Benefits Of Diversity Research Articles

Disrupting neoliberal diversity discourse with critical race college transition stories

AbstractThe college transition can challenge students’ sense‐making of diversity, race, and oppression. Yet prevailing neoliberal discourses touting the market value of diversity can thwart this potential by promoting color‐evasive messaging that avoids reckoning with racism. Guided by Critical Race Theory, we explored incoming students’ sense‐making of diversity (n = 421) after being exposed to either color‐evasive transition stories or more critical stories that discussed intersecting experiences with oppression. Using discourse analysis, we observed that Black, Latinx, and Native students and their Asian and white counterparts reproduced common neoliberal logics emphasizing the educational benefits of diversity. However, critical stories reminded Black, Latinx, and Native students of the limits of diversity to change structures. For Asian and white students, critical stories elicited more aversive reactions and more endorsements of how diversity broadens equal access. Understanding students’ diversity discourses can inform how universities engage conversations about difference to counteract neoliberal talk that undermines racial justice.

Skin boosters: Definitions and varied classifications.

The concept of "skin boosters" has evolved, marking a shift from traditional uses of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers primarily for augmenting skin volume to a more diverse application aimed at improving dermal conditions. Restylane Vital and other HA fillers have been repurposed to combat skin aging and wrinkles by delivering HA directly to the dermis. This review aims to define the term "skin booster" and to discuss the various components that constitute skin boosters. It seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the different ingredients used in skin boosters, their roles, and their impact on enhancing dermal conditions. A comprehensive review was conducted, focusing on representative skin booster ingredients. The approach involved analyzing the different elements used in skin boosters and their specific roles in enhancing dermal improvement. The findings indicate that skin boosters, encompassing a range of ingredients, are effective in improving the condition of the skin's dermis. The review identifies key ingredients in skin boosters and their specific benefits, including hydration, elasticity improvement, and wrinkle reduction. Skin boosters represent a significant development in dermatological treatments, offering diverse benefits beyond traditional HA fillers. This review provides valuable insights into the constituents of skin boosters and their effectiveness, aiding readers in making informed decisions about these treatments. The potential of skin boosters in dermatological practice is considerable, warranting further research and application.

The two faces of hierarchy: CEO power and TMT learning diversity in technology venture innovation

AbstractThe relationship between top management team (TMT) members’ learning behavior and the innovation strategy of technology ventures remains unclear, especially when complicated by social hierarchies within the team. We draw on organizational learning theory to theorize that diversity in TMT members’ learning behavior has both positive and negative latent effects that produce an inverted U-shaped relationship between TMT learning diversity and a firm’s radical innovation strategy. Building on the social hierarchy literature, we also suggest that CEO power moderates this relationship by altering the latent forces: structurally powerful CEOs neutralize the benefits of TMT learning diversity, turning the link between learning diversity and radical innovation strategy predominantly negative, whereas prestigiously powerful CEOs neutralize the costs of TMT learning diversity, turning its relationship with the firm’s radical innovation strategy predominantly positive. Longitudinal, multi-source data from 77 TMTs support our model. The findings contribute to the research on learning and social hierarchies by illustrating how hierarchies rooted in different sources of power have different effects on the relationship between TMT learning diversity and innovation strategy.

Advancements in Cellulose-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogels: Sustainable Solutions across Industries.

The development of superabsorbent hydrogels is experiencing a transformative era across industries. While traditional synthetic hydrogels have found broad utility, their non-biodegradable nature has raised environmental concerns, driving the search for eco-friendlier alternatives. Cellulose-based superabsorbents, derived from sustainable sources, are gaining prominence. Innovations include biodegradable polymer hydrogels, natural cellulose-chitosan variants, and cassava starch-based alternatives. These materials are reshaping agriculture by enhancing soil fertility and water retention, serving as potent hemostatic agents in medicine, contributing to pollution control, and providing eco-friendly construction materials. Cellulose-based hydrogels also offer promise in drug delivery and hygiene products. Advanced characterization techniques aid in optimizing their properties, while the shift towards circular economy practices further highlights sustainability. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of these advancements, highlighting their diverse applications and environmental benefits.

Diversity in Education: The U.S. Supreme Court Got It Wrong

ABSTRACT Diversity has repeatedly been shown to be a vital part of education. This paper explores the benefits and importance of diversity in education and presents studies and supporting research. In the case Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, the United States Supreme Court found that race-based affirmative action in college admissions is unconstitutional because it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on race. As colleges and universities are trying to be more inclusive and varied, the Supreme Court’s finding just made it more difficult for colleges to secure a diverse population which will hurt education and likely lead to an adverse outcome for society. Diversity has many important benefits and is especially advantageous in education. Diversity increases creativity, critical thinking, helps reduce achievement gaps, and improves academic performance, student motivation, and intellectual engagement. Increasing diversity can increase empathy, appreciation of other cultures, and can help create a sense of community on campus. It can also help create inclusive attitudes and respect for others, can aid in removing biases and stereotypes, and can help prepare students for careers in an increasingly interconnected world. When weighing the benefits of diversity against what is actually written in the law, it seems the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court made the wrong decision.

Cultural diversity and innovative entrepreneurship

AbstractA growing empirical literature has established a positive relationship between cultural diversity and entrepreneurship, often attributing this effect to innovation benefits of diversity. However, not all entrepreneurship is inherently innovative, raising the question of whether cultural diversity may increase the likelihood of an entrepreneur pursuing an innovative instead of a more replicative business strategy. This study investigates the relationship between regional cultural diversity and the innovation orientation of early-stage entrepreneurs and considers moderating factors by decomposing shares of foreign-born population by origin (within and outside of the EU) and by education level. Combining survey data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor with population-based indicators of cultural diversity, we carry out a multilevel analysis for 140 European regions. The results suggest that entrepreneurs in culturally more diverse regions are significantly more likely to exhibit innovation orientation.

Greenery hypothesis: An evolutionary explanation for why presence/absence of green affects humans

Abstract A growing body of empirical evidence shows that experiences of nature provide people with diverse psychological benefits, including improved cognitive function and mental health. While our understanding of the proximate causes of these positive psychological responses of humans to nature has advanced, the ultimate (evolutionary) drivers behind them remain poorly understood. In this study, we provide a summary of several widely accepted evolutionary hypotheses originating from Biophilia, reviewing their challenges and limitations. Subsequently, we propose a new evolutionary psychological hypothesis—the greenery hypothesis—that integrates recent findings in evolutionary psychiatry with many experimental results unexplained by existing hypotheses/theories. Our proposed hypothesis states that humans have adapted to periodic severe drought and re‐watering cycles by developing both negative and positive psychological responses to the absence or presence of greenery within the landscape as cues to optimise their own behavioural activity. The greenery hypothesis holds the potential to yield several insights into the fundamental understanding of human psychological responses to nature exposure with significant implications for various related fields, including psychiatry, urban planning, and biodiversity conservation and restoration. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Evaluating the Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin and Synthetic Derivatives: A Computational Approach to Anti-Obesity Treatments.

Natural compounds such as curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from the rhizome of turmeric, have gathered remarkable scientific interest due to their diverse metabolic benefits including anti-obesity potential. However, curcumin faces challenges stemming from its unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile. To address this issue, synthetic curcumin derivatives aimed at enhancing the biological efficacy of curcumin have previously been developed. In silico modelling techniques have gained significant recognition in screening synthetic compounds as drug candidates. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of three synthetic derivatives of curcumin. This evaluation was conducted in comparison to curcumin, with a specific emphasis on examining their impact on adipogenesis, inflammation, and lipid metabolism as potential therapeutic targets of obesity mechanisms. In this study, predictive toxicity screening confirmed the safety of curcumin, with the curcumin derivatives demonstrating a safe profile based on their LD50 values. The synthetic curcumin derivative 1A8 exhibited inactivity across all selected toxicity endpoints. Furthermore, these compounds were deemed viable candidate drugs as they adhered to Lipinski's rules and exhibited favorable metabolic profiles. Molecular docking studies revealed that both curcumin and its synthetic derivatives exhibited favorable binding scores, whilst molecular dynamic simulations showed stable binding with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), csyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) proteins. The binding free energy calculations indicated that curcumin displayed potential as a strong regulator of PPARγ (-60.2 ± 0.4 kcal/mol) and FAS (-37.9 ± 0.3 kcal/mol), whereas 1A8 demonstrated robust binding affinity with COX2 (-64.9 ± 0.2 kcal/mol). In conclusion, the results from this study suggest that the three synthetic curcumin derivatives have similar molecular interactions to curcumin with selected biological targets. However, in vitro and in vivo experimental studies are recommended to validate these findings.

A comprehensive review of specific activity and intrinsic connections of food‐derived bioactive peptides for human health

AbstractFood‐derived peptides have garnered significant attention in research due to their multifaceted functionalities, abundant availability, efficient utilization of agricultural by‐products, and environmentally sustainable preparation methods. These peptides play a crucial role in human health, yet their precise mechanisms of action remain largely unexplored, posing challenges in their screening, preparation, and effective application utilizing protein‐based raw materials. This review offers an extensive examination of 19 types of bioactive peptides derived from food. The sources of food‐derived bioactive peptides are well concluded and the classifications are made according to their potential health benefit based on five primary systems: general bodily functions, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, the metabolic system, and the immune system. This review specifically highlights the multifaceted impacts of tasty peptides on human health, extending beyond their gustatory effects. Furthermore, it explores the interplay between various functions of bioactive peptides, noting a progression from basic to advanced functionalities. Antioxidant activity and the modulation of key enzymes are identified as fundamental actions that are interconnected with other functional properties. This implies that a single bioactive peptide could exhibit multiple beneficial effects. The key role of antioxidant capabilities is underscored based on their broad influence and straightforward assessment. This comprehensive analysis aims to deepen the systematic understanding of the diverse benefits offered by various food‐derived peptides.

Bioactive exopolysaccharide from Limosilactobacillus fermentum LAB-1: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are an intriguing group of high-molecular-weight carbohydrate polymers known for their diverse functional benefits. Our study focused on assessing the bioactive characteristics of EPS produced by Limosilactobacillus fermentum LAB1, lactic acid bacterium (LAB) isolated from the popular dairy beverage Borhani. Previous research had demonstrated its robust antimicrobial potential against various pathogens and provided genomic evidence of its EPS production. In this investigation, we verified and validated the EPS production ability of LAB1 through a battery of tests including the string test, Congo red agar test, and aniline blue agar plate method, all of which produced positive results. The EPS extracted from LAB1 displayed a high carbohydrate-to-protein ratio and exhibited a multifaceted repertoire of bioactive properties. It demonstrated antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, and showed the ability to inhibit biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus (76.61%) and Escherichia coli (13.64%). Furthermore, the EPS exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging (92.25%), hydroxyl radical scavenging (87.82%), and reducing power capacity (3.1 mM/L), which indicate its substantial antioxidant potential. Additionally, the EPS sample demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity (75.79 %) and moderate oil emulsifying capacity with an emulsification index of 38.38%. These findings underscore the versatility of LAB1 EPS, positioning it for diverse applications and highlighting its multifunctional role across various industrial domains.

Physical Exercise After Solid Organ Transplantation: A Cautionary Tale.

An increasing body of randomized controlled trials suggests the safety of engaging in moderate to vigorous intensity exercise training following solid organ transplantation. Fueled by emerging sport events designed for transplant recipients and the ever-growing body of research highlighting the diverse health benefits of physical activity, transplant recipients are now increasingly participating in strenuous and occasionally competitive physical endeavors that largely surpass those evaluated in controlled research settings. This viewpoint article adopts a cautionary stance to counterbalance the prevalent one-sided optimistic perspective regarding posttransplant physical activity. While discussing methodological limitations, we explore plausible adverse impacts on the cardiovascular, immunological, and musculoskeletal systems. We also examine the physiological consequences of exercising in the heat, at high altitude, and in areas with high air pollution. Risks associated with employing performance-enhancing strategies and the conceivable psychological implications regarding physical activity as a tribute to the 'gift of life' are discussed. With a deliberate focus on the potential adverse outcomes of strenuous posttransplant physical activity, this viewpoint aims to restore a balanced dialogue on our comprehension of both beneficial and potentially detrimental outcomes of physical activity that ultimately underscores the imperative of well-informed decision-making and tailored exercise regimens in the realm of posttransplant care.

Unlocking the Benefits of Gender Diversity: How an Ecological-Belonging Intervention Enhances Performance in Science Classrooms

Gender diversity signals inclusivity, but meta-analyses suggest that it does not boost individual or group performance. This research examined whether a social-psychological intervention can unlock the benefits of gender diversity on college physics students’ social and academic outcomes. Analyses of 124 introductory physics classrooms at a large research institution in the eastern United States (N = 3,605) indicated that in classrooms doing “business as usual,” cross-gender collaboration was infrequent, there was a substantial gender gap in physics classroom belonging, and classroom gender diversity had no effect on performance. The ecological-belonging intervention aimed to establish classroom norms that adversity in the course is normal and surmountable. In classrooms receiving the intervention, cross-gender interaction increased 51%, the gender gap in belonging was reduced by 47%, and higher classroom diversity was associated with higher course grades and 1-year grade point average for both men and women. Addressing contextual belongingness norms may help to unlock the benefits of diversity.

Religious Pluralism and the Balance of Power: An Analysis of Socio-Political and Economic Growth in Nigeria

This research delves into the dynamic interplay of religious pluralism, specifically focusing on Islam and Christianity, within the socio-political and economic landscape of Nigeria. The study employed a qualitative method that was anchored on sensitivity theory of religion. The study explores the multifaceted influences of these religions on the balance of power equilibrium and their impact on the nation’s development. Theoretical frameworks such as the Sociological theory of religion and Sensitivity theory are employed to analyze the complex relationship between religion, social values, economic growth, and political involvement. The findings highlight the pervasive role of religion in shaping the nation’s political discourse, social values, and economic stability. The conclusion emphasizes the positive impact of religion on the balance of power equilibrium in Nigeria, underscoring the need for tolerance and dialogue to harness the benefits of religious diversity.

Blockchain Enabled Smart Contracts for Digital Assets

The diverse applications and benefits of blockchain technology and smart contracts across various sectors are explored in this overview. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) projects, supply chain management, tokenization of assets, NFT platforms, and identity verification stand out as prominent examples. Smart contracts are lauded for their cost efficiency and security, underpinned by blockchain's cryptographic features that fortify system integrity. Blockchain's global accessibility facilitates cross-border transactions, while decentralized exchanges (DEX) mitigate censorship and counterparty risks, empowering users with asset control. Moreover, blockchain expands investment opportunities through asset tokenization, encompassing diverse classes such as real estate and intellectual property, bolstering security and transparency through immutable ownership records. Oracles play a vital role in integrating real-time data into DeFi ecosystems, informing decision-making by linking off-chain data with blockchain networks.Diverse token standards like ERC-20 and ERC-721 are pivotal, catering to fungible and non-fungible token ecosystems respectively. Lastly, the advantages of proof of stake (PoS) over proof of work (PoW) are highlighted, emphasizing PoS's energy efficiency, transaction throughput, and scalability

Effects of dietary addition of ellagic acid on rumen metabolism, nutrient apparent digestibility, and growth performance in Kazakh sheep.

Plant extracts have shown promise as natural feed additives to improve animal health and growth. Ellagic acid (EA), widely present in various plant tissues, offers diverse biological benefits. However, limited research has explored its effects on ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary addition EA on rumen metabolism, apparent digestibility of nutrients, and growth performance in Kazakh sheep. Ten 5-month-old Kazakh sheep with similar body weight (BW), fitted with rumen fistulas, were randomly assigned to two groups: the CON group (basal diet) and the EA group (basal diet + 30 mg/kg BW EA). The experiment lasted 30 days, and individual growth performance was assessed under identical feeding and management conditions. During the experimental period, rumen fluid, fecal, and blood samples were collected for analysis. The results indicated a trend toward increased average daily gain in the EA group compared to the CON group (p = 0.094). Compared with the CON group, the rumen contents of acetic acid and propionic acid were significantly increased in the EA group and reached the highest value at 2 h to 4 h after feeding (p < 0.05). Moreover, the relative abundances of specific rumen microbiota (Ruminococcaceae, uncultured_rumen_bacterium, unclassified_Prevotella, Bacteroidales, Bacteroidota, Bacteroidia, unclassified_Rikenellaceae, and Prevotella_spBP1_145) at the family and genus levels were significantly higher in the EA group (p < 0.05) compared to the CON group. The EA group exhibited significantly higher dry matter intake (p < 0.05) and increased the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and ether extract when compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the plasma activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were significantly higher, while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly lower in the EA group compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 30 mg/kg BW EA in 5-month-old Kazakh sheep increased the dry matter intakQ16e, apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, and ether extract, as well as the contents of acetic acid and propionic acid in rumen fluid. Moreover, EA supplementation regulated the ruminal microbiota, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and improved daily weight gain.

A Literature Survey on AI Health Care System

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare systems has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years, revolutionizing the landscape of patient care, diagnostics, and medical research. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the diverse applications, challenges, and benefits of AI in healthcare. We explore the role of machine learning algorithms and natural language processing in enhancing diagnosis and treatment planning. The utilization of AI for predictive analytics, personalized medicine, and patient management is discussed, showcasing its potential to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce costs. Additionally, we address ethical considerations, data privacy concerns, and regulatory frameworks that accompany the implementation of AI in healthcare. Through an extensive literature review, this paper aims to offer insights into the current state of AI in healthcare, highlighting key trends and future directions for research and development in this rapidly evolving field

Does supporting cultural diversity benefit only Māori? A study of Māori and Pākehā employees

ABSTRACT Māori are the Indigenous people of Aotearoa but experience workplace disadvantages including high discrimination, lower pay, and greater unemployment. This study uses psychological contracts theory to explore employee perceptions of a set of mutual obligations and implicit promises from their employer around supporting Māori employees. Cultural diversity promise fulfilment (CDPF) focuses on the way firms provide Māori cultural representation, seeks broad inputs from Māori, and work to eliminate bias against Māori. We empirically test CDPF on 165 Māori and 729 Pākehā. We include Pākehā because theoretically, under social exchange theory, all employees might react positively to employer support for a disadvantaged group. We test a moderated mediation model and find support with CDPF being significantly related to job satisfaction, cultural wellbeing, and turnover intentions, with the former mediating CDPF effects to turnover. Next, moderation effects are found (Māori versus Pākehā) but with mixed support. However, moderated mediation effects are supported with Māori employees reporting a stronger indirect effect from CDPF than Pākehā, through both mediators (job satisfaction and cultural wellbeing). The paper establishes the importance of CDPF and helps build the arguments for diversity support.

Exploring the Impact of Disabilities and Accommodation on Students’ Online Learning Experiences

This study investigates the correlation between how learners are classified in terms of disability and their perceptions of (1) the effectiveness of online instructional methods, (2) their self-efficacy levels, and (3) the accommodations they need. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, the study included 278 higher education students with disabilities who participated in an online survey, with 50 of them undergoing in-depth interviews. Using an embedded mixed methods design, the research aimed to explore participants’ experiences with online classes. Data triangulation was employed to better comprehend the adequacy of accommodations and accessibility in online learning. The findings indicate that individuals with disabilities experience diverse benefits and challenges in online learning, influenced by their specific disability classifications and social contexts in which they engage with the learning environment. Further research is necessary to gain a more profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by students with disabilities in the realm of online learning.

Practicing acroyoga in the space of possibilities: Complexity profile as a heuristic device in sport and exercise research

ABSTRACT This article explores the application of complexity science in sports and exercise research, introducing Ashby’s law of requisite variety, Boisot’s and McKelvey’s law of requisite complexity, and Bar-Yam’s complexity profile. These frameworks emphasize the role of complexity in system functionality and shed light on the delicate balance between complexity and scale. Utilising acroyoga as a novel research context, an interpretivist study was conducted to delve into the activity’s complexity profile, revealing the intricate interplay between fostering creativity and maintaining essential regulations. Examining acroyoga practitioners’ and influencers’ perspectives through the complexity profile underscores the sport’s complexity over scale, offering diverse physical, cognitive, affective, and social benefits. However, the limited emphasis on scaling might confine acroyoga to the fringes, hindering widespread acceptance. This study demonstrates the complexity profile as a heuristic tool, challenging assumptions and encouraging innovative perspectives. Acroyoga serves as a compelling case study, highlighting the complexity-scale balance and paving the way for further exploration and sports-related policy formulation.

Improving Gene Delivery: Synergy between Alkyl Chain Length and Lipoic Acid for PDMAEMA Hydrophobic Copolymers.

In the field of gene delivery, hydrophobic cationic copolymers hold great promise. They exhibit improved performance by effectively protecting genetic material from serum interactions while facilitating interactions with cellular membranes. However, managing cytotoxicity remains a significant challenge, prompting an investigation into suitable hydrophobic components. A particularly encouraging approach involves integrating nutrient components, like lipoic acid, which is known for its antioxidant properties and diverse cellular benefits such as cellular metabolism and growth. In this study, a copolymer library comprising 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and lipoic acid methacrylate (LAMA), combined with either n-butyl methacrylate (nBMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), or methyl methacrylate (MMA), is synthesized. This enables to probe the impact of lipoic acid incorporation while simultaneously exploring the influence of pendant acyclic alkyl chain length. The inclusion of lipoic acid results in a notable boost in transfection efficiency while maintaining low cytotoxicity. Interestingly, higher levels of transfection efficiency are achieved in the presence of nBMA, EMA, or MMA. However, a positive correlation between pendant acyclic alkyl chain length and cytotoxicity is observed. Consequently, P(DMAEMA-co-LAMA-co-MMA), emerges as a promising candidate. This is attributed to the optimal combination of low cytotoxic MMA and transfection-boosting LAMA, highlighting the crucial synergy between LAMA and MMA.