Open Source Software Adoption in Libraries – A Literature Review Study

Purpose: The present study is a literature review and its analysis part of a larger research work i.e. “Issues and Challenges of Using Open Source Software in Private Business Management Education Institutions Libraries of Noida & Ghaziabad Region”. Authors through this study have tried to identified the already published research work related to Open Source Software from different perspectives emphasizing of Indian context in particular. Design/Methodology/Approach: This is a literature review study and hence methodology adopted is to consult all possible sources of literature and particularly secondary literature including papers published in journals, magazines, conferences’ proceedings, websites and/or blogs articles. Dissertations, theses and books published related to the topic are all including in the literature review to have comprehensive view of the research already conducted related to the subject. Analysis of existing literature is done to understand key findings and areas for future research. Findings: Authors analyzed that a lot of work has been done related to origin, history and details of open source software, various types of open source software used in libraries. Lot of literature is available on open source software used for library management and for developing digital libraries, however, very less work has been done by researchers to study any correlation between open source software adoption and gender and age of the librarians. Research implications: The present study would serve as a comprehensive background study on open source software use in libraries and provide new thrust areas for budding researchers that they can work upon

Female Librarians and Adoption of Open Source Software

Purpose: Open source software is used widely across different continents though its adoption in libraries depend upon varioius factors. Type of library, availability of staff, qualification and skill sets of the librarian and other staff, support of the management, library budget, time availability, independence to the librarian are just some of the factors that may determine adoption of open source software. This paper tries to understand if gender of the librarian also has any significant impact on adoption of open source software. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study is conducted in India focusing on libraries of the private management education institutions in the Noida and Ghaziabad of the Uttar Pradesh, a state of India. Data is collected using Google Forms. After normalization of data, analyis of the data is conducted using SPSS 18 version after conducting reliability analysis on the major vaiables for reliability of the data. The sample is chosen due to very large number and different types of educational institutions providing management education in this geographical area. Findings: This study confirms that more and more libraries are adopting open source software now however adoption rate of open source software among female libraries is lesser. It is evident from the study women are not lagging behind due to qualification or skill sets but their other responsibilities i.e. family responsibilities cause work-life imbalance and hence they do not take much risks and try to adjust in pre-defined boundaries. Survey results also indicate if employer provides risk free environment to female librarians then adoption of open source software may become faster. Originality/Value: This study is entirely original work of the authors and is based upon data collected using google forms after distribution among various libraries. Results of this study may help in employers and government to take up women-friendly measures that ensure work-life balance and provide a women-friendly environment so that they can use their knowledge and skills for betterment of their libraries

Marketing Expenses & Profitability: Evidence from Telecom Sector in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The study focuses on statistical significance of the relationship of Selling & Marketing Expenses with profitability of all the listed Telecom companies in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a period of 4 years (2011 -2014), with a total of 16 firm years. Multiple Correlation & Regression Analysis were used to test the effectiveness. Gross Operating Profitability (GOP) is used as dependent variable. Four independent variables were used. There is a positive correlation among all the independent variables i.e. the selling and marketing expense, dealers’ commission, advertising expenses and salary, wages, employee benefits paid to the selling and marketing staff of these companies. There is no significant impact of Selling & Marketing Expenses on Gross Operating Profitability. However,  other components of Selling and Marketing Expenses viz. dealers commission, advertising expenses, salary, wages and employees benefit expenses  have significant effect  on the profitability of the these firms. Keywords: KSA, Profitability, Selling & Marketing Expenses, Teleco

Bioprocessing of Crop Residues using Fibrolytic Enzymes and Flavobacterium bolustinum for Enriching Animal Feed

Flavobacterium bolustinum and its extracellular cellulase were tested for animal feed pretreatment. The fibrolytic enzymes, cellulase and pectinase were applied to various crop residues such as wheat straw, rice straw, corn seeds and sorghum for enriching animal feed. Different parameters like temperature, incubation time and enzyme dose had been optimized for maximum reducing sugar and protein release. The highest amount of reducing sugar obtained was 29.83 mg g-1 dry substrate and soluble protein was 27.34 mg g-1 dry substrate on single cellulase enzyme treatment at 50°C for 6 h. An increase in amount of released reducing sugar (39.5 mg g-1 dry substrate) and protein (33.88 mg g-1 dry substrate) was observed when enzyme cocktail (cellulose and pectinase) was used. Solid state fermentation using F. bolustinum had also been performed for all crop residues. It released higher amount of reducing sugar (41.36 mg g-1) and protein (47.21 mg g-1) as compared to enzymatic treatment. Different substrates resulted in appreciable weight loss by enzymatic treatment (15-35%) as well as fermentation using F. bolustinum (40%). Liquefaction of lignocellulosic rich crop residues, for better utilization of feed has never been reported earlier

Telmisartan loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles augmented cytotxicity in cervical cancer cells: Optimization and in vitro characterization

Cervical cancer, a malignant cancer is leading second most cancer found in women. Telmisartan has 3000 times more affinity toward angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) receptor than AT2 and inhibited neovascularization by down-regulating VEGF acting on endothelial cells with antagonized activity of Angiotensin II. Despite well-known therapeutic potential of telmisartan in malignant cancer, poor physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic properties including meageraqueous solubility (0.078 mg/mL), low oral bioavailability (45-58%), and erratic biodistribution not only limit the therapeutic potential of telmisartan in treatment of malignant cancer but also appeal for development of dosage form with enhanced oral bioavailability.  Telmisartan encapsulated stearic acid nanostructured solid lipid particles were developed by solvent diffusion method. On applying of box behnken design with three factors and three levels, 17 different formulations were yielded and prepared with Response of particle size (Y1) and percentage drug entrapment (Y2) for 17 formulations were evaluated. The IC50 value of optimized telmisartan loaded lipid nanoparticle and market preparation, indicated telmisartan loaded solid lipid nanoparticle expressed lower IC50 value of 30.28 μM with significant anticancer activity against HeLa cancer cell line in comparison to higher IC50 value 58.69 μM of market preparation. In conclusion, telmisartan loaded solid lipid nanoparticles may be a promising drug delivery systems for cervical cancer. Keywords: Telmisarn, cervical cancer; solid lipid nanoparticles; cytotxicit

Telmisartan-poly (ethylene glycol) conjugate augmented drug dissolution and permeability in cervical cancer cells

Telmisartan is currently reported for inhibiting cervical cancer cells. Despite favorable therapeutic profile, poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability limit its therapeutic application in treatment of cervical cancer. Telmisartan was chemically conjugated to poly (ethylene glycol) through amide linkage to form telmisartan-PEG drug conjugate. Poly (ethylene glycol) with terminal –NH2 was conjugated with telmisartan via amide linkage. Telmisartan-PEG conjugate displayed peak at 1690 cm-1 for C=O group of amide linkage. Furthermore, telmisartan illustrated the crystalline lattice as compared to amorphous nature of telmisartan-PEG conjugate. The in vitro dissolution testing indicated that telmisartan displayed only 22.6±3.8% drug release from dialysis bag as compared (Two-way ANOVA test, P<0.05) to 76.9±5.4% from telmisartan-PEG conjugate. The therapeutic efficacy of telmisartan and telmisartan-PEG conjugate was analyzed in cervical cancer, HeLa cells. The IC50 of telmisartan in HeLa cells was estimated to be 48.6±6.9µM as compared (Two Way ANOVA test) to 17.2±2.7-µM of telmisartan-PEG conjugate dissolved in aqueous phase. In conclusion, telmisartan-PEG conjugate must be investigated under a set of stringent in vivo parameters for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.  Keywords: Cervical cancer, telmisartan, poly (ethylene glycol), conjugate, dissolution, cytotoxicit

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF MICROBIAL XYLANASES: A REVIEW

Microbial enzymes such as xylanases enable new technologies for industrial processes. Xylanases (xylanolytic enzyme) hydrolyze complex polysaccharides like xylan. Research during the past few decades has been dedicated to enhanced production, purification, and characterization of microbial xylanase. But for commercial applications detailed knowledge of regulatory mechanisms governing enzyme production and functioning should be required. Since application of xylanase in the commercial sector is widening, an understanding of its nature and properties for efficient and effective usage becomes crucial. Study of synergistic action of multiple forms and mechanism of action of xylanase makes it possible to use it for bio-bleaching of kraft pulp and for desizing and bio-scouring of fabrics. Results revealed that enzymatic treatment leads to the enhancement in various physical properties of the fabric and paper. This review will be helpful in determining the factors affecting xylanase production and its potential industrial applications in textile, paper, pulp, and other industries

Diversity, abundance and pollination efficiency of insect pollinators of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) and effect of abiotic factors on insect pollinator activity

Biodiversity of insect pollinators on fennel cv. HF-143 (Foeniculum vulgare Miller), was studied in Hisar, Haryana, India. Twenty-five insect species belonging to fifteen families of five orders were recorded from fennel flowers, in which, seven belong to order Lepidoptera, nine to Hymenoptera, five to Diptera, three to Coleoptera and one to Odonata. Among the insect pollinators, Apis florea F., A. cerana indica F., A. mellifera L. and A. dorsata F. were the most frequent visitors. Among different bee species, the maximum mean population observed in case of A. florea (9.23 bees/m2/5 min) followed by A. mellifera (3.62 bees/m2/5 min) and A. dorsata (3.21 bees/m2/5 min), whereas, the least abundance was observed in case of A. cerana indica, i.e., 1.82 bees/m2/5 min. The pollination index of A. dorsata was highest (19715210) followed by A. florea (13888381), A. mellifera (13845052) and A. cerana (5586381). Hence, it was observed that A. dorsata was the most efficient pollinator followed by A. florea, A. mellifera and A. cerana on fennel cv. HF-143 flowers under agro ecological conditions of Hisar (Haryana). Hence, insect pollinators were essential to get good returns in this seed crop. The activity of different bee species on fennel varied with different abiotic factors and had significantly positive correlation with bright sun shine hours (BSS) and temperature (TEMP) in different hours of the day during foraging but had negative correlation with relative humidity (RH). It was observed that the effect of wind velocity on foraging of different bee species was not significant. Thus, the impact of abiotic environmental factors may decide the foraging activity of different insect pollinators

Funding Opportunities of Extramural Grants for Oral Health Researchers in India - A Prospective Approach

Dental research funding is increasing all throughout the globe, yet India has a very small presence at this conference. These organizations fund studies and organize research programs to further dentistry and medical study in India. Writing a grant application for research in the field of oral health is a challenging task for modern dental health professionals. The administrative load at dentistry schools is only one example of the many obstacles to research in the Indian context. In the Indian context, the significance of oral health and associated research is low. Oral health research funding agency, and other related terms were used in a search of Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed Medline. This analysis aims to educate Indian oral health professionals about the availability of financial support from a variety of sources

Evaluation of IPM modules for the management of fruit borer and fruit rot diseases in tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Miller

Among, five IPM modules tested against tomato fruit borer and fruit rot on tomato, the IPM module (M3) consisting of use of pheromone traps (@ 12 traps/ha) just after transplanting the tomato crop , Lycopersicon esculentum Miller for monitoring the population of Helicoverpa armigera . followed by three foliar sprays commencing with a mixture of lamba-cyhalothrin 5EC @ 0.8ml/L(0.04%) and Dithane Z-78 (Zineb) @ 2.5g/L (0.25%) after 10 days of appearance of moths in the traps (after 30 days of transplanting) followed by spray with a mixture of Helicide (Ha NPV) 100 LE @ 0.5ml/L+ Indofil M-45 @ 2.5g/L (0.25%) + Gur (0.05%) + Tween 80 (0.05%) after 15 days of first spray followed by spray with a mixture of lamba-cyhalothrin 5EC @ 0.8ml/L(0.04%) and moximate (cymoxanil + mancozeb) @ 0.25% after 15 days of the second spray was found to be most effective in minimizing the infestation of fruit borer and fruit rot diseases with 50.00% and 63.45% reduction over control, respectively. This module was also found to be most economic resulting in highest marketable fruit yield (255.94q/ha) and maximum net returns (Rs.10.36) per rupee spent. The present findings are of immense utility as there will be reduction in number of sprays resulting in the cost of production of tomato crop