Deeper Understanding Of Changes Research Articles

Using digital tools to identify and analyze vernacular buildings in remote regions

PurposeThe wattle-and-daub technique has been used in Brazil since its colonization (15th and 16th century) and is still present in rural areas. However, these buildings are undergoing a process of destruction and disappearance without ever having been mapped.Design/methodology/approachThis research used the Google Street View (GSV) as a digital tool to analyze an area still not covered for other surveys. More than 2,000 buildings were visualized and marked. High-definition images facilitated the visualization of damages in the observed dwellings.FindingsIt was also possible to obtain the external characteristics of these constructions with precision and regular updates, allowing for detailed analysis of changes that have occurred over time. Four categories were proposed to classify according to the earthen construction technique. The dwellings were still analyzed under the habitability and maintenance aspects.Research limitations/implicationsThe remote-type survey, elaborated using the GSV tool, presented particularities that must be addressed and discussed. These issues inherent to the survey do not invalidate the obtained data but should be noted as points of attention and virtual analysis. Although the region has communities (such as a demarcated indigenous territory recognized as quilombola community territories and settlements), it was not possible to analyze them through a digital survey. There aren’t any GSV images available in these regions. It was also impossible to conduct an on-site survey of these communities as they are traditional communities and because of the health risks associated with the pandemic related to SARS-Cov-2.Practical implicationsGSV images captured in 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2019 were analyzed. Google conducted a new mapping between August and September 2022, but these data were not included in this research. However, some relevant and specific cases were verified and analyzed: buildings that existed in previous mappings and no longer in 2022 and those that remained until Google’s last mapping.Originality/valueThe application of GSV in the survey and analysis of vernacular architecture enabled the documentation of dwellings with precise and up-to-date information, allowing for monitoring and a deeper understanding of changes made over time. In addition, this documentation is crucial for developing strategies to value the wattle-and-daub construction technique as a cultural heritage to be preserved in Brazil.

Exploring preharvest sprouting (PHS) and late‐maturity alpha‐amylase (LMA) in wheat through proteomics: A review

Abstract Climate fluctuations have made it increasingly difficult for growers to maintain the quality and quantity of their grain to a degree that is satisfactory to buyers. Challenges for growers are preharvest sprouting (PHS) and late‐maturity alpha‐amylase (LMA), which are influenced by weather and genetic differences between varieties. Both lead to the expression of alpha‐amylase enzymes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain, which degrade starches in the endosperm. Starch degradation drastically reduces the quality of food products that can be made from the affected wheat, leading to substantial financial losses for the grain industry. Identifying PHS and LMA depends on the Hagberg–Perten falling number (FN) test. While the industry standard, the FN test is not easily deployable at farms or elevators due to capital equipment costs and low test throughput. As a result, there is an increased risk of inadvertent mixing of affected grain with unaffected grain. Emerging literature suggests that LMA impacts end‐use quality differently than PHS. However, the FN test is unable to differentiate between PHS and LMA, which limits grain management strategies. Cost‐effective tests that can rapidly detect and differentiate between PHS and LMA may help to prevent inadvertent mixing and enhance breeding for tolerant varieties. A deeper understanding of changes in protein expression during PHS and LMA is needed for improving test development and targeted breeding. This review seeks to define the current understanding of changes in the wheat grain proteome during PHS and LMA, and the impact on end‐use quality of wheat.

Audiological characteristics following gene therapy in patients with autosomal recessive deafness 9.

Audiological characteristics following gene therapy in patients with autosomal recessive deafness 9.

Interactions of Cubosomes with Cell Membrane Lipids: Revealed through Cubic Membrane Property Analysis.

Leveraged for their large drug payloads and fusogenic properties, cubosomes are promising platforms for therapeutic applications. However, research regarding the properties of the cubic membranes and their interactions with cell membranes is still lacking. The study of these properties is an important factor to consider in the design process of cubosomes due to their influence on the cubosome structure and capability for drug release. To address this research gap, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the utilization of membrane-bound fluorescence probes to examine the properties of cubosomes and their interaction behavior. First, we demonstrated the cubosomal membrane changes with increasing concentration of DOPC using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence of Laurdan and DPH probes. The steady-state generalized polarization of Laurdan (GP340) and anisotropy of DPH (r) showed that the well-hydrated and fluidic membranes transitioned into less hydrated and fluidic states, due to the transition to the lamellar phase. Finally, we verified the results in the first part by examining the interactions of MO cubosomes and DOPC liposomes using time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (TR-SAXS) and the changes to the GP340 values of Laurdan probed cubosomes over time. The cubic-to-lamellar phase transition was confirmed from the TR-SAXS spectra. By using the GP340 of the MO/DOPC compositions in the first part as a calibration curve, the kinetics of apparent lipid exchange (kapp) were obtained, and the apparent amount of DOPC in the cubosomes over the course of the interaction could be estimated. The approach developed in this work showcases the applications of fluorescence probes such as estimation of apparent lipid exchange kinetics that could be generalized to other types of carriers. In addition, the results obtained from this work provide a deeper understanding of changes in the cubic membrane and structure in relation to the interaction between the drug carrier and model cell membranes. Such insights may prove to be valuable for the design of cubosomes as therapeutic carriers.

The Application of MicroRNAs in Traumatic Brain Injury: Mechanism Elucidation and Clinical Translation.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex neurological disease caused by external forces impacting the head and is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide, exerting a significant impact on public health and socioeconomic conditions. Current research on TBI has focused primarily on assessing injury severity, determining clinical treatment, and improving patient prognosis. The timely and accurate diagnosis of TBI in clinical settings and the implementation of effective therapeutic strategies remain challenging. However, a deeper understanding of changes in gene expression and underlying molecular regulatory processes may alleviate this pressing issue. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of short noncoding RNA molecules, play crucial roles in cellular physiology and pathology by regulating gene expression. With advancements in research, miRNAs have garnered increasing attention in TBI studies. This review summarizes the progress of miRNA research in TBI and explores the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers and therapeutic targets for TBI.

Examination of Problems and Solutions of Chinese Stock Market

In the past few decades, the Chinese economy has developed rapidly, and in this process, the Chinese stock market has experienced significant growth over the last several decades but also exhibits many puzzles around its performance. This study identifies problems of the Chinese stock market, analyzes the causes and impacts, and proposes solutions. The findings suggest that three prevailing problems are excessive policy intervention, the nature of emerging stock markets, and surge growth of listed companies with declining quality. These issues together lead to systematic underperformance in the stock market. To remediate the problems, this study further proposes a series of solutions include promoting policy transparency, improving stock market maturity, and imposing more stringent controls on IPO and continued listing requirements. Together, the solutions should improve long-term stability and performance of the Chinese stock market. This study provides a certain reference for a deeper understanding of changes in the Chinese stock market and making accurate investment decisions.

ЦИФРОВАЯ ДИДАКТИЧЕСКАЯ КУЛЬТУРА ПРЕПОДАВАТЕЛЯ: ПОНЯТИЙНО-ТЕРМИНОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ АППАРАТ

In the context of the rapid digitalization of the educational process, there is a need to form a new digital didactic culture of teachers. The article is devoted to the analysis of the conceptual and terminological apparatus associated with digital didactics, which allows for a deeper understanding of changes in pedagogical practice and prepares teachers for the challenges of our time. The scientific basis for the formation of a new didactic culture of teachers is the praxeological approach, which focuses primarily on practical activities and experience. To achieve these goals, the article uses methods of comparative analysis and research of existing scientific publications, practical recommendations, as well as monitoring the work of teachers in a digital environment. Special attention is paid to the praxeological approach, which is the basis for building the methodology of digital didactic culture of teachers. As a result of the comparative analysis, key terms and concepts characterizing digital didactic culture have been identified: “human culture”, “professional and pedagogical culture”, “didactic culture”, “digital culture”. The main components of this culture are identified, such as digital lite­racy, the use of educational technologies and techniques, as well as the role of the teacher as a facilitator of the educational process. Recommendations on the use of the praxeological approach, which is fundamental for the formation of the digi­tal didactic culture of teachers, are also presented. The article highlights the importance of understanding and introducing new concepts and terms into educational practice for teachers to successfully adapt to the demands of the digital age. The development of a clear conceptual framework contributes not only to improving the quality of education, but also to improving the professional competence of teachers in a rapidly changing world. The formation of a digital didactic culture is an important task for the higher education system. The praxeological approach can be an effective tool for solving it.

How to Assess Livelihoods? Critical Reflections on the Use of Common Indicators to Capture Socioeconomic Outcomes for Ecological Restoration workers in South Africa

Social outcomes from conservation and development activities on a local scale are often assessed using five livelihood assets—Natural, Physical, Human, Financial and Social—and their associated indicators. These indicators, and the variables used to measure them, are typically based on ‘common practice’ with limited attention being paid to the use of alternative indicators. In this article, we present a typical survey of socioeconomic benefits for ecological restoration workers in South Africa, and ask whether the common livelihood indicators used are adequate and sufficient, or whether any relevant indicators are missing. Results from the livelihood survey show the value of income, food and education as strong indicators of financial and human assets, and the importance of open-ended questions in eliciting details of workers’ perceived changes in their livelihoods. However, by complementing the survey results with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and stakeholder workshops, we show how unconventional livelihood indicators and aspects provide a deeper understanding of changes in livelihoods that are tied to restoration projects. We guide scholars and practitioners to advance their process of selecting livelihood indicators, in particular to include three additional types of indicators: intangible indicators to assess life quality; relative indicators reaching across spatial and temporal scales to capture community outcomes and livelihood resilience; and, political indicators to uncover causal relationships.

Analysis of the dynamics and structure of financing of the national Healthcare project

The article analyzes the structure and dynamics of financing of the national Healthcare project in the Russian Federation for the period from 2019 to 2024. The study analyzes the distribution of budget funds in the context of federal projects. The key areas of financing are considered, such as the fight against cancer and cardiovascular diseases, the development of children's healthcare, the modernization of primary healthcare, as well as the creation of a single digital circuit in healthcare. Special attention is paid to the impact of inflation on the volume of budget allocations, therefore, the values of the indicators are recalculated in comparable prices. The results of the analysis show that despite significant changes in some areas, the general trend indicates an increase in financing of the national project, exceeding the inflation rate. The analysis highlights the need for careful monitoring of budget spending in order to minimize the risks of not achieving the set goals and increase the effectiveness of project implementation. Attention is focused on the formal approach to the allocation of funds and the need for more flexible management of financial resources, depending on the actual implementation of plans and performance indicators. The research methods and methodology in the article include an analysis of structural and dynamic indicators of financing, budget allocation for federal projects and the impact of inflation on budget allocations. A comparative analysis of planned and actual data is used to identify trends and savings reserves. The scientific novelty of the article lies in an integrated approach to assessing the financing of one of the key national projects in Russia - "Healthcare". The study uses new methodological approaches, such as the calculation of the integral coefficients of Gatev's structural shifts and Salai's structural differences, which allows for a deeper understanding of changes in the allocation of budget funds in the context of federal projects. The novelty also manifests itself in the analysis of financing at comparable prices, which provides a more objective assessment of the dynamics of economic processes, taking into account inflation. This makes it possible not only to identify current trends, but also to propose measures to improve the efficiency of the allocation and use of budgetary funds, which is an important contribution to the theory and practice of public administration in the field of healthcare.

Assessment and Prediction of Future Climate Change in the Kaidu River Basin of Xinjiang under Shared Socioeconomic Pathway Scenarios

Xinjiang, located in the arid region of the northwest, is one of the areas most sensitive to global changes. The Kaidu River Basin, situated in the heart of Xinjiang, is one of the sources of China’s largest inland river—the Tarim River. The Kaidu River not only bears the responsibility for supplying water for industrial use and agricultural production and people’s daily life in the basin, but also plays a crucial role in ecological water supply to the Tarim River. Studying and analyzing the characteristics and trends of meteorological condition in the future under climate change can provide important references and a basis for a deeper understanding of changes in the hydrological process and water resources in the basin. Therefore, this paper selects seven precipitation bias correction methods and four temperature bias correction methods to adjust the precipitation and temperature output data of eight general circulation models of the Sixth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) within the Kaidu River Basin. The applicability of different bias correction methods in the study area is evaluated, and based on the corrected future meteorological data and calculated extreme meteorological index, the trends of meteorological data (precipitation, temperature) in the future period (2025–2050) under four SSP scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5) in the Kaidu River Basin are analyzed. The results show that: (1) Different types of bias correction methods have different correction focus and effects; their reflections on evaluation indicators are also different. (2) In the future period (2025–2050), the annual precipitation and average temperature in the Kaidu River Basin are higher than those in the historical period (1975–2014). The average annual temperature shows an upward trend in the future, but the annual precipitation shows a downward trend in the future except for the SSP2-4.5 scenario. (3) Compared with the historical period, the extreme precipitation in the future period under the SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios is higher than that in the historical period, and the number of rainless days decreases. In the future, under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, the probability of meteorological drought events occurring due to high temperatures in the basin may further increase, while under the SSP2-4.5 scenario, the situation of high temperatures and heavy rain in the basin may continue to increase.

Искусственный интеллект в модной индустрии: медиакультурологический аспект

The article analyzes the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the fashion industry in the context of media culture transformations. The results of the study allow us to assess the impact of technological innovations on modern fashion trends and understand the role media culture plays in this actively developing process. The thesis is put forward that modern media culture is formed under the influence of innovations, technological progress and at the same time forms its own new user experience, while reflecting modern values and cultural changes; trajectories of such development are shown. The paper provides an analysis of key aspects of artificial intelligence, as well as a cultural analysis of the impact of technological innovations on modern fashion for a deeper understanding of changes in this industry. The article describes the impact of machine learning in the fashion industry.

Role of regulatory non-coding RNAs in traumatic brain injury

Role of regulatory non-coding RNAs in traumatic brain injury

From traditional to transformed: Examining the pre- and post-COVID consumers’ shopping mall experiences

Recently published exploratory research has suggested COVID-19 control protocols implemented during the pandemic may have altered the values and experiences customers seek within shopping malls. We refer to this as a shift from ‘traditional’ to ‘transformed’. This current study responds directly to calls for a deeper understanding of changes in post-pandemic consumer behaviour. Data were collected from shoppers via an online survey in two stages – pre-COVID (n = 356) and post-COVID (n = 367). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was employed to test the developed hypotheses, with the key objective to determine if the relationships between the variables have changed. Path invariance was tested using the structural invariance technique, finding the model differed between pre-COVID and post-COVID time points. Results indicate in a post-COVID era, utilitarian and transactional value have a stronger influence on customer's functional experience, leading to revisit intentions, whereas hedonic and social interaction value, have a weaker influence on the customer's social experience within shopping malls. Contributions to knowledge and practice are offered.

Increasing likelihood of global compound hot-dry extremes from temperature and runoff during the past 120 years

Increasing likelihood of global compound hot-dry extremes from temperature and runoff during the past 120 years

Spatial quantification of single cell mRNA and ligand binding of the kappa opioid receptor in the rat hypothalamus

Detailed quantification of brain tissue provides a deeper understanding of changes in expression and function. We have created a pipeline to study the detailed expression patterns of the kappa opioid receptor in the rat hypothalamus using high resolution fluorescence microscopy and receptor autoradiography. The workflow involved structured serial sampling of rat hypothalamic nuclei, in situ detection of mRNA and receptor expression, and advanced image analysis. Our results demonstrate how maintaining spatial information can lead to increased understanding of RNA and protein expression. In addition, we show the detailed expression patterns of the kappa opioid receptor in the rat hypothalamus.

Integrative multiomic analyses of dorsal root ganglia in diabetic neuropathic pain using proteomics, phospho-proteomics, and metabolomics

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is characterized by spontaneous pain in the extremities. Incidence of DPN continues to rise with the global diabetes epidemic. However, there remains a lack of safe, effective analgesics to control this chronic painful condition. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) contain soma of sensory neurons and modulate sensory signal transduction into the central nervous system. In this study, we aimed to gain a deeper understanding of changes in molecular pathways in the DRG of DPN patients with chronic pain. We recently reported transcriptomic changes in the DRG with DPN. Here, we expand upon those results with integrated metabolomic, proteomic, and phospho-proteomic analyses to compare the molecular profiles of DRG from DPN donors and DRG from control donors without diabetes or chronic pain. Our analyses identified decreases of select amino acids and phospholipid metabolites in the DRG from DPN donors, which are important for cellular maintenance. Additionally, our analyses revealed changes suggestive of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and altered mRNA processing. These results reveal new insights into changes in the molecular profiles associated with DPN.

Late Holocene Orbital Forcing and Solar Activity on the Kuroshio Current of Subtropical North Pacific at Different Timescales

The North Pacific subtropical gyre (NPSTG) redistributes heat and moisture between low and high latitudes and plays a key role in modulating the global climate change and ecosystem. Recent evidence suggests intensification and poleward shift of the subtropical gyres over the last decades due to global warming, but insufficient observations have hampered insight into the integrated effects of ocean-atmosphere interactions at longer timescales. Here we present the first high-resolution (∼12 years) grain-size record from Core CF1 in the Okinawa Trough, western subtropical North Pacific, to reconstruct the evolution of the western boundary Kuroshio Current (KC) of NPSTG during the Late Holocene. Our results indicate the KC slow-down during 4.6–2.0 ka, followed by quick enhancement after 2.0 ka, with centennial-scale variabilities (500–700 years) superimposed on the long-term trend. Over millennial timescales, gradually increased pole-to-equator thermal gradient, due to orbital forcing mechanisms, resulted in long-term enhanced KC, whereas solar activity triggered phase changes in the tropical Pacific mean state and controlled KC anomalies on centennial timescales. We suggest that both forcing mechanisms resulted in ocean-atmosphere feedback provoking concurrent changes in mid-latitude westerly and subtropical easterly winds over the North Pacific, alternating their dominance as source regions causing the dynamic changes of KC at different timescales. Our findings offer insight into the role of external forcing mechanisms in the NPSTG changes before the Anthropocene, which have profound implications for the deeper understanding of changes in ocean gyres under global warming scenarios.

LC/MS analysis of storage-induced plasmalogen loss in ready-to-eat fish

LC/MS analysis of storage-induced plasmalogen loss in ready-to-eat fish

Development of scholastic well-being in the course of the 5th grade in secondary education

Scholastic well-being is highly relevant, as it is connected with achievement and successful coping with critical life events. Since well-being in school is a multidimensional construct, it is necessary to analyze trajectories of these multiple dimensions to get a deeper understanding of changes and influencing factors. The empirical base for differential development of scholastic well-being for girls and boys, students with and without migration background and students attending medium and academic educational tracks is inconsistent. Additionally, there is a lack of findings regarding students’ well-being in co-educational versus single-sex schools. Therefore, the current study aims at analyzing changes in all six dimensions of scholastic well-being during the 5th grade for specific groups of students (boys and girls, students with and without migration backgrounds, students attending medium and academic educational tracks and in co-educational versus single-sex schools). Based on a sample of N = 1,042 students in Catholic schools (80.5% female, 25.8% with migration background, 48.9% in a medium educational track, 54.3% in single-sex schools) who participated in three measurement time points, longitudinal multi-level analyses were calculated. Results reveal a decrease in all dimensions of scholastic well-being over time. Additionally, they illustrate the causal role of time-stable covariates, such as gender, educational track, migration background, and co-educational versus single-sex schooling. The results show slightly different trajectories for male and female students. Thus, the presented study builds upon results of previous studies by providing further information on short-term changes of scholastic well-being and different trajectories for specific groups of students.

Kohonen Artificial Neural Network and Multivariate Analysis in the Identification of Proteome Changes during Early and Long Aging of Bovine Longissimus dorsi Muscle Using SWATH Mass Spectrometry.

To study proteomic changes involved in tenderization of Longissimus dorsi, Charolais heifers and bulls muscles were sampled after early and long aging (12 or 26 days). Sensory evaluation and instrumental tenderness measurement were performed. Proteins were analyzed by gel-free proteomics. By pattern recognition (principal component analysis and Kohonen’s self-organizing maps) and classification (partial least squares-discriminant analysis) tools, 58 and 86 dysregulated proteins were detected after 12 and 26 days of aging, respectively. Tenderness was positively correlated mainly with metabolic enzymes (PYGM, PGAM2, TPI1, PGK1, and PFKM) and negatively with keratins. Downregulation in hemoglobin subunits and carbonic anhydrase 3 levels was relevant after 12 days of aging, while mimecan and collagen chains levels were reduced after 26 days of aging. Bioinformatics indicated that aging involves a prevalence of metabolic pathways after late and long periods. These findings provide a deeper understanding of changes involved in aging of beef and indicate a powerful method for future proteomics studies.