Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor found in plastics, particularly in food and beverages packaging materials, and can lead to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. This may result in hepatic fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). To address this pathological condition, niclosamide (NIC), an FDA-approved anthelmintic agent, has emerged as a promising antifibrotic compound since it inhibits HSC activation. However, its poor aqueous solubility and availability at the site of action limit its therapeutic application. To overcome this limitation, NIC-loaded hyaluronic acid and mannose-grafted liposomes (NIC-HA-MN-Lipo) were developed to target CD44 on HSCs and CD206-positive mannose receptor M2 macrophages, thereby enabling site-specific delivery to fibrotic liver tissue. In this research, hepatic fibrosis was established in albino rats by oral exposure of BPA (50mg/kg/day) for a duration of 8weeks, and treated with free NIC, Placebo-Lipo, non-targeted liposomes (NIC-Lipo), and dual receptor targeted liposomes (NIC-HA-MN-Lipo) for alternative 21-days. After completion of the treatment liver function tests, lipid profiles, oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl), antioxidant levels (glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase), histopathology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. Liver fibrosis scoring and immunohistochemically examination of fibrotic indicators (TGF-β1, α-SMA) and receptor expression (CD44, CD206) were also performed. NIC-HA-MN-Lipo-treated animals showed substantial betterment in liver architecture, reduced collagen deposition, and significant normalization of biochemical and oxidative stress markers in comparison to pristine NIC and NIC-Lipo. The dual targeted NIC-HA-MN-Lipo exhibited receptor targeted localization and superior anti-fibrotic efficacy, evidenced by substantial downregulation of α-SMA and TGF-β1. These findings indicate the therapeutic potential of ligand-targeted liposomal delivery of NIC in reversing hepatic fibrosis. NIC-HA-MN-Lipo demonstrated potential antifibrotic effects in BPA-induced liver injury by effectively targeting key fibrogenic cells and modulating the TGF-β-associated pathway in liver fibrosis.

In this study, improving the estimation of the population mean is critical in supply chain management for optimizing resource allocation, determining the optimum sample size, and enhancing operational efficiency. This study proposes an improved method for estimating the population mean within a stratified random sampling framework by incorporating an auxiliary variable to increase the precision of delivery time estimates and minimize costs incurred. Population data are generated under a bivariate normal distribution across four stratified regions, using shipment volume as an auxiliary variable correlated with delivery time. A first-order error approximation is employed to derive an efficient estimator, which reduces bias and improves accuracy. A simulation study with a proportionally allocated stratified sample is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed estimator. The results demonstrate reduced variation and increased estimation efficiency, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional mean estimators. This approach provides robust statistical insights for logistics companies, enabling data-driven decision-making and enhanced supply chain performance.

Abstract This paper looks at recent related trends in India: the rise of FinTech and the increase in gig work. It reviews academic work on how financial innovations have changed informal labor toward the gig economy. The study covers research on digital payment systems (like India Stack and UPI), inclusion programs, and platform-based finance related to gig work. It focuses on how digital wallets and UPI enable small businesses and workers to handle payments, how digital lending and credit scores impact micro-entrepreneurs, and what this means for bringing these workers into the formal economy. The review points out that while digital finance has greatly increased access to financial services for those lacking them, problems like digital literacy and gender inequality continue. The paper ends with a discussion of what these findings mean for policy and suggests areas for more research.

This study investigates how effectively Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in India, particularly in the Lucknow region, prepare engineering and management students with employability skills. While situated in a specific regional context, the research offers broader theoretical and practical insights into curriculum–industry alignment, pedagogical disparities between disciplines, and the role of institutional support in skill development—issues relevant to HEIs in emerging economies worldwide. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative survey data and qualitative feedback from students and educators. The survey assessed students’ perceptions of curriculum emphasis on employability-related skills-technical, soft, and practical using a Likert scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, comparative analysis, and t-tests, while qualitative responses were thematically coded. Findings indicate that students generally have a positive self-perception regarding soft skills such as teamwork, social interaction, self-concept, and self-control. However, they express low confidence in job search skills like resume writing and interview preparation. Notably, 55% of students felt inadequately prepared by their academic curriculum for current industry demands, indicating a misalignment between academic training and market expectations. While students reported supportive teacher engagement in areas like communication, self-management, and independent learning, gaps remain in problem-solving, creativity, and ICT proficiency. This research is among the first post-NEP 2020 studies focusing on employability in the Lucknow region. It highlights the need for HEIs—especially engineering programs—to integrate more hands-on learning, internships, industry partnerships, and career support compared to management curricula to enhance graduate employability.

Nanogenerators harness energy from ambient mechanical, thermal, or frictional energy for portable and self‐powered devices. Piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) utilize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) to convert vibrations, demonstrating voltages of up to 66 V and power densities of up to 170 µW/cm 2 , particularly with magnesium‐doped gallium nitride (GaN:Mg) and zinc oxide coaxial structures or configurations. Li‐doping allowed 5 times the current output. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) utilize contact electrification, achieving maximum power densities of 5.55 W/m 2 in MXene‐based systems or 34.26 W/m 3 from oscillating ocean waves. Pyroelectric nanogenerators (PyNGs) utilize temperature fluctuations to generate approximately 1.8 V from low‐frequency acoustic waves in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) using a Bismuth telluride/Antimony telluride (Bi 2 Te 3 /Sb 2 Te 3 ) film will generate 193 µW at a 50 K Δ T , or 71.8 µW/cm 2 in the airflow, powering a battery‐free Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor. The materials of importance are Bi 2 Te 3 (ZT = 1), ZnO, MXenes, and lead telluride (PbTe). Nanogenerators will have applications ranging from wearables (generating 120 mV from body heat) to biomedical implants, smart tires (for a total of approximately 1.79 mW), and ocean buoys. Major challenges with nanogenerators are low output, durability, and scalability when developing into commercial products. Hybridization and nanostructuring methodologies will enhance commercialization for nanogenerators.