SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: Dr. Bhavna, an experienced leader in education and innovation, has held various leadership positions, including head of department, dean of alumni relations, and president of the institutions innovation council. She has been instrumental in initiating the alumni cell at her previous organization and establishing world-class state-of-the-art laboratories in collaboration with the automotive sector. Aims: Dr. Bhavna's efforts aim to create an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship within the institute and beyond, encouraging learners to consider entrepreneurship as a career option and fostering innovation in the electronics manufacturing domain. Methods: Dr. Bhavna's approach involves raising awareness about innovation and entrepreneurship among learners, fostering collaborations between academia and industry, and establishing world-class state-of-the-art laboratories to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Results: Dr. Bhavna's efforts have resulted in a strong alumni network, with graduates across the globe contributing to various domains and positions. She has also established world-class laboratories in collaboration with the automotive sector, fostering innovation and startups in the electronics manufacturing domain. Discussions: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology plays a significant role in initiating innovations and startups in the electronics manufacturing domain. They have generated a separate vertical for startups, which poses challenges to innovators. If a solution is validated, the ministry handholds the innovators, incubates their ideas, funds them, and helps them reach the market at the national and international levels. Conclusions: Dr. Bhavna's vision and efforts toward fostering an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship within the institute and beyond are commendable. Her experience and achievements in various leadership roles, including as the head of the department and president of the institutions innovation council, have added significant value to her professional and personal life.

E-selectin, as identified (CD62E), is expressed on endothelial cells after stimulation with inflammation cytokines. β-Thalassemia diseases (βT) and early diagnosis are of utmost significance in the entire world population. This study was performed in the Thalassemia Center of the Al-Zahraa Educational Hospital in Al-Najaf Province, Iraq, on sixty-nine with β-thalassemia (54 βT major and 15 βT Intermedia) aged 8-40 years who transfused blood. Compared to 20 healthy volunteers as a control group. In both βT patients and healthy groups were assessed serum E-selectin levels. It was investigated the relationship with RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, PLT, BMI, splenic status, iron, and ferritin levels. The results revealed a significant (P<0.05) decreased values of HB, RBC, P.C.V, and BMI. In contrast, values of WBC, PLT, Iron, and Ferritin were significantly increased in βT patients as compared to the healthy control groups. A significant (P<0.05) increase in serum E- Selectin level in βT patients (20.55±0.47) ng/ml to compare with the healthy group (9.16±0.50) ng/ml. Furthermore, it was a significant decrease in groups of βT major (19.87±0.42) ng/ml more than in βT intermedia (23±1.42) ng/ml. E-Selectin revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) in progress age and associated with splenectomies and underweight groups compared to splenectomies and the normal weight groups, respectively. Also, E-Selectin levels significantly positively correlated with WBC, PLT value, iron, and Ferritin levels. However, it was no significant with RBC, PCV, Hb. As a conclusion from this study, E- Selectin is an important biomarker in β-thalassemia patients can be identified as the complications associated with iron overload, inflammatory process, and endothelial dysfunction in βT disease. 

Background: Scientific conferences play a vital role in knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines. Building on the success of its 2022 inaugural event, the Second Southern Science Conference (SSCON 2024) aimed to expand international scientific collaboration while addressing contemporary challenges in sustainability and research methodology. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid conference format in facilitating global scientific collaboration and to showcase cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation in Latin America. Methods: The conference implemented a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual attendance. Over three days, 38 lectures were presented by renowned researchers, covering key topics including materials science, environmental sustainability, chemical processes, and regional development. Participation metrics and collaboration patterns were analyzed to assess the conference's impact. Results: The conference achieved significant participation with 242 contributing authors from 13 countries across four continents. Notable research presentations included advances in laser surface modification techniques, geotechnology applications in biofuel production, sustainable silica synthesis from biomass, and green valorization of tropical seeds. The conference produced 66 approved papers, with most involving 2-5 collaborators. Discussion: The hybrid format proved effective in removing geographical barriers and promoting global engagement. The strong representation from Latin American institutions highlighted the region's growing influence in international scientific discourse. Key research presentations demonstrated innovative approaches to sustainability challenges, particularly in waste utilization and environmental technology. Conclusion: SSCON 2024 successfully evolved from its predecessor, demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid conferencing in fostering international scientific collaboration. The conference established itself as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, particularly in sustainability and technological innovation, while identifying areas for future improvement such as extended submission timelines and permanent management structures.