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Evergreen trees that heal: Anti-pathogenic properties of Syzygium Sp.
No full text29-48The emergence of antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal-resistant pathogens over the past decades has driven the search
for potential sources of novel anti-pathogenic compounds. Phytochemicals such as metabolites from Syzygium species have
been well-reported to possess immense pharmacological potential with their derived bioactive components. Several
phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, triterpenes and tannins have been identified and proven to be associated with
antimicrobial potential. A number of inhibitory mechanisms were elucidated through morphological evaluation of bacteria,
antibiofilm assays, and analysis of anti-virulence factors, which are strong indications of their therapeutic properties. A vast
majority of the Syzygium plants are considered safe to use, as verified by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. This review
explores the scope of proven antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects of Syzygium species, which could be utilised as a
form of complementary and alternative medicine and provide insight into the current dearth of novel pharmaceuticals to
address the challenge of drug resistance
Exploring Project Complexity Factors: Case Study of Track-Doubling Line Railway Projects in India
No full text336-346Large projects are crucial as they play an important role, particularly in the economic development of a nation.
Globalization and technological advancements enhance the complexity of such projects, which, if not managed properly,
lead to poor performance. Although complexity is an important characteristic of large projects, the project-specific
complexity factors call for a different approach for each project. Though railway projects are important contributors to
economic growth, very few studies focus on the complexity involved in Indian railway projects. Hence, this study fills this
knowledge gap by exploring and identifying project complexity factors that can impact project performance in railway
projects. The research is based on a qualitative approach. Data were collected through open-ended interviews with project
managers involved in the two select cases of brown field doubling line projects, each having unique characteristics. Further,
the complexity factors were confirmed by conducting three rounds of Delphi method. The analysis revealed that the project
performance is impacted by seven key complexities: organizational, technological, environmental, cultural, infrastructural,
communication, and stakeholder management. The study offers findings that are valuable to both future research scholars
and practitioners. The identified complexity factors will help project managers plan the projects effectively, leading to
smooth execution. Though the findings of this research are based on track-doubling railway projects, they may also apply to
other projects of similar characteristics
Beta-caryophyllene ameliorates environmental toxicants-induced experimental nephrotoxicity through regulation of redox system and inflammation
No full text138-146Kidneys play important roles in the detoxification and excretion of toxic metabolites making them vulnerable to
xenobiotic toxicity. We investigated the possible nephrotoxicity induced in mice by environmental toxicants diethyl
nitrosamine (DEN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and their mitigation by supplementation of natural bicyclic sesquiterpene
β-caryophyllene (BCP). DEN (1 mg/kg) and CCl4 (0.2 mL/kg) were given to mice and then the treatment group received
BCP (30 mg/kg). After 18 weeks, DEN/CCl4-induced mice showed renal injury evidenced by significant increase in
circulating kidney function markers as well as histopathological alterations. Concurrent supplementation of BCP
significantly ameliorated kidney function markers and prevented renal tissue damage. BCP treatment suppressed lipid
peroxidation and nitric oxide levels and enhanced the antioxidant defence mechanism in the kidneys. BCP successfully
amended renal histopathological changes and improved kidney serum markers and electrolytes associated with kidney
function in association with alleviation of the deteriorated renal oxidative state and antioxidant defence system. BCP
modulated the expression of key inflammation markers (inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and
apoptotic markers [caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase] in the DEN/CCl4-exposed kidneys. The study concludes
that exposure to environmental toxicants DEN/CCl4 caused extensive nephrotoxicity that was notably mitigated by BCP
suggesting its effectiveness as an alternative therapy in renal dysfunctions
Dilemma of Authorship in Artificial Intelligence – From the Perspective of Music Copyright
No full text51-58The rapid advancement in technology and the advent of artificial intelligence has opened a Pandora box of copyright issues. The primary concern is the authorship of AI generated works. While AI generated work does not have any human contribution, the development of AI technology necessitates some form of protection. The impact of AI technology will be felt more on music, which has its own limitations. The limited sets of notes and chord progressions coupled with the rules of music make it difficult for creativity in music. These limitations when juxtaposed with the peculiarities of artificial intelligence make it difficult to draw line between human intervention and technology. While the article calls for a re-definition of copyright law with reference to AI technology, human creativity should not be compromised for technological advancement. The work emphasizes on a separate sui generis legislation as an ideal solution for the ambiguity and discussions surrounding the newly emerged technology
Ethnobotany to bioprospecting of medicinal plants from Western Ghats, India – A review
No full text63-72Plants are the sources of traditional medicine since time immemorial and several drugs that are currently used in clinics are of plant origin. Western Ghats of India, one of the hotspots in the world, comprises valuable medicinal plants and hardly a limited number of these have been scientifically validated. Thus, it is worth exploring the other medicinal plants from these regions. The information on ethnobotanical studies, indigenous and traditional knowledge on the medicinal plants from the Western Ghats of India were collected using online search engines such as Google, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The collected information was analysed to understand the role of different plant species and families in treating various diseases and disorders using pharmacological approaches. It was found that around 1628 plant species belonging to 171 families were used for treating major ailments such as pain and inflammatory, gastrointestinal and, dermatological disorders. Furthermore, plant families including Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Acanthaceae were largely preferred. Amongst the reported species around 130 were endemic, 4 critically endangered and nearly threatened. Around 3 species were endangered and rare. One species is at risk. However, only 115 plants have been validated for their pharmacological properties using in vivo experiments and clinical trials/uses. The available literature on medicinal plants from the Western Ghats strongly suggests that these plants can be a potential source of the newer drug. Further in-depth studies on the screening of medicinal plants to isolate and characterize the pharmacologically important active principles are essential to contribute to the healthcare sector
