Research Papers

Molecular Diagnostic of Ochratoxin A With Specific Aptamers in Corn and Groundnut via Fabrication of a Microfluidic Device

Shahdeo Deepshikha , Khan Azmat Ali , Alanazi Amer M. , Bajpai Vivek K. , Shukla Shruti , Gandhi Sonu
| 2022

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the predominant mycotoxins that contaminate a wide range of food commodities. In the present study, a 36-mer aptamer was used as a molecular recognition element coupled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for colorimetric detection of OTA in a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPADs). The μPADs consisted of three zones: control, detection, and sample, interconnected by channels. UV-vis spectroscopy (UV-vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used for characterization of AuNPs and AuNPs/Aptamer.

Sensitive Fingerprint Detection Using Biocompatible Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Coating on Non‐Porous Surfaces

Bhati Kajol , Tripathy Divya Bajpai , Kumaravel Vignesh, Sudhani Hemanth P. K., Ali Sajad , Choudhary Rita , Shukla Shruti
| 2023

In recent years, the development and application of biocompatible nanomaterials in the detection of fingerprints have become a major focus for the forensic sector and crime investigators. This study aims to synthesize biocompatible silica nanoparticles (Si NPs) through cost‐effective green methods and will be used to detect a latent fingerprint on a non‐porous surface. As a type of environmentally friendly nanomaterial, Si NPs were prepared via an oil–water mixed micro‐emulsion templating (MET) approach.

Arsenic ion assisted core–satellites nano-assembly of gold nanoparticles for its colorimetric determination in water

Thakkar Shalini , Liu Jing , Dum´ee Ludovic F., Singh Braj Raj , Shukla Shruti ,Yang Wenrong
| 2022

Arsenic contamination in water has threatened lives globally. The capability of arsenic to interact with the sulfhydryl group of amino acids in human body is considered as one of the factors leading to its increased toxicity and there is the dire need for development of better detection platforms.

Fast-tracking Road Transport Decarbonisation through a New ‘International Sustainable Transport Alliance’

Acharya Mahua , Patel Aaran , Pandey Arpita , Lingenthal Lukas , Bhattacharjya Souvik
| 2023

Clean and affordable public transportation can lower carbon emissions, improve urban air quality, and enable economic development. India’s G20 presidency can leverage the country’s National Electric Bus Programme to serve as a model that can be replicated across emerging market and developing economies.

Tailoring Blended Finance to the Local Context to Support SDG-7

Sharma Kriti , Murali Rashmi , Govindan Mini , Thakur Amit Kumar
| 2023

The Indian government places high priority on the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector because of its significance in alleviating poverty. Its goal is to raise the sector’s share of the GDP to 50 percent and create jobs for at least 150 million people. However, the MSME sector faces several challenges, such as supportive infrastructural gaps related to energy provisioning, especially clean energy.

Developing a Global Nitrous Oxide Reduction Policy for A Food-Secure Future

Dhawan Vibha , Kanter David R. , Fajardo Renee Valerie
| 2023

Multilateral approaches to nitrogen pollution are generating synergies between climate change and food security and presenting opportunities to reduce nitrous oxide (N2O) globally. N2O is the most abundant ozone-depleting substance not yet regulated by the Montreal Protocol and a powerful greenhouse gas. Failure to reduce emissions will delay ozone layer recovery and worsen the climate crisis. While cost-effective mitigation technologies to reduce N2O emissions are available, policies and incentives to encourage the uptake of such measures are lacking.

What Adolescents Know and Believe About Reclaimed Water and Water Scarcity: A Survey of School Children in National Capital Region

Neha, Kansal Arun
| 2023

Based on a questionnaire survey administered to 540 adolescents (10-14 years old), the study offers some insights into what adolescents perceive as the causes of water scarcity in cities and whether reclaimed municipal wastewater can alleviate it. The study revealed that adolescents are aware of looming water crisis but lack solution based knowledge. Advertisements, community workshops and educational campaigns can enhance their water caring behaviour. Also girls are warier than boys to use reclaimed water for drinking.

Acceptability of reclaimed municipal wastewater in cities: evidence from India’s National Capital Region

Neha, Kansal Arun
| 2023

Willingness to reuse reclaimed municipal wastewater was ascertained through a questionnaire completed by 424 respondents, opinions of 17 experts, and interviews with 15 farmers. Information was collected to assess their knowledge of water scarcity and to determine the influence of demographics, correlation to perceived risk, willingness, challenges, and barriers related to the acceptance of reclaimed water. Most respondents were receptive to the idea of using it for purposes other than drinking, and ‘water conservative’ individuals were inclined towards using it even for drinking.

Strengthening Health System Responses to Climate Risks in Multilateral Processes

Bajpai Sakshi , Sisira P, Chakravarty Smita , Mishra Amlan, Bhadwal Suruchi
| 2023

Climate change, identified by the World Health Organization as the biggest health threat of the 21st century, has wide-ranging impacts on human health and well-being. These include direct effects like heatwaves from rising temperatures, and indirect effects such as respiratory disorders from air pollution. Economic consequences include increased unemployment, financial stress, and social inequalities. Additionally, global health systems face significant risks, such as the emergence of new diseases, frequent extreme weather events, and heightened vulnerability to existing health challenges.

Reformed MDBs for a Just Energy Transition in Emerging Economies

Banerjee Soham , Mishra Amlan , Ace Tristan
| 2023

Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are potentially an important source of finance for low-carbon transition pathways and just transition in the emerging economies. However, there is increasing concern among the developing countries that MDBs are unable to mobilise adequate finance to be in line with the global goals. The G20 injected a huge momentum towards reforming MDBs’ operations by commissioning an independent review of their Capital Adequacy Framework (CAF), which primarily defines their capacity to leverage shareholder’s capital contribution for financing.