The convergence of artificial intelligence with forensic sustainability auditing represents a transformative shift in how organizations demonstrate environmental accountability and ESG compliance. This chapter examines global regulatory frameworks — including GRI, ISSB, CSRD, and the NIST AI Risk Management Framework — and evaluates how AI technologies such as natural language processing, graph neural networks, explainable AI, and blockchain-based privacy infrastructure align with these standards. Drawing on recent empirical literature, the chapter identifies best practices for responsible AI deployment in forensic audit contexts, addresses transparency, explainability, and cross-jurisdictional challenges, and proposes a governance model bridging technical capability with institutional accountability.
Multidrug-resistant Enterobacter hormaechei is being increasingly reported in urinary tract infections (UTIs), where its ability to form quorum-regulated, curli-rich biofilms contributes to antibiotic tolerance and persistence. Targeting both quorum sensing (QS) and amyloid-mediated biofilm stability may provide an alternative strategy to conventional antibiotics. In this study, we developed a Berberine-functionalized biogenic silver nanoparticle (AgNPs synthesized using Mussaenda philippica leaf extract) to enhance phytochemical delivery and antibiofilm efficacy. Physicochemical characterization confirmed successful association between Berberine (BBR) and M. philippica mediated AgNPs (Mp-AgNP@BBR), with a hydrodynamic size of 217 nm, polydispersity index of 0.230, and a stable zeta potential of − 33.2 mV. At sub-MIC Mp-AgNP@BBR nanocomplex inhibited biofilm formation by 80.57%, compared to 60.37% for BBR and 67.78% for Mp-AgNPs alone. Treatment also reduced total extracellular polymeric substances, decreasing protein content from 549 to 159 µg/mL and carbohydrate content from 659 to 196 µg/mL, indicating substantial matrix disruption. QS activity, assessed via AHL quantification, showed a reduction in OD₅₂₀ from 0.83 (control) to 0.33 following nanocomplex treatment, without affecting bacterial growth. Cell surface hydrophobicity decreased from 60% to 23.34%, suggesting impaired adhesion. Curli amyloid production was strongly suppressed, as confirmed by Congo Red binding and Thioflavin T fluorescence assays. Molecular docking analysis further supported stable interactions between BBR–Ag8 complex and curli protein subunits CsgA and CsgB, indicating potential structural interference. Overall, this study demonstrates that nano-enabled BBR delivery effectively disrupts quorum-regulated curli biofilms in UTI-associated, MDR E. hormaechei , providing a promising strategy to combat biofilm-mediated persistence.
Ransomware has become the quintessential malware weapon of the digital crime era. In this chapter, we explore the world of ransomwares through the lens of organised crime studies to examine the networks, markets and digital power of ransomware groups like Conti, LockBit, REvil and ALPHV/BlackCat. The chapter outlines the structure, market mechanisms and power dynamics that characterize modern day ransomware operations. Utilizing in-depth case studies of large ransomware businesses and law enforcement disruption efforts, the chapter argues that ransomware groups are not simply a category of cybercrime but are a maturing of organized criminal enterprise that is uniquely suited for the networked digital environment. The analysis offers ideas regarding theoretical development concepts and the practical implications for intelligence-led policing, cross-border collaboration and criminal disruption in an increasingly contested cyber security environment, as well as criminal network resilience and governance of the illicit markets.
Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies are the concepts and processes used to manage the entire systems engineering lifecycle with models as the prime way of supporting the various activities of systems engineering, moving away from the document-centric systems engineering paradigm to an integrated, digital, and collaborative systems engineering paradigm. The complexity of contemporary engineered systems, such as aerospace platforms, automotive systems, healthcare technologies, defense applications, industrial automation, cyber-physical systems and smart infrastructure, has created a cross-multidisciplinary need for systems in which engineering requirements and interactions are constantly changing and complex, which has given rise to MBSE. MBSE aims to formalize models that portray system structure, behavior, requirements, interfaces, constraints, and performance to advance the understanding of a system, the communication of intent to stakeholders.
Millets are rich sources of nutrients that exhibit excellent functional and health benefits. This study aimed to investigate the engineering and physical properties of kodo and little millet kernels, as well as the physicochemical, nutritional, functional, rheological, and thermal properties of their flours, with refined wheat flour used as a control. The physicochemical and functional properties of Kodo and Little millet flours were systematically investigated using standard protocols, including rheological assessment of pasting behavior and color determination via a Chroma meter. According to our results, kodo millet kernel exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher geometric mean diameter, thousand kernel weight, and sphericity, whereas little millet kernel showed higher length, porosity, and angle of repose. Refined wheat flour had significantly higher protein content, whereas kodo millet flour had higher fiber and carbohydrate contents. Kodo flour also exhibited higher swelling and solubility indices, while little millet showed superior water absorption, oil absorption, bulk density, and foaming capacity. Little millet had higher protein, fat, and mineral contents, whereas kodo millet exhibited higher fiber and carbohydrate contents. Furthermore, kodo millet flour had higher peak, trough, breakdown, setback, and final viscosities, as well as higher pasting temperature and peak time compared to little millet. The rheological properties such as peak torque, water absorption, stability, softening, and mixing tolerance index were determined to be higher in kodo millet flour as compared to little millet flour. All the millets under study exhibited high nutritional and functional attributes. The underutilized minor millets could be considered for development of functional food for a sustainable approach with maintained human health and minimizing nutritional security. Moreover, the underutilized millet and their nutritional bioavailability and accessibility should be further investigated in future.
