Bioactivity Determination Of Cassia Surattensis Seed Extract

Cassia surattensis adalah tumbuhan berbunga yang telah digunakan secara tradisional sebagai makanan dan untuk tujuan perubatan di banyak negara. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan profil pencapjarian, aktiviti antioksidan, kesan hepatoprotektif, kesan sitotoksik ke atas sel Vero dan aktiviti genoprotektif menggunakan ujian komet. Keputusan kajian HPTLC menunjukkan biji C. surattensis mempunyai 10 puncak berbeza komponen kimia utama yang berbeza dan kajian logam berat menunjukkan biji tersebut bebas daripada tahap pencemaran logam berat yang tinggi. Ekstrak metanol biji C. surattensis menunjukkan aktiviti pemerangkapan radikal bebas DPPH dan radikal nitrik oksida yang baik dengan kuasa penurunan. Ekstrak biji C. surattensis mempunyai kandungan jumlah fenolik sebanyak 100.99 mg GAE/g berat kering dan terdapat korelasi positif antara kandungan jumlah fenolik dan aktiviti antioksidan ekstrak biji. Rawatan ekstrak biji C. surattensis secara signifikan menurunkan paras enzim hati dan berat relatif hati meningkat dalam hepatotoksisiti hati mencit yang diaruh dengan parasetamol. Cassia surattensis is a flowering plant that has been traditionally used in many countries for food and medicinal use. This study sought to determine the fingerprint profile, antioxidant activities, hepatoprotective effect, cytotoxicity effect on Vero cells and genoprotective activity using the Comet assay. The result of the HPTLC study revealed that the C. surattensis seed has 10 major different chemical component peaks and the heavy metal analysis showed that the seed was safe from high heavy metal contamination. The methanolic seed extract showed good antioxidant activities in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity and reducing power. C. surattensis seed extract contained total phenolic content of 100.99 mg GAE/g dry weight and there was a positive correlation between total phenolic content and the antioxidant activities of the seed extract. C. surattensis seed extract significantly reduced the elevated levels of serum liver enzymes and relative liver weight in paracetamol-induced liver hepatotoxicity mice

A genome–wide CRISPR activation screen identifies SCREEM a novel SNAI1 super-enhancer demarcated by eRNAs

The genome is pervasively transcribed to produce a vast array of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts of >200 nucleotides and are best known for their ability to regulate gene expression. Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are subclass of lncRNAs that are synthesized from enhancer regions and have also been shown to coordinate gene expression. The biological function and significance of most lncRNAs and eRNAs remain to be determined. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a ubiquitous cellular process that occurs during cellular migration, homeostasis, fibrosis, and cancer-cell metastasis. EMT-transcription factors, such as SNAI1 induce a complex transcriptional program that coordinates the morphological and molecular changes associated with EMT. Such complex transcriptional programs are often subject to coordination by networks of ncRNAs and thus can be leveraged to identify novel functional ncRNA loci. Here, using a genome-wide CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) screen targeting ∼10,000 lncRNA loci we identified ncRNA loci that could either promote or attenuate EMT. We discovered a novel locus that we named SCREEM (SNAI1 cis-regulatory eRNAs expressed in monocytes). The SCREEM locus contained a cluster of eRNAs that when activated using CRISPRa induced expression of the neighboring gene SNAI1, driving concomitant EMT. However, the SCREEM eRNA transcripts themselves appeared dispensable for the induction of SNAI1 expression. Interestingly, the SCREEM eRNAs and SNAI1 were co-expressed in activated monocytes, where the SCREEM locus demarcated a monocyte-specific super-enhancer. These findings suggest a potential role for SNAI1 in monocytes. Exploration of the SCREEM-SNAI axis could reveal novel aspects of monocyte biology

A genome-wide CRISPR activation screen identifies

The genome is pervasively transcribed to produce a vast array of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts of \u3e200 nucleotides and are best known for their ability to regulate gene expression. Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are subclass of lncRNAs that are synthesized from enhancer regions and have also been shown to coordinate gene expression. The biological function and significance of most lncRNAs and eRNAs remain to be determined. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a ubiquitous cellular process that occurs during cellular migration, homeostasis, fibrosis, and cancer-cell metastasis. EMT- transcription factors, such as SNAI1 induce a complex transcriptional program that coordinates the morphological and molecular changes associated with EMT. Such complex transcriptional programs are often subject to coordination by networks of ncRNAs and thus can be leveraged to identify novel functional ncRNA loci. Here, using a genome-wide CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) screen targeting ~10,000 lncRNA loci we identified ncRNA loci that could either promote or attenuate EMT. We discovered a novel locus that we named SCREEM (SNAI1 cis-regulatory eRNAs expressed in monocytes). The SCREEM locus contained a cluster of eRNAs that when activated using CRISPRa induced expression of the neighboring gene SNAI1, driving concomitant EMT. However, the SCREEM eRNA transcripts themselves appeared dispensable for the induction of SNAI1 expression. Interestingly, the SCREEM eRNAs and SNAI1 were co- expressed in activated monocytes, where the SCREEM locus demarcated a monocyte-specific super-enhancer. These findings suggest a potential role for SNAI1 in monocytes. Exploration of the SCREEM-SNAI axis could reveal novel aspects of monocyte biology

Enhancement of the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of epoxy-based bamboo nanofiber nanocomposites

Epoxy-based nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 1%, and 2% cellulose nanofibers (CNF) through a hand lay-up technique. The influence of the CNF as a reinforcement material on the morphology, and the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of epoxy-based nanocomposites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), density, void content, water absorption, tensile, flexural, impact strength, and thermogravimetric analyses. Compatibility between the nano-reinforcement and epoxy matrix was confirmed using SEM, which demonstrated that the CNF was homogeneously dispersed throughout the epoxy matrix. The mechanical properties were enhanced by increasing the CNF loading up to 1%. Moreover, the incorporation of CNF into the composites reduced the water uptake of the substrates in the water absorption test and resulted in a high thermal stability when exposed to a high temperature. Bamboo-CNF could be used as a potential reinforcement material to improve the properties of epoxy-based nanocomposites

Análise da evolução do índice de bem-estar econômico sustentável modificado no Brasil entre 2004 e 2014.

TCC (graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Centro Sócio-Econômico. Economia.A preocupação com o Meio Ambiente é um assunto cada vez mais abordado na economia. Diversos conceitos de desenvolvimento sustentável e sustentabilidade estão estabelecidos. Juntamente com a evolução dos conceitos, criou-se diversas maneiras de mensurar o desenvolvimento sustentável para tentar explicar o bem-estar de uma maneira mais abrangente que os indicadores convencionais. O IBEESm desenvolveu-se por uma inspiração a partir das mudanças na metodologia dos índices desenvolvidos anteriormente. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é analisar o comportamento do Índice de Bem-Estar Econômico Sustentável Modificado no Brasil no período entre 2004 e 2014 e comparar com os indicadores convencionais, PIB e IDH, para verificar a abrangência de sua explicação na questão do bem-estar econômico sustentável. Primeiramente, o estudo partiu de concepções teóricas documentais referentes ao tema de economia do meio ambiente relacionada à criação de índices de Bem-Estar econômico e sustentável. Realizou-se um levantamento de dados secundários em fontes oficiais e estimou-se empiricamente, por meio da Análise dos Componentes Principais o índice para o Brasil a partir da metodologia construída. A decomposição do índice para análise do comportamento das variáveis dentro das dimensões permitiu avaliar o impacto de cada uma em relação ao bem-estar. Conclui-se, a partir das análises, que o bem-estar econômico sustentável é melhor explicado quando abordadas as suas três dimensões. Conclui-se também que o desmatamento é uma medida importante para o bem-estar no Brasil. Constatou-se, por fim, que os indicadores convencionais não captam todas as mudanças referentes, especialmente, ao meio ambiente

EUDR and Potential Collaboration with Malaysian Palm Oil Industry Stakeholders

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is aimed at promoting sustainable supply chains and ensuring that products imported into the EU are not by any chance associated with deforestation, human rights abuses, or environmental degradation. It entered into force on June 29, 2023, with large companies having till December 2024 and small and medium-sized (SMEs) companies in June 2025. This paper aims to focus on the challenges faced by specifically SMEs and smallholders in the palm oil industry. The sector employs nearly 450,000 smallholders with challenges varying from limited resources to capacity constraints in meeting EUDR criteria. The paper will also look into the policy framework and implementation mechanisms of the EUDR, including the due diligence requirements, certification schemes, and traceability systems. With the recent high level of engagement under the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) and the EU’s openness for further engagement the paper aims to explore the potential collaboration between the bloc and the Malaysian palm oil industry to support smallholders. It could be anything between technology sharing, capacity building, or financial support to facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices by smallholders. As a reference point, this paper would also analyze the multi-stakeholder dialogue that the EU established for a sustainable cocoa production. As non-compliance could result in a fine of at least 4%, seizing of revenue made, or temporary exclusion from public procurement processes, the research findings aim to provide valuable insights for multiple stakeholders and ensure smallholders' position in the supply chain remains intact

Extracted Compounds from Neem Leaves as Antimicrobial Agent on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Seaweed-Based Biopolymer Films

Neem leaves extract was incorporated into the matrix of seaweed biopolymer, and the seaweed-neem biocomposite films were irradiated with various doses of gamma irradiation (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 kGy). The physical, barrier, antimicrobial, and mechanical properties of the films were studied. The incorporation of 5% w/w neem leaves extract into a seaweed-based film, and gamma irradiation dose of 2.5 kGy was most effective for improved properties of the film. The results showed that the interfacial interaction of the seaweed-neem improved with physical changes in colour and opacity. The water solubility, moisture content, and water vapour permeability and biodegradability rate of the film reduced. The contact angle values increased, which was interpreted as improved hydrophobicity. The tensile strength and modulus of the films increased, while the elongation of the composite films decreased compared to the control film. The film’s antimicrobial activities against bacteria were improved. Thus, neem leaves extract in combination with the application of gamma irradiation enhanced the performance properties of the film that has potential as packaging material

Improvement Of Output By Implementing Six Sigma Methodology In The Manufacturing Environment

This topic deals with the improvement of yield by implementing Six Sigma methodology in the manufacturing environment

Model predictive control for building automation : an experimental study

Over the next decade, it is projected that more cities in the ASEAN region will be urbanized. This in turn will cause the number of commercial buildings such as hospitals, factories and commercial spaces to increase. Increasing global temperatures coupled with increasing societal awareness about the need to be energy efficient will drive the need for efficient ACMV systems to be utilized in order to bring comfort to occupants within indoor spaces. An effective way to reducing energy consumption due to ACMV systems is to implement a new control logic to existing building automation systems. Model predictive control is gaining popularity in this aspect as it has forward visibility on thermal comfort parameters and is able to update the myriad of setpoints in an ACMV system in real time. Model predictive control’s optimization algorithm coupled with machine learning of the building’s dynamics is seen as an effective solution to reduce energy consumption whilst still maintaining the thermal comfort of occupants in a building.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering