University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya

ABSTRACT A simple and environmentally benign catalyst‐free protocol has been developed for the one‐pot synthesis of 1‐(benzothiazolylamino)methyl‐2‐naphthol derivatives from β‐naphthol, benzothiazole‐2‐amine, and aldehydes in ethanol under reflux, affording good to excellent yields (62%–94%). Detailed NMR analysis provided the first correct structural assignment and revealed an unusual downfield shift of the benzylic CH proton (∼7.26 ppm), attributed to magnetic anisotropy effects. Molecular docking against EGFR (PDB ID: 8SC7) showed favorable binding energies ranging from –8.11 to –10.79 kcal mol − 1 , with compounds 4c and 4k exhibiting the highest affinities. Key hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, and π‐cation interactions with active‐site residues support their potential as EGFR‐targeted anticancer candidates.

Fermented beverages have high expression in the market for beverages and many health benefits obtained from them. Commercially, fermented beverages are produced by the fermentation yeast which involves the conversion of sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Under this study, “Studies on fermented beverages and storage behavior of rose petal and kalmegh” was made with the objectives of getting a high quality of nutrients. The physical and biochemical parameters of fresh beverage were determined. The total soluble solids of Rose petal and Kalmegh obtained were 4.25 oBrix and 5.06 oBrix. The fermented beverages of 12 treatments and 3 replication with different combination of Rose petal and Kalmegh: T1 (100g Rose), T2 (100g kalmegh), T3 (95g rose +5g kalmegh), T4 (90g Rose + 5g kalmegh), T5 (85g Rose + 5g kalmegh), T6 (80g Rose + 5g kalmegh), T7 (75g Rose + 5g kalmegh), T8 (95g Rose + 10 g kalmegh), T9 (90g Rose + 10g kalmegh), T10 (85g Rose + 10g Kalmegh), T11 (80g Rose + 10g kalmegh) and T12 (75g Rose + 10g kalmegh) . The 12 treatments combination were analysed for the Alcohol content, TSS, TS, RS, NRS, Titrable acidity, PH, Anthocyanin, Ascorbic acid, and Phenol both in freshly and aged fermented beverage (6 months of storage). The result obtained showed that content of alcohol varied between (1.79% - 2.12%), TSS (5.80 oBrix-5.87oBrix), TS (2.47%-3.39%), RS (1.51%-2.51%), NRS (1.05%-1.24%), Titrable acidity (1.11%-1.28%), PH (3.97- 4.07) , Anthocyanin (0.29mg/100ml – 0.44mg/100ml), Ascorbic acid (8.28mg/100ml -8.72mg/100ml), Phenol (98.03mg/100ml – 111.49mg/100ml) in the freshly fermented beverages while after 6 month of storage the content of alcohol varied between (4.49% - 4.80%), TSS (4.07 oBrix-4.67oBrix), TS (1.59%-2.68%), RS (1.32%-1.83%), NRS (0.46%-0.80%), Titrable acidity (0.90%-0.98%), PH (4.16- 4.37) , Anthocyanin (0.29mg/100ml – 0.31mg/100ml), Ascorbic acid (7.02mg/100ml -8.16mg/100ml), Phenol (31.70mg/100ml – 34.15mg/100ml) Based on the organoleptic score of the treatments, T6 scored the best with the value of 4.21 which were more acceptable by the panel list followed by T1 and T10 with 3.88 and 3.50 respectively.

The present study reports the first confirmed distribution record of Humerana humeralis from Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjoining Reserved Forest of Meghalaya, northeastern India, thereby extending the known range of the species within the eastern Himalayan biogeographic region. This record fills an important distributional gap between earlier reports from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and adjoining Bangladesh. Detailed morphometric measurements were taken from adult specimens, revealing pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males exhibiting relatively larger snout–vent length, head dimensions, tympanum size, and limb proportions compared to females. These measurements are largely congruent with previously published descriptions, confirming the taxonomic identity of the species while also highlighting minor regional variation. Habitat use further indicates that the species primarily occupies perennial streams, marshy pools, and forest-edge wetlands, preferably in semi-evergreen forest, emphasizing its dependence on stable aquatic and riparian microhabitats. This new record underscores the conservation significance of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary, and its adjacent reserved forest highlights the need for continued habitat protection to conserve amphibian diversity in this landscape.

Purpose The study examines the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending on financial performance among India’s top CSR-spending firms, following the introduction of mandatory CSR under the Companies Act, 2013. It explores whether CSR contributes to firm profitability and efficiency, with a focus on Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Profit After Tax (PAT). Design/methodology/approach An explanatory research design was adopted using secondary data for the period of 10 years (FY 2014-15 to 2023-24). Pool Regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between CSR spending and firm-level financial performance indicators. Findings Results show a significant positive relationship between CSR spending and PAT, suggesting that CSR investments enhance long-term profitability. However, the effects on ROA and ROE are negative and statistically insignificant, indicating that CSR may not immediately improve short-term accounting returns. Practical implications The findings emphasize the importance of sustained CSR investment as a strategic tool for enhancing firm profitability. Policymakers are encouraged to continue supporting mandatory CSR provisions, while managers should recognize CSR as an investment in long-term value creation rather than short-term efficiency gains. Originality/value This study advances the CSR–financial performance debate by providing evidence from India’s mandatory CSR based on actual CSR spending, rather than content analysis. Unlike prior industry-specific studies, it spans multiple sectors and uses a decade of post-mandate data, showing how CSR builds reputational capital and stakeholder trust, translating into long-term financial benefits.

Abstract The production activities of agriculture and allied sectors are increasingly focusing on nutritional security after achieving food security, with the capacity to export food grains (referred to elsewhere as food resilience). The increase in agricultural production is an indication of the prospects of the agriculture sector to achieve nutritional security. In addition to that, policy support through the release of biofortified varieties and different schemes and programmes for health care and alleviating malnutrition has additive and synergistic effects on agricultural activities intended to achieve nutritional security. These attempts were conditioned and constrained by the widespread problem of malnutrition, hidden hunger, the disparity in distribution, non-availability of nutritious food in the diet and low purchasing power. Presently two billion people are affected by hidden hunger; while nearly half of the world's population affected by micronutrient deficiency lives in India. Children and women are the groups most affected by malnutrition. The trade-off between prospects and constraints for nutritional security will be achieved through nexus-based attempts (soil–plant-animal-human being). This chapter aims to discuss the status of malnutrition and different biases of nutritional security (resource, development and knowledge bias) to highlight their potential to contribute to the alleviation of the problem of food security. The nexus of soil–plant-animal-human beings is elaborated in this review, with their condition and potential towards achieving nutritional security being highlighted. Being the ultimate source, the soil needs to be conserved, utilized as per capabilities, and restored for the benefit of future generations, with the adoption of interventions that contribute to both its conservation and prevention of degradation. The implementation and evaluation of nutrient-sensitive agricultural practices (input provision and services), interventions in post-harvest processing (value addition), attention to the nutritional quality of produce from farm to consumer plate, and the delivery of food to targeted population, need to be attended. Besides that, interventions in animal-based enterprises (upgrading the quality of breeds, feed and supplementation, product diversity, product preservation, and value addition) are reported to have significant impacts on catering to nutritional needs and preventing malnutrition. The capacity building for household production of nutritional foods (nutritional and kitchen gardens, backyard poultry, vertical farming, terrace farming), awareness and access to quality foods, identification of malnourished sections and effective implementation of diet diversification, supplementation and medication, are all needed.

This paper examines how leadership practices shape human resource management (HRM) and physical infrastructure governance in public and private universities in Assam, and how these dynamics influence institutional performance. Drawing on a comparative analytical framework, the study analyses key dimensions such as faculty recruitment, workload management, professional development, infrastructural adequacy, and leadership decision-making. The research employs a qualitative, document-based analytical approach, using secondary data drawn from AISHE reports, UGC regulations, NAAC accreditation documents, institutional reports, and published scholarship on higher education governance in India. The analysis reveals significant disparities between public and private universities in HRM policies, infrastructure development, and governance cultures. Findings indicate that leadership styles, organisational structures, and resource allocation patterns play a critical role in shaping institutional effectiveness, faculty satisfaction, research productivity, and the overall learning environment. The study further identifies persistent challenges, including faculty shortages, contractualisation, funding limitations, and infrastructural gaps across several institutions. The paper concludes with policy recommendations that emphasize strategic leadership, evidence-based HRM, participatory governance, and sustainable resource management as essential pathways to improving institutional performance in Assam’s university ecosystem.

A green, eco-friendly method was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extract of P. microcephalum, which is rich in flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, triterpenes, and diterpenes. The extract showed a total phenolic content of 161.63 mg GAE/g. AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, DLS, and FE-SEM, revealing an average particle size of 16.70 nm (71.4% distribution; PDI: 0.794). Antibacterial assays showed concentration-dependent growth inhibition against MTCC 96, 4032, 2763, and 2960, with complete inhibition at 2–3 mg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were also determined, confirming the AgNPs’ strong antibacterial potential.

Background: Fear and Stigma associated with STDs are considered as an important barrier to STI/RTI prevention and implementation of intervention. This study explores the barriers to STI testing in Meghalaya from the perspective of spouses and other key informants. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional research design was used where quantitative and qualitative approach was adopted. Total three districts, namely East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya are purposely taken since they have the highest number of notified spouses’ low turnout. Total sample size was 118 spouses of clients attending DSRCs. Data was analysed using SPSS and Thematic analysis. Results: Of 89 (75%) notified spouses of clients attending DSRCs, only 3 (3%) did visited the DSRCs for testing, while 86 (97%) did not visited even after being notified. Among those not visited the DSRCs (n=86), 19% (n=16) were spouses of ANC clients and 81% (n=70) were spouses of general clients. The main barriers for not visiting the DSRC were due to unavailability of time (19%), stigma (17%) and fear of judgment if seen going for STI testing (16%). Conclusion: Encouraging legislative and policy frameworks sensitive to social need is vital. Promoting community sensitisation campaign keeping in mind cultural sensitivity will improve testing uptake. Keywords: STI/RTI, DSRCs, Barriers, Notified spouses for STI testing