bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Covid-19 on the Change of Customer Buying Behaviour
Authors:   SOB, GU, Greater Noida, Singh Sonal Kumari
Published: May 2024

Background: The retail sector is rapidly developing over the past years. Retailers are investing more efforts and resources to provide a seamless experience through multiple channels. These developments led to significant changes in customer behaviour. Customers buying activities and way of selecting the products and retailers faced different changes and developments. The online retailing sector is entitled to continuous development. The latest development was due to the Covid-19 global pandemic that came without any previous notice. The customer behaviour starts adopting the digital online channels in most of their needs and wants. The appearance of new customer behaviour patterns due to Covid-19 lead to the emergence of new customer behaviour. Purpose: This study is of an exploratory and constructive nature. It is concerned with deepening the knowledge about the change in customer buying behaviour brought by Covid-19 on the retailing sector. The aim of the study is to identify and test new behavioural patterns that would influence the Swedish millennials’ in selecting between online and offline stores for shopping and buying fashion products. Method: An abductive approach was followed in this paper. Mixed methods of both qualitative and quantitative were used to fulfil the purpose of this exploratory research. The research followed a sequential exploratory design of two data collection phases. The ii empirical data was conducted from focus groups sessions with a total number of interviewee, and relevant responses from a web-based survey. Conclusion: The study has revealed two significant findings and contributed to propose a conceptual model. The fruitful results of this study are: (1) there is a vast customers’ migration towards online stores. (2) there are new behavioural patterns related to Covid 19 that are influencing the customer buying behaviour. (3) A proposed conceptual model which is concerned with the factors influencing the customer buying behaviour in selecting between online and offline fashion stores.
ADAPTING THE MARKETING MIX: ANALYSIS OF INDIAN COMPANIES IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 FOR CUSTOMER RETENTION
Authors:   GALGOTIAS UNIVERSITY, YADAV SARVESH
Published: May 2024

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has touched the lives of countless individuals. As of September 2020, the World Health Organization (2020a) reported about 29 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with over 900,000 fatalities. Quickly spreading from its January origin in China, the virus reached neighbouring nations. The United States has more than 6 million infected people, making it the country with the highest number of confirmed cases. Because the virus can spread so quickly from person to person, several countries have put travel bans, non-essential company halts, and stay-at-home orders into effect. The epidemic's detrimental impact on the economy is unrelated to people's health. According to Cantore, Hartwich, Lavopa, Haverkamp, Laplane, and Rodousakis (2020), a lot of countries are experiencing a recession irrespective of how much of an impact COVID-19 had on their income. Many people have made rapid lifestyle changes in response to this health crisis. Supply chain management, resource allocation, and marketing are just a few areas where many businesses struggle when attempting to alter their standard operating procedures. A company's marketing strategy needs to be flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of its target market if it wants to minimize losses and maximize gains. Studying the effects of a pandemic on the economy and the ways in which marketing tactics have evolved is essential.
Optimizing Production Scheduling in Manufacturing: Strategies and Technologies for Efficiency
Authors:   Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India, Sharma Pravesh
Published: May 2024

This is manufacturing, efficient production scheduling is crucial for maximizing output and reducing costs. This abstract describes strategies and technologies to achieve this efficiency. It covers aspects like demand forecasting, resource allocation, optimizing task sequencing, and leveraging real-time tracking. By implementing these methods, manufacturers can streamline workflow, minimize idle time, and ensure timely deliveries. This report explores the challenges faced in production scheduling in manufacturing and examines strategies and technologies that can be used to optimize scheduling processes. The report discusses the importance of production scheduling in achieving operational efficiency and meeting customer demands. Various strategies, such as lean manufacturing, just-in- time (JIT) production, and advanced planning and scheduling (APS) systems, are analyzed for their effectiveness in improving production scheduling. Additionally, the report explores technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) that can enhance production scheduling capabilities. Case studies and examples are used to illustrate how these strategies and technologies have been implemented successfully in real-world manufacturing settings. The report concludes with recommendations for manufacturers looking to optimize their production scheduling processes.
Identification of Plant Diseases Using Imaging Processing and Machine Learning 1st
Authors:   Lovely Professional University Phagwara, India, Chaurasia Amitabh
Published: May 2024

This comprehensive review explores the most current developments in the use of image processing and machine learning methods for the diagnosis of plant diseases. After a thorough review of the literature, we critically assess the different frameworks and methods used to classify disorders affecting plants. Our study highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each approach while focusing on how accurate it is in diagnosing a wide variety of illnesses. In addition, we investigate new developments and trends in this quickly developing industry. We conclude by talking about the ongoing difficulties and suggesting some directions for further study to improve the effectiveness of plant disease detection systems. Keywords— CNN, VGG16, image processing, classification, neural networks, and machine learning
The Role of Transportation Modes in Logistics
Authors:   SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, Rawat Anurag
Published: May 2024

Transportation mostly relies on wheels. They're used in cars, trains, planes . We don't know exactly who invented the first wheel, but it changed how goods are moved from one place to another in the logistics chain. By using management techniques, we can make transportation better and cheaper. In logistics, transportation is super important. To have a strong logistics system, we need to understand how it works and use the right ways to move things around. This research examined the importance of transportation methods in logistics and their effect on supply chain efficiency. By evaluating different transportation methods, such as highways, trains, ships, planes, and oil pipelines, this research aims to provide insights into their respective functions, challenges, and prospects in the logistics industry. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of how transportation methods impact logistics operations and decision-making.
A STUDY ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION TOWARDS BAJAJ AUTOMOBILES IN DELHI NCR
Authors:   GALGOTIAS UNIVERSITY, SOLANKI, SOURAV SINGH
Published: May 2024

In order for the car company to gain advertising power, it needs to understand what consumers want in order to come up with a final product that satisfies them in terms of price, quality, and utility. Examining the demand for the particular type of motorbike in the city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. There is a high degree of congruence between consumer propensity and actual purchasing behaviour. To do this, a showcase overview was carried out with one hundred people in the contemplation zone. Authorized merchants should also devise an appropriate notice to attract local clients, and promotional campaigns should focus on reaching the extreme custom. There have been advancements in the two-wheel market thanks to the introduction of the Legend Honda bicycle. The business should introduce a plethora of stylish two-wheelers. After the part, we survey Saint and Saint Honda customers to find out which brand they lean towards. Results about the brand choice of the client are documented. Based on our research, we know that Saint Honda is gaining market share in the two-wheeler industry, and we are curious to see what happens next for Honda.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON COMSUMER LOYALTY OF E-COMMERCE COMPANIES FLIPKART AND AMAZON
Authors:   Galgotias University, Greater Noida, KUMAR RAHUL
Published: May 2024

This study compares Flipkart and Amazon in particular to delve into the nuances of client loyalty in the Indian e-commerce business. It uses a mixed-method approach to find the key variables affecting customer loyalty by combining surveys with other methods. According to the study, developing a following of devoted clients requires a variety of factors. On the one hand, it is essential to have concrete features like a user-friendly platform, competitive pricing, variety, and high-quality products delivered quickly. The report does stress, though, that loyalty is more than simply business. Strong brand identity and ethical business practices are critical, as demonstrated by the value of brand reputation and trust. The study demonstrates how Flipkart and Amazon use various approaches to foster customer loyalty. Flipkart creates a feeling of community by customizing the shopping experience for its customers through engaging marketing campaigns, special deals, and tailored suggestions. On the other hand, in order to expedite the shopping experience and encourage recurring transactions, Amazon places a high priority on a wide range of products, a strong logistical network, and reward programs like Amazon Prime. Notably, both businesses use artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve customer satisfaction and personalize services.One of the main challenges facing the e-commerce industry is security issues. While consumers like the ease of online purchasing, the survey notes that distrust and loyalty can be hampered by worries about data privacy, cybersecurity, and fake goods. According to the study, Flipkart and Amazon have taken steps to allay these worries, including putting strong security measures in place, guaranteeing authenticity, and keeping open lines of communication with their patrons. KEY WORDS: INDIA, E-COMMERCE, LOYALTY, FLIPKART, AMAZON, STRATEGY, FACTORS, CUSTOMER.
BANKING SECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: A BOOTSTRAP PANEL GRANGER CAUSALITY ANALYSIS
Authors:   Galgotias University, Kumar Raviranjan
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this paper is to revisit the Granger causal relationship between banking sector development and economic growth for forty developing countries in the period 1970-2012. We devised two indices to comprehensively assess the development of the banking sector and employed a panel bootstrapped approach for Granger causality testing. This method adequately addresses concerns related to cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity. Our empirical findings offer modest backing for the supply-leading, demand-following, and complementarity hypotheses. Moreover, our analysis suggests a causal relationship between banking sector development and economic growth across twenty-five countries. This paper investigates the relationship between banking sector development and economic growth in developing countries using a Bootstrap Panel Granger Causality Analysis. The banking sector plays a crucial role in fostering economic development by mobilizing savings, allocating capital efficiently, and channeling investments into productive sectors. However, the precise nature of the causal linkages between banking sector development and economic growth remains subject to empirical scrutiny, particularly in the context of developing economies characterized by diverse institutional settings and economic structures. Employing a panel data approach, this study examines the causal dynamics between banking sector development and economic growth across a sample of developing countries. By leveraging the richness of cross-country variation and time-series dynamics, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the symbiotic relationship between banking sector development and economic growth. Our discoveries illuminate the causal connection between banking sector advancement and economic growth in developing nations, presenting significant insights for policymakers, economists, and scholars. Through informing policy discussions and promoting data-driven decision-making, this research contributes to the crucial goals of sustainable development and inclusive growth in developing economies.
A STUDY OF GREEN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ADOPTED BY THE NEW AGE ORGANIZATIONS
Authors:   Galgotias University, Yadav Jyoti
Published: May 2024

This study examines Google's Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) strategies, exploring how the company integrates sustainability into its HR practices. Through literature review and analysis, it investigates Google's environmental initiatives across recruitment, performance management, supplier partnerships, and more. Results highlight Google's deeply ingrained commitment to environmental stewardship, fostering a sustainable culture through employee empowerment, training, and community engagement. Challenges include balancing business goals with environmental objectives and overcoming resistance to change. Google's experiences offer valuable insights for organizations seeking to develop their own green HRM policies, promoting environmental responsibility and contributing to a sustainable future.
A STUDY OF GREEN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ADOPTED BY THE NEW AGE ORGANIZATIONS
Authors:   Galgotias University, Kumari Sneha
Published: May 2024

This study looks at the Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) strategies used by Google, a company that is well-known throughout the world for its cutting-edge approaches to workplace culture and sustainability. The corporate agenda is starting to prioritize environmental issues more and more, thus it's important to understand how companies like Google incorporate sustainability into their HRM strategy in order to promote a more environmentally conscious and responsible business environment. Through a comprehensive review of literature and analysis of available resources, this study examines Google's environmental sustainability initiatives, policies, and employee involvement techniques through a thorough evaluation of the literature and analysis of the resources available. Recruitment and selection, performance management, workplace rules and procedures, supplier partnerships, community involvement, employee training and development, and measuring and reporting environmental performance are some of the key topics of inquiry. The results show that Google's GHRM policies are engrained in the company culture and demonstrate a dedication to social responsibility and environmental stewardship. The organization places a strong emphasis on the empowerment and participation of its workforce, promoting a sustainable culture through programs including training, rewards for success, and chances for community service. The implementation of GHRM techniques has several challenges, such as striking a balance between business and environmental objectives, guaranteeing alignment across various organizational roles, and surmounting resistance to change. Organizations may learn a great deal from Google's experiences and lessons gained when creating and implementing their own green HRM policies, which will encourage environmental responsibility and help create a more sustainable future.
“The integration of Business Analytics in Smart Cities”
Authors:   SCHOOL OF BUSINESS GALGOTIAS UNIVERSITY, Jawaid Saqlain
Published: May 2024

The integration of business analytics in smart cities represents a paradigm shift in urban development, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life. This paper explores the significance of business analytics in the context of smart cities, aiming to understand its implications for urban planning, resource allocation, and decision-making processes. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, the paper examines the diverse applications of business analytics in smart city initiatives, ranging from optimizing transportation systems to improving public safety and infrastructure management. Despite the potential benefits, challenges such as data privacy concerns, skills gaps, and organizational barriers pose significant obstacles to effective implementation. By analysing successful integration strategies and identifying key lessons learned, this paper offers insights and recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders to harness the full potential of business analytics in shaping the cities of tomorrow.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Companies Marketing Strategies
Authors:   School of Business  Galgotias University, Jaiswal Anchal
Published: May 2024

In today's digitally driven marketplace, personalized marketing has emerged as a pivotal strategy for businesses aiming to engage customers on a deeper level and foster long-term relationships. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), personalized marketing has reached unprecedented levels of customization and effectiveness. This master's thesis delves into the intricate relationship between AI and personalized marketing strategies, focusing on how AI-powered techniques can revolutionize customer engagement and satisfaction. The research explores various facets of personalized marketing, including data collection, analysis, and implementation of tailored campaigns. Through a comprehensive literature review, this thesis examines the theoretical underpinnings of personalized marketing and the evolution of AI technologies in this domain. Moreover, empirical studies and case analyses are conducted to illustrate real-world applications and outcomes of AI-driven personalized marketing strategies across diverse industries. Key themes investigated include the role of machine learning algorithms in deciphering consumer behavior patterns, the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and consent, and the implications of AI-generated content on brand-consumer interactions.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF WORD-OF- MOUTH MARKETING IN LOCAL MARKETS
Authors:   School of Business, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India
Published: May 2024

Word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) is a dynamic and impactful phenomenon that has sparked substantial interest among researchers and practitioners alike. Within local markets distinguished by close-knit communities and interpersonal interactions, WOMM occupies a unique role as a powerful influencer of consumer behavior. This study investigates the multiple features of WOMM in local contexts, with the goal of fully assessing its impact on consumer decision-making and brand perception The study takes a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative tools to capture the intricacies of WOMM dynamics. Through surveys and in-depth interviews with consumers and business owners, the study investigates the underlying mechanisms and drivers that contribute to the effectiveness of WOMM initiatives in local markets. By Additionally, the study looks into how word-of-mouth communication is changing in the digital era, with social media and online forums acting as amplifiers for these talks. Through an examination of the interactions between offline and online platforms, the research illuminates the ways in which technology influences the spread and influence of word-of-mouth communications in local marketplace. The research's conclusions offer significant insights to the academic and industrial communities. Businesses can obtain a better grasp of how to use community networks and interpersonal relationships to improve their marketing strategy by learning about the nuances of word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) in local markets. These data can also be used by marketers and legislators to create more focused and efficient methods of interacting with customers in local contexts, strengthening brand-consumer bonds and boosting sales in the process.
Automated Identification of Retinal Disorders by Deep Learning with Optical Coherence Tomography Pictures
Authors:   Raghu Engineering College,, Kumar, Varadi Neeraj
Published: May 2024

A crucial problem in computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) for medical applications is the classification of retinal disorders. This paper addresses the 4-class classification problem in optical coherence tomography image analysis (OCT) to automatically identify choroidal neovascularization (CNV), diabetic macular edema (DME), DRUSEN, and NORMAL. Retinal OCT pictures were identified by the proposed classification approach using a set of four classification model instances, each based on an upgraded residual neural network (ResNet50).At the patient level, the experiment employs a 10-fold cross-validation process that is founded on the growth of the OCT retinal picture collection. According to the study's findings, multiple ResNet50 concatenation is a helpful method when the availability of pictures used in medicine is scarce. In order to better understand the decision-making process, we also ran a bottleneck test and a qualitative assessment of the model predictions.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalized Marketing Strategies of AMAZON
Authors:   Galgotias University, SINGH PIYUSH KUMAR
Published: May 2024

In today's digitally driven marketplace, personalized marketing has emerged as a pivotal strategy for businesses aiming to engage customers on a deeper level and foster long-term relationships. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), personalized marketing has reached unprecedented levels of customization and effectiveness. This master's thesis delves into the intricate relationship between AI and personalized marketing strategies, focusing on how AI-powered techniques can revolutionize customer engagement and satisfaction. The research explores various facets of personalized marketing, including data collection, analysis, and implementation of tailored campaigns. Through a comprehensive literature review, this thesis examines the theoretical underpinnings of personalized marketing and the evolution of AI technologies in this domain. Moreover, empirical studies and case analyses are conducted to illustrate real-world applications and outcomes of AI-driven personalized marketing strategies across diverse industries. Key themes investigated include the role of machine learning algorithms in deciphering consumer behavior patterns, the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and consent, and the implications of AI-generated content on brand-consumer interactions. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of personalized recommendations, dynamic pricing, and predictive analytics on enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, this research highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating AI into personalized marketing initiatives, such as algorithm bias, algorithmic transparency, and the need for continuous adaptation to evolving consumer preferences. Insights gathered from interviews with industry experts and surveys of consumers contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the practical implications and future directions of AI-enabled personalized marketing
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND FIRM PERFORMANCES
Authors:   GALGOTIAS UNIVERSITY, KUMAR RAHUL
Published: May 2024

"Supply Chain Management Practices and Firm Performances" encompasses a critical nexus in contemporary business operations. This introductory passage seeks to elucidate the pivotal role supply chain management plays in enhancing organizational performance and competitiveness. Supply chain management, as a strategic discipline, pertains to the orchestration of interconnected activities involved in the flow of goods, services, information, and finances from raw material suppliers to end consumers. It encompasses a spectrum of functions including procurement, production, logistics, distribution, and customer service. At the heart of supply chain management lies the imperative of synchronization and integration. Firms that adeptly synchronize their supply chain activities achieve operational efficiencies, reduced costs, improved responsiveness, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Integration across various nodes of the supply chain fosters seamless coordination, transparency, and agility, enabling firms to swiftly adapt to dynamic market conditions and customer preferences.
ทักษะทางการเงิน: ปัจจัยกำหนดและผลกระทบต่อการก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวของครัวเรือนมุสลิมในจังหวัดชายแดนภาคใต้
Authors: บุญญานุพงศ์ พัฒนันติ์
Published: May 2024

การศึกษานี้เป็นการวิจัยเชิงสำรวจ มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาทักษะทางการเงินของครัวเรือน และผลกระทบของทักษะทางการเงินต่อการก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวของครัวเรือนมุสลิมในจังหวัดชายแดนภาคใต้ ทำการเก็บข้อมูลจากกลุ่มตัวอย่างครัวเรือนมุสลิมจำนวน 825 ตัวอย่าง โดยใช้แบบสอบถามเชิงโครงสร้างเป็นเครื่องมือในการเก็บข้อมูล และประยุกต์ใช้สถิติเชิงพรรณนา และการวิเคราะห์การถดถอยโลจิสติกในการวิเคราะห์ผลกระทบของทักษะทางการเงินต่อการก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวของครัวเรือนตัวอย่าง
ผลการศึกษาพบว่าครัวเรือนมุสลิมกลุ่มตัวอย่างในจังหวัดชายแดนภาคใต้มีทักษะทางการเงินในระดับปานกลาง โดยมีคะแนนความรู้ทางการเงินและทัศนคติทางการเงินที่ค่อนข้างต่ำ ขณะที่อิทธิพลของทักษะทางการเงินต่อการก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวของครัวเรือนกลุ่มตัวอย่าง ผลการศึกษาแสดงให้เห็นว่าทักษะทางการเงินไม่มีอิทธิพลต่อโอกาสในการก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวของครัวเรือนอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ แต่พบว่าความรู้ทางการเงินและทัศนคติทางการเงินที่เพิ่มขึ้นของครัวเรือนทำให้โอกาสในการก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวเพิ่มขึ้น ในทางกลับกันการมีพฤติกรรมทางการเงินที่ดีขึ้น จะทำให้โอกาสในการก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวของครัวเรือนลดลงอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ นอกจากนี้ ยังพบว่ามีปัจจัยอื่น ๆ เช่น อายุ การศึกษา เพศ และรายได้ของครัวเรือนมีอิทธิพลต่อการก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวของครัวเรือน โดยพบว่าเมื่อหัวหน้าครัวเรือนมีอายุและการศึกษาที่สูงขึ้นจะส่งผลให้ครัวเรือนมีโอกาสก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวเพิ่มขึ้น แต่สำหรับครัวเรือนที่มีหัวหน้าครัวเรือนเป็นเพศหญิง และเป็นกลุ่มครัวเรือนที่มีรายได้สูง จะทำให้โอกาสก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวของครัวเรือนลดลงอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ
ผลการวิจัยชี้ให้เห็นว่าการมีพฤติกรรมทางการเงินที่ดีจะช่วยลดปัญหาการก่อหนี้สินเกินตัวของครัวเรือนได้อย่างมีนัยสำคัญ ดังนั้น ผู้กำหนดนโยบายควรมีมาตรการในการส่งเสริมทักษะทางการเงินของครัวเรือนให้อยู่ในระดับที่เหมาะสม ที่จะเป็นการสร้างวินัยทางการเงินแก่ครัวเรือนและนำไปสู่การบริหารเงินได้อย่างสมดุลต่อไป
The Benefits of Breast Massage: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Brown Ryan , Wong Marianne
Published: May 2024

Massage therapy has grown as a profession, and its use in the traditional medical setting is rapidly increasing. Massage therapy has been shown to have positive physical, psychological, and biochemical effects. The aim of this study is to review the reasons patients choose breast massage therapy and the benefits of breast massage therapy.

Ten female patients of 18 years and older participated and completed the survey.

Of the ten patients, the average age was 37.5 years. Most common reasons for choosing breast massage include: improve overall health (90%) and overall well-being (80%), relieve muscle tension (80%), reduce stress (70%), and increase size/firmness/elasticity (70%). Almost all patients reported an improvement in quality of life. Bust size increased for nine patients. Most patients reported a reduction in breast pain, reduction in breast swelling, increase in breast size, increase in breast firmness, improved skin elasticity, improved physical health, improved psychological health, and improved overall health and well-being.

Breast massage has positive effects on physical and psychological health and well-being. Its use is increasingly sought after to improve breast health and overall health and wellness. Physicians, healthcare providers, and patients should consider breast massage therapy as complementary and alternative medicine.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Vol. 14, No. 1
Authors: Wong Carol
Published: May 2024

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Vol. 14, No. 1, 2024.
Microbiological Assessment of Dental Unit Water Lines at a Tertiary Care Dental Teaching Hospital in Karachi
Authors: Urooj Arsala , Zaheer Marium , Ali Anwar , Pervez Khurram
Published: May 2024

The dental practice depends on many factors, including the ample water supply through the plastic tubing system to irrigate the oral cavity's working area. It is used not only with dental materials but also to keep the machinery cool and evade the heat produced while working high-speed rotating instruments. The water is supplied by the tubing system known as the 'dental unit water lines' (DUWL). The main source of DUWL is usually the main supply of municipal water or the bottled water system. There is a high prevalence of microorganisms in this system, and limits have been set to control the spread of infection in dental settings. The formation of biofilm in the luminal surfaces of DUWL is another problem that can lead to the continuous growth of microorganisms inside DUWL. In this study, we assessed the samples of water collected from different dental units placed in different departments of tertiary care dental hospitals in Karachi to evaluate their conditions. The results showed the total viable plate count at 37ºC was positive for all samples. The mean total viable plate count (TVC) at 37° C was >200 colony forming units (CFU)/100 ml for all of the samples. The total coliform was found in 18 samples out of 38 (47.5%). Whereas fecal E. coli and fecal Enterococci/ Streptococci are not found in any sample, Pseudomonas species were found in all samples. The study concluded that strict disinfection practice is mandatory to avoid cross-infection in dental settings.
Host Defence and Toxoplasma gondii: A Mini Review
Authors: Kashif Nazir  , Shahzad Hur  , Nawaz Asmat , Mashal Mehreen  , Moazam Ali Saim  , Seraj ud Din  , Mahnoor  , Ruqia Bano
Published: May 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite intracellular in nature that affects pregnant animals and humans especially immunocompromised persons. Infected hosts show a robust inherent response followed by an adaptive response to contain the parasitic infection. More focus has recently been placed on innate lymphocytes, inflammatory monocytes, and inherent immunological processes. The operation of MyD88 independent pathways is necessary for these processes to function. Despite the host's immense immune reaction, the parasite has evolved to overcome the host's immune response either by down-regulation of signaling pathways or altering host gene expression. Also, the parasite continues to thrive as a lifelong infection in the infected individuals and may revive to its lethal form in stress conditions.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential and Pharmaceutical Applications of Avian Egg Shell Membrane: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Shakir Shakir Ullah , Khan Hasham , Khan Aziz Ahmad
Published: May 2024

The eggshell membrane (ESM) is a useful biomaterial derived from egg industry byproducts. This detailed overview discusses ESM's complicated structural composition and molecular chemistry, along with its applications in several sectors. ESM is made up of collagen, glycosaminoglycans, and proteins from the eggshell matrix. This review investigates extraction approaches, such as mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic procedures, and discusses the multiple issues connected with solubilizing ESM proteins. ESM offers a wide range of therapeutic applications, including tissue regeneration, wound healing, joint health, osteoarthritis symptom reduction, and improved skin wound recovery. ESM has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial characteristics, which make it a key component in pharmaceutical compositions. ESM also plays an important role in electric devices and next-generation batteries, which can provide potential future opportunities for sustainable energy solutions. This review focuses on the diverse applications of ESM and possible developments, emphasizing its importance as a promising biomaterial in the fields of medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Cost of Pharmacogenetic-Guided Therapy in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

Connections between drug response and genetic variations may serve to optimize patient care. Drug response in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) has been associated with a myriad of genetic polymorphisms. One pharmacological drug class commonly used for T2D management is Sulfonylureas. Incidences of severe hypoglycemia have been reported in patients that possess the CYP2C9*3/*3 variant of the enzyme in patients with co-administered glimepiride. Fokoun and colleagues investigated CYP2C9 genotype data to find out if it can assist in the management of sulfonylureas treatment regimens in patients that are about to start glimepiride. They also studied the possible impact on clinical and economic outcomes as well as the factors that can influence the cost-effectiveness of this approach. By adopting the perspective of the French national health insurance system, analysis was carried out over the course of 1 year using a decision tree. They found that €421 834, was the final cost for preventing a hypoglycemic episode per 100,000 individuals of which the genotyping cots proved to be the most notable factor in the incremental cost-effective ratio. Their study concluded that CYP2C9 genotyping guiding for glimepiride dosing yielded modest improvements in the frequency of hypoglycemic events but at a relatively higher cost. However, further studies are indispensable to determine whether this cost can be reduced further. Pharmacogenomics J. 2021 Oct;21(5):559-565.
Genetic Variations and Warfarin Dosing
Authors: Ullah Aman , Mateen Abdul , Ghani Khan Muhammad Yasir , Badshah Ismail
Published: May 2024

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that acts as a blood thinner. It is a coumarin derivative and works as an anticoagulant by interfering with vitamin K and its 2,3 epoxide's cyclic interconversion. It is frequently employed to prevent blood clots like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, for stroke, in patients with atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, or prosthetic heart valves. Establishing warfarin dosing is hard since it has been shown to interact with a variety of drugs and foods and is especially affected by the genetic make-up of the patients. In this review, we surveyed the literature for genes that are implicated in the pharmacology of Warfarin. We discussed studies showing the association of different variants of these gens and the dose of Warfarin. Our investigations reveal several genes including VKORC1, CYP2C9, CYP2F4, ORM1, ABCB1, CYP4F2, APOE, PROC, GGCX, EPHX1, CALU, MYH6, SETD1A, and their variants are being studied extensively by the researchers. However, most significant associations of warfarin dosing have been found with genetic variants in the VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes. Our review corroborates the previous studies that recommend that an algorithm consisting of different genetic variants based on their relative effect on warfarin pharmacology be further refined and tested in large clinical trials.
Genotype-Related Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Memon Fatima Siraj , Sheikh Arooj Fatima
Published: May 2024

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a major health condition that is amongst the foremost prevailing psychological state disorders worldwide and is extremely perennial and is the fourth foremost cause of disease burden. Despite the common mechanism of action, the drugs from within the same class exhibit variations, reportedly 60-70% of patients do not experience remission, and 30-40% of patients lack adequate response to drug therapy, resulting in non-adherence or discontinuation of therapy and prolongation of disease course. The variability of drug response is believed to be due to an individual’s variation in drug metabolism at the genetic level. This review accentuates the CYP450 enzymes (CYP2C19, CYP2B6, and CYP2D6), their single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), and their association with the antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) efficacy or adverse effects.
Plasma Simvastatin Variations with CYP3A4*22 and CYP3A5*3
Authors: Editorial Staff
Published: May 2024

CYP3A4, the major microsomal enzyme involved in drug metabolism, catalyzes the biotransformation of Simvastatin. An integrated genotypic categorization of CYP3A4/5 comprising CYP3A4*22 (decrease of function) and CYP3A5*3 (loss of function) was documented. Associations of the aforementioned alleles and the simvastatin acid (SVA), as well as simvastatin lactone (SVL) plasma levels, were studied by Joseph and colleagues. This work is the first to investigate the in vivo simvastatin levels and CYP3A4*22 polymorphism. A cohort of 275 African Americans and 555 Caucasians, making up 830 patients in a Cholesterol and Pharmacogenomics clinical trial, were recruited. The concentration of simvastatin was determined in 12-h post-dose samples. As a combined genotypic category and individually, the CYP3A4*22 and CYP3A4*3 alleles were tested to see any associations. In Caucasians, there were 513 non-carriers of CUP4A4*22 and 42 carriers. It was observed that 14% higher SVA (P=0.04) and 20% higher SV (P=0.06) levels were seen in Caucasian carriers compared to non-carriers. However, CYP3A5*3 allele status bore no significant association with SV or SVA. The African American population had eight carriers and 267 non-carriers of CYP3A4*22 alleles. No significant difference was seen in African Americans' SVA levels and CYP3A4*22 alleles. However, carriers had 170% higher SV (P<0.01) than noncarriers. African-American CYP3A5 nonexpressers (n=28) had 33% higher SV (P=0.02) than CYP3A5 expression (n=247), but no significant difference was detected for SVA. Contrasting results for both SV and SVA where the SV displayed a decrease in CYP3A4/5 groups (poor, intermediate, and extensive metabolizers). In both self-reported Caucasians and African Americans, associations were seen between CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 with plasma concentrations of simvastatin.
Pharmacogenet Genomics (2014) DOI; 10.1097/FPC.0000000000000079.
Evidence-Based Prioritization and Scoring of Genomic Loci Interacting with Pioglitazone Therapeutic Response in Diabetic Patients.
Authors: Anum  , Imran Amirzada Muhammad , Uddin Zia , Muhammad Ikram  , Shah Abdul Jabbar , Shah Nabi
Published: May 2024

Extensive literature shows multiple genetic loci's involvement in regulating pioglitazone's action in diabetic patients; most of the available literature lacks replication, and it is difficult to separate true positives from false-positive loci. To overcome the inconsistency in pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics data, we performed evidence-based semi-automated prioritization and scoring of candidate genes of pioglitazone in diabetic patients. We developed a Python script and searched with MeSH terms of "Pioglitazone (PIO)" and synonyms," and (i) built a complete library of published data (22,532 publications), (ii) extracted sentences containing pioglitazone-gene pair by using Python 3.6, (iii) annotated each sentence for its relevance, (iv) developed evidence scoring algorithm based on pharmacogenomics relatedness, frequency, and consistency. From the literature, we have identified that the gene encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma showed the strongest evidence of mediating the pioglitazone response. Additionally, polymorphisms in genes affecting the pharmacokinetics were from the Cytochrome enzyme family, i.e., Cyp2C8, Cyp3A4, and Cyp2C9, and pharmacodynamics were protein tyrosine phosphokinase (Ptprd), Lipoprotein (Lpl), Adiponectin receptor 2 (Adipora2), and PPARG coactivator 1 alpha (Ppargc1). Furthermore, drug-induced adverse drug reactions were associated with polymorphisms in the Solute carrier family 12 member 1 (Scl12a1) and Aquaporin 2 (Aqp2) genes. We have prioritized candidate gene variants and their response to pioglitazone in diabetic patients. Our results showed PPAR-α receptors/ PPARG as one of the most robust evidence of therapeutic response to pioglitazone and highlighted other variants in different pathways. However, we further warrant validation of our results in a large drug response GWAS dataset.
Role of Genetic Polymorphisms in the Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Metformin in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Riaz Bilal , Chen Yu-Cheng
Published: May 2024

A clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) may include hyperglycemia, reduced insulin production, and increased insulin resistance. Conventional treatments aim to reduce the severity of disease symptoms, but they are unable to reverse disease progression or cure it. Metformin is an anti-diabetic medication for lowering hyperglycemic conditions that can be used effectively as monotherapy or in combination with other oral hypoglycemic agents. However, significant inter-individual variability is seen in the response to metformin. Although a variety of factors can affect a patient's response to medication, understanding a patient's genetic makeup could be one of the most important steps toward developing precision medicine that is more secure and effective. Pharmacogenomics-based precision medicine can improve patients' responses to anti-diabetic medications and streamline the treatment. This review aims to provide general information about T2DM, treatment challenges, and pharmacogenetic aspects of metformin. In order to meet these objectives, several studies are discussed that investigated the association between gene polymorphism and altered therapeutic response to metformin.
Impact of CYP3A5 Genotype on De-novo LCP Tacrolimus Dosing in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: May 2024

The CYP3A5 gene encodes an enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A5, which is involved in the metabolism of many drugs, including tacrolimus. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive medication commonly used in kidney transplantation to prevent organ rejection. The CYP3A5 genotype can influence the metabolism and clearance of tacrolimus, leading to variations in the drug levels and response. LCP tac (an extended-release form of tacrolimus) has a recommended starting dose of 0.14 mg/kg/day in kidney transplants. Rao et al assessed the influence of CYP3A5 genotypes on perioperative LCP tac dosing and monitoring in adult kidney recipients receiving de-novo LCP tac. CYP3A5 genotype was measured, and 90-day pharmacokinetic and clinical were assessed. Patients were classified as CYP3A5 expressors (*1 homozygous or heterozygous) or nonexpressors (LOF *3/*6/*7 allele). They concluded that CYP3A5*1 expressors require higher doses of LCP tac to achieve therapeutic concentrations and are at higher risk of subtherapeutic trough concentrations, persisting for 30-day posttransplant. LCP tac dose changes in CYP3A5 expressors are more likely to be under-adjusted by providers. Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2023 Apr 1;33(3):59-65.  doi: 10.1097/FPC.0000000000000494.
Pharmacogenomics of Leukemia; Unlocking Personalized Treatment Strategies
Authors: Nimra Mehak , Robab Sana , Fawad Rasool Muhammad
Published: May 2024

Leukemia, a diverse group of blood cancers, continues to present significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Recent advancements in pharmacogenomics have opened new avenues for tailoring therapeutic strategies to individual patients' unique genetic and molecular characteristics. In leukemia, genetic polymorphisms have been identified that influence drug metabolism, efficacy, and the risk of adverse effects. Notable examples include TPMT variants affecting thiopurine treatment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), UGT1A1 polymorphisms impacting irinotecan toxicity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and SLCO1B1 variants influencing methotrexate response in ALL. Targeted therapies have revolutionized leukemia treatment, focusing on specific genetic abnormalities. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like imatinib have successfully treated chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with the BCR-ABL fusion gene. Similarly, immunotherapies, such as CAR T-cell therapy, reshape treatment paradigms for B-cell ALL. The personalized approach minimizes adverse effects while optimizing treatment efficacy. Moreover, genetic markers are aiding in identifying patients at higher risk of developing cardiotoxicity from anthracycline chemotherapy. This article provides an overview of the evolving landscape of pharmacogenomics in leukemia, highlighting key findings and trends. Combinatorial therapies, biomarker discovery, and patient-centric care are expected to enhance outcomes and survivorship.
Integrative Investigation and Prioritization of Candidate Genes PTGS-2 and VEGF: Unveiling their Interaction with Celecoxib for Targeted Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Mansoor Momna , Shah Nabi , Anum  , Amirzada Muhammad Imran , Uddin Zia , Ikram Muhammad , Shah Abdul Jabbar
Published: May 2024

There is a huge amount of data available on genes interacting with celecoxib in terms of drug response; however, these studies are inconsistent. To overcome this inconsistency, there is a dire need to integrate the available data and categorize genes interacting with celecoxib. We conducted the extraction of data from published articles (n=30511) with reference to celecoxib-gene interactions from online literature sources using semi-automated text mining approach. Scoring algorithms were developed by assigning every gene a score depending on the available evidence according to Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative Pharmacogenomics Appraisal evidence scoring systems. We generated prioritized gene sets based on evidence scores. Twenty-seven genes with evidence were identified to be associated with the response of celecoxib from the literature search. Seven genes were found to affect clinical outcomes of celecoxib, whereas, thirteen genes were found associated with pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics and seven genes were identified with potential clinical relevance. Our analysis specified that celecoxib responds better in an individual with increased expression of PTGS-2 and VEGF genes. Thus, we utilized a semi-automated machine learning approach to extract genes from a wide-ranging corpus of scientific literature and prioritized a set of twenty-seven genes based on the consistency and strength of evidence. Furthermore, these identified genes can be used for validation and or replication in multiethnic cohorts and animal models to evaluate the response variation of celecoxib.
Predictors of Voriconazole Concentration in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant
Authors: Staff Editorial
Published: May 2024

The variability in individual response to voriconazole can be influenced by both genetic factors (pharmacogenetics) and clinical factors. Understanding the pharmacogenetic and clinical predictors of voriconazole response is important for optimizing its use and minimizing adverse effects. Patel and colleagues investigated the association of genetic polymorphisms in ABCB1, ABCG2, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and the CYP2C genes with voriconazole trough concentrations in patients receiving CYP2C19-guided dosing.  They performed a retrospective study in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant patients receiving CYP2C19-guided voriconazole dosing. They found that 36% of 185 patients were subtherapeutic. They also found that CYP2C19, age, and letermovir use were associated with voriconazole concentrations. Variations in the ABCG2 gene were associated with voriconazole concentrations in patients receiving 200 mg dose.  Genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 and letermovir use were associated with subtherapeutic status. They concluded that CYP2C19 phenotype and letermovir use were significantly associated with subtherapeutic voriconazole concentrations and may be used to improve voriconazole precision dosing. Pharmacogenomics J. 2023 Nov;23(6):201-209.  doi: 10.1038/s41397-023-00320-z.