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Supply chain sustainability initiatives at Bajaj Electricals Limited to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill
Get PDFSubject area: This case allows management students to engage with the implementation of sustainable supply chain management practices both at the macro and micro levels. The decision to make supply chain operations sustainable is no longer an option for many organisations. The question is not “should we do it? but how can we implement sustainable supply chain management practices?” Study level/applicability: This case has been developed for management institutes and schools that teach undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Sustainability has become an essential module in management curriculums; thus, this case is relevant for management programmes (operations, logistics, supply chain management, business studies, and management). Case overview: This case highlights the achievements of Rameshwaram (plant head at the Nirlep factory of Bajaj Electrical Ltd.) and his team for successfully completing a sustainability initiative—Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL)—in a short span of six months. This case is divided into two parts: the first part presents their initiatives in making all echelons of their supply chain sustainable; the second part specifically outlines how they achieved Zero Waste to Landfill in one of the manufacturing operations in a short span of six months. A cross-functional team was put together to plan and implement the ZWTL project. Initially, the team encountered many challenges, such as poor quantification of waste at the factory site, inadequate infrastructure for waste segregation, a lack of vendor participation, and extensive training of vendors and employees as needed to ensure project compliance. However, with sustained efforts, the goal was achieved. As a result, BEL became the first Indian company in the sector to achieve 99% diversion from landfills for the waste generated at the Nirlep factory in 2021. It translated into a dramatic reduction of adverse environmental impacts. Monetary benefits were also realized by utilizing the waste for commercial use. As customers across the globe appreciated their efforts, their brand equity increased severalfold. Expected learning outcomes: The case establishes that supply chain sustainability initiatives can never be completely successful without the unanimous engagement of internal and external stakeholders. In present times, the foundation of business performance has moved away from financial profitability only to the “triple bottom line,” which incorporates environment and social responsibility. The choice between commercial viability and sustainability is no longer available to the companies, as they need to integrate environmental and social goals within their businesses and provide transparency on sustainable performance and value to not only all stakeholders but also policymakers and consumers
Anthropological strategies for successful Christian missionary endeavors amidst poverty escalation in Africa
Get PDFPoverty and hunger have become global crises, especially in Africa. African political leaders have continued to mismanage public resources, while many have embezzled public funds. Some have misappropriated public funds and borrowed senselessly from the West, making it difficult for them to dissociate themselves from the dictates of Western powers. Another factor that has impoverished Africa is intertribal war, caused mainly by leadership negligence because of their political calculations. Other problems that have contributed to the escalating poverty level in Africa are political instability, economic downturn, and religious intolerance. Despite the poverty crisis in Africa, the church has remained proactive in alleviating poverty there. The church has been missional in its approach, but with its missionaries’ efforts, it has had to become strategic in contemporary times to record successes in its missions’ endeavours in Africa, especially in Nigeria. Therefore, this paper attempts to explain the anthropological strategies that mission agencies and missionaries employ to record success in the face of poverty escalation in Africa. This will be achieved by explaining the concept of poverty in Africa, historically examining missions’ success in Africa, and identifying anthropological strategies employed by missionaries in Africa despite the escalating level of poverty in Africa. This study reveals strategies for mission success to ensure missionaries of different denominations are aware of previous achievements and want to do more
Developing a model for digital adoption in family business: A proposed research framework
Get PDFDigital technology is becoming more and more popular very quickly. This is changing every part of the business and having a big effect on how it works. Unfortunately, no business can avoid the effects, problems, and chances that come with digital change. Companies are also forced to change how they do things. Given this context, numerous organizations are unprepared to transform. There are no exceptions made for the family business. The family business is anticipated to embrace digitalization as a widely popular business technique in many locations globally. Its participation in the digital economy is still very important. Unfortunately, there are not many studies on how digital technology is used in family business. When compared to other types of businesses in general, the family business is distinguished by several distinctive qualities that set it apart from other types of enterprises. Consequently, there exists a tension between the perceived gradual nature of change in family businesses and the swift pace of digitalization. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for further exploration into the integration of digital technology within the context of family businesses, as well as the development of strategies to support their successful digital transformation amidst these distinctive organizational dynamics. This research aims to identify the crucial aspects that contribute to the successful implementation of digitalization in the family business. The adopted research method for this study involves conducting a comprehensive literature review. This approach entails systematically reviewing and analyzing existing academic and industry literature on the utilization of digital technology in family businesses. This study proposes a research design to investigate the use of digital technologies in family businesses. The study also presents a suggested mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods and propositions
Analysis of the effectiveness of object coordinates estimation in WSN using the RSS method
Get PDFThe methods of estimating the coordinates of sensor nodes based on the measurements made at the “anchor” nodes are widely used in WSNs. In particular, such methods include the RSS method, which is based on measuring the power of signals coming from sensors. The article shows that a similar method can be used for estimating the coordinates of an observation object in the WSN. The efficiency of measuring the coordinates of such an object in the presence of power measurement errors is analyzed. The conditions for increasing this efficiency have been identified. It is shown that the estimation is biased, but the magnitude of the bias is practically independent of the observational conditions and, therefore, can be easily compensated
Leaf diseases detection empowered with transfer learning model
Get PDFThe detection of leaf diseases using modern technology has significant importance in agriculture and artificial intelligence. Deep learning, specifically, plays a crucial role in this field, as it enables accurate and efficient disease classification. Early detection of leaf diseases is vital to implementing timely treatments and preventing widespread damage to leaves. Leaf diseases can be caused by various factors, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other pathogens. Among them, bacteria and viruses are the most invasive and can lead to substantial yield losses if not identified and treated promptly. Bacterial and viral infections are common in agricultural settings, affecting leaves of all types and ages. Our research aims to propose a transfer learning-based model for predicting leaf diseases using a dataset of leaf images. The images will be classified into healthy or diseased leaves based on extracted features. The proposed model, named Leaf Disease Transfer Learning Algorithm (LDTLA), demonstrates promising results with an average accuracy of 97.37% on the dataset. Utilizing convolutional neural networks (CNN) and deep learning techniques, our LDTLA model outperforms previous quantitative and qualitative research studies in leaf disease detection. This advanced approach to leaf disease identification holds the potential to revolutionize agriculture by enabling farmers to make informed decisions, implement targeted treatments, and minimize leaf losses caused by diseases
TET3 Regulates Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice through the Pyroptotic Pathway
No full textBackground: Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a prevalent precursor to cirrhosis in various chronic liver diseases, underscoring the need for comprehensive investigations into its etiology, prevention, and management. Pyroptosis, an emerging form of cellular death, is prevalent in liver diseases. Recent research suggests that ten-eleven-translocation protein 3 (TET3), an enzyme responsible for DNA demethylation, plays a vital role in regulating HF, although the precise mechanism remains unclear. This experimental study aimed to investigate the impact of the TET3-mediated pyroptotic pathway on HF in mice and elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Methods: HF was induced in mice through intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), while lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced pyroptosis in murine hepatocytes. Protein expression was detected using the Western blotting technique, and pathological alterations were evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. Immunofluorescence and dot blotting assessed the expression of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), while transmission electron microscope measured hepatocyte ultrastructure. The relationship between TET3 and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) was evaluated using chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR). Results: The expression of pyroptotic proteins showed a positive correlation with the extent of HF (p < 0.05), while the expression of TET3 and 5-hmC exhibited a negative correlation (p < 0.05). TET3 overexpression successfully prevented HF, upregulated 5-hmC expression, and attenuated pyroptosis (p < 0.05). TET3 administration significantly increased LPS-induced pyroptosis in hepatocytes of mice (p < 0.05). Finally, TET3 was shown to target NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD genes (p < 0.01). Conclusions: By reversing the classical pathway of pyroptosis, TET3 can potentially improve HF progression in mice by targeting NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD
TRIP13 Promotes Hypopharyngeal Cancer Progression
No full textBackground: Hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) is a prevalent malignancy commonly occurring in the head and neck region, with a five-year survival rate ranging from 30–50%. Consequently, there is an urgent need to delve into the underlying molecular mechanisms and to identify novel biomarkers that can serve as therapeutic targets for treating HPC. Methods: The GSE2379 dataset and HPC data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were utilized for combination bioinformatics analysis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of thyroid hormone receptor interactor 13 (TRIP13) were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo, as well as in clinical samples using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) analysis. Furthermore, the malignant phenotypes of HPC cells were assessed employing the Transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays. A xenograft tumor nude mice model was established to observe the tumor growth and lung metastases. Moreover, the role of TRIP13 in regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was assessed using bioinformatic analysis. Results: Our analysis revealed the participation of 66 common up-regulated differential expressed genes (DEGs) in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related signaling pathway. Furthermore, TRIP13 level was elevated in FaDu cells, xenograft tumor nude mice, and clinical HPC samples. The knocking down of TRIP13 suppressed the invasion, migration, and cell cycle of FaDu cells in vitro, and inhibited tumor growth, lung metastases, and pathological conditions in vivo. Conclusion: This study reveals the role of TRIP13, as a potential oncogene, in promoting the development of HPC
Exploring of the Analgesic Effect of Emodin on Migraine Rat Model via the CREB/BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway: A Preliminary Study
No full textBackground: Migraine is a prevalent neurovascular headache characterized by recurring pain episodes. Previous research indicates that managing the expression of the cAMP response element-binding protein/Brain-derived neurotrophic factor/Tyrosine receptor kinase B (CREB/BDNF/TrkB) pain signaling pathway may enhance migraine conditions. This study delves into the pharmacological effects and analgesic mechanisms of emodin in treating nitroglycerin-induced migraines in animal models, focusing on the CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway. Methods: Sixty-six male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control, Model, positive control, and low, medium and high doses of emodin treatment groups. All groups, except the control, underwent the establishment of experimental migraine animal models and received treatment for seven consecutive days. Subsequently, behavioral evaluations and heat pain threshold assessments were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in rat serum. Reverse Transcription-Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels of CGRP and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Western blot analysis was utilized to assess the protein expression levels of Tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Results: Behavioral assessment, measurement of thermal pain threshold, and mechanical pain thresholds indicated that, in comparison to the Model group, the emodin treatment group exhibited a significant improvement in abnormal behavior in migraine rats (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.0001). Moreover, there was an increase in thermal pain threshold and mechanical pain thresholds in the emodin treatment group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.0001). ELISA experiments revealed that, when compared to the Model group, the emodin-high-dose (emodin-H) treatment group exhibited reduced serum levels of BDNF and CGRP (p < 0.01). Additionally, RT-qPCR and Western blot (WB) experiments demonstrated the downregulation of CGRP (p < 0.001) and CREB (p < 0.05) mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, there were decreased expression levels of TrkB and COX-2 proteins in the rat brainstem (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Conclusion: This study confirms that emodin can markedly enhance abnormal behavioral activities and elevate the thermal pain threshold in the migraine rat model. Its effects appear to be mediated by the downregulation of upstream COX-2 and CGRP, along with the inhibition of the CREB/BDNF/TrkB pain signaling pathway
LCZ696 Ameliorates Cardiac Function via the Akt/FoxO1 Signaling Pathway in Rats with Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
No full textBackground: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition that is characterized by impairment in both systolic and diastolic cardiac functions. Inflammation, apoptosis, interstitial fibrosis, and oxidative stress are the primary ultrastructural alterations in DCM. LCZ696 which has been reported to protect against DCM, contains two molecular components, is a novel anti-heart failure medication that combines a neprilysin inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor blocker. This study aimed to examine the effect of LCZ696 on heart function in a rat model of diabetic heart disease, with a particular emphasis on the Protein Kinase B (Akt)/Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathway. Methods: We induced diabetes in male Wistar rats by streptozotocin injection and high-fat diet feeding. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, diabetic group (DM), low-dose LCZ696 treatment group (LCL), and high-dose LCZ696 treatment group (LCH). LCZ696 was administered daily at a dose of 30 mg/kg or 60 mg/kg for 16 weeks. Serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were measured and cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Biochemical analyses included blood glucose, serum triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and other inflammatory cytokines. Myocardial apoptosis and fibrosis were assessed by histopathologic analysis. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the expression of relevant proteins and factors in the Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway. Results: Compared with the control group, the DM group showed significant cardiac dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 51.7 ± 3.3 vs. 81.2 ± 1.8, p < 0.05), significantly increased levels of caspase-3 protein associated with myocardial apoptosis (p < 0.05), significantly decreased levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression (p < 0.05), and alterations in cardiac structure. Treatment with LCZ696 effectively improved cardiac function in diabetes mellitus rats (LVEF improved from 51.7 ± 3.3 in DM group to 62.5 ± 4.1 in DM+LCL group, p < 0.05; and to 75.6 ± 4.8 in DM+LCH group, p < 0.05), significantly downregulated caspase-3 protein expression related to myocardial apoptosis (p < 0.05), and significantly upregulated Bcl-2 expression (p < 0.05), with a more pronounced effect observed with high-dose LCZ696 treatment. Furthermore, LCZ696 treatment activated the Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway, and inhibited myocardial inflammation (downregulated TNF-α and IL-6 expressions, p < 0.05). Conclusions: LCZ696 can protect the myocardium from damage and ameliorate cardiac function in a rat model of diabetic heart disease. These findings suggest that LCZ696 could be a potential therapeutic agent for DCM
Upregulation of FIGNL1 Mediated by SOX9 Promotes the Proliferation, Migration, Invasion and Cisplatin Resistance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
No full textBackground: Fidgetin-like 1 (FIGNL1) is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its high expression is correlated with the poor prognosis of patients. However, the exact role of FIGNL1 in the progression of HCC remains unclear. The purpose of this research was to investigate the role of FIGNL1 in the malignant biological behaviors of HCC and its potential mechanism. Methods: In this study, the expressions of FIGNL1 and sex determining region Y (SRY)-related High Mobility Group (HMG) box-containing gene 9 (SOX9) were evaluated by quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. JASPAR database was applied to predict the binding site between SOX9 and FIGNL1 promoter region. The proliferation, migration and invasion of Huh7 cells were detected by means of Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, wound healing and transwell assays. Flow cytometry and western blot were employed to estimate cell apoptosis and cell cycle. With the application of luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, the combination of SOX9 with FIGNL1 was verified. Results: FIGNL1 level was greatly elevated in HCC tissues (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) and cells (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). FIGNL1 knockdown suppressed Huh7 cell proliferation (p < 0.001), migration (p < 0.01) and invasion (p < 0.001) but induced cell cycle arrest (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, FIGNL1 silencing promoted cell apoptosis and repressed cisplatin resistance in Huh7 cells (p < 0.001). SOX9 expression was abundant in HCC tissues and cells (p < 0.001). SOX9 could bind to the FIGNL1 promoter and upregulate FIGNL1 expression. SOX9 elevation counteracted the impacts of FIGNL1 knockdown on Huh7 cell proliferation (p < 0.001), migration (p < 0.01), invasion (p < 0.001), apoptosis (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001), cell cycle arrest and cisplatin resistance (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, upregulation of FIGNL1 mediated by the transcription factor SOX9 accelerated HCC cell proliferation, metastasis and cisplatin resistance but suppressed cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, which might shed novel insights into the targeted therapy for HCC