Significant Manner Research Articles

Synergistic Effect of Naringin and Glimepiride in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

Evaluation of the synergistic effect of Naringin and Glimepiride in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Wistar rats were chosen and divided into five groups (n=6). STZ was used for the induction of diabetes. The combination of naringin and glimepiride was administered to diabetic rats. The changes in fasting blood sugar, body weight, Hb, HbA1c, and creatinine were evaluated, and urine was collected and the volume was observed. The lipid profiles like TC, HDL, LDL, and TG were measured. The biochemical parameters SGOT, SGPT, and ALP were analysed. Besides, endogenous antioxidant parameters like SOD, GSH, and catalase were also assessed. Lastly, the histopathological study of the beta cells in islets of the pancreas, glomerulus, and tubules of kidney and liver cells was conducted in all groups. The result shows significant reduction (p<0.001) of blood sugar in the naringin and glimepiride-treated group when compared with the control group (diabetes). Additionally, the combination of Naringin (100 mg/kg) and Glimepiride (0.1 mg/kg) significantly restores the creatinine levels and urine volumes, SGOT, SGPT, and ALP when compared to a single dose of administration. Further, the abnormal lipid profile levels (TC, LDL, TG, and HDL), and endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH, catalase) in diabetic control rats were restored to normal levels in a significant manner. The histopathological result reveals significant alterations, including hypertrophy of islets and mild degeneration, renal necrosis, and inflammation of hepatocytes. A synergistic effect of Naringin and glimepiride was observed during the estimation of various biochemical parameters like body weight, fasting blood sugar, creatinine, urine level, TG, total cholesterol, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Insulin, HbA1c, antioxidant parameters like SOD, GSH, and catalase in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Further, the combination of therapy improves the protective effect of the pancreas, kidney, and liver, suggesting a potential antidiabetic effect.

Effects of selective laser melting process parameters on 3D-printing of Ti6Al4V/ST316L composite material and their optimization using response surface methodology

The mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V and ST316L bone implants make them superior to natural bone, which results in fewer contact points with the bone. Different manufacturing processes, such as selective laser melting (SLM), may result in different mechanical properties between Ti-6Al-4V and ST316L implants. Sustainable development for the composite implants was optimized (SLM) in this study to minimize their compressive strength and Young's modulus. A three-dimensional printing process using SLM was optimized based on laser power, hatch distance, laser velocity, and ST316L weight percentage. Composite implants made from titanium alloys and steel alloys were evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). ST316L composition has been found to influence the mechanical properties of composites in a significant manner, based on the results of parameter optimization. Using Ti6Al4V/ST316L as a biomaterial in knee joint prostheses is possible.

Improving the Efficiency and Reliability of Renewable Energy Systems

The implications of relevant sustainable practices have reflected the scholastic features to improve the environmental resources. The study highlights the importance of conservation of environment and power system in search of proven solutions to improve the penetration level. The need for flexibility has signified the special characteristics that are conventional in increasing the integrity of renewable resources. The ideologies have global trends have integrated the cost of affectivity with the growing applications of power projects. The architecture of wind and solar energy has touched successful benchmarks with respect to the real world implications. The conceptual practices help in initializing the practices towards biomass as well as determining the impact of renewable energy on wind and solar power energy in a significant manner. In addition to that, the applications of solar or photovoltaic cell have been mentioned in the study which has greater significance. The ideas based on the emission of greenhouse gases have been evaluated in the study that shows the after effects as well. The use of passive solar energy and active solar energy has clearly discussed the concept of sustainability and the process of administering towards various climatic conditions. Lastly, the impact of renewable resources on social, environmental, technical and economic aspects has verified the relevant practice of sustainability.

Ethanolic Extract of Propolis and CAPE as Cardioprotective Agents against LPS and IFN-α Stressed Cardiovascular Injury.

The inflammatory process is triggered by several factors such as toxins, pathogens, and damaged cells, promoting inflammation in various systems, including the cardiovascular system, leading to heart failure. The link between periodontitis as a chronic inflammatory disease and cardiovascular disease is confirmed. Propolis and its major component, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), exhibit protective mechanisms and anti-inflammatory effects on the cardiovascular system. The objective of the conducted study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the Polish ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and its major component-CAPE-in interferon-alpha (IFN-α), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS + IFN-α-induced human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1). EEP and CAPE were used at 10-100 µg/mL. A multiplex assay was used for interleukin and adhesive molecule detection. Our results demonstrate that EEP, at a concentration of 25 µg/mL, decreases pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in LPS-induced HGF-1. At the same concentration, EEP increases the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in LPS + IFN-α-induced HGF-1. In the case of CAPE, IL-6 in LPS and LPS + IFN-α induced HGF-1 was decreased in all concentrations. However, in the case of IL-10, CAPE causes the highest increase at 50 µg/mL in IFN-α induced HGF-1. Regarding the impact of EEP on adhesion molecules, there was a noticeable reduction of E-selectin by EEP at 25, 50, and100 µg/mL in IFN-α -induced HGF-1. In a range of 10-100 µg/mL, EEP decreased endothelin-1 (ET-1) during all stimulations. CAPE statistically significantly decreases the level of ET-1 at 25-100 µg/mL in IFN-α and LPS + IFN-α. In the case of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), EEP and CAPE downregulated its expression in a non-statistically significant manner. Based on the obtained results, EEP and CAPE may generate beneficial cardiovascular effects by influencing selected factors. EEP and CAPE exert an impact on cytokines in a dose-dependent manner.

Effectiveness of Calcium Hydroxide and Gingerols Mixture as a Novel Obturation Material for Infected Root in Primary Teeth: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The tendency to use dental materials of plant origin is one of the prevailing trends in dentistry to reduce exposure to materials that could have some toxic impact in the long term. To evaluate the efficacy of calcium hydroxide combined with gingerols (Ginge-Cal) as a novel obturation material for treating infected primary teeth and decreasing the recurrence of infection. The study was conducted on 30 lower primary molars with infected pulp for children aged 4-8 years. The sample was randomly divided into two groups depending on the tested obturation material: Ginge-Cal group and the Metapex group. The evaluation was done by different parameters clinically and radiographically at various intervals up to 12 months. Based on chi-squared and McNamara's test with a 5% significance level, the clinical results indicated that Ginge-Cal group was more effective than the Metapex group in reducing or eliminating pain (P=0.467) after 1 week, sensitivity to percussion (P=0.090) at 3 months of follow-up, purulent swelling (P=0.444) at 6 and 9 months of follow-up, fistula, and tooth mobility. The radiographic results, based on the periapical and furcation area radiolucency at 12 months of follow-up, favored Ginge-Cal group over the Metapex group (P=0.683), (P=0.456), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in pathological root resorption and periodontal space. The differences within the Ginge-Cal group were directly influenced by the time intervals in a statistically significant manner, ranging from (P=0.004) to (P < 0.001). The success percentage was 87.5% for Ginge-Cal group and 64.3% for Metapex group. Ginge-Cal can be considered a promising material for treating the infected root canal when used as an obturation material for the infected root canal. This trial is registered with NCT05181813.

Spermatogenic potential of Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & R.R.Fern. in rats

Traditional applications of the roots of Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & R.R.Fern. include spermatogenic potential. Using rats as test subjects, the potential of alcoholic extract (AE-SM) and n-Butanol fraction (NB-SM), which is rich in saponin, to alter the levels of testicular testosterone and cholesterol as well as mRNA expression of the 3β-Hydroxy-∆5- steroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and Acute Steroid Regulatory Protein (StAR) were determined. Histological analyses of testicular tissues were performed, and the quantity of sperm in the seminal fluid was measured. The testosterone concentration increased in AE-SM and NB-SM in a dose-dependent and statistically significant manner. In-vivo mRNA expression of the StAR and 3β-HSD enzymes was also enhanced by the test samples. When compared to control animals, AE-SM and NB-SM increased testicular testosterone by 11.46 and 12.98 fold, respectively, while the extract and fractions revealed a 5.72 and 7.70 fold alteration in StAR mRNA expression. In testicular tissues, AE-SM and NB-SM increased 3β-HSD activity by 4.98 and 9.05 fold, respectively, while changing the expression of the 3β-HSD mRNA by 6.46 and 15.54 factor, respectively. The fluid sampled from the caudal region of the AE-SM and NB-SM indicated an increased sperm concentration, and histological examinations revealed dense Sertoli cell cytoplasm and an increase in the number of sperms in the luminal part of the seminiferous tubules. The components of AE-SM and NB-SM might stimulated testosterone biosynthesis in-vivo by modifying mRNA expression of selected steroidogenic enzymes. By modifying the mRNA expression of the StAR and 3β-HSD, AE-SM and NB-SM can raise the level of testosterone in testicular tissues. As evidenced by an elevated sperm concentration discovered within the seminiferous fluid and histological studies, overexpression of steroidogenic enzymes increased testicular testosterone levels and may have stimulated the spermatogenesis process.Saponin enriched n-butanol fraction might have interacted with CREB and additionally stimulated LH receptors to elevate the StAR and 3β-HSD mRNA expression.

Scour around twin-piles under combined wave–current flows

The paper presents three dimensional simulations of scour around a pair of piles arranged side-by-side configurations under combined wave–current flow conditions using a computational fluid dynamics model. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equation is solved using the k-ω turbulence model in the present work. The Exner equation is used to measure the variations in bed elevation. The level-Set approach is used to capture the free surface realistically. The numerical model couples the hydrodynamic module with the morphological module to simulate the scour process. For accurate erosion and deposition calculations in the sediment bed, the morphological model employs a modified bed shear stress formula on a sloping bed in combination with a sand slide algorithm. In the present study, the simulations have been done in a truncated numerical wave tank with the Dirichlet boundary condition and active wave absorption method. The numerical model is validated with the experimental results of combined wave–current hydrodynamics and scour around a pair of piles. The validated numerical model is utilized to study the effect of the gap ratio and the effect of KC number in the various combined wave–current environment. In low KC conditions, normalized scour depth increments owing to waves alone, weak currents, and moderate currents are less, whereas the scour depth increases dramatically for waves with high currents. It is also found that the gap flow between the piles increases the depth of scour in a significant manner. For a given pile gap ratio, the scour depth is dependent on the KC number, which implies the larger the KC number, the larger scour depth. For a given KC number, the scour hole stretch in the flow direction reduces as the gap ratio increases, whereas the perpendicular stretch increases. It is also observed that the normalized scour depth decreases as the gap ratio increases for a fixed KC number and fixed Ucw. It is evident from the present research that the normalized scour depth increases with increase in KC number for a fixed wave–current parameter (Ucw).

The Effect of Lean Methodology on EFL Learners’ Reading Comprehension Performance

As the demands of English language learners should be satisfied, the question of various teaching techniques has become contentious in classrooms. Lean, a cutting-edge approach, provides a successful way to learn a language. Teachers must employ efficient teaching strategies to accomplish their goals and excite learners. The current study looked into how teaching English as a second language affected students' ability to read comprehension. A control group and an experimental group were utilized in a pre-post-test quasi-experimental design. Following the pre-test, the experimental group received the treatment whereas the control group did not. For the analysis, 40 language learners from a language school in Erbil, Iraq, were taken into consideration. Lean was also disseminated to the participants to help them determine their aims before being applied as a teaching approach to the students. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the statistical analysis (i.e., Independent samples t-test). In terms of how the two groups performed on the pre- and post-tests. It was discovered that the scores were different in a significant manner. This brand-new Lean education strategy has been demonstrated in this research conducted in the context of Iraq to improve learning outcomes (in this case, reading comprehension skills), complete the curriculum on schedule, and eliminate any specific waste.

Dose-response Associations of Physical Activity and Sitting Time With All-cause Mortality in Older Japanese Adults.

Although examining the dose-response curves of physical activity (PA) and sitting time with health-related outcomes is an important research agenda, the results for older Japanese adults are extremely limited. We examined the dose-response associations of PA and sitting time with all-cause mortality among older Japanese. Initially, 8,069 non-disabled residents (4,073 men; 3,996 women) aged 65-84 years of Ota City, Japan, were analyzed. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and sitting time were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of MVPA and sitting time for all-cause mortality were calculated, and the dose-response curves were examined using restricted cubic splines (RCS). During 4.1 years of follow-up, 458 participants (5.7%; 331 men and 127 women) died. Compared with the low MVPA (<600 metabolic equivalents [METs]·minutes/week) group, HR for mortality gradually reduced in moderate (600-3,000 METs·minutes/week) and high (>3,000 METs·minutes/week) MVPA groups (moderate: HR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.54-0.82; high: HR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45-0.75; P < 0.001 for trend). RCS showed that the HR for mortality reduced linearly up to approximately 2,000 METs·minutes/week of MVPA, and maximal risk reduction was seen at approximately 3,000-4,500 METs·minutes/week of MVPA. No significant dose-response association of sitting time with mortality was observed. Higher MVPA levels reduced all-cause mortality risk, in a significant inverse non-linear dose-response manner. Sitting time was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality. It is important to disseminate the significance of even a slight increase in the MVPA for reducing mortality risk.

Clinical Remission in Patients Affected by Severe Eosinophilic Asthma on Dupilumab Therapy: A Long-Term Real-Life Study.

Background. Nowadays, highly selective biological drugs offer the possibility of treating severe type 2 asthma. However, in the real-life setting, it is crucial to confirm the validity of the chosen biological treatment by evaluating the achievement of clinical remission. Study purpose. The main aims of this real-life study were to evaluate the efficacy of dupilumab in terms of clinical, functional, and inflammatory outcomes at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of treatment and to estimate the percentage of patients achieving partial or complete clinical remission at 12 and 24 months of treatment. In addition, we attempted to identify whether baseline clinical characteristics of patients could be associated with clinical remission at 24 months of treatment. Materials and methods. In this observational prospective study, 20 outpatients with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma were prescribed dupilumab and followed-up after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of treatment. At each patient visit, the need for oral corticosteroids (OCS) and corticosteroid required dose, number of exacerbations during the previous year or from the previous visit, asthma control test (ACT) score, pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1), fractional exhaled nitric oxide at a flow rate of 50 mL/s (FeNO50), and blood eosinophil count were assessed. Results. The number of OCS-dependent patients was reduced from 10 (50%) at baseline to 5 (25%) at one year (T12) and 2 years (T24). The average dose of OCS required by patients demonstrated a significant reduction at T12 (12.5 ± 13.75 mg vs. 2.63 ± 3.94 mg, p = 0.015), remaining significant even at T24 (12.5 ± 13.75 mg vs. 2.63 ± 3.94 mg, p = 0.016). The number of exacerbators showed a statistically significant decrease at T24 (10 patients, 50% vs. 3 patients, 15%, p = 0.03). The mean number of exacerbations demonstrated a statistically significant reduction at T24 (1.45 ± 1.58 vs. 0.25 ± 0.43, p = 0.02). The ACT score improved in a statistically significant manner at T12 (15.30 ± 4.16 vs. 21.40 ± 2.35, p < 0.0001), improving further at T24 (15.30 ± 4.16 vs. 22.10 ± 2.59, p < 0.0001). The improvement in pre-bronchodilator FEV1 values reached statistical significance at T24 (79.5 ± 14.4 vs. 87.7 ± 13.8, p = 0.03). The reduction in flow at the level of the small airways (FEF25-75%) also demonstrated an improvement, although it did not reach statistical significance either at T12 or T24. A total of 11 patients (55%) showed clinical remission at T12 (6 complete + 5 partial) and 12 patients (60%) reached clinical remission at T24 (9 complete + 3 partial). Only obesity was associated with a negative odds ratio (OR) for achieving clinical remission at T24 (OR: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.002-0.41, p = 0.004). No other statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics emerged between patients who reached clinical remission at T24 and the group of patients who did not achieve this outcome. Conclusion. Dupilumab appears to be an effective drug in promoting achievement of clinical remission in patients with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma. The achievement of clinical remission should be continuously evaluated during treatment. Further studies are needed to clarify whether certain baseline clinical characteristics can help predict dupilumab favorable outcomes.

Batch and continuous flow mechanochemical synthesis of organic compounds including APIs

Mechanochemistry is becoming an enabling technology for the synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds as well as for the synthesis of polymers as it underlines sustainability in a significant manner.

Atomistic simulations for investigation of substrate and salt effects on lipid in-source fragmentation in secondary ion mass spectrometry: A follow-up study.

In-source fragmentation (ISF) poses a significant challenge in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). These fragment ions increase the spectral complexity and can lead to incorrect annotation of fragments as intact species. The presence of salt that is ubiquitous in biological samples can influence the fragmentation and ionization of analytes in a significant manner, but their influences on SIMS have not been well characterized. To elucidate the effect of substrates and salt on ISF in SIMS, we have employed experimental SIMS in combination with atomistic simulations of a sphingolipid on a gold surface with various NaCl concentrations as a model system. Our results revealed that a combination of bond dissociation energy and binding energy between N-palmitoyl-sphingomyelin and a gold surface is a good predictor of fragment ion intensities in the absence of salt. However, ion-fragment interactions play a significant role in determining fragment yields in the presence of salt. Additionally, the charge distribution on fragment species may be a major contributor to the varying effects of salt on fragmentation. This study demonstrates that atomistic modeling can help predict ionization potential when salts are present, providing insights for more accurate interpretations of complex biological spectra.

Simulation-Based Modeling of Soil Dynamics for Understanding Crop Responses.

Traditional models of crop yield have overlooked the complex relationship between soil properties and plant performance. The proposed simulation-based models in this study used a new approach that considered, comprehensibly the major soil factors such as pH, moisture, temperature, and NPK involved, let alone the complex interactions. These models would then portray how soil-related interactions could modify crop responses in a significant manner without necessarily depending on data from the real world. This is a breakthrough framework that provides a refined comprehension of these elaborate dynamics controlling the yield of crops.

Small-scale Cosmic-Ray Anisotropy Observed by the GRAPES-3 Experiment at TeV Energies

GRAPES-3 is a mid-altitude (2200 m) and near-equatorial (11.°4N) air shower array, overlapping in its field of view for cosmic-ray observations with experiments that are located in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. We analyze a sample of 3.7 × 109 cosmic-ray events collected by the GRAPES-3 experiment between 2013 January 1 and 2016 December 31 with a median energy of ∼16 TeV for study of small-scale (<60°) angular-scale anisotropies. We observed two structures, labeled A and B, that deviate from the expected isotropic distribution of cosmic rays in a statistically significant manner. Structure A spans 50°–80° in R.A. and from −15° to 30° in decl. The relative excess observed in structure A is at the level of (6.5 ± 1.3) × 10−4 with a statistical significance of 6.8 standard deviations. Structure B is observed in the R.A. range 110°–140° and at decl. from −10° to 30°. The relative excess observed in this region is at the level of (4.9 ± 1.4) × 10−4 with a statistical significance of 4.7 standard deviations. These structures are consistent with those reported by Milagro, ARGO-YBJ, and HAWC. These observations could provide a better understanding of the sources of cosmic rays, their propagation, and the magnetic structures in our Galaxy.

Unveiling Advanced Computational Applications in Quantum Computing: A Comprehensive Review

The field of advanced computing applications could experience a significant impact from quantum computing, which is a rapidly developing field with the potential to revolutionize numerous areas of science and technology. In this review, we explore into the various ways in which complex computational problems could be tackled by utilizing quantum computers, including machine learning, optimization, and simulation. One potential application of quantum computers is in machine learning, where they could be used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of algorithms. Complex optimization problems, such as those encountered in logistics and finance, can be addressed using quantum computers as well. Furthermore, the utilization of quantum computers could enable the simulation of intricate systems, such as molecules and materials, leading to significant applications in fields like Physics and Material Technology. Although quantum computers are currently in the early stages of development, they possess the potential to propel numerous areas of science and technology forward in a significant manner. Further research and development are needed to fully realize the potential of quantum computing in the field of advanced computing applications.

Determining the minimal clinically important difference for the questionnaire of olfactory disorders in people with cystic fibrosis and factors associated with improvement after highly effective modulator therapy.

Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is common among people with cystic fibrosis (PwCF). The Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD) is a validated instrument that evaluates olfactory-specific quality-of-life. The QOD minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and factors associated with olfactory improvement after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor have not been determined for PwCF. Prospective observational data were pooled from three studies that enrolled adult PwCF with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). QOD scores and disease characteristics were assessed. To evaluate internal consistency and calculate the QOD MCID, Cronbach's alpha and four distribution-based methods were employed. For participants who enrolled prior to elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, QOD scores were obtained at baseline and after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor initiation. Multivariable regression was used to identify factors associated with QOD improvement. Of 129 PwCF included, 65 had QOD scores before and 3-6 months after starting elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor. Mean baseline QOD score was 6.5±7.9. Mean Cronbach's alpha was ≥0.85. The MCID estimates were as follows: Cohen's effect size=1.6, standard error of measurement=2.5, ½ baseline standard deviation=4.0, and minimal detectable change=6.9. Mean MCID was 3.7. Of those with pre/post elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor QOD scores, the mean change in QOD was -1.3±5.4. After elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, QOD improvement surpassed the MCID in 22% of participants (14/65). Worse baseline QOD scores and nasal polyps were associated with improved QOD scores after elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (both p<0.04). The QOD MCID in PwCF was estimated to be 3.7. Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor led to qualitative but not clinically meaningful improvements in QOD score for most PwCF; PwCF with worse baseline QOD scores and nasal polyps improved in a clinically significant manner.

An interdisciplinary study of quality management and human resource management using quality of work–life factors

PurposeInterrelationships among some common factors of human resource (HR) management and quality management are still unexplored. Changes in work patterns due to the Covid-19 pandemic have aroused interest in some of these factors, such as working-hours, work pressure, work–life balance practices, job satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to explore the interrelationships among such factors. Specifically, the influence of work hours, work pressure, job rotation and work–life balance on job satisfaction is evaluated both directly and under the mediating influence of working conditions.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire-based survey was conducted in Indonesia among diversified organisations. A total of 432 responses were gathered, and they were examined using hypothesis testing and partial least square based structural equation modelling.FindingsThe study confirms the statistically proven impact of work pressure, job rotations and work–life-balance practices on working conditions. Job rotations, work–life balance practices and working conditions directly influenced job satisfaction. Work pressure did not influence job satisfaction directly, but it significantly influenced working conditions, which eventually affected job satisfaction. Working hours neither affected working conditions nor job satisfaction in a significant manner.Practical implicationsCovid-19 necessitated working from home, which is a peculiar work–life balance situation. The findings are helpful for organisations in planning strategies related to work–life-balance, working hours, multi-skilling, working conditions and other quality of work life factors in both regular working conditions and under Covid-19 conditions.Social implicationsThe proven influence of work pressure and work–life-balance practices may result in the formation of informal organisations, social groups and increased social networking. As working hours are not diagnosed as an influencing factor for job satisfaction, organisations may think about increasing them, affecting the social fabric of the working community.Originality/valuePreviously unexplored interrelationships among various quality of work life factors are established. Under Covid-19 circumstances, factors such as working hours, work–life-balance and work pressure are investigated in a novel manner. The factors and their interrelationships are important to both quality management professionals and HR professionals.

TRACES OF POST-STRUCTURALIST FEMINISM IN LOCHHEAD’S BLOOD AND ICE

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus, which is considered as the foremost British gothic novel, has influenced numerous writers as a source of inspiration. Liz Lochhead, a renowned Scottish poet and playwright, offers her unique perspective on the classic novel of Frankenstein, which has been retold and reinvented numerous times in contemporary literature. Lochhead skilfully weaves together the ideas of dream and reality, as well as past and present, in a seamless and significant manner throughout the play. In the play, she raises doubts about Mary's ability to create as a writer and care for her child, while also questioning Claire's feminine identity. Lochhead is able to demonstrate her remarkable power that defies the limitations imposed by the phallocentric society and traditional gender roles. Through her characters Mary Shelley and Claire, Lochhead serves as a force that contradicts and challenges the prevailing patriarchal mind set. Using the theoretical principles of poststructuralist feminism, this study initially intends to demonstrate how Lochhead challenges the binary oppositions that have historically limited women's roles and identities in the play. In the light of Cixous's écriture feminine concept, the second objective is to examine how Lochhead approaches the issue of women's alienation in a phallocentric culture, how she disrupts patriarchal linguistic structures, and opens up new avenues for women’s self-expression.

Mechanical and fracture behaviour of pristine and defective single/bi-crystal graphene/Ti nanocomposites using molecular dynamics simulations

Metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are emerging as lightweight but strong propositions with high specific strength and elastic modulus for specific design applications. In the present paper, single-crystal (GrNSs) and bi-crystalline graphene nanosheets (5|7GrNSs) were reinforced into titanium (Ti) matrices to investigate the mechanical and fracture characteristics of Ti-based MMNCs i.e. TiGrNCs and 5|7TiGrNCs, using molecular dynamics (MD). Based on our findings it can be observed that the use of GrNSs helps improve the strength of Ti in a significant manner. The results further demonstrate that the presence of grain boundaries (GBs) did not exert a significant impact on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites (NCs). Moreover, the presence of vacancies and grain boundaries did not deteriorate the mechanical properties of NCs in a deleterious manner. These outcomes will help in the development of NCs that are both lightweight and structurally stronger for the automotive, marine, and aerospace industries.

K리그 관람객의 레트로 마케팅, 장소애착 및 관람만족 관계분석

This study investigated the relationships among FC Seoul's retro marketing, place attachment to Seoul World Cup Stadium, and the satisfaction of K-League spectators. A survey was employed as the primary data collection method gathering total of 306 questionnaires through non-probability convenience sampling. Data analysis used SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 22.0, involving techniques such as frequency analysis, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling. The key findings were summarized as follows: Firstly, FC Seoul's retro marketing significantly influences place attachment to Seoul World Cup Stadium. Secondly, place attachment significantly impacts the satisfaction of K-League spectators. Thirdly, FC Seoul's retro marketing does not directly affect spectator satisfaction in a significant manner. Lastly, place attachment serves as a complete mediator in the relationship between FC Seoul's retro marketing and the satisfaction of K-League spectators. This research provided valuable theoretical support and data for K-League clubs aiming to implement retro marketing strategies.