bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological Grading based on Tumor Margin according to BI-RADS Mammography in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ayasha Shabrinna , Mardiyana Lies , Utomo Budi , Ali Iskandar
Published: September 2024

Highlights:

The highest distribution of breast cancer patients’ age based on the 5-year age interval was 45- 49 years old.
There was no significant difference between tumor margin and age of breast cancer patients.
There was no significant difference between tumor margin and histopathological grade.

 
Abstract
Introduction: Mammography is an X-ray technique used to take images of the breast. It is the primary diagnostic method for breast tumors. Breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) classification is needed to determine benign or malignant masses by accessing the mass's shape, margin, density, and other features. However, the tumor margin is the most helpful one. This study aimed to know the difference in the distribution of tumor margin types in each histopathological grading in breast cancer patients.
Methods: This was an observational analytic study with a comparative approach using secondary data from medical records of patients with breast cancer at the radio diagnostic and anatomical pathology installation of Dr. Soetomo General Acadamic Hospital, Surabaya, from January 2017 to December 2021. All statistical data were performed using the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.
Results: Out of 235 cases, the highest distribution of breast cancer patients’ age interval was 45-49 years old (20.9%), the primary tumor margin type was spiculated (64.3%), and the highest distribution of histopathological grading was grade 3 (53.2%). There was no significant difference between tumor margin and age of breast cancer patients (p = 0.815), with spiculated tumor margin as the most common type in all age intervals. There was no significant difference (p = 0.163) in the distribution of tumor margin types in each histopathological grading, with spiculated tumor margin as the most common type in every grade.
Conclusion: There was no significant difference between tumor margin and age of breast cancer patients, and there was no significant difference between tumor margin and histopathological grading.
Effects of Clove Leaf Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) in Inhibiting Biofilm Formation on Candida albicans Isolate
Authors: Rifai Achmad , Endraswari Pepy Dwi , Setiawati Yuani , Koendhori Eko Budi
Published: September 2024

Highlights:

Candida albicans is capable of forming biofilm, which can lead to resistance to antifungal treatments.
Clove leaf essential oil contains eugenol, which can inhibit biofilm formation, making it a potential anti-biofilm agent.

 
Abstract
Introduction: Candida albicans has a virulence factor, like biofilm formation. Biofilm is a three-dimensional structure that plays a role in antimicrobial resistance, thus requiring antibiofilm agents to address this problem. One of them is clove leaf (S. aromaticum). S. aromaticum has active phytochemicals (eugenol, β-caryophyllene, and others) that can inhibit biofilm formation in microorganisms, including fungi. This study aimed to prove the effect and to find a concentration of clove leaf essential oil that affects the biofilm formation of C. albicans isolate.
Methods: This study used a microtiter plate with a two-fold dilution technique. The tested concentrations were 6.25%, 3.125%, and 1.5625%. The positive control was 200 µL of C. albicans biofilm suspension, and the negative control was 200 µL of tryptic soy broth (TSB) media, and all were repeated four times. The biofilm was observed using crystal violet and evaluated using optical density (O.D.). The O.D. data was analyzed statistically using the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.
Results: The O.D. of the isolate was 2.039, while the negative control was 0.349, indicating that the isolate was a strong biofilm former. The concentrations of 6.25%, 3.125%, and 1.5625% showed inhibition percentages of 8.533%, 17.214%, and 8.484%, respectively. The O.D. was found to be normally distributed but not homogeneous. The Kruskal-Wallis’s test was significant, and the Mann-Whitney test was not significant between test groups and positive control.
Conclusion: Clove leaf essential oil has inhibitory effects on C. albicans biofilm isolates. However, statistically, there was no significant difference between the test groups and the positive control.
Distributed model predictive control for unmanned aerial vehicles and vehicle platoon systems: a review
Authors: Peng Yang , Yan Huaicheng , Rao Kai , Yang Penghui , Lv Yunkai
Published: September 2024

This paper reviews the application of distributed model predictive control (DMPC) for autonomous intelligent systems (AIS) with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and vehicle platoon systems. DMPC is an optimal control method that formulates and solves optimization problems to adjust control strategies by predicting future states based on system models while managing constraints, and this technique has been applied to an increasing number of industrial areas. As the essential parts of AIS, UAVs and vehicle platoon systems have received extensive attention in the civil, industrial, and military fields. DMPC has the ability to quickly solve optimization problems in real-time while taking into account the prediction of the future state of the system, which fits in well with the ability of AIS to predict the environment when making decisions, so the application of DMPC in AIS has a natural advantage. This paper first introduces the basic principles of DMPC and the theoretical results in multi-agent systems (MASs). It then reviews the application of DMPC methods to UAVs and vehicle platoon systems. Finally, the challenges of the existing methods are summarized to offer insights to advance the future development of DMPC in practical applications.
Quelle(s) perspective(s) pour la filière LEA ?
Authors: Duchêne Nadia
Published: September 2024

Dans un contexte de profonde mutation écologique, économique et sociale, cet article propose une réflexion sur les finalités et les nouveaux enjeux de la formation LEA (Langues Étrangères Appliquées). À partir d’une analyse des éléments définitoires qui façonnent actuellement la filière aux contours parfois imprécis, nous tenterons d’identifier les tensions sémantiques perceptibles autour des notions telles que la compétence interculturelle ou encore les préfixes multi/pluri/inter et trans-disciplinarité qui participent au manque de lisibilité de la filière pour mettre en lumière ses spécificités. Puis, nous nous interrogerons sur l’articulation des enseignements et l’évolution souhaitable pour intégrer les enjeux socio-écologiques. Dans le sillage des réflexions menées il y a déjà quelques années, nous formulerons de modestes propositions pour une approche davantage systémique, interdisciplinaire, voire transversale de la formation LEA. Des pistes de réflexion sont proposées pour établir des ponts entre disciplines afin que le caractère dit « hybride » de la formation ne soit plus considéré comme une faiblesse, mais au contraire comme un atout face aux nouveaux défis.
Leveraging Climate Data for Dengue Forecasting in Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: An Advanced Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Tuan Dang Anh , Dang Tran Ngoc
Published: September 2024

Dengue fever is a persistent public health issue in tropical regions, including Vietnam, where climate variability plays a crucial role in disease transmission dynamics. This study focuses on developing climate-based machine learning models to forecast dengue outbreaks in Ba Ria Vung Tau (BRVT) province, Vietnam, using meteorological data from 2003 to 2022. We utilized four predictive models—Negative Binomial Regression (NBR), Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous Regressors (SARIMAX), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM)—to predict weekly dengue incidence. Key climate variables, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed, were integrated into these models, with lagged variables included to capture delayed climatic effects on dengue transmission. The NBR model demonstrated the best performance in terms of predictive accuracy, achieving the lowest Mean Absolute Error (MAE) compared to other models. The inclusion of lagged climate variables significantly enhanced the model’s ability to predict dengue cases. SARIMAX and LSTM models, although effective in capturing seasonal trends, struggled with overfitting and failed to accurately predict short-term outbreaks. XGBoost exhibited moderate predictive power but was sensitive to overfitting, particularly without fine-tuning. Our findings confirm that climate-based machine learning models, particularly the NBR model, offer valuable tools for forecasting dengue outbreaks in BRVT. However, improving the models’ ability to predict short-term peaks remains a challenge. The integration of meteorological data into early warning systems is crucial for public health authorities to plan timely and effective interventions. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on climate-based disease forecasting and underscores the need for further model refinement to address the complexities of dengue transmission in highly endemic regions.
Bivalent Fears of Evaluation in Social Anxiety: Evaluation of an Extended Psychoevolutionary Model
Authors: Bates Glen William , Apputhurai Pragalathan , Knowles Simon R
Published: September 2024

Fears of negative evaluation (FNE) and fears of positive evaluation (FPE) comprise a bivalent model of evaluation that can explain the etiology and maintenance of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). In this study we examined an extended version of this model developed by Cook et al. [1] which incorporates two related cognitive processes (concerns about reprisal and discounting of positive outcomes) as partial mediators of the effects of FNE and FPE. We built on earlier work by including a broader measure of social anxiety and comparing models for groups of participants with and without probable SAD. Structural equation modelling was utilized to test the model in a sample of 890 university students (74.8% female, mean age 29.49). We replicated the findings of Cook et al. in the overall sample and in the group with probable SAD. FNE and FPE predicted social anxiety directly and were serially mediated by concerns about reprisal and discounting positive outcomes. The model was also a good fit for those without SAD, however, in that model, FNE was no longer a direct predictor of social anxiety. The findings confirm the utility of the extended bivalent model and have implications for psychoevolutionary accounts of social anxiety.
Peptidergic GPCRs Signaling Systems and Cancer: Into New Pharmacological Approaches.
Authors: Rodriguez Francisco David , Coveñas Rafael
Published: September 2024

Peptidergic GPCR systems are broadly distributed in the human body and regulate numerous physiological processes by activating complex networks of intracellular biochemical events responsible for cell regulation and survival. Their failure due to overaction, ill-function, or blockade gives rise to cell disturbances, eventually causing disease if compensatory mechanisms do not suffice. Revision of updated experimental research provided an evident relationship associating peptidergic GPCR malfunction with tumor formation and maintenance resulting from uncontrolled cell proliferation and migration, colonization, inhibition of apoptosis or altered metabolism, and increased angiogenesis in tumoral tissues. Determination of the implication of GPCR peptide signaling in specific neoplasia is crucial to designing tailored pharmacological treatments to counteract or dismantle the origin of the signaling circuitry causing cellular disruption. In some cases, particular ligands for these receptors may serve as concomitant treatments to aid other pharmacological or physical approaches to eradicate neoplasias.
Beyond the Surface: Cell Cycle Targeting in Skin Cancer Treatment
Authors: Alrashed Sami , Nadi Ali , Dinescu Stephanie , Rodzinka Alexander , Jaworski Christopher , Bakos Adam , Tayfour Sami , Tan Jerry , Turley Eva , Lubanska Dorota , Porter Lisa
Published: September 2024

Skin cancers, including melanoma, and non-melanoma- cutaneous basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, are a diverse group of malignancies characterized by variations in their molecular and cellular features. Melanoma is a highly heterogenous tumor characterized by the dysregulation of a myriad of cell-cycle associated signaling pathways. In the non-melanoma skin cancers, such as cutaneous basal and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the role of cyclin-dependent kinases and cyclins remains poorly understood with relatively limited investigation. Although revolutionary therapies against diverse molecular targets have been introduced over the last decade leading to significant prognostic benefit, advanced stages of melanoma remain exceptionally difficult to treat. The three cancers are united by evidence of stem-like, cancer initiating cell populations which dictate highly dynamic microenvironments and rely on disrupted cell cycle signaling to support treatment resistance and cancer progression. Potential of cell cycle targeting in skin cancer in underexplored in terms of identification of specific mechanisms supporting the maintenance of skin cancer stem cell pools and could offer potential targets to advance the therapy in these malignancies. In this review, we comprise the existing data on major cell of cell cycle regulators in skin cancer, the regulation of cancer stem cells and most recent developments and limitations surrounding cell cycle-targeted therapies, with a focus on the application of CDK inhibitors.
Isolation and Characterization of Indigenous Acetobacter Strains from Cashew Apple and Their Potential Use as Vinegar Producers in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Ouattara Yaya Anianhou , Soro Doudjo , Fossou Romain Kouakou , Yebouet Ahou Cinthia Ines , Cissé Ismael Abraham , Akissi Marius Dogbo , Zézé Adolphe , Assidjo Emmanuel , Yao Benjamin Kouassi
Published: September 2024

Côte d’Ivoire has the main cashew tree culture area worldwide, but the cashew apple produced is still underutilized although its potential for industry. In the present study, the aim was to isolate and identify acetic acid bacterial strains, and to assess their potential use for cashew apple-based vinegar production. Vinegar mother from fermented juice was used to isolate acetic acid bacteria on a standard glucose-based medium. Physiological and biochemical tests followed by 16S rRNA gene analysis and phylogeny were used for isolate characterization. Moreover, their acetic acid production capacity was assessed. As results, five (05) strains of the Acetobacter genus were isolated. Phenotypic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that four of them, namely OYA2, OYA6, OYA9, and OYA10, belong to A. tropicalis / A. senegalensis species complex with 99,7% or 100% similarity. The last strain, OYA7, match to A. syzygii (99,7%). All the isolates were resistant to 15° alcohol (v/v) and grew well between pH 5.0 and 6.5. Their optimal growth temperatures varied between 27°C and 37°C, and only isolate OYA6 grows up to 40°C. They produced vinegar with yield (Yp/s , g/g) varying from 0.82 to 0.92, and acetic acid content (g/L) of 80.67 ± 2.1, 70.26 ± 0.9, 70.11 ± 1.7, 68.70 ± 1.5 and 67.22 ± 0.40 were obtained with OYA6, OYA7, OYA2, OYA10, and OYA9, respectively. Thus, the isolate OYA6 appeared as the best candidate for vinegar production, owing to its superior yield and thermotolerance ability that need to be further explored for industry use purpose.
The Application of the Binary Logistic Regression Model in Examining the Effects of Input Factor Allocation on Tangerine Production: Empirical Evidence from Selayar Islands Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Abdushamad Abdushamad , Salam Muslim , Tenriawaru A. Nixia , Jamil Muhammad Hatta , Rukmana Didi , Hamid Nurdjanah , Kamarulzaman Nitty Hirawaty , Rahmadanih Rahmadanih , Heliawaty Heliawaty , Busthanul Nurbaya , Syam Siti Hardiyanti , Muslim Ahmad Imam , Ridwan Muhammad
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to examine the effects of the input factor allocation on tangerine production in Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi Province. Binary logistic regression was the data analysis method utilized to achieve the research objective. Based on the findings, it was found that the factors of length of education, farmer group membership, farm distance, labor, pesticides, herbicides, urea fertilizer, manure, and NPK fertilizer all had a significant impact on the output of tangerines in farming. Factors such as education duration, participation in farmer groups, labor availability, and the use of herbicides, urea fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, and manure all positively and significantly impact tangerine farm production. However, the distance between farms and insecticide application imposes a substantial negative effect on tangerine yields. These results suggest that the tangerine farmers at the research site should increase their production by learning farming management, joining farmer groups, cultivating additional land, and using more urea, NPK, and manure. Pesticide application optimization can also boost tangerine production. In addition, farmers need a mix of conventional and organic fertilizers and limited pesticide use to stay productive.
Effects of Fermentation Time on Physicochemical Properties of Finger Millet Flour Batter
Authors: Ariti Kebede Dida , Teferra Tadesse Fikire
Published: September 2024

In the World one of the main issues with public health is the lack of fermented cereal grain. One of the solutions is understanding the physicochemical properties of millet grains is optimizing their processing and fermentation. This study examines the effects of fermentation time on the physicochemical properties of finger millet flour batter, using four varieties: Axum, Meba, Padet, and Quncho Teff. Batters were fermented for 24, 48, and 72 hours at room temperature. The pH decreased from 5.8 to 4.5, while titratable acidity (TA%) increased from 0.5% to 1.2%. Viscosity decreased significantly from 420 cP to 190 cP over 72 hr. The number of eyes (NOE) increased from 170 to 240 eyes per 2x2 cm², indicating enhanced porosity. Sensory attributes (SAI%) improved, reflecting better acceptability. These results confirm that fermentation time significantly influences the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of finger millet flour batter, enhanced quality for finger millet-based food products.
Implementation of an Improved 100 CMM Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer to Reduce VOCs Gas
Authors: YOON DAL HWAN
Published: September 2024

: In this paper, we present an improved 100CMM regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) designed for low-emission combustion, capable of processing over 95% of volatile organic compound (VOC) gas emissions at generating sites. The existing RTO system features a cylindrical drum structure that cyclically introduces and discharges VOC gas into a rotating disk, achieving excellent energy efficiency with a heat recovery rate exceeding 95%. However, the driving force exerted on the rotating disk in the RTO combustion chamber causes increased wear around the rotating shaft, leading to untreated gas being released through the outlet due to the channeling phenomenon. Additionally, prolonged use can result in operational issues such as rotation stoppages or explosions caused by pollutant discharge, dust accumulation, and thermal expansion at high temperatures of up to 800°C. To address these challenges, we designed an enhanced rotating plate drive unit while ensuring the stable operation of the RTO combustion chamber. Considering that the combustion chamber can reach temperatures of up to 920°C when processing high-concentration VOC gas, the gas burner has been designed with a diameter of 125 mm, and the outlet dimensions are set to 650 mm x 650 mm to effectively discharge high-temperature waste heat. The heat storage material in the combustion chamber is configured with a ceramic block thickness, and the outer diameter and height of the combustion chamber are set at 250 mm, 2,530 mm, and 1,875 mm, respectively, to optimize the gas residence time and the insulation material thickness. Empirical experiments were conducted to analyze changes in VOC removal efficiency, nitrogen oxide emission concentration, and total hydrocarbon (THC) concentration, ultimately evaluating the economic performance of the 100CMM RTO.
Deciphering the Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Cirsium japonicum by Combining Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and In Vitro Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Wang Jiaxue , Tao Hui , Wang Zhenlong , An Wei , Zhao Ya , Han Bing , Wang Jinquan , Sun Xiuzhu , Wang Xiumin
Published: September 2024

Cirsium japonicum, a traditional herb, exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity; however, the main components and potential mechanisms of C. japonicum remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Cirsium japonicum through network pharmacology and cellular experiments. The effective components and potential targets for anti-inflammatory activity of C. japonicum were identified using traditional Chinese medicine systematic pharmacology database, TCMSP analysis platform, and GeneCards database. The drug-component-target-disease network diagram was constructed using Cytoscape3.8.0 software, while the protein interaction network diagram was created using STRING database and Cytoscape3.8.0 software. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were carried out using DAVID database. Molecular docking between key targets and active components was constructed with AutoDock software to determine the best binding target. Results revealed that 14 active components of C. japonicum targeted 171 anti-inflammatory proteins. GO function enrichment analysis yielded 173 items, while KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 48 signaling pathways related to inflammation regulation. Molecular docking showed that strong affinity between sitosterol, stigmasterol, and other components with key targets such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α recombinant protein (PPARA) and cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2). Vanillin, one active ingredient of C. japonicum, inhibited the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 cells. These findings suggest that C. japonicum may exert its anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt) signal pathway (PI3K-Akt) and apoptin signal pathway, highlighting the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel molecular mechanism underlying its anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, the anti-inflammatory effect of vanillin, an effective component in C. japonicum, was verified by cell experiments. This study provides a new understanding of the pharmacological mechanisms of C. japonicum in treatment of inflammatory conditions.
Effectiveness of Three Front-of-Pack Food Labels in Guiding Consumer Identification of Nutrients of Concern and Purchase Intentions in Kenya: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mohamed Shukri F , Karugu Caroline H , Iddi Samuel , Ojiambo Veronica , Kirui Caliph , Asiki Gershim
Published: September 2024

Background: Front-of-pack-labels (FOPLs) on packaged foods provide consumers with essential information about the nutritional content of food products, enabling them to make informed choices and align their dietary habits with their health goals. However, evidence on the comprehensibility, use, and effectiveness of FOPLs remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Kenya. Objective: In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of three FOPLs in helping consumers identify excess nutrients of concern in packaged food products and their potential influence on food purchases in Kenya. Methods: A total of 2198 shoppers with diverse backgrounds were recruited from selected supermarkets in three Kenyan main cities (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu) and a small town (Garissa). Participants were randomized to three FOPLs: Red and green Octagon label (RG), Red and Green Octagon with icons (RGI) and a black Octagon Warning label (WL). In the control phase, participants were shown unlabeled images of packaged food products and they responded to a set of questions. In the experimental phase, the same product images were presented with one of the three front-of-pack labels they were randomized to, and participants answered the same questions again. Differences in the proportions of participants correctly identifying the nutrients of concern and the changes in intention to purchase unhealthy foods before and after exposure to FOPLs were analyzed using frequency tables and Chi-Square tests. The effectiveness of the three FOPLs was further assessed using a modified Poisson regression. Results: Results showed that exposure to FOPLs significantly improvement participants' ability to correctly identify nutrients of concern across various food categories. Additionally, FOPLs reduced consumers’ intentions to purchase unhealthy foods, with the Warning Labels (WL) emerging as particularly effective in enhancing consumers' understanding of product healthiness and reducing the intention to purchase unhealthy foods compared to the other two FOPLs. Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential role of FOPLs, particularly the WL as an effective regulatory tool for promoting healthier food choices in Kenya.
Hypertension-Tachycardia Duet in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Is It Due to Catecholamine Hypersecretion, Highlighting a Gap of Literature
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine , Khraisat Bann , Sourial Christeen
Published: September 2024

Patients with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) commonly present with tachycardia and or hypertension. There is little focus in the literature on the pathogenesis of this duet. It is currently established that ALL are catecholamine-secreting cells, and this means that ALL might induce hypertension and tachycardia via catecholamine hypersecretion. Proving the latter hypothesis can help in better treatment of ALL associated inappropriate tachycardia and systemic hypertension using combined alpha and beta blockers.
A Review of Photonic Real-Time Signal Processing
Authors: Moss David
Published: September 2024

The simultaneous progress of integrated op- tical frequency comb (OFC) and radio frequency (RF) photonic signal processing technique have promoted the rapid development of real-time signal processing. Integrated optical frequency comb offer multiple wave- lengths as a powerful source for RF photonic sig- nal transversal filter. Here, we review development of real-time signal processing system consisting of inte- grated OFC and RF photonic signal transversal filter in chronological order, and focus on the applications of this system such as differentiator, integrator, Hilbert transformer, and image processor. We also discuss and present our outlook on more parallel functions and fur- ther integration of real-time signal processing system.
From Mechanical Machining Technology: A New Solution that Integrates Blades to the Implant to Control the Stress to the Peri-Implant Cortical Bone
Authors: Ferri Mauro , Guzzo Marco , Omori Hiroyuki , Hazama Yuma , Masotta Nicodemo Vittorio , Daniele Botticelli
Published: September 2024

Background: To prevent excessive compression of the cortical layer, which can lead to marginal bone loss, various companies have introduced specialized drills. However, these drills often lack the necessary precision, as the operator’s hand may not be stable enough to prevent ovalization and over-widening, nor precise enough to maintain coaxial alignment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a device capable of achieving calibrated cortical preparation in terms of both dimension and coaxiality. Methods: A machining technology based on drilling principles was employed to create the device. Results: Nine blades were incorporated between the transmucosal neck and the implant threads, enabling the blades to cut the cortical bone coaxially during the implant insertion process. Conclusions: The implant with integrated blades was engineered to facilitate precise cortical bone preparation, ensuring both accurate dimensions and coaxial alignment. This ensures that the radial compressive stresses transmitted from the implant to the peri-implant bone during surgery can be precisely controlled. The experimental study outcomes discussed in this article validate the effectiveness of the implant design.
Harnessing Quorum Sensing for Advanced Biotechnological Applications: Intra- and Inter-Species Communication for Synthetic Biology and Disease Control
Authors: Tuan Dang Anh , Uyen Pham Vu Nhat , Binh Ly An , Nhan Ngo Vo Thien , Hung Le Trung , Trinh Nguyen , Linh Nguyen Duc , Masak Jan
Published: September 2024

Quorum sensing (QS) is a sophisticated bacterial cell-to-cell communication mechanism that allows bacteria to sense population density through the secretion and detection of diffusible small molecular signals. This process leads to the coordinated expression of specific genes at the transcriptional level. Over time, continuous research has elucidated the genetic elements and regulatory principles of QS. Recently, synthetic biology has leveraged these insights to construct genetic circuits incorporating QS components, enabling both intra-species and inter-species artificial communication. These QS-based genetic circuits hold significant potential for applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. This paper reviews several well-characterized microbial QS systems and their functional roles, while also introducing the application of QS-based genetic circuits in cellular communication across species. The paper further discusses the role of QS in the development of biological computing tools, population density regulation, and metabolic flux control, offering a forward-looking perspective on future advancements. For intra-species communication, the focus is on the use of QS systems in constructing biological computing tools, including toggle switches, biosensors, and logic gates in synthetic biology. These tools, designed on the QS mechanism, can more precisely coordinate cellular behavior by integrating biological control circuits to achieve spatial, temporal, and population-level regulation. In the context of inter-species communication, the introduction of QS systems plays a pivotal role in population density control and metabolic flow regulation. By recombining metabolic networks, QS enables the redistribution of metabolic flux in desired pathways, facilitating the regulation of population density and the co-culture of mixed strains. Moreover, combining QS with oscillator models has shown great potential in synchronizing microbial communities. In summary, in-depth research into QS mechanisms and their applications not only lays a solid foundation for understanding microbial ecological competition and dynamic balance, but also offers promising avenues for regulating pathogenic bacteria and developing innovative disease control strategies.
H-SVEST- Validation of the Hebrew Version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool
Authors: Cohen Rinat , Sela Yael , Catz Or , Nissanholtz Gannot Rachel
Published: September 2024

Adverse medical events not only harm patients and families, but also cause significant negative impact on healthcare providers, with potential to compromise future professional functioning. These “second victims” may need organizational support and rehabilitation to return to functionality. We analyzed the validity of an adapted tool, the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST), to a population in Israel, H-SVEST. The H-SVEST was completed by 172 nurse participants working in a variety of patient care settings. The H-SVEST was assessed for content validity, internal consistency, and construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The CFA run on the initial model with 10 factors and 36 items did not meet criteria for goodness of fit. After removing five items based on their low factor loadings and the correlation, The model fit significantly improved with acceptable CFI, TLI, RMSEA, and SRMR; χ2(389) =626.939, p<.001; χ2/df=1.61; TLI=0.901; CFI=0.917; RMSEA [90% CI]=0.060 [0.051, 0.068]; SRMR=0.064. The final version included 31 items and 10 factors with Cronbach α values ranging from 0.66 to 0.94. The H-SVEST demonstrates robust psychometric properties and valuable insights into the second victim experience in the Israeli context. Comparative analysis with other versions highlights potential cultural influences and areas for further investigation. Implementing this tool and developing evidence-based interventions based on its results can significantly improve well-being and resilience of healthcare providers in Israel and other countries with diverse cultural populations. This study was not registered.
A Systematic Review of Trauma Informed Care in Substance Use Settings
Authors: Mahon Daryl
Published: September 2024

Purpose: Trauma informed care as an organisational intervention has gained increasing attention in recent years. Substance use settings may be overrepresented with service users who have experienced trauma and adversity. This systematic review will examine the effectiveness of trauma informed care as an organisational intervention from an implementation perspective.

Methods: The preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Three databases were searched; Academic Search Complete, Embase, and Scopus, supplemented with a Google Scholar search. Articles were included if they were peer reviewed in the English language from inception to February 2024 and reported on trauma informed care in substance use settings with an implementation context. Quality appraisal was conducted with the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool.

Results: This systematic review of trauma informed care with implementation domains in substance use settings included (N=15) studies reporting on 12 datasets. Studies were classified as low quality in (n=5), moderate in (n=1) and high in (n=6). Studies reported positive findings on reductions in substance use, and reductions on mental health and trauma symptoms, and treatment retention across community and residential settings. While satisfaction with services provided was also highlighted for service users and employees. The results further highlight the importance of the role of leadership across implementation domains, and the possibility of using the 10 trauma informed implementation domains in different treatment contexts as a framework to support implementation. Findings in this review are mapped onto these 10-trauma informed care implementation domains and reported as a narrative synthesis.

Conclusion: Trauma informed care is a promising organisational wide intervention with the potential to improve outcomes for service users and employees. Implementation can be supported by using the 10 trauma informed care implementation domains described in this review. However, most of the studies were qualitative and quantitative descriptive meaning drawing casual inferences is difficult. As such, further research should be undertaken.
Curly Hair Follicle is Sculpted by a Contracted Arrector Pili Muscle. A Hypothesis with Treatment Implications
Authors: Al Jasim Nedaa
Published: September 2024

The enormous diversity of hair fibers found in human population is striking, while the basic structure of human fibers is often the same! But why do some fibers curl? Curling is related to the machinery and processes that produce different keratin filament orientation in relation to the axis of hair growth, influenced by developmental and molecular control. It is established that a curly hair shaft is produced by a curved hair follicle that have an angulated dermal implantation, with a bulb bent in the shape of golf club, while the outer root sheath is dissymmetrical; have an outer side that is convex bulging and thin and a concave side in which the cells express alpha-smooth muscle protein reflecting internal mechanical force. Yet, the exact cause of hair curling is not known. All the previous studies were short of impacting curly hair treatment. My hypothesis is that the curling mechanical force is generated by a hypersensitive contracted Arrector Pili muscle (APM) of the hair follicle. In curly hair, each APM fiber is shortened; pulling its attachment spot upward towards the epidermis and obliquely or laterally; curling the outer root sheath to produce the curved follicle described above. This contraction has the influence at a time when the young hair root is being formed and keratin microfibrils are being oriented and packed. APM is a multi-unit muscle wherein each fiber contracts independently to create the enormous diversity of curly hair types. APM contraction can be modulated by oral administration of selective smooth muscle relaxing treatment that relax the curved follicle from within. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of APM in shaping curly hair follicle including AI studies, i.e., computer-aided target identification to demonstrate APM active site that can interact with herbal small molecules.
Metabolic Reprogramming Induced by Aging Modifies the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Huang Chen , Chen Xingyu , Wang Zihan , Zhu Bo , Deng Min , Qiu Jiayue , Feng Yunwen , Ding Ning
Published: September 2024

Aging is the important risk factor for tumorigenesis. Metabolic reprogramming is hallmark of both aging and tumor initiation. However, how the crosstalk between aging and metabolic reprogramming affects the tumor microenvironment (TME) to promote tumorigenesis was poorly explored. We utilized a computational approach proposed by our previous work, termed as MMP3C (Modeling Metabolic Plasticity by Pathway Pairwise Comparison), to depict age-related metabolic plasticity using pan-cancer bulk RNA-seq data. Through MMP3C analysis across 17 age-related cancer types, a high metabolic organized heterogeneity was found across those cancer types. Subsequent analysis revealed a higher degree of glycolysis and impaired oxidative phosphorylation in older patients. Similar phenomenon was also observed at the single cell resolution. Many energy generation pathways, i.e., TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation were weakened in activated T cells and macrophages, while it increased in exhausted T cells, immunosuppressive macrophages, and Tregs in older patients. It was suggested that aging-induced metabolic switches alter the utilization of glucose, thereby influencing immune function and resulting in the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. This study provides new insights into the associations between tumor metabolism and TME mediated by aging, linking with novel strategies for cancer therapy.
Formalizing and Simulating the Token Aspects of Blockchain-based Research Collaboration Platform using Game Theory
Authors: Udokwu Chibuzor
Published: September 2024

Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) need a platform that actively enables collaboration with Research institutions and consultants since SMEs lack the financial resources to conduct independent research. Such a platform will require a verifiable manipulation-free system for enabling, executing, and recording collaboration activities and tracking reputations among the organizations and individuals that use the platform. Blockchain provides an opportunity to build such a collaborative platform by enabling the verifiable recording of outcomes from collaborations, aggregating the resulting reputation of the collaborating parties, and offering tokenised incentives for rewarding positive contributions to the platform. Cryptocurrencies from which blockchain-based tokens are highly unstable, thereby, reducing business organisations’ interest in blockchain applications. Hence, there is a need to design a self-sustaining valuable token model that incentivises user behaviours that positively contribute to the platform. This paper explores the application of game theory in analyzing token-based economic interactions between the various groups of users in a blockchain-based collaboration platform to design and simulate a token distribution system that provides a fair reward mechanism for the users while also providing a dynamic pricing model for the utility value provided by the platform tokens. Furthermore, the paper analyzed potential risks on the token model design and propose mitigation strategies.
Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 2 (IDO2): The Protein That Lived Twice
Authors: Suvieri Chiara , Belladonna Maria Laura , Volpi Claudia
Published: September 2024

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and IDO2, originated from gene duplication before vertebrate diver-gence. While IDO1 has a well-defined role in immune regulation, the biological role of IDO2 remains unclear. Discovered in 2007, IDO2 is located near the IDO1 gene. Because of their high sequence similarity, IDO2 was initially thought to be a tryptophan (Trp)-degrading enzyme like IDO1. Differently from what expected, IDO2 displays extremely low catalytic activity toward Trp. Nevertheless, many studies, often contradictory, tried to demonstrate that IDO2 modulates immune responses by catabolizing Trp into kynurenine, a hypothesis un-convincing and, let’s say, linked to the first life of IDO2. Here, we review its “new life”, the one in which IDO2 has a functional role beyond Trp metabolism. The IDO2’s evolutionary persistence across species, despite be-ing almost inactive as an enzyme, suggests it has some relevant biological importance. IDO2 expression in human normal cells is poor, but significant in various cancers, with two prevalent SNPs. Overall, the com-parison of IDO2 to IDO1 as a Trp-degrading enzyme may have led to misunderstandings about IDO2’s true physiological and pathological roles. New insights suggest that IDO2 might function more as a signaling molecule, particularly in cancer contexts, and further studies could reveal its potential as a target for cancer therapy.
Artificial Intelligence in Business History Analysis: Implications for Contemporary Management and Ethical Leadership
Authors: Frimpong Victor
Published: September 2024

The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the way historical data is interpreted, uncovering previously unseen trends and fundamentally altering modern management practices. This shift has significantly impacted the analysis of business history and leadership studies. However, there is still a notable gap in research regarding the effects of AI-driven reinterpretations of historical events on contemporary business strategies, leadership frameworks, and ethical considerations. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the methodologies and implications of AI in business history analysis, focusing on case studies of Walmart and JPMorgan Chase. Integrating foundational theories such as evolutionary theory, path dependency, transformational, and authentic leadership reveals how AI-driven insights can refine strategic planning, advance leadership development, and promote equitable management practices. It also highlights the ethical challenges in using AI for historical analysis, particularly the risks of perpetuating existing biases. Findings indicate that AI's capacity to analyze large volumes of historical data significantly reshapes our understanding of business evolution and leadership effectiveness. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for adopting ethical AI practices, outlining future research directions, including developing AI models for contextual analysis and exploring AI’s role in promoting diverse leadership models. This research advances academic discourse by providing a theory-driven framework for leveraging AI in business history and leadership studies. It underscores AI's transformative potential and complex implications for future business practices.
Analisis Tindak Tutur Direktif dalam Film Pendek Unggah-Ungguh
Authors: Aruni Lavania Indira , Wijayanti Kenfitria Diah , Rahmat Rahmat
Published: September 2024

Directive speech acts are one of the parts studied in pragmatics which discusses how an utterance gives influence to others. Based on that, this research aims to explain the form and function of directive speech acts in Unggah-Ungguh short movie. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative with pragmatic approach. The data of this research are phrases, and sentences in the short movie Unggah-Ungguh. The data were collected using document analysis technique. The sequence of this research is preparation, data collection, and compilation. This research found the use of six types of directive speech acts, namely 1) Requestives with the function of begging, asking, praying, inviting. 2) Questions with the function of asking. 3) Requirements with the functions of ordering, directing, commanding, and expecting. 4) Prohibitives with the function of prohibiting. 5) Permission with the functions of allowing, permitting, and approving. 6) Advice with the functions of advising, admonishing, and proposing.
Implementasi Ajaran Asah Asih Asuh Pada Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Dalam Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Jawa
Authors: Utami Tias Fitri , Hanafi Usman , Insani Nur Hanifah
Published: September 2024

Differentiated learning as an answer to fulfill the needs of students who each have their own uniqueness is one manifestation of the implementation of the among system which includes the asah, asih and asuh methods. This kind of learning is carried out to inrease intellectual insight and knowledge so that it works according to the diversity of students through learning that does not force and guides students according to their respective diversity. This research aims is to know the implementation of the teachings of asah, asih and asuh in the implementation of differentiated learning specifically for Javanese language subjects. he research method used is qualitative in the nature of a library research (Library Research). Data collection techniques in this research is literature study and documentation techniques. The results of the research show that the application of differentiated learning in Javanese language subjects is in line with the among system concept coined by Ki Hadjar Dewantara regarding the concept of asah, asih, with the explanation as (1) the concept of asah in differentiated learning in Javanese language subjects aimed at increasing insight into the Javanese language. in accordance with the development of science based on the diversity of students (2) the concept of asih in differentiated learning of Javanese language subjects is demonstrated in the teacher's learning process according to the needs of students, (3) the concept of asuh in differentiated learning of Javanese language subjects is demonstrated by the way the teacher guides the participants educate according to their diversity by applying three aspects of differentiated learning.