Present Research Research Articles

Effects of season on metabolic profile of Holstein Friesian cows in postpartum period

The aim of the present study was to determine the metabolic profile of Holstein-Friesian cows in the postpartum period, as well as the effect of season on metabolic profile. The postpartum period is essential in the reproductive life of high yielding dairy cows because of its impact on future gravidity. This study included 60 cows up to 15 days after parturition, aged 2-8 years (the largest number of cows was between 3 and 5 years old) with no apparent clinical problems. Cows were sampled in summer season (n=30) and winter season (n=30). Parameters of metabolic profile were determined as follows: glucose, albumin, total protein, cholesterol, bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Statistical differences were considered significant at the p<0.05. Present research showed that all investigated parameters were within a reference range for cattle. Impact of season sampling was determined for glucose, albumin, total protein, cholesterol and phosphorus, while bilirubin, calcium, magnesium, urea as well as activities of ALT, AST and LDH were unaffected by the season of sampling. In conclusion, metabolic status is affected by the season and examination during the postpartum period can provide valuable information of cows' health status, in order to diagnose and moreover prevent postpartum diseases.

Nanoencapsulation of citrus essential oils in systematic modified chitosan‐based nanofibers

AbstractIn this study, chitosan (CH)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hybrid nanofibers incorporating three distinct essential oils lemon, lime, and grapefruit were successfully obtained via the innovative electrospinning technique. Characteristics of the electrospinning polymeric mixture loaded with essential oils using variable ratios of CH/PVA were evaluated. The nanoencapsulation process of citrus essential oils was achieved with 47.67%–88.16% encapsulation efficiency. Notably, the thermal stability of the encapsulated essential oils experienced a significant enhancement after encapsulation. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed valuable insights, revealing that an increased amount of incorporated essential oil within the polymeric mixture solutions led to a reduction in the average fiber diameters. The resulting nanofibers demonstrated notable attributes such as antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory, and antibacterial activities. The present research demonstrates the ability of CH/PVA hybrid nanofibers obtained through an electrospinning process to preserve citrus essential oils properties quality and reveals a high potential application of nonencapsulated citrus essential oils in biomaterials, food packaging, and advanced cosmetic application.

A Study on the Effects of Preheating Thevetia Peruviana Biodiesel on the Performance of CI Engine

Biodiesel is becoming increasingly popular as a substitute fuel for compression ignition (CI) engines because of its comparable characteristics to those of diesel and its little environmental impact. The development of diesel engines that run on biodiesel and reduce emissions of pollutants, while also improving thermal efficiency, are key concerns in engine design. The most crucial prerequisites for achieving these are precise and quick air-fuel mixing. However, biodiesel's viscosity is considered a drawback for its application as a substitute fuel for IC engines. Heating can greatly lower the viscosity, which can eliminate the problems caused by excessive viscosity during injection. Hence in this effort, preheated Thevetia Peruviana biodiesel (Methyl Ester) is utilized. The present research aims to examine how preheating biodiesel affects the operation of a direct injection (DI) diesel engine. Engine tests were done on a stationary, single-cylinder, constant speed, naturally aspirated, water-cooled CI engine with a preheated 20% blend of Thevetia Peruviana biodiesel (PH-TPME20 with a conventional jerk type injection system. Engine performance of preheated TPME20 was compared with the unheated 20% blend of TPME and diesel. Preheating reduced the viscosity of the oil, which resulted in a noticeable improvement in engine performance. A considerable drop in emission levels from the engine exhaust gas was noted. The preheating improved combustion characteristics i.e. it lowered the delay period and resulted in quicker release of heat because of improved fuel-air mixing, fuel vaporization, and atomization.

Determinants of intention to purchase online eco-friendly items amongst university students in Nilai, Malaysia

This study investigates the determinants of intention to purchase online eco-friendly items among university students in Nilai, Malaysia. This research builds upon previous studies regarding consumers' intentions to buy environmentally friendly items digitally. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is used in this study since its concepts are applicable and relevant to understanding people's intentions to buy environmentally friendly goods digitally in Malaysia. The present research examined the variables influencing consumers' intentions to buy various environmentally friendly goods digitally and evaluated how well they fit into the Malaysian industry. Surveys were sent as part of the project's quantitative analysis methodology to gather data. With an expected sample population of 361 learners, this study's approach entails data collection through purposive sampling. The results of this research indicated that each independent factor employed has an impact on people's decisions to buy environmentally friendly products online in Nilai, Malaysia. It provided input on elements that might help businesses organize their advertising strategies. The findings have an impact on research as well as practice. Corporations may execute viable concepts by drawing the link between the desire to buy and acquiring knowledge about the purchasing patterns of young customers. Thus, a company's market worth and income in Malaysia may increase. The research also adds to the body of knowledge regarding people's intentions to buy eco-friendly products via the internet by offering insightful information. By addressing a gap in the existing literature, the research's focus on this specific setting advances our comprehension of how people behave while making online purchases of environmentally friendly items within the Malaysian context. So, this study helps in building a resilient eco-system aimed at sustainable growth.

Characterization of Bacterial Isolates from Freshwater Environments in Livingstone Island, Antarctica, Using Cultivation and Molecular Methods

The present research work summarizes the investigation of the microbial characteristics of bacterial isolates obtained from freshwater samples collected at various points throughout the Bulgarian Antarctic base “St. Kliment Ohridski” on Livingstone Island. The ability of microorganisms in psychrophilic envi¬ronments to survive and reproduce at low temperatures, lack of nutrients, and high UV radiation, suggests that they have developed specific mechanisms to overcome these extreme conditions. To understand the range of influence of these environmental factors standard microbiological techniques were used. The re¬search provides data on the influence of UV light, temperature range, determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to different heavy metals, and 16S rDNA taxonomic identification of the isolates. Ant¬arctic microorganisms are of great interest in food, textile, and brewing industries, production of detergents, etc. The microbial composition in such hostile habitats still little affected by the anthropogenic factor is es¬sential for understanding the potential of psychrophilic microorganisms in different practical applications.

Nihilism in Modern Literature: The Case of The Catcher in the Rye

The present research examines cultural implications of the 1951 novel The catcher in the rye by J. D. Salinger. The paper analyses the intradiegetic sentences made by the novel's main character, Holden Caulfield, and investigates on the inferences drawn from them. To this end, it would be used a structuralist methodological approach created by Gérard Genette and Roland Barthes in the 1970s. The conclusions reached indicate that around the date the book was written, a new type of nihilism was common for new generations in themes, characters, and symbols found in literary productions. In such manner, it is suggested that realist literature with intimate and existentialist characters, as well as other cultural objects, allow us to infer which are the daily life conditions. In the case of our work, those conditions are based on social discontent and cultural alienation of adolescents, which is in this research outlined as a new type of nihilism.

Impact of regional investment on the sustainable development goals: A group analysis of economic and territorial development

AbstractThe European Green Deal aims at increasing the sustainability of European economic sectors to mitigate the effects of climate change. Complementing this initiative, the Next Generation EU (NGEU) program, whose budget will exceed 800 billion € by 2026, is not merely a recovery plan but also a catalyst for green technologies and sustainable activities. Within this framework, Italy stands as the largest beneficiary of funds. The present study explored the distribution to date of 194.4 billion € NGEU funds across Italian regions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have received the most significant attention as a result of this funding. Leveraging multiple comprehensive datasets, including one encompassing more than 306,706 measures and sub‐measures, the analysis revealed that 55.5 billion € was directed towards Italy's “Green Revolution and Ecological Transition,” with a further 104.1 billion € allocated towards (predominantly) SDGs 7 and 9. Moreover, 70.3 billion € was directed towards southern Italy (including the islands), while 81.0 billion € was allocated to the north. Although the population in the north is approximately one‐third larger than that of the south, on a per capita basis, the north received 2930 € while the south received a significantly greater sum of 3470 €. Thus, the NGEU has not significantly reduced the north–south divide in economic terms. Furthermore, some southern regions have shown satisfactory sustainability performance, despite receiving a relatively lower allocation of NGEU funds. The “Made in Italy” initiative may represent a strategic approach to increasing competitiveness in the global and digital markets and fostering fraternity among Italian regions. The present research offers valuable insights into the regional distribution of funds and their impact on sustainable development, suggesting that territorial gaps may be mitigated through a pragmatic, community‐based approach.

Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of tetrazole containing 1,5-benzothiazepines as new anticancer, antitubercular, antibacterial, and antifungal agents

Heterocyclic scaffolds have attracted great attention of organic chemists and medicinal chemists, also because of their wide range of synthetic applicability and broad spectrum of biological profile. Therefore, in the present research work, a series of tetrazole containing 1,5-benzothiazepines have been synthesized for evaluation of their biological activities to determine the potential therapeutic profile of these compounds across various medicinal domains. Of the synthesized compounds, five compounds (6f, 8e, 8f, 8g, and 8h) have been screened for anticancer, antitubercular, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. After evaluation of these biological activities, it was found that these compounds possess very limited anticancer activity, moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity, and very strong antitubercular activity, which indicate their great pharmacological applications as subjects for future investigations of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of tuberculosis.

Navigating the Social Environment: Linking Motivations, Impressions, and Behaviors Via a Sampling Approach to Trustworthiness.

Our understanding of impression formation comes from experiments constraining participants' control over information sampling. This limits our understanding of how people sample information when forming impressions as well as the effects of self-generated samples on impressions. Our paradigm allows participants to actively collect information samples. This work investigates how people explore the social environment and how sampled information informs resulting impressions. Four experiments tested theoretically-driven predictions regarding information sampling patterns under interested and disinterested information search. Under interested search, participants truncated the sampling of social targets showing early untrustworthy behavior. Under disinterested search, participants sampled extensively and systematically, avoiding small-sample biases. The sampled information, once obtained, accurately determines final impressions. Moreover, we documented a direct link between sampled information and subsequent behaviors (partner selection in trust games, trustworthiness expectations). By investigating sampling-based trustworthiness impressions, the present research informs the origins of trustworthiness and sampling accounts of judgment and decision-making.

Synthesis, characterization, and biological activities of substituted pyridine-based azomethine scaffolds

The present research work describes the synthesis of a new series of heterocyclic compounds, namely, pyridine-based azomethine scaffolds. A total of eight derivatives were prepared, purified, and characterized by analytical methods such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and IR spectroscopic techniques. All compounds were used to investigate their alpha-amylase inhibition activity. We have also reported antimicrobial activity using a micro broth dilution assay, with microbial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa (NCIM 5031), Escherichia coli (NCIM 2065), Bacillus subtilis (NCIM 2699), Aspergillus niger (NCIM 620), Aspergillus fumigatus (NCIM 902), and Aspergillus flavus (NCIM 549). Finally, we report the antioxidant activity of the synthesized derivatives using a DPPH free radical assay.

Impostor Phenomenon, Group Stereotype Endorsement, and Black College Women’s Mental Health

The present research expands on impostor phenomenon (IP) literature by highlighting the role of susceptibility to group stereotype endorsement and IP on the mental health experiences of Black college women attending predominantly White institutions (PWIs). Specifically, the following study seeks to determine if there is an indirect effect between susceptibility to group stereotype endorsement and depression and anxiety via IP for these students. A sample of 414 Black college women attending PWIs completed an online survey including a demographic questionnaire, the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (Clance, 1985), a modified version of Shapiro’s Multi-Threat Framework Scale (Shapiro, 2011), and the Mental Health Inventory-18 (Veit & Ware, 1983; Weinstein et al., 1989). The findings of the data analyses indicated that there is an indirect effect on susceptibility to group stereotype endorsement and depression and anxiety via IP. These findings highlight the need to examine contextual factors on IP and mental health outcomes for Black women students. The discussion section offers recommendations for preventing and responding to IP with this population.

Impact of Social Media Use, Social Comparison & Self-Esteem Among Adolescents

The present research examined how social media, social comparison, and self-esteem affect adolescents. After an extensive literature review, these hypotheses were developed. 1) Social media use, social comparison, and self-esteem among teenagers will be significantly related. 2) Social media use will affect self-esteem among adolescents.3) Adolescent self-esteem will be affected by social comparison.4) Gender will affect adolescent social media use, comparison, and self-esteem of the 249 samples, 153 are female and 96 are male. Survey participants were 14–25 years old. Data were purposively sampled from Faisalabad educational institutions. The findings were assessed using these methods. Participant demographics were collected using a sheet. Adolescent self-esteem was measured with a scale. The Social Comparison scale measured self-comparative behavior. Participants' social media use was measured using a scale. Analyze the data using correlation, regression, and independent sample tests. Findings illuminate individual traits and tendencies.

Business intelligence solution implementation challenges: A comparative analysis of service based start-ups, small & medium and large enterprises

The term Business Intelligence (BI), first used in 1989 to describe an umbrella concept by Howard Dressner involving methods for improving business decision-making based on facts. It gradually evolved into data-driven decision support systems (DSS) in the contemporary era of technology, replacing terms like executive information systems. BI Solution works as a combination system of collection and storage of data to generate 'actionable information and knowledge at the right time, in the right location, and in the right form. Currently, BI solutions act as a priority for chief information officers (CIO), as a Gartner survey reported, to enhance business effectiveness and innovation by generating quality information of the company and using it in the decision-making process. Over the last few decades, business data volumes have increased tremendously due to the rise of business information systems such as ERP, CRM, etc. International Data Corporation (IDC) highlighted in the 6th annual study that the digital universe comprising structured and unstructured data will grow 300 times to 40,000 exabytes from 130 exabytes by 2020. The size of data will double every two years from 2012 onwards. India has witnessed the increased implementation of business intelligence solutions in the past decade, especially in the service industry, comprising retail, healthcare, BFSI, and IT organizations, to enhance their business practices & procedures and achieve competitive advantage. The present research aims to do a comparative study of business intelligence solution implementation challenges among service industry start-ups, small & medium, and large enterprises.

Proteolytic imbalance in plasma of patients with multiple sclerosis following COVID-19

Background. The present research was conducted with the following objectives: 1) to determine the plasma levels of five matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), namely MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -10, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1); 2) to analyze protease activity profiles in plasma using a zymographic method; and 3) to perform preliminary analysis on plasma peptide pool composition in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with and without COVID-19 history. Materials and methods. We examined 97 patients with MS: 41 had been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 4–6 months (MS + COVID group), and 56 did not suffer from SARS-CoV-2 infection previously (MS group). The plasma of healthy volunteers (n = 30) with no evidence of disease was used as control. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure MMP and TIMP-1 concentrations. Plasma MMP activity was verified by gelatin-substrate zymography. Peptide pools were extracted from the plasma of MS patients and healthy subjects. Then size exclusion chromatography was used to identify separate fractions present in peptide pools. Results. We found that plasma concentration of MMP-2 was remarkably increased in the MS group compared with healthy controls, while in the MS + COVID patients, the levels of two other MMPs, MMP-1 and -10, were elevated. Zymography showed four dominant gelatinolytic bands of 92, 84, 72, and 62 kDa in MS plasma samples, whereas only traces of MMP were detected in healthy subjects. Most of MS plasma samples showed MMP-2 lytic activity, but only a few contained MMP-9. Finally, we determined the concentration of circulating peptides. The levels of plasma peptides were higher in patients from both the MS and MS + COVID group compared to control subjects. According to our results, the development of MS was accompanied by changes in both quantity and quality of peptide pool composition compared to healthy controls. Conclusions. Thus, an advanced understanding of the role of MMPs in MS pathogenesis following infection is important in developing optimized interventions to improve health and clinical outcomes during COVID-19.

Gastronomic Identity Factors in the Function of Sustainable Gastronomy: A Case Study of Tourist Destinations in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina

Gastronomic identity is a crucial segment of sustainable gastronomy and its successful positioning in the tourism market. As such, it calls for the creation of a suitable SusGastroIdentity scale that would identify influential factors. The research investigated the opinions of the employees in catering establishments in two tourist destinations in the Balkans: Fruška Gora Mountain, a tourist area in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina in Serbia, and Jahorina Mountain, a tourist area in the Republic of Srpska entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study involved 606 participants, 66% of whom work in à la carte restaurants. Of these participants, 68% hold operational roles in hospitality establishments, and 58.3% have over 5 years of experience in the hospitality industry. After conducting a survey using a questionnaire and performing appropriate statistical analysis of the responses, four factors of gastronomic identity and sustainable gastronomy were defined: geographic and cultural characteristics of gastronomy, gastro-tourism events, economic aspects of business operations, and commercial aspects of business operations. The present research has shown that employees in hospitality and tourism perceive geographic and cultural characteristics and the economic aspects of business as the significant factors of gastronomic identity that affect both the sustainability of gastronomy in tourism and the tourist destination itself.

Teacher Observation Skills Scale: Validity and Reliability

The present research aims to develop a valid and reliable instrument to measure teacher observation skills. The research was conducted during the 2023-2024 academic year with a total of 648 teachers. Data were collected through online survey methods. Expert opinion was consulted for the content and face validity of the scale in the research. Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor (CFA) analyses were performed to assess the construct validity of the scale. Based on the results, it was found that the scale had a structure consisting of two dimensions and 18 items. It was determined that the factor loadings of the items in the scale were between .70 and .93. Considering the relevant literature, it was decided to name these dimensions as "natural observation skill" (NOS) and "scientific observation skill" (SOS). The Cronbach Alpha for the scales were both .95. As a result of the research, a valid and reliable scale that can determine the level of teachers' observation skills was developed.

Exploring the Usefulness of Real Options Theory for Foreign Affiliate Divestments: Real Abandonment Options’ Applications

Scholars propose that future research on real options theory should shift attention away from option buying during the first investment stage and toward option execution after investment. Researchers maintain that it would be interesting to explore the circumstances under which investors decide to withdraw their investments, thereby exercising the option to abandon their investments. The present research seeks to fill the gap in the literature and investigate the applicability of real options theory when an organization enhances sustainability policies while focusing on disciplined capital allocation through exit strategies. With case study data on Natura &Co’s divestment strategy for the Body Shop in November 2023, a real options analysis revealed the method’s practical advantages and disadvantages. This paper investigates real options theory in the context of the divestments of foreign affiliates, providing unique viewpoints and enhancing the theory beyond previous knowledge while also increasing our understanding of the divestiture phenomenon. This study concludes with a review of this paper’s theoretical contributions to real options theory, the managerial and practical/social implications of real options applications in general, and the valuation methods of abandonment options in particular, shedding light on the potential of future research.

Artemisia pallens W. Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Freund's Complete Adjuvant-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Wistar Rats.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes distinctive inflammatory symptoms and affects over 21 million people worldwide. RA is characterized by severe discomfort, swelling, and degradation of the bone and cartilage, further impairing joint function. The current study investigates the antiarthritic effect of a methanolic extract of Artemisia pallens (methanolic extract of A. pallens, MEAP), an aromatic herb. Artemisinin content (% per dry weight of the plant) was estimated using a UV Vis spectrophotometer. In the present study, animals were divided into six groups (n = 6). The control group (group I) was injected with 0.25% of carboxymethyl cellulose. The arthritic control group (group II) was treated with Freund's complete adjuvant (by injecting 0.1 mL). Prednisolone (10 mg/kg), a lower dose of MEAP (100 mg/kg), a medium dose of MEAP (200 mg/kg), and a higher dose of MEAP (400 mg/kg) were orally delivered to groups III, IV, V, and VI, respectively. Freund's complete adjuvant was administered into the sub-plantar portion of the left-hind paw in all the groups except vehicle control to induce rheumatoid arthritis. Weight variation; joint diameter; paw volume; thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia; hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters; radiology; and a histopathological assessment of the synovial joint were observed in order to evaluate the antiarthritic effect of the methanolic extract of A. pallens. In this study, the estimated content of artemisinin was found to be 0.28% (per dry weight of the plant), which was in good agreement with the reported value. MEAP (200 and 400 mg/kg) caused a significant reduction in increased paw volume and joint diameter in arthritic rats while significantly increasing body weight and the mechanical threshold of thermal algesia. Moreover, complete blood counts and serum enzyme levels improved significantly. Radiological analysis showed a reduction in soft tissue swelling and small erosions. A histopathological examination of the cells revealed reduced cell infiltration and the erosion of joint cartilage in MEAP-administered arthritic rats. The present research suggests that the antiarthritic activity of the methanolic extract of A. pallens wall is promising, as evidenced by the findings explored in our rat model.

Enzyme‑assisted extraction of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) testa

Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) has been successfully applied to extract polyphenols from various food materials and by-products. Hence, the present research aimed to valorize the cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) testa by EAE method using an enzyme cocktail of cellulase and pectinase. The effects of different processing parameters, including the pH (3.0 - 6.0), temperature (30 - 70°C), extraction time (60 - 150 min), solid -to-solvent ratio (1/5 - 1/85), and enzyme concentration (0.1 - 0.4% v/v) on the total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of the testa extracts were investigated. The results showed that the TPC of the testa extracts positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity. The EAE performed at pH 4.0, a temperature of 50°C, an extraction time of 60 mins, a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1/55, and an enzyme concentration of 0.2% (v/ v) resulted in the highest TPC (168.84 g GAE/kg DW) with DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity of 885.56 and 1513.60 (mmol TE/kg DW), respectively. The EAE technique holds significant promise as a sustainable approach to mitigate the underutilization and undervaluation of cashew nut testa waste, which could otherwise contribute to environmental pollution.

Efficacy of different protocols of non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the present systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of different protocols of NSPT without any adjunctive therapy in subjects with type 2 diabetes, by considering clinical and patient-centered outcomes. For the purposes of the study randomized controlled clinical trials with more than 3-month follow-up were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central. Then the articles were screened for inclusion and considered based on the protocols adopted, the outcome measure, follow-up, and the level of glycemic control. A total of 23 articles about 22 studies were included. NSPT was more effective than just oral hygiene measures/no treatment in reducing periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at 3 months (0.47 mm [0.29-0.65 mm] and 0.50 mm [0.24-0.76 mm], respectively) and 6 months (0.56 mm [0.28-0.84 mm] and 0.45 mm [0.13-0.77 mm], respectively for PPD and CAL) follow-up (very low and low level of evidence). The meta-analysis found no evidence of a difference between full-mouth disinfection versus quadrant protocol clinical outcomes (very low level of evidence). One study found no evidence of a difference in periodontal clinical response between good versus poor glycemic control. Based on the results of the present research NSPT protocols could be considered more efficacious than others in terms of clinical outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, NSPT resulted in efficacious improvement of periodontal parameters and HbA1c levels compared to no treatment or oral hygiene instructions alone.