Abstract:Background: Salacca zalacca (gaertn.) voss is an Indonesian tropical fruit which is a superior commodity from Sleman city, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Its peel contains the main compounds which have various therapeutic effects. In the present study, Kinase inhibitor protein-1(Kip-1) and Jun activation domain-binding protein-1(Jab-1) as molecular targets of a human tongue cancer (H357) cells induced by ethanolic extract of Salacca zalacca peel was examined. Methods: To determine the metabolite content of extract, GC-MC analysis was confirmed. The MTT assay was delivered to observe the cell growth inhibition. Boyden chamber assay was done to examine the inhibition of chemotactic migration cells. Activation of Kip-1, Jab-1 and ?-tubulin were investigated by Western blot analysis. The concentrations were set as 0, 40, 80, 160 and 320 ?g/mL. Results: Extract of Salacca zalacca peel at concentrations 160 to 320 ?g/mL were significantly suppressed the growth and chemotactic migration of cells. Up-regulation of Kip-1 and reduced of Jab-1 protein was detected in cells treated with extract. GC-MS analysis was found Salacca peel contains 10 anticancer compounds include chlorocojic acid (26.59%) and octadecanoic acid (6.25%), the one with the largest percentage. Conclusion: Extract of Salacca zalacca peel has the potential to increase the expression of Kip-1 and reduce Jab-1 protein as a molecular target for human tongue cancer cells proofed by suppressing cell growth and chemotactic migration activity targeting this molecule could represent a promising new therapeutic approach for this type of tumor.
Abstract:The nation-building project, which depends on national unity for national development, has always been linked to the question of national identity. The questions that keep coming up are: What is national identity, and why is it such a powerful force? Is a social community of people always better off for having a concept of national identity? This study used the lens of participatory communication to examine nation-building in a development context, where local people�who are considered the nation in this study�are typically given the chance to actively participate in identifying and expressing their needs, potential, and goals. The campaign on nation-building, national unity, and social cohesion should be issue-driven and convey clear messages, according to the content analysis. In order to bring South Africans together, the campaigns should incorporate a variety of voices, including those of experts, social commentators, and the general public. The theoretical approach offers details of the communication approach as it is operationalised in its primary aspect of relationship building for nation-building and national unity in a diverse democratic country. The study came to the conclusion that the development of participatory approaches to development communication is strongly aided by a focus on participatory development concepts and community facilitation processes.
Abstract:This qualitative study analyzed 14 purposely chosen reflective journals whose authors were code-named P1 to P14, to examine how reflective journaling stimulates higher-order thinking among students, explores how reflective journals can influence students\' personal and professional growth, and how feedback from students\' reflective journals can inform curriculum improvement and content delivery by the lecturer. Three major questions guided the study: How do reflective journals stimulate higher-order thinking skills? How do reflective journals influence students\' personal and professional growth? And how useful is feedback from students\' reflective journals regarding informing curriculum improvement and content delivery? The findings confirmed that reflective journaling enhances high-order thinking, contributes to personal and professional growth, and could guide curriculum development and content delivery. However, to achieve these benefits, students must be given clear instructions with appropriate prompts, as well as adequate time and space to engage in reflective writing. Based on the findings, recommendations were made, and the limitations of the study and areas for future research were also suggested.
Abstract:Hepatitis C is a chronic viral infection that can cause fatal liver conditions such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Velpatasvir (VLP) is an effective treatment for Hepatitis C, however its low solubility causes poor bioavailability. This study aims to increase the solubility and dissolution enhancement of VLP by developing nanoemulgel formulation. Nanoemulsions were developed from clove oil, Tween 80, and Span 80 and gelled using xanthan gum (3 %, w/w) to achieve final nanoemulgel formulations. All the formulations were investigated in terms of pH, viscosity, conductivity, stability, particle size, and homogeneity. The results revealed that the formulations nanoemulsion-1 (NE-1) and nanoemulgel-1 (NEG-1) had the best drug release profiles due to their small particle size. It is suggested that this developed nanoemulgel formulation could greatly increase the solubility and dissolution of VLP, presenting a promising carrier for the transdermal delivery of VLP other than oral route.
Abstract:Local traditions are well-received by tourists. Some tourist communities may evolve into destinations. In Toba Samosir Regency tourist communities, cultural heritage tourism-mediated destination loyalty is influenced by iconic tourist attractions, existential authenticity, place connection, and emotional solidarity. In this investigation, descriptive quantitative methodologies are implemented. Non-probability and selective sampling were employed to sample repeat tourist town visitors in this study. A total of 155 individuals participated in the online survey. Utilized PLS-SEM to evaluate hypotheses. Heritage tourism partially enhances destination loyalty, while iconic tourist attraction, existential authenticity, and place attachment only slightly increase heritage tourism. The emotional solidarity of visitors is considerably enhanced by the connection to the place of Visitor Attractions, while existential authenticity is positively impacted, albeit not significantly. Emotional solidarity and historical tourism serve as mediators that enhance destination loyalty. Other studies, such as this one on the appeal of travelers to tourist communities, concentrate on environmental issues, investment, and tourism infrastructure. This study emphasizes the role of historical tourism, place attachment, affective solidarity toward destination loyalty, existential authenticity, and iconic tourist appeal as mediating variables. The research\'s recommendations have the potential to assist local governments and tourism sector participants in the development and expansion of visitor communities.
Abstract:This study, face milling of Inconel 718 superalloy was conducted using coated inserts via dry cutting. The experimental study aimed to examine the influence of machining factors on cutting force through tests and statistical analysis. Taguchi and Response Surface Methods (RSM) were employed for statistical analysis. A Taguchi orthogonal experiment design consisting of 16 tests was utilized, with cutting tool, feed rate, and cutting speed as factors. Variance analysis was performed on the data. The analysis revealed that the most effective factor on GC2030\'s cutting forces was the cutting tool, accounting for 81.78% of the variance, followed by feed rate at 9.69%, and cutting speed at 4.76%. The validity of the regression equations obtained through the Response Surface Method was confirmed with an R² value of 99.64%. Integration of Taguchi and Response Surface Methods allowed for optimization, resulting in the lowest cutting force recorded at 232 N in the verification test. A comparison between experimental and prediction models demonstrated results with acceptable accuracy. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the machining of Inconel 718 superalloy, with implications for optimizing cutting force in industrial applications.
Abstract:Objectives: A decrease in levels of somatostatin (SST) and substance P (SP) is observed in the parkinsonian brain. Previously, brain SST deficit in rats simulated by i.c.v. injections of SST receptor antagonist, cyclosomatostatin (cSST), was found to promote the development of catalepsy. The role of SP, a natural ligand of neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors, in the development of catalepsy is currently unclear. Here, we evaluated whether simultaneous blockade of central somatostatin and NK1 receptors is able to initiate catalepsy and affect dopamine turnover in the nigrostriatal area of the brain. Materials and methods: The experiments were carried out on middle-aged Wistar rats. The blockade of somatostatin and NK1 receptors was simulated by intracerebroventricular injections of cSST and substance L-733,060, respectively. Catalepsy was evaluated by the bar test. The levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the dorsal striatum and substantia nigra were measured by using HPLC. Results: No catalepsy was induced by cSST at 1.0 �g and L-733,060 at 10.0 ng injected separately. However, co-administration of these agents initiated catalepsy and influenced dopamine metabolism in the nigrostriatal area. Cataleptogenic action of the combination was reversed by SP. Conclusion: The present findings testify that there is some sort of synergy between cSST and L-733,060 in initiation of catalepsy. In the light of these data, PD-related simultaneous brain deficit in SST and SP might be relevant for pathogenesis of extrapyramidal dysfunctions. Given the presented results, the processes mediated by central SST and NK1 receptors may be potential therapeutic targets for parkinsonism.
Abstract:The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of Digital Transformation (DT) on occupational health and safety practices in the healthcare sector. A survey was used to obtain the research data, and in the first part of this survey, "Demographic Questions" about the participants were included, in the second part, "Digital Transformation" scale and in the third part, "Occupational Health and Safety Practices Scale" questions were included. The population of the research was determined as the personnel working in public and private hospitals serving in Van. Research findings and recommendations were created by performing "Reliability", "Frequency", "Correlation", "Regression" and "ANOVA" analyzes on the data obtained from the surveys in the "SPSS 21" program. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that DTs in enterprises have a positive effect on occupational health and safety practices. In addition, it was determined that there was a statistical difference between demographic variables such as gender, age, educational status and length of service and DTs and occupational health and safety practices.
Abstract:The process of disc degeneration represents an abnormal, cell-mediated response leading to progressive structural failure. A degenerated disc is one with structural breakdown accelerated or accompanied by signs of advanced aging. It tends to exhibit degenerative and aging changes earlier than other connective tissues in the body. Given the relationship between back pain and disc degeneration, it\'s considered clinically significant. The roles of Galectin-3 in brain development, within glial cells, and their interaction with other neural and invading cells in pathological conditions have been observed. Successful nerve regeneration via functional repair involves both internal and external factors such as neurons\' ability to rebuild axons, support for axonal growth, and accessible target tissues for re-innervation. The study evaluated the role of Galectin protein in tissue regeneration and its potential as a diagnostic marker in Lumbar Herniated Disc degeneration. It was conducted on a total of 50 individuals, including 29 LD trauma cases and 21 healthy subjects, at the Brain Surgery Clinic. Assessing the expression of two molecules in Lumbar disc degeneration, no significant difference was found in resistin levels between groups (p=0.853), whereas Galectin levels were significantly different between the Control and LD (Lumbar disc) groups (p<0.001). Galectin protein secretion was found to be higher in the LD group compared to the control group. Early assessment of Galectin protein could provide insights into the level of degeneration, thus serving as a crucial criterion for evaluating the need for surgical treatment.
Abstract:There have been many research and development studies on the use of biodiesel fuels in compression ignition engines. In recent years, studies with ternary fuel blends formed with different additives to improve the performance characteristics of diesel/biodiesel fuel blends have gained importance. In this study, D80B20, D50B50, D30B50S20, and D30B50G20 fuel blends were formed by mixing biodiesel obtained from canola oil with pure diesel, solketal and butyl diglycol at different ratios. These fuel blends were tested in a compression ignition direct injection diesel engine at a constant engine speed of 3000 rpm and different engine load conditions and their engine performance, exhaust emission and combustion characteristics were investigated. In addition, the thermal and exergy efficiencies of these fuels were calculated as a result of thermodynamic analyses using the results obtained in experimental studies. Improvements in combustion performance (in-cylinder pressure, heat release rate, rate of pressure rise and cumulative heat release) and exhaust emissions (CO, HC and smoke) were observed with the addition of solketal and butyl diglycol to diesel-biodiesel binary fuel blends. Exhaust gas temperatures increased with the addition of solketal and butyl diglycol to the binary fuel blends. In the thermodynamic analysis, the lowest exergy destruction and total exergy losses were calculated for D30B50S20 fuel. Therefore, the highest thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency were realised in D30B50S20 fuel.