4th Position Research Articles

Enabling Efficient IoT Device Connectivity and Dynamic Network Management through SDN: A Weighted Sum Method Approach

SDN-Enabled IoT Networks bring about a transformative shift in conventional network models by integrating the core principles of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) into the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT). This integration empowers the agile and effective management of IoT devices, facilitating smooth connectivity, optimized distribution of resources, and flexible network setups. Through the consolidation of control and the utilization of virtualization methods, SDN-Enabled IoT Networks amplify scalability, security, and real-time responsiveness. This addresses the obstacles presented by the extensive proliferation of IoT devices. This paradigm transition heralds a fresh era of interconnectedness, where SDN assumes a central role in harmonizing the intricate interplay of IoT devices and services. The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has introduced unparalleled complexities in overseeing networks and establishing connections. This compels the need for inventive strategies to effectively manage the substantial surge of IoT devices and their ever-changing connectivity prerequisites. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) emerges as a promising approach to tackle these issues by enabling the flexible management of networks and allocation of resources. This study investigates the amalgamation of SDN within the realm of IoT, aiming to streamline device connections, optimize data transmission efficiency, and accommodate adaptable network setups. Introducing an innovative weighted sum technique for resource allocation optimization, this work lays the foundation for a comprehensive framework that bolsters IoT network performance and expandability. Four different SDN implementations are examined, including the Conventional IoT Network, SDN-enabled IoT utilizing Centralized Control, SDN-enabled IoT employing Distributed Control, SDN-enabled IoT with Hierarchical Control, and SDN-enabled IoT utilizing Hybrid Control. The assessment considers various aspects such as Enhanced Scalability, Enhanced Traffic Engineering, Heightened Security, Implementation Complexity, Difficulty of Migration, and Reliance on Vendors. The Conventional IoT Network secures a moderate 3rd position with a Preference Score of 0.56030, while the SDN-enabled IoT with Centralized Control holds the 5th rank at 0.49732, despite excelling in specific domains. The SDN-enabled IoT with Distributed Control achieves the top rank with a notable Preference Score of 0.79414 due to comprehensive performance, followed by the SDN-enabled IoT with Hierarchical Control securing the 2nd spot (Preference Score: 0.57022), and the SDN-enabled IoT with Hybrid Control taking the 4th position (Preference Score: 0.51300), particularly excelling in Traffic Engineering.

Endothelial Dysfunction in Adult Patients of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is one of the most common hemoglobinopathy worldwide. It is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by replacement of adenine to thymine nucleotide in the beta chain of hemoglobin results in replacement of valine for glutamic acid at 6th position. This substitution results in formation of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) which in turn leads to a reduced lifespan of red blood cells (RBC). In hypoxic conditions, HbS has a tendency to aggregate and form fibrillar structure called tactoid within the red cells

Exploring the landscape of contemporary crop micrometeorology: A bibliometric investigation

Micrometeorology plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of agricultural systems by unraveling intricate interactions between climate dynamics and crop performance. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the literature published on crop micrometeorology and indexed in Scopus database from 2000 to 2023. The query yielded only 146 documents, which were subsequently subjected to analysis using an R-based bibliometric tool to assess annual scientific production trend, document types, citation, and keyword analysis. The results revealed zero growth rate of the topic with an average 47.36 citations and total citation of 6536 in the analysis period. USA dominates the number of publications (28.1%), followed by China (17.8%), Japan (11.6%) and Australia (8.9%). India stood at 10th position with only 8 documents contributing 5.5% of the total publications included in the study. The key domains of current research in the realm of crop micrometeorology identified through bibliometric analysis were evapotranspiration, energy balance, gas emissions, and modelling based studies, which are discussed in details in the article. As climate change and global food security becomes more critical, this analysis highlights the role of micrometeorological works within the realm of climate change and crop studies.

PENGARUH MEDIA INTERAKTIF ANIMASI TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR SISWA KELAS V DI MI DARUSSALAM PACET

In order to create a conducive and innovative learning environment to improve student learning outcomes, teachers are required to be able and willing to innovate in the use of more interesting learning media. Elementary school students are in the concrete operational stage. This is evidenced by the results of TIMSS 2015 which show that Indonesia is in the 4th position from the bottom for science and 6th from the bottom for mathematics. One of the causes is monotonous learning. Interactive animation media is a learning media that can make students more active because this learning system is based on multimedia that embodies moving illusion images that can change.
 This study aims to determine whether there is an influence of interactive animation media on student learning outcomes in science theme 7 at MI Darussalam Pacet. This type of research is descriptive quantitative statistics. The research design used is a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. 
 Based on the data analysis that has been conducted, it is concluded that the students' learning outcomes before implementing interactive animation media have an average of 41,24. Meanwhile, after being given treatment with interactive animation media, the results obtained were 72.38. It is known that the posttest score is greater than the pretest score. Then the results of the paired sample t-test obtained a sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.000, which means that HO is rejected and Ha is accepted.

Updating manuscript types and formats for Palaeoentomology

Prompted by a rapid development in the field of palaeoentomology, fossil terrestrial arthropods and amber research, Palaeoentomology was established in late 2018 through a collaborative effort between the International Palaeoentomological Society (IPS) and Magnolia Press (Azar et al., 2018). The inception of this scientific journal was met with enthusiastic reception from the palaeoentomological and amber community, and it achieved a consistent and robust growth throughout its initial five-year period (2018–2022). A significant milestone was attained in November 2022, as Palaeoentomology was granted acceptance into the Emerging Sources Citation Index™ (ESCI) within the esteemed Web of Science Core Collection™, a recognition indicative of its emerging influence. All papers published between 2018 and 2022 within Palaeoentomology were incorporated into the ESCI in January 2023, solidifying the journal’s presence and visibility within the scholarly landscape. More recently, according to June 2023 release of Journal Citation Reports, the 2022 journal impact factor of Palaeoentomology is 2.3, which is slightly higher than 2.2 estimated by Zhang (2023). Boasting a substantial impact factor, Palaeoentomology secures an impressive 20th position among 108 peers in the field of PALEONTOLOGY (Q1) and 8th position out of 57 in ENTOMOLOGY (Q1), further accentuating its influential stature (Clarivate Analytics, 2023). In order to continue fostering the rapid advancement of the journal, we are now implementing updates to the manuscript format of new submissions. A brief description of each article type is provided below.

Domain Shuffling and Site-Saturation Mutagenesis for the Enhanced Inhibitory Potential of Amaranthaceae α-Amylase Inhibitors.

Amaranthaceae α-amylase inhibitors (AAIs) are knottin-type proteins with selective inhibitory potential against coleopteran α-amylases. Their small size and remarkable stability make them exciting molecules for protein engineering to achieve superior selectivity and efficacy. In this report, we have designed a set of AAI pro- and mature peptides chimeras. Based on in silico analysis, stable AAI chimeras having a stronger affinity with target amylases were selected for characterization. In vitro studies validated that chimera of the propeptide from Chenopodium quinoa α-AI and mature peptide from Beta vulgaris α-AI possess 3, 7.6, and 4.26 fold higher inhibition potential than parental counterparts. Importantly, recombinant AAI chimera retained specificity towards target coleopteran α-amylases. In addition, to improve the inhibitory potential of AAI, we performed in silico site-saturation mutagenesis. Computational analysis followed by experimental data showed that substituting Asparagine at the 6th position with Methionine had a remarkable increase in the specific inhibition potential of Amaranthus hypochondriacus α-AI. These results provide structural-functional insights into the vitality of AAI propeptide and a potential hotspot for mutagenesis to enhance the AAI activity. Our investigation will be a toolkit for AAI's optimization and functional differentiation for future biotechnological applications.

MODERN STATISTICAL TRENDS OF EMPLOYMENT AND OUTPUT OF PRODUCTS IN THE REGIONS OF GEORGIA

Simon Gelashvili
 E-mail: simon.gelashvili@tsu.ge
 Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University 
 Tbilisi, Georgia
 https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8574-9383
 Abstract: The presented work concerns a very relevant topic - the quantitative research of employment and output of products in the administrative regions of Georgia. What is the employment situation according to the administrative regions of the country is of great economic and social importance. The purpose of the research is to identify and evaluate statistical trends in employment and output of products. The analysis period covers the years 2010-2022. Accordingly, on the basis of official statistical data, appropriate indicators are calculated, their changes are determined and their mutual comparison is given.
 In the research process, methods of statistical science are used, such as: data grouping, relative, average and variation indicators, presentation, etc. 
 As a result of the conducted analysis, it was determined that the obtained indicators are heterogeneous according to various signs - according to regions, according to time, volume of employment level, volume of released products and labor productivity. According to the mentioned indicators, very different trends were revealed.
 To determine the degree of economic inequality of regions, it is of great importance to study their economic activity, to identify and evaluate appropriate trends. Such an analysis, first of all, allows to determine different types of disproportion, which is a good basis for developing and implementing regional economic and social policies. The level of economic development of the country's administrative regions can be assessed by various quantitative and qualitative criteria. In this case, the following quantitative criteria will be considered: the level of employment, the volume of output of product and the level of labor productivity.
 Analyzing the data of the official statistics, it is clear that Adjara and Imereti take the leading position after Tbilisi in terms of the number of employees, where the number of employees increased in 2010-2022. In these regions, the population is relatively larger, which, of course, is proportionally reflected in the level of employment. In the analysis period, the average annual number of employees in all administrative regions of Georgia is characterized by a clearly expressed rapid growth trend: the number of employees increased 2 times and more in Mtskheta-Mtianeti (2.7times), Guria - 2.5 times and Adjara - 2.4 times. Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti regions showed relatively lower growth rate.
 One of the main characteristics of the region's economic activity is the volume of output of the product per employee on average, which measures the level of labor productivity. We have calculated the mentioned indicator according to all administrative regions of Georgia, on the basis of which it is possible to statistically assess the level of labor productivity in the regions according to each year of the analysis period and also to reveal a 12-year trend. In 2010, the highest level of labor productivity was in Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti and St. in Tbilisi, and the lowest in Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti, as well as in Kakheti. The positioning of these regions according to the mentioned indicator was the same in 2022.
 An important statistical characteristic is the positioning of regions according to the share of output of product. In 2022, the city is in the leading position with this indicator. Tbilisi, which is not surprising, because the largest part of the enterprises of the real sector of the economy is located here. The next position is held by Adjara, which moved from the 4th position in 2010 to the second and Kvemo Kartli. Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti and Guria are in the last positions with the smallest share. These 2 regions were in the same positions in 2010.
 As a result of the comparative analysis of the indicators of the employment level and the volume of output and the evaluation of the range of variation, a disproportion of different degrees between individual regions was revealed, which has a certain impact on economic growth and the level of socio-economic inequality.

Recent Developments, Challenges and Opportunities in Targeting the KRAS Pathway

Abstract: KRAS is a highly mutated gene among cancers, especially in the lung, pancreatic and colorectal cancers (CRC). Despite extensive efforts in the past three decades, KRAS remains undruggable. But lately, inhibitors selectively binding to cysteine mutant at 12th position (G12C) are in clinical trials as a single agent and in combination with other drugs. FDA approved LUMAKRAS (Sotorasib, AMG510) for metastatic NSCLC, while Adagrasib (MRTX849) is under clinical trials, and it is showing good safety and efficacy in pancreatic and GI tumors. Both these molecules demonstrated better response in NSCLC but have less efficacy in colorectal and other solid cancers. Among non-G12C KRAS mutant cancers, promising data are emerging from G12D inhibition. This review covers the status of KRAS G12C, non- G12C inhibitors, and discusses different nodal proteins in the RAS signaling pathway, mechanism of resistance in targeted therapy and combination approaches. Ongoing clinical trials with G12C inhibitors have promising results. However, a combination of KRAS inhibition with other inhibitors of signaling components in vertical axis (SHP2, SOS1, MEK, PI3K/AKT and EGFR inhibitors) might be beneficial for durable clinical response. Sotorasib in combination with MEK inhibitor showed promising results in preclinical xenograft and PDx models of KRAS mutated cancers. Although at a preclinical stage, other approaches like Tri complex inhibitor, KRAS (ON) inhibitors, and non-G12C inhibitors are of significant interest in KRAS drug discovery. Multiple targeted approaches are being explored based on tumor specific gene expression profiles considering dynamic nature of KRAS activity and heterogeneity of hard to treat tumors.

Benzimidazol‐1‐yl‐1‐phenylpropanone Analogs as Potent Antimicrobial Agents: Rational Design and Synthesis

AbstractDesigned, synthesized a sequence of novel benzimidazol‐1‐yl‐1‐phenylpropanone hybrids and assessed for in vitro antimicrobial potential counter to several bacterial strains. Computational Methodology was carried out for designing of the target molecules and structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. Amid the 12 integrated derivatives, (3‐(2‐((3‐fluorobenzylidene)amino)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one (6g) and 3‐(2‐((4‐fluorobenzylidene)amino)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one (6k) were found to acquire excellent antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), whereas derivative 3‐(2‐((2‐fluorobenzylidene)amino)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one (6c), was potent against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and displayed moderate action against P. aeruginosa. Derivatives with NO2 substituent at 3rd and 4th position, 3‐(2‐((3‐nitroobenzylidene)amino)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one (6h) and 3‐(2‐((4‐nitroobenzylidene)amino)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one (6 l) respectively declared good to moderate results against all bacterial strains. Further, 3‐(2‐((3‐chlorobenzylidene)amino)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one (6f) and 3‐(2‐((4‐chlorobenzylidene)amino)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐phenylpropan‐1‐one (6j) were found to be more competent against both fungal strains (C. albicans, A. niger). Serial two‐fold dilution method was used for the entire study and standard drugs utilized were ciprofloxacin and clotrimazole. MIC values (μg/ml) of novel synthesized analogs were reported in comparison to standard drugs for antibacterial and antifungal actions. Molecular docking studies showed that designed molecules dynamically bound with effective area of the receptor (DNA gyrase B, Clotrimazole complex of cytochrome P 45046A1) and in vitro results were in accord with in silico studies.

Pengembangan Engine Web Crawler Sebagai Pencari Jejak Serangan Cyber Stored Cross-Site Scripting

Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability has long been a concern in web application security and is included in the OWASP Top 10 list. In 2017, XSS ranked 6th, but in 2021, it rose to the 4th position in the Injection category. This vulnerability exploits poorly validated input forms. This study aims to identify web pages that are vulnerable to Stored Cross-site Scripting attacks. The research is conducted by performing a search at three levels of depth. Web scraping is used to extract data from web pages, and the source code of the web pages is compared to Stored Cross-site Scripting attack patterns using the Knuth-Morris-Pratt algorithm. The results of the study indicate that some web pages exhibit detected attack patterns and traces of attacks, while others only show attack patterns without visible traces of attacks. Based on manual analysis of 56 randomly selected data from the research, it was found that 5 web pages had true positive values, indicating the presence of attack patterns and traces of attacks. Meanwhile, 49 other web pages had true negative values, where attack patterns were detected but no traces of attacks were found. This research provides insights into web pages vulnerable to Stored Cross-site Scripting attacks. The findings can be used to enhance web application security and reduce the potential for Cross-site Scripting attacks in the future.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel Metacetamol Derivatives with Hydrazone Moiety as Anticancer and Antimicrobial Agents.

By exploiting the wide biological potential of the hydrazone scaffold, a series of hydrazone derivatives were synthesized, starting from N-(3-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide (metacetamol). The structures of the compounds were determined using IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, and mass spectroscopic methods. The obtained molecules (3a-j) were evaluated for their anticancer potential against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. According to the CCK-8 assay, all tested compounds showed moderate to potent anticancer activity. Among them, N-(3-(2-(2-(4-nitrobenzylidene)hydrazineyl)-2-oxoethoxy)phenyl)acetamide (3e) was found to be the most effective derivative with an IC50 value of 9.89 μM against MDA-MB-231 cell lines. This compound was further tested for its potential effects on the apoptotic pathway. Molecular docking studies was also carried out for 3e in the colchicine binding pocket of tubulin. Additionally, compound 3e also demonstrated effective antifungal activity, particularly against Candida krusei (MIC = 8 mg/ml), indicating that nitro group at the 4th position of the phenyl ring was the most preferable substituent for both cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity. Our preliminary findings suggest that compound 3e could be exploited as a leading structure for further anticancer and antifungal drug development.

Gold‐Catalyzed Annulation of Ynamides with Aminocarbonyls as a Route to 2‐Aminoquinolines Diversely Substituted at the 4th‐Position

AbstractGold‐catalyzed interplay between ynamides and aminocarbonyls comprises a route to 2‐aminoquinolines. This modular annulation proceeds under relatively mild conditions (Ph3PAuCl/AgNTf2 5 mol %, DCE, 60–80 °C), and a number of functionalities were compatible (42 examples; 25–98% yields). In contrast to a group of other gold‐catalyzed methods employing the ynamide/amine combinations for the assembly of 2‐aminoquinolines, the developed approach utilizes a diversity of aminocarbonyl substrates and, in particular, allows a variation of the substituents in the 4th quinoline position. The synthetic potential of the obtained heterocyclic products was illustrated by post‐modifications of the quinoline backbone and the peripheral substituents.

Dengue Fever Perception among Undergraduate Students at a Public Sector University, Rawalpindi

Background: Dengue is the most widely distributed mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. It continues to spread rapidly because of climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth. In the world population ranking Pakistan stands at number 6th position, having subtropical position. Due to growing cases, this study is undertaken to evaluate the perception of Dengue fever among the university students. Engagement of students and community to improve participation and mobilization for vector control is a key element to regulate the control interventions and strategies. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at National University of Medical Sciences Rawalpindi during July-Nov 2022 including 346 participants. Online survey was conducted using close ended structured questionnaire by using nonprobability convenience method. The age, gender, living status, accommodation status, and residential area of the students together with perceptions of undergraduate students regarding Dengue’s knowledge and prevention was recorded. Based on students’ correct answers, overall knowledge level assessment and prevention awareness level was calculated. Association of categorical variables were analysed using chi-square test. Statistical data analysis was carried out using commercially available software. Results: Out of 346 students, 58.6% had knowledge of dengue and 84.9% were aware about its prevention. The multi-variate analyses revealed that positive relationship exists between Dengue’s knowledge with age, gender, and residential area and between Dengue’s prevention awareness with age and gender (p<0.05). Conclusion: The overall knowledge and awareness of students regarding Dengue fever was found to be adequate, being higher among male than female students. The collaborative effort by all stakeholders can contribute towards enhancing the knowledge and awareness among students which will further reduce the risk of disease.

New phosphorylated 5-(hydroxyalkylamino)-1,3-oxazoles as potential anticancer agents

Eight new phosphorylated 5-(hydroxyalkylamino)-1,3-oxazoles were designed and tested for their ability to inhibit cancer cell growth. These compounds were evaluated against complete human tumor cell lines NCI-60. Only three compounds showed antitumor activity in the single dose assay, which were taken in the five dose assay. Compounds 7 and 8 showed the same average antiproliferative activity and cytotoxicity against sensitive cell lines of the general panel. However, compound 8 showed cytotoxicity to more lines than 7. By all parameters, these compounds were more active than compounds 5. Compounds 7 and 8 also showed high and similar antiproliferative activity in the concentration range GI50: 1-6 and TGI: 6-14 μM against all subpanels. Their cytotoxicity was in the concentration range of 25-54 μM. Compound 5 showed the same activity, with the exception of the leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer subpanels against which their activity was lower. When analyzing the structure-activity, it turned out that among the phosphorylated oxazole derivatives, only compounds containing the triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+) in the 4th position of the oxazole ring exhibit antitumor activity. Moreover, the replacement of the phenyl radical in the 2nd position of the oxazole scaffold with a methyl radical led to the disappearance of the activity. The COMPARE algorithm reveals a high correlation of the antiproliferative activity of the tested compounds with the antitumor agents phyllantoside and chromomycin A3 in the GI50 vector and moderate with phyllantoside in the TGI vector. The target of all standard drugs that correlate with the cytotoxicity of the studied compounds, with the exception of didemnin, is DNA. Unlike standard compounds, synthesized active compounds carry a delocalized TPP+, which delivers them predominantly to mitochondria due to a much more hyperpolarized potential of the mitochondrial membrane in cancer cells than in normal ones. Therefore, their anticancer activity is most likely due to a disturbation of the structural and functional state of the latter due to interference with their intrinsic protein-synthesizing apparatus of mitochondria. The data obtained allow us to consider 5-(hydroxyalkylamino)-1,3-oxazoles loaded with TPP+ as leading compounds for further in-depth study and synthesis of new TPP+-containing 1,3-oxazole derivatives with antitumor activity

“Are we barking up the wrong tree? Too much emphasis on Cutibacterium acnes and ignoring other pathogens”— a study based on next-generation sequencing of normal and diseased discs

BACKGROUNDThe majority of literature on bacterial flora in the disc stands disadvantaged in utilizing traditional culture methods and targeting a single bacterium, Cutibacterium acnes. PURPOSEOur objective was to document the diversity in the bacterial flora between normal and degenerated discs for shortlisting potential pathogens using next-generation genomic tools. STUDY DESIGNExperimental case-control study. METHODSResearchers employed 16S metagenome sequencing to profile bacterial diversity in magnetic resonance imaging normal healthy discs from brain-dead organ voluntary donors (n=20) and 40 degenerated disc samples harvested during surgery (Modic [MC]=20 and non-Modic [NMC]=20). The V3-V4 region was amplified using universal bacterial primers 341F and 806R, and the libraries were sequenced using Illumina NovoSeq 6000 platform. Statistical significance was set at bacteria with a minimum of 100 operational taxonomic unit (OTU) and present in at least 70% of the samples. The quality check-filtered reads were processed using the QIIME-2 pipeline. The OTU clustering and taxonomic classification were carried out for the merged reads using the Greengenes/SILVA reference database. Validation was done by identification of bacterial metabolites in samples using the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry approach. RESULTSAbundant bacteria differing widely in diversity, as evidenced by Alfa and Beta diversity analysis, were present in all control and degenerative samples. The number of bacterial genera was 27 (14-gram-positive: 13-gram-negative) in the control group, 23 (10-gram-positive: 11-gram-negative) in the Modic group, and 16 (11-gram-positive: 5-gram-negative) in the non-Modic group. In the Modic group, gram-negative bacteria OTUs were found to be predominant (more than 50% of the total bacteria identified), whereas in control and non-Modic groups the OTUs of gram-positive bacteria were predominant. Species-level analysis revealed an abundance of opportunistic gram-negative pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Sphingomonos paucibacillus, and Ochrobactrum quorumnocens in the discs with Modic changes, more than in non-Modic discs. The presence of bacterial metabolites and quorum-sensing molecules like N-decanoyl-L-homoserine lactone, 6-hydroxynicotinic acid, 2-aminoacetophenone, 4-hydroxy-3-polyprenylbenzoate, PE (16:1(9Z)/18:0) and phthalic acid validated the colonization and cell-cell communication of bacteria in disc ruling out contamination theory. Cutibacterium acnes was not the predominant bacteria in any of the three groups of discs and in fact was in the 16th position in the order of abundance in the control discs (0.72%), seventh position in the Modic discs (1.41%), and 12th position (0.53%) in the non-Modic discs. CONCLUSIONThis study identified a predominance of gram-negative bacteria in degenerated discs and highlights that Cutibacterium acnes may not be the only degeneration-causing bacteria. This may be attributed to the environment, diet, and lifestyle habits of the sample population. Though the study does not reveal the exact pathogen, it may pave the way for future studies on the subject. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThese findings invite further investigation into causal relationships of bacterial profile with disc degeneration phenotypes as well as phenotype-driven clinical treatment protocols.

Functional characterization of rice metallothionein OsMT-I-Id: Insights into metal binding and heavy metal tolerance mechanisms

Metallothioneins (MTs) are cysteine-rich proteins known for their strong metal-binding capabilities, making them effective in detoxifying heavy metals (HMs). This study focuses on characterizing the functional properties of OsMT-I-Id, a type-I Metallothionein found in rice. Using a HM-responsive yeast cup1Δ (DTY4), ycf1∆ (for cadmium), and acr3∆ mutants (for trivalent arsenic), we assessed the impact of OsMT-I-Id on metal accumulation and cellular resilience. Our results demonstrated that yeast cells expressing OsMT-I-Id showed increased tolerance and accumulated higher levels of copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd), compared to control cells. This can be attributed to the protein's ability to chelate and bind HMs. Site-directed mutagenesis was employed to investigate the specific contributions of cysteine residues. The study revealed that yeast cells with a mutated C-domain displayed heightened HM sensitivity, while cells with a mutated N-domain exhibited reduced sensitivity. This underscores the critical role of C-cysteine-rich domains in metal binding and tolerance of type-I rice MTs. Furthermore, the study identified the significance of the 12th cysteine position at the N-domain and the 68th and 72nd cysteine positions at the C-domain in influencing OsMT-I-Id metal-binding capacity. This research provides novel insights into the structure-function relationship and metal binding properties of type-I plant MTs.

Study on Brand Promotion of Pre-emergence Herbicide in Kurukshetra District of State Haryana, India

The Present study was conducted in the year 2022 with a sample of 100 Rice farmers in Block of Pipli district of Kurukshetra. The study reveals that the market share of Syngenta India Ltd. was found to be on the top rank in the district. The market share and key existing competitors of Rifit Plus herbicide was found to be Top Star, Sokusai Plus, Pretigan, Milfast, Butaveer. A total quantity sale (Litre) in the district of all the herbicides was 26,500 litres. The lowest market share was found to be of Butaveer ranking on 6th position among all other competitors.

Information and Cyber Security in Digitally Transformed E-Commerce Landscapes in 21st Century: An Overview

The current paper aims at reviewing information security and cybersecurity in digitally transformed e-commerce landscapes. COVID-19 pandemic has led to the disruption of technology and met several businesses unprepared to take off technological transformation consequently, jeopardized many clients into untold hardships and loss. The lockdown period has changed the way people transact their businesses from physical to online mood. More recently, India has been placed on 8th position in terms of e-commerce. This requires protection of network and Apps used in communicating and transacting businesses. Students of commerce and other related programs should be encouraged to take interest in this regard for the continued development and progress of the country in particular and world in general. Governments, organizations, and societies need to security budgetary allocations for tackling the issues of cybersecurity squarely. Several issues have been discussed to justify the claim raised in the paper.

How to fund clinical research in orthopedics and traumatology? Grants and opportunities

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify: how to fund clinical research in orthopedics and traumatology? Methods: A survey of funding for clinical research was performed. Results: According to data from the PIVOT® platform, the funding is concentrated in the USA, UK, and Medical Societies. The main sponsor was the DOD (USA), followed by the SICOT (Belgium). According to data from the DIMENSIONS® platform, there was a reduction of projects financed. The main country was the USA, followed by Japan. Regarding the amounts, the largest funders were the USA and Belgium. FAPESP (Brazil) is in the 7th position among sponsors. According to data from the InCites® platform, the main countries were the USA, China, and Japan. Conclusion: The reduction of projects in the last two years may be related to the limitations imposed by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Regarding the amounts, the largest funders were the USA and Belgium. This data confirms the importance of funding from the SICOT. The main sponsor was the DOD; this data may be related to injuries that occurred in the war. The fact that the NIDA (USA) is the third largest funder may be related to the increase in the consumption of opioids for pain management. The incidence of falls among the elderly may be associated with Japan being one of the countries most supporting this area. Brazil is in the 8th position, and CAPES, CNPq, and FAPESP are among the top 20 funders. Level of Evidence IV; Descriptive Observational Study.

Assessment of Innovation and Investment Attractiveness of the Western Ukrainian Regional Market of Tourist Services

Abstract Methodological approaches to assessing the level of innovation and investment attractiveness of the Western Ukrainian market of tourist services (WUMTS) substantiated the dependence of WUMTS on investment factors analyzed the level of competitiveness of WUMTS. In order to determine the level of dependence (independence) of WUMTS on investment and innovation factors, a paired linear regression was built for each of the regions (regions) included in the WUMTS, Volyn, Rivne, Lviv, Ternopil, Khmelnytsky, Zakarpattia, I. Frankivsk, Chernivtsi). In order to eliminate the disproportionate impact of the size of the impact of tourist services (the so-called effect of scale), the studied absolute indicators were converted into relative (growth rate). To assess the innovation and investment attractiveness of WUMTS, it was decided to apply methodological approaches to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of state and regional policy with further improvement in several groups of indicators, monitoring and evaluation of innovation, investment, and social development of the studied areas. Data, information of central executive bodies, regional state administrations, etc. The assessment of WUMTS development indicators was carried out by calculating the rating for each area and the overall rating for all areas. The rating assessment was performed by comparing the deviations of the values of indicators for each specific region under the conditions of the best values for the relevant (reporting) period and the corresponding ranking of regions from 1st to 8th position. As a result of calculations, the integrated rating was determined as the arithmetic means of the sum of ratings in all areas using the formula. The competitiveness of regional tourism markets should be assessed comprehensively, where two groups of indicators should be used to determine the competitiveness of an individual region: indicators of the tourism market and indicators of development of the region as a whole.