Significant Individual Effects Research Articles

Factors Influencing Company Value on the Indonesian Stock Exchange: Insights from LQ45 Companies (2019-2023)

This study examines the variables affecting the firm value (Tobin’s Q) of the Indonesian Stock Exchange’s LQ45 Index between 2019 and 2023. We assess sustainability scores (ESG Score) and some financial performances ratios i.e. return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE), and debt to equity ratio, whether each respective of these factors influence the firm value (Tobin’s Q) using quantitative analytical data obtained from the Indonesian Stock Exchange website. 41 of the 45 businesses that meet the study’s requirements are the subject of our analysis, yielding 205 samples in total. Eviews version 11 software was used to do multiple linear regression analysis on the data. All the independent factors (X1, X2, X3, and X4) have statistically significant individual effects on the dependent variable, according to our findings, which are based on the t-test results. The probability values for each of these variables are below 0.05. Furthermore, the F-test indicates that the independent factors taken together significantly affect the dependent variable, with a probability value of 0.000. Based on the determination coefficient test, the adjusted R square value is 63.12% which indicates that the independent variable significantly influences the dependent variable.

Development Model of Sustainable Agrotourism-Based Village Tourism for Improving Community Welfare in Tapanuli Utara Regency, Indonesia

This study examines the impact of village tourism development on sustainable agrotourism and community welfare in Tapanuli Utara Regency, Indonesia. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines household surveys and structural equation modeling (SEM), data were collected from 203 respondents across 22 villages to evaluate the relationships among infrastructure development, local economic benefits, community participation, rural tourism products, sustainable agrotourism, and community welfare. The results indicate that village tourism development significantly and directly enhances both sustainable agrotourism and community welfare, with infrastructure and local economic benefits being the most influential factors. In contrast, community participation and rural tourism products did not show significant individual effects, suggesting that without proper support, training, and resource allocation, these elements may not effectively contribute to sustainable agrotourism. Moreover, sustainable agrotourism was found to significantly mediate the relationship between tourism development and community welfare, highlighting its role as a catalyst for long-term socio-economic improvement. The study underscores the necessity for integrated development strategies that prioritize infrastructure enhancement and local economic engagement while fostering sustainable agricultural practices within tourism. Limitations of the study include its regional focus, which may affect the generalizability of the findings, and the need for further research to explore effective mechanisms for boosting community participation and developing rural tourism products. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to promote sustainable rural tourism and enhance community welfare in similar contexts.

The interactive effect of tree mycorrhizal type, mycorrhizal type mixture and tree diversity shapes rooting zone soil fungal communities in temperate forest ecosystems

Abstract The underlying processes of plant‐microbe associations particularly their interactions with their mycorrhizal fungal partners have been extensively studied. However, considerably less is known about the consequences of tree‐tree interactions on rooting zone soil microbiota when tree species of different mycorrhizal type (myco‐type) grow together as mono and mixed myco‐type mixtures along a tree diversity gradient. Using the MyDiv tree diversity experiment, where arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EcM) trees and their mixtures were planted in monocultures, two‐species and four‐species mixture plots, we investigated the interplay of target tree myco‐type, myco‐type mixture, tree diversity and rooting zone compartment (target tree dominated and its interaction zones with neighbour trees) on the rooting zone soil mycobiota employing meta‐barcoding of the ITS2 rDNA fragment of the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Our results revealed significant individual and interaction effects of tree myco‐type, myco‐type mixture and tree diversity but not rooting zone compartment on the fungal taxonomic and functional alpha and beta diversity. This implies intermingling of roots of target and neighbouring tree species there by reducing the target tree species effect in its rooting zone. As tree diversity increases, we found convergence of the fungal community in general, where the fungal community dissimilarity varies depending on the co‐existing tree species myco‐type and tree species diversity. Furthermore, the fungal community composition in the two and four species mixtures were consistently influenced by soil pH, whereas in the mixed multi‐species stands basal respiration, N, PO4−, NO3− were found to be equally important unlike in AM and EcM multi‐species stands. Comparative analysis of the fungal taxa specialisation between mono and mixed myco‐type multi‐species stands revealed that the mixed myco‐type plots shared 23.5% (AM) and 19.7% (EcM) of the generalist fungal communities However, the percentage of specialised fungal community in mixed myco‐type plots (13.2%) was significantly higher as compared to EcM (9.5%), and significantly lower (9%) as compared to AM (11.7%) plots, resulting in myco‐type and myco‐type mixture specific fungal communities and functional guild patterns Our results provide novel insights on the significance of tree species and its co‐existing trees preferred mycorrhizal association in shaping the target tree rooting zone soil mycobiome along a tree diversity gradient. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of generalist and specialist fungal communities in mono and mixed myco‐type stands in modulating tree‐tree interaction, tree species co‐existence and regulating soil properties and ecosystem functions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Investigation of capacitive deionization process parameters on salt adsorption capacity via experimental design approach

Process parameters of Capacitive Deionization (CDI) was investigated and optimized in this study. The effect of adsorption period (7–13 min), flow rate (5–20 ml min−1), and NaCl concentration (2–22 mM) on salt adsorption capacity was examined via Box-Behnken experimental design approach. A quadratic regression model (R2 = 0.9987) was developed, revealing significant individual and binary effects between process parameters and salt adsorption capacity. The ANOVA results demonstrated its high significance with the p-value<0.0001. Optimal conditions varied with salt concentration, indicating significant interactions between the parameters. Maximum salt adsorption capacity occurred at 5 ml min−1 flow rate and 13 min adsorption period for 22 mM NaCl, whereas for 12 mM and 2 mM NaCl concentrations, maximum adsorption capacity was obtained at the flow rate of 20 ml min−1 and duration of 13 min. This study provided deep insights into CDI modelling and optimization, crucial for water treatment advancements.

Numerical study on the onset of global-scale flow from individual buoyant plumes: Implications for indoor disease transmission

Transport of exhaled droplets and aerosol suspension is a main route for the transmission of highly infectious respiratory diseases. A poorly ventilated room, where human body heat drives the flow and the pathogen motion, is one such paradigmatic situation with an elevated risk of viral transmission. Here, we report a numerical study on human body heat-driven buoyancy convection in a slender rectangular geometry with the geometric size of 12 × 1 × 3 m3. Using large-scale three-dimensional simulations, we reveal how different spacings between human body heat sources can potentially spread pathogenic species between occupants in a room. Morphological transition in airflow takes place as the distance between human heat sources is varied, which shapes distinct patterns of disease transmission: For sufficiently large distance, individual buoyant plume creates a natural barrier, forming buoyant jets that block suspension spread between occupants. Thermal plumes exhibit significant individual effects. However, for small distances, a collective effect emerges and thermal plumes condense into superstructure, facilitating long-distance suspension transport via crossing between convection rolls. In addition, we quantify the impact of morphological transition on the transport of viral particles by introducing tracer particles. The quantitative analysis shows that under certain critical distances, the infection risk becomes significantly elevated due to this transition and collective behavior. Our findings highlight the importance of reasonable social distancing to reduce indoor cross-transmission of viral particles between people and provide new insights into the hidden transitional behavior of pathogen transmission in indoor environments.

Mediating pathways between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and type 2 diabetes mellitus: evidence from a two-step and multivariable Mendelian randomization study.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health burden, more prevalent among individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to the general population. To extend the knowledge base on how ADHD links to T2D, this study aimed to estimate causal effects of ADHD on T2D and to explore mediating pathways. We applied a two-step, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design, using single nucleotide polymorphisms to genetically predict ADHD and a range of potential mediators. First, a wide range of univariable MR methods was used to investigate associations between genetically predicted ADHD and T2D, and between ADHD and the purported mediators: body mass index (BMI), childhood obesity, childhood BMI, sedentary behaviour (daily hours of TV watching), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure), C-reactive protein and educational attainment (EA). A mixture-of-experts method was then applied to select the MR method most likely to return a reliable estimate. We used estimates derived from multivariable MR to estimate indirect effects of ADHD on T2D through mediators. Genetically predicted ADHD liability associated with 10% higher odds of T2D (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.18). From nine purported mediators studied, three showed significant individual mediation effects: EA (39.44% mediation; 95% CI: 29.00%, 49.73%), BMI (44.23% mediation; 95% CI: 34.34%, 52.03%) and TV watching (44.10% mediation; 95% CI: 30.76%, 57.80%). The combination of BMI and EA explained the largest mediating effect (53.31%, 95% CI: -1.99%, 110.38%) of the ADHD-T2D association. These findings suggest a potentially causal, positive relationship between ADHD liability and T2D, with mediation through higher BMI, more TV watching and lower EA. Intervention on these factors may thus have beneficial effects on T2D risk in individuals with ADHD.

Exploring The Therapeutic Potential Of Herbal Intervention In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systemic Review And Meta-Analysis

Ethnopharmacological Relevance- PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Several studies have been carried out on the effect of herbal interventions in improving PCOS patients but these still have not been fully assessed.&#x0D; Aim of Study- This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether herbal interventions could promote reproductive health in women with PCOS while providing evidence-based herbal treatment for clinical practice.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This systematic review follows PRISMA guidelines, assessing herbal product’s efficacy for PCOS management. In this research, we identified 25 studies for the analysis, including 779 women with PCOS that were defined by using biochemical or ultrasound evidence and followed Cochrane criteria for Risk of Bias (ROB) across domains, considering 7 domains of risk. Meta-analysis utilized continuous data from 11 studies, focusing on substance use and externalizing symptoms, conducted through Review Manager (RevMan version 5.4) for 11 randomized control trials.&#x0D; Results: The forest plot analysis was conducted for Body Mass Index (BMI), hirsutism, insulin levels, blood glucose level, and follicular stimulating hormones (FSH) levels. We utilized a random-effects model to calculate mean differences and standard deviations using the Standard Mean Differen[1]ce (SMD) scale. For BMI, the overall effect size was -0.16 (CI -0.28 to -0.03), with significant individual study effect sizes. Hirsutism showed an overall effect size of -0.34 (CI -0.62 to -0.05). Insulin analysis revealed an overall effect size of -0.79 (CI -1.28 to -0.34), with two individual study effects favoring the experimental group. Analysis for fasting glucose had an overall value of -0.27(C.I -0.54 to 0.01) while for FSH it was -0.11(C.I -0.39 to 0.17). In each analysis, the forest plots demonstrated the benefits of herbal therapy in PCOS treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion: Herbal interventions are a promising therapeutic approach that can be employed in the management of PCOS patients

EFFECT OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE

This study examines the influence of work-life balance and emotional intelligence on employee performance within PT State Savings Bank's Medan Branch Office Consumer Collection Recovery and Asset Sales Unit Division, employing a quantitative research approach. The 61 employees in this division serve as the study's population, selected using a nonprobability sampling technique with a saturated sample model. Data collection involves primary methods like observation, interviews, and questionnaires, supplemented by secondary data gathered through library research. Through a series of analytical procedures, including validity and reliability tests, classic assumption tests, multiple linear analysis, and hypothesis testing, the research reveals that both work-life balance and emotional intelligence have significant individual effects on employee performance. Furthermore, when considered collectively, these variables exhibit a substantial influence on employee performance, as indicated by an R value of 0.885 or 88.5%. The adjusted R Square value shows that work-life balance and emotional intelligence can account for 77.6% of the variance in employee performance, while the remaining 22.4% is influenced by unexamined factors.

Factors Affecting on Purchasing Decision Online Food and Beverages through Gofood

This study investigates the individual and joint influence of product quality, service quality, and consumer trust quality on online food and beverage purchasing decisions through Gofood, employing a quantitative approach. Drawing upon a population of 734 Islamic economics students, the Slovin formula yielded a sample of 90 respondents. Data collection utilized a questionnaire and analysis involved data quality assessment, classical assumption testing, multiple linear regression, and hypothesis testing using IBM SPSS 22. Findings reveal that all three independent variables, (X1) product quality, (X2) service quality, and (X3) trust quality, exert a simultaneous and significant influence on the dependent variable, (Y) purchasing decisions. This conclusion is supported by both the F-test (Fcount = 67.779 &gt; Ftable = 3.17, p &lt; 0.05) and individual t-tests demonstrating significant individual effects for each variable. Therefore, the study confirms that product quality, service quality, and trust quality all play independent and collective roles in shaping online food and beverage purchasing decisions through Gofood.

Organic Fertilizer Marketing Strategy

The issue of waste management is a significant concern in the NTB Province, Indonesia. Mataram City produces 314 tons of waste per day, with the majority (273 tons) being sent to landfills. Similarly, West Lombok Regency generates 175.4 tons of waste daily, with only 01.76 tons allocated for landfill disposal. Notably, Kebon Kongok landfill serves as a disposal site for both areas. In addressing this waste issue, the Lingsar Regional Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST) has emerged as a vital player, employing Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Bioconversion Technology to process organic waste. This aligns with the government's flagship program of achieving zero waste in West Nusa Tenggara by efficiently managing, reducing, and utilizing waste, ultimately contributing to economic development. One key aspect of the study pertains to the organic fertilizer market strategy at the UPTD Regional Waste Landfill of NTB Province. It aims to understand the Price Effect (X1), the Promotion Effect (X2), and their combined influence on demand (Y) for organic fertilizer. The research employs a quantitative descriptive method conducted at the UPTD TPA Regional Waste province BSF Lingsar Unit, involving 30 farmer respondents. Data is analyzed using Regression Analysis and Multiple Correlation (Multiple Regression Analysis) through the SPSS Program. Results indicate that respondents exhibit a high perception of demand for organic fertilizer. The Multiple Linear Regression model showcases the effects of Price and Promotion strategies on Demand. The F Test (Anova) confirms that both strategies significantly impact demand. Further analysis reveals that the Price strategy (X1) has no significant individual effect on demand, while the Promotion strategy (X2) partially influences demand. The Coefficient of Determination Test (R2) indicates that Price and Promotion strategies jointly contribute 40.5% to the demand for organic fertilizer, leaving the remaining 59.5% influenced by other independent variables. This research underscores the importance of strategic pricing and promotion in driving demand for organic fertilizer in Lingsar District, West Lombok Regency, and the broader implications for waste management and economic development in the NTB Province.

Kinetic evaluation of Pachira aquatica Aubl biomass slow pyrolysis towards to biochar production

The abrupt climate change, caused by the anthropogenic activities in the environment, intensified the search for sustainable sources of energy aiming reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. In this study, a multivariate study design was applied within a batch reactor system to determine the influence of process variables and kinetic parameters of slow pyrolysis of Pachira aquatica Aubl fruit peel towards biochar generation. The statistical evaluation of Box Behnken planning model was applied and showed good adjustment to the model establishing the model that describes the significant effect of variables behavior. The maximum biochar yield (41.22%) was observed were temperature (T) = 406 °C, heating rate β = 2 °C min−1, and residence time t R = 60 min, under nitrogen atmosphere. It is also observed that temperature was the most substantial influence on the process, followed by heating rate and the remaining process variables did not exhibit significant individual effects. The empirical model obtained was applied into mass change equation aiming calculate the activation energy (Ea)=77.10 kJ mol−1 and frequency factor (A 0)= 6.28 × 1010 s−1. The low activation energy in maximum biochar yield region showed a great potential of Pachira aquatica Aubl fruit peel thermoconversion towards to biochar.

EFFECT OF TOP MANAGEMENT TEAM DIVERSITY ON FMCGs' PERFORMANCE

This study examined the effect of top management team diversity (captured by top management cultural diversity and top management gender diversity) on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) performance. The study employed a survey design by administering a structured questionnaire to 520 FMCG employees of FMCGs. The research instrument (questionnaire) was administered to the targeted respondents in January 2023. The study employed a linear regression model with STATA version 14 software. The findings reveal that top management cultural diversity and top management gender diversity have positive and significant individual effects on FMCGs performance, with coefficients and probability values of β1 =0.342, P-value &lt; 0.0s, and β2 =0.594, P-value &lt; 0.05. The adjusted coefficient of determination (Adjusted R2) suggested that 46.1% variation in FMCGs performance is accounted for by top management team diversity elements (top management cultural diversity and top management gender diversity). Therefore, it can be concluded that top management team diversity (top management cultural diversity and top management gender diversity) significantly positively affect the performance of FMCGs. Therefore, the performance of FMCGs is determined by their level of diversity, particularly their top management's cultural diversity and top management's gender diversity. In line with the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made: FMCGs should encourage top management cultural diversity through the engagement of top managers from diverse cultural orientations, as this tends to enhance their performance. Additionally, FMCGs should encourage top management gender diversity through the engagement of top managers from diverse gender, as this tends to enhance their performance. Furthermore, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and government agencies should encourage diversity among FMCGs.

Optimization of Adsorption Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology for Tetracycline Removal by MnFe2O4/Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

In this study, the optimal conditions and effects of external factors on tetracycline adsorption by magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MMWCNTs) were established by a response surface methodology for the first time. Batch adsorption experiments showed that increasing the dosage and contact time effectively promoted the adsorption of tetracycline and maximum removal of 97.93–99.13% was achieved at pH 3–7. The pseudo-second-order model and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra indicated that the mechanism of adsorption may be π–π electron interaction and cation–π electron bonding. Design Expert was utilized to develop a response surface methodology for the analysis and optimization of tetracycline adsorption by magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The Box–Behnken design (BBD) results showed that the optimization exhibited high significance and reliability. The main effect plots and Pareto chart indicated that pH exerted a significant individual effect on the regulation of adsorption, while 3D response surface plots and interaction effect plots exhibited a significant antagonistic interaction between pH and contact time. A maximum tetracycline removal of 99.16% was achieved under the optimal conditions of 12 mg adsorbent dosage at pH 5.43, with an adsorption time of 120 min. Mathematical and experimental results confirmed the accuracy of the established optimal conditions.

Analysis of World Economic Growth Using Panel Data

In this paper, I consider panel data analysis of world economies to identify the relationship between GDP growth and the independent variables, and the nature of effect that may exist. Annual data for 161 countries from 1990 to 2020 sourced from the World Bank and UN are used. GDP is the independent variable while the independent variables are population, gross value added, total natural resources rent, and labor force. Firstly, a poolability test is performed to test for the joint significance of the fixed effects. The null hypothesis is rejected as there exist significant individual effects. Secondly, Huesman’s test is performed to test for consistency of fixed effect and random effect. The null hypothesis is rejected implying significant random effects exist. Thirdly, Bruesch-Pagan test for heteroscedasticity is performed, which shows the existence of heteroscedasticity. Finally, White’s covariance matrix estimator for random effect is performed which results to consistent and efficient parameter estimate in the presence of heteroscedasticity. The random effect model is statistically significant at the 5% level, with 68 % of the variation being explained by the model. All the explanatory variables are statistically significant at a 5 % level. They all have a positive effect on GDP with the labor force and population having the highest effect. The random effect is large and significant with a variance of 2.25±1.5 and 94.1 % share of the error component. Countries that have had consistent increases in either labor force or population growth or both, has over the period experienced consistent economic growth after controlling for the other variables and the random effect.

Genome-Wide Epistasis Study of Cerebrospinal Fluid Hyperphosphorylated Tau in ADNI Cohort.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the main cause of dementia worldwide, and the genetic mechanism of which is not yet fully understood. Much evidence has accumulated over the past decade to suggest that after the first large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted, the problem of "missing heritability" in AD is still a great challenge. Epistasis has been considered as one of the main causes of "missing heritability" in AD, which has been largely ignored in human genetics. The focus of current genome-wide epistasis studies is usually on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have significant individual effects, and the amount of heritability explained by which was very low. Moreover, AD is characterized by progressive cognitive decline and neuronal damage, and some studies have suggested that hyperphosphorylated tau (P-tau) mediates neuronal death by inducing necroptosis and inflammation in AD. Therefore, this study focused on identifying epistasis between two-marker interactions at marginal main effects across the whole genome using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) P-tau as quantitative trait (QT). We sought to detect interactions between SNPs in a multi-GPU based linear regression method by using age, gender, and clinical diagnostic status (cds) as covariates. We then used the STRING online tool to perform the PPI network and identify two-marker epistasis at the level of gene-gene interaction. A total of 758 SNP pairs were found to be statistically significant. Particularly, between the marginal main effect SNP pairs, highly significant SNP-SNP interactions were identified, which explained a relatively high variance at the P-tau level. In addition, 331 AD-related genes were identified, 10 gene-gene interaction pairs were replicated in the PPI network. The identified gene-gene interactions and genes showed associations with AD in terms of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, neuronal cells activation and brain development, thereby leading to cognitive decline in AD, which is indirectly associated with the P-tau pathological feature of AD and in turn supports the results of this study. Thus, the results of our study might be beneficial for explaining part of the "missing heritability" of AD.

Role of environmental conditions in structuring the stock trajectory of Thunnus albacares, Th. alalunga and Th. obesus in the South Pacific Region

The lifestyle and culture of South Pacific Island countries have been long intertwined with oceanic resources. These countries are heavily dependent on tuna resources for their economies and socioeconomic livelihoods. Despite their importance, the mechanisms behind tuna stock trajectory patterns need to be better understood. With changing climatic and environmental conditions, it has become vital to understand the impact of these changes on tuna resources and if possible include them in long-term tuna harvest and management plans. A significant portion of the stock dynamics of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), albacore tuna (Th. alalunga) and bigeye tuna (Th. obesus) in the South Pacific Region may possibly be explained only by the environmental factors of sea surface temperature (SST) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation AMO. The relationship of monthly SST and AMO was investigated with time series stock patterns of Th. albacares, Th. alalunga and Th. obesus in the Eastern and Western Pacific Ocean for the years 1972 to 2019. Monthly variables that exhibited significant correlation with CPUE variables were used in the Generalised Linear Model and Generalized Additive Model to reproduce the CPUE trajectory of the three tuna species from 1972 to 2019. Results showed that a significant portion of stock dynamics of Th. albacares, Th. alalunga and Th. obesus can be explained well by two environmental conditions of SST and AMO. This shows that a large portion of tuna variation in the Eastern and Southern Pacific is related to environmental conditions. Models with single variables are evidence of the significant individual effect of SST and AMO on stock time series of each tuna species. Models with two variables had a better fit in comparison to models with a single variable for all tuna stocks. Possibilities of two significantly different patterns in the trajectory of the three tuna species and environmental conditions used in the models were also observed. The trajectory patterns seemed to change around the 1990s and had significantly different means, indicating possible regime shifts. Environmental conditions play a highly significant role in structuring tuna stock trajectory in the South Pacific and need to be included in tuna management / harvest plans to ensure sustainability of this important resource. The importance of regime shifts should be recognised and further investigated for possible inclusion in tuna sustainability plans due to their influence on long-term tuna trajectory patterns.

The effects of temperature stress and population origin on the thermal sensitivity of Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) larvae

Increased environmental temperature is one of the most frequent stresses effecting metabolic rate in herbivorous insect species. Our goal was to compare the influence of increased environmental temperature and induced thermotolerance on the activity of midgut phosphatases and brain tissue hsp70 concentration in 5th instar Lymantria dispar larvae originating from an unpolluted and polluted forest. Induced thermotolerance (larval pre-treatment at high, sub-lethal temperature) increases the species ability to overcome the negative effects of thermal stress, therefore we monitored the effect of this regime in larvae originating from both forests. Thermal regimes in this experiment predominantly influenced the alkaline phosphatases activity and it was affected by temperature, population origin, and their combined effect. Total acid phosphatases activity was changed only by the joint effect of temperature and population origin. Brain hsp70 concentration was under a significant individual and joint effect of temperature and population. In both populations, brain tissue hsp70 concentration and alkaline phosphatases activity should be taken under consideration as a battery with biomarker potential for thermal stress in L. dispar larvae as a bioindicator species.

Effects of Compound Biochar Substrate Coupled with Water and Nitrogen on the Growth of Cucumber Plug Seedlings

Since plug seedlings play a key role in automatic transplanting, this work aimed to explore the interaction between the biochar rate, water content, and N–fertilization in the substrate on the cultivation of cucumber seedlings before and after transplanting. The research showed that most of the factors obtained significant individual and interaction effects by measuring and analyzing the growth parameters of seedlings before transplanting. Most growth parameters significantly decreased with the increase in biochar rate except Water Use Efficiency which obtained the highest value of 2.06 g/L when the biochar rate was 10%. Furthermore, some growth parameters increased significantly with the increase in water content, while the Total Dry Matter and Water Use Efficiency reached their highest values, 0.778 g and 1.94 g/L, respectively, when the water content was 65%. All growth parameters reached their highest values when the N–fertilization was 50%; too high or too low of N–fertilization was not conducive to the growth of seedlings. The growth parameters and photosynthesis indices of seedlings cultivated after transplanting indicated that the seedlings with superior growth before transplanting performed better than other treatments in regard to growth and photosynthesis after transplanting. The interactions were in general optimal when the biochar rate was 5%, water content was 80%, and N–fertilization was 50% in the substrate, and seedlings cultivated under this treatment could not only meet the requirements of automatic transplanting, but also ensure rapid growth after transplanting. This study thus provides some guidance for the effective cultivation of vegetable plug seedlings.

Design, fabrication, optimization and characterization of memantine-loaded biodegradable PLGA nanoscaffolds for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

This study aimed to design and develop nanoscaffolds for the controlled release of memantine by non-solvent-induced phase separation (N-TIPS) method. The development and optimization of nanoscaffolds was performed by Box–Behnken Design in which two independent formulation variables and one independent process variable: poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (X 1), Pluronics F-127 (X 2), and rotation speed (X 3) were used. The design provided 15 formulation designs which were prepared to determine the response: percentage porosity (Y 1) and drug loading (Y 2). Polynomial equations were generated and analyzed statistically to establish a relationship between independent and dependent variables and develop an optimal formulation with maximized porosity (%) and drug loading (%). The optimized formulation batch was prepared using 19.18% w/v PLGA, 4.98% w/v Pluronics at 500 rpm rotation speed and exhibited drug loading of 11.66% and porosity of 82.62%. Further, correlation between the independent and dependent variables were established and statistically analyzed by using model generated mathematical regression equations, ANOVA, residual plots, interaction plot, main effect plot, contour plot and response surface designs. The analysis of model showed the significant individual effect of PLGA and significant interactive effect of Pluronics F-127 and rotation speed on drug loading and porosity. Further, its physicochemical characterization, and in-vitro (drug release kinetics, and PAMPA study), ex-vivo (enzyme inhibition assay and pro-inflammatory cytokines study) and in-vivo (neurobehavioral and histological study) studies were performed to evaluate the potential of memantine-loaded nanoscaffolds in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Gastrointestinal problem among Indian adults: Evidence from longitudinal aging study in India 2017-18.

IntroductionDiseases and illnesses of the gastrointestinal system (GIS) have grown in the last decade due to considerable lifestyle changes. People with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases have a high prevalence of depression, stress, anxiety, and impaired central nervous system functioning. Therefore, this study aims to explore the factors associated with the self-reported gastrointestinal problems among the Indian elderly and to explore the relationship between non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension, heart diseases, diabetes, and neurological or psychiatric and gastrointestinal disorder.MethodsThis study uses data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), a population-based national survey, conducted during 2017–2018 with a representative sample of 72,250 individuals. Descriptive statistics were used to provide the frequency distribution of sociodemographic and economic profiles of adults. Bivariate analysis was used to understand the percentage distribution of adults suffering from gastrointestinal problems by their background characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with gastrointestinal problems. In the binary logistic regression analysis, a systematic model building procedure was adopted.ResultsThe overall prevalence of self-reported gastrointestinal problems was 18%, with significant variations among regions, and it substantially increased with the increasing age of men. Hypertension and neurological problems have significant individual effects on gastrointestinal problems. Prevalence was higher in those who suffered from neurological or psychiatric problems (27%) than in those who suffered from hypertension (22%) and heart disease (23%). Adults from the age group 45–54 (1.11, p < 0.01) and 55–64 (1.09, p < 0.01) years were significantly more likely to have gastrointestinal problems compared with the <44 years age group. Former and current smokers and adults with the habits of chewing tobacco were significantly more likely to report gastrointestinal problems than their counterparts. Moreover, the increasing economic status significantly and positively increased the likelihood of having self-reported gastrointestinal problems among adults.ConclusionAging-related gastrointestinal problems are physiological or pathological and more prevalent in the elderly population aged 64 years and above. Hence, policies and interventions have to be made age-specific. Gastrointestinal problems among older adults are acquiring greater importance in clinical practices to plan effective treatment, administration of gastrointestinal drugs, the early screening of gastrointestinal diseases. Given the policy focus through Health and Wellness centers for accessible NCD care, it is important that gastro-intestinal illnesses receive more focus and systemic support.