bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay between power structure and decision-making in supply chains: A systematic review
Authors: Nurhayati Kartika , Rezaei Jafar , Tavasszy Lóránt
Published: November 2023

This study provides a systematic review of the literature and a conceptual framework of the interplay between power structure and supply chain decision-making. This systematic review studies 281 research papers published in peer-reviewed journals between the year 1994-2020 and uses content analysis and network visualization of major themes and keywords. Thematic analysis was conducted to examine growing discussion in the literature and to identify research gaps. The findings of this review highlight the component of power structure across business-to-business (B2B) relationships, including its impact on companies’ decision-making. Past literature indicates that power, originating from various sources, could be deliberately exploited and exercised by a company to influence the process and outcome of supply chain decisions. The findings demonstrate the mechanics of power and the prevalent domains of decision that are discussed in the organizational power literature: pricing, quality management, sustainability, alliance building, sourcing, investment, inventory, product development and power shifting efforts. The main contribution of this paper is that it provides a critical synthesis of the role of power structure in supply chain decision-making, identifying 7 novel themes and related future research avenues. For managers and decision-makers, this study helps to raise situational awareness to comprehend power structures among supply chain collaborators. This awareness may help managers to identify threats to and opportunities for future supply chain decisions.
A review of the research developments on inventory management of growing items
Authors: Pourmohammad-Zia Nadia
Published: November 2023

Growth outlines the behavior of a class of inventories whose weight and size increase during their storage. Fast-growing young animals such as broiler chickens, ducks, and calves are examples of this class, prevalent in many food industries. Despite their presence in various food supply chains, studying these items in the context of inventory control, supply chain, and operations management is still in its early stage. This study provides the essential grounds of the knowledge in this area and further reviews the related research developments to provide the researchers with clear insights into the structure of the current literature, its main gaps, and promising directions for future research. In order to guarantee the comprehensiveness of our review, we have incorporated a systematic search procedure to identify the relevant literature. Through this procedure, 23 papers were identified that were used in our further analysis throughout the paper. Our investigations show that the literature on growing inventories is very confined, and this body of the literature gets even more limited when it comes to the problems in the context of the supply chain. Our findings introduce the topic as a promising direction in inventory and supply chain management with high potential for insightful future research works.
Supplier segmentation: A systematic literature review
Authors: Fallah Lajimi Hamidreza , Majidi Sara
Published: November 2023

Supplier Segmentation is one of the key activities of supplier relationship management (SRM) for companies with a large number of suppliers. It involves dividing the suppliers into a manageable number of segments, to formulate SRM strategies for the various segments, rather than for each individual supplier. In recent years, supplier segmentation has drawn the attention of a number of researchers. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of existing literature on supplier segmentation and identify the future trend in this research area using a combination of Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Citation Network Analysis (CNA). After determining the search protocol and paper selection indexes, 52 papers were eventually selected, and analyzed, in accordance with the steps proposed in the SLR and CNA methods. The results show that researchers tend to favor the portfolio-involvement approach and decision-making techniques in supplier segmentation research domain. A comprehensive analysis of the studies made it possible to distill the future research trend. This research area requires further study involving the supply chain paradigms, the impact of supplier segmentation on performance, and the analysis of the supplier relationship management as a whole, with supplier segmentation being one of its components.
Balancing and variable reduction of firm bankruptcy data
Authors: Olson David L. , Chae Bongsug
Published: November 2023

Financial stress experienced by supply chain elements causes stress to all members. Predictive data mining is a common tool for predicting bankruptcy. Bankruptcy often involves highly imbalanced datasets with a large number of potential variables, with bankrupt firms being by far the minority case. This study uses data from four studies of firm bankruptcy and examines the impact of data balancing and variable selection on model accuracy. The models used are random forest and gradient boosting based on decision trees, logistic regression, neural networks, and support vector machines. Two machine learning methods are used to trim the number of variables. Stepwise regression and entropy from decision trees are used to generate reduced variable sets. The complexity parameter was used to set levels on number of variables using the entropy (decision tree) option. The impact of reducing variables is examined. Error metrics used were type I and type II error (sensitivity and specificity), overall average error (accuracy), and area under the recall curve (AuC). The average error of extreme gradient boosting and random forest models was found to be better than support vector machines, which had a slight advantage over logistic regression and neural networks. Variable reduction was found to lead to mixed results with respect to relative accuracy. Overall accuracy increased with slight reduction in the number of variables (using stepwise regression), but deteriorated as the number of variables was reduced to the smaller number of variables. The experiments into balancing found that unbalanced data had high error rates, which dropped a great deal with even 10 percent balancing, but balancing beyond 10 percent was found to provide little additional accuracy.
Sustainable and resilient supplier selection: the case of an Indonesian coffee supply chain
Authors: Rahmawati Dwi Uli , Salimi Negin
Published: November 2023

Supplier selection has become one of the core elements of supply chain management because suppliers affect a company's bottom line and supply chain performance directly. Supplier selection is a complex decision-making process that includes multiple criteria and a set of supplier alternatives. This study integrates the dimensions of sustainability and resilience into the supplier selection process. The aim is to propose a systematic supplier selection framework to help companies categorize suppliers based on their sustainability and resilience performance and select the ones that perform well on those two dimensions. We use a novel multi-criteria decision-making method (MCDM), the Best-Worst Method (BWM), to solve the complex decision-making process of coffee supplier selection in a local roastery in Indonesia. The data was collected from two groups: experts regarding the coffee supply chain in Indonesia and a decision-maker at a coffee roastery in Indonesia. The result shows that the economic criteria for sustainability performance and risk reduction criteria for resilience performance are the most important supplier selection criteria for both groups. There are no significant differences between the importance evaluations of criteria by both group of experts, which indicates that the supplier selection process of the company aligns with the expert perspective.
Port call information sharing and inter-organizational relationships: an exploration
Authors: Nikghadam Shahrzad , Rezaei Jafar , Tavasszy Lori
Published: November 2023

Ports have been taking major steps to improve information sharing for supporting their port call services. Despite the strong aspiration for this improvement, progress is still slow. In this paper, we argue that the progress is hampered by the challenges of an inter-organizational nature. To explore this argument, we conceptualize the link between inter-organizational relationships and information sharing in ports. We use and operationalize the partnership model, which was originally proposed for the supply chains, for the port context. We test the applicability of the model for the port of Rotterdam. Data was collected using desk research, expert interviews and surveys amongst all port actors.  We find that potential for inter-organizational relationships varies substantially between the port actors, which implies an unequal potential for information sharing between them. While some actors show potential for strong relationships, in which two-way frequent exchange of information is supported, others could only support basic, occasional, or unbalanced information sharing. Therefore, it is unrealistic to assume that the information can be uniformly exchanged between all the actors. Instead, we suggest tailored information-sharing strategies that fit to actors’ business interests and characteristics. We conclude that this salient aspect of inter-organizational relationships between port actors should be acknowledged and considered for the effective design of port development strategies.
Teat Health and Mastitis in Buffalo
Authors: Singh S.V. , Singh J.P. , Srivastava D.P. , Yadav Vibha , Niyogi D. , Josh R.K. , Yadav Dinesh , Gupta Rakesh
Published: November 2023

Background: With a focus on the teat end microbiota and their molecular characterisation, the goal of the current study is to determine how teat health characteristics affect the development of this condition. Methods: Total 100 lactating dairy buffaloes of different parity were screened for mastitis. A battery of tests, including the California mastitis test (CMT), white side teat (WST), pH and somatic cell count (SCC), were used to screen buffaloes for mastitis. Samples that showed a strong positive reaction were chosen. Teat-end swabs collected for bacterial examination and analyse for molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis. Result: Significant correlation (P less than 0.01) was established between teat end score and all other teat parameters namely teat skin color score, teat roughness, teat chapping and teat condition score. The amplification of 16S r DNA by PCR with universal primer 27F-1492R which span nearly full length of 16 SrRNA gene with expected amplicon of 144-1500bp. If farmers are to be properly prevented, awareness among them must be raised. It was anticipated that if the microbial load were to decrease, so would the likelihood of contracting an infection. The udder health kit, which was made with locally created pre- and post-milking dips and cleaning chemicals, decreased the bacterial load, enhanced the teat health score and improved the milk profile and could thus be replicated for use in the field.
Response of Music Towards Ornamental Plants – A Review
Authors: Patel Tejal , Bhatt Dipal S. , Karangiya Arjun , Patel Jemini
Published: November 2023

Music can trigger a range of emotions in humans and other animals. It also has some beneficial effects on plant growth. Music isregarded as one of the triggers to which plants are known to respond. Plants respond to different types of music. They grow well whenexposed to certain kinds of music, whereas there may have stunted growth with another type of music. This may differ depending onthe kind of plant species also. It could be said that noise inhibited plant growth and development, whereas music encouraged it, evengermination. Certain audible and musical frequencies aid the plant in improving physiological processes, including nutrient absorption,increased protein content, etc. This is evident in the plant’s growth in terms of height, number of leaves, and general development andhealth. Some scientific researchers have proved that the growth of plants can be influenced by music and the farmers can use this forbetter growth of plants
Therapeutic and Biological Aspects of Leaf Extracts from Indian Copper leaf Plant (Acalypha Indica)
Authors: Gantala Srilatha R. , Kalukuri Shilpa , Dommat Wilcina G. , Volukula Vaishnavi , Gangi Srijitha , Saval Varshitha , Koppula Prawan
Published: November 2023

Acalypha indica is found extensively in India and the Indian subcontinent. The whole plant has medicinal values with many ethnobotanical importance which has been described in many ancient and modern literatures. Most medicinal and therapeutic capabilities are present in leaves compared to other plant parts such as roots, stems, seeds and flowers. Various studies have been proposed to establish the therapeutic capabilities of the Indian Copper leaf plant (Acalypha indica). This research paper focuses on studying different phytochemicals present in acetone and hydro-alcohol leaf extracts of Acalypha indica with quantification of Phenol and Flavonoid content in the plant extracts. This experimental evidence also quantifies the antioxidant properties by DPPH methodology for given extracts and the plants’ importance as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The study also gives insight into the capability of the solvent extracts for the greener synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNP’s) from molecular silver solution with characterization and morphological characteristics of synthesized silver nanoparticles.
Variation in Antimicrobial Activity and Seed Storage Proteins in Three Species of the Medicinal Plant Alstonia
Authors: Kumari Jyoti , Tanuja Tanuja
Published: November 2023

The family Apocynaceae comprises three species of the substantially important Alstonia plant, viz., A. scholaris, A. venenata, and A. macrophylla. The investigation of proteins contained within seeds, that has the potential to provide both precise details and a structural basis for characterizing diversity. The utilization of an electrophoretic technique for protein analysis has been observed in recent scholarly investigations. This implies that certain protein bands exhibit variability, with their presence or absence being detected across different seed arrangement levels in the gel. Furthermore, this implies that the protein bands have been segregated into distinct categories. A study was conducted to analyze the seed storage protein profiles of three distinct Alstonia species through the application of sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The resolution of the seed storage protein of the Alstonia species using 15% SDS was found to alter the banding pattern of the polyacrylamide gel. The SDS-PAGE analysis revealed differential up regulation of proteins across distinct bands. Throughout the examination, it was determined that the three aforementioned species exhibited acommon band, in addition to a protein with a molecular weight of 34 kDa. The number of protein bands attached to A. venenata was the highest (ten bands), while the number of protein bands that adhered to A. scholaris was the lowest (five bands). Further, powdered leaves of A. scholaris, A. venenata, and A. macrophylla were investigated for antibacterial and  the results, A. macrophylla leaf powder is most effective against Staphylococcus aureus, followed by A. venenata and A. scholaris at 1 μg/ mL. In addition, the findings support the inference that the A. scholaris leaf powder effectively inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger. A. venenata and A. macrophylla, both at 1μg/mL, are, nonetheless, also effective against A. niger. A. macrophylla has the largest zone of inhibition (11.5 mm) against A. niger.
Phyto-Pharmacological Investigation of Ethanolic Extract of Flowers of Bauhinia acuminata
Authors: Sen Sumanta , Singh Atal B. , Sahoo Jyotirmaya , Moharana Alok K. , Sahoo Nalini K. , Sahu Madhusmita
Published: November 2023

Bauhinia acuminata is a type of angiosperm in the Fabaceae family, native to South and Southeast Asia, South China, Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The common names include B. acuminata, mountain ebony, camel’s foot tree, kachnar, and butterfly ash. Angiosperm tree could be widely used as a medicinal plant common in tropical regions. Flowers, buds, stems, roots, bark, seeds, and leaves have been used to treat many ailments since ancient times. NSAIDs are one of the most important classes of drugs used today, and several clinical problems require long-term use. As a result of long-term use, side effects, especially stomach ulcers, can worsen the patient’s clinical symptoms. So there is a requirement to go for painkillers, but it is not related to problems even with chronic use. The literature says that a lot of analytical work has been done on this plant, but none of it has been evaluated for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. An aqueous ethanolic extract was prepared and its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects were evaluated in animal models. The results showed that the flower extract at 200 mg/kg dose had significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects compared to the medicinal active drugs.
Coleções Patricia Phelps de Cisneros e Eduardo Costantini
Authors: Marques Cristielen Ribeiro , Gonçalves Lisbeth Rebollo
Published: November 2023

Este artigo é resultado da pesquisa de mestrado sobre o desenvolvimento da arte latino-americana como uma categoria de coleção, particularmente a partir de 1970, tendo como base o estudo comparativo da trajetória de formação das coleções privadas de Eduardo Costantini e de Patricia Phelps de Cisneros, e de suas conversões em dimensão pública e respectivas institucionalizações no Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, MALBA, e na Colección Patricia Phelps de Cisneros. Sob uma abordagem interdisciplinar, desde a História, a Crítica, a Sociologia e a Economia da Arte, foram realizados o levantamento bibliográfico e de fontes de informação secundária sobre os projetos colecionistas, a estruturação de ambos os estudos de caso em contextos transregionais e instâncias mercadológica e cultural, e o estabelecimento de atributos comparativos de constituição das coleções, compondo uma tessitura de histórias conectadas. As análises permitiram uma melhor compreensão da emergência de um colecionismo de arte latino-americana por colecionadores do continente, dos princípios que organizaram a consolidação de um sistema e de circuitos de uma produção artística sob esse rótulo e das influências exercidas pelas coleções e colecionadores como legitimadores de um tipo de bem simbólico, de seu valor econômico e de um modo de apropriação.
A pastora dos artistas e os amigos do museu
Authors: Nunez German Alfonso
Published: November 2023

O artigo analisa a formação do acervo do Museu de Arte Moderna de São Paulo durante o período considerado como sua terceira fase (1968-1982), examinando a conversão de diferentes tipos de capitais entre artistas, membros das comissões, diretores e colecionadores. Durante essa etapa de reestruturação, o MAM-SP utilizou o Panorama de Arte Atual Brasileira como principal estratégia de aquisição, premiando e recebendo doações de artistas selecionados. É a partir desse evento recorrente que analisamos o museu. A pesquisa foca nas redes de relacionamento e conflitos característicos de empreendimentos culturais desse tipo, abordando assim a atuação dos responsáveis pelo museu, como Diná Lopes Coelho, a "Dama de Ferro" do MAM-SP, e os membros da diretoria e comissão de arte. A nossa hipótese sugere que o MAM-SP, à época, operava em um estado de incerteza, atuando como uma casa de câmbio entre os diferentes capitais. O acervo seria constituído a partir desse jogo de trocas, com o círculo de sociabilidade central a essa história antecedendo o próprio museu e o Panorama sendo responsável, em última instância, pelos processos decisórios que levam à formação desse novo acervo.
Alzheimer Disease research and Aβ*56: The star that never was
Authors: Desai Bindu T
Published: November 2023

Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia which affects 55 million people worldwide. Not surprisingly, it is a key focus of research involving huge funding. Scientific fraud has inevitably surfaced in this research area. This essay discusses a report of alleged fraud and its implications for the credibility of scientific research.
Impact of cluster thinning and harvest date on berry volatile composition and sensory profile of Vitis sp. Seyval blanc and Vandal-Cliche
Authors: Nicolle Paméla , Barthe Catherine , Dorais Martine , Dubé Gaëlle , Angers Paul , Pedneault Karine
Published: November 2023

Northern conditions are challenging for grape and wine producers. To cope with these challenges, the use of early ripening interspecific hybrid Vitis sp., such as Seyval blanc and Vandal-Cliche, is often preferred to traditional V. vinifera. However, knowledge about cultural practices suitable for interspecific hybrid varieties are still scarce, especially regarding their impact on profiles of volatile compounds and the sensory perception of berries. In this study, the impact of cluster thinning and harvest date on grapevine physiology, must chemical composition and berry sensory attributes of Seyval blanc and Vandal-Cliche was investigated. Three crop loads (100 %, 70 % and 40 % crop) and three harvest dates corresponding to pre-maturity, maturity, and post-maturity were assessed in 2012 and 2013. Cluster thinning significantly decreased the yield of Vandal-Cliche, but not of Seyval blanc, for which it instead improved fruit set without affecting yield. The impact of cluster thinning on must chemical composition was limited for both cultivars, although some significant changes were observed, especially in the cool season of 2013. Clear variations during ripening, in terms of technological parameters and aroma characteristics, were observed depending on the cultivars and the seasons. In Seyval blanc, C6-alcohols and C13-norisoprenoids decreased during ripening, while C6-aldehydes and linalool increased. In Vandal-Cliche, berries from the first and the last sampling dates of the warm season of 2012 showed the highest levels of C13-norisoprenoids, whereas berries from the last sampling date in the cold season of 2013 showed the highest levels of terpenes, C13-norisoprenoids and ethyl esters. Despite its limited impact on fruit chemical composition, cluster thinning significantly impacted the sensory perception of Vandal-Cliche berries in both years. Cluster-thinned berries had softer skin, sweeter and less acidic pulp, and fruitier skin and pulp aroma. Skin softness allowed excellent discrimination of the maturity of both cultivars during the two study years, suggesting that this descriptor could be a suitable maturity marker for these interspecific hybrid varieties. In summary, cluster thinning proves beneficial for enhancing fruit set in Seyval Blanc in a northern climate; however, its influence on fruit quality is minimal for both cultivars.
Applications of Spatial Timber Structures in China and Research on the Performance of Their Typical Connections
Authors: Luo Jing , He Minjuan
Published: November 2023

Timber, being a versatile and sustainable material, has been used for residential and public buildings throughout history. In recent years, advancements in engineering and construction technology have resulted in the development of innovative timber spatial structures that push the
boundaries of traditional timber construction. Especially, numerous spatial timber structures have been constructed in China in recent years. This study aims to provide an overview of notable examples of spatial timber structures in China, including their architectural features, structure
arrangement and construction method. Additionally, the configuration of some timber connections utilized in the Taiyuan Botanical Garden project are analyzed and the mechanical behavior of connections are investigated by a brief introduction of experimental tests. The research will provide
a reference for engineering design of spatial timber structures in the future.
Cell Reprogramming and Differentiation Utilizing Messenger RNA for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Inagaki Masahito
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated attention to the medicinal applications of messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA is expected to be applied not only to vaccines but also to regenerative medicines. The purity of mRNA is important for its medicinal application. However, the current mRNA synthesis techniques have problems, e.g., contamination of undesired 5’-uncapped mRNA and double-stranded RNAs. Recently, our group developed a completely capped mRNA synthesis technology that contributed to the progress of mRNA research. The introduction of chemically modified nucleosides, e.g., N1-methylpseudouridine and 5-methylcytidine, have been demonstrated by Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman which opened the practical application of mRNA for vaccines and regenerative medicines. Dr. Yamanaka reported the production of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) by the introduction of 4 types of genes using a retrovirus vector. iPSCs are widely used for research about regenerative medicines and the preparation of disease models to screen new drug candidates. Of the Yamanaka factors, Klf4 and c-Myc are oncogenes, and there is a tumor development risk if these are integrated into genomic DNA. Therefore, regenerative medicines using mRNA, which has no risk of genome insertion, have attracted attention. In this review, we summarized the synthesis of mRNA and its application for regenerative medicine.
Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibition in the Management of Psoriasis
Authors: Crowley Erika L , Gooderham Melinda J
Published: November 2023

Psoriasis is a common chronic immune-mediated disease with many comorbidities and impacts on quality of life. Among the treatment options for psoriasis, phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibi-tors are emerging with expanding options. PDE4 inhibitors play a pivotal role in the inflamma-tory cascade by degrading cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), contributing to pro-inflammatory mediator production. Apremilast, an oral PDE4 inhibitor, is an approved class for psoriasis. While effective, its adverse effects can limit its utility. Roflumilast, a topical PDE4 inhibitor, was recently also approved for psoriasis and shows promise in clinical trials. Crisaborole, approved for atopic dermatitis, has also been studied in psoriasis. This updated re-view summarizes evidence from randomized clinical trials regarding the efficacy and safety of PDE4 inhibitors in psoriasis treatment. By highlighting their potential benefits and limitations, this review provides valuable insights for clinicians and researchers aiming to optimize psoriasis therapy.
Toward a Redefinition of Agricultural Drought Periods. A Case Study in a Mediterranean Semi-arid Region
Authors: Oukaddour Kaoutar , Le Page Michel , Fakir Younes
Published: November 2023

Drought is a powerful natural hazard that has significant effects on ecosystems amid the constant threats posed by climate change. This study investigates agricultural drought in a semi-arid Mediterranean basin through the interconnections of four indices: precipitation (meteorological reanalysis), vegetation development, thermal stress, and soil water deficit (remote sensing observations). The study focuses on the determination of agricultural drought periods. Firstly, the temporal connections between the various indices at different spatial scales and in different parts of the basin are investigated. Thereafter, a modified run-theory approach based on normality and dryness thresholds is applied. The Pearson correlations at different spatial scales showed a medium to low level of agreement between the indices, which was explained by the geographical heterogeneity and the climatic variability between the agrosystems within the basin. It is also shown that the cascade of impacts expected from lower precipitations is revealed by the cross-correlation analysis. The connection between precipitation deficit and vegetation remains significant for at least one month for most pairs of indices, especially during drought events, suggesting that agricultural drought spells can be connected in time through the three or four selected indices. Short-, mid-, and long-term impacts of precipitation deficiencies on soil moisture, vegetation, and temperature were revealed. As expected, the more instantaneous variables of soil moisture and surface temperature showed no lag with precipitation. Vegetation anomalies at the monthly time step showed a two-month lag with a preceding effect of vegetation to precipitation. Finally, the determination of drought events and stages with varying thresholds on the run-theory showed the large variability of duration, magnitude, and intensity according to the choice of both normality and dryness thresholds.
Photo-Thermal Functionality in Silicon Photonic Chips with 2D Graphene Oxide Films
Authors: Moss David
Published: November 2023

On-chip integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials with unique structures and distinctive properties endow integrated devices with new functionalities and improved performance. With a high flexibility in modifying its properties and a strong compatibility with various integrated platforms, graphene oxide (GO) becomes an attractive 2D material for implementing functional hybrid integrated devices. Here, we demonstrate novel functionalities that go beyond the capabilities of conventional photonic integrated circuits, by harnessing the photo-thermal effects in 2D GO films integrated onto them. These include all-optical control and switching, optical power limiting, and non-reciprocal light transmission. The 2D layered GO films are on-chip integrated with precise control of their thicknesses and sizes. Benefitting from the broadband response of 2D GO films, all the three functionalities feature a very wide operational bandwidth. By fitting the experimental results with theory, we also extract the changes in material properties induced by the photo-thermal effects, which reveal interesting insights about 2D GO films. These results highlight the versatility of 2D GO films in implementing functional integrated photonic devices for a range of applications.
Introduction to Evolutionary Cancer Cell Biology (Eccb) and Ancestral Cancer Genomics
Authors: Niculescu Vladimir
Published: November 2023

Cancer is a complex and devastating disease that has engaged scientists and researchers for decades. Despite tremendous efforts, previous hypotheses about cancer development have not achieved significant breakthroughs. Evolutionary Cancer Cell Biology (ECCB) is a novel and emerging branch of oncological science that provides an evolutionary perspective on the origin of cancer. It reveals that the cancer genome evolved hundreds of millions of years ago, long before multicellular organisms such as metazoans and humans emerged. ECCB aims to unify all evolutionary insights, hypotheses, and theories into a cohesive framework. It investigates the intricate relationship between cancer genomics and ancient pre-metazoan genes that emerge when normal cells transform into cancer cells. It challenges the conventional wisdom of cancer research by suggesting that cancer could arise through intrinsic cellular mechanisms without genetic alterations and mutations. Furthermore, it postulates that somatic mutations are only secondary, downstream events in the process of oncogenesis.
Population characteristics of the mud shrimp Upogebia major (Crustacea: Decapoda: Upogebiidae) in the West coast of Korea
Authors: Kim Sungtae , Yu Cheol , Lee Chae-Lin , Nam Sukhyun , Hong Jae-Sang
Published: November 2023

The population parameters of the ecologically important mud shrimp Upogebia major were analyzed from 2012 to 2015 in tidal flats in Seonjaedo and Jugyo on the West coast of Korea. The shrimp density averaged 265/m2 in Seonjaedo and 118/m2 in Jugyo. The sex ratio varied monthly, often male-biased, but by size, males were significantly dominant, with a carapace length (CL) over 30 mm. Although the shrimp settled almost annually, only a single size-group was observed from 2012 to 2014. The recruitment in Jugyo in 2014 was notably successful, resulting in two cohorts persisting until 2015. Many shrimp were parasitized at varying local rates: 6.0% in Seonjaedo and 37.1% in Jugyo. The growth curves revealed that the shrimp grew annually after settlement, reaching CLs of 11.90, 18.24, and 23.02 mm in Seonjaedo and 13.73, 20.86, and 25.82 mm in Jugyo. Annual mortality was 77.2% in Seonjaedo and 67.4% in Jugyo. The estimated lifespan (tmax) was 10 years in Seonjaedo and 8 years in Jugyo, whereas the 2010 cohort in Jugyo largely disappeared in 5 years. Ovigerous females appeared from November to June and benthic juveniles between June and September. The shrimp’s growth was slower relative to other East Asian populations, likely due to colder sea water temperatures and altered food conditions from a higher shrimp density.
Mutual Impedance of Antennas Placed on a Multilayer Dielectric
Authors: Wnuk Marian
Published: November 2023

The paper presents a method for determining the mutual impedance of two dipoles located on a multilayer dielectric structure. Determining the mutual impedance of linear antennas is a complex issue and we are unable to obtain an exact solution, it is influenced by many elements (location, dimensions, electrical parameters of the earth, thickness of the substrate, thickness and antenna conductivity, etc.) In the case of antennas on a dielectric substrate, the coupling analysis is even more complicated, because the operation of these antennas is significantly influenced by the occurrence of surface waves conducted through an open dielectric structure. The problem was solved by the method of moments using the Galerkin method as its special case. The work uses a method developed by Richmond for obtaining the elements of the impedance matrix, based on the concept of reaction between sections of the base and testing functions. Their mutual interaction was described by the reaction of the electric field caused by the current flowing through one dipole with the current flowing through the other dipole. Based on this analysis, the mutual impedance of two arbitrarily oriented dipoles located on a multilayer dielectric was determined, where the current distribution and antenna lengths are arbitrary. A computer program was developed that allowed to determine the mutual impedance for freely oriented dipoles.
An AIE Metal Iridium Complex: Photophysical Properties and Singlet Oxygen Generation Capacity
Authors: Zhu Weijin , Liu Shengnan , Wang Ziwei , Shi Chunguang , Zhang Qiaohua , Wu Zihan , Li Guangzhe , Zhu Dongxia
Published: November 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has garnered significant attention in the fields of cancer treatment and drug-resistant bacteria eradication due to its non-invasive nature and spatiotemporal controllability. Iridium complexes have captivated researchers owing to their tunable structure, exceptional optical properties, and substantial Stokes displacement. However, most of these complexes suffer from aggregation-induced quenching, leading to diminished luminous efficiency. In contrast to conventional photosensitizers, photosensitizers exhibiting aggregation-induced luminescence (AIE) properties retain the ability to generate a large number of reactive oxygen species when aggregated. To overcome these limitations, we designed and synthesized a novel iridium complex named Ir-TPA in this study. It incorporates quinoline triphenylamine cyclomethylated ligands that confer AIE characteristics for Ir-TPA. We systematically investigated the photophysical properties, AIE behavior, spectral features, and reactive oxygen generation capacity of Ir-TPA. The results demonstrate that Ir-TPA exhibits excellent optical properties with pronounced AIE phenomenon and robust capability for producing singlet oxygen species. This work not only introduces a new class of metal iridium complex photosensitizer with AIE attributes but also holds promise for achieving remarkable photodynamic therapeutic effects in future cellular experiments and biological studies.
Investigation of the Influence of Built-Up Layer on the Stress State in the Primary Shear Zone Using Particle Image Velocimetry Analysis
Authors: Song Xiaoqi , Suzuki Kenji , He Weiming , Ihara Tohru
Published: November 2023

In this study, a novel methodology was proposed to investigate the influence of the built-up layer (BUL) formation on the stress state distribution in the primary shear zone (PSZ) using analytical model and particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis. Orthogonal cutting tests were performed under a range of uncut chip thicknesses and cutting speeds using two uncoated cemented carbide tools with different rake angles. A series of shear strain, shear strain rate, and velocity distributions in PSZ were obtained by PIV analysis. Al7075-T6511 was used as the workpiece. Subsequently, the influences of cutting conditions on the BUL/built-up edge (BUE) formation and the plastic deformation in PSZ were investigated. Using these results, the parameters of the proposed analytical model were identified, and the influences of the BUL/BUE formation on the stress state distribution were investigated. From the experimental results, it was found that in the cutting speed range below 2 m/min, only BUE is formed, and the uncut chip thickness and tool rake angle have a significant influence on its formation. The agreement between the measured and calculated results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The results confirmed that the BUE formation has little effect on the bell-shaped distribution of shear strain rate, but has a significant influence on the thickness of PSZ, chip sliding velocity near the outlet boundary of PSZ, maximum shear strain rate, stress state, and temperature in PSZ. It was also confirmed that the stress triaxiality plays an important role in the BUE formation. These results provide a deeper understanding of the BUL/BUE formation.
Estimation of Hardness and Residual Stress on End-Milled Surfaces Using Linear Regression Model
Authors: Fujii Hideyuki , Takahashi Yukio , Hodohara Jiei , Suzuki Norikazu , Yamada Yuki , Imabeppu Yasuhiro , Irino Naruhiro
Published: November 2023

This study presents a novel method for estimating the surface integrity of end-milled workpieces. It is well known that the mechanical properties of machined surfaces in cutting affect the quality of the final product. In particular, hardness and residual stress often require strict control; however, nondestructive inspection remains a challenge. This study proposes a method to estimate the hardness and residual stress of end-milled surfaces by analyzing cutting forces and images of the tool during machining to obtain approximate temperature and stress distributions. These state quantities are highly correlated with the dislocation density and its distribution on the machined surface, which in turn is strongly correlated with residual stress and surface hardness. Despite this strong correlation, few research studies have been conducted on the topic. In the proposed method, cutting forces, measured by a dynamometer, are analyzed to estimate the specific cutting forces and edge force coefficients. Simultaneously, the flank wear width is recorded using an image-based on-machine measuring device installed in the machine tool. From this information, the average stresses at the primary and tertiary cutting zones are estimated, while the cutting temperature in the primary cutting zone is roughly estimated by considering the traditional shear-angle prediction theory. Using these estimations, hardness and residual stress are calculated based on a simple linear regression model. Parameter identification for the model is performed based on measured hardness and residual stress in end-milling experiments. The model was validated against experimental measurements, which showed that the proposed method can accurately estimate hardness and residual stress, although it was observed that the selection of explanatory variables has a significant effect on accuracy.
Development of Additive Printing System Using Slant Direct-Drive Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Tawara Ryosuke , Tanuma Chiaki , Tanaka Yutaka
Published: November 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) technology is extensively applied in various industries, including manufacturing, and is constantly advancing. Compared with subtractive manufacturing methods such as cutting or grinding, the AM is a cost-effective technique with minimal material wastage, and it can produce intricate shapes within a short timeframe. However, research on AM methods involving additional modeling or printing on the surfaces of three-dimensional objects is insufficient. By employing additive modeling, a diverse range of colors and materials can be utilized without requiring support structures, thereby expanding the possibilities of layering-based expression. This study experimentally investigated additive printing systems using a six-degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism stage and a fixed material extrusion head. A slant direct-drive parallel mechanism for a prototype additive printing system was proposed and designed. The developed prototype system enables additional modeling on curved and spherical surfaces of three-dimensional objects. An experimental surface modeling on these objects was conducted. This paper reports on the performance of the motion mechanism, motion range, and positioning accuracy of the modeling stage. Furthermore, the fabricated models were experimentally examined and validated to assess the results of the modeling process.
Fabrication of Nano- and Micro-Structured PPy Electrode and its Application to Electroporation to Cell
Authors: Amaki Saki , Kato Yohei , Sudo Tomomi , Kono Takahiro , Kaneko Arata
Published: November 2023

Electroporation using microstructured electrodes, which generate a localized high electric field, allows molecules (genes) to be introduced into cells; however, there are some technical issues with the fabrication process and material in terms of cytotoxicity and cost. In this study, polypyrrole (PPy), a biocompatible and conductive polymer, is nano- and micro-structured for an electrode of electroporation by electrochemical polymerization. Nano- and micro-scale dots of PPy are generated by a specific pulse waveform of applied voltage in a considerably low concentration of pyrrole (monomer) solution. The conductivity of PPy is changed from 4 to 16 S/cm by dopant concentration with a range of 0.025 M to 0.2 M. It is demonstrated that electroporation using the PPy and ITO electrodes introduce test agent of molecules (Propidium Iodide) into HeLa cells, where 10 and 50 V of pulse voltage is applied. The electroporation using nano-scale dots of PPy electrodes provides a 40% higher introduction rate than that of the micro-dots of PPy electrodes. The introduction rate in electroporation using the nano-scale dots of PPy can be maintained above 95% regardless of the application time of voltage, whereas that of the micro-scale dots of PPy electrodes increases with the application time. It is reasonable to assume that the nano- and micro-structured PPy electrodes are effective in electroporation, as the introduction rates on these PPy electrodes are higher than that of the ITO electrode. However, the cell viability in the electroporation using the nano-scale of PPy electrodes decreases by approximately 30% with application time. Both the introduction rate and cell viability slightly decrease with the conductivity of the PPy electrode; therefore, they are dominated by surface morphologies of the PPy electrode and applied voltage as compared to that of electrode conductivity. Nevertheless, it is demonstrated that the nano- and micro-structured PPy electrodes improve the efficiency of electroporation owing to the locally concentrated electric field.
Employee Cardiometabolic Risk Following a Cluster-Randomized Workplace Intervention From the Work, Family and Health Network, 2009–2013
Authors: Berkman Lisa F. , Kelly Erin L. , Hammer Leslie B. , Mierzwa Frank , Bodner Todd , McNamara Tay , Koga Hayami K. , Lee Soomi , Marino Miguel , Klein Laura C. , McDade Thomas W. , Hanson Ginger , Moen Phyllis , Buxton Orfeu M.
Published: November 2023

Objectives. To examine whether workplace interventions to increase workplace flexibility and supervisor support and decrease work–family conflict can reduce cardiometabolic risk.

Methods. We randomly assigned employees from information technology (n = 555) and long-term care (n = 973) industries in the United States to the Work, Family and Health Network intervention or usual practice (we collected the data 2009–2013). We calculated a validated cardiometabolic risk score (CRS) based on resting blood pressure, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and total cholesterol, height and weight (body mass index), and tobacco consumption. We compared changes in baseline CRS to 12-month follow-up.

Results. There was no significant main effect on CRS associated with the intervention in either industry. However, significant interaction effects revealed that the intervention improved CRS at the 12-month follow-up among intervention participants in both industries with a higher baseline CRS. Age also moderated intervention effects: older employees had significantly larger reductions in CRS at 12 months than did younger employees.

Conclusions. The intervention benefited employee health by reducing CRS equivalent to 5 to 10 years of age-related changes for those with a higher baseline CRS and for older employees.

Trial Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov  Identifier: NCT02050204. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(12):1322–1331. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307413 )
Effect of initial starvation on growth performance and length-weight relationship of striped murrel Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) larvae
Authors: Karthy Arjunan , Kumar Rajesh , Laxmi Mohanty Utkal , Debasmita Debashree , Radhakrishnan Kalidoss , Pillai Bindu R.
Published: November 2023

The study evaluated the effect of delayed initial feeding on the growth performance and length-weight relationship of Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) larvae. C. striata larvae [3 days post-hatch (dph); mean length: 5.960Â±0.32 mm] were reared in experimental tanks (10 l) at the stocking density of 5 larvae l-1 for 28 days in five treatments. The five treatments in triplicates were, T1 (3 dph, 0-day delay in initial feeding), T2 (4 dph - 1day delay in initial feeding), T3 (5 dph - 2 days delay in initial feeding), T4 (6 dph - 3 days delay in initial feeding) and T5 (7 dph - 4 days delay in initial feeding). One-way ANOVA results showed that delayed initial feed had a significant (p<0.05) effect on weight gain, daily weight gain, specific growth rate and survival rate. Weight gain was highest in 2 days delayed initial feeding (280.50 mg Â±9.5) and lowest in 1 day delayed initial feeding (207.87 mg Â±3.2). Similar pattern was also observed for the specific growth rate and survival. The length-weight relationship of larvae exhibited the lowest b value (2.006) in 3-days delayed feeding and the highest (2.627) in 1-day delayed feeding, which indicates negative allometric growth in the experimental groups. A better condition factor of 0.85 was noticed in 2 days of delayed initial feeding compared to all other treatment groups. The growth, survival and length-weight relationship data of the study suggested that 2 days of delay in first feeding yielded better growth and survival of C. striata larvae. Thus the information generated in this study might help in better management of the initial larval stages of C. striata.Keywords: Channa striata, Growth and survival, Larval rearing, Length-weight relationship, Starvation, Striped murrel