A Detailed Assessment of Variations of Ethmoid Roof, Olfactory Fossa, and Anterior Ethmoidal Artery on CT Scan of Paranasal Sinuses of 200 Patients.

To study and analyse the variations in ethmoid roof anatomy and estimate the anatomical location and variations of AEA on CT scans. The study is conducted on 200 patients for detailed analysis of the olfactory fossa (OF) depth, supraorbital pneumatisation, and AEA location and distance from the skull base. In our study, Keros type II was predominant type seen followed by type I. Asymmetry was noted in 32/200 subjects (16%). The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) canal was seen in 341/400 sides (85.2%). We found Keros type II was the most common type in our study. We also found grade I anterior ethmoidal artery as the most common variant and the dangerous grade III anterior ethmoidal artery was least common type found in this study, and there was a significant association of Keros type II with increasing anterior ethmoidal artery grading.

Fine-Tuning of Ni/NiO over H-NbOx for Enhanced Eugenol Hydrogenation through Enhanced Oxygen Vacancies and Synergistic Participation of Active Sites.

The hydrogenation of lignin-derived phenolics to produce valuable chemicals is a promising but challenging task. This study successfully demonstrates the use of sustainable transition metal-based catalysts to hydrogenate lignin-derived phenolics. A defect-induced oxygen vacancy containing H-NbOx prepared from commercial Nb2O5 was employed as a catalyst. H-NbOx exhibited higher oxygen vacancies (158.21 µmol/g) than commercial Nb2O5 (39.01 µmol/g), evaluated from O2-TPD. Upon supporting 10 wt % Ni, a Ni/NiO interface was formed over H-NbOx, which was intrinsically active for the hydrogenation of phenolics. 10Ni/H-NbOx exhibited a two-fold increase in activity than 10Ni/Nb2O5, achieving >99% eugenol conversion and affording ∼94% 4-propyl cyclohexanol selectivity, wherein ∼63% eugenol conversion and ∼73% 4-propyl cyclohexanol selectivity were obtained over 10Ni/Nb2O5. The Ni/NiO formation was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, HR-TEM, and H2-TPR analysis, while the oxygen vacancies were verified by Raman spectroscopy and O2-TPD analysis. The resulting interface enhanced the synergy between Ni and H-NbOx and facilitated hydrogen dissociation, confirmed by H2-TPD. Remarkably, 10Ni/H-NbOx maintained its catalytic activity for five tested cycles and demonstrated exceptional activity with various phenolics. Our findings highlight the potential of a sustainable transition metal catalyst for the hydrogenation of lignin-derived phenolic compounds, which could pave the path to producing valuable chemicals in an environmentally friendly manner.

Influence of Additives and Growth Inhibitors in Improving the Physicochemical Properties of Silicoaluminophosphate Molecular Sieve, SAPO-11.

Silicoalumiophosphates (SAPOs) are microporous crystalline materials extensively utilized as adsorbents and catalysts. The present work utilized two strategies to synthesize nanocrystalline SAPO-11. The first strategy involves a surfactant as a mesoporogen to reduce the crystallite size and increase the surface area for the materials synthesized at 200 °C in 2 days. In the second strategy, the synthesis temperature and time were significantly reduced to 160 °C and 3 h using propylene oxide as a pH accelerator. The reduction in the particle size and the improvement in the surface area were achieved using propyltriethoxysilane, which inhibited the growth of SAPO-11 particles. The materials were thoroughly characterized using XRD, N2 -sorption, FTIR, pyridine-adsorbed FTIR, electron microscopy, XPS, and NMR. The surfactant-assisted synthesis formed a nanorod morphology with a large external and BET surface area. The low-temperature synthesis involving silane as a growth inhibitor and propylene oxide as a pH modulator demonstrated a rectangular nanoplatelet morphology with a large surface area. The synthesis was scaled up to 10 g with no change in the experimental parameters. A synthesis strategy facilitating nuclei formation and retarding the growth of particle size will attract academia and industrial researchers to utilize these strategies for the manufacturing of zeolites of different frameworks on a large scale.

Reductive Oligomerization of Nitroaniline Catalyzed by Fe3O4 Spheres Decorated with Group 11 Metal Nanoparticles.

The present work demonstrates a simple and sustainable method for forming azo oligomers from low-value compounds such as nitroaniline. The reductive oligomerization of 4-nitroaniline was achieved via azo bonding using nanometric Fe3O4 spheres doped with metallic nanoparticles (Cu NPs, Ag NPs, and Au NPs), which were characterized by different analytical methods. The magnetic saturation (M s) of the samples showed that they are magnetically recoverable from aqueous environments. The effective reduction of nitroaniline followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, reaching a maximum conversion of about 97%. Fe3O4-Au is the best catalyst, its a reaction rate (k Fe3O4-Au = 0.416 mM L-1 min-1) is about 20 times higher than that of bare Fe3O4 (k Fe3O4 = 0.018 mM L-1 min-1). The formation of the two main products was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), evidencing the effective oligomerization of NA through N = N azo linkage. It is consistent with the total carbon balance and the structural analysis by density functional theory (DFT)-based total energy. The first product, a six-unit azo oligomer, was formed at the beginning of the reaction through a shorter, two-unit molecule. The nitroaniline reduction is controllable and thermodynamically viable, as shown in the computational studies.

Improving the hydrodeoxygenation activity of vanillin and its homologous compounds by employing MoO3-incorporated Co-BTC MOF-derived MoCoOx@C.

Lignin-derived aryl ethers and vanillin are essential platform chemicals that fulfil the demands for renewable aromatic compounds. Herein, an efficient heterogeneous catalyst is reported for reforming vanillin via a selective hydrodeoxygenation route to 2-methoxy-4-methyl phenol (MMP), a precursor to medicinal, food, and petrochemical industries. A series of MoCoOx@C catalysts were synthesized by decorating the Co-BTC MOF with different contents of MoO3 rods, followed by carbonization. Among these catalysts, MoCoOx@C-2 afforded ∼99% vanillin conversion and ∼99% MMP selectivity at 150 °C in 1.5 h in an aqueous medium. In contrast, CoOx@C afforded ∼75% vanillin conversion and ∼85% MMP selectivity. Detailed catalyst characterization revealed that CoOx and Co2Mo3O8 were the active species contributing to the higher activity of MoCoOx@C-2. The excellent H2-adsorption characteristics and acidity of MoCoOx@C-2 were beneficial to the hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin and other homologous compounds. The DFT adsorption energy calculations suggested the favourable interactions of vanillin and vanillyl alcohol with the Co2Mo3O8 sites in MoCoOx@C-2. The catalyst could be efficiently recycled 5 times, with a negligible loss in activity after the 5th cycle. These findings provide a systematic explication of the active sites of the mixed metal oxide-based MoCoOx@C-2 catalyst for the selective hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin to MMP, which is important for the academic and industrial catalysis community.

Moving the stakeholder journey forward.

Though the customer journey (CJ) is gaining traction, its limited customer focus overlooks the dynamics characterizing other stakeholders' (e.g., employees'/suppliers') journeys, thus calling for an extension to the stakeholder journey (SJ). Addressing this gap, we advance the SJ, which covers any stakeholder's journey with the firm. We argue that firms' consideration of the SJ, defined as a stakeholder's trajectory of role-related touchpoints and activities, enacted through stakeholder engagement, that collectively shape the stakeholder experience with the firm, enhances their stakeholder relationship management and performance outcomes. We also view the SJ in a network of intersecting journeys that are characterized by interdependence theory's structural tenets of stakeholder control, covariation of interest, mutuality of dependence, information availability, and temporal journey structure, which we view to impact stakeholders' journey-based engagement and experience, as formalized in a set of Propositions. We conclude with theoretical (e.g., further research) and practical (e.g., SJ design/management) implications.

Cu-Ce Bimetallic Metal-Organic Framework-Derived, Oxygen Vacancy-Boosted Visible Light-Active Cu2O-CeO2/C Heterojunction: An Efficient Photocatalyst for the Sonogashira Coupling Reaction.

The development of an economical transition metal-based catalyst for photocatalytic carbon-carbon coupling reactions is aspiring. Herein, a Cu-Ce metal-organic framework (MOF) was synthesized and carbonized to produce bimetallic Cu2O-CeO2/C, which was utilized in the Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. The defects and oxygen vacancies in the catalyst were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, while the nature of Cu was characterized by H2-TPR analysis. The defect-induced MOF-derived Cu-Ce heterojunction created more oxygen vacancies (OV) in CeO2, revealing the high photocatalytic activity. The Cu-Ce heterojunction (Cu2O-CeO2/C) formed a Cu(I)-phenylacetylide active complex and exhibited higher catalytic activity for the visible light-induced Sonogashira cross-coupling reaction. 25%Cu2O-CeO2/C offered 93.8% phenylacetylene conversion with a 94.2% Sonogashira product selectivity by using household light-emitting diodes. No discernible activity loss was observed from the recycling of the catalyst. Based on catalytic activity, control reactions, and physicochemical and optoelectronic characterization, the structure-activity relationship was established and a reaction mechanism was proposed. Replacement of the costly Pd metal-based catalyst with a cheap Cu2O-CeO2-based catalyst for the synthesis of commercially important compounds with a sustainable visible light-induced catalytic process will be highly attractive to chemists and industrialists.

Impact of COVID-19 on postgraduate medical education: Cross sectional survey from an Indian Medical College.

BACKGROUND: The corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused widespread effect on the lives of health care professionals. The postgraduate medical students, who are the major pillars of medical institutions had to bear multitude of setbacks due to the pandemic involving academic, research and well-being issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional feedback based online survey done in the month of October 2021 to study the effect of COVID-19 pandemic induced changes in the postgraduate medical education; amongst 78 students pursuing MD/MS degree in all departments of a tertiary medical institute in Himalayan foothills of North India. The questionnaire consisted of ten questions; each of which needed to be answered on a five point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Results were assessed for the most common answers of each question (represented by mode) and association between various components of the questionnaire analyzed by Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the questionnaire as tested by Cronbach's Alpha (0.82) was good. Most number or respondents were from surgical branches (n = 31, 39.74%). There was a generalized agreement towards preference of resumption of onsite education (75.64%), the lack of variety of cases causing hampering of thesis work (88.46%) and increased mental stress during the pandemic (58.9%). While more time for self-study was seen as the only consensual positive aspect of online teaching (64%), most students opined that technical glitches are a major roadblock in online education (80.76%). Significant positive correlation was seen between disciplinary ease and punctuality in online teaching (R = 0.543, P < 0.001), lack of interaction and its effect on learning and mental health (R = 0.471; P < 0.001) and the lack of diversity in cases and difficulties in dissertation work (R = 0.351; P < 0.05). Negative correlation was observed between the satisfaction from overall learning through online teaching and the desire of resumption of offline classes (R = -0.491; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on medical education are long lasting. A comprehensive approach is required to rebuild the medical education curriculum, inculcating both traditional and newer virtual methods of education. A consistent support in academics and overall growth needs to be provided to medical postgraduate residents who have been the first line fighters in face of the massive disaster compromising their basic needs and education.

Metal-Free N-Doped Carbon Catalyst Derived from Chitosan for Aqueous Formic Acid-Mediated Selective Reductive Formylation of Quinoline and Nitroarenes.

A chitosan-derived metal-free N-doped carbon catalyst was synthesized and investigated for selective reductive formylation of quinoline to N-formyl-tetrahydroquinoline and nitroarenes to N-formyl anilides via aqueous formic acid (FA)-mediated catalytic transformation. FA dissociated on the catalyst surface and acted as a hydrogenating and formylating source for selective N-formylation of N-heteroarenes. The carbonized catalyst prepared at 700 °C offered the best activity. A 92 % yield of N-formyl-tetrahydroquinoline after 14 h and >99 % yield for N-formyl anilide after 12 h at 160 °C were obtained. The excellent catalytic activity was correlated with the type of "N" species and the basicity of the catalyst. Density functional theory calculations revealed that a water-assisted FA decomposition pathway (deprotonation and dehydroxylation) generated the surface adsorbed -H and -HCOO species, required for the formation of N-formylated products. In addition, the selective formation of N-formyl-tetrahydroquinoline and N-formyl anilides was explained by a comprehensive reaction energetics analysis.

Cationized silica ceria nanocomposites to target biofilms in chronic wounds.

Altered wound healing is a major challenge faced by both developed and developing nations. Biofilm formation has been identified as one of the causative factors for the progression of chronic wounds. The spread of biofilm is controlled by inhibiting the biofilm formation or disrupting the mature biofilm. Functional nanomaterials/enzymes with antimicrobial effects, such as metal oxides, rare earth metals, and carbon nanoparticles have been investigated to treat biofilm and overcome the drawbacks associated with the antibiotic therapy. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) have drawn significant attention as a promising antimicrobial agent owing to their antibacterial, enzyme-mimetic, and crystalline properties but they suffer from poor colloidal stability and dispersity in an aqueous environment and size-dependent function. In this work, we have developed a functionalized silica ceria nanocomposite (FSC), as an antibiotic-free system, to treat biofilms. The FSC possesses a high surface area of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) combined with the intrinsic antibacterial activity of cerium oxide for biofilm inhibition. The nanocomposite was fabricated using silica and ceria precursors, and it exhibited a high surface area of 436 m2/g and an average particle size of around 450 nm. The physical and chemical properties of nanocomposite were characterized using FTIR, XRD, UV-Vis, BET, EDX, and XPS analysis. It exhibited a potent antioxidant activity (86%), positive haloperoxidase mimetic property, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activities. It showed 99.9% inhibition against S. aureus (Gram-positive) and 81% inhibition against E. coli (Gram-negative) within 12 and 24 h along with the significant inhibition of biofilm formation (80%) as well as the disruptive effect against the established biofilm (77%) of S. aureus. Cell viability assays indicated the proliferative nature of composite in normal basal conditions and increased cell viability (97%) in the presence of oxidative stress. Despite being a cationic nanomaterial, it showed a good hemocompatibility against human blood and caused complete wound closure in mouse fibroblast cell line within 24 h. The functionalized silica ceria nanocomposite developed has a strong potential in chronic wound healing applications.

Oxygen Vacancy-Mediated Z-Scheme Charge Transfer in a 2D/1D B-Doped g-C3N4/rGO/TiO2 Heterojunction Visible Light-Driven Photocatalyst for Simultaneous/Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction and Alcohol Oxidation.

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a powerful oxidant that directly or indirectly oxidizes many organic and inorganic contaminants. The photocatalytic generation of H2O2 is achieved by using a semiconductor photocatalyst in the presence of alcohol as a proton source. Herein, we have synthesized oxygen vacancy (Ov)-mediated TiO2/B-doped g-C3N4/rGO (TBCN@rGO) ternary heterostructures by a simple hydrothermal technique. Several characterization techniques were employed to explore the existence of oxygen vacancies in the crystal structure and investigate their impact on the optoelectronic properties of the catalyst. Oxygen vacancies offered additional sites for adsorbing molecular oxygen, activating alcohols, and facilitating electron migration from TBCN@rGO to the surface-adsorbed O2. The defect creation (oxygen vacancy) and Z-scheme mechanistic pathways create a suitable platform for generating H2O2 by two-electron reduction processes. The optimized catalyst showed the highest photocatalytic H2O2 evolution rate of 172 µmol/h, which is 1.9 and 2.5 times greater than that of TBCN and BCN, respectively. The photocatalytic oxidation of various lignocellulose-derived alcohols (such as furfural alcohol and vanillyl alcohol) and benzyl alcohol was also achieved. Photocatalytic activity data, physicochemical and optoelectronic features, and trapping experiments were conducted to elucidate the structure-activity relationships. The TBCN@rGO acts as a multifunctional Z-scheme photocatalyst having an oxygen vacancy, modulates surface acidity-basicity required for the adsorption and activation of the reactant molecules, and displays excellent photocatalytic performance due to the formation of a large number of active surface sites, increased electrical conductivity, improved charge transfer properties, outstanding photostability, and reusability. The present study establishes a unique strategy for improving H2O2 generation and alcohol oxidation activity and also provides insights into the significance of a surface vacancy in the semiconductor photocatalyst.

Thermal and photocatalytic cascade one-pot synthesis of secondary amine using multifunctional Pd decorated MOF-derived CeO2.

The use of a single catalyst to perform thermal and photochemical N-alkylation of amine is challenging work. Herein, Pd decorated MOF-derived CeO2 was prepared for the cascade one-pot synthesis of secondary amine by thermal and photocatalytic routes. Among the designed catalysts, Pd(0.5%)/CeO2-300 exhibited the best activity for thermal and photocatalytic one-pot secondary amine synthesis involving benzyl alcohol and aniline. The physicochemical characteristics of Pd(0.5%)/CeO2-300 suited for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol followed by condensation with aniline to form an imine. Further, reduction of imine over Pd NPs decorated on CeO2-300 took place to form secondary amine. An excellent conversion of benzyl alcohol and secondary amine selectivity was observed thermally at 100 °C in 26 h. The Pd(0.5%)/CeO2-300 exhibited excellent activity in white LED. Interestingly, more activity was achieved in sunlight. The Pd(0.5%)/CeO2-300 demonstrated excellent stability under thermal and photocatalytic conditions and was recycled 5 times without losing any significant activity. The surface area, acidity, and elemental compositions were characterized by various physicochemical techniques. The light absorption property, bandgap, charge carrier separation, and photocurrent measurements were carried out by photoelectrochemical and optoelectronic analysis. The reaction mechanism and structural activity relationship correlated with control experiments, catalytic activity data, physicochemical, and optoelectronic characterization. One catalyst affording efficient activity in conventional thermal and photocatalytic conditions, especially sunlight, would be exciting to researchers and industrial practitioners.

Challenges and prospects in the selective photoreduction of CO2 to C1 and C2 products with nanostructured materials: a review.

Solar fuel generation through CO2 hydrogenation is the ultimate strategy to produce sustainable energy sources and alleviate global warming. The photocatalytic CO2 conversion process resembles natural photosynthesis, which regulates the ecological systems of the earth. Currently, most of the work in this field has been focused on boosting efficiency rather than controlling the distribution of products. The structural architecture of the semiconductor photocatalyst, CO2 photoreduction process, product analysis, and elucidating the CO2 photoreduction mechanism are the key features of the photoreduction of CO2 to generate C1 and C2 based hydrocarbon fuels. The selectivity of C1 and C2 products during the photocatalytic CO2 reduction have been ameliorated by suitable photocatalyst design, co-catalyst, defect states, and the impacts of the surface polarisation state, etc. Monitoring product selectivity allows the establishment of an appropriate strategy to generate a more reduced state of a hydrocarbon, such as CH4 or higher carbon (C2) products. This article concentrates on studies that demonstrate the production of C1 and C2 products during CO2 photoreduction using H2O or H2 as an electron and proton source. Finally, it highlights unresolved difficulties in achieving high selectivity and photoconversion efficiency of CO2 in C1 and C2 products over various nanostructured materials.

Role of Pediatricians in Early Childhood Nurturing Care Related to Safety and Security.

The five components of nurturing care for early childhood development (good health, adequate nutrition, responsive parenting, early opportunities for learning, and safety and security) are essential for the attainment of the optimal developmental potential of a child, and enabling him/her to become a productive adult. Safety is a state of protection from hazards caused by natural forces or unintentional human error, whereas security comprises of protection from hazards resulting from deliberate, harmful actions or inimical behavior. Unlike the other components, safety and security have been least addressed by health programs in India. The forms of lapses in safety and security in young children include injuries, neglect and maltreatment (physical, emotional, sexual abuse), the magnitude of which is difficult to ascertain in the community. Many mishaps can be avoided by simply understanding child development, taking precautions, and environmental modification. Issues related to safety and security are usually not addressed in routine office practice. Pediatricians have multiple roles and responsibilities. They need to utilize every opportunity to discuss preventive and promotive health care with parents. Converting immunization days to holistic well child visits is an ideal strategy, in which parents can be educated about preventing avoidable injuries and informed about how to keep their children safe and secure. Pediatricians should recognize indicators of volitional injury, neglect and abuse, and be competent in their management. They need to be aware of child rights and the legal protective measures as well as their own their legal obligations. They should network with various agencies involved in child welfare and protection.

Selective Production of Secondary Amine by the Photocatalytic Cascade Reaction Between Nitrobenzene and Benzyl Alcohol over Nanostructured Bi2 MoO6 and Pd Nanoparticles Decorated with Bi2 MoO6.

The synthesis of secondary amine by the photoalkylation of nitrobenzene with benzyl alcohol using a simple light source and sunlight is a challenging task. Herein, a one-pot cascade protocol is employed to synthesize secondary amine by the reaction between nitrobenzene and benzyl alcohol. The one-pot cascade protocol involves four reactions: (a) photocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline, (b) photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde, (c) reaction between aniline and benzaldehyde to form imine, and (d) photocatalytic reduction of imine to a secondary amine. The cascade protocol to synthesize secondary amine is accomplished using Bi2 MoO6 and Pd nanoparticles decorated Bi2 MoO6 catalysts. The surface characteristics, oxidation states, and elemental compositions of the materials are characterized by several physicochemical characterization techniques. Optoelectronic and photoelectrochemical measurements are carried out to determine the bandgap, band edge potentials, photocurrents, charge carrier's separation, etc. An excellent yield of secondary amine is achieved with simple household white LED bulbs. The catalyst also exhibits similar or even better activity in sunlight. The structure-activity relationship is established using catalytic activity data, control reactions, physicochemical, optoelectronic characteristics, and scavenging studies. Bi2 MoO6 and Pd nanoparticles decorated Bi2 MoO6 exhibit excellent photostability and recyclability. The simple catalyst design with a sustainable and economical light source for the synthesis of useful secondary amine from the nitrobenzene and benzyl alcohol would attract the researchers to develop similar catalytic protocols for other industrially important chemicals.

Comprehensive Understanding of the Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Zeolites: Needs of 21st Century Sustainable Chemical Industries.

Zeolites have taken a leading position in petrochemical, fine, and bulk chemical industries due to their porous architecture, pore sizes, tunable acidity, and thermal stability. Various strategies of zeolites preparation, including template-free, solvent-free, and toxic mineral-free strategies are summarized. Moreover, the zeolite synthesis using naturally occurring minerals and sustainable natural templates is also discussed, which involves the synthesis of nanocrystalline zeolites of different framework structures using plant-based natural templates and biomass-derived renewable chemicals. Overall this personal account provides the fundamentals of various sustainable synthetic strategies reported in the literature for the synthesis of zeolites with suitable examples that will be useful for the students and will motivate experienced researchers to develop various novel sustainable methods for the synthesis of zeolites and other inorganic materials of industrial relevance.

ZIF-8-Nanocrystalline Zirconosilicate Integrated Porous Material for the Activation and Utilization of CO2 in Insertion Reactions.

The conversion of CO2 to useful chemicals, especially to atom economical products, is the best approach to utilize an excess of CO2 present in the atmosphere. In this study, a metal-organic framework (ZIF-8) is integrated with nanocrystalline zirconosilicate zeolite to develop an integrated porous catalyst for CO2 insertion reactions. The catalyst exhibits excellent activity for the CO2 insertion reaction of epoxide to produce cyclic carbonate in neat condition without the addition of any co-catalyst. The catalyst is stable and recyclable during the cyclic carbonate synthesis. Further, the catalyst also exhibits very good activity in another CO2 insertion reaction to produce quinazoline-2,4(1H, 3H)-dione.

Children at Work, Child Labor and Modern Slavery in India: An Overview.

There is a large child work force in India reported to be about 40 million. Child labor is being regarded as a form of modern slavery, as children are forced to work or have no choice to refuse work. Children are employed in a variety of occupations, many of which are hazardous. Exposure to machinery, pesticides, dust in agricultural work and fumes, chemicals, acids, cotton and wool fiber in other forms of work is detrimental to health. A large number are held in bonded servitude. In urban areas, children are employed as domestic helpers and engaged in eateries and auto-repair work. Trafficking and trading of children for work and sexual slavery are also major concerns. Poverty and illiteracy are root causes of child labor, but iniquitous societal attitudes are responsible for abuse and exploitation. Working children are deprived of proper health care and education, and lose their childhood and dignity. Several legal measures exist to prevent child labor and protect them from harm, but are thwarted by the distressing socioeconomic conditions. Although child labor would be difficult to abolish, exploitation can be prevented with concerted efforts of the government agencies, professional bodies and the civil society.

Multi-functional metal-organic framework and metal-organic framework-zeolite nanocomposite for the synthesis of carbohydrate derived chemicals via one-pot cascade reaction.

Zeolite-metal organic framework nanocomposite catalyst is developed for the synthesis of 2-((5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)malononitrile from sucrose/fructose/glucose via one-pot cascade protocol. To accomplish this objective, zeolite Beta and Zr based metal- organic frameworks such as UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2 are investigated for the independent steps, i.e. the conversion of sucrose to HMF and the Knoevenagel condensation of HMF and malononitrile. Beta zeolite exhibits the best activity in the sucrose to HMF conversion, whereas UiO-66-NH2 exhibits the best activity in the Knoevenagel condensation. Therefore, zeolite Beta and UiO-66-NH2 are integrated to develop a highly sustainable and efficient multi-functional catalyst for the conversion of sucrose to 2-((5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)malononitrile via one-pot cascade reaction. The composite catalyst contains the optimum acidity and basicity for the cascade reaction. The presence of both the frameworks in the composite material is confirmed by using various physico-chemical characterization techniques. Further, the integration of both the active frameworks enhances the chemical stability and recyclability of the composite catalyst in the cascade reaction. This study demonstrates a unique approach to develop a synthesis strategy for the integration of inorganic zeolite and MOFs to achieve the desired activity, selectivity, and stability of the developed catalyst.