Continuous Renewal Research Articles

Pediatric limbal stem cell deficiency: An overview of a rarely studied pathology.

The cornea is the outermost transparent layer of the eye, and the continuous renewal of the corneal epithelium is important for its transparency. This process is primarily facilitated by corneal stem cells, most of which are found at the limbus. However, any deterioration or damage in this region leads to corneal conjunctivalization and consequent limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), which compromises corneal transparency. LSCD is an important condition, especially in the pediatric population, as it can lead to corneal vascularization, opacity and ultimately loss of vision and subsequent amblyopia, unlike adults. Although pediatric LSCD is often due to chemical injuries, as in adults, it is also caused by conditions such as congenital aniridia, Steven Johnson Syndrome and various other immunological disorders. Appropriate and timely treatment in pediatric LSCD is of particular importance in preventing progression to amblyopia, unlike adults. Accurate staging of the disease is essential for the necessary medical and surgical treatment decision. While medical approaches are at the forefront to eliminate the causative agent and improve the ocular surface in reversible cases, it is essential to replace the limbal stem cells lost in advanced disease. For these replacement procedures, it is noteworthy that there is a tendency for minimally invasive methods compared to adults to avoid possible complications due to long life expectancy in children. In conclusion, although there are various reviews on limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) in adults, we believe that this review for childhood LSCD will make an important contribution to the literature, since the relevant literature currently reported for the pediatric population is limited.

Enhancing Cellular Homeostasis: Targeted Botanical Compounds Boost Cellular Health Functions in Normal and Premature Aging Fibroblasts.

The human skin, the body's largest organ, undergoes continuous renewal but is significantly impacted by aging, which impairs its function and leads to visible changes. This study aimed to identify botanical compounds that mimic the anti-aging effects of baricitinib, a known JAK1/2 inhibitor. Through in silico screening of a botanical compound library, 14 potential candidates were identified, and 7 were further analyzed for their effects on cellular aging. The compounds were tested on both normal aged fibroblasts and premature aging fibroblasts derived from patients with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). Results showed that these botanical compounds effectively inhibited the JAK/STAT pathway, reduced the levels of phosphorylated STAT1 and STAT3, and ameliorated phenotypic changes associated with cellular aging. Treatments improved cell proliferation, reduced senescence markers, and enhanced autophagy without inducing cytotoxicity. Compounds, such as Resveratrol, Bisdemethoxycurcumin, Pinosylvin, Methyl P-Hydroxycinnamate, cis-Pterostilbene, and (+)-Gallocatechin, demonstrated significant improvements in both control and HGPS fibroblasts. These findings suggest that these botanical compounds have the potential to mitigate age-related cellular alterations, offering promising strategies for anti-aging therapies, particularly for skin health. Further in vivo studies are warranted to validate these results and explore their therapeutic applications.

Harnessing the innovative potential of start‐ups for corporate entrepreneurship in incumbent firms: a study of asymmetric buyer–supplier relationships

Corporate entrepreneurship is critical for incumbent firms to ensure continuous organizational renewal. Asymmetric buyer–supplier relationships with start‐ups, known as “venture clienting,” serve as an entrepreneurial process wherein incumbent firms integrate innovative technologies acquired from start‐ups into their processes and products to drive organizational renewal. Prior research, however, lacks insights into how incumbent firms manage these asymmetric buyer–supplier relationships and overcome the challenges that differences in culture, governance structure, and negotiating power pose. We address this gap by drawing on data from 52 semi‐structured interviews with key decision makers in a multi‐case study of six incumbent firms engaging in venture clienting. Based on the results of our cross‐case analysis, we inductively distill three maturity stages of venture clienting within incumbent firms (i.e., initiation, complexification, and pruning) and the triggers for each stage. We also shed light on the dynamic capabilities that firms develop in each maturity stage and outline the enablers that foster their development. Furthermore, we reveal how these dynamic capabilities affect corporate entrepreneurship in the incumbent firm, in terms of opportunity recognition and technology integration success.

Regulation of Mitochondrial Quality Control of Intestinal Stem Cells in Homeostasis and Diseases.

Significance: Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are crucial for the continuous renewal and regeneration of the small intestinal epithelium. ISC fate decisions are strictly controlled by metabolism. Mitochondria act as the central hubs of energetic metabolism and dynamically remodel their morphology to perform required metabolic functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Recent Advances: In recent years, several studies have reported that mitochondria are potential therapeutic targets for regulating ISC function to alleviate intestinal diseases. However, how mitochondrial quality control mediates ISCs under physiological conditions and protects against intestinal injury remains to be comprehensively reviewed. Critical Issues: In this review, we summarize the available studies about how mitochondrial metabolism, redox state, dynamics, autophagy, and proteostasis impact ISC proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration, respectively. Future Directions: We propose that remodeling the function of mitochondria in ISCs may be a promising potential future direction for the treatment of intestinal diseases. This review may provide new strategies for therapeutically targeting the mitochondria of ISCs in intestinal diseases.

Experimental study of ECDM using a porous electrode containing internal micropores

ABSTRACT In electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM), continuous renewal of electrolyte between the tool electrode and the workpiece guarantees stable discharge machining. Proposed in this paper is Porous-electrode ECDM (p-ECDM) using a tool electrode made of porous material containing micrometer pores. The rough surface of the porous electrode promotes electrolyte regeneration between the electrodes to produce a stable and relatively thin gas film. At the same time, the internal connected micropores are used to provide controlled gas flow to the processing area, reduce the energy consumption of electrolytic bubbles, and improve the discharge energy to achieve efficient ECDM processing. Experimental results indicate that compared with a solid electrode, the porous electrode has faster electrolyte renewal, smaller bubble volume, more-stable voltage characteristics, 22.55% less overcut, a 4.7% smaller heat-affected zone, and better deep hole processing ability. Experimental results for p-ECDM assisted by controlled airflow demonstrate a 54.23% increase in the material removal rate.

Implications of Digitalization on the Persistence of Startups

Digitalization is a transformative phenomenon catalyzing innovative paradigms and operational methodologies within the realm of business, with a pronounced impact on nascent enterprises, notably startups. The aim of this paper is to ascertain the influence of digitalization and the effects of the different sociodemographic variables, both internal and environmental, as key driving elements in the probability of a company’s success and as indicators of business persistence and growth. Taking a representative sample of entrepreneurs from the Community of Madrid, Spain, a statistical structural equation model (SEM) is built. The results show the importance that the degree of adaptation of the startup to digitization acquires in persistence, the effort to generate inter-entrepreneurship within the company, the preparation of the promoting team, their work skills, good practices, and the influence of environmental variables. This study contributes to dispelling the great uncertainty that afflicts entrepreneurs and making them understand the importance of innovation, training, and continuous updating, expansion, and renewal of knowledge and especially the value of learning about applications of new technologies, the transformation of processes within a business model, and the correct adaptation to an environment that is constantly changing.

A megaton-scale industrial demonstration study on hydrothermal mineralization enabled silty waste upcycling

The continual large-scale urbanization and urban renewal in coastal cities of China have accumulated massive silty residue (SR) that may alter the coastal lines and always exerts high stresses to local environments. To meet China’s sustainable development policy, the need for green and high-efficient industrial treatments and reuse of SR is urgent. In this work, we may, for the first time, report a megaton-scale industrial project to upcycle low-quality SR and recycled aggregate (RA) to manufacture construction materials with hydrothermal mineralization (HM). In-situ pilot tests on five batches of SR-RA blocks were conducted. Results demonstrate that the produced blocks possess the compressive strengths of 11.4–15.8 MPa, densities of 1280–1430 kg/m3, porosities of 35–44%, CO2 emissions of 170.22–187.29 kg e-CO2/m3 and costs of 126.49–156.51 CNY/m3, comparable with or superior than the commercial blocks. The silica in SR could react with lime to produce tobermorite with stable pseudohexagonal plate under HM treatment, which improved the microstructure of the material. The findings validate the industrial practicability of upcycling low-quality SR and RA with HM for valuable construction block manufacture.

A collaborative model to restore racial diversity in the teaching profession

Abstract Sixty-eight years after the Brown v. Board of Education decision led to a national reduction of teachers of color, even as numbers of students of color grew, a collaborative effort to racially re-diversify the education profession is forming in the Dayton, Ohio region. This article describes this ongoing movement to increase the number of racially and ethnically marginalized educators, led by seven school districts, five institutions of higher education (IHEs), a county educational services center, and two nonprofit organizations. Initial work was supported by leveraging grant funds. The project seeks to (1) identify seventh- through eleventh-grade students interested in becoming educators, (2) direct students into model pathways and critical supports from high school through college graduation and licensure, (3) offer support for minoritized future and new teachers that fosters confidence and promotes belonging, and (4) facilitate the emergence of collectively-designed professional development for continuous renewal of culturally responsive and inclusive cultures in all education spaces. Strategies include identifying prospective teachers within high schools, establishing peer cohorts, facilitating critical mentoring, mapping grow-your-own pipelines and pathways, providing support at crucial stages in college, developing positive cultures in programs and districts, facilitating ongoing professional development that centers marginalized perspectives, and providing logistical support for emerging networks and organic affinity groups. Lack of support, student debt, isolation, discrimination, and unwelcoming and unresponsive school environments are common barriers that require ongoing dismantling.

Circular Halbach array integrated using an abrasive circulating system during the ultra-precision machining of polymethyl methacrylate optical material

A novel approach to enhancing the efficacy and surface quality of magnetic polishing involves the incorporation of a magnetic liquid circulation system for abrasive particle regeneration in conjunction with a circular Halbach array. The continuous renewal of abrasive particles within the polishing zone is realised through a conveyor belt that transports new abrasive particles into the polishing liquid solution. This formation of a continuously circulating polishing system ensures uninterrupted magnetic finishing processes and maintains stability throughout the polishing operation. This study extensively explores polishing force distribution, magnetic field distribution and abrasive grain behaviour in the polishing area facilitated by the magnetic liquid solution. The application of the proposed polishing processes to polymethyl methacrylate, an optical lens material, aims to comprehend the characteristics and validate the feasibility of the polishing method. Key influencing factors in the magnetic polishing process, including abrasive grain size, magnetic particle, polishing distance and conveyor speed to surface quantity, are examined through experimental analysis. Results of the experimental polishing processes demonstrate that the utilisation of circular Halbach arrays with circulating abrasives produces a nanometric surface finish. Even in the polishing of polymethyl methacrylate with an initial rough surface (Ra = 464.895 nm), the process achieves an ultra-fine level with Ra below 9 nm without disruption in the material polishing processes of optical lenses.

Growth Characteristics of Ramet System in Phyllostachys praecox Forest under Mulch Management.

The ramet system is a typical structural type in the life history of clonal plants. This massive structure is formed by many similar ramets connected by underground rhizomes, which are independent and mutually influential. Therefore, the ramet system is unique to bamboo forests, and its role in the construction, maintenance, and productivity of bamboo populations is irreplaceable. Mulch management is a high-level cultivation model for bamboo forests that is used to cultivate bamboo shoots. However, the basic conditions of bamboo ramet systems in this managed model are poorly understood. This study analyzed the underground rhizome morphology, bud bank, and branching of bamboo ramets in a Phyllostachys praecox C.D. Chu et C.S. Chao 'Prevernalis' forest to explore the growth patterns of bamboo ramets in high-level management fields. In mulched bamboo forests, the bamboo rhizomes, distributed in intermediate positions of the bamboo ramet system, were long with many lateral buds and branches, and those at the initial and distal ends were short with few lateral buds and branches. The initial end of the ramet system reduced the ramet system, the intermediate part expanded the ramet system, and the distal end promoted ramet system regeneration. Owing to the continuous reduction, expansion, and renewal of ramet systems, the bamboo rhizome system demonstrates mobility and adaptability. This study found that a higher level of bamboo forest management increased the possibility of artificial fragmentation of the ramet system and that improving the efficiency of the ramet system was beneficial for maintaining its high vitality. Thus, this study provides a crucial reference for guiding the precise regulation of bamboo ramet systems in artificial bamboo forests.

Exceeding Humanism

The paper introduces Jean-Luc Nancy and Michel Serres as two philosophers of the perpetual and spontaneous rebeginning of philosophy: always in the process of inventing itself, branching off, mutating, and escaping, spurring the spirit towards continuous renewal. Nancy and Serres, two whimsically energetic, creative, innovative thinkers, both take into account, even rely in their philosophies on the parasitic procedures that tend to reorganize the structures of western culture. In this paper, these parasitic procedures come to the fore, as one of the most important aspects of innovation and creation.

A Green Repository Matures at Kepong : the forest Research Institute of Malaysia

An overview of the history of establishment, characteristics and functions of the grounds of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia at Kepong is presented. The Institute was functionally established at its Kepong premises in 1926, when the first forest plantations there were begun, and the arboretum was established in 1929 through the efforts of F. W. Foxworthy and J. G. Watson. Today, the premises at Kepong occupy a total area of some 600 hectares, including the natural forest of Bukit Lagong, the plantation forests and the special livmg-plant collections. The planted forests are a prime example of tropical reforestation using hardwood dipterocarp species. These plantations and the arboreta have been built up through a close association with research related-to forestry, plant biology and taxonomy, and the grounds are an important facility for conservation, education and recreation. Taken in toto. the entire premises are effective in conservation through the building up of viable, breeding populations of many plant species, and are significant as a sanctuary for animal life.Unlike the Indian Botanic Garden, which by 1987 woidd have celebrated two hundred years since establishment, the Kepong premises of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia will see its bicentenary only in the year 2126. It seems a long way to go, and indeed it is. But botanic gardens and arboreta do not grow merely with age; they will only develop with continual maintenance, acquisition and renewal through time. It is, therefore, most pleasing to realize that the Indian Botanic Garden has been sustained for two centuries, and the Kepong premises is maturing after sity years, as scientific livmg-plant repositories.The living collections on the Kepong premises of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) have not normally been equated to a botanical garden in its typical sense because of the general emphasis on arboriculture and species of interest to tree-oriented forestry. Although they are as purposeful and functional as any botanical garden in the tropics, the grounds of the FRIM are unique in several aspects and are well-recognised by tropical plant scientists as one of the major repositories for living plants in the region.

Calcareous termite mounds in South Africa are ancient carbon reservoirs

Ecosystems that offer carbon sequestration by leaching bicarbonate to groundwater are valuable natural capital. One region that may offer this service is the west coast of South Africa. Over 20 % is covered by soil mounds (“heuweltjies”) up to 40 m diameter, 2 m high, inhabited by the southern harvester termite Microhodotermes viator and enriched in soil organic and inorganic carbon and soluble minerals. We aimed to generate radiogenic and stable isotope data for soils and groundwater in a region where these data are absent, to 1) verify the atmosphere-soil-groundwater link, and 2) resolve the timing and pattern of calcite dissolution and water infiltration in the landscape. Results show that soil and groundwater sulfate have the same marine aerosol source. Episodic calcite dissolution in mound centers, which increased during periods of global cooling, has been set against background input of marine aerosols since before the Last Glacial according to radiocarbon (14C) ages. Our data push back soil organic carbon 14C ages of inhabited termite mounds to 13-19 ka (kiloannum, thousand years before present), nest carbonate 14C ages to 33 ka, and mound soil carbonate 14C ages to 34 ka, making these the oldest active termite features ever dated. These ages are consistent with soil organic carbon and carbonate 14C ages of regional, non-mound, coastal petrocalcic horizons formed by accumulation of carbonate leached from their overlying aeolian dune fields. Harvesting activities of termites inject younger organic material around nests >1 m deep, leading to continuous renewal of important soil carbon reservoirs at depth. Termite bioturbation increases the system's ability to dissolve carbonate. The central, bioturbated part of the mounds have greater infiltration depths and greater calcite dissolution, whereas surrounding soils experienced more surface runoff. Calcareous termite mounds offer a mechanism to sequester CO2 through dissolution and leaching of soil carbonate-bicarbonate to groundwater.

Implementasi kepemimpinan digital pada keterampilan abad 21 life and career skills di SMK

The habitual use of digital technology in schools, especially in SMKs that are directly connected to the digital industrial world, is one of the tasks of the school principal to prepare and ensure that the human resources they have are in accordance with the needs of their educational institutions. Digital life and career skills habituation is very important in the implementation of SMK education to prepare students for a connected and digitized future and increase work effectiveness in schools. The importance of habituation of digital life and career skills still gets a poor response to the application of habituation. This study aims to describe the strategies carried out by the principal as a leader on 21st Century Life and Career Skills at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta. this research uses descriptive qualitative methods with data triangulation. The implementation of Digital Leadership on 21st Century Life and Career Skills at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta has been proven to improve school quality and graduate quality. This is evidenced by the increase in digital skills of graduates who get a positive response from the industrial world. The industry's interest in the human resources produced has an impact on close collaboration with schools, as evidenced by the number of industries that partner and involve school human resources in industrial projects. This success is achieved through joint collaboration between the principal, teachers, staff, students and parents. The principal's digital leadership plays an important role in designing digital habituation in every school program. Awareness of the need for digitalization is the basis for continuous renewal of the school management system and teaching and learning activities. Digital habits throughout the school community, including the use of digital systems and innovations in the school's digital systems, are tangible evidence of successful digital transformation at SMK Muhammadiyah 1 Yogyakarta.

Application Research of Task-driven Teaching in Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation Majors at Higher Vocational Colleges

Under the continuous renewal of curriculum reform in higher vocational colleges, the "task-driven" teaching method stands out for its applicability in cultivating students' innovative abilities and independent problem-solving skills. This paper takes students majoring in Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation at higher vocational colleges as the research subjects, proposes the task-driven teaching method, aims to enhance the teaching concepts, awareness, and abilities of teachers in Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation majors strengthen teachers' skills in applying the task-driven model in teaching Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation, elevate teachers' teaching concepts, reduce the difficulty of learning this course, and improve teaching effects.

Development of Somaliland national harmonised medical curriculum

Background and objectives The rational for the Somaliland national harmonised curriculum (NHC) was driven by shared concern about the quality of medical education. Process The Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Health Development produced a Medical Education Policy 2018. Policy objectives included the development of the NHC and accreditation for medical schools that met the standards of the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). Two bodies were asked to oversee these aims: the National Health Professions’ Commission (NHPC) and the National Commission of Higher Education (NCHE). Between 2018 and 2020, a collaborative approach between the Somaliland government, medical school stakeholders, King’s Global Health Partnership’s (KGHP) volunteers and the Tropical Health Education Trust (THET) team was used to design the 6-years NHC. The NHC structure, content and delivery were grounded by WFME standards, health needs of the local population, student focused and active learning methods, and feasibility of implementation in medical schools. Outcomes The NHC comprises details about the educational outcomes, curriculum model and framework, educational principles, instructional and learning methods, core as well as optional content, and assessment strategy. Conclusions The approach used to develop the NHC ensured it is bespoken for Somaliland. Ongoing evaluation of patient and population needs, each medical school’s review of programme implementation and outcomes will inform continuous revision and renewal.

Standarisasi Manajemen Pesantren Kontemporer Di Era Postmodern

All contemporary pesantren in the current era must be able and brave enough to set management standards appropriate for the Postmodern era. This is because many major changes in technology, culture, and thought that occur in the Postmodern era affect pesantren. As a result, contemporary pesantren must adapt to these changes while maintaining their traditional foundation and strong Islamic values. The analysis of references on the type of standardization of contemporary pesantren management in the Postmodern era resulted in the writing of this article, which outlines several important points that can be used as a framework for the preparation of the intended contemporary pesantren standards. The ultimate goal of this standardization is expected to be able to make contemporary pesantren have a clear reference in maintaining its existence. The writing of this article uses a literature study method with a qualitative approach. This means that the data is described in the form of narratives about the standardization of contemporary pesantren management. The results of the analysis of various documents, there are at least several important points that become management standards as contemporary pesantren, including relevant curriculum development, information technology, transparency and accountability, partnerships with educational and business institutions, inclusiveness, attention to the welfare of students, environmental management, and continuous evaluation and renewal.

РАЗВИТИЕ КОМПЕТЕНЦИЙ ИТ-СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ В УСЛОВИЯХ ПЕРЕХОДА К ЦИФРОВОЙ ЭКОНОМИКЕ

This article examines the importance of continuous skill renewal for IT professionals in a rapidly changing environment. The key aspects of the role of IT specialists in maintaining the competitiveness and economic growth of companies, including their ability to adapt to new conditions and solve complex problems, are discussed. The importance of constant updating of skills to increase competitiveness in the labor market and successful career development of IT specialists is emphasized.

Об элементах деконструктивного подхода в экзегезе Иоанна Златоуста

This article attempts to identify elements of deconstruction in the exegetical practices of John Chrysostom. To achieve this goal, a brief description of the basic principles and purpose of deconstruction is given and deconstructive practices in the exegesis of John Chrysostom are revealed. The authors conclude that the following elements of deconstructive strategy are implicitly present in exegesis: preserving and updating the tradition, searching for what was forgotten in it; replenishment, indicating the openness of the text and its non-identity; the issue of translation and language of concepts; focusing on paradoxes and intractability; discovering the natural metaphoricity of words and concepts; focus on context, etymology, words, prepositions, particles, prefixes. In exegesis, as in deconstruction, the outcome of interpretation is not guaranteed as methodically achievable knowledge. Thus, the deconstructivist strategy retains the classical philosophical motive of continuous renewal of knowledge and is a certain form of exegete that protects tradition from stagnation.

АНАЛИЗ ПОСТРОЕНИЯ СИСТЕМЫ ПОДГОТОВКИ КАДРОВ ДЛЯ СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ ПРЕДПРИНИМАТЕЛЬСТВА НА МАЛЫХ И СРЕДНИХ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯХ

In the context of continuous renewal and transformation of our country’s economy, the employment situation is becoming more and more serious. Entrepreneurship opens up new employment opportunities. The country strongly supports student entrepreneurship. Against this background, many colleges and universities have opened specialties in the field of entrepreneurship and management of small and medium-sized enterprises, accelerating the search for talent in the field of entrepreneurship and management. The article analyzes the market demand for specialists in the field of entrepreneurship and management of small and medium-sized enterprises. The education of specialists in the field of entrepreneurship is coming to the fore. It is proposed to build scientific specialists in this field, taking into account the current state and existing problems of entrepreneurship and management training.