Local Shops Research Articles

Impact of Prophylactic Antibiotic Use in Ornamental Fish Tanks on Microbial Communities and Pathogen Selection in Carriage Water in Hong Kong Retail Shops.

Antibiotics are routinely added to ornamental fish tanks for treating bacterial infection or as a prophylactic measure. However, the overuse or subtherapeutical application of antibiotics could potentially facilitate the selection of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, yet no studies have investigated antibiotic use in the retail ornamental fish sector and its impact on microbial communities. The present study analyzed the concentrations of twenty antibiotics in the carriage water (which also originates from fish tanks in retail shops) collected monthly from ten local ornamental fish shops over a duration of three months. The antibiotic concentrations were correlated with the sequenced microbial community composition, and the risk of resistance selection in bacteria was assessed. Results revealed that the detected concentrations of tetracyclines were the highest among samples, followed by fluoroquinolones and macrolides. The concentrations of oxytetracycline (44.3 to 2,262,064.2 ng L-1) detected across three months demonstrated a high risk for resistance selection at most of the sampled shops. Zoonotic pathogens (species of Rhodococcus, Legionella, and Citrobacter) were positively correlated with the concentrations of oxytetracycline, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, and enrofloxacin. This suggests that antibiotic use in retail shops may increase the likelihood of selecting for zoonotic pathogens. These findings shed light on the potential for ornamental fish retail shops to create a favorable environment for the selection of pathogens with antibiotics, thereby highlighting the urgent need for enhanced antibiotic stewardship within the industry.

Local Shop Finder

Abstract: The "Local Shop Finder" project is a forward-thinking and community-oriented web application that revolutionizes the way users discover and access products from local shops in their vicinity. This innovative platform aims to bridge the gap between local businesses and consumers, making it convenient and efficient to support local commerce. The project's objectives include creating a user-friendly web interface for product exploration and ordering, on boarding local businesses to list their offerings, implementing real-time inventory management, facilitating online orders with various delivery options, and establishing a review and rating system to foster trust within the community

‘SOSpesa’: Service Design Leveraging Neighborhood Solidarity Networks to Tackle Food Poverty, Food Surplus, and Sustainability of Local Commerce

This paper illustrates a project to redesign a charitable initiative against food poverty into an innovative solution called "SOSpesa", implemented in a neighborhood of the city of Milan named NoLo - North of Loreto. The paper outlines approach, methodology and strategy to move from an activist initiative to a service with more than charitable purposes and outlines the new service configuration in its opportunities and limitations as emerged from the pilot project. It focuses on strategies to harness a network of neighborhood actors to achieve a goal of solidarity, combating food waste and supporting local shops. Based on the assumption that the local context is a strength of the service, the project activated a wide range of actors, from volunteers to third sector organizations and businesses, under the coordination of a team of researchers, to experiment with different service configurations in search of overall sustainability. Finally, the paper discusses design strategies for scaling up grassroots social innovation through replicability, not to distort its spirit and bottom-up engagement.

Personifying Local Shops with Community Vision

In social design, from policy design to community design to social conflict resolution, the power lies—and should lie—with people.What role should the designer play when it comes to social innovation? Maybe it works best when citizen stakeholders become the experts and the designer takes a less traditional approach.

Local Coffee Shop Use of Sensory Marketing to Maintain Customer Loyalty: The Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction

Indonesia boasts the world's fourth-highest coffee consumption, with demand steadily rising. Interestingly, nearly 25% of coffee drinkers are social drinkers, which means they enjoy coffee primarily when catching up with friends at cafes. However, the coffee shop market is saturated, leading to fierce competition among coffee shops struggling to retain customers. Loyalty is scarce, with most customers flitting between cafes. This study explores whether customer satisfaction mediates the impact between sensory marketing and loyalty. This study aims to analyze and test this connection within the Indonesian coffee shop landscape. This research focuses on loyal customers of the chosen cafes, targeting those who have visited more than once. The method used in this study is quantitative with the technique of distributing questionnaires, then the results will be calculated using SMART PLS ver. 3.9 accompanied by descriptive analysis for explanation. The study indicates that sensory marketing strategies can boost customer satisfaction, which in turn contributes to loyalty. The research recommends that businesses focus on sensory marketing as it is vital for building lasting connections with customers and retaining their loyalty.

Unlocking Prosperity: Identifying Key Sectors For Tourism Development In Yogyakarta

Tourism has great potential to create jobs and improve Indonesia's competitiveness in the global market. The Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) is one of the provinces in Indonesia that has comparative advantages and good prospects in tourism. This study aims to determine the economic sectors that are the basis and have prospects for growth and to determine the development that can be done in these sectors to optimize tourism in each regency and city in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Based on analysis using Location Quotient (LQ) and Dynamic Location Quotient (DLQ), the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector, the water supply, waste management, waste, and recycling sector, the wholesale and retail trade sector, car and motorcycle repair, the transportation and warehousing sector, as well as the accommodation and food supply sector are the basic and prospective sectors in the regencies and cities in Yogyakarta. Optimization of tourism can be done through the intensification of these basic and prospective sectors through strengthening agro-tourism, waste management, local shopping, and public transportation in each district and city in DIY. By strengthening the basic sectors and taking strategic steps in tourism development, DIY can strengthen its position as an attractive and sustainable tourism destination.

The causes, process and result of becoming a digital nomad family: a phenomenological case study

PurposeThe aim of the research is to reveal information with regard to being a digital nomad as a family. Within this brief, the aim is to provide information regarding the reasons for choosing the digital nomad lifestyle of families, the female and male thoughts regarding the experience, destination selection factors and the difficulties and conveniences of digital nomadism for family aspects.Design/methodology/approachThe data were obtained through a semi-structured interview questionnaire with a British digital nomad family, individually from the wife and husband, using a qualitative research design in the scope of the phenomenological research.FindingsIt was determined that having a better lifestyle, being willing to spend more time with family and traveling with them were the reasons for becoming a digital nomad. The opinions of the woman and man are in parallel. While the main features of being a digital nomad are freedom and flexibility, having time to spend with family is also important. Factors for choosing a destination as a nomad were access to nature, quality of life, cost of living, quality of the food, climate, proximity to other families who are nomads and interest in nonschool education. As a family, they meet their needs and wants, such as going to a local shop or staying in a rented house, but prefer to use restaurants and other facilities if their stay is short. Although having children motivates digital nomadism, it has been determined that families prefer to stay in a fixed place as nomads since it is not appropriate for children over a certain age to travel frequently.Originality/valueThe study provides detailed information regarding a family experience with digital nomadism through a case study.

Erratum

The author has identified the following error in the published article: This Erratum relates to the following article: Bell, Susan E., Patrick R. Grzanka, Kelly Joyce, and Laura Senier. 2023. “Masking (Not Masking) Up: An STS Visual-Intersectional Approach to Understanding Publics and Science in Times of Rapid Change.” Engaging Science, Technology, and Society 9(2): 9–40. https://doi.org/10.17351/ests2023.1363. On page 22 it should read: “In figure 4, a local coffee shop used humor to encourage compliance with the local indoor mask mandate in Massachusetts.” rather than “In figure 5, a local coffee shop used humor to encourage compliance with the local indoor mask mandate in Massachusetts.” On page 23, it should read: “Our visual-intersectional analysis of figure 4. . .” rather than “Our visual-intersectional analysis of figure 6 . . .”

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Ergonomics Risk Assessment among Sewing Machine Operators and Tailors

Background: Sewing machine operators and tailors in Faisalabad, Pakistan, frequently endure prolonged periods of sitting or standing, performing repetitive tasks that contribute to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This study aims to fill the research gap in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and workstation evaluations within this group. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of MSDs and evaluate the ergonomic conditions of workstations among tailors and sewing machine operators in the local and textile sectors of Faisalabad. Methods: A cross-sectional study design utilized non-probability sampling to include 810 participants from both local tailor shops and textile factories. Data collection involved a self-structured questionnaire focusing on demographic and job-related factors, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) to evaluate ergonomic risks. Results: High levels of discomfort were reported in the upper limbs, particularly the right and left forearms (3.40±0.97), and in the lower limbs, particularly the right knee (3.90±0.47). The mean RULA scores were 4.8±0.51 for textile workers and 4.9±0.53 for local tailors, indicating poor workstation setups. Additionally, CMDQ results showed significant associations between musculoskeletal discomfort and variables such as age, residence, marital status, lifestyle, and smoking habits. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among textile workers and tailors, particularly affecting the left foot and left knee of local tailors. The RULA scores highlight a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders, necessitating further investigations and modifications in the working environment.

Advancing Social and Economic Sustainability in Urban Areas: A Methodology for Determining Architectural Programs of Shopping Centers

The surge in shopping center construction within urban areas, especially without a strategic plan, has been particularly notable in Eastern Balkan cities during the 21st century. This tendency may lead to decreased economic activity and noticeable shifts in social and cultural dynamics. The primary objective of this study is to introduce and apply the Methodology for Determining Architectural Programs (MDAP), a mathematical model designed to optimize the planning process of shopping centers. Focused on spatial disposition and internal program distribution, MDAP extends the foundational Huff model by incorporating relevant economic parameters—consumers’ purchasing power and potential investors’ costs. Examining the city of Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia, the results indicate the consistency of the MDAP’s results compared to the application of the basic Huff model. This approach could contribute to a more balanced economic distribution within cities, promoting social and cultural relations while offering investors a relevant feasibility study and preserving shopping centers’ profitability. This study underscores the significance of considering social sustainability in urban planning, emphasizing how strategic urban retail development can positively impact social dynamics alongside economic viability by maximizing the potential utilization of existing retail spaces. However, potential limitations include unforeseen social, economic, and political factors influencing shopping center location decisions, posing challenges in real-world applications relying on complex social relations.

Tang Tri-Color Glazed Ceramics: Wisdom and Inheritance of Luoyang city, China

This article aims to study the wisdom and inheritance of Tang tri-color glazed ceramics in Nanshishan Village, Luoyang using qualitative research methods to survey, interview, observation, and focus group discussions on the inheritors and heirs of Gao's large-scale factory and Wang's family shop in Nanshishan Village. The structural functionalism theory were applied in analyzing the wisdom in history, current situation, and wisdom of Tang tri-color glazed ceramics in Nanshishan, Luoyang, consisting of production steps of large-scale factory and local family shops. The 5W communication theory was used to study the inheritors, heirs, inheritance content, inheritance methods, and inheritance effects of Tang tri-color glazed ceramics, providing reference for better inheritance of local family shops in Nanshishan Village.

Gentrification-induced displacement made visible: shop displacement and tourism gentrification in Reykjavík

ABSTRACT This paper investigates commercial displacement in the context of tourism gentrification. Tourism gentrification refers to the process by which tourism-related activities result in the displacement of long-term residents in favour of capital investment focused on tourism. While research on displacement induced by tourism gentrification has mainly focused on the residential displacement of long-term inhabitants, its impacts on local shops are poorly understood. Yet, commercial displacement is key to tourism gentrification as it involves the displacement of local shop owners and acts as a pressure of displacement on residents. This paper aims to measure the extent of shop displacement and to explore its causes and effects on shop owners by examining the experiences of shop owners as a category of those displaced, using Marcuse’s theoretical framework on displacement and the city centre of Reykjavík (Iceland) as a case study. It combines the quantitative measurement of commercial displacement with interviews with displaced shop owners. It argues that understanding commercial displacement, which is inherently much more visible than residential displacement, can provide urban geographers with valuable insights into understanding broader processes of gentrification-induced displacement.

Bioactive compounds of spent coffee grounds and their potential use as functional food

Hot brewed coffee is the most popular hot beverage in the world, and its health properties have been published in the literature(1). Conversely, over the past decade, cold-brewed coffee has gained popularity, but its eventual nutritional properties are unclear. Both hot and cold brewed coffee produces over 6 million tons of spent coffee grounds (SCG) yearly disposed in landfills(1). Interestingly, studies have shown that SCG can improve several metabolic parameters via changes in the gut microbiome in obese and diabetic rats(2), and reduce energy consumption in overweight humans(3). However, studies investigating the nutritional properties of SCG are lacking in the literature. Hence, in this study, we aimed to identify, quantify and compare two main bioactive compounds in hot- and cold-brewed coffee as a beverage, as well as in the SCG. Samples from hot and cold coffee beverages and SCG were obtained from a local coffee shop (n = 3 per group). The coffee beans were composed of Coffea arabica from Papa New Guinea, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia (in order from highest to lowest proportion). All samples were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The analyses focused on two main bioactive compounds; trigonelline and chlorogenic acid (CGA). Statistical analyses were performed using an unpaired t-test with Welch’s correction and two-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test (p<0.05). When compared to hot-brewed coffee beverages, cold-brewed coffee beverages have shown lower (p<0.05) levels of trigonelline (17.26 mg/g + 1.305 vs. 8.46 mg/g + 0.74, respectively) and CGA (9.82 mg/g + 0.93 vs. 5.31 mg/g + 0.48, respectively). In SCG obtained from hot-brewed coffee, a higher concentration of CGA was found (0.12 mg/g + 0.006), when compared to SCG obtained from cold-brewed coffee (0.10 mg/g + 0.03). However, trigonelline in cold-brewed SCG was found in higher (p<0.05) concentration, when compared to hot-brewed SCG (0.11 mg/g + 0.03 vs. 0.09 mg/g + 0.017, respectively). Moreover, hot-brewed coffee beverages showed higher (p<0.05) concentrations of trigonelline and CGA, when compared to hot-brewed SCG. Similarly, cold-brewed coffee beverages showed higher (p<0.05) concentrations of both bioactive compounds, when compared to cold-brewed SCG. Our results indicated that hot brewed coffee beverage contains high concentrations of bioactive compounds (CGA and trigonelline), which possibly explain its health properties. Although SCG obtained from hot and cold-brewed coffee showed lower concentrations of both bioactive compounds than coffee beverages, our results shed light on the possible health benefits of SCG consumption. In a world seeking more sustainable solutions, further studies investigating the potential use of SCG as a functional food are required.

Abstract 19: Time-Varying Exposure to Food Retailers and Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and Mortality in the Netherlands: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study

Background: The food environment is suggested as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but current evidence is inconsistent and does not account for changes in the food environment. We aimed to explore if time-varying exposure to the food environment was associated with hospitalisation and mortality due to total and specific types of CVD in The Netherlands. We hypothesized that favourable time-varying trends in food environment exposure would be associated with decreased risk of CVD, stroke, heart failure (HF), and coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality among the Dutch general population. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed among all Dutch residents aged 35+ years who did not change residence in 2002-2018 without CVD in 2004, identified through registry data from Statistics Netherlands (n=4,641,435; 51.3% female, 91.2% Dutch). Time-varying Food Environment Healthiness Index (FEHI) scores (range: -5 to 5) and time-varying Kernel density of six specific food retailers (food delivery outlets, fast food outlets, restaurants, local food shops, supermarkets and convenience stores) around the home location were based on bi-annual updates between 2004-2018. Hospitalisation and mortality due to overall CVD, stroke, HF, and CHD occurring between 2004 and 2020 were used as outcomes, based on hospital and death registries. Models were adjusted for age, sex, ethnic origin, household composition, income, marital status and neighbourhood urbanisation level and effect modification by age, sex, urbanization and income was studied. Results: Each unit increase in the FEHI, representing a 10% improvement, was associated with a lower hospitalisation and mortality of CVD (hospitalization Hazard Ratio (HR h )=0.90, 0.89-0.91, mortality Hazard Ratio (HR m )=0.85, 0.82-0.89), CHD (HR h =0.88, 0.85-0.91, HR m =0.80, 0.75-0.86), stroke (HR h =0.89, 0.84-0.93, HR m =0.89, 0.82-0.98), and HF (HR h =0.90, 0.84-0.96, HR m =0.84, 0.76-0.92). Increased density of local food shops, fast food outlets, supermarkets and convenience stores, and decreased density of food delivery outlets and restaurants were associated with a higher risk of CVD, CHD, stroke and HF incidence and mortality, albeit with small effect sizes. Stratified analyses suggest slightly stronger associations in highly urbanized areas, younger adults and those with higher incomes. Conclusions: Favourable trends in time-varying food retailer exposure were associated with a risk reduction in CVD hospitalisation and mortality, in particular in urbanized areas and for younger adults and those with higher incomes.

Chicken dumping in South Africa and the long-term effects on local commercial chicken farming industry: a review

The aim of this article is to highlight the effects of chicken dumping trade on South African local commercial chicken farming industry. The high cost of farming in South African has risen and this has created a fertile ground for overseas countries where chicken production costs are low to intensify their exports to South Africa for their excess chicken products at a lower price. South African chicken farmers are already facing domestic challenges which includes high-cost feed, high cost of importing chicken lines and resources to produce the meat chicken. A local single fertilised Ross 308 / Cobb 500 Fertile egg cost at least R2.50 ($0.12), whereas international, local breeders source these genetic lines at over a $1 an egg. Locally, there is persistent drought, chicken diseases, high electricity cost and electricity shortages (load shedding). These challenges inevitably raise costs of chicken production in South Africa whereas the US, Brazil and EU countries farming industries are highly subsidised and experience no high electricity costs or load shedding. In perspective, imported chicken from Brazil cost R9 per kg as compared to locally produced chicken at R25 per kg. To mitigate the chicken dumping trade, the South African government imposed legally sound chicken import tariffs of up to 62 %, however in August of 2022, the government suspended these tariffs due to rising food costs in the hope that the cheap dumped chicken would provide a relief to the financially stressed consumers. This move has raffled feathers within the local chicken farming sector which is struggling to sustain their farms due to stiff competition with the low-priced chicken, predominantly from Brazil and the US. More chicken farms in South Africa are shedding jobs. As of 2023, the poultry industry in South Africa employs an estimated total of 70,000 people, and others are questioning the sustainability of their enterprises going forward if the chicken dumping in the country is not controlled via stringent legislation that include appropriate dumping tariffs. This article suggests that both the chicken farming industry, the chicken importers and the government should hold regular dialogs to get common ground before the majority of local chicken farmers close shops due to chicken dumping. The regular engagements between the government and the chicken industry could avoid seemingly unilateral suspension of import tariffs. Subsidies that could absorb some of the operation cost, as is the case with US or Brazilian farmers should be introduced. Key words: Chicken dumping, chicken farming, sustainability, chicken production challenges

Lifestyle Construction in Coffee Shops in Malang City from the Perspective of Symbolic Violence

The coffee shop industry is experiencing rapid growth as coffee consumption increases in Indonesia. The focus of this research is Malang City, which is the center of coffee shop growth in Indonesia. Through a cultural studies paradigm approach, this research aims to understand the construction process of coffee consumer lifestyles in Malang City. This phenomenon marks a shift in consumer behavior from necessity to a sub-culture where coffee shops are not only a gathering place, but also a symbol of self-identity and an urban lifestyle. The research used visual methods with 6 participants from two different coffee shops. The data collection process focused on coffee shops, interior design, consumers, and visual elements that influence lifestyle. The concept of Pierre Bourdieu's social praxis theory is used as an analytical framework to understand the construction of lifestyle and the role of symbolic power. The research results show that the existence of coffee shops influences culture and lifestyle in Malang City. Starbucks, as the main agent, shapes the values and standards adopted by local coffee shops such as Amstirdam. Patterns of symbolic violence emerge in consumer clothing standards, depicting coffee shops not only as places to buy and sell coffee, but also as public spaces that shape identity and social norms. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of coffee shops in shaping lifestyle and culture in society.

Morphed aflaxotin concentration produced by Aspergillus flavus strain VKMN22 on maize grains inoculated on agar culture

This study identified and monitored the levels of aflatoxins (B1 and B2) produced by Aspergillus flavus isolate VKMN22 (OP355447) in maize samples sourced from a local shop in Johannesburg, South Africa. Maize samples underwent controlled incubation after initial rinsing, and isolates were identified through morphological and molecular methods. In another experiment, autoclaved maize grains were intentionally re-inoculated with the identified fungal isolate using spore suspension (106 spore/mL), after which 1 g of the contaminated maize sample was inoculated on PDA media and cultured for seven days. The aflatoxin concentrations in the A. flavus contaminated maize inoculated on culture media was monitored over seven weeks and then measured using liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). Results confirmed the successful isolation of A. flavus strain VKMN22 with accession number OP355447, which consistently produced higher levels of AFB1 compared to AFB2. AF concentrations increased from week one to five, then declined in week six and seven. AFB1 levels ranged from 594.3 to 9295.33 µg/kg (week 1–5) and then reduced from 5719.67 to 2005 µg/kg in week six and seven), while AFB2 levels ranged from 4.92 to 901.67 µg/kg (weeks 1–5) and then degraded to 184 µg/kg in week six then 55.33 µg/kg (weeks 6–7). Levene's tests confirmed significantly higher mean concentrations of AFB1 compared to AFB2 (p ≤ 0.005). The study emphasizes the importance of consistent biomonitoring for a dynamic understanding of AF contamination, informing accurate prevention and control strategies in agricultural commodities thereby safeguarding food safety.

A comparative study on biodiesel production from edible and non-edible biomasses

Biodiesel is a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel fuel. It can be produced from various sources, primarily through homogeneously alkali-catalyzed transesterification. However, with the increasing demand for edible oils and the ongoing concerns about using edible resources for fuel, non-edible oils have become more attractive for biodiesel production. Non-edible oils, such as those derived from waste oils, offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly source for biodiesel production. The current study compares biodiesel samples’ properties derived from an uncooked sunflower oil sample provided by a local bio-industry and four waste cooking oil samples collected from a local restaurant and fast food shop. The findings indicated that most biodiesel properties from edible and non-edible biomass feedstocks were found to be similar and met the specifications outlined in the EN 14,214 standard. Nevertheless, the oxidation stability and the viscosity were found to be outside the specified limits in most of the samples. Additionally, GC–MS analysis exhibited a similar composition of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), with a high proportion of unsaturated FAMEs in all biodiesel samples.

Evaluation of heavy metals in different brands of chocolates marketed in Kathmandu, Nepal, and their associated health risks

Chocolates are among the sweet food items consumed by all age groups particularly children in Nepal. However, this foodstuff may be contaminated with heavy metals from the raw ingredients, production, and packaging methods, which could bring serious health issues. Therefore, this study aimed to determine cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS) in a total of thirty-seven different brands of milk-based, cocoa-based, and sugar-based chocolates available in local grocery shops of Kathmandu city, Nepal and to evaluate associated health risks in children and adults using USEPA deterministic approaches. The results revealed concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb in the range of 0.021 – 0.585, 1.90 – 7.24, and 0.57 – 4.29 mg/kg respectively in studied chocolates and an overall mean concentration of 0.199, 4.22, and 1.94 mg/kg respectively. The observed concentrations exceeded the maximum permissible limits set by FAO/WHO (2001). A higher concentration of all studied metals was found in cocoa-based chocolate compared to milk-based and sugar-based chocolates. The positive and significant correlations (p < 0.05) among Cd, Ni, and Pb in studied chocolates indicate the possibility of contamination from common sources. Similarly, the estimated ADDing values were higher for all metals in cocoa-based chocolate for both children and adults. However, children were more prone to metals exposure than adults since their dietary intake was higher than adults. Cocoa-based chocolate in this study posed a non-carcinogenic risk to both children and adults since their hazard index (HI) values exceeded the acceptable limit (>1.0). In addition, Cd and Ni posed carcinogenic risks to both receptor groups through the consumption of all three categories of chocolate. Therefore, this study suggested the use of less contaminated raw materials in chocolates as well as regular monitoring of the production chain as an attempt to ensure the quality and safety of the food products.

Butea monosperma aided green synthesis of α-MoO3 nanoparticles: Biosensing and photocatalytic activity towards hazardous dyes and rangoli colorants

Increasing environmental pollutants and the need for efficient photocatalytic and biosensing materials have led to the development of novel green synthesis methods. In this study, MoO3 nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by using green chemistry approach. In that respect, Butea monosperma leaf powder was used as a novel fuel. Structural parameters, optical properties, shape and morphology of MoO3 NPs are examined using XRD, FTIR, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Photoluminescence (PL), SEM - EDAX and TEM analysis. The use of MoO3 NPs as a dusting agent in fingerprint applications results in improved fingerprint visibility, which is useful in forensic investigation. In this study, we modified the GCE electrode surface with MoO3 NPs to develop a highly sensitive dopamine (DA) sensor. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to investigate the electrochemical behaviour and electrocatalytic property of the MoO3 NPs. The synthesized NPs have excellent performance for detection of highly sensitive biologically active DA. The sensor exhibits a low detection limit of 0.45 μM. Additionally, it shows good stability, simplicity, and selectivity for the rapid detection of DA. MoO3 NPs shows good photocatalytic activity under UV light for the degradation of important textile industries dye such as methylene blue (MB) and harmful rangoli colors which are available in local shops of Tumkur, Karnataka. The photocatalyst exhibits a remarkable 97 % degradation efficiency for MB dye. Coumarin studies ensure the effective generation of OH radicals on the surface of the photocatalyst, leading to the degradation of organic dyes. Additionally, the MoO3 NPs reusability was examined, and even after four cycles, the level of photocatalytic activity did not drop much. Therefore, it is a potential photocatalyst for the processing of organic colours.