Browsing by Author "Prasad J."

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    Efficacy of Cymbopogon khasianus essential oil infused chitosan nanoemulsion for mitigation of Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 contamination in stored Syzygium cumini seeds
    (Elsevier B.V., 2024) Prasad J.; Soni M.; Yadav A.; Paul K.K.; Jha M.K.; Banjare U.; Das S.; Dubey N.K.; Dwivedy A.K.
    This research developed a novel chitosan nanoemulsion infused with Cymbopogon khasianus essential oil (CKEO-ChNe) and characterized through Dynamic light scattering, Atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and x-ray diffractometry analyses followed by its efficacy testing against fungi and aflatoxin B1 contamination in Syzygium cumini seeds. The CKEO-ChNe inhibited Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production at 0.32 and 0.28 �L/mL with enhanced antioxidant activity and controlled delivery strategies. The inhibition of methylglyoxal and ergosterol biosynthesis, leakage of ions and molecular interaction of geraniol with Ver-1 (Versicolorin A dehydrogenase) and Omt-A (O-methyl transferase) proteins suggested the antifungal and anti-AFB1 mechanism of action. Further, the in situ protection of Syzygium cumini seeds against fungi, AFB1 contamination and lipid peroxidation (p<0.05) without altering the sensory characteristics, and favorable safety profile in mammalian model recommend the potentiality of encapsulated CKEO nanoemulsion as smart nano-fungitoxic preservative in agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. � 2024 The Authors
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    Rejuvenation of the Springs in the Hindu Kush Himalayas Through Transdisciplinary Approaches�A Review
    (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024) Pant N.; Hagare D.; Maheshwari B.; Rai S.P.; Sharma M.; Dollin J.; Bhamoriya V.; Puthiyottil N.; Prasad J.
    The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, known as the �water tower of the world,� is experiencing severe water scarcity due to declining discharge of spring water across the HKH region. This decline is driven by climate change, unsustainable human activities, and rising water demand, leading to significant impacts on rural agriculture, urban migration, and socio-economic stability. This expansive review judiciously combines both the researchers� experiences and a traditional literature review. This review investigates the factors behind reduced spring discharge and advocates for a transdisciplinary approach to address the issue. It stresses integrating scientific knowledge with community-based interventions, recognizing that water management involves not just technical solutions but also human values, behaviors, and political considerations. The paper explores the benefits of public�private partnerships (PPPs) and participatory approaches for large-scale spring rejuvenation. By combining the strengths of both sectors and engaging local communities, sustainable spring water management can be achieved through collaborative and inclusive strategies. It also highlights the need for capacity development and knowledge transfer, including training local hydrogeologists, mapping recharge areas, and implementing sustainable land use practices. In summary, the review offers insights and recommendations for tackling declining spring discharge in the HKH region. By promoting a transdisciplinary, community-centric approach, it aims to support policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in ensuring the sustainable management of water resources and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). � 2024 by the authors.