Development Of Strategies Research Articles

Preliminary Study of the Characterization of the Viable but Noncultivable State of Yersinia enterocolitica Induced by Chloride and UV Irradiation

The viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state is a survival strategy for many foodborne pathogens under adverse conditions. Yersinia enterocolitica (Y. enterocolitica) as a kind of primary foodborne pathogen, and it is crucial to investigate its survival strategies and potential risks in the food chain. In this study, the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and chlorine treatment in disinfecting the foodborne pathogen Y. enterocolitica was investigated. The results indicated that both UV irradiation and chlorine treatment can induce the VBNC state in Y. enterocolitica. The bacteria completely lost culturability after being treated with 25 mg/L of NaClO for 30 min and a UV dose of 100 mJ/cm². The number of culturable and viable cells were detected using plate counting and a combination of fluorescein and propidium iodide (live/dead cells). Further research found that these VBNC cells exhibited reduced intracellular Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) levels, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to non-induced cells. Morphologically, the cells changed from a rod shape to a shorter, coccobacillary shape with small vacuoles forming at the edges, indicating structural changes. Both condition-induced VBNC-state cells were able to resuscitate in tryptic soy broth (TSB) medium supplemented with Tween 80, sodium pyruvate, and glucose. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the survival mechanisms of Y. enterocolitica in the environment and are of significant importance for the development of effective disinfection strategies.

Whole genome sequence and characterisation of Streptococcus suis 3112, isolated from snakeskin gourami, Trichopodus pectoralis.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is an important swine and human pathogen. A recent study reported the first isolate of S. suis capable of infecting fish, designated as S. suis strain 3112. The bacterium was isolated from snakeskin gourami (Trichopodus pectoralis), an economically important fish species native to Southeast Asia, and it was previously shown that it can infect and cause lethal streptococcosis in the fish. In this study, we present the complete genome of S. suis 3112. Molecular sequence analysis revealed that it belongs to serotype 6, sequence type 2340. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the bacterium clustered with healthy-pig S. suis isolates, suggestive of an ultimate swine (as opposed to human) origin of the bacterium. Two fluoroquinolone resistance genes are present in the bacterial genome, namely patA and patB. Our results showed that both genes are expressed in our bacterium, and the bacterium is resistant to norfloxacin, but is still sensitive to other fluoroquinolones, including ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and sparfloxacin. Additionally, the bacterium is sensitive to β-lactams, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, and an aminoglycoside. This study reports and describes the complete genome of S. suis 3112, the first isolate of S. suis known to infect fish, and provides further insights into the bacterial isolate, particularly regarding its drug resistance profile. These results will facilitate further investigations of the comparative genomics and pathogenic characteristics of S. suis, as well as the development of control strategies against this newly-identified fish pathogen.

Investigating the main factors responsible for changes in income inequality in China between 2000 and 2018

Poverty, and especially the widening disparity between the rich and the poor, leads to social unrest that can interrupt the harmonious development of human society. Understanding the reasons for income inequality, and supporting the development of an effective strategy to reduce this inequality, have been major goals in socioeconomic research around the world. To identify the determinants of the income gap, we calculated the Gini coefficients for Chinese provinces and performed regression analysis and contribution analysis for heterogeneity, using data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2002 to 2018. We found that urbanization, higher education, and foreign direct investment in eastern China and energy in central and western China were important factors that increased the Gini coefficient (i.e., decreased equality). Therefore, paying more attention to the fair distribution of the factors that can increase the Gini coefficient and investing more in the factors that can reduce the Gini coefficient will be the keys to narrowing the income gap. Our approach revealed factors that should be targeted for solutions both in China and in other developing countries that are facing similar difficulties, although the details will vary among countries and contexts.

Personalized Dendritic-cell-based Vaccines Targeting Cancer Neoantigens.

Cancer immunotherapy activates the host immune system against tumor cells and has the potential to lead to the development of innovative strategies for cancer treatment. Neoantigens are non-self-antigens produced by genetic mutations in tumor cells that induce a strong immune response against tumor cells without central immune tolerance. Along with advances in neoantigen analysis technology, the development of vaccines focusing on neoantigens is being accelerated. Whereas there are various platforms for neoantigen vaccines, combined immuno-therapies are being developed simultaneously with the clinical application of synthetic long peptides and mRNA and dendritic-cell (DC)-based vaccines. Personalized DC-based vaccines not only can load various antigens including neoantigens, but also have the potential to elicit a strong immune response in T cells as antigen-presenting cells. In this review, we describe the properties of neoantigens and the basic characteristics of DCs. We also discuss the clinical applications of neoantigen vaccines, focusing on personalized DC-based vaccines, as well as future research and development directions and challenges.

Investigating the mechanism of ferroptosis induction by Sappanone A in Hepatocellular carcinoma: NRF2/xCT/GPX4 axis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and lethal malignancy with significant global impact, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies and drugs. Ferroptosis, a newly identified form of iron-dependent programmed cell death, has emerged as a promising strategy to combat HCC. Sappanone A, an isoflavone compound derived from the heartwood of Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod., is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its anti-HCC effects and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study is the first time to demonstrate the anti-tumor effect of Sappanone A on HCC both in vitro and in vivo, through the assessment of cell viability and apoptosis following Sappanone A treatment. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy revealed that Sappanone A induced ferroptosis in HCC cells by increasing Fe2+ accumulation, reactive oxygen (ROS) level, and lipid peroxidation, specifically targeting inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase-2 (IMPDH2). Additionally, western blot analysis suggested that the anti-HCC effects of Sappanone A were mediated through the regulation of the NRF2/xCT/GPX4 axis, highlighting its potential to enhance ferroptosis in HCC cells and underscoring the critical role of IMPDH2 in HCC treatment.

Pedestrian flow-environmental pollutants interactions and health risks to residents in high-occupancy public areas of apartment buildings

The current interaction of pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants in high-occupancy public areas of apartment and the risks of residents being exposed to environmental pollutants are issues that are often overlooked but urgently need to be addressed. In this study, we provide a comprehensive of pedestrian flow-environmental pollutants interactions and health risks to residents in first-floor public areas of apartment with high-occupancy. The main findings indicate that under closed management conditions, there is a significant increase in TVOC and noise levels during the peak periods of nighttime pedestrian flow. In the correlation analysis, the significant impact of time granularity selection in clarifying the correlation between pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants has been highlighted, with larger time granularities generally showing stronger correlations, while finer time granularities may help identify specific risks in areas directly connected to the external environment. There is a significant correlation exists between pedestrian flow and environmental pollutants (TVOC, ozone, and noise), with higher concentrations of these pollutants observed during peak pedestrian flow periods, thereby increasing the risk of residents being exposed to adverse environmental conditions. To mitigate the risks associated with TVOC pollution and noise exposure, it is crucial to maintain proper ventilation, avoid conducting cleaning or maintenance activities during peak hours, and implement noise-reducing measures, such as distancing noise sources from residential areas or installing soundproofing barriers. Additionally, the study identifies total volatile organic compounds originating from property maintenance activities and clarifies their dispersion patterns, emphasizing the importance of developing robust, standardized maintenance protocols for indoor environmental quality assurance. This research can improve the environmental sustainability of apartment buildings and provide a theoretical basis for the development of environmental health strategies for high-occupancy public areas of apartment buildings.

RGM Family Involved in the Regulation of Hepcidin Expression in Anemia of Chronic Disease

The persistent production of inflammatory cytokines causes anemia of chronic disease (ACD). Playing a central role in the pathophysiology of ACD is hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism. The regulation of hepcidin expression is a complex process intricately controlled by multiple pathways. These include the BMP/SMAD, the HFE–TFR2, and the IL-6/STAT3 pathway, each playing a significant role in this regulation. We detail the critical role of the repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family, especially hemojuvelin (HJV/RGMc), in regulating hepcidin expression in ACD. HJV functions as a co-receptor for BMPs and positively regulates hepcidin expression. RGMa and RGMb may also regulate hepcidin expression and inflammatory responses. RGM family proteins play essential roles in the interplay between inflammation, iron metabolism, and the immune system, and elucidating them could lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of ACD and the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Introducing a sleep disorder screening and management strategy for workers with future shift work requirements: a feasibility and acceptability study.

Sleep disorders are common, and largely undiagnosed in early-career workers. The combination of sleep disorders and shift work has implications for mental health, workplace safety, and productivity. Early identification and management of sleep disorders is likely to be beneficial to workers, employers and the community more broadly. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a tailored sleep disorder screening and management pathway for individuals with future shift work requirements. Paramedic students were invited to complete an online sleep health survey, which included validated sleep disorder screening questionnaires for insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. Participants were able to express interest in participating in a sleep monitoring and management study. Participants at risk for a sleep disorder were identified, contacted by the study physician (RJA), notified of their sleep disorder screening results and provided with information regarding management options. Feasibility of the screening and management pathways were determined by completion of the 12week follow-up, and ability to engage with health services for diagnostic testing or treatment. Acceptability of these pathways was assessed with a semi-structured interview on completion of the study at 12weeks. Screening was completed in thirty participants (mean age 22.5 ± 6.7, 63% female), 17 of whom were 'at-risk' for a sleep disorder and offered a management pathway. All participants engaged with the study physician (RJA), with 16 completing the study (94% completion rate). Three participants with excessive daytime sleepiness received feedback from the study physician (RJA) and no further care required. Of the remaining 14 participants, 11 (78%) engaged with health services after speaking with the study physician (RJA). Those who engaged with diagnostic and management services reported that a structured pathway with online screening was convenient and easy to follow. Facilitating screening and management of sleep disorders in students with future shift work requirements is both feasible and acceptable. These findings can inform the development of a preventive strategy for sleep disorders and ideally, a health services feasibility trial for future shift workers.

Cold Region River Flood Mapping and Scour Potential Prediction: Insights from Hydraulic Model Using Advanced Autonomous Surface Vehicles

AbstractThis study aimed to map the 2022 flood with a 16.5-year return period near a bridge on the Red River, close to Grafton City, North Dakota, and evaluate the scour potential around the bridge. The Red River Basin (RRB) near Grand Forks, ND, and Emerson, ND, is a cold region river vulnerable to floods. Local scouring around bridge piers during floods can lead to hydraulic structure failure. An Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) equipped with LiDAR DEM data from the ND DWR’s LiDAR dataset was used to collect comprehensive bathymetry and discharge data, including the 2022 flood. The HEC-RAS model was used to create flood maps, and the Colorado State University (CSU) methodology was employed to assess local scour around the bridge pier. The study area recorded maximum velocities of 1.71 m/s, 1.87 m/s, and 1.56 m/s for discharge values of 368 m3/s, 784 m3/s, and 1335 m3/s, respectively, with higher velocities recorded upstream of the bridge. The maximum water depth reached 13.14 m during the peak discharge of 1335 m3/s. Higher discharge resulted in increased Froude number and contraction scour depth, with the latter continuing to increase even when the Froude number decreased as water reached the bridge deck. The study highlights the effectiveness of integrating ASVs, bathymetry, and LiDAR data to comprehensively understand flood dynamics and bridge scour in cold region rivers, offering the way for the development of effective flood control measures and strategies to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Description of a new freshwater mussel species of Pletholophus, Simpson, 1900 (Bivalvia, Unionidae) from Guangdong, China

The Pearl River Basin, China’s second-largest freshwater basin, hosts a significant diversity of species and a highly endemic freshwater mussel fauna. In this study, a new species from the Liuxi River in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, Pletholophus guangzhouensissp. nov., is described based on morphological diagnostic features and molecular phylogenetics. The glochidia shells of the new species are subtriangular, medium-sized, and have a styliform hook on the ventral angle of each valve. Phylogenetic analyses based on the COI and 28S rRNA gene fragments indicated that Pletholophus guangzhouensissp. nov. is the sister to Pletholophus tenuis + Pletholophus reinianus. The pairwise uncorrected COI p-distance analysis demonstrated genetic distances ranging from 5.27% (between P. guangzhouensissp. nov. and P. tenuis) to 11.06% (between P. guangzhouensissp. nov. and P. honglinhensis). Our findings suggest a significant underestimation of the diversity of freshwater mussel species in Guangdong. Further field collections and systematic studies are necessary to fully explore the biodiversity of this region. Furthermore, integrative classification methods and genetic research are essential for informing the development of effective conservation strategies.

Influence of estrogen on right ventricular mitochondrial function in pulmonary hypertension

There is a female predominance in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with a ~4:1 female-to-male ratio. However, female PAH patients exhibit better right ventricular (RV) function and thus better survival than the males. The majority of the current PAH therapies target pulmonary vascular remodeling and/or vasoconstriction in the pulmonary vasculature. However, no therapies directly target the RV, partially because the underlying mechanisms of RV failure in PAH are not fully understood. Since the RV serves as the main determinant of mortality, clarifying the mechanism of RV failure and the associated sex differences in PAH may promote the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Numerous molecular abnormalities have been detected in RV in PAH, particularly due to the suppression of mitochondrial function, including the inhibition of glucose oxidation and a shift to uncoupled aerobic glycolysis (Warburg metabolism) and excessive mitochondrial fission. The mitochondrial suppression is associated with hypocontractility and increased apoptosis in RV cardiomyocytes, and the hyperproliferative, pro-fibrotic, and apoptosis-resistant phenotypes in RV fibroblasts in PAH. Mitochondria also serve as the site for sex steroid synthesis, and in turn, the sex steroids, particularly estradiol (E2), influence the mitochondria both indirectly and directly. It is not well understood how E2 affects mitochondrial function in RV in PAH. Hence, this review focuses on the key mitochondrial genes and proteins that are influenced by PAH, E2, and sex.

THE ECONOMIC PROSPECTS OF SOME ADJARA TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE LOCATIONS

Lasha Mgeladze E-mail: Mgeladzee@yahoo.com Master, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University Batumi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2445-2567 Abstract: The present work discusses basic characteristics of economic potential of some Adjara tourism infrastructure locations, as well as prospect economic views connected to tourism industry. Besides, it envisages certain issues of Adjara tourism infrastructure development, their solutions and general economic strategies, its impact on socio-economic, ecological and demographic problems of region population, in particular, focus is on those basic tourism locations, the economic potential of which has positive reflect on socio-economic life of region population. The given Article gives proper conclusions in which Author’s views are established about Adjara tourism development issues and capacities. Keywords: Idnustry, Infrastructure, Location, Transformation, Capabilities JEL classification: R1, R3

Exploring the Efficacy of Workshops as a Professional Teacher Development Strategy for Inclusive Education in South African Schools: Teachers’ Perspectives

For inclusive education to be a success, in-service teachers need to be thoroughly trained. learning and professional development programmes have been initiated across the globe including South Africa to prepare teachers. Workshops are well-known training methods in inclusive education. Surprisingly, despite their existence, literature points out that there’s still an inadequacy of teacher training. This complaint makes one question the efficacy of the workshops. To this end, this study explored the efficacy of workshops on Inclusive Education (IE) for Foundation Phase (FP) teachers in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province. To achieve this, the case-study design in qualitative research was used. A purposive sampling strategy was used to sample 11 FP teachers from three ordinary schools. Data was collected through document reviews, in-depth interviews, and a focus group interview. The data was analysed through the thematic analysis method. The analysis revealed that according to teachers the workshops are not effective, for the following reasons: (i) the workshops only provide a theory that does not match the reality of the schools; (ii) the workshops are too short and not sufficiently informative; (iii) through teacher agency, teachers improvise to achieve IE. These findings suggest that IE workshops do get implemented in South African schools, however, their efficacy is questionable. Therefore, a proper model for the workshops that will be considerate of the schools’ context should be devised. This study may inform policy makers workshop facilitators, and researchers about what is working and what is not working regarding inclusion workshops. Keywords: Inclusive Education, Learning and Professional Development Programmes, Workshops, Teachers

Cultural Sustainable Development Strategies of Chinese Traditional Furniture: Taking Ming-Style Furniture for Example

In view of the gradual decline and near-stagnant crisis of traditional furniture art from the late Qing Dynasty, the article studied the cultural sustainable strategies of Chinese traditional furniture represented by Ming-style furniture, hoping to promote the revitalization of traditional furniture and good inheritance of traditional culture in modern society. Based on the theory of “Methodology of Affairs”, the article proposes that the sustainable strategies of traditional furniture can be understood as a correlation system under the joint action of “internal factors” (shape, function, technology, etc., of furniture) and “external factors” (social environment, economic environment, humanistic environment, etc., in which furniture develops). Starting from the two aspects, the article finally analyzed the improved translation of internal factors in five parts: shape and function, structure and connection, material and process, color and furnishing, decoration and aesthetics, and studied the adaptive changes in external factors from five dimensions: politics, economy, culture, society, and users. The article hopes to help this endangered Chinese traditional furniture art develop in a sustainable direction, and also provide a reference for scholars working in the field of the inheritance and development of traditional culture.

Strategi Pengembangan Usaha Ningsih Florist Di Kelurahan Kakaskasen Dua Kota Tomohon

This research aims to analyze the business development strategy of Ningsih Florist, which took place during religious and government activities, namely Deville Hardiknas 2024 in Kakaskasen Dua Village, Tomohon City. The research will take place from April to June 2024. The data collection method is by interview method and using a questionnaire. The data collected in this research is primary data obtained from direct interviews with respondents using a list of questions and secondary data in the form of other information related to this research through literature studies. The results of the research show that the strategy for developing the Ningsih Florist business in Kakaskasen Dua Subdistrict, Tomohon City, using SWOT analysis, obtained a matrix at coordinate points (1.88, 1.46), which means that the position is in quadrant 1, namely supporting the growth strategy.

Implications of public policies performance on social inequality worldwide

AbstractThis study probes the linkage between public policy (represented by GDP growth, inflation, CO2 emissions, and unemployment factors) and social inequality indicators, paying attention to economic, environmental, and social elements. The study questions the impact of these policies on overall social inequality as one measure and its separate dimensions, which are gender, income, education, and life expectancy, whereas data was gathered between 2010 and 2021 from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for 139 countries. The linear regression revealed a significant relationship that explained 51% of the variance in overall social inequality, except for unemployment. Regarding separate dimensions of social inequality, the findings point out that GDP growth and inflation both affect life and gender inequality, whereas unemployment only affects income inequality; on the other hand, the CO2 emissions factor has an inverse effect on all dimensions of inequality (income, life expectancy, education, and gender inequalities). Considering the implications, increased CO2 emissions would reduce income inequality by boosting job creation, but they also pose environmental and health hazards, necessitating sustainable development strategies. Rising unemployment exacerbates income distribution, demonstrating the need for policies that enhance job stability and reduce inequality. Additionally, it necessitates investing in healthcare and education, eradicating gender inequality, and implementing sustainable strategies to foster economic growth while considering the consequences of inflation on life and gender justice. Thus, realizing these principles would build a sustainable and equitable society that balances economic enhancement with environmental protection and achieves equal opportunity.

Why do famines still occur in the 21st Century? A review on the causes of extreme food insecurity

AbstractWhy do famines persist in the 21st century, despite significant advances in agricultural productivity? Throughout human history, famines have been – and continue to be – among the harshest manifestations of destitution. They result from the exacerbation of human vulnerabilities caused by the synergistic interaction of multiple anthropogenic and natural determinants. Famines are humanitarian emergencies that sharply increase mortality and/or morbidity among destitute families. This article reviews the academic debate on the causes of famines. The literature is organized into six main “families” of theories: (i) classical economic explanations (Smith's and Malthus’ theses); (ii) food availability decline approach; (iii) entitlement approach; (iv) political perspectives (political regime and political accountability approaches); (v) new variant famine hypothesis; and (vi) systemic explanations. The article identifies the main gaps and limitations in this literature and highlights relevant development policy implications for reducing extreme food insecurity. The conclusion drawn is that the persistence of famines is attributable to ongoing mismanagement of significant triggers of extreme human vulnerability, both at the national and international levels. Extreme poverty, violent conflicts, economic shocks, climate change, governmental negligence, famine crimes, and pandemics contribute to the complexity of famine and require a comprehensive development strategy.

Development Strategies for Urban Parks in Chongqing’s Main District: A New Paradigm for Urban Green Spaces

With the advent of the new concept of an “urban park” and the new paradigm of urban development, Chongqing Municipality has actively embraced this vision, integrating it with the city’s unique geographical and demographic conditions. The city has prioritized urban park construction as a key project for public welfare, aiming to address issues such as uneven geographical distribution, limited functionality, and mismatched supply and demand. This initiative seeks to optimize urban parks as vital public resources while protecting the ecological environment. Adhering to principles of functional priority, safety and comfort, shared development, and distinctive features, Chongqing has incorporated parks and other green open spaces into its basic urban planning. This approach aims to create beautiful, comfortable and age-friendly shared urban spaces. This study, grounded in the urban park development concept and the characteristics of a mountainous, multi-center city, constructs a model to measure urban park satisfaction in Chongqing’s main urban area. The model considers supply-demand matching and resident satisfaction. It aims to systematically review relevant policies, plans, and cutting-edge theories, analyze the urban park development in Chongqing, understand residents’ needs, and address issues related to supply-demand matching, multifunctionality, and quality construction. The findings provide insights into the development and conservation of urban parks in Chongqing and beyond, aiming to continually meet the public’s growing desire for a better quality of life and support high-quality development.

The Effects of the Characteristics of Catering Establishments and Their Managers on the Offering of Dishes Prepared with Traditional Food Products in Bačka Region, Serbia

Traditional food products comprise an important part of the gastronomic identity of every nation. Their significance for national culture is major, which is why they are increasingly studied and included in the development strategies of many countries. This research focuses on the factors—economic, sociocultural, ecological, and tourism—that influence the offering of dishes made with traditional food products. The objective of the research is to examine whether certain characteristics of catering establishments in the Bačka region (Republic of Serbia) and their managers affect the appraisal of the factors that affect the offering of dishes prepared with traditional products. By conducting a survey (n = 187) and analyzing the data using the non-parametric techniques of the Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests, it was found that, although all the factors have a significant influence on the offering of dishes prepared with traditional food products, tourism-related factors were distinguished as the most important. The research also showed that the characteristics of managers like the length of work experience in hospitality, employment tenure at the specific establishment, the work position of the respondent, as well as the type of gastronomic offering and the location of the catering establishment affected the appraisal of the factors that influence the offering of dishes prepared with traditional products.

Characteristics and adsorption of methylene blue on activated carbon derived from enzyme-pretreated Camellia oleifera shells

Activated carbon is a porous material extensively utilized in water treatment field. In this study, an efficient activated carbon (E-AC) adsorbent was prepared from agricultural by-product Camellia oleifera shells (COS) by enzymatic pretreatment combined with phosphoric acid activation. The enzymatic pretreatment was beneficial for increasing the volume of mesopores and loosening the structure of the synthesized activated carbon, which ultimately led to an increased adsorption capacity of E-AC. The characteristics and adsorption performances of E-AC were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that E-AC exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 1249.01 mg/g on methylene blue (MB), and the adsorption process was a spontaneous endothermic process. The adsorption kinetics aligned closely with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 > 0.99), and the adsorption mechanisms could be a combination of hydrogen bonding, π-π conjugation, electrostatic attraction, and physical adsorption. Additionally, E-AC exhibited good reusability, with a consistent MB removal rate of 91.14 % even after five cycles. This study offered an approach for obtaining high-quality activated carbon from COS and contributed to sustainable development strategies.