Critical Research Research Articles

Making Archives in Place: adopting a creative exchange approach in heritage research

ABSTRACT This paper provides a reflexive account of creative exchange in critical heritage studies research. It does so by recounting the methodological opportunities and challenges of researching on a large interdisciplinary heritage programme. We tested this creative exchange approach when undertaking fieldwork with a museum and a history society in the UK’s Clay Country in Cornwall, which resulted in a public-facing output: a short film titled ‘Archives in Place’. We argue that this creative exchange approach enabled us to cross-fertilise our heritage research themes of ‘transformation’ and ‘profusion’, and we illustrate how new insights were revealed through examples taken while we were recording, analysing and editing the short film. By means of conclusion, we encourage heritage researchers to critically engage with methods and to have confidence in experimenting with creative methodologies which have the potential to open up new perspectives for heritage studies.

Factors Influencing Attitude towards Adaptation of AI among Business Students

This study examines the attitudes of business students in the Kathmandu Valley towards the adaptation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). A sample of 185 respondents participated in the study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation, ANOVA, and regression analysis. The research focused on business education due to the critical importance of skills such as critical thinking, research proficiency, and effective communication. The study assessed five factors influencing student attitudes towards AI adaptation: exposure to AI, trust in AI technology, awareness and knowledge of AI, behavioral intentions towards AI use, and personal experiences with AI. The findings confirm a positive relationship between business students’ attitudes toward using AI and the identified influencing factors. The study suggests conducting future research through longitudinal studies to track attitude changes after students enter the workforce. It also recommends expanding the participant pool to include diverse disciplines and universities across Nepal for better generalizability. Additionally, exploring how negative AI experiences impact attitudes, addressing selection bias through varied data collection methods, and assessing AI's effects on psychomotor and critical thinking skills are advised.

Mapping the evolution and research landscape of ferroptosis-targeted nanomedicine: insights from a scientometric analysis.

Notable progress has been made in "ferroptosis-based nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs)" over the past 11years. Despite the ongoing absence of a comprehensive scientometric overview and up-to-date scientific mapping research, especially regarding the evolution, critical research pathways, current research landscape, central investigative themes, and future directions. Data ranging from 1 January 2012, to 30 November 2023, were obtained from the Web of Science database. A variety of advanced analytical tools were employed for detailed scientometric and visual analyses. The results show that China significantly led the field, contributing 82.09% of the total publications, thereby largely shaping the research domain. Chen Yu emerged as the most productive author in this field. Notably, the journal ACS Nano had the greatest number of relevant publications. The study identified liver neoplasms, pancreatic neoplasms, gliomas, neoplasm metastases, and melanomas as the top five crucial disorders in this research area. This research provides a comprehensive scientometric assessment, enhancing our understanding of NDDSs focused on ferroptosis. Consequently, it enables rapid access to essential information and facilitates the extraction of novel ideas in the field of ferroptotic nanomedicine for both experienced and emerging researchers.

Diversity and Research in Spanish Universities. Weaknesses, Strengths, and Good Practices for Inclusive Research

Aim. Diversity and inclusion are part of the third mission of higher education institutions. One of the dimensions that must be considered in the process of institutionalising inclusion is research. Inclusive research allows for critical research and reflection on certain fundamental issues on the road to democratic citizenship, making a positive impact on people's lives while contributing to social change and transformation. However, the literature has evidenced barriers in the institutionalisation effort, such as those posed by the market conception. In this context, the study presented here analyses the involvement of higher education research with diversity, as well as its weaknesses and strengths, and finally contributes to the identification of proposals for improvement and good practices for inclusive research. Methods. This work was based on assumptions of the interpretative paradigm, using virtual, one-on-one, semi‐structured interviews with Spanish researchers from different universities –most of them leading national projects on inclusion. Results. The results show that research on diversity is beginning to be incorporated as an essential modality in university agendas. In parallel, it is thought that academic capitalism and competitiveness have pierced conceptions of research quality, and in doing so, diversity and inclusion principles are called into question. Conclusions. Currently, the strengths of inclusion research in higher education are not as robust as the weaknesses. Proposals are made for the improvement of inclusive and democratic research, and four principles are set out to promote the institutionalisation of research on inclusion in universities.

Institutional openness and analyst competition in China's capital market: Evidence of information acquisition advantages

The factors driving analyst competition have emerged as a critical research topic while firm characteristics and external environments affect analyst competition. However, the impact of institutional openness is underexplored in the current literature. Based on a quasi–natural experiment of the Administrative Measures for Foreign-Invested Brokerage Firms, we examined the effects of institutional openness on analyst competition using a difference–in–differences model (DID). Our research illustrates that greater institutional openness improves analyst competition through information acquisition advantages. The positive impact of institutional openness on analyst competition was more pronounced in brokerage firms with shorter establishment times and companies with less investor attention. Finally, analyst competition caused by institutional openness enhanced the market information transmission efficiency. The findings provide essential contributions to understanding the institutional openness effect and characteristics of the analyst industry.

Bibliometric analysis of microRNAs and Parkinson's disease from 2014 to 2023.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Recent research has emphasized a significant correlation between microRNAs (miRNAs) and PD. To identify key research areas, provide a comprehensive overview of current research in various fields, and propose potential directions for future studies, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the involvement of miRNAs in Parkinson's disease from 2014 to 2023. Relevant literature records were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection on February 29, 2024. Subsequently, the data underwent analysis using the Bibliometrix R package and VOSviewer (version 1.6.19). The annual scientific publications on miRNAs and Parkinson's disease demonstrated an increasing trend, with an annual growth rate of 12.67%. China, the United States, and India emerged as the top three most productive countries/regions. The University of Barcelona had the highest annual publications, followed by Central South University and the Helmholtz Association. The INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES held the top position in terms of H-index and total citations, reflecting its extensive influence and prolific publication output. Kim, J., Junn, E., Hébert, S.S., and Doxakis, E. were the most frequently co-cited authors in the field. Based on the analysis of keywords, the most frequently occurring terms included "alpha-synuclein," "neurodegenerative disease," "exosome," "neuroinflammation," "oxidative stress," "autophagy," and "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis," which have emerged as prominent research topics. Concurrently, there has been notable interest in topics such as "ceRNA," "lncRNAs," "mitochondrial dysfunction," and "circular RNA." This study focused on identifying emerging trends and critical research topics in the bibliometric analysis of microRNAs related to Parkinson's disease. These findings highlight the diverse research landscape and evolving trend of miRNA-related research in PD. The field of miRNA research in Parkinson's disease is actively exploring the underlying mechanisms of miRNA function, identifying potential diagnostic markers, and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. The results of our study offer significant contributions to researchers' ability to track contemporary developments and guide the trajectory of future research in this domain.

A critical insight into the intersection of sustainability and technology

Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of blockchain (BCT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in enhancing and incentivizing environmentally responsible, socially inclusive and economically viable tourism practices within the hospitality and tourism (H&T) industry. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on a critical reflection research approach that enables a synthesis of information derived from existing literature's insights and the authors' experiences and observations. By examining frameworks and theories in the literature, critical reflection also helps develop a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. Findings This study portrays how BCT could be used to track the sustainability credentials of tourism providers and how AI can optimize energy usage in hotels. This study depicts how adopting technology-driven sustainable practices in the H&T industry can increase profitability, improve reputation, compliance with regulations, efficiency and a better guest experience. Practical implications The study suggests targeted actions and policy frameworks that can be tailored to different stakeholder groups (hospitality businesses, policymakers and tourists) to overcome barriers and maximize the positive societal and environmental impacts of adopting BCT and AI for sustainable tourism. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in its ability to offer new perspectives and novel recommendations on the diverse uses of AI and BCT in the context of sustainable tourism. Furthermore, the study provides strategic and policy elements (Targeted actions and policy frameworks) for stakeholders to integrate sustainable tourism practices using BCT and AI successfully. This study differs from earlier review studies that primarily focused on adopting emerging technologies and ignoring the sustainability angle in the use of technology.

Groundwater-Surface water interactions research: Past trends and future directions

Interactions between groundwater and surface water sustain groundwater-dependent ecosystems and regulate river temperature and biogeochemical cycles, amongst many other processes. These interactions occur in freshwater environments including rivers, springs, lakes, and wetlands, and in coastal environments via tidal pumping, submarine groundwater discharge, and seawater intrusion. Here, we explore groundwater-surface water interactions research using bibliometric analyses of titles, abstracts, and keywords from 20,275 journal papers published between 1970 and 2023 extracted from Scopus. Analyses show that research into groundwater-surface water interactions is highly multi-disciplinary, with growing contributions from the social and biological sciences. The number of groundwater-surface water interactions papers is rapidly increasing with over 1200 papers published per year since 2020. Drawing on our data-driven approach and expert knowledge, we synthesise current research trends and identify critical future research directions. Despite the thousands of papers on groundwater-surface water interactions, important processes are still difficult to quantify or predict at meaningful spatial scales to inform water-resources management. We see benefits in future groundwater-surface water interactions research focusing on: (1) using new technologies including internet-of-things-based sensors, uncrewed vehicles, and remote-sensing approaches for data collection to inform groundwater-surface water interactions at large scales, (2) seeking approaches to upscale site-specific findings to better inform management, and (3) continuing the movement towards multi-disciplinary investigations to better inform the understanding of groundwater-surface water interactions and processes that will enable better management outcomes.

The emergence and evolution of ambiguous ideas: an innovative application of social network analysis to support systematic literature reviews

AbstractSystematic literature reviews are attempts to understand conversations between researchers working to develop solutions to common problems. These conversations often stretch back decades and can involve the participation of dozens of authors. Traditional approaches to systematic reviews are ill-equipped to make sense of the sheer volume of relevant literature when exploring the emergence and evolution of ambiguous ideas across large knowledge communities. This article presents three innovative applications of Social Network Analysis (SNA) methods to explore the emergence and evolution of accountability in higher education across a collection of 450 peer-reviewed articles published from 1974-2017 and their corresponding 12,270 references. First, qualitative data from articles and references were integrated into new interactive joint displays called Narrated Network Diagrams, creating opportunities to more accurately assess themes and meanings in literature by connecting structures in co-citation networks with relevant relational stories. Second, time was elevated in the analysis procedure to capture the dynamism of knowledge formation. Third, underutilized descriptive network statistics were applied to the co-citation network analysis to generate new insights such as different mechanisms for authors gaining influence in a knowledge community. Ultimately, this article presents an innovative longitudinal Mixed Methods Social Network Analysis (MMSNA) approach to systematic literature reviews, significantly advancing previous SNA methods integration in this critical research practice.

Evaluation of entropy-coupled multi-criteria decision-making methods for enhancing machinability

Optimizing machining parameters is crucial, enhancing machinability while maintaining high product quality standards. This study bridges a critical research gap by evaluating and comparing five Taguchi-based Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques—Combined Compromised Solution (CoCoSo), Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), Multi-Objective Optimization Ratio Analysis (MOORA), Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS)—coupled with the Entropy method to optimize machining parameters for enhancing machinability in turning medium carbon steel. The focus is on feed rate and cutting speed under dry and Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) environments considering six critical machining responses: material removal rate, surface roughness, main cutting force, cutting temperature, cutting ratio, and tool life.The results reveal that MQL consistently improves machining performance, with COPRAS, TOPSIS, MOORA, and GRA converging on an optimal setting favoring an MQL environment, a 0.14 mm/rev feed rate, and a cutting speed of 137 m/min, whereas CoCoSo suggests a different optimal parameter setting. CoCoSo and GRA demonstrate the highest reliability, evidenced by minimal discrepancies between predicted and experimental results, with absolute percentage errors of 0.647 % and 0.659 %, respectively. The COPRAS method also shows strong predictive accuracy with a 5.573 % error, outperforming MOORA and TOPSIS. Spearman's rank correlation analysis reveals a high agreement between COPRAS, MOORA, and TOPSIS, with COPRAS emerging as a potential replacement for the latter in similar decision-making scenarios. SEM and EDX analyses confirm that MQL conditions reduce tool wear, enhance surface quality, and extend tool life compared to dry machining. This research provides insights into effective parameter optimization strategies for improving machinability and underscores the benefits of adopting MQL for sustainable manufacturing processes.

Abstract B084: Multi-Stakeholder Engagement to Create Equity in Prostate Cancer Outcomes through Identifying Community Priorities in Early Detection Research

Abstract Introduction: Black individuals have a two-fold higher rate of prostate cancer death in the US compared with other groups. This is the largest racial inequity in US cancer-related deaths. Annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing among Black individuals starting at age 45 years could reduce mortality by 30% compared with current screening practices. Few current practice guidelines make race-conscious screening recommendations due to a lack of trial data on screening in Black populations; only 0-3% of participants in practice-informing PSA screening trial cohorts were Black. An equity-informed approach is required to ensure that trial designs reflect the priorities and perspectives of Black individuals to ensure their participation in future research. Methods: We partnered with the Black and African-descent Collaborative for Prostate Cancer ACtion (BACPAC) to conduct a survey to identify community priorities in prostate cancer early detection research. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of 15 research topics, then select the three topics most critical for research. Members of the BACPAC Virtual Research Community (VRC), a nationally representative group of 2,016 Black prostate cancer survivors and community members, were invited to participate. Eligible members were Black prostate cancer survivors and family members/caregivers of Black prostate cancer survivors. Those who met the inclusion criteria were emailed a unique link to complete the online survey. Results: 1,557 eligible VRC members received a survey link, 1,224 surveys were completed (78.6% response rate). 60% of respondents were survivors, 38% were family members/caregivers, and 2% were both. More than 80% of respondents rated each of the 15 research topics as moderately to very important. Topic rankings revealed two overarching priority areas, representing 6 out of 15 topics included in the survey. These areas were 1) the use of reflex testing in the setting of elevated PSA to aid detection of clinically significant cancer and 2) establishing optimal timing for initiation or interval of PSA testing for prostate cancer screening. Regarding use of reflex testing, 97.7% of respondents prioritized blood (44.3%), urine (27.8%), or MRI (25.6%) reflex testing. Regarding timing of PSA testing, 51.5% of respondents prioritized customized screening schedules based on personal risk factors, with 24.9% selecting to improve rates of screening and 26.6% selecting to improve detection of clinically significant cancers, and 25% of respondents prioritized initiating screening at age 45 to improve early detection of prostate cancer. Conclusion: Our survey identified critical research topics that are of high importance to Black prostate cancer survivors and their families/caregivers. Our findings bridge a critical gap in prostate cancer early detection research, from which Black individuals have been historically excluded. Involving Black prostate cancer survivors in research design may help ensure that Black individuals are better represented in future clinical trials. Citation Format: Jenney R. Lee, Sung Min Kim, Erika M. Wolff, Yohali Burrola-Mendez, Dante' Morehead, Ben Young, Raymond Miller, Robert Ginyard, Frank Fields, Marty Chakoian, Patrick Bingham, Daniel VanArsdale, Mike Crosby, Tony Minter, Thomas Farrington, John Masembe, Burcu Darst, Ruth Etzioni, Adam Murphy, Sam L Washington, Jonathan Shoag, Yaw A Nyame. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement to Create Equity in Prostate Cancer Outcomes through Identifying Community Priorities in Early Detection Research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B084.

Unraveling developmental patterns and differentiation trajectories in a single developing internode of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)

Bamboo, a significant carbon sink and eco-friendly resource, possesses substantial economic value and ecological benefits. A single internode represents the fundamental unit of bamboo culm, yet research focusing on the pivotal cellular destinies and molecular mechanisms underpinning the growth and development of a single internode remains comparatively scarce. In the study, we pioneered the establishment of a high-resolution single-cell transcriptomic atlas for a single internode of Moso bamboo. Utilizing known marker genes, we identified six major cell clusters (meristem, epidermis, phloem, xylem, pre-xylem/phloem, and vascular bundle sheath) and found many potential marker genes in the internode of Moso bamboo. Subsequently, we reconstructed the developmental trajectories of the epidermis and vascular tissues and further unveiled the key regulatory factors determining cell fates. Moreover, ectopic expression of PheIAA15 in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in a marked reduction in the number of vascular bundles within the stems, as well as a significant decrease in their cross-sectional areas, diverging from existing research in Arabidopsis. The interaction between PheIAA15 and PheWOX4c suggested a potential novel auxin response mechanism in Moso bamboo. We subsequently elucidated that PheIAA15 bound to the promoter region of PheCLE25, thereby down-regulating the expression of PheCLE25, whereas PheWOX4c can activate the transcription of PheCLE25, which suggested that these two factors regulated the expression of PheCLE25 through an antagonistic mechanism. This finding highlighted the critical role of the complex regulatory network established among these elements in the differentiation of vascular tissues in the internodes of Moso bamboo. Overall, the study fills a critical research void concerning internodal development in bamboo plants at the single-cell level, laying a foundation for future studies to unravel the origin and differentiation of vascular bundle cells during internode development in perennial Gramineous plants.

An Investigation on Construction Project Development Planning Delays in South Africa

This article aims to determine the causes of the delays in South African construction project planning, discussing the centralised hierarchical planning system factors, multiple agencies/spheres of government regarding building-permit approval factors, and systems and spheres of government/multiple agencies for improving preconstruction project planning in South Africa. It also describes a one-stop centre as a framework for improving South African preconstruction planning. The nature of planning in South Africa is influenced by many legislative measures. The delays being experienced in the educational infrastructure project have attributed to the backlogs currently existing in the delivery of basic education infrastructure. This study was conducted using a quantitative research design technique to assess the secondary data findings through primary data gathered on about 106 construction industry operatives. The primary data collected from the 106 construction operatives focused on architects, engineers, surveyors, and contractors. The researchers conducted a pilot survey with experts/professionals before an industry-wide survey as a questionnaire pretest. The finalised questionnaire was used as a data-gathering technique in the quantitative study approach. A focus group discussion was held to validate the findings. The collected information was then subjected to quantitative analysis in SPSS Version: 29.0.2.0 to verify the veracity of the research. According to the findings, a one-stop centre would enhance systems and sectors of government/multiple agencies and prevent preconstruction project-planning delays in South Africa. A centralised hierarchical planning system is essential for reducing preconstruction-planning delays and multiple agencies/sectors of the government delaying building-permit approvals. The critical research contribution is in that expanding on what is already known about preconstruction project planning in South Africa, this study shows how crucial it is to identify and understand the factors that influence preconstruction project planning in that country. The limitation, however, is that, regarding South Africa, the available literature indicates that there is a problem with systems responsible for approving construction projects. In conclusion, by proposing a structure known as the one-stop centre (OSC) to address the issues that lead to delays in preconstruction project planning in South Africa, this study offers a significant contribution.

Do cyclists disregard ‘priority-to-the-right’ more often than motorists?

The integration of autonomous driving into mixed traffic environments poses unique challenges, especially at unsignalized intersections where communication and cooperation with human road users is necessary. This study addresses a critical research gap by investigating the adherence to the “priority-to-the-right” rule at an urban unsignalized intersection, comparing behavioral patterns of cyclists and motorists. Utilizing stationary mounted cameras, a 12-day traffic observation of an urban T-intersection in Braunschweig, Germany, was conducted. The class and the trajectory of road users as well as their scenarios were identified. In 202 cases, cars appearing from the right (ego, with priority) encountered cars or bikes coming from the left (foe, without priority). The study analyzed the impact of variables, ego’s direction, foe’s class and lateral position and their arrival time on their passing order through descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The findings reveal that cyclists disregard the “priority-to-the-right” rule more often than motorists. Additionally, road users who have the priority are more likely to yield when turning right, arriving at the intersection later, and encountering an opposing road user who is close to the center of the road. This study highlights the importance of implicit communication in traffic and provides essential benchmarks for developing more human-like autonomous driving systems, capable of interpreting and responding to nuanced road user interactions at unsignalized intersections.

How life events may confer vulnerability to addiction: the role of epigenetics.

Substance use disorder (SUD) represents a large and growing global health problem. Despite the strong addictive potency of drugs of abuse, only a minority of those exposed develop SUDs. While certain life experiences (e.g., childhood trauma) may increase subsequent vulnerability to SUDs, mechanisms underlying these effects are not yet well understood. Given the chronic and relapsing nature of SUDs, and the length of time that can elapse between prior life events and subsequent drug exposure, changes in SUD vulnerability almost certainly involve long-term epigenetic dysregulation. To validate this idea, functional effects of specific epigenetic modifications in brain regions mediating reinforcement learning (e.g., nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex) have been investigated in a variety of animal models of SUDs. In addition, the effects of epigenetic modifications produced by prior life experiences on subsequent SUD vulnerability have been studied, but mostly in a correlational manner. Here, we review how epigenetic mechanisms impact SUD-related behavior in animal models and summarize our understanding of the relationships among life experiences, epigenetic regulation, and future vulnerability to SUDs. Despite variations in study design, epigenetic modifications that most consistently affect SUD-related behavior are those that produce predominantly unidirectional effects on gene regulation, such as DNA methylation and histone phosphorylation. Evidence explicitly linking environmentally induced epigenetic modifications to subsequent SUD-related behavior is surprisingly sparse. We conclude by offering several directions for future research to begin to address this critical research gap.

Impact of titanium dioxide/graphene in polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposite membrane to intensify methylene blue dye removal, antifouling performance, and reusability

AbstractThe development of efficient water purification technologies is a critical research focus driven by the crucial role of clean water sources for ecological sustainability. This study explores the strategic incorporation of nanoparticles within polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes as a promising approach to enhance membrane performance for wastewater remediation. PVDF membranes containing varying ratios of graphene (GR) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposites were fabricated via phase inversion method. Characterization techniques including XRD, FTIR, and FESEM‐EDX revealed that the 80% GR nanocomposite membrane exhibited desirable structural and functional properties with pronounced sponge‐like morphology and homogenous nanoparticle distribution. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the 80% GR membrane retained PVDF crystallinity while uniquely eliminating TiO2 crystallinity. Subsequently, performance testing demonstrated the 80% GR nanocomposite membrane had the highest water flux and methylene blue dye rejection rates compared to other ratios and the pristine PVDF membrane. Both fabricated membranes exhibited sufficient reusability and antifouling properties. However, 80% GR ratio exhibited superior antifouling properties, indicating its potential as an optimal material for improving membrane hydrophilicity and overall water purification technologies. These findings underscore the strategic utility of GR‐TiO2 nanocomposites for enhancing PVDF membrane performance in sustainable wastewater treatment applications.

Solidarity in action: Collaborating with system‐impacted youth to transform the juvenile (in)justice system through YPAR

AbstractThe juvenile “justice” system in the United States and the expansion of the carceral state into communities of color are deeply rooted in white supremacy. To challenge these oppressive systems, it is essential for system‐impacted youth to have access to these subjugated histories. We argue that critical youth participatory action research (YPAR) is a powerful tool for providing these youth with the necessary exposure, space, and support to access these histories, develop critical consciousness, and transform their personal pain and experiences into reflection, collaboration, and actions aimed at challenging oppressive systems such as the juvenile legal system. To illustrate this potential, we present an overview of recent YPAR projects in partnership with system‐impacted youth. We underscore the importance of system‐impacted youth in meaningful, non‐tokenistic ways. Concrete recommendations for supporting YPAR projects with system‐impacted youth are provided.

Super-resolution ultrasound imaging reveals temporal cerebrovascular changes with disease progression in female 5×FAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: correlation with pathological impairments

Vascular dysfunction is closely associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A critical research gap exists that no studies have explored the invivo temporal changes of cerebrovascular alterations with AD progression in mouse models, encompassing both structure and flow dynamics at micron-scale resolution across the early, middle, and late stages of the disease. In this study, ultrasound localisation microscopy (ULM) was applied to image the cerebrovascular alterations of the transgenic female 5×FAD mouse model across different stages of disease progression: early (4 months), moderate (7 months), and late (12 months). Age-matched non-transgenic (non-Tg) littermates were used as controls. Immunohistology examinations were performed to evaluate the influence of disease progression on the β-amyloid (Aβ) load and microvascular alterations, including morphological changes and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage. Our findings revealed a significant decline in both vascular density and flow velocity in the retrosplenial cortex of 5×FAD mice at an early stage, which subsequently became more pronounced in the visual cortex and hippocampus as the disease progressed. Additionally, we observed a reduction in vascular length preceding diminished flow velocities in cortical penetrating arterioles during the early stages. The quantification of vascular metrics derived from ULM imaging showed significant correlations with those obtained from vascular histological images. Immunofluorescence staining identified early vascular abnormalities in the retrosplenial cortex. As the disease advanced, there was an exacerbation of Aβ accumulation and BBB disruption in a regionally variable manner. The vascular changes observed through ULM imaging exhibited a negative correlation with amyloid load and were associated with the compromise of the BBB integrity. Through high-resolution, invivo imaging of cerebrovasculature, this study reveals significant spatiotemporal dysfunction in cerebrovascular dynamics accompanying disease progression in a mouse model of AD, enhancing our understanding of its pathophysiology. This study is supported by grants from National Key Research and Development Program of China (2020YFA0908800), National Natural Science Foundation of China (12074269, 82272014, 82327804, 62071310), Shenzhen Basic Science Research (20220808185138001, JCYJ20220818095612027, JCYJ20210324093006017), STI 2030-Major Projects (2021ZD0200500) and Guangdong Natural Science Foundation (2024A1515012591, 2024A1515011342).

Improving UASS pesticide application: optimizing and validating drift and deposition simulations.

As unmanned aerial spraying systems (UASS) usage grows rapidly worldwide, a critical research study was conducted to optimize the simulation of UASS applications, aiming to enhance pesticide delivery efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The study examined several key aspects for accurate simulation of UASS application with lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). Based on these discussions, the most suitable grid size and simulation parameters were selected to create a robust model for optimizing UASS performance in various pest management scenarios, potentially leading to more targeted and sustainable pest control practices. The effect of stability parameter, grid size around the rotor and near ground, and parameters at wake flow were carefully analyzed to improve the precision of pesticide drift predictions and deposition patterns. Optimal grid sizes were identified as 0.2 m generally, 0.025 m near rotors, and a 0.1 + 0.2 m scheme for ground proximity, with finer grids improving accuracy but increasing computation time. Wake resolution and threshold significantly influenced simulation results, while wake distance had minimal impact beyond a certain point. The LBM's accuracy was validated by comparing simulated downwash flow and droplet deposition with field test data. This study optimized UASS simulation parameters, balancing computational efficiency with accuracy. The validated model enhances our ability to design more effective UASS for pest management, potentially leading to more precise and targeted pesticide applications. These advancements contribute to the development of sustainable pest control strategies, aiming to reduce pesticide usage and environmental impact while maintaining crop protection efficacy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Impact of Cloud Technology on Entrepreneurship in the Hospitality Industry

Purpose: Cloud technology has significantly transformed modern business operations, particularly within the hospitality industry, by offering scalable, cost-effective, and flexible computing solutions. This paradigm shift has democratized access to advanced tools and services, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and competitive capability for entrepreneurs. This integrative paper examines the impact of cloud computing on entrepreneurship within the hospitality sector, focusing on operational efficiency, cost structures, scalability, and innovation. Materials and Methods: By employing the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT), this integrative study provides a framework for understanding how cloud technology enhances competitive advantage and adoption patterns. Findings: Through a comprehensive review of literature and case studies, this study identifies and addresses critical research gaps, including the limited empirical evidence on the long-term effects of cloud technology on business growth, sustainability, and competitive advantage. It also highlights the need for further exploration of regional differences in cloud technology adoption, particularly in emerging markets, and underscores the insufficient exploration of security and privacy concerns, advocating for more detailed research on cloud security models. Moreover, the study seeks to bridge gaps in understanding how cloud technology drives innovation in service delivery and customer experience. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Policy contributions from this study include recommending targeted guidelines for secure cloud adoption, strategies for addressing regional disparities in cloud technology implementation, and policy frameworks that support innovation while safeguarding data privacy. Recommendations for entrepreneurs include strategically adopting cloud solutions, investing in staff training, and continuously monitoring cloud-related expenses. This study ultimately contributes to a nuanced understanding of cloud technology’s role in shaping entrepreneurial practices and policies within the hospitality sector.