACE-2 is highly expressed in heart followed by kidney and intestinal epithelium. SARS-CoV-2 infects more men than women due to ACE-2 receptor on the cells increased with age and generally it was higher in men than in women. The incubation period for this virus varies from place to place and asystematic symptoms are also commonly seen in infected patients. There are a number of pharmaceuticals already being tried and are in different phase levels of testing, but a better understanding of the underlying pathobiology is required. In this circumstance, this article will briefly review the underlying principle for ACE-2 receptor as a specific target. Despite ACE-2 serving as the portal for infection, the role of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers requires further investigation.

Hydrogen is the prime source of energy with enormous attention in the current research development process as it is safe, clean, eco-friendly, and can be produced from renewable resources through simple catalytic reactions. Scalable production of hydrogen through photocatalysis has been achieved using carbon-modified semiconductors since 2009. In this direction, this review delivers comprehensive understandings into the interface and structural interactions between TiO2 and carbonaceous materials such as carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, activated carbon, graphitic carbon nitride, carbon quantum dots, etc., and their influences toward improving the hydrogen generation activity of these systems. Besides, recently developed carbonaceous materials such as 3-D graphene, carbon nanohorns, and carbon nanocones have also been discussed on their character in the photocatalytic water splitting procedure. In general, the observed improvements in this carbon-modified TiO2 attributed to the synergetic effects, which offer the active migration of charge carriers and reduced recombination rates in the photocatalyst. Finally, highlighting the future perspectives of the carbonaceous materials in photocatalytic applications are concluded.

The investigation standardized the protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L), cultivar ‘Arka Neelkanth’ . Initially the regeneration system was standardized with regeneration medium (MS basal medium supplemented with 8.88 µM BAP + 1.14 µM IAA) by using 10-12 days old cotyledon explants. Transformation of the hevein, a gene responsible for fungal resistance. into cotyledon explants was carried out with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harbouring binary plasmid pGPTV/hevein (Plasmid Gus Plant Transformation Vector) with marker gene neomycin phosphotransferase (npt-II). Transformation efficiency showed a higher percentage in one day pre-cultured explants, infected with bacterial suspension of optical density 0.4 at OD600 nm with 1:1 dilution for 10min and 48hrs co-cultivation on regeneration medium in the dark. Transformed explants were cultured on selection medium. The PCR molecular confirmation of amplified npt-II gene from the genomic DNA of the transformed plant indicates the integration of the hevein gene in the brinjal plant.

Aim While surgeons and robotic companies are key stakeholders involved in the adoption of Robotic Surgery (RS), the public's role is often overlooked. However, given that patients hold ultimate power over their healthcare decisions, public acceptance of RS is crucial. This study aims to identify public understanding, opinions and misconceptions on RS and present solutions to facilitate its wider integration. Method An online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms between February and May 2021 identified the views of UK adults on RS. The data was evaluated using thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, and statistical analysis. Statistical differences in age, gender, education level, and presence in the medical field were also sought. Results 263 responses were obtained, with 216 (82.1%) analysed. Demographic differences provided significantly different results. Participants were relatively uninformed about RS, with a median knowledge score of 4.00(2.00–6.00) on a 10-point likert scale. Fears surrounding increased risk, reduced precision and technological failure were identified, alongside misconceptions on what RS entails, including it being autonomous. However, providing factual information in the survey about RS statistically increased participant comfort (p= Conclusions This study highlights the role of negative and inaccurate public perceptions surrounding RS in impeding its widespread adoption. Greater emphasis must be placed on patient education in RS to mitigate misconceptions and ensure greater diffusion of its benefits

Introduction As an increasing number of specialties have begun to adopt robotic surgery (RS), its prevalence within the NHS is continually rising. This study aims to establish stakeholders’ opinions on the opportunities and challenges of the widespread adoption of RS. Method Participants were recruited through social media platforms such as LinkedIn or via university affiliations and current RS research. Semi-structured interviews of eight surgeons and five company representatives were conducted online. Transcripts were analysed to formulate themes surrounding the opportunities and challenges of RS. Results This study identified six common themes amongst shareholders: Perspective, Ethics, Impact of Robotics, Training, Adoption and Finances. The success rates and quality of results offered by RS make it a recognised future surgical staple amongst interviewees. However, the technology remains a contentious subject amongst surgeons, with many doubting whether the benefits outweigh the costs associated with implementation. Such reservations are further exacerbated by the absence of a formal training pathway. National guidelines are necessary to embed RS within the NHS infrastructure, allowing greater standardisation for patients and surgeons. The importance of patient education to address misconceptions was emphasised. Despite current high costs, robotic technology is forecasted to become cheaper with greater use and increased market competition. Interviewees stressed that responsibility for errors lies with the surgeon, but with the manufacturer for instrument malfunctions. Conclusions This study highlights stakeholders’ views on the opportunities and challenges of RS. The identified themes should form the basis of the proposed recommendations to facilitate a more widespread adoption of RS.

Reusing treated wastewater is an emerging solution to address freshwater scarcity, and surface water contamination faced worldwide. A unique large-scale wastewater recycling project was implemented to replenish groundwater by filling secondary treated wastewater (STW) into existing irrigation tanks in severely drought-hit areas of the Kolar districts of Southern India. This study quantifies the socio-economic impacts of this large-scale indirect groundwater recharge scheme. The changes in areas receiving STW i.e., impacted areas and those areas which did not receive STW i.e., non-impacted areas was studied. Also, pre and post recycling changes were quantified in the Kolar district. The results show that surface water quality meets India's most stringent treated wastewater discharge standards prescribed by the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal. Due to these recycling efforts, significant improvements in groundwater level and quality were found. It was observed that there was a noticeable difference in agricultural cropping areas, seasons, patterns, and production between impacted and non-impacted areas. Post-recycling, farmers tended to cultivate cash and water-intensive crops over less water-intensive crops. During the post-recycling period, livestock and milk production also increased, and in impacted areas, it was significantly higher. Post-recycling, fish production increased and land prices per hectare increased by 118 % in impacted areas. The farmer's net income under flowers and vegetable farming increased by 202 % and 150 % respectively in impacted areas compared to non-impacted areas. Furthermore, this project contributes to a circular economy transition in the water sector, which has economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits. A key recommendation from the outcomes of the study is to draft and implement a policy that encourages the reuse of recycled water for groundwater recharge which in turn will improve the agro-economic system and food security.

Human computer interaction is a fast growing area of research where in the physiological signals are used to identify human emotion states. Now a day, gaming Disorder has become a major source of concern in recent years and has therefore created immense interest among researchers for further study. In this paper, work is carried out to detect the emotional behavior of the subject who involve in online games regularly using Electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is a low cost, high temporal resolution popular tool which can be used for studying addictive behaviors. As a result, EEG will serve as a reliable indicator of the subject's emotional state. In the present work, the training model is for emotion states is done using SEED-IV data base and testing of gamming addiction behavior is done for acquired signals. The spectrogram features are fed to the VGG pre-trained model. The trained model performance of prediction accuracy of 89.54% and testing accuracy of 78.63% on SEED-IV database is obtained. The acquired signals are tested on the trained model and an accuracy of 75% is obtained.

This study aims to show the changes in the properties of clayey soils in the presence of granite stone slurry dust and lime sludge collected from granite block sawing mill and sugar industry, respectively. Clayey soils in this study refer to black cotton soil and red earth. The changes in unconfined compressive strength of clayey soils–optimum granite stone slurry dust composite with curing stabilized with lime sludge and in the presence of sodium salts have been emphasized in this study. The unconfined compressive strength of clayey soils–optimum granite stone slurry dust composite increases marginally in the presence of lime sludge and sodium salts for samples tested immediately. However, the increase in strength was significant with curing. The maximum improvement in the strength has been observed in the presence of NaOH. Scanning electron microscope studies reveal the improvement in the structural behavior of the clayey soil–optimum granite stone slurry dust composite in the presence of lime sludge and sodium salts.

The Present paper is concentrated on the importance of Training and development practices to the growth and profitability of SMMEs in the study area. Through the literature review, it is identified that most of the SMEs are concentrating on the other parts of the management instead of considering training as an important aspect in developing human resources and thereby achieving objectives of the organization. At the same time, some of the organizations are adopted training programs based on the requirement and skills required to perform the job. Therefore, the present study put an effort to identify the changes in the skills of employees in the pre-training and post-training period, the study conducted by taking a few organizations and the employees of those organizations. And proved the effectiveness of training practices on the skills of employees in the study area.

The recent advancement in wireless body area networks (WBAN) plays an important role in remote health care systems. However, these networks are suffering from data security and privacy threats. Lack of anonymous authentication and secure data communication leads to operation failure in WBAN. Computational cost and privacy preservation are the two major hindrances for anonymous authentication in many existing schemes. Therefore, a secure and efficient privacy-preserving anonymous authentication scheme is proposed to provide data security and privacy to the users with low computational and communication cost. The performance analysis and experimental simulation results ensure that our proposed anonymous authentication method outperforms the existing systems in terms of providing data security and privacy with less computational overhead.

Globalization has made banks to use Information Technology in offering banking services to customers, and which made customers in creating high expectations in banking services through electronic mode. Electronic banking services are now considered a new delivery channel for banks in India and which made customers access banking services easily and quickly. The transformation of traditional banking to modern banking is started by using Automatic Teller Machines, Bill Payments, E-Fund Transfer and so on. This made customers easy to do banking activitieseven in their homes and offices at any time. The success of E-banking is largely depended on banker’s commitment and participation of the functioning at all stages and customer acceptance. In this view, the present work has made an attempt to study the customer’s perception of electronic banking services. The survey was conducted to 70 customers of nationalized banks in India. The data has been analyzed using percentages and chi-square tests to ascertain the results of the study.

TiO2 nanoparticles have emerged as prominent heterogeneous photocatalysts for hydrogen (H2) production. But pristine TiO2 suffers from photogenerated charge-carrier recombination and limited absorption towards visible light. Present work is about preparation of economically viable TiO2-graphitic carbon core/shell nanocomposite for hydrogen production via one-pot hydrothermal route. The prepared core/shell catalyst is successful in depriving recombination of photogenerated charge carriers and extending the visible light absorption of TiO2. These improvements resulted in higher H2 production values upto 27.1 mmol g−1 h−1 under optimized conditions.