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Abstract Electrochemical water splitting is a promising approach towards a sustainable and renewable energy source. However, the demand for high anodic potential and sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) restrict the efficiency and feasibility of the water-splitting process. In this quest, transition metal oxides and alloys are considered potential candidates owing to their natural occurrence and high redox potential for OER. However, many associated challenges in their use are still there to be addressed. Here, we designed a new class of bismuth-doped iron oxide on exfoliated graphene oxide by optimizing the metal loading on the conductive support to facilitate the flow of charge during catalysis. The catalytic ability of the synthesized Bi-doped nanocomposites was evaluated in activating the OER under extreme alkaline conditions (1 MKOH). On screening different combinations, 20Bi–Fe2O3@GO was identified as the most efficient and sustainable electrocatalyst even under harsh operating conditions, with an onset potential of 1.48 V and a Tafel slope of 65 mV/dec. The current study offers a new class of Bi-doped electrocatalysts, where the precise doping of Bi and the optimized loading of metal was found the key to achieving low onset potential and high current density to initiate OER. Graphical abstract

Pomegranates comprise bioactive components including polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins, which have demonstrated beneficial health effects. Pomegranates also act as a preventative measure for a variety of ailments, as per the promising results from human trials. Pomegranate juice consumption has shown promising outcomes in clinical trials against various diseases, including diabetes, prostate cancer, and cardiovascular disorders, and could be attributed to the punicalagin content of the juice. Punicalagin, a hydrolyzable tannin, is abundant in pomegranate juice and extracts. This review gives insight into the bioactive potential of punicalagin in the prevention of chronic ailments. The review includes the research conducted on punicalagin during 2010–2024. The origins of punicalagin, its method of action, and its therapeutic potential for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neuroprotection, obesity, and respiratory illnesses are all discussed in this study. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cardioprotective properties of punicalagin have been investigated. Punicalagin reduces inflammation by inhibiting multiple enzymes. Its potential to trigger cancer cell apoptosis may make it anti-cancer. Punicalagin reduces oxidative stress and improves endothelial function, enhancing cardiovascular health. Recent studies have shown that punicalagin has an excellent bioactive as well as therapeutic potential, and it has been suggested as a safe alternative for chemoprevention. As a natural substance, punicalagin shows potential for improving health in several ways. Its therapeutic potential and methods of action, however, need further investigation.

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to explore the relationship between business information, business networking, access to finance and financial performance of social enterprises. It broadens on theoretical threads from the perspective of resource-based view theory and signalling theory. Hypotheses are tested to assess the possible effect of business information, business networking, access to finance as well as financial performance of social enterprises. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by using the standardized questionnaire to collect primary data from a total of 384 owners/directors of social enterprises. Simple random sampling method was applied to select social enterprises functioning in the country. A Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling was applied to examine the data. This study found a positive and significant direct relationship between business information, access to finance, and business networking on financial performance of the social enterprises in Pakistan. The results supported the moderation effect of access to finance on business information and financial performance whereas, access to finance does not have a significant moderation impact between business networking and financial performance. Therefore, this study recommends that social enterprises in Pakistan should provide great emphasis on business networking and business information to introduce financially creative solutions for the societal problems, which are essential for overall wellbeing of different stakeholders of the social enterprises.

Objectives: In Sindh Province, Pakistan, confirmed Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) increased from zero in 2008 to 16 in 2015-2016. To counter this increase, in 2016, we initiated structured CCHF surveillance to improve estimates of risk factors for CCHF in Sindh and to identify potential interventions. Methods: Beginning in 2016, all referral hospitals in Sindh reported all CCHF cases to surveillance agents. We used laboratory-confirmed cases from CCHF surveillance from 2016 to 2020 to compute incidence rates and in a case–control study to quantify risk factors for CCHF. Results: For the 5 years, CCHF incidence was 4.2 per million for the Sindh capital, Karachi, (68 cases) and 0.4 per million elsewhere. Each year, the onset of new cases peaked during the 13 days during and after the 3-day Eid-al-Adha festival, when Muslims sacrificed livestock, accounting for 38% of cases. In Karachi, livestock for Eid were purchased at a seasonal livestock market that concentrated up to 700,000 livestock. CCHF cases were most common (44%) among the general population that had visited livestock markets (odds ratio = 102). Conclusions: Urban CCHF in Sindh province is associated with the general public's exposure to livestock markets in addition to high-risk occupations.

Biomarkers are specific indicators that can be used to authenticate vegetable oils by reflecting unique characteristics such as variety or geographical origin. Biomarkers can originate from the primary components of the vegetable oil itself or from contaminants and trace substances linked to processing methods or adulterants. The review highlights the key findings in the identification of novel biomarkers for vegetable oil authentication. Various analytical techniques have proven effective in distinguishing unique biomarkers associated with specific vegetable oil varieties or geographical origins. The use of biomarkers of vegetable oils and associated contaminants or trace substances offers a comprehensive approach to authentication. However, the identification of novel biomarkers holds immense potential for enhancing food safety, preventing fraud, and safeguarding consumer health in the vegetable oil industry. The ongoing research and advancements in biomarker identification represent a promising avenue for addressing authenticity concerns in vegetable oils.

Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a general-purpose rubber produced from a copolymer of styrene and butadiene. It is used largely in automobile and truck tires. In general, it is considered to be an abrasion-resistant replacement for natural rubber. In this article, we compute a set of recently introduced distance-based topological descriptors namely, Zagreb connection indices and reformulated Zagreb connection indices for the SBR structures. Zagreb indices and Reformulated Zagreb indices were applied to forecast numerous molecular properties through QSAR studies of boiling point, Molar volume and bioactivity. These indices offer a quick and effective measure of molecular complexity and features of their composition resulting in approximate molecular behavior.

Background/Objectives: Reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability secondary to excess-superoxide-driven oxidative stress is central to endothelial dysfunction. Previous studies suggest that phenolic metabolites may improve NO bioavailability, yet limited research is available in response to an inflammatory mediator. Therefore, we assessed the effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and its phenolic metabolites protocatechuic acid (PCA) and vanillic acid (VA) on NO bioavailability in a TNF-α induced inflammatory environment. Methods: Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were supplemented with either C3G, PCA, or VA at 1 μM for 24 h before being stimulated with TNF-α 20 ng/mL for an additional 24 h. Measurements included cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrite concentrations, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and Akt at the mRNA and protein level. Results: Phenolic metabolites did not increase the eNOS expression or nitrite levels in the unstimulated environment; rather, the metabolites mediated NO bioavailability in response to TNF-α induced oxidative stress, with increased viability, eNOS mRNA, phosphorylation, and nitrite levels. Conclusions: Phenolic metabolites, in the presence of TNF-α, can improve NO bioavailability at physiologically relevant concentrations via the Akt-eNOS pathway. This demonstrates that the induction of inflammation is a prerequisite for phenolic metabolites to promote protective properties in endothelial cells by activating the Akt-eNOS pathway.

With its multilayered complexities, Taiwan is not just a contentious issue but a potential flashpoint for war between China and the United States (US). Since 1949, Taiwan’s politics has oscillated between its unique status of UNSC’s permanent membership and veto power to its present status of de facto sovereignty. Despite losing its UN membership in 1971, Taiwan maintains a de facto sovereign status, which can lead to conflict at any moment. China, the US, and Taiwan maintain conflicting views over the future status and resolution of the Taiwan issue. Taiwanese prefer independent and separate identity. China demands Taiwan’s reunification with the mainland. The US pursues an unclear policy of whether, in case of aggression from China on Taiwan, the US would defend Taiwan or not. While there has been relative peace, China’s rapid rise, Taiwan’s preference against unification, declining US deterrence, and ongoing Sino-US major power rivalry increase the likelihood of forceful unification. The US policy of “Strategic Ambiguity”—an acknowledgement of the One-China policy and commitment to Taiwan’s defence—further exacerbates the risk of war over Taiwan. Bibliography Entry Khan, Aamir Hussain. 2024. "Taiwan Dilemma: A Flashpoint for the Global Peace." Margalla Papers 28 (1): 123-140.

The major sustainability concern is food waste, which might be minimized by more effective redistribution of surplus food, supply chain waste management, and sustainable food management. Due to technological and infrastructure issues that require technology application at a wide scale with minimal environmental impact, food waste and food loss occur at all levels of the supply chain. Strategies for food redistribution, recovery, and reuse provide the economy with extra by-products and financial advantages. Because of the complicated relationships between distributors and suppliers, contractual obligations, inaccurate food demand forecasts, and food standards, changing consumption and production patterns at the industry and market levels is difficult. Based on this the objective of the review was to discuss the strategies for reducing food waste and achieving sustainable development goals and the role of different actors in reducing food wastage and in implementing SDGs. Several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to finishing world hunger (SDG 2), ensuring sustainable agriculture (SDG 2), promoting sustainable economic growth (SDG 8), and combating climate change (SDG 13), among others, have been found to depend on reducing the amount of food that is wasted and have destroyed.

The increasing quest for the minimally processed foods and demand for nearly fresh foods from the consumer segment has paved the way for the emergence of Non thermal processing technologies. A significant development in the food and bioprocessing sector is the evolution of cold plasma processing which is renowned for its preservation efficacy and shelf life enhancement of foods. The growing application of cold plasma has expanded its role in the modification of food biomolecules in order to meet the diversified requirements of food industries for varied applications. The previous investigations have shown its proven benefits in the microbial destruction, enzyme inactivation, modification in the polymer matrices for food packaging etc. Cold Plasma processing is a promising candidate with the benefit of minimizing the negative effects of thermal processing to the food matrix particularly to the protein molecules which are prone for denaturation at relatively higher temperatures. Proteins which are the polymers of amino acids are highly valued with commercial importance because of the techno-functional properties they possess along with its nutritional potential. The cold plasma induced modification of proteins are known to enhance the functionality of native proteins by altering the structure-functional relationship. The interaction of cold plasma and its reactive species on the amino acid structure will lead to a functional change in the protein molecule and can propel its application in diverse fields like 3-D printing, novel gel structures formation, thermostable foams and emulsions, improved solubility and enhanced organoleptic property. Considering the growing importance of the process technology, review aims to shed light on the impact of cold plasma processing on the protein modification and its associated molecular understanding with its future path of research. Future scope of considerations along with the challenges are also discussed which need to be taken on priority to get the potential benefit and commercial realization of the technology.

Ozone oxidation leads to the substitution of hydroxyl groups in the starch molecules with carboxyl or carbonyl groups, thereby increasing the degree of substitution. A thorough examination of how ozone treatment impacts the composition of various cereal crops, including wheat, rice, and maize, is provided. This review explores the repercussions of ozone on starch rheology, germination ability, and storage stability.The present review also explores the textural qualities of food products such as bread, noodles, and cakes prepared with ozonized grains. Ozone treatment is found to significantly reduce swelling capacity and solubility of natural starch, and differential scanning calorimetry reveals that the gelatinization and retrogradation temperature profiles of oxidized starches remain comparable to those of native starch. The evidence that ozone treatment holds substantial promise for enhancing the functionality of starch in various applications while simultaneously upholding the essential standards of food safety has also been explained in detail. The findings synthesized in this review shed light on the intricate interplay between ozone and starch, providing valuable insights for both the scientific community and the food industry.

Process Intensification (PI) is a cutting-edge processing technology that uses ground-breaking methods to produce goods more efficiently, more successfully, and with superior quality while consuming less energy and resources. It is a strategy that is gaining popularity for boosting the effectiveness of industrial processing activities. The main objective of PI technique is to hasten, simplify, and reduce the expense of operational procedures. In the food business, process intensification has been recognized as a significant tactic for producing goods that can be considered both sustainable and healthy. It might reduce water and energy use while also raising the calibre of the finished product. PI can be applied to the food processing sector to improve a variety of characteristics, including flavour, texture, shelf life, nutrient content, and food safety. Establishing efficient and cost-effective processes that use less time, effort, as well as additional resources and produce fewer byproducts is made possible by PI. Utilizing this method can promote ecologically friendly processing and lower carbon emissions. This evaluation will concentrate on how intensification of processes has significantly increased food production efficiency while allowing contamination and waste reduction through the application of contemporary processing techniques.

ABSTRACTThe extraction of bioactive compounds from natural food sources through non-conventional novel methods is gaining popularity due to their numerous advantages over conventional methods. In this review article, various extraction methods such as conventional and non-conventional novel methods were discussed with emphasis on green extraction methods. The use of hybrid extraction techniques has an effective and novel method of extraction. The bioactive compounds extracted by such novel techniques have great potential in functional food market, as they are considered as safer. Additionally, with an increasing interest of consumers toward food product, these novel greener technologies would be safer since it has less chemical interference. The outcome of this review will give an idea for appropriate extraction process with better efficiency and eco-friendly, which could be beneficial for extraction industry. Further research is required to validate these green extraction techniques in terms of their safety, consumer acceptability, challenges, and legal feasibility.

Commercial banks in Pakistan have a great potential to improve competitiveness and financial performance through fintech adoption. Therefore, this study aims to assess the impact of fintech adoption on financial performance of commercial banks while emphasizing the moderating role of social influence and mediating role of competitiveness in the banks in Pakistan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with five largest and most reputed commercial banks in Pakistan. Bank employees, particularly bank managers, were chosen as the respondents. The sample size for the study was 367 bank managers selected randomly from the chosen commercial banks. A standardized and structured questionnaire was used to interview the selected respondents to collect primary data. The partial least square structural equation modelling was employed to analyze the data and process the findings of the study. The analysis revealed that 62% of the respondents were male, and nearly 47% were in the age of 40 years and above. The study found a positive and significant impact of fintech adoption on the financial performance of banks. It was also found that social influence had a significant impact on banks’ competitiveness. Moreover, the findings revealed that competitiveness had a significant mediation impact on the increase in fintech adoption and consequently on the financial performance of banks. AcknowledgmentThe authors are thankful to the respondents (i.e., the employees of the selected banks) to participate in the survey without any financial benefit.

Abstract Using Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) technology, companies can upscale their innovation in organizing, managing, and controlling the value chain life cycle. IR4.0 is anticipated to bring challenges and opportunities to developing economies such as Malaysia, but due to its novelty to the Malaysian business community, the concept still needs clarity in its definition for proper understanding and business practice. This paper aims to examine the impact of IR4.0 adoption on Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by analyzing the organizational readiness, relative advantage, compatibility, top management support, government regulation, and competitive pressure, and its relationship with the adoption of IR4.0 to Malaysian SMEs. This study framework is based on the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) and technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework. The study results verified the importance of relative advantage, compatibility, competitive pressure, and top management support as significant predictors of IR4.0 adoption. The study is expected to benefit regulators and business ecosystems in understanding the challenges in implementing IR4.0 in Malaysia and formulating intervention processes and programs for successful IR4.0 adoption.

Climate change-induced heat stress combines two challenges: high day- and nighttime temperatures, and physiological water deficit due to demand-side drought caused by increase in vapor-pressure deficit. It is one of the major factors in low productivity of maize in rainfed stress-prone environments in South Asia, affecting a large population of smallholder farmers who depend on maize for their sustenance and livelihoods. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) maize program in Asia, in partnership with public-sector maize research institutes and private-sector seed companies in South Asian countries, is implementing an intensive initiative for developing and deploying heat-tolerant maize that combines high yield potential with resilience to heat and drought stresses. With the integration of novel breeding tools and methods, including genomics-assisted breeding, doubled haploidy, field-based precision phenotyping, and trait-based selection, new maize germplasm with increased tolerance to heat stress is being developed for the South Asian tropics. Over a decade of concerted effort has resulted in the successful development and release of 20 high-yielding heat-tolerant maize hybrids in CIMMYT genetic backgrounds. Via public–private partnerships, eight hybrids are presently being deployed on over 50,000 ha in South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Natural polymer hydrogels are gaining a lot of interest because of their high biocompatibility, nontoxicity, easy gelation, and functionalization. Polysaccharide-hydrogels, which are employed in a variety of sectors, may alter volume, phase, and structure in response to external stimuli. The delivery technique based on polysaccharides and the release of bioactive substances may have an effect on the gastrointestinal system. The regulated release of bioactive substances encapsulated in core materials is critical in delivering compounds to the target. The releasing property is largely influenced by the polymer's encapsulation efficiency and affinity for bioactive compounds. The most basic method of trapping bioactive compounds inside the polysaccharide hydrogel matrix results in a perfect situation of prolonged and smooth release. The polysaccharide material is readily accessible, and its biocompatibility makes it an excellent active component encapsulation medium. The biochemical phase shift and surface flexibility of the hydrogels in response to external stimuli cause the material to release bioactive components. This study highlights the encapsulation efficiency of diverse polysaccharide hydrogels incorporating different bioactive compounds obtained through various extraction methods, and explores their applicability in various fields.

Carbon-based nanoparticles known as Carbon Dots (CDs) have attracted a lot of interest in the field of cancer therapy because of their special physicochemical characteristics and biocompatibility. They are attractive carriers for drug delivery systems due to their surface functional ability, superior water solubility, and size-dependent fluorescence. CDs are unique in that they have a large surface area, adjustable surface chemistry, and a remarkable ability to carry anticancer medications. Their lower systemic toxicity, regulated drug release, and capacity to get beyond biological barriers have completely changed the way that drugs are delivered. CDs have a variety of uses in the creation of anti-tumor nanodrug conjugates. CDs have been used in combination therapy, a multimodal strategy for cancer treatment that involves co-delivering various medications for synergistic benefits. The incorporation of CDs into anticancerous has-drug conjugates represents a noteworthy progression in the treatment of cancer medication delivery systems have been revolutionized by their capacity to improve medication stability, target specificity, and controlled release, which holds the promise of more effective and customized treatments. This review article deals with the synthesis of carbon dot-mediated nanodrug conjugate and their roles in cancer therapy.

Syzygium aromaticum, commonly called clove, is a culinary spice with medical uses. Clove is utilized in cosmetics, medicine, gastronomy, and agriculture due to its abundance of bioactive components such as gallic acid, flavonoids, eugenol acetate, and eugenol. Clove essential oil has been revealed to have antibacterial, antinociceptive, antibacterial activities, antifungal, and anticancerous qualities. Anti-inflammatory chemicals, including eugenol and flavonoids, are found in clove that help decrease inflammation and alleviate pain. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities of clove oil have made it a popular natural cure for toothaches and gum discomfort. Due to its therapeutic potential, it has been used as a bioactive ingredient in coating fresh fruits and vegetables. This review article outlines the potential food processing applications of clove essential oil. The chemical structures of components, bioactive properties, and medicinal potential of clove essential oil, including phytochemical importance in food, have also been thoroughly addressed.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated at a tertiary care setting. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from July to Dec 2018. Methodology: All the specimens submitted, which yielded the growth of Acinetobacter baumannii, were included in the study. Isolates were confirmed biochemically by using api 20NE. Antimicrobial susceptibility was done using standard procedures and as per CLSI's latest guidelines. Results: Nine thousand nine hundred thirty-one specimens were submitted to the Microbiology Department AFIP for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing during the study period. Amongst these, 1633(16.5%) specimens yielded the growth of different pathogens. Of 1633 culture-positive isolates, 101(6.2%) were identified as Acinetobacter baumannii. Among these,34.6% of the isolates were recovered from respiratory specimens, while 29.7% from pus and pus swab specimens. Minocycline was the most sensitive antibiotic with 59.4% sensitivity, followed by Doxycycline, to which 48.5% of isolates were susceptible. Sensitivity to all other antimicrobials was 24% or less. In vitro, sensitivity to Carbapenems is very low. Conclusion: Acinetobacter baumannii was isolated from 6.2% of specimens submitted for culture and susceptibility testing. Minocycline was the most sensitive antibiotic, followed by Doxycycline. Sensitivity to most of the other antimicrobials was 24% or less. An alarming resistant pattern demands strict infection control practices and judicious use of antibiotics.

Fresh cut fruit is ready to eat and can be taken on the go. Freshly cut apple pieces are perishable and prone to contamination that can damage its quality. In the current investigation, clove essential oil was used to formulate nanoemulsion (NE) in three distinct concentrations, NE-1 (0.1%), NE-2 (0.5%), and NE-3 (1%), which were then incorporated with Sodium Alginate (SA) based coating solution to impart their qualities to the outer surface of apple pieces. Sodium alginate layer helps to extend the shelf life of fruits by reducing moisture loss, inhibiting microbial growth, and protecting against physical damage. Physico-chemical properties of this solution were investigated using Box–Behnken design after it was employed to coat the freshly cut apple pieces and stored at 4 °C for 14 days. The clove essential oil nanoemulsion's average droplet size and Zeta Potential were in the nanometric range. The addition of increasing concentrations of clove nanoemulsion to the alginate coating solution decreased the zeta potential of the colloidal dispersion from −51.0 to −3.02 mV. The average droplet diameter of the edible coatings containing different clove nanoemulsion concentrations (81.04–3342 nm), whereas sodium alginate edible coating solution (SA) was in micrometric range. The Total phenol content and Antioxidant content of CEO based samples were found to be high as 38.9 mg/ml and 79.1% respectively because of bioactive chemicals and essential oil properties. NE-3 coated apple samples were found to more affective compared with the control and SA coated samples in terms of sensory and shelf-life metrics among all the treatments.

Edible crops are composed of macronutrients, micronutrients, and anti-nutritional factors. Anti-nutritional factors can interact with nutrients, resulting in a reduction in the bioavailability of these nutrients. Several methods can be employed to decrease the presence of antinutrient elements, including processing processes like autoclaving, debranding, fermentation, soaking, and germination. The integration of various methodologies has the potential to reduce the presence of antinutrients in food items. Numerous botanical species possess bioactive chemicals that have medicinal properties and serve various additional purposes. Tannins are a class of anti-nutritional compounds that are present in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and tea. The substance possesses a distinctly acrid flavor and can be employed for food preservation, leather production, and as a natural coloring agent. Phytic acid possesses various applications within the realm of the food sector. Further investigation is required to comprehensively comprehend the intricate health implications of ANFs, as well as to devise innovative strategies for mitigating their adverse consequences while preserving their advantageous attributes. The research conducted by ANF exhibits considerable promise and is seeing notable growth, thereby aiding scientists in improving the nutritional value of food and discovering innovative therapeutic solutions.

Moringa has attracted a great deal of scientific attention because of its abundance of bioactive components and the property of nutritional powerhouse. These substances, which include seeds, pods, and leaves, have a significant biological impact on humans. Abundant in vital nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and proteins, moringa is a model of sustained nutrition. It is an environmentally responsible choice because of its eco-friendly cultivation, which is in line with the ideas of sustainable farming. Because of its rich antioxidant content, which includes beta-carotene and vitamin C, moringa provides the body with strong defence against free radicals and oxidative stress. A plant rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, moringa exhibits potential anti-cancer capabilities in addition to its nutritional value. Because of its antibacterial qualities, moringa may be able to fight off harmful infections, which adds to its medical value. Considering these exceptional attributes, thorough research is necessary to fully understand the bioactive potential of moringa and the associated health benefits. This review sheds light on the bioactive qualities of moringa by rigorously examining its health-promoting qualities. It also explores the many uses of moringa in different sectors of the economy, highlighting its multifarious function as a nutritional powerhouse and a source of creative solutions for problems related to health and well-being.

Pickering emulsions are suspensions of droplets of one liquid in another immiscible liquid which are stabilized by solid particles adsorbed at the droplet-liquid interface. The stabilization of emulsion is done by the solid particles that physically prevent droplets from coalescing. It is possible to alter the emulsifying capabilities of starch by expanding its surface area or changing its charge. Pickering emulsions are stabilized by components such as starch, cellulose, or chitosan. Starch based Pickering emulsions are highly biodegradable and have low toxicity. The inclusion of starch assists in the development of more stable and long-lasting emulsions, extending the shelf life of the developed products. Starch stabilized Pickering emulsions can be utilized to encapsulate pharmaceuticals or nutrients for systemic or targeted administration. The potential for controlled release of Pickering emulsions is highlighted in this review when behavior varies in response to environmental factors like temperature, pH, or light. The investigation emphasized Pickering emulsions with biocompatible and biodegradable particles and focused on numerous environmentally friendly and sustainable techniques for making Pickering emulsions, such as using waste or renewable resource-derived particles. The review focuses on the development, characterization, and applications of Pickering emulsions based on biological macromolecules of starch.

Betel leaf extracts were a popular ingredient in food preparation in ancient times. The leaves were used to add flavor and aroma to dishes, as well as to act as a preservative. The leaves contain a variety of compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, all of which contribute to the flavor and aroma of the food. Betel leaves and their constituent parts have been utilised for centuries for their medicinal benefits in treating wounds, indigestion, bad breath, inflammations, and inflammatory disorders. A wide variety of bioactive substances from betel leaf extracts and essential oil (EO), such as polyphenols and terpenes, have been found. The extract and essential oil bio-actives have been characterized structurally and functionally using a variety of cutting-edge standard techniques. The bioactive phenolic compounds in betel leaf make it a significant medicinal herb. Pharmaceuticals, the food and beverage industry, organic synthesis, and other areas can use the extract from this quickly spoilable chemical to address environmental issues. The current review contains a scientific explanation of extraction methods, bioactive component identification, and their activities. Details on processing, preservation, and health advantages have also been included, along with their underlying mechanisms.

Pseudo-cereals with high nutritional value include amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa. Pseudo-cereals have an excellent phytochemical profile as well as a nutritional profile rich in high-quality proteins. Dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, phenolics, and other bio-active compounds are found in pseudo-cereals. Pseudo-cereals may be employed in a range of processed functional foods since they include bio-active polyphenols, flavonoids, fagopyritols, saponins, vitamins, and minerals. As a result, the commoditization of pseudo-cereals containing functional ingredients would assist those suffering from a range of lifestyle disorders. Pseudo-cereals are gluten-free foods that can be included in celiac disease diets since they contain barely any gluten. The inclusion of these in the diets of celiac patients could alleviate their deficiency of fiber intake. Their application in food items inculcates bakery products and pasta, which are mostly consumed. Based on this, this review evaluated the nutritional composition of pseudo-cereals, including protein, carbohydrate, dietary fiber, fat, minerals, and vitamins. Pseudocereals are reported to possess cardio-protective, anti-cancerous, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity as well as antioxidant properties It has also been recommended that pseudocereals are an alternative source of complete protein that can be used to make peptides having potentaila to combact various chronic diseases. Several health benefits including allergies, celiac disease, hypocholesterolemia, anti-cancer, prebiotic action, and anti-diabetic effects have been highlighted. Potential industrial uses of pseudo-cereals include gluten-free baking items, noodles and pasta, the beverage sector, animal feed, granolas, and morning cereals are discussed.

The commercial persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki) is a seasonal fruit and it contains various nutrients such ascarbohydrates,vitamins, fiber, minerals, phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, p-Coumaric acid, and gallic acid) and carotenoids (β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, β-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein). This current review is an effort to sum up information regarding persimmon fruit's nutrient profile, bioactive potential, pharmacological potential, and its utilization in industry. Accordingly, the bioactive components such as p-Coumaric acid, epigallocatechin gallate, proanthocyanins, flavonoids, etc. and their extraction techniques such as high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction are also highlighted. Further this review also describe the evidence based various pharmacological application of fruit and its bioactive components which have scavenging effect on active oxygen free radicals (flavonoids), prevents oxidative stress-related illnesses (p-Coumaric), promote neural degeneration and karyopyknosis in cells (tannin), may assist with hyperlipidemia and diabetes (proanthocyanidins). Overall persimmon and its components application in multiple products in various forms in the food sector can open up new avenues for its utilization, enhancing the natural flavour and bioactive components while also improving health.

The purpose of this investigation was to extract the essential oil from lavender using the negative pressure cavitation extraction (NPCE) method and compare it to conventional hydro-distillation, as well as to assess the effect of extraction techniques on the yield and physicochemical activity of lavender essential oil. Linalyl acetate, camphor, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), borneol, terpinen-4-ol, caryophyllene, geraniol, geranyl acetate, and bisabolol are some of the primary compounds extracted from lavender essential oil. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of essential oil were measured. The lavender essential oil extracted using the NPCE technique had a total phenolic content of 73.17 ± 0.97mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100ml. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) refers to the ability of lavender essential oil extract to scavenge 50% of the original DPPH radicals. The lavender essential oil extracted using the NPCE process has an IC50 of 285.70 ± 0.46g/mL. The impact of sodium alginate edible coating in conjunction with lavender volatile oil (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% w/v) on overall grape quality was studied over 9 days period at 4°C. It was revealed that the sodium alginate coating infused with lavender essential oil preserved grape quality. The most effective application, however, was sodium alginate combined with lavender essential oil of 1%. Furthermore, the inclusion of lavender volatile oil in the sodium alginate coating decreased the microbial load.

This article explores the current trend of non-pharmacological hypertensive interventions through the most recent and pertinent research available. The electronic database such as PubMed and google scholar systematically searched for relatable reviews, original papers, and meta-analyses. Based on the most relevant literature, a sincere attempt has been made to explore various non-pharmacological interventions for hypertension. In this scenario, consuming more fruits and vegetables, managing weight with the normal Body mass index (BMI), and controlling sodium intake in day-to-day life help to reduce the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. Similarly, the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet is highly effective to reduce hypertension to a substantial level. On the other hand, self-monitoring measures reduce the risk of hypertension by monitoring small to extreme fluctuations in blood pressure. Also, abstaining from alcohol and various kind of nicotine products reduce the deterioration time of the disease. Thus, such an investigation would facilitate the reduction of hypertension through non-pharmacological management and promote easy and effective management of various cardiovascular diseases.

Postbiotics are bioactive substances that are useful and are produced during fermentation in the matrix. Postbiotics are under a fragile balance in our body, excessive metabolities, may it be from any origin has a potential to hamper or interfere number of physiological processes in our body. As an innovative approach, it can be used to improve immune tolerance and treat food allergy particularly in infants and children. Postbiotics are classified on the basis of structure (peptides, teichoic acis and plasmalogens), elemental composition (as carbohydrates), proteins (p40, p75 molecule, lactocepin), vitamins (B-group), lipids (butyrates, acetate, lactate, propionates), organic acids (such as 3-phenyllactic acid and propionic) and different complex molecules (such as lipoteichoic acids, peptidoglycan-derived muropeptides). Postbiotics, mentioned above have been shown to have immunological effects by increasing mucin levels and encouraging the production of claudin and occluding. Moreover, different studies highlight postbiotics as a promising remedy for the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases and it is also considered as a treatment technique with lesser unfavourable side effects, especially in children and infants. However, future head-to-head studies will be necessary to determine the best parent cell strains, the best postbiotic dosages, and the inexpensive postbiotics in comparison to other medications. The postbiotic source, origin, extraction, synthesis, and bioactivity mechanism are all included in the review. The antibacterial mechanisms of postbiotics are discussed in this review, along with their effects on the absorption of healthy substances, the prevention of cancer, mental health, and other therapeutic qualities.

The purpose of this research is to develop a Protein enriched Vegan snack product with high protein, low fat, high-fiber, and high fiber, which can boost the immune system. Adding Spirulina content to the snack food will increase the nutritional value of the food as Spirulina is one of the highest proteins containing organic foods in the world. Spirulina is well-known for its high protein content, which includes all the essential amino acids. Spirulina can be incorporated into snack foods to provide a plant-based protein source, making them suitable for people looking for protein-rich vegetarian or vegan snack options. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a product of enormous benefits. The potential of Spirulina can be easily observed when used with finger millet flour (Ragi) and gram flour to prepare an extruded product. In this study, we used a four-factor Box–Behnken design to design the experiments. Design Expert 13.0 performed a statistical analysis of the following responses: frying time, moisture content, ash content, protein content, and fat content in terms of the effect of independent variables on responses. The output data for all responses were examined, and were maximum at 90 days storage time with finger millet at 10 gm, gram flour at 90 gm, and Spirulina powder at 8%. With the help of a manually operated extruder, samples were fried in soybean oil for a particular time and stored in Low-density Polyethylene packaging for 90 days for a shelf-life study. Ultimately the addition of Spirulina and finger millet resulted in positive outcomes and can be further improvised at the industrial level.

For a person to remain healthy, a powerful immune system is highly recommended. Everybody should include particular food in their diet that can boost their immune system. Nature has been bestowed with the huge treasure of plants and trees whose various portion; each contain unique compounds that can strengthen the immune system. Honey has long been selected as a pure unique product for its therapeutic potential. Due to their strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, phenolic acids and flavonoids have significant impact on human health. By altering many biochemical processes involved in cellular proliferation, honey exhibits antibacterial capabilities and anticancer actions against diverse tumour types. The decrease in blood levels of glucose, fructosamine, and glycosylated haemoglobin is another antidiabetic benefit that has been noted. Additionally, honey has health-promoting benefits on the respiratory system against asthmatic and bacterial infection, the duodenal system, the blood-vascular system, where it primarily protects the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins, and the brain system. This review focusses on the exploitation of polyphenolic compounds present in honey.

The present investigation was carried out to analyze the functional and physicochemical properties of natural almond gum (Prunus domestica) plant exudates and to observe the difference between the natural almond gum exudate and synthetic tragacanth gum. The screening of product underwent for presence of carbohydrate, protein, fat, moisture and swelling index, foaming capacity, water absorption, hygroscopicity. The extracted almond gum exhibited excellent flow properties and had good swelling index (6.72 ± 0.90). The water absorption was found to be 7.45 ± 0.75, foaming capacity 0%, and hygroscopicity 5.67 ± 0.45. Almond gum showed quality emulsion stability at 2% concentration. The physiochemical and functional properties of almond gum showed greater potential as compared to synthetic gum (tragacanth gum). In comparison to tragacanth gum at concentrations of 2%, almond gum exudate was employed as a novel edible covering to retain the qualitative criteria of pineapple. Moreover, in comparison to an uncoated control and synthetic tragacanth gum, the results revealed that almond gum coatings delayed changes in color, weight loss, titratable acidity, hardness, ascorbic acid, TSS concentration, and microbiological growth. In order to extend the shelf life of freshly cut pineapple, we may thus recommend using almond gum exudates as a unique edible covering.

AbstractAssessing the performance of social enterprises is gaining popularity in the academic world in recent years. However, different studies focused on different dimensions of performance evaluation. For instance, some studies measured social performance of the social enterprises while others paid attention to financial performance. Consequently, it creates a research gap lacking a complete picture of performance evaluation of social enterprises globally. Insufficient performance evaluation, limited assessment methods, and a lack of systematic thinking are the causes of this research gap. Therefore, this study aims to carry out a systematic literature review to provide a complete picture on performance of social enterprises. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were used to generate a systematic literature review. The study reviewed systematically 35 scholarly articles that focused on social and financial performance of social enterprises. The findings indicate that social enterprises have strong financial and social support and can incorporate different types of resources and goals. It is also reported that performance, which is frequently linked with specific external and internal assistance are essential variables in enabling social enterprises to grow. The study findings might provide a new insight and understanding to fulfil the research gap in this area.

Plant by-products being cost effective, readily available and potential source of various bioactive compounds coupled with non-extractable polyphenols are increasingly gaining attention among consumers. Rice bran, a by-product produced after milling rice kernels possess numerous health benefits due to its high nutritional value, in addition to be highly used as animal feed. Rice bran also is a rich source of dietary fiber, sterols, vitamins and various antioxidants. The present review is focused on the different types of bioactive compounds, chemical and nutritional constituents present in rice bran. Potential health benefits and biological activities of rice bran such as treatment against diabetes, cancer, inflammation have been emphasized. Various processing techniques of rice bran like ohmic heating, microwave heating, infrared heating, acid treatment and extrusion are also discussed in detail. Rice bran have the potential to be used in food sector as bioactive compound carrier, flavor enhancer, oil extraction, emulsifying agent, foaming agent and protein stabilizer.

Goat milk contains an abundance of different macro and micro-nutrients. Compared with other milk, goat milk is a viable option due to its low allergy levels and is preferred for infants with cow milk allergies. A wide variety of goat milk-based products, including yoghurt, ice cream, fermented milk, and cheese, are available on the market. They are produced using effective processing technology and are known to exhibit numerous health benefits after consumption. However, goat milk consumption is limited in many nations (compared with cow, buffalo, camel, and sheep milk) due to a lack of awareness of its nutritional composition and the significance of its different byproducts. This review provides a detailed explanation of the various macronutrients that may be present, with special attention paid to each component, its purpose, and the health benefits it offers. It also compares goat milk with milk from other species in terms of its superiority and nutritional content, as well as the types, production methods, health advantages, and other beneficial properties of the various goat milk products that are currently available on the market.

Immunity plays a fundamental role in the maintenance and protection of the human body from infectious and pathogenic microorganisms. It requires regular intake of nutrients for proper functioning of the immune system. Due to an unbalanced lifestyle and consumption of ready-to-eat foods, immunity is being affected negatively. Inflammation and immunity are influenced by diet and nutrition. Simple sugars, trans fats, refined carbs, and processed meat, among other meals, may induce inflammation while simultaneously counteracting the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, unhealthy food intake may enhance systemic inflammation in individuals, boosting the generation of IL-6. Dietary nutrition is a well-known aspect of immune system maintenance, with the significance of micronutrients prominently featured in a variety of scientific literary works. Currently, global population is susceptible viral infection such as COVID-19. This viral strain is directly attacking the immunity of the individual and bringing it at risk. When a patient's immune system isn't operating correctly, COVID-19 is thought to raise the harshness of the infection or make it more vulnerable to contagious diseases. This review paper will help in understanding the immune responses mechanism along with diet balance and maintaining the sufficiency of vitamins and minerals to fight against COVID-19 infection.

The carbon footprint is a measurement of the environmental effect in terms of the quantity of greenhouse gases created. Identifying its relevance and scope, describing the functional unit and system, evaluating the inventory, calculating the life cycle impact, and clarifying the life cycle to include sensitivity analysis are all processes in the carbon footprint research. It is vital to examine sustainability criteria such as climate change, energy consumption, user waste production, and the advancement of manufacturing and recycling operations while conducting sustainability research using sustainability indicators such as the carbon footprint. Effective food supply chain management is intended to lead to a decreased carbon footprint, positive environmental outcomes, and enhanced food safety. To reduce the value of the carbon footprint index, present agriculture techniques are being improved, new food production methods are being developed, and an increasing number of customers are favouring environmentally friendly products. The objective of this review is to analyse the carbon footprint of food processing operations such as food preservation (refrigeration, freezing), processing, and packaging. This study discusses the utilisation of sustainable energy sources and investments in energy efficient equipment, optimising the supply chain and logistics, minimising water consumption, and correctly managing wastes.

This review describes the application of carbon dots in the development of sustainable technologies for food safety and quality. Carbon dots (CDs) are surface-functionalized and minuscule in size, with controlled fluorescence, high environmental sensitivity, and a range of remarkable photochemical properties. Green CDs are now the subject of extensive study due to their potential applications in a wide range of fields, such as nano sensing, bio imaging, and photo catalysis. Synthesizing CDs involves the top-down strategy, which includes splitting the bigger carbon molecule into nanoscale particles, and the bottom-up methodology, which involves producing CDs from small carbon units. The problems in the food supply chain are very prominent, from farm to fork that include chemical, microbiological and human hygiene. CDs have recently garnered interest because of the straightforward synthesis method, high biocompatibility, and potential for a variety of innovative applications. CDs were prepared from any carbon source, such as food, food waste, plants, chemicals, and graphene. CDs may be extracted naturally from some foods, such as honey, caramels, and sugar beet molasses. The rapid detection of dietary nutrients and toxins has sparked considerable attention, and nanomaterials-based fluorescence sensing has great promise for establishing exceptionally selective and sensitive identification procedures for food safety testing. Carbon dots have a promising future in fluorescence detection of contaminants due to their significant properties. Carbon dot sensors have capacity in the food sensing sector, since food samples include a variety of components that might create interferences, more innovative approaches to bind with CDs are necessary to develop specific sensing probes.

Abstract Dragon fruit (DF) or Pitaya (Hylocereus spp.) a member of Cactaceae family is gaining popularity in the market for consumption of fresh fruit due to its highly attractive fruit color with nutritional and immense bioactive potential that reduces blood sugar level, cholesterol, prevention of liver injuries, cancer, and so forth. In commercial market valorized products of DFs are available. The processing of edible and nonedible parts of DF is of immense significance to prepare nutritionally rich value‐added products and concurrently reducing the challenges occurring due to waste generation and spoilage. This review paper provides detailed insights of DF processing into different value‐added products, its medicinal benefits, bioactive potential, and the physico‐chemical changes occurring in DF during processing such as drying, fermentation, extraction, and so forth.

Bitter gourds were dried under varied drying conditions in a microwave assisted fluidized bed dryer, and the process was optimized using response surface methodology. Microwave power, temperature and air velocity were used as process variables for drying and the process parameters were varied between 360 and 720 W, 40–60 °C and 10–14 m/s, respectively. The responses determined for deciding the optimal criteria were vitamin C, total phenolics, IC50, total chlorophyll content, vitamin A content, rehydration ratio, hardness and total color change of the dried bitter gourd. Statistical analyses were done by using response surface methodology, which showed that independent variables affected the responses to a varied extent. The optimum drying conditions of 550.89 W microwave power, 55.87 °C temperature, and 13.52 m/s air velocity were established for microwave assisted fluidized bed drying to obtain highest desirability for the dried bitter gourd. At optimum conditions, validation experiment was done to ensure the suitability of models. Temperature and drying time plays an important role in the deterioration of bioactive components. Faster and shorter heating led to the greater retention of bioactive components. Taking the aforesaid results into consideration, our study recommended MAFBD as a promising technique with minimum changes in quality attributes of bitter gourd.

Flaxseed has become the primary objective of research related to nutrition and diseases, due to its bioactive potential. With an increase in awareness regarding the significance of healthy food products in consumers for their well-being has augmented the demand for the development of functional and nutraceutical foods. It is considered that flaxseed is the prime functional food product as reported by various studies. It contains α-linolenic acid, phytoestrogen, protein, fiber, and micronutrients in significant amounts. Its increasing importance is linked to its capability to lower the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), anti-inflammatory, anticancer, laxative effects, and osteoporosis. Flaxseed oil has been utilized as a functional food ingredient in the development of several food products including juices, dairy, cereal, and meat products. The current review covers the various aspects related to the chemical composition of flaxseed, oil extraction techniques, functional properties, and potential health benefits concerning various case studies.

Objectives: To determine in-vitro efficacy of colistin against resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae clinical isolates. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology Department of Pathology Lab, Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology & National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from Jan 2021 to Dec 2021. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the microbiology department of pathology lab, Armed Forces institute of Cardiology & National Institute of Heart Diseases, Rawalpindi through Jan 2021 to Dec 2021. Sampling was done by nonprobability consecutive technique. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done for all clinical isolates of KP. Results: A total of 3066 culture and sensitivity requests were received, out of these 663(21.6%) specimens revealed growth of different microorganisms. Amongst 663 culture positive isolates, 150(22.6 %) were identified as KP. Antibiotic susceptibility of KP showed >90% isolates resistant to 3rd & 4th generation cephalosporins, cotrimoxazole, ampicillin+salbactum and coamoxiclav. Aminoglycosides, quinolones, meropenem, aztreonam and tazobactum+pipracillin were found resistant in >80% isolates and doxycycline and imipenem in >70% isolates. Resistance to minocycline was 58%, chloramphenicol 40.7% and Tigecycline 38.7%. The least resistance was noted in Colistin 16%. Conclusion: A very high antimicrobial resistance was observed in KP isolates against penicillins, cephalosporins, ampicillin beta lactamase inhibitor combinations, quinolones, aminoglycosides, carbapenems and cotrimoxazole. Comparatively tigecyclines and chloramphenicol were found to be less resistant than other antimicrobials to manage MDR and XDR cases. Colistin has excellent efficacy against MDR and XDR KP isolates.

Naturally occurring phytochemicals with promising biological properties are quercetin and its derivatives. Quercetin has been thoroughly studied for its antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-Alzheimer's, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, cardiovascular, and wound-healing properties. Anticancer activity of quercetin against cancer cell lines has also recently been revealed. The majority of the Western diet contains quercetin and its derivatives, therefore consuming them as part of a meal or as a food supplement may be sufficient for people to take advantage of their preventive effects. Bioavailability-based drug-delivery systems of quercetin have been heavily studied. Fruits, seeds, vegetables, bracken fern, coffee, tea, and other plants all contain quercetin, as do natural colors. One naturally occurring antioxidant is quercetin, whose anticancer effects have been discussed in detail. It has several properties that could make it an effective anti-cancer agent. Numerous researches have shown that quercetin plays a substantial part in the suppression of cancer cells in the breast, colon, prostate, ovary, endometrial, and lung tumors. The current study includes a concise explanation of quercetin's action mechanism and potential health applications.

Various types of natural fiber-rich ingredients are added into bakery-based products to improve their fiber content for health promotional purposes. But the majority of these products usually include exotic dietary fiber components. The aim of this study was to develop biscuits incorporated with wheat bran, rice bran and banana peel powder and to evaluate the effects on physicochemical properties and sensory acceptability of these different biscuit samples. Wheat bran, rice bran and banana peel powder was used to substitute refined wheat flour in biscuit samples at different levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%). The effect of wheat bran, rice bran and banana peel powder incorporation on proximate composition, physical characteristics, texture profile, color and sensory evaluation of biscuit samples were investigated. The moisture content of the product showed a significant (p ≤ 0.01) decreasing trend while as protein showed increasing trend with increasing level of incorporation of wheat bran, rice bran and banana peel powder. Also there was a considerable effect on L*(darkness to lightness), a*(greeness to redness), and b*(blueness to yellowness) values of biscuit samples. Among the physical parameters diameter and thickness decreased non-significantly (p ≤ 0.01) with the addition of different fibers whereas spread ratio and weight increases. Sensory attributes showed a significant (p ≤ 0.01) increasing trend with an increase in the level of incorporation of different fibers. Based on sensory evaluation biscuits prepared with 15% wheat bran, 15% rice bran, and 10% banana peel powder were rated best. The biscuits were packed in high density polyethylene (HDPE) boxes and were analyzed on different intervals viz. 0, 30, and 60th day. In samples of optimized biscuits, the ash content, protein, fat and color exhibited a non- significant tendency of declining over storage. It was discovered that the ash content dropped from0.86 to 0.67% in Wb4, 0.95 to 0.75% in Rb4, and 1.15to 0.92% in Bpp3. However there was a considerable increase in moisture content during storage.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, severe steps have been taken to control its rapid spread by countries globally. A nationwide lockdown was executed at the end of January 2020 in China, which resulted in a significant change and an improvement in air quality patterns. In this study, the objectives were to assess the spatiotemporal impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on air quality in Nanjing, China. The present study researched the six air pollutant parameters, namely, PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3. The data were divided into six periods, P1–P3: pre-lockdown, during lockdown, and after lockdown periods, P4–P6: 2017–19 (same dates of lockdown). The results reveal that during the COVID-19 control period, a significant drop and an improvement in air quality were observed. According to our findings, the PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and CO concentrations were reduced by -33.03%, -35.41%, -21.26%, -39.79%, and -20.65%, respectively, while the concentration of O3 significantly increased by an average of 104.85% in Nanjing. From the previous 3 years to lockdown variations, PM10 (-40.60%), PM2.5 (-40.02%), SO2 (-54.19%), NO2 (-33.60%), and CO (23.16%) were also reduced, while O3 increased (10.83%). Moreover, compared with those in the COVID-19 period, the levels of PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 increased by 2.84%, 28.55%, 4.68%, 16.44%, and 37.36%, respectively, while PM2.5 reduced by up to -14.34% after the lockdown in Nanjing. The outcomes of our study provide a roadmap for the scientific community and local administration to make policies to control air pollution.

This review presents a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the microorganisms in milk and their growth and the heat treatments used to minimize their number. Milk and milk-based products provide a suitable environment for the growth of microorganisms such as yeasts, molds, and a wide range of bacteria. The variation in the microbial count is attributable to the degree of contamination and the processing temperature at various stages of milk processing. It has been acknowledged that the heat treatment of milk, such as pasteurization, permits its safe devouring with regards to food-borne illness. At the same time, its negligence in sufficient amount ensued in both withdrawals of products and food disease breakouts. In this review, different aspects of heat treatments that have an impact on relevant microbes, that encompasses the illustration of D and Z values as a way to calculate heat resistance, factors affecting D- values, and the effect of heat treatments on microbes present in dairy foods. Also, mild methods for food preservation have been developed as a result of the increasing demand for fresh-like foods. These methods preserve the sensory, nutritional, and other functional properties of foods due to the inactivation of microorganisms at sub-lethal temperatures.

Immunological nourishment is the most active part of our health system that plays a crucial role in the human body's functioning. With the hectic rush of life running at present time, health management is becoming a concern. The best alternative to health management is to provide the required nutritional elements in a ready-to-consume form and get absorbed in the body without too much time consumption. The use of probiotics has become a popular way to manage digestive and immunological health in recent years. The difficulty of using CRISPR technology to introduce foreign DNA into numerous bacterial species has been overcome by redesigning the CRISPR tools to benefit the requirements of the target species. This review is focused on the study of the CRISPR-Cas system to develop a probiotic by editing the genome of the selected strain of probiotic microorganisms and providing the best alternative for health management in its study.

This review describes the various innovative approaches implemented for naringin extraction as well as the recent developments in the field. Naringin was assessed in terms of its structure, chemical composition, and potential food sources. How naringin works pharmacologically was discussed, including its potential as an anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective substance. Citrus flavonoids are crucial herbal additives that have a huge spectrum of organic activities. Naringin is a nutritional flavanone glycoside that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a few chronic disorders associated with ageing. Citrus fruits contain a common flavone glycoside that has specific pharmacological and biological properties. Naringin, a flavone glycoside with a range of intriguing characteristics, is abundant in citrus fruits. Naringin has been shown to have a variety of biological, medicinal, and pharmacological effects. Naringin is hydrolyzed into rhamnose and prunin by the naringinase, which also possesses l-rhamnosidase activity. D-glucosidase subsequently catalyzes the hydrolysis of prunin into glucose and naringenin. Naringin is known for having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tumor-fighting effects. Numerous test animals and cell lines have been used to correlate naringin exposure to asthma, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism, and osteoporosis. This study focused on the many documented actions of naringin in in-vitro and in-vivo experimental and preclinical investigations, as well as its prospective therapeutic advantages, utilizing the information that is presently accessible in the literature. In addition to its pharmacokinetic characteristics, naringin’s structure, distribution, different extraction methods, and potential use in the cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, and animal feed sectors were discussed.