bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Supply Chain Management and Strategic Processes in Total Quality Management to Improve Operational Performance
Authors: Suhardi Agatha Rinta
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This research aims to empirically determine how much influence supply chain management, strategic process, and total quality management have on the company's operational performance, both partially and simultaneously.
Methodology/Approach: The study involved eight manufacturing companies in Bandung and focused on 104 operational employees. It used descriptive and verification analysis with a path analysis approach, and data were collected through questionnaires via purposive sampling and the Slovin formula.
Findings: The results show that 1) Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Strategic Processes (SP) positively impact total quality management and operational performance, 2) Total Quality Management (TQM) negatively affects operational performance, and 3) supply chain management has the greatest influence on both.
Research Limitation/Implication: Future research should expand the sample size or include companies from different regions and industries to improve external validity.
Originality/Value of paper: This study emphasises the importance of supply chain management, strategic processes, and TQM in operational performance, with supply chain management being the most crucial factor for quality management and improved performance.
When academic impact is not enough: a concept mapping study characterising excellence in practice-based research
Authors: von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Hedberg Rundgren Emma , Uvhagen Håkan , Hedberg Rundgren Åsa
Published: November 2024

Background:

Research quality is often discussed in terms of excellence, emphasising replicability and trustworthiness. Practice-based research instead emphasises implementability and practical impact, and thus, may reflect other values and logics and challenge how high-quality practice-based research is defined. The aim of this study is to explore what characterises excellent practice-based research.

Method:

R&D staff at social and health care organisations in Sweden were invited to participate in a concept mapping study. Forty-eight participants were prompted to finish the sentence: ‘Excellent practice-based research is characterised by …’ in a brainstorming session. Next, participants (n=22) worked individually to sort statements by similarity and rate perceived importance (n=13) and experience (n=10). Data was analysed with multidimensional scaling, cluster analysis and t-tests. Lastly, a digital workshop with 50 participants was conducted to facilitate the interpretation of cluster solutions.

Results:

Eighty-three statements were distilled into 11 clusters from characteristics typical for traditional academic values (for example, ‘deploying appropriate methods’) and practice-based research (for example, ‘being actionable’) to characteristics emphasising the unique blend between them, such as ‘capturing and conveying reality’ and ‘embracing different agendas and perspectives’, the latter rated as the most important quality of excellent practice-based research, followed by ‘deploying appropriate methods’ and ‘being actionable’.

Conclusions:

Practice-based research is a complex field, addressing both ‘why things are’ and ‘how they work’. This study offers insights into how excellent practice-based research can be defined, broadening the view of what excellence entails.
The far right, populism, and the contestation of regionalism in South America: Bolsonaro and Milei
Authors: Sanahuja José Antonio , Hernández Nilson Diego , Burian Camilo López
Published: November 2024

The contestation of multilateralism and international norms is a constitutive element of the new neopatriot far right. On a global scale, this adopts sovereigntist, nationalist, and anti-globalist perspectives, which in many cases are expressed through populist discourses that establish an antagonism between the “people” and elites (global, foreign, or even national elites associated with foreign interests). In the cases of Jair Bolsonaro and Javier Milei, prominent representatives of the new Latin American neopatriot far right, the contestation extends to regional organizations (particularly those that emerged during the 2003–15 “pink tide”), (re)politicizing consensus and norms from a sovereigntist reaffirmation opposed to cooperation and integration with neighbors. If Latin American progressive populisms saw in regional integration under the ideal of a “Patria Grande” (“Great Fatherland”) a strategy to build national projects and a united “people” facing engagement between national oligarchies and imperialism, the new far-right is reversing this antagonism in a sovereigntist way to contest regionalism and regional integration.
Comparative study of lidars for measuring atmospheric temperature and wind: erratum
Authors: She Chiao-Yao , Krueger David A. , Yan Zhao-Ai
Published: November 2024

Additional corrections to errors in our published paper
[Appl.
Opt. 62, 3806
(2023)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.484453 and erratum,
Appl. Opt.
63, 5429 (2024)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.533306] are
given.
The oncolytic effect of Newcastle disease virus attenuated AMHA1 strain against digestive system tumors
Authors: Hamad Mohammed Abdullah , Almzaien Aous Kahtan , Jameel Firas Riyadh , Mohammad Maeda Hussain , Al-Shammari Ahmed Majeed
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim: Malignant diseases are among the most common and deadly illnesses that are often spread due to lifestyle choices. These diseases are caused by unchecked cell growth, which can be curable if detected early. Cancer treatment is dependent on various internal and external factors. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has emerged as a promising virotherapeutic agent due to its oncolytic activity and safety profile. This study investigated the ability of virulent NDV to infect, replicate, and kill digestive tumor cells in esophageal and colorectal cancers.

Materials and Methods: NDV was used at several concentrations (multiplicities of infection [MOI]: 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20) on two models of tumor cells: colorectal carcinoma (HRT) and esophageal carcinoma (SK-GT). The investigation focused on the cytotoxic effects of NDV in these cell lines.

Results: The results indicated that SK-GT carcinoma cells (esophageal and colorectal carcinoma) exhibited a high cytotoxic response to NDV, which was directly proportional to the MOI concentration. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of NDV was 5.736 for the SK-GT cell line and 9.878 for the HRT cell line.

Conclusion: NDV can replicate and kill cancer cells in esophageal and colorectal cancers. We recommend conducting in vivo studies on transplanted digestive system tumors in mouse models to evaluate their anti-tumor activity in vivo, as the present study was limited to in vitro models.

Keywords: cancer cell line, colorectal carcinoma, esophageal carcinoma, Newcastle disease virus, virotherapy.
Efficient gene editing of pig embryos by combining electroporation and lipofection
Authors: Lin Qingyi , Torigoe Nanaka , Liu Bin , Nakayama Yuichiro , Nakai Aya , Namula Zhao , Nagahara Megumi , Tanihara Fuminori , Hirata Maki , Otoi Takeshige
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim: Mosaicism, which is characterized by the presence of wild-type and more than one mutant allele, poses a serious problem in zygotic gene modification through the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 system. Therefore, we used pig embryos to compare the gene editing efficiencies achieved by combining electroporation and lipofection using different aminopeptidase N (APN)-targeting guide RNA (gRNA) sequences.

Materials and Methods: Six gRNAs (gRNA1–6) with different target sequences were designed to target APN. Zona pellucida (ZP)-intact zygotes collected 10 h after the start of in vitro fertilization (IVF) were electroporated with each gRNA to compare their gene editing efficiency. The gRNA sequences that achieved the lowest and highest mutation rates (gRNA4 and gRNA6, respectively) were selected for additional lipofection to assess gene editing efficiency following combined treatment. As ZP removal is essential for lipofection, ZP-free zygotes were electroporated with gRNA4 or gRNA6 10 h after IVF initiation, followed by lipofection with the same gRNAs 24 or 29 h after IVF initiation. The electroporated ZP-intact and ZP-free zygotes were used as controls.

Results: gRNA4 and gRNA6 exhibited the lowest and highest mutation rates, respectively. gRNA4-targeted ZP-free embryos subjected to additional lipofection 29 h after IVF initiation exhibited significantly higher total and biallelic mutation rates than ZP-intact embryos that received only electroporation. Additional lipofection of gRNA6-targeted embryos had no obvious effect on mutation rates.

Conclusion: Electroporation combined with lipofection using gRNAs with low mutation rates may improve gene editing efficiency in pig embryos. However, the effects may vary based on the timing of gene editing.

Keywords: electroporation, guide RNA sequence, lipofection, pig embryo.
Potential of Inhibiting the Receptor Binding Mechanism of SARS-COV-2 using Phytochemicals contained in Paspanguwa Water Extract: Molecular Docking and Dynamic Studies
Authors: Jayawardena P.A.S.N.P. , Sooriyawansha A.M.S.C , Kumarathunga P.G.J.D. , Dananjaya P.D.H. , Kadigamuwa C.C. , Dahanayake J.N.
Published: November 2024

This study is focused on the SARS-CoV-2 virus by in silico screening of phytochemicals contained in ‘Paspanguwa’ water extract, targeting ACE2 receptors using molecular docking. Phytochemicals of the five herbal ingredients contained in ‘Paspanguwa’ were extracted into water and were identified based on the literature reviews. Ligands geometries were optimized using Avogadro software and transformed to PDBQT format files by detecting torsion root using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6. SWISS-MODEL server was used to model the structure of the ACE2 receptor based on the UniProt ID Q9BYF1. The stereochemical quality of the protein model was assessed using SAVES v 6.0 and ProSA servers. Finally, potential ligands were docked to the ACE2 receptor protein by considering all variants of this virus and their interactions with the ACE2 receptor. The highest binding energy (BE) (-10.42 kcal/mol) was given by carpesterol phytochemical with allosteric site-2 and allosteric site-3 in the ACE2 receptor and this complex was subjected to molecular dynamic (MD) analysis using a CHARMM36 force field. According to the radius of gyration (Rg), root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) results, the studied protein-ligand complex was stable throughout the simulation time.
Green Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Aqueous Extract of Pseuderanthemum reticulatum Leaves and their Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Activities
Authors: Sheela S. Margrat , Vimala J. Rosaline , Bharathy M. Stella , Agila A. , Theeshma J. , Santhiya J.
Published: November 2024

The plant based synthesis of nanoparticles are highly recommended because of its low toxicity, low cost and eco-friendly nature. In present work, synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) involves a bioreduction technique using the aqueous extract derived from the leaves of Pseuderanthemum reticulatum. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible, FT-IR, EDAX, XRD, SEM, TEM, zeta potential analysis and particle size analyzing techniques. The results showed the characteristic absorbance peak at 404 nm in the UV-visible spectrum, the strong signals observed in the EDAX spectrum and the other characterization confirmed the formation of AgNPs with an average particle size of 17.83 nm. The in vitro antioxidant activity of AgNPs by DPPH method results revealed that they have greater radical scavenging capacity with the IC50 value of 101.5 µg/mL. Additionally, the anti-aging activity was also determined by collagenase inhibition assay. The biogenic AgNPs established its strong anti-aging efficacy as demonstrated by their inhibitory capacity against Actinomyces israelii (collagenase enzyme). Since, the AgNPs synthesized using aqueous extract of P. reticulatum exhibited leaves excellent antioxidant and anti-aging activity, it can be promising choice for various biological applications.
Bioremediation of Pharmaceutical Wastewater using Oscillatoria subsalsa and Oscillatoria flos-aquae: Efficiency in Contaminant Removal, Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity against Biofilm-Forming Bacteria
Authors: Sasikala J. , Subramanian G.
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the potential of cyanobacteria, specifically Oscillatoria subsalsa and Oscillatoria flos-aquae, for the bioremediation of pharmaceutical wastewater and their effectiveness in eliminating biofilm forming, multidrug-resistant bacteria. Cyanobacteria species were collected from the Mandapam coast in India and analyzed for their ability to treat pharmaceutical effluents. Phytochemical compounds in solvent extracts were assessed prior to remediation. The cyanobacteria were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and phosphate levels in wastewater. Antibacterial activity was analyzed against biofilm-forming bacterial isolates from pharmaceutical effluents. Both O. subsalsa and O. flos-aquae demonstrated significant reductions in environmental contaminants. O. subsalsa was more effective in reducing COD, while O. flos-aquae excelled in reducing nitrate and nitrite levels. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, sterols and quinones, indicating a rich profile of bioactive compounds. The antibacterial tests showed that both cyanobacterial species had significant antibacterial properties, with O. flos-aquae displaying stronger and more consistent activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria. The study highlights the potential of O. subsalsa and O. flos-aquae in wastewater treatment and their capability to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. These findings suggest that cyanobacteria offer a promising, sustainable approach for effective bioremediation and management of pharmaceutical wastewater.
Microwave Assisted Synthesis, Docking and Antimicrobial Studies of Tetrazole linked N-Acyl Hydrazone Derivatives
Authors: Hymavathi S. , Husain Ameena , Swathi N. , Kumar P. Sateesh , Anupama B. , Begum Alia
Published: November 2024

Novel Schiff bases of 2-(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)acetohydrazide were synthesized by employing microwave assisted green synthesis using substituted aldehydes. The structural characterization of the synthesized compounds was done by elemental, FT-IR, 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity was investigated against Gram-positive and negative bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The ADME properties and protein binding studies of the test compounds were computed by using SwissADME and AutoDock software. Among all the compounds, compound HNTAC demonstrated stronger binding affinity (-10.37 kcal/mol) than the control cefazolin (-7.2 kcal/mol) for 4OR7. The excellent results of antimicrobial, molecular docking and ADME (in silico) studies enhanced the potential of the compounds under study as candidates for further research exploration.
Novel Triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazines as Potential MmpL3 Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, Antitubercular Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Kshirsagar Jayashree , Chandane Wilson , Hiwarale Dipak , Naik Nitin , Sonawane Kailas , Rashinkar Gajanan , Salunkhe Rajashri , Shirke Sunita
Published: November 2024

A series of biologically active novel triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazines (5a-f) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized compounds 5a-f were evaluated for their in vitro anti-tubercular (anti-TB) activity against drug-sensitive Mtb H37Rv (ATCC 27294) strain as well as two drug-resistant Mtb strains viz. Mtb H37Rv ATCC 35822 (INH-resistant) and Mtb H37Rv ATCC 35837 (ETH-resistant). The synthesized compounds 5a-f displayed good to moderate anti-TB activity against drug-sensitive, INH-resistant and ETH-resistant Mtb H37Rv strains. Among all the compounds tested, compound 5c was found to be significantly potent. It inhibited the growth of drug-sensitive, INH-resistant and ETH-resistant Mtb H37Rv strains with MIC values 0.59 ± 0.11 µM, 20.83 ± 0.67 µM and 15.37 ± 0.14 µM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 5a-f were also tested for their cytotoxic efficacy against the mammalian Vero cell line at a maximum concentration of 50 µM. Molecular docking experiments of compounds 5a-f with the mycobacterial membrane protein large 3 (MmpL3) were performed to justify the biological activity and provide insight into the possible mechanism of action and binding mode of compounds. In silico predictions were used to validate compound toxicity descriptors, drug scores and drug-likeness properties.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Carbazole Based Dyes
Authors: Khan Mati Ur Rehman , Khan Anwar Abbas , Shehzadi Syeda Aaliya , Ullah Rahat , Munawar Khurram Shahzad , Irfan Muhammad
Published: November 2024

In this work, 9H-carbazole acted as precursor to synthesize a new organic dye, which involved the alkylation of carbazole with butyl bromide in the presence of phase transfer catalyst tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) to give BC (9-butyl-9H-carbazole) followed by the formylation with hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Formyl groups at 3- and 3,6-positions afforded CC (9-butyl-9H-carbazole-3-carbaldehyde) and CD (9-butyl-9H-carbazole-3,6-dicarbaldehye), respectively. The formylation reaction with HMTA suffered with low yield, therefore another methodology was adopted for the formylation of BC with POCl3 in the presence of dry DMF to afford CC and CD. Then condensation reaction was carried out CC and CD with cyanoacetic acid in the presence of ammonium acetate as catalyst. This reaction resulted in formation of CA (3-(9-butyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-2-cyanoacrylic acid) and DA (3,6-(9-butyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-2,2'-cyanoacrylic acid. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, GC-MS, MS and UV-visible methods. The UV-Visible absorption spectra of CA was observed at 239 nm while the absorption region is from 190 nm to 340 nm and DA shows the absorption peak at 320 nm while the absorption region is from 290 to 440 nm. The energy band gaps for CA and DA were found to be 5.2 eV and 3.6 eV, respectively.
Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Hedyotis diffusa Willd. and Evaluation of their Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic and Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Trang Vu Minh , Trung Trieu Anh , Tri Tran Quang , Hien Pham Thanh , Minh Thu Nguyen Thi , Giang Phan Minh , Viet Huong Do Thi
Published: November 2024

Hedyotis diffusa Willd. is traditionally used in Vietnamese and Chinese medicine for its therapeutic properties. This study aimed to explore the bioactive components of the ethyl acetate extract of Hedyotis diffusa Willd. and evaluate their potential antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. The extract was collected using fractionated column chromatography and five compounds viz. cholestane, campesterol, stigmasterol, diosgenin and digitoxigenin were isolated and characterized by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against bacteria (Bacteroides fragilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes at 80 mg/mL) and fungi (Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus at 80 mg/mL) associated with liver diseases. The extract demonstrated inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells at 20 µg/mL with low cell death rates 37,12% and DPPH scavenging which may be attributed to its high phenolic content. These findings suggest that Hedyotis diffusa Willd. extract holds promise as a therapeutic agent for liver damage and cancer, potentially through mechanisms beyond antioxidant activity.
Studies of ZnO/NiO/MoO3 Ternary Nanocomposite as an Effective Visible Light Photocatalyst
Authors: Swapna D. , Priya K. Jyothi , Sruthi V. , Sunetha M. , Jayashree R. , Himabindu G. , Douglas S. Paul
Published: November 2024

In this work, following a facile coprecipitation technique, a novel ternary ZnO/NiO/MoO3 heterojunction photocatalysts was synthesized and characterized using SEM, TEM, UV-Vis DRS, XRD and FTIR analysis. Under visible light irradiation, the photodegradation of organic pollutants, such as methylene blue, was studied. Comparing the ternary nanocomposite to ZnO, NiO, MoO3 and binary ZnO/NiO, NiO/MoO3 nanocomposite, the former showed better photocatalytic performance. The energy band gap of ZnO/NiO/MoO3 nanocomposite was evaluated using Tauc plot from absorption spectra and resulted as 2.67 eV. The best photocatalytic activity for methylene blue (100%) was shown by ternary ZnO/NiO/MoO3 photocatalyst within 55 min. The development of the ZnO/NiO/MoO3 heterojunction photocatalyst, which is advantageous for effective fast transfer and separation of the photoexcited charge carriers, could be attributed to the better photocatalytic presentation.
Amorphous Zirconium-Zinc Bimetallic Metal Organic Framework based Fluorescent Sensor for Sensing of Ceftriaxone, Metronidazole and Ornidazole Antibiotics
Authors: Komara Jayasree , Karumuri Jaya Prasanthi , Tandra Ravikanth , Thota Santhosh
Published: November 2024

It is essential to have both sensitive and selective antibiotic sensor, as the overuse of antibiotics has escalated in the last few years, endangering both human health and the environment. This work produced a hydrostable amorphous bimetallic metal organic framework (Zr-Zn-EDTA), which is employed as a fluorescence sensor using a solvothermal approach. Zr-Zn-EDTA bimetallic metal organic framework effectively quenches ceftriaxone, metronidazole and ornidazole among the five antibiotics, with low detection limits (LOD) 4.9 × 10–7 M for ceftriaxone, 5.4 × 10–7 M for metronidazole and 6.05 × 10–7 M for ornidazole, respectively. Moreover, Zr-Zn-EDTA exhibits good selectivity and recyclability for the detection of antibiotics including metronidazole, ornidazole and ceftriaxone. Specifically, a comprehensive analysis of the quenching mechanism has been shown, which might offer a clear comprehension for the identification of the ensuing antibiotics.
Phytochemical Screening, Isolation and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Ethanol Extract of Memecylon lushingtonii Gamble
Authors: Manjula R. Ratna , Thirumal M.
Published: November 2024

The primary goal of this study was to isolate and characterize the bioactive compounds present in the M. lushingtonii Gamble leaves using ethanol as solvent for the extraction using Soxhlet apparatus for 8 h. Based on the chemical analysis, column chromatography using different solvents depending on polarity further isolated the components. Isolation of the extract was carried out using toluene and ethyl acetate solvents with varying concentrations and showed two single spots by TLC at the rentation time (Rt) of 0.66 and 0.72 for the solvent’s toluene and ethyl acetate (8:12 and 2:18), respectively. Various spectroscopy techniques (UV, NMR, IR, and MASS) were employed for the characterisation of the compounds and elucidation of their structures. The results confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and terpenoids. The spectroscopic analysis revealed the compounds were quercetin (Rf: 0.66) and luteolin (Rf: 0.72) which were both flavonoid group and contains five and four –OH groups, respectively in their basic structure (C6-C3-C6). The results demonstrated that the leaves of M. lushingtonii Gamble exhibited a higher concentration of polyphenolic chemicals, which contribute to the diverse therapeutic properties.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 4,6-Substituted 2-Styrylquinoline Derivatives: Potential Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Saini Monika , Mehta Dinesh Kumar , Guarve Kumar , Singh Manjinder , Das Rina
Published: November 2024

A series of novel 4,6-substituted 2-styrylquinoline derivatives (3a-h) was designed and synthesized based on the substitution in quinoline scaffolds (with Br, H, NO2 at C6 position) as well as the substitution in the styryl moeity (at C4' position). The target compounds were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and anticancer activity against human colon adenocarcinoma HT29 cells. Compared to standard drug ciprofloxacin, compounds 3e, 3b and 3c showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. Additionally, synthesized compound 3e had significant activity against Candida albicans with MIC value of 8 µg/mL. In anticancer study, the maximum cell death rate was found in compounds 3e, 3b and 3c at the dose of 100 µM i.e., 72.9%., 44.01% and 35.46%, respectively and the measured IC50 were 58.84, 114.53 and 130 µM. The cytotoxic potential of compound 3e was confirmed by AO-EtBr dual staining assay in which red fluorescence of necrotic cells lost their membrane integrity due to toxicity induced by compound 3e. This growth inhibition and apoptotic activity of compound 3e was dose-dependent when the colour changed from green to red. Furthermore, in silico studies were conducted on the synthesized compounds to elucidate the potential mechanisms of action against dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from E. coli, DNA gyrase from P. aeruginosa, DHFR from S. aureus, acetolactate synthase from K. pneumoniae and DHFR from C. albicans. The derivatives also exhibited the strongest ligand-receptor binding affinity. Additionally, ADME analysis was performed to predict the pharmacokinetic profiles of the compounds, indicating good oral drug-like properties.
AC Conductivity, Dielectric and Structural Properties of Co0.6Zn0.4-xMgxFe2O4 Co-Zn Spinel Nano Ferrites Prepared using Sol-gel Autocombustion Method
Authors: Awanti Pushpa N. , Murugendrappa M.V. , Chapi Sharanappa , Mathad Shridhar N. , Konda R.B. , Gounhalli Shivraj G.
Published: November 2024

This study examined the structural, morphological, dielectric and AC conductivity properties of CoZnMg ferrite samples (Co0.6Zn0.4-xMgxFe2O4) with x = 0.00, 0.08, 0.16, 0.24, 0.32, 0.40. The sol-gel autocombustion method was used to synthesize the CoZnMg ferrite samples. The produced samples crystallize in the cubic spinel structure, according to an XRD analysis of the structural characteristics. The highly crystalline single-phase cubic spinel structure with a distinct peak in the (311) plane has been confirmed by XRD studies. The diameters of the crystallites have fluctuated between 24.92 and 9.80 nm. SEM, EDX and FTIR used to examine the morphological and elemental characteristics of the samples. According to FE-SEM, adding magnesium to the current ferrite system resulted in the loss of the porous gel structure. According to the relative stoichiometry of the Mg-substituted CoZn ferrite, the EDAX analysis verified the presence of Co, Zn, Mg and O. The investigated samples may be appropriate for a variety of uses, as indicated by the consistent conductivity at low frequencies. Within the frequency range of 100 to 5 MHz, the room temperature, electrical and dielectric properties were examined. The quantity of magnesium dopants and the microstructural features were related to the obtained results. The dielectric characteristics (ε′ and ε″) of the ferrites gradually decreased with frequency, even at higher frequencies. The samples exhibited interfacial polarization, which led to normal dielectric characteristics in line with the Maxwell-Wagner model.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2-(3-((2-(2-(Quinoline-4-yloxy)acetyl)-hydrazineylidene)methyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)acetamide Derivatives as Antiprotozoal Agent: In silico Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Gupta Jyoti , Thabana Puleng A. , Samreen Sabahat , Azam Amir , Van Zyl Robyn L. , Inam Afreen
Published: November 2024

In an unremitting search for potential antiprotozoal agents, a series of 2-(3-((2-(2-(quinolin-4-yloxy)acetyl)hydrazineylidene)methyl)-1H-indol-1-yl)acetamide derivatives (QC1-QC11) was designed, synthesized, characterized and evaluated for its antiprotozoal activities. The anti-amoebic activity of these synthesized compounds was assessed against the HM1:IMSS strain of Entamoeba histolytica. All the compounds exhibited good to potent activity with IC50 values in the range of 0.36-30.94 µM and metronidazole (MTZ) was taken as standard (IC50 = 1.8 µM). Compound QC4 was recorded with lowest IC50 value (0.36 µM). Antimalarial screening against Plasmodium falciparum strain (NF54) revealed the poor efficacy of these compounds. Derivatives QC2 and QC4 exhibited a slight inhibitory effect on the malaria parasite compared to quinine, while showing negligible impact on red blood cell integrity. Of all the derivatives, QC4 displayed general toxicity to all the organisms and cells used in this study, with QC2 showing minimal toxicity to these biological systems. The docking study of these derivatives indicated the promising binding affinity when interacted with enzyme EhTHRase (PDB id: 3D8X). QC6 recorded with most negative binding free energy value (-8.9 kcal/mol) showing strongest interaction while QC4 also had promising interaction with binding free energy -8.7 kcal/mol, hence, these derivatives are found to be promising anti-amoebic agents.
Experimental and Surface Morphological Studies of Imidazolium-based Ionic Liquid as Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Sulphuric Acid Medium
Authors: Kumari Anita , Singh Taruna , Kumar Sandeep , Thakur Raj Kumar
Published: November 2024

The corrosion inhibitor 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [(BMIM)Cl], an ionic liquid, was used to determine the potency of inhibitor in 0.5 M of H2SO4 on the surface of mild steel. The studies performed weight loss measurements over time and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Weight loss studies evaluate the degree of degradation in a mild steel (MS) specimen subjected to sulphuric acid by assessing the reduction in weight of the exposed sample over the duration of exposure. EIS measures the electrochemical properties of the mild steel sample in a sulphuric acid solution interface. Through experimental analysis involving the use of mild steel and ionic liquid, it was established that the material possesses a high potential to reduce the corrosion rate of mild steel in an acidic solution. Also, the surface characterization of the steel sample treated with or without the [(BMIM)Cl] inhibitor in sulphuric acid was characterized using both SEM & AFM techniques. A cross-sectional analysis by SEM and AFM give a physical confirmation of the findings that the ionic liquid, [(BMIM)Cl], when mixed with sulphuric acid, deposits a barrier on the steel surface. The results support the application of [(BMIM)Cl] in preventing corrosion of steel samples in an acidic environment, owing to the formation of a passivating layer through the reaction of the ionic liquid with the metal surface.
Entropy Driven Binding of 2-(4-Aminophenyl)benzothiazole with DNA: An Experimental and Theoretical Insights
Authors: Reddy Ragaiahgari Srinivas , Sahoo Bijaya Ketan , Bodapati Anna Tanuja Safala , Madku Shravya Rao , Lavanya Kandikonda
Published: November 2024

Molecular recognition driven by molecular interactions is an intricate part of drug discovery and targeted drug delivery systems due to the dependence of thetherapeutic properties of drugs on interaction with desired target biomolecules as receptors. 2-(4-Aminophenyl) benzothiazole (APB), a heterocyclic molecule containing a benzothiazole nucleus, is known to induce apoptosis besides inhibiting cancer cell development and has been found effective against different microorganisms. This study highlights the spectroscopic and theoretical investigation of binding interactions of APB and ct-DNA. The UV-vis experiments indicate a binding constant of 9.73 ± 0.4 × 105 M-1. The measured binding constants of 1.0 ± 0.2 × 105, 2.4 ± 0.3 × 105 and 3.5 ± 0.3 × 105 at 298, 303 and 308 K, respectively, from fluorescence experiments indicated a dynamic quenching type. The binding was driven by hydrophobic forces with positive ΔHº (64.8467 ± 2 KJ mol–1) and ΔSº (317.12 ± 2 J mol–1 K–1) values besides spontaneity of the process with negative ΔGº values. The binding of APB molecule in the minor groove of ct-DNA was demonstrated by DNA melting tests, viscosity measurements and site marker displacement using ethidium bromide and Hoechst. Additional studies conducted by KI provided support for minor groove binding and NaCl has no impact on the binding electrostatic interactions, while the CD investigations showed no DNA structural alterations. Molecular docking studies also confirmed the experimental findings placing APB in the ct-DNA minor groove.
Inferential analysis of factors influencing the expectation gap in national health insurance: Evidence from South Africa
Authors: Gani Shenaaz
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This study investigates the expectation gap between healthcare users' demands and the South African government's National Health Insurance (NHI) proposal in Tshwane Municipality.
Methodology: The research employs a conjoint analysis approach and a market simulator to examine various parameters influencing healthcare users' expectations. A sample of 281 respondents from diverse population groups participated in the study.
Results: Findings reveal that healthcare users strongly demand immediate access to medication, consultations, and comprehensive services, and they prefer doctor-led care. The government's NHI proposal lacks specific timeframes for addressing these concerns, leading to uncertainty and dissatisfaction among users.
Theoretical contribution: This study contributes to the literature on healthcare policy implementation by highlighting the importance of aligning user expectations with government proposals. It demonstrates the application of conjoint analysis in healthcare policy research.
Practical implications: The research suggests that providing precise and detailed information about NHI services and timeframes can help manage healthcare users' expectations. It also emphasizes the need for the government to address specific concerns such as waiting times and service comprehensiveness in the NHI implementation.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Socioeconomic determinants and impacts of life expectancy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A time series analysis from 1960-2020
Authors: Baharanyi Séraphin N. , Mambo Lewis N.K. , Muluma Albert M.
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This study aims to identify the socioeconomic determinants and impacts of life expectancy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 1960-2020.
Methodology: Using time series data from the World Bank, correlation analysis and Granger causality tests are employed to examine relationships between life expectancy and various macroeconomic indicators in the DRC.
Results: Inflation, economic growth, population growth, and CO2 emissions are the causes of life expectancy in the DRC. In turn, life expectancy Granger causes inflation, economic growth, mineral rents, and CO2 emissions. A negative correlation is observed between mineral rents and economic growth, while inflation negatively impacts life expectancy.
Theoretical Contribution: The bidirectional causality between economic growth and longevity in the DRC supports human capital theory. The study provides new evidence on the drivers and effects of life expectancy in the context of a developing, resource-rich economy.
Practical Implications: The findings suggest that the DRC government should prioritize spending on health and education to promote longevity as an economic development engine. Policies controlling inflation and sustaining mineral resources are also crucial for improving life expectancy.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
A critical review of leadership styles in higher education institutions: Implications for employee commitment in South Africa
Authors: Maama Haruna
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This study critically examines the implications of leadership styles on employee commitment in higher education institutions in South Africa, addressing the challenges posed by rapid transformation in the sector.
Methodology: A systematic literature review approach was adopted, synthesizing existing research findings from credible academic databases.
Results: The study established that transformational leadership, focusing on vision-setting and employee empowerment, fosters trust and commitment. Conversely, transactional leadership, relying on contingent rewards, may inhibit creativity and long-term engagement.
Theoretical contribution: This review contributes to the understanding of leadership dynamics in higher education, particularly in the South African context, by highlighting the relationship between leadership styles and employee commitment.
Practical implications: The findings underscore the need for effective leadership development programs and organizational policies that cultivate staff commitment, potentially improving the performance of South African higher education institutions.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Demokrasi dan Transformasi Digital : Analisis Digitalisasi Politik Melalui Penerapan E-Voting dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Demokrasi
Authors: Sadam Muhammad , Araafi Faathur Al , Arafah Yusran
Published: November 2024

In the rapidly evolving digital era, many democracies are undertaking digital transformation through the implementation of e-voting. E-voting is a digital system that aims to be a transformation tool in the voting mechanism, this will make changes in the election method that was previously carried out conventionally to digitalization. In conducting the research, the author adopts a qualitative approach through a literature study to explore the relationship between democracy and digital transformation through the implementation of e-voting. The application of e-voting in the electoral system can provide several advantages in increasing efficiency, participation, and transparency. However, there are several challenges that need to be observed related to the implementation of e-voting, where the security aspect is an issue that needs to be considered. The vulnerability of e-voting systems can be an important discourse to prevent cyber-attacks and vote manipulation that can reduce the integrity of democracy. Therefore, e-voting systems need to be equipped with good security procedures to protect voters from data manipulation through various cyber-attacks. Thus, the presence of an e-voting system can be an effective tool in improving the quality of democracy, although it has some security issues that need to be considered.   Keywords: Democracy, Transformation, Digital, E-voting
TNI Neutrality in General Elections: Analysis of Army Family Voting Rights in Magelang
Authors: Aisyahwara Fillia Galuh , Fahadayna Adhi Cahya
Published: November 2024

The neutrality regulations of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) enable them to be able to maintain the Spirit of Reform. The reformation mandate requires the army to be neutral in the General Elections in Indonesia. This writing aims to find out the participation of the Indonesian army family in the general election, especially in the 2019 presidential election in a case study in Magelang City, and the extent to which TNI family understands the neutrality of TNI and their participation in the activities of the Presidential General Election in 2019. The method applied in this research uses the qualitative descriptive type and the case study type based on interviews and observation. The research results show that army families in Magelang City already know the rules regarding TNI neutrality during elections. As civil society, the TNI family also exercised their right to vote, and no one participated as a success team or party officer. In this case, the TNI family is given the freedom to choose without any interference from TNI members. Based on the research that has been carried out it can be concluded that there is a need to increase awareness and conditions when the related person is faced with the situation as head of the family and a member of the TNI in order to to maintain the spirit of the constitution.
OCR Approaches for Humanities: Applications of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning on Transcription and Transliteration of Historical Documents
Authors: Khan Arsh , Rai Utsav , Singh Shashank Shekhar , Yamamoto Yukinori , Ibarreche Xabier Granja , Meadows Harrison , Gleyzer Sergei
Published: November 2024

Recent advances have made Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) processes increasingly relevant to business, healthcare, finance, retail, and telecommunications interests. The objective of the present study is to explore the potential to leverage modern machine learning algorithms directly into humanities research fields. To do so, the renAIssance project was created, aiming to examine various possibilities of using AI/ML algorithms for Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to accelerate and improve the accuracy of automatized transcription in digitized historical archival documents. This article considers the state of the field as it pertains to the main processes used in natural language processing. It also explores difficulties arising from salient features of early modern printing practices that diverge from modern typographical conventions. Four AI/ML approaches were employed to achieve context-rich processing of a specifically selected historical archival dataset: Convolutional Neural Networks, Sequence-to-Sequence Contrastive Learning (SeqCLR), Vision Transformers, and Transformer-based OCR (TrOCR). The archival corpus consisted of 931 pages, 2,082 folios, and 61 manual transcriptions as ground truth to train the algorithms. This study reports on the accuracy achieved by each of the four methods when transcribing and transliterating early modern documents. Finally, it offers suggestions for future implementations to apply AI/ML tools to the analysis of archival sources commonly handled by researchers on humanities fields such as literature and history.
Sonographic visualization and measurement of the fetal optic chiasm and optic tract and association with the cavum septum pellucidum
Authors: Can Sevim Tuncer , Golbasi Hakan , Bayraktar Burak , Saglam Ceren , Omeroglu Ibrahim , Torun Raziye , Ucar Ilker , Toka Ilknur Gumus , Ekin Atalay
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To assess the sonographic visualization of the fetal optic chiasm (OC) and optic tracts (OTs), establish mid-trimester reference values, and assess the relationship between OC and OT dimensions and cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) measurements.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study included 154 morphologically normal fetuses between 19 and 23 weeks of gestation. The diameters of the fetal OC and OTs were measured using two-dimensional transabdominal ultrasound in a transventricular axial section angled approximately 20–40° caudally. CSP length as well as anterior, middle, and posterior widths were measured by placing the cursor on the inner surfaces in the transventricular section. The average CSP width was included in the analysis.

Results

The OC and OTs were successfully visualized in 109 fetuses and included in the analysis. Visualization success in transabdominal axial sections at 19–23 weeks was 70.8 %, with high intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility. Additionally, visualization rates were higher in advanced gestational weeks and in fetuses with breech presentation (p=0.007 and p=0.017, respectively). OC and OT dimensions were positively correlated with CSP length and width, biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), and gestational age (p<0.05, for all).

Conclusions

The OC and OTs were successfully visualized transabdominally in axial sections with high intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility. Additionally, OC and OT dimensions were positively correlated with gestational age, as well as with BPD, HC, and CSP measurements.
Cicero’s universal law: a timeless guide to reproductive justice
Authors: Chervenak Frank A. , Pollet Susan L. , McLeod-Sordjan Renee , Grünebaum Amos
Published: November 2024

Marcus Tullius Cicero’s concept of “ius gentium,” or universal law, provides a timeless framework for understanding and defending fundamental human rights, particularly in the context of reproductive freedom. Cicero distinguished between “ius gentium” and “ius civile,” emphasizing that while civil law governs specific communities, universal law, rooted in natural reason, applies to all humanity. This philosophical foundation resonates with modern discussions on reproductive rights, where universal principles of justice and bodily autonomy are at stake. Enlightened by Immanuel Kant’s notion of innate freedom, Cicero’s philosophy challenges present day’s US states’ restrictive reproductive laws, which often contradict the universal principles of justice. Applying these concepts to contemporary issues, such as abortion rights, underscores the need to align civil laws with universal ethics, ensuring that individual freedoms are upheld against arbitrary state interventions. By advocating for policies that promote equitable access to reproductive healthcare, Cicero’s vision of universal law remains a powerful tool for advancing human dignity and autonomy in modern society.
Research progress of jet washing technology and its exploratory decoking application in delayed coking process
Authors: Lv Fuwei , Wang Bingjie , Yan Shijie , Zhu Yong , Yu Qifan , Yang Xiaoyong
Published: November 2024

Considering the distinctive features of the delayed coking process and taking into account various particulate matter control technologies, the feasibility of using jet washing technology to remove coke powder from process gas is explored. The performance of scrubbers is heavily reliant on the quality of atomization, which in turn is influenced by liquid jet breakup. Due to the multiple interactions of various instabilities involved in jet breakup, as well as the short duration and small scale of this process, it is challenging to observe experimentally. Therefore, the specific fluid dynamics processes are not yet clear. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on research methods, jet breakup modes, jet breakup characteristics, and jet breakup mechanisms. However, there is a lack of comprehensive review work summarizing these research advancements. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview to facilitate jet scrubber designers’ systematic understanding of progress in jet breakup research. Furthermore, it discusses the significance of studying confined spaces for jet breakup with the objective of providing valuable insights for designing and optimizing delayed coker.