North-Eastern Hill University

Vishnoi S., Tyagi A., Singh B.P., Goel R.K.

In this research Zinc Nitrate Hexahydrate [Formula: see text] was used to synthesize Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures and polyethylene glycol ([Formula: see text] was used as the capping agent. During the synthesis process temperature and concentration of ammonium hydroxide [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were changed to control the size and morphology of the synthesized ZnO nanostructures. The structural and physical investigations of synthesized ZnO nanostructures were done using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The XRD analysis indicated an enhancement in crystallite size from 16.14[Formula: see text]nm to 17.98[Formula: see text]nm, which further increased to 43.39[Formula: see text]nm as the concentration of [Formula: see text] was varied from 5[Formula: see text]mL to 15[Formula: see text]mL (at the rate of increment of 5[Formula: see text]mL each time). While the crystallite decreases from 17.98[Formula: see text]nm to 4.75[Formula: see text]nm as the concentration of [Formula: see text] increases from 0.5[Formula: see text]g to 1.5[Formula: see text]g (at the rate of increment of [Formula: see text] 0.5[Formula: see text]g in each step). The maximum crystallite size of 47.15[Formula: see text]nm was observed in ZnO.7 at room temperature and decreased with increment of temperature. Optical absorption spectra showed that ZnO.5 has a maximum direct bandgap of 3.68[Formula: see text]eV at [Formula: see text]C with the concentration of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of 10[Formula: see text]mL and 1.5[Formula: see text]g respectively. Overall, the study demonstrated that the size, morphology and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures can be effectively controlled by varying temperature, the concentration [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] during the synthesis process. The results could have significant implications for the development of ZnO-based nanoelectronics devices and other applications.

Das B., Basaiawmoit B., Sakure A.A., Maurya R., Bishnoi M., Kondepudi K.K., Tiwary B.K., Mankad P.M., Patel A., Hati S.

Introduction: This study aims to valorise cheese whey waste by converting it into bioactive peptides that have several health benefits, potentially leading to the development of nutraceuticals and functional foods and also used in pharmaceutical industry. Methods: The study evaluates the antidiabetic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties of fermented cheese whey with Limosilactobacillus fermentum (M4), along with the production of antioxidative and antidiabetic peptides. SDS PAGE and 2D PAGE were also performed to identify proteins by molecular weight and isoelectric point, while RP-HPLC distinguished peptide fractions. Peptide sequences from 2D gel spots were identified using RPLC/MS, and RP-HPLC analyzed 3 kDa and 10 kDa permeates. Peakview software characterized the LC/MS results, and FTIR analysis measured structural changes in bioactive peptides. Results: The antioxidative and antidiabetic properties in cheese whey fermented with M4 showed a progressive growth over extended incubation periods, higher effects were observed after fermentation for 48 hours. Inhibitory activities in α-glucosidase, α-amylase & lipase were found to be 65.39%, 66.09%, and 56.74% respectively. ABTS assay was performed to measure antioxidant activity (63.39%) and the highest proteolytic activity (7.62 mg/ml) was measured at 2.5% inoculation rate for 48 hours. In SDS-PAGE, protein bands between 10 & 30 kDa were observed, whereas peptide spots within the range of 10 to 70 kDa were also visualized on the 2D PAGE. RP-HPLC was used to distinguish different fractions of a peptide. Peptide sequences from 2D gel spots were identified using RP-HPLC & RPLC/MS. Peakview software was utilized to characterize the LC/MS results. Sequences of peptides generated from α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin were searched in the BIOPEP database to validate the antidiabetic and antioxidative activities of fermented cheese whey peptides. 0.50 mg/mL of fermented cheese whey significantly LPS suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines as well as the mediators that govern them including IL-6, IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells. FTIR was used to analysis of protein secondary structure and conformational changes. Conclusion: This study aims to the production of antidiabetic and antioxidative peptides from dairy waste, and cheese whey.

Odyuo M., Thangkhiew D.W.

Informal sector is a dominant sector in many developing economies. Although both genders face challenges in the informal sector, it can have differing impacts on the sexes. Women in the informal sector are subjected to instability of employment and income which exacerbates their socio-economic vulnerability. Additionally, adverse conditions emanating from personal and household circumstances can inflict further damage. As such, study of socio-economic vulnerabilities of women in the informal sector warrants further examination. The overall goal of this study is to examine the determinants of socio-economic vulnerabilities among female vendors in Nagaland, India. The study also intends to bring to light, the multi-dimensional nature of vulnerability. Primary data has been collected from 393 vendors in two districts of Nagaland – Kohima and Dimapur. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are applied to the data analysis. The initial determinants of socio-economic vulnerability are captured by 22 variables chosen after a thorough examination of literature. After which factor analysis and ordinal logistic regression were used for further analysis. The findings of the study indicate that being a migrant and residing in rented accommodations significantly elevate the vulnerability of the women, while being married significantly diminishes it. Also, the impact of vulnerability varies across dimensions. In our study, occupancy attributes have the most pronounced influence on vulnerability, while health attributes contribute the least.

Obeidat S.T., Das D., Eliwa M.S., Das B., Hazarika P.J., Mohammed W.W.

This study introduces two bivariate extensions of the recently proposed weighted discretized Fréchet–Weibull distribution, termed as bivariate weighted discretized Fréchet–Weibull (BWDFW) distributions. These models are specifically designed for analyzing two-dimensional discrete datasets and are developed using two distinct structural approaches: the minimum operator (BWDFW-I) and the maximum operator (BWDFW-II). A rigorous mathematical formulation is presented, encompassing the joint cumulative distribution function, joint probability mass function, and joint (reversed) hazard rate function. The dependence structure of the models is investigated, demonstrating their capability to capture positive quadrant dependence. Additionally, key statistical measures, including covariance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Spearman’s rho, and Kendall’s tau, are derived using the joint probability-generating function. For robust statistical inferences, the parameters of the proposed models are estimated via the maximum likelihood estimation method, with extensive simulation studies conducted to assess the efficiency and accuracy of the estimators. The practical applicability of the BWDFW distributions is demonstrated through their implementation in two real-world datasets: one from the aviation sector and the other from the security and safety domain. Comparative analyses against four existing discrete bivariate Weibull extensions reveal the superior performance of the BWDFW models, with BWDFW-I (minimum operator based) exhibiting greater flexibility and predictive accuracy than BWDFW-II (maximum operator based). These findings underscore the potential of the BWDFW models as effective tools for modeling and analyzing bivariate discrete data in diverse applied contexts.

Longkumer A.D., Rihmo H.L.

There has been a major transformation in the global economic order with the arrival of the so-called emerging markets. Interactions in the global market have become more dynamic and complex than ever with increased major players and stakeholders. This has spawned important debates and discussions in terms of energy that drives the market economy. However, such intellectual inquiry on the global energy market is also mired in the politics of climate change. It is at this juncture that the paper argues that there is a hierarchical relationship in terms of energy production and patterns of global energy consumption. Thus, the chapter delves into the subject of energy trilemma—energy security, affordability, and sustainability. However, this also encapsulates certain trajectories and path-dependencies in the global economy with major political underpinnings. This chapter makes a critical examination of the global demand for energy in new markets from an imperialist framework.

Nonglang F.P., Snaitang R., Roy D., Bhan S.

Abstract Background A dysfunction in insulin secretion or action leads to hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia then causes the activation of pathways that result in increased production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) levels, ultimately causing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress overload then causes cellular damage and also promotes the increased activation of the apoptosis pathway inducing cell death. Thus, regulation of glucose homeostasis to prevent hyperglycemia is crucial. In this study, the potential protective effect of Kaempferia galanga herbal extract (KGE) on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis was investigated. Result In this study, Kaempferia galanga (KG) herbal extracts, namely aqueous (KGA), ethanolic (KGE), methanolic (KGM), and chloroform (KGC), were tested for their antioxidant activity. In in vitro antioxidant assays, KG ethanolic extract (KGE) has the highest antioxidant activity out of all the extracts. High-performance thin layer chromatography phytochemical fingerprinting (HPTLC) analysis confirms that the presence of more antioxidant compounds in herbal KGE and ethyl-p methoxy cinnamate (EPMC) was the active phytochemical. Thus, KGE was chosen for in vivo studies. An intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) administration produced a diabetic mouse model. In vivo herbal KGE treatment positively modulates SOD and CAT gene and protein expression in diabetic mice. Tissue protection from herbal KGE supplementation is supported by liver electron microscopy. In diabetic mice, herbal KGE supplementation reduces DNA fragmentation in the liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart by upregulating the gene and protein expression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2, inhibiting BAX expression, and ultimately inhibiting caspase-3 (CAS-3) expression. Herbal KGE supplementation in diabetic mice maintains insulin levels in serum and pancreas, indicating its protective role in preventing pancreatic damage or promoting β cell regeneration. Molecular docking analysis shows EPMC's high binding affinity for CAS-3, BAX, and BCL-2 compared to metformin suggesting that it may be responsible for modulating apoptotic protein expression. Discussion Herbal KGE supplementation protects against diabetes-induced tissue damage and apoptosis by reducing hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and EPMC may be the active component eliciting the effect.

Singh A.K., S. Dixit A.

Kharjana M., Sahana S.C., Saha G.

Lyngdoh Y.A., Saha P., Tomar B.S., Bhardwaj R., Nandi L.L., Srivastava M., Gurung B., Ranjan J.K., Chaukhande P.

Eggplant is a nutritionally rich crop that has beneficial effects on human health. Wide diversity exists in eggplant in terms of biochemical content; however, extensive research work has not been undertaken to gain more in-depth knowledge on its antioxidant capacity to improve the quality of the existing popular cultivated varieties and develop/identify nutrient-rich germplasms. Therefore, a total of 57 genotypes were chosen for the study, and they were evaluated for various biochemical compounds. The biochemical traits taken were an average of three replications and these values were used for statistical analysis. The analysis of variance for five fruit quality parameters indicated a high variability among the eggplant genotypes, which signifies that at least one of the genotypes is statistically different from the rest. The total phenolics ranged from 39.63 to 312.65 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g with the highest being observed in Pusa Krishna. The flavonoid content ranged from 7.83 to 65.09 mg/100 g FW. The antioxidant assays, viz., cupric reducing antioxidant activity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were evaluated which ranged from 51.48 to 200.36 mg GAE/100 g for CUPRAC and 35.36 to 214.01 mg GAE/100 g for FRAP. Principal component analysis (PCA) generated a total of five principal components, and the maximum variance of 90.72% was exhibited by the first three PCs. The agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) revealed similar results to the PCA by identifying three major clusters. Cluster 1 had a maximum number of genotypes grouped together, i.e., 48, followed by cluster 2 with six genotypes, viz., Pusa Krishna (G-32), G-5, Mayurbhanj Local, HABI-2, Solanum gilo, and Solanum sisymbrifolium, and cluster 3 had only three genotypes, namely, Solanum insanum, Solanum khasianum, and Solanum xanthocarpum. Furthermore, the wild species S. insanum, S. khasianum, and S. xanthocarpum can also be utilized as a donor line for carrying out the nutritional breeding program as they are the reservoir of many important biochemical genes.

Borah R., Kumaria S., Choudhury H.

Magnolia punduana (Hook. f. & Thomson) Figlar is an endemic threatened taxon from Meghalaya that has been exploited heavily for its high-quality timber. The species has been listed as threatened (data deficient) in the IUCN RED list owing to its habitat destruction, fragmentation, and poor regeneration in the wild. Alternative measures like micropropagation becomes essential to raise M. punduana clones. To achieve this, micropropagation protocol was developed from nodal segments of young and mature M. punduana. The single primer amplification reaction (SPAR) method was employed to confirm the genetic uniformity among the regenerants. Induction of microshoots was achieved within 12–15 d of culture on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). For shoot proliferation, microshoots were subcultured on half strength medium (half MS medium) supplemented with 0.5 µM BAP and 8.0 µM indole butyric acid (IBA). Regenerated shoots were best rooted on half MS medium fortified with 10 µM IBA. Acclimatization and final establishment of rooted plantlets were done on potting mixture of soil, sand, and perlite (1:1:1 v/v/v) with 80% survivability rate. The SPAR method revealed a monomorphism rate of 97.11% among regenerants derived from young mother plant (P1) explants while plantlets derived from mature mother plant (P2) explants showed 95.69% monomorphism. Jaccard’s similarity coefficient had similar findings showing maximum genetic homogeneity among plantlets derived from younger plant. Such high level of genetic uniformity confirmed through SPAR therefore ensures the success of the micropropagation protocol to be released for raising true-to-type genotype which may be utilized in the future by concerned stakeholders for clonal forestry, phytochemical extraction, pharmacognosy, and conservation.

Nongkhlaw R., Nongrum R., Arunachalam J., Kalia N.P., Agnivesh P.K., Nongkhlaw R.

This study investigates drug-loaded liposomes targeting macrophages as a promising strategy to enhance Tuberculosis (TB) treatment. The focus is on optimizing liposomal formulations for encapsulating OX-23, a previously identified anti-mycobacterial agent with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.56 µg/ml, and assessing their efficacy in macrophage infection models. Liposomal formulations were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential using dynamic light scattering (DLS), with morphology analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Macrophage infection assays, including those with the THP-1 macrophage cell line, were performed to evaluate the targeting efficiency and therapeutic potential of the formulations. Results showed that OX-23 could be successfully encapsulated in liposomes with various charges, achieving high encapsulation efficiency, optimal particle size, and acceptable PDI values. In-vitro studies with the THP-1 cell line demonstrated sustained release of the drug from the liposomes, with morphological analysis confirming that the liposomes were spherical and non-aggregated. The formulations exhibited significant penetration into infected macrophages and effectively inhibited the growth of intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the tested concentrations. These findings support the potential of liposomal OX-23 in targeting both extracellular and intracellular M. tuberculosis, offering a promising approach to TB treatment.

Indrason N., Khongbuh W., Baital K., Saha G.

Borah P., Kyndiah L., Bora R.M., Chingangbam S., Pal A.K.

AbstractIn this study, a cobalt‐mediated approach toward the synthesis of iodinated imidazo‐fused heterocycles employing molecular iodine as an iodine source, and 1,2‐DCB as the sovent at 120 °C has been documented. An assortment of iodinated imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines were acquired in moderate to good yields (71%–84%) by using 2‐aminopyridines and substituted styrenes as initial materials. This fine‐tuned protocol has also been broadened with acetophenones in moderate to good yields (66%–90%). This protocol provides a straightforward pathway for the synthesis of iodoimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines. Iodoimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine was further derivatized to 2,3‐diphenylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine, an important biologically active molecule, with phenylboronic acid or simple benzene. Additionally, the gram scale reaction shows the high industrial applicability of the protocol.

Manohar K.A., Sivasankarreddy K., Shukla G., Chakraborty M., Roy B., Chakravarty S.

The present study was an attempt to optimize the regeneration protocols of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.). Leaf and nodal explants were inoculated in MS medium supplemented with various plant growth regulators in different combinations and concentrations in order to attain direct and indirect regeneration. Among the treatments used, 2 mg/L of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) + 1 mg/L of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) displayed better results in stevia for callus induction when leaf and nodal explants were used, but in the case of nodal explants, it took more days for callus initiation compared to leaf segment. Among the treatments, 2.0 mg/L of IAA + 1.0 mg/L of BAP were found to be better for callus induction and subsequent plantlets regeneration (66.15%) from leaf explant of stevia. MS medium fortified with 0.5 mg/L of kinetin produced a high regeneration response (46.92%), the highest number of plantlets (40.67%) per explant, and the maximum number of roots (5.00) per plantlet in case of direct in vitro regeneration. While the MS medium fortified with 1.0 mg/L of BAP + 2.0 mg/L of IAA was found to be the best indirect in vitro regeneration of stevia plantlets from nodal explants concerning the highest regeneration response (68.10%), number of plantlets per explant and shoot length. MS medium added with 1.0 mg/L of BAP + 2.0 mg/L of IAA was reported to have the highest root regeneration ability (67.41%) and considerable length of roots for rooting of in vitro derived plantlets of stevia. The Soilrite was the best for acclimatizing in vitro regenerated plantlets of stevia. This is the first successful report on micropropagation in Stevia rebaudiana from sub-Himalayan region of West Bengal, India. A combination of IAA and BAP proved better for direct and indirect organogenesis. The Soilrite media was the best for acclimatization of in vitro regenerated plantlets with the highest (68.57%) survival rate in field conditions. Results of the present study will be useful for mass multiplication of Stevia rebaudiana using direct and indirect in vitro approaches. Moreover, direct in vitro shoot formation from leaves of Stevia rarely reported may open up possibilities of more successful large-scale cultivation of Stevia in the region and elsewhere.

Kumar V., Paul D., Kumar S.