Organisation For Economic Co-operation And Development Research Articles

Eco-Innovation, Reducing Carbon Emission and its Impact on Firm Performance (Case Study in Pt Semen Indonesia)

Objective: This research was conducted at PT Semen Indonesia Gresik aims to determine the extent of the application of eco-innovation in the company and the extent of the role of management in implementing eco-innovation. This study wants to find out whether the application of eco-innovation carried out at PT Semen Indonesia is able to reduce carbon emissions which is the government's commitment to reduce carbon emissions to the level of 29% by the end 2030. Theoritical Framework: The impact of environmental degradation and environmental externalities becomes a concentration of attention on social issues that encourage companies to pay attention to their business practices and find solutions to the impacts the environment it causes. Resource-Based View Theory (RBV) is a managerial framework used to define strategic resources with the potential to provide a comparative advantage to company. These resources can be leveraged by companies to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Innovation theory addresses a number of innovation policies and measurement issues such as why companies innovate, what forces drive innovation and what factors hinder it. Related issues are the internal functioning of the company and the types of business practices used to promote innovation. Method: This research uses a qualitative approach inspired by research of Horbach (2008) and Triguero et al. (2013), which proposes three types of eco-innovation: eco-process, eco-product, and eco-innovation organization, but in this study using four types of eco- Innovations as listed in the Oslo manual developed by the Organization for Economic and Cooperative Development (OECD) are: eco-innovation organizations, eco-innovation products, eco-process innovation, and eco-marketing innovation. Data collection techniques carried out in this study include interviews, observations, documentation studies on emission reports and sustainability reports. The data were analyzed by case study research process stated by Creswel (2007). Findings: PT Semen Indonesia has implemented various programs in the context of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, namely through several programs, namely: (1) Diversification of blended cement products use of clinker which will reduce the emission of CO2 gas (carbondioxide) produced; (2) Utilization of alternative fuels using biomass products, also processing municipal waste into alternative fuel at the Ngipik Gresik landfill; (3) Utilization of flue heat gas operations as power plants which has been implemented at the Tuban plant and is able to reduce CO2 by 130,000 tons per year; (4) Upgrade/Improve equipment (high efficiency tech) Implications: This research has implications that the application of eco-innovation will be able to reduce carbon emissions, which is the Indonesian Government's commitment to reduce carbon emissions by the end of 2030.

Effect of green taxation on renewable energy technologies: an analysis of commonwealth and non-commonwealth countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

African nations encounter difficulties enforcing regulations and providing incentives for using renewable energy sources. However, several nations are making efforts to encourage renewable energy through financial and tax advantages. Therefore, a shift to renewable energy is essential for African nations to experience sustainable growth and lessen environmental deterioration. Similarly, the extant literature examining green taxes' influence on renewable energy technology has documented equivocal findings. Hence, there is a need for a more thorough investigation. This study, therefore, explores the influence of green taxation on renewable energy technologies of emerging countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. We employed data from a sample of 28 countries of 54 African countries spanning 21years from 2001 to 2021, providing a panel of 588 country-year observations. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank Dataset provided all the study's data. A heterogeneous dynamic panel data modelling using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) has been adopted. The study found that green taxes might be used to mitigate the adverse effects of non-renewable energy activities on the environment in Africa. Considering the findings of the components of green taxes, it was recognised that an increase in energy-related tariffs would lead to a growth in Africa's use of renewable energy. It was further established that an increase in transport taxes increases the adoption of renewable energy technologies in Africa. A comparative analysis between the commonwealth and non-commonwealth countries showed that green taxes of commonwealth countries in Africa significantly contribute to the growth of renewable energy technologies compared to non-commonwealth countries in Africa. Primarily, the results of this study can be a valuable resource for African governments and policymakers as they develop policies and evaluate legislation about the usage of renewable energy sources and other green practices. Finally, the study can shed light on creating and using efficient tax laws that support renewable energy sources.

Responses of <em>Selenastrum capricornutum</em>, <em>Eisenia fetida</em>, <em>Brassica nigra</em> and <em>Sorghum bicolor</em> to sent phone battery toxicity

Indiscriminate release of spent phone battery in the environment poses a danger to human and animal life. Assessment of their toxicity using bioassays, therefore, becomes imperative. In this study, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) standardized toxicity tests exhibited a high degree of sensitivity in evaluating various endpoints across different trophic levels and taxonomic groups. These tests encompass a range of parameters, including mortality rate (h), growth inhibition (ECx), germination, and root length (ECx), providing a comprehensive assessment of spent phone battery toxicity. The responses of Selenastrum capricornutum, Eisenia fetida, Brassica nigra and Sorghum bicolor to spent phone battery toxicity were investigated. Standard methods of analysis for heavy metal, microalgal toxicity, earthworm mortality and phytotoxicity were adopted. S. capricornutum, B. nigra and S. bicolor seeds were exposed for 72 h and 5 d at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 mg/L or mg/kg while Eisenia fetida exposed for 48 h and 14 d at concentrations ranging from 0 mg/L to 2.10 LC50 mg/kg for Gionee phone battery and 0 mg/L to 3.50 LC50 mg/kg for Lenovo battery samples. The result showed that all the spent phone battery samples (Gionee and Lenovo) had WHO and FEPA exceeded the limits of the heavy metals analyzed. The order of toxicity to S. capricornutum growth is Lenovo > Gionee > positive control K2Cr2O7 after 72 h exposure. On E. fetida, Gionee > Lenovo after 48 h and 14th-day treatments while boric acid > Gionee > Lenovo as well as boric acid > Lenovo > Gionee were observed on B. nigra and S. bicolor, respectively after 5 d exposure. The responses of the model organisms in this study necessitate the establishment of stringent implemental management measures by government and environmental policymakers to effectively address the problems and challenges associated with e-waste.

Growth mindset mediates perceptions of teachers' and parents' process feedback in digital reading performance: Evidence from 32 OECD countries

BackgroundA growth mindset is one's belief that intelligence is malleable. Extensive research has shown that a growth mindset can enhance students' academic performance. However, its mechanism on students' digital reading performance has been little explored. AimsThis study examined the correlation between perceptions of teachers' and parents' process feedback and adolescents' growth mindsets and the relationships among feedback, a growth mindset, and digital reading performance. SampleData on 250,912 fifteen-year-old students from 32 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries who participated in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 were drawn. MethodsThe data were analyzed through the use of multilevel mediation. ResultsThe results showed that in most countries, perceptions of teachers' and parents' process feedback used positively predict adolescents' growth mindsets, which in turn positively predict digital reading performance and mediate the relationship between perceptions of feedback and reading performance. ConclusionsEducators and parents should intentionally integrate process-oriented factors into their feedback to help students realize their academic potential. Cultural heterogeneity should also be considered concerning the role of a growth mindset.

Effects of energy consumption on human development and industrial sector performance in selected Sub-Saharan Africa and OECD countries: comparative analysis

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study are to implicitly investigate the relationship that exist between energy consumption (renewable and non-renewable energy) and human development (with the Human Development Index as proxy); and energy consumption and industrial sector performance (with industrial output as proxy) in selected sub-Saharan Africa and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Four groups of models were specified and estimated using Panel data for 21 countries according to income criteria from 1990 to 2022. These data were analyzed using Panel Ordinary Least Square (OLS) before which they were filtered with the use of Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) unit root test while the Johansen cointegration test was used to justify the long-run relationship among all included variables. The findings of this study revealed that energy consumption was positively related and statistically significant in explaining changes in human development and industrial sector performance in the selected sub-Saharan Africa and the OECD countries. However, changes in Human Development Index (HDI) were not statistically significant in explaining changes inindustrial sector performance in both regions. The results of the estimated models revealed a three-way directional causality among the selected variables. Additionally, it was established that a significant gap exist in human development, energy consumption and industrial sector performance, in favour of the selected OECD countries. Furthermore, it was also established that energy consumption and industrial output are potent determinants of human development in the selected OECD and sub-Saharan African Countries.

Retaining Teachers Through Building Confidence in Collaboration Skills: Promoting 21st-Century Teaching Skills in Teacher Education

In 2023, the United States faces a monumental teacher shortage. Murdock (2022) has quoted an estimated 36,504 full-time teaching positions as unfilled, with another 163,650 positions filled by underqualified individuals or by those teaching outside of their field of study. Although this figure falls short of the 53 percent of all schools reported by the National Education Association (NEA) as understaffed, it is a figure of consequence for educators and schools (Walker, 2022). The NEA has also reported that 55percent of those in teaching and in educational support positions have considered leaving the profession earlier than planned. In 2018, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) conducted their Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and found similar results. In the survey, 14 percent of teachers aged 50 years or younger stated their desire to leave the profession within the next five years.

ANALISIS FAKTOR UNTUK PEMBENTUKAN INDEKS KESEHATAN IBU DI PROVINSI KALIMANTAN SELATAN

Maternal health is an important health problem because mothers are the printers of the next generation. Maternal health can describe the quality of the child to be born, so maternal health is very important to pay attention to. In Indonesia, the government has made various efforts to improve maternal health, which is still far from being expected. In this improvement effort, it is necessary to have a measure that can be used to monitor and evaluate the health development carried out, especially in the Province of South Kalimantan. Therefore, this study aims to establish a measure that can be used to describe maternal health through a composite index approach. The formation of the composite index is carried out using a technique offered by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), namely using factor analysis. Factor analysis was conducted to reduce indicators that were not significant in describing maternal health. Furthermore, the composite index formed is used to group districts/cities to make it easier to set priorities for maternal health development in South Kalimantan Province. Based on factor analysis results, the final indicators used to form the maternal health index amounted to 24 of the 30 initial indicators. After that, from the formation of the maternal health index using the composite index, it was found that the best maternal health was dominated by the cities of Banjarbaru and Banjarmasin. Meanwhile, the worst maternal health index is in Hulu Sungai Selatan District. Keywords: Maternal Health , Composite Index, Factor Analysis.

Continuity obstetric care demonstrates greater vaginal birth after caesarean success.

Australia's caesarean rate is higher than Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average, and is rising. Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) is safe for selected women. Midwifery continuity of care (CoC) is associated with higher rates of vaginal birth compared to other models; however, impacts on VBAC attempts and success are unknown. The primary aim was to determine if there is a difference in achieving VBAC between CoC and non-CoC (NCoC) models. The secondary aim was to determine if there is a difference in the proportion of women attempting VBAC between these models. Retrospective review of antenatal records and birthing data of all women who birthed in 2021 with one or more previous caesareans. Women were included if they had two or fewer caesareans. Women were excluded if contraindications to VBAC existed. There were 142/1109 (12.8%) women who had previous caesareans and were eligible to attempt VBAC. There were 47/109 (43.1%) women who attempted vaginal birth after one caesarean with 78.7% success. After one caesarean, women in CoC were more likely to achieve VBAC than NCoC (45.2% vs 26.1%; relative risk (RR) 1.76, 95% CI 1.04-3.00), although when stratified by private and midwifery CoC models, women in midwifery CoC models were more likely to be successful (private RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.23-2.07 vs midwifery RR 2.48, 95% CI 1.50-4.11). Women in CoC were more likely to attempt VBAC (54.7% vs 34.8%; RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02-2.41), and receive counselling about VBAC (92.5% vs 62%; RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.41-3.11). CoC improves the rate of attempted and successful VBAC through several factors, including increased counselling and greater provision of birth choices.

An analysis of Chinese chemistry curriculum standards based on OECD Education 2030 Curriculum Content Mapping

The development of students' core competencies for the future society has become a shared goal in curriculum reform worldwide. Efforts are being made to investigate which core competencies should be cultivated and how they relate to the curriculum content. Specifically, designing core competency-oriented intended curriculum and translating it into implemented curriculum are common concerns and challenges encountered by countries during curriculum reform. In order to promote mutual sharing and learning among different countries and regions, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) developed an analytical comparison framework and standards based on The Future of Education and Skills project. This study conducted a comparison between the 2011 edition and 2022 edition of the Compulsory Education Chemistry Curriculum Standards (CECCS) for students in grade 7 to grade 9. It identified 737 coding units for five learning themes and conducted a specific analysis and comparison using the Curriculum Content Mapping (CCM) and Theme Content Mapping (TCM). Heat maps are generated to reflect the correlation between China's grade 7 to grade 9 CECCS and the twenty-eight competencies identified in the OECD project, as well as the main emphasis before and after the revision of the curriculum standards. A mixed research method of qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted to explore the characteristics of Chinese chemistry curriculum structure. This study provides insights into experiences regarding embodying core competencies, designing competency-oriented intended curriculum, and providing guidance for curriculum implementation in grade 7 to grade 9. It allows both teachers and educators to identify areas for improvement.

Does Corruption Affect the Reduction in Children's Stunting Rate Caused by Foreign Aid?

Recent empirical evidence has indicated a potential avenue for ameliorating the nutritional status of children in developing nations through focused interventions in the realms of food and agriculture. This research delves into the issue of child stunting prevalence in developing countries, scrutinizing the impact of corruption on the efficacy of such interventions. Utilizing comprehensive data derived from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank, this study meticulously analyzed evolving trends. Notably, the investigation revealed a diminishing prevalence of child stunting among both genders but the role of total aid emerged as inconsequential in contributing to this positive trend. Furthermore, an intriguing revelation surfaced, indicating that the battle against child malnutrition hinges not solely on the optimized distribution of foreign aid but significantly on the curbing of corruption. The research uncovered a notable improvement in children's nutrition correlated not with the augmentation of foreign aid but with the augmentation of public health expenditures, thereby emphasizing the pivotal role of corruption control. This discernment underscores the imperative need for targeted aid and robust governance mechanisms to effectively combat the formidable challenge of child malnutrition.

Customer awareness and cyber security in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries

In certain circumstances, millions of documents have been exposed due to an increase in the yearly incidence of cyber security breaches in recent years. In the context of the banking industry’s digital transition in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), this study investigates consumer knowledge of and satisfaction with cyber security. The study is empirical and based on the data obtained from 240 banking clients in OECD. Cyber attacks, phishing, and hacking have been examined from diverse angles. The effects of cyber attacks, phishing, hacking, cyber security help, and expectations on cyber security’s technical awareness are investigated using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and bivariate regression analysis. The findings demonstrate how the banking industry has benefited from digital change, and users gain from online services. Nonetheless, a customer’s degree of awareness regarding hacking, phishing, and cyber attacks will have an impact on how satisfied they are with digital transactions. The findings also showed that banks should regularly offer training programs to protect their clients from cyber attacks and that customers need more assurance from banks about security-related issues. Banks might easily meet their long-term sustainability goals if they implemented better safer cyber security management. This paper has repercussions for policymakers, investors, and business organizations. Importantly, our study reveals how customer awareness and cyber security are related in OECD.

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: GLOBAL AND LOCAL FLOWS (THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA)

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is the notion that can be summarized in the form in which it represents the process in which an enterprise from one country invests capital in an existing enterprise or in a new enterprise established in another country. The standard definition of foreign direct investment is given by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), according to which FDI is defined as the establishment of a lasting interest in and significant degree of influence over the operations of an enterprise in one economy by an investor in another economy. FDI has proven to have an expressed importance mainly in allowing the transfer of technology – especially in the form of new types of capital inputs – that cannot be achieved or at least in the form and volume required through financial investment or trade in goods and services. FDI has already proven that it can boost competition in the domestic input market, but also motivates the employment of domestic labor. In recent decades, the global map of inflow and outflow FDI has changed considerably. Traditionally, FDI originated from developed economies, which have recently gained significant ground in the share of FDI flows between geopolitically aligned economies. In particular during financial crises there is substantial evidence that FDI can lead many developing countries to consider it as an inflow of selected private capital and in certain cases even as a single capital inflow. Such a thing finds support in the tendency of economists who insist on the free flow of capital across national borders because it enables capital to have more favorable preconditions for return at the highest rate. However, the tradition has recently been changing, making the largest sector for FDI projects to be closely related to software and IT services. Investors see rising commodity prices, increased geopolitical unrest and political instability, as well as high inflation in an emerging market as the most likely risks at this time. The official data provided by World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), OECD, as well as the local National Bank and State Statistical Office are unanimous that in the last 20 years, North Macedonia has maintained a continuous increase in FDI, but unfortunately, at a comparative level with the countries of the region, it continues to lags behind. The North Macedonian authorities are progressing towards the Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) objectives, including preserving public finances, reducing energy subsidies, tackling high inflation and ensuring financial stability, which will also increase the possibility real for FDI inflows.

The impact of higher education on global competitiveness: A panel data analysis for OECD countries

In this article, the impact of higher education on global competitiveness in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries has been analyzed empirically. For this purpose, a dataset consisting of 18 OECD countries, including the period 2004-2018, was formed by using databases obtained from the OECD, World Bank (WB), World Economic Forum (WEF), and the United Nations Educational and Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In the application phase, Elena I. Dumitrescu and Christophe Hurlin?s (2012) Granger Panel Causality Test was used to reveal whether there is a short-term relationship between each variable representing higher education and the variable representing global competitiveness (Global Competitiveness Index), whereas Joakim Westerlund?s (2007) Panel Cointegration Test was used to reveal whether there is a long-term relationship. Consequently, it has been determined that there is a causality relationship between each variable representing higher education and the Global Competitiveness Index in the short term and a cointegration relationship in the long term.

Exploring the link between economic policy uncertainty, financial development, ecological innovation and environmental degradation; evidence from OECD countries.

Governments have been concerned with balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, it has been noted that sustainable development is interconnected with economic variables, the institutional framework, and the efficacy of ecological regulatory measures. This study experimentally examines the correlation of economic policy uncertainty (EPU), financial development (FD), ecological innovation (EI), corruption (IQ), foreign direct investment (FDI), trade openness (TR), natural resource rent (NRR), and CO2 emission. We utilized longitudinal data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries from 2003 to 2021 to address the existing research void. This study used sequential processes of the linear panel data model (SELPDM) and the SYS-GMM approaches in obtaining consistent and efficient results. The inverse U-shaped relationship between FD and environmental degradation (ED) is confirmed by the long-term elasticity estimates generated by the SELPDM method Elasticity estimates for the long-run show that rigorous ecological regulations, higher renewable energy utilization, higher FD and less corruption, an interaction between FD and rigorous ecological regulations all contribute to reduced ED. Its also being observed that both EPU, FDI and trade openness are positively affecting the ED. It confirms the idea of pollution refuge between the OECD countries. The causality test results show that corruption and FD had reciprocal links with ED, while FDI, trade openness and strict environmental policies were also found to have bidirectional linkage with ED. To achieve sustainable development and prevent environmental degradation in the long term, we propose implementing an institutional financial framework and FD in OECD nations. This may be accomplished by focusing on the effectiveness of environmental regulatory laws and creating a conducive institutional environment.

Examining the relationship between public debt and private consumption in European OECD countries (2011–2020)

<abstract> <p>This study examined the impact of public debt on private consumption in 26 European Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries from 2011 to 2020. Analyzing data from OECD, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund reports, we employed various statistical methods, including correlation analysis, linear regression, fixed effect, random effect, and the Generalized Method of Moments model via the Arellano-Bond estimation approach. Our findings indicated that public debt, foreign direct investments, inflation, and gross domestic product (GDP) growth positively influence private consumption, while gross fixed capital formation and exports of goods and services have a negative impact. The study underscores the need for careful consideration of the repercussions of public debt on citizens' daily lives, especially in terms of private consumption, emphasizing the crucial need for policymakers to consider the delicate balance between public debt management and sustainable economic growth in OECD countries for shaping effective economic policies that foster responsible debt management to support long-term economic development.</p> </abstract>

An empirical analysis of the dynamics of tax revenue determinants in kenya: A longitudinal approach

The volatility of tax income poses a significant challenge for Sub-Saharan African countries, contributing to erratic public spending and hindering sustainable economic progress. Recent global economic crises have underscored the urgency for these nations to bolster local revenue sources and overcome structural barriers to economic development. This paper examines the factors influencing tax revenue in Kenya over 39 years, from 1984 to 2022. Utilizing data from various sources, including the World Bank's World Development Indicators (WDI), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the study employs an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to distinguish long-run relationships from short-run dynamics due to the mixed order of integration among variables. The empirical model includes real GDP, agricultural gross value added, general government expenditure, inflation, consumer price, official development assistance, and industrial gross value added as key determinants. The ARDL bounds test confirms a long-term equilibrium. The connection between the variables and the error correction model indicates a relatively quick adjustment process, with around 25% of disequilibrium corrected within a single period. Results from the long-run ARDL estimation suggest that agricultural value added significantly increases tax revenue. In contrast, variables such as GDP and government expenditure do not show a significant long-term effect. In the short run, the lagged tax-to-GDP ratio and GDP significantly impact tax revenue. These findings underscore the importance of agricultural productivity and provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance tax revenue in Kenya.

Review: Medical directors - Is there a need for reform?

Medical leadership remains integral to the health system amidst a growing burden of ill health and disease, rising patient expectations and medical and technological advancements. The study objectives were to (a) provide a perspective through a rapid review of medical director roles and responsibilities in public and private hospital settings across several Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Non-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, and (b) provide recommendations on how health system performance could be strengthened. A rapid review of Medical Director job descriptions in public and private hospitals was carried out. Medical Directors are influential leaders in organisational decision-making and quality improvement; however, their role has shifted from clinical oversight to several managerial and leadership roles. We report some variation in their role and responsibilities, in the 'intensity of job requirements' and 'complexity of managing resources' dimensions. The changing expectations of medical directors and the variation in their roles and responsibiliteis may contribute to inefficiencies and misalignment within health systems. There may be a need to pursue reform to assure alignment with health system objectives, albeit reform may require different approaches to meet the needs of different health systems. Further research is needed to explore how reform of medical directors' roles and responsibilities can be quantified to demonstrate improvement within health systems.

Japan's Demographic Dilemma: Navigating the Postpandemic Population Decline.

In recent years, Japan has faced a significant demographic crisis, which was further exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. By 2022, the country experienced a 1.5% decrease in population, which is in contrast to other G7 nations, and had the highest rate of excess mortality among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. This crisis is mainly attributed to aging population, with Japan's aging rate reaching 29.9%, the highest among its peer countries. The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, has proposed policies aimed at addressing these challenges, focusing on increasing fertility rates. Despite these efforts, an evidence-based policymaking (EBPM) analysis reveals that the anticipated impact on fertility rates is marginal, with financial interventions estimated to yield only a slight population increase by 2060. Furthermore, the analysis highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach, indicating that addressing societal issues such as gender norms and workplace culture might be crucial for a sustainable solution to Japan's demographic challenges. This emphasizes the need for Japan to consider broader societal changes alongside fiscal policies to effectively combat its demographic decline.

In Vitro Anti-Shigella, Antioxidant Activities, and Oral Acute Toxicity of Organics Extracts from the Root Bark of Detarium microcarpum Guill. and Perr.

Detarium microcarpum (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant from the traditional pharmacopeia of Niger used against gastrointestinal disorders and dysentery. This study was designed to assess the in vitro anti-shigella, antioxidant activities, and oral acute toxicity of extract root barks of Detarium microcarpum. The crude extracts were prepared by maceration using methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane, water-ethanol (30/70 v/v), and methanol-dichloromethane (1/1 v/v). The anti-shigella activity was performed using the microdilution method coupled with the resazurin-based assay. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH· (2, 2-diphényl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and H2O2 assays. The oral acute toxicity was assessed following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines. The extracts displayed activity against the Shigella boydii with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) from 500 to 1000 μg/mL. The methanolic crude extract of D. microcarpum shows good antioxidant activity with the radicals DPPH· and ABTS with inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) at 228 and 191 µg/mL, respectively. The lethal dose 50 (LD50) of extract was up to 2000 mg/kg of body weight, and no signs of toxicity were observed. These findings supported the use of Detarium microcarpum in the traditional treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

In-vitro and preclinical testing of bacillus subtilis UBBS-14 probiotic in rats shows no toxicity.

Probiotics made from Bacillus subtilis provide a wide spread of health benefits, particularly in the treatment of diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems. Herein, we employed in vitro and in vivo paradigms to assess the potential adverse effects and toxicity of B. subtilis UBBS-14. According to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 423 and 407 requirements, a preclinical investigation was conducted in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Acute toxicity was examined following a single peroral (PO) administration of 5,000mg/kg body weight (bw) i.e. equivalent to 500 billion colony-forming units (CFU) per kg bw. Single administration of B. subtilis UBBS-14 showed no mortality or adverse effects until the 14-day observation period, indicating LD50 is >5,000mg/kg bw. Incubation of B. subtilis UBBS-14 with Caco2, HT29, and Raw 264.7 cell lines, showed no cytotoxic effects. This probiotic strain was also found responsive to the majority of antibiotics. For a 28-day repeated dose toxicity study, rats were administered 100, 500, and 1,000mg/kg bw daily once (10, 50, and 100 billion CFU/kg bw/day, respectively) doses of B. subtilis UBBS-14. No notable changes were seen in the morphology, weight, and histopathology of the critical internal organs. The haematological, biochemical, electrolyte (sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium), and urine analytical results were within the normal range and equivalent to the vehicle-treated group. B. subtilis UBBS-14's no-observed-effect level (NOEL) was thus determined to be >1,000mg/kg bw/day following a 28-day oral dosing.