77 research outputs found
Rough Road to Market: Institutional Barriers to Innovations in Africa
No full textTranslating R&D and inventive efforts into a market product is characterized by significant financial skills, and the ability to overcome technical and instititonal barriers. Research into and translation of new technologies such as biotechnology products to the market requires even greater resources. This paper aims to understand the key factors that foster or hinder the complex process of translating R&D efforts into innovative products. Different pathways exist in developed countries such as firm-level efforts, the use of IPs, the spin-off of new firms that develop new products, or a mixture of these. Developing countries differ substantially in the kinds of instruments they use because of their considerably weaker institutional environment and for this reason our framework takes a systemic and institutional perspective. The paper comtributes to this issue by examining systemic institutional barriers to commercializing biotechnology in a develping context within a systems of innovation framework.research and development, biotechnology, commercialization, innovation, Africa, learning, institution building
Hydroxychloroquine in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Understanding the misadventure
No full textThe widespread outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization and various governments worldwide. This prompted the implementation of stringent infection control measures to curb the spread of the virus. Amidst this, the medical community faced the challenge of treating the virus without specific therapies or a vaccine, leading to reliance on empirical treatment approaches. In this context, hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial and antirheumatic drug, gained attention as a potential treatment option. Despite its theoretical benefits, such as inhibiting viral entry, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune responses, empirical studies yielded inconsistent results. Some indicated a potential for symptom relief, while others showed no significant improvement in patient outcomes. The initial enthusiasm waned as the lack of substantial evidence led to revoking its Emergency Use Authorization, and several clinical trials were prematurely halted. The review in question critically examines the factors contributing to the ineffectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting the complexities of drug repurposing during a rapidly evolving pandemic
Information and intellectual property: The global challenges
No full textThe paper analyses the contribution of 'golden papers' - seminal works whose ideas remain as fresh and relevant today as when they were first published decades ago - and which continue to dominate academic discourse among successive generations of scholars. The authors analyse why two works written within an industrial development context: The simple economics of basic scientific research, by Richard Nelson (1959) and Kenneth Arrows Economic Welfare and the Allocation of Resources for Invention (1962), are so relevant in today’s knowledge-driven economic paradigm. Focusing on the papers’ application to current global policy debates on information/knowledge and intellectual property, they argue that while the context has changed the essential nature of innovation - driven by widespread access to the ability to replicate and improve - remains the same. Hence a focus on endogenous innovation policy is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.knowledge economy, science and technology, innovation, intellectual property rights, institutional change
Utilization Of Banji Tea Leaves for Value Addition
No full textThis Dissertation / Report is the outcome of investigation carried out by the creator(s) / author(s) at the department/division of Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore mentioned below in this page
Assessment of Paracetamol Usage Practices and Perceptions among Caregivers for Children Post-COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
No full textCaregivers often use paracetamol in the management of pediatric illnesses without a clear rationale. This study evaluated the perception and practices of caregivers regarding the use of paracetamol in children in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. This study involved a cross-sectional design involving 373 caregivers of children under twelve. The questionnaire elucidated the reasons, usage frequency, and safe usage practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS, applying Chi-square tests and logistic regression. Most caregivers were in the age range of 31–40 years, and with intermediate education. Paracetamol was mainly used for fever, generalized pain and, diarrhea, with fewer opting for other self-care measures. Caregivers with primary or less education were more likely to perceive paracetamol as safe (AOR = 2.98 (1.3–6.73), p = 0.009) and less inclined to check warning labels (AOR: 0.11 (0.05–0.25), p < 0.001) and expiry dates (AOR: 0.063 (0.027–0.14), p < 0.001). The caregiver’s education level significantly influenced the determination of treatment duration (χ2 = 21.58 (4), p < 0.001), dosage (χ2 = 30.70 (4), p < 0.001), and frequency of administration (χ2 = 17.77 (4), p = 0.001). In conclusion, inadequate health literacy can result in a lack of attention towards crucial safety information about pediatric paracetamol use. Hence, counselling initiatives should be undertaken to ensure the safe and effective use of paracetamol in children
Anti Nociceptive, Anti Inflammatory and Anti Bacterial Properties of Leaf of Female Borassus flabellifer (Arecaceae)
No full textABSTRACT: The Borassus flabellifer is a tall, erect palm, easy to recognize by its large, fan-shaped leaves. The different parts of the plant are used for ailments like secondary syphilis, antiperiodic, heart burns, liver, inflammation and spleen enlargement. The chemical constituents include gums, albuminoids, fats, steroidal glycosides and carbohydrates like sucrose. In the present work anti nociceptive, anti inflammatory, membrane stabilizing property, and anti microbial activities were carried out. The dried leaf powder was extracted with ethanol and submitted to chemical tests. It revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, steroids and tannins. In the anti nociceptive activity Eddy’s hot plate method and tail immersion method were performed using tramadol as the standard. The leaf extract has shown a potent nociceptive activity for both the evaluation parameters. Carrageenan induced rat paw edema and HRBC membrane stabilizing property were performed for the anti inflammatory activity using diclofenac sodium and hydrocortisone as the standard drugs. The results showed that the ethanolic leaf extract exhibited potent anti inflammatory activity and membrane stabilizing property in a dose dependent manner. The antibacterial screening was performed on the organisms Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia using gentamycin as the standard. In the antibacterial activity the leaf extract was found to be not effective in inhibiting the growth of bacterial strains
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of flower extract of Millingtonia hortensis Linn. on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity
No full textObjective: Millingtonia hortensis Linn is an abundant resource of flavonoids, which might be beneficial in protecting liver tissue from injury. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of M. hortensis on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) induced hepatotoxicity and the possible mechanism involved therein were investigated in rats. Materials and Methods: Preliminary phytochemical studies were carried out to determine the total phenol and flavonoid contents. 30 adult Wistar rats were allocated into 5 groups. Control group received vehicle, group-2 received CCl 4 alone (1 ml/kg body weight, intraperitonially), groups 3 - 5 received the ethanolic flower extract in 2 dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg) and Curcumin (100 mg/kg) as a standard for 8 days orally, followed by CCl 4 as a single dose on the 8 th day. 48 hours later, blood was withdrawn, serum was subjected to biochemical assessments, and liver homogenate was examined for lipid peroxides, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and total protein levels. Furthermore, hepatic tissues were subjected to histopatological studies. Results: CCl 4 treatment produced a profound increase in the levels of malondialdehyde, hepatic marker enzymes and bilirubin content compared with the control (P < 0.05). Pre-treatment with the flower extract of M. hortensis significantly enhanced the levels of endogenous antioxidants and reduced the levels of hepatic marker enzymes in relation to the CCl 4 treated group (P < 0.05). Balloning degeneration and fatty changes in hepatocytes was prevented by pre-treatment with the flower extract. Conclusion: The antioxidant nature of the flower extract of M. hortensis could be responsible for averting damage to the liver
Immunomodulatory effects of alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts of <i style="">Moringa olifera</i> Lam leaves
No full text270-276Effects of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight
of the alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of M. olifera were studied on various immune paradigms like delayed
type hypersensitivity reaction using SRBC as an antigen, determination of antibody
titer, neutrophil adhesion test as an indicator for neutrophil index, total
leucocyte count in cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed animals and carbon
clearance assay as a measure of phagocytic activity. Hydro-alcoholic
extract of M. olifera
substantially enhanced cellular immune response, humoral immune response,
neutrophil index and phagoctic activity in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body
weight. The ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg body wieght)
was efficient in improving immune response. The results suggest that M.
olifera has a significant role to
play as an immune stimulator
A survey assessing sleep efficiency among Saudis during COVID-19 home confinement using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index: A call for health education
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has introduced uncertainties that have disrupted regular routines. Sleep may be adversely affected by stressful circumstances that jeopardize general health. Hence, the impact of home confinement on the sleep efficiency of the general population was assessed.An online survey was conducted by using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) to assess sleep duration, sleep efficiency, latency to fall asleep, and global PSQI score. Questions pertaining to demography, home confinement, and anxiety were included. Data was collected from the residents of the Southwestern region from April 15, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Data were analyzed through bivariate, multivariate logistic regression, and independent t tests.A total of 593 subjects responded to the survey. Males (OR 1.92 [1.3–2.7], p < 0.001), and subjects aged ≥51 years (OR 2.49 [1.3–4.4], p = 0.002) were more likely to be poor sleepers (<6 h). In hypertensive subjects, inadequate sleep was twice as high (OR 2.2 [1.1–4.4], p < 0.05) than other comorbidities. Males were less likely to have sleep latency (OR 0.58 [0.40–0.86], p = 0.005) but smoking increased the latency of falling asleep (OR 2.41 [1.47–4.0], p < 0.001). Sleep duration was significantly influenced by home confinement (p = 0.002), whereas sleep duration (p = 0.001), latency (p = 0.018), sleep efficiency (p = 0.005), and global PSQI scores (p = 0.005) were significantly affected by anxiety.In the southwestern region, we found sleep influenced by anxiety about COVID-19. Community pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals and could play a pivotal role in educating the lay public on the importance of sleep hygiene through posters displayed in pharmacies and with the help of public education material
Indian Pharma Within Global Reach?
No full textThe Indian pharmaceutical industry is presently going through a phase of transition and potential consolidation, owing to India's new TRIPS-compliant intellectual property regime and other rules aimed at enhancing the industry's credibility nationally and internationally. Appropriate policy interventions can play a large role in cushioning the transition (and gradual consolidation) of the industry post-2005. Using firm level data collected in 2004-2005, this paper seeks to make two major contributions in this regard. The research findings show that the Indian pharmaceutical sector is a heterogeneous mix of firms with vast differences in innovative capabilities. Based on these differences, the groups can be categorized into specific "innovation modes" (the innovator, the niche operator and the manufacturer), each mode being a step closer towards the innovative pharmaceutical firm. Second, the paper highlights how the emerging strategies of firms in all three groups, although different, underpin the importance of systemic coordination in the pharmaceutical sector. The analysis links both these findings to policies pursued in the pharmaceutical sector over the past four decades and highlights the role of differential innovation policy in ensuring optimal sectoral performance.Pharmaceutical industry, Innovation policy, TRIPS, Intellectual Propery, IPR, Property rights, India
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