Abstract:Pereskia bleo, belongs to the Cactaceae family has been traditionally used for treating various diseases. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical analysis, antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content of Pereskia bleo flowers. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycoside, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, steroid, and terpenoid. The antioxidant activity test indicated that the crude extract of Pereskia bleo flowers had an average IC50 value of 6 ± 0.4359, confirming positive results in the phenolic content test. The total phenolic content of the Pereskia bleo flower crude extract was calculated as 75.295 mg/g at a concentration of 15.059 μg/ml and absorbance of 0.165. In contrast, the calculated total flavonoid content was 7.385 mg/g at a concentration of 9.477 μg/ml, suggesting the present of flavonoid compounds in the flowers of Pereskia bleo. The antibacterial activity of this sample was also tested using the disc-diffusion method against Gram-negative (Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas sp., E. coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus epidermidis) bacterial strains. The collected data showed that both 100 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml sample concentrations exhibited potent activity against Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas sp.
Abstract:The study \"Bankruptcy Forecast Analysis in the Manufacturing Subsector of Norte de Santander, Colombia (2015 – 2022)\" offers an empirical evaluation of financial stability in this region, using the capital structure theory of Modigliani and Miller and the Altman Z-Score model for bankruptcy risks as a theoretical foundation. Through a quantitative approach that includes time series analysis, the internal and external factors that affect the financial competitiveness of the subsector are analyzed. The research highlights the contributions and limitations of capital structure theory and the Z-Score model in real practices, and discusses the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to fine-tune financial risk predictions. Using purposeful sampling and documentary analysis, patterns are identified and business solvency is assessed, providing a detailed view of the sector\'s resilience in the face of economic challenges. This study provides valuable insights for those interested in the financial sustainability of the manufacturing sector, highlighting the importance of adapting risk management strategies to regional particularities. Its contribution to the specialized literature lies in offering an updated perspective on bankruptcy forecasting and financial management adapted to the specific context of the Colombian emerging economy.
Abstract:Species distribution modeling has become a very popular tool for anticipation and decision-making in biological resource conservation. This study aims to assess changes in the future distribution of Brachytrupes membranaceus habitats in Kinshasa between 2055 and 2100.\nThree variables contributed most to the model: rainfall in the driest month (38.4%), soil (28.9%) and rainfall in the coldest quarter (13.9%). Currently, 89.3% of Kinshasa\'s surface area is highly favorable to the development and conservation of B. membranaceus, compared with 69.5% and 47.5% in 2055 (optimistic and pessimistic scenarios respectively) and 61.5% and 39.2% in 2100 (optimistic and pessimistic scenarios respectively), mainly in the urban zone. From the current to the future climate, the areas potentially favorable to the development and conservation of B. membranaceus shift from the periphery to the urban center of Kinshasa (for all scenarios for the years 2055 and 2100).\nThis shows that threats to the development and conservation of B. membranaceus are mainly due to anthropogenic activities (anarchic construction and slash-and-burn agriculture) and less to climatic/environmental factors (rainfall and soil). These results contribute to Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 15 by 2030.
Abstract:Cyanobacteria had taken 2.7 billion years to change O2 content to a habitable level on the Earth. In terraforming Mars, producing O2 and food, and creating a tolerable radiation are challenging. Here, we argue that, with the available advancements of science today and perhaps in years to come, the maximum, humans would be able to do on Mars in the future is to live inside a chamber with controlled conditions. But, no one would be able to be a real Martian who can walk freely on Mars soil. Thinking outside the box, there is a great possibility for us to do that by getting ourselves changed a little bit to be adaptable to Martian conditions, which is much more achievable than changing a whole planet. Here, we suggest that by being photoautotrophic humans, like the spotted salamander, and having the ability to tolerate radiation, we would be able to be real Martians.
Abstract:Vegetation is a potential habitat for biodiversity. Characterizing its diametric and spatial structure is a key factor in management. With this in mind, this study aims to characterize the natural habitats of Brachytrupes membranaceus, Cirina forda and Gonibrasia jamesonii, the insect species most widely consumed in Kinshasa. An inventory of caterpillar host trees was carried out around mother plants (M. laurentii: dbh ? 90 cm and A. auriculiformis: dbh ? 40 cm) in 24 plots of 2500 m2 in woodland formations. The circumference, x and y coordinates of each individual at dbh ? 10 cm were recorded; and soil physicochemical parameters were measured in situ in relation to the presence of B.membranaceus. The results show that the diametric structures of the tree stems of all the stands studied are generally inverted "J", with small irregularities at class [40-50] and [20-30] cm respectively of Millettia planted forests and Millettia natural forests (p-value= 2.6). An average of 342.1, 94.0 and 107.0 trees/ha (p-value = 0.4) were inventoried in the Acacia plantations, the Milletia planted forest and the Milletia natural forest respectively, showing a random and/or aggregated distribution according to the tree stand categories compared and, an average basal area of 6.93, 12.58 and 5.39 m2/ha (p-value= 0.5). The soil is neutral (6.8) with a moisture content of 10.46%, a temperature of 32.6�C, a depth of 46.86 cm and a blackish/brownish color. This result provides unsurpassable information for planning management itineraries and orienting peri-urban ecosystem exploitation system in a more sustainable way. This study is part of the logic of contribution to SDGs 2 and 15 by 2030.
Abstract:PT. XY became one of the companies in West Java by implementing an organic farming system. The company uses the concept of agricultural cultivation free from artificial chemical fertilizers and insecticides with permaculture and aquaponics systems. Aquaculture innovations applied to the company do not always produce sweet results directly, although the application of the concept has reduced costs but has not been able to obtain maximum business benefits. Competition in aquaponics marketing and competitiveness in similar fields have also become polemics in the world of aquaponics. In this research, the main focus is to find a business to customer (B2C) development model that is suitable for selling aquaponic products for PT. XY. The research method used is a case study, which is a qualitative approach. Data is processed and analyzed descriptively and using SOAR tools (Strenght, Opportunities, Aspiration, Result) and analysis matrices. The results of this study show that: (1) marketing strategies that can be applied at PT XY based on SOAR analysis (strength, opportunities, aspirations, results) are Market Penetration and product development strategies; (2) The right B2C development model for PT. XY is a Business Model Canvas, which not only pays attention to nine elements, namely 1) Customer Segment, 2) Value Propositions, 3) Channels, 4) Customer Relationship, 5) Revenue Streams, 6) Key Activities, 7) Key Resources, 8) Key Partners, and 9) Cost Structure but also XY Company must pay attention to three other elements, namely: 1) Revenue Stream, 2) Eco Social Cost, and 3) Eco Social Benefit because the product of sale is aquaponic vegetables.
Abstract:Green packaging can be a solution to the problem of environmental pollution caused by the generation of plastic waste as a result of bakery business packaging. However, bakery businesses still don\'t use green packaging a lot, which indicates low interest in using green packaging. This study aims to determine the most important factors underlying consumer interest in the use of green packaging. For that used factor analysis. The research was conducted in Indramayu Regency , West Java, Indonesia, from February to May 2023. The results showed that consumers\' interest in using green packaging was in the high category. The most important factors based on consumer ratings are hygiene, environmental benefits, and affordability.\nKeywords: Interest, Consumer, Bakeries Business and Green Packaging
Abstract:The importance of good project management is key to performing well in Pakistan\'s ever-changing construction industry. This research dives into project management by using data analysis methods, including the Relative Importance Index (RII) and rankings based on surveys. These methods help us understand the most important factors for success and subsequently affect project results. The RII designates a number for each factor to display its importance. These values allow stakeholders to gauge the impact of different aspects on project success, guiding resource allocation and decision-making. Ranking these factors adds an additional layer of clarity, enabling stakeholders to discern priorities and allocate efforts judiciously. Analyzing insights derived from individual questions provides a nuanced perspective on specific aspects. For instance, clear roles and responsibilities (RII: 0.748) emerge as a foundational factor, emphasizing the importance of organizational clarity. Effective communication (RII: 0.655) surfaces as a significant challenge, highlighting the need for streamlined information dissemination. Drawing from these analyses, actionable recommendations arise. Improving communication channels, enhancing planning processes, investing in skill development, and adopting technology are among the proposed strategies. In the context of the construction industry, the findings resonate profoundly and offer a blueprint for stakeholders to optimize project management processes, driving success in an industry notorious for its intricacies. By embracing data-driven insights, stakeholders can navigate the complexities of construction projects with informed decisions and strategic actions.
Abstract:Plant bionics is a possible way to improve the natural plant system to handle the problem of urbanization, population explosion, food insecurity and for the betterment of human health safety and environment. Plant bionics is a specialized interdisciplinary science, which revolutionize the traditional plant research. This approach may also play a major role in replacement or modification of characters and functions of natural plant systems. Roots, stems, leaves and vascular networking system of plants are responsible for transmitting the chemical signals, metabolic activities, growth and functional activities. Now scientists are able to explore the unlimited possibilities of carbon nanotubes in biological and medical applications. Carbon nanotubes can append peptides, sugars, lipids DNA and RNA. These biologically transformed conjugates can be very handy to tackle the problem of reducing natural resources and medical treatments. The present article depicts the infinite possibilities of plant bionics for the betterment of human being.
Abstract:This study investigates the causal effect of the earthquake in Turkey on construction, transportation, and insurance stocks. The results reveal a significant negative impact on these stocks. This indicates that the earthquake induced a high level of uncertainty, resulting in a substantial negative influence on the stock market\'s value on a subsequent day. In addition, the results indicate that stocks are lower than expected without an earthquake. The point-wise causal effect refers to the variation between the expected and actual data, and it remains relatively stable near zero until the action is implemented, at which point it quickly decreases and then increases. In relative terms, the construction stock is more affected by the earthquake, followed by the transportation stock. The findings have important implications for investors and policymakers, highlighting the importance of preparing for natural disasters to reduce their negative impact on the stock market.