Diverse Research Research Articles

Spatial Population Structuring and Genetic Analysis of Exotic Grevillea robusta in Northwestern India

Abstract The introduction of exotics is common in forestry, and majorly important species, like eucalypts, poplar, and Casuarina sp., occupy vast areas in the Indian subcontinent. Importantly, with the latest cost-effective sequencing techniques, genetic diversity research through molecular marker approaches on major exotics provides novel information for genetic improvement in economic traits with climatic adaptation. The study was carried out on Grevillea robusta to assess genetic relatedness and diversity among 228 genotypes belonging to five northwestern states in India. These genotypes were assayed using twelve simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A population structure analysis using structure software identified four major gene pool subgroups with clear-cut differences from each other. Principal coordinate analysis also supports the clustering patterns of the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean analysis. In the case of genetic diversity assessment, a total of seventy-three alleles were detected from twelve SSRs, with an average of 6.08 ± 0.71 per locus. Polymorphism information content ranged from 0.17 to 0.67 with a mean of 0.44 ± 0.045, indicating high levels of polymorphism across the genotypes. All the evaluated SSRs demonstrated moderate genetic diversity (observed heterozygosity = 0.31 ± 0.03; expected heterozygosity = 0.32 ± 0.03; and genetic differentiation = 0.295) among the sampled genotypes. These findings indicate significant genetic variability in the germplasm to warrant selection and have potential for a long-term tree improvement program of G. robusta in India. Study Implications: The study on population genetics of Grevillea robusta in exotic environments assessed probable gene pools, provenances, and genetic diversity in geographical distribution range of the species in the Indian scenario. The basic population genetic measures revealed the high diversity areas and probable seed zones of G. robusta in its exotic range. Importantly, the study will be helpful in the selection of candidate plus trees of G. robusta to further strengthen the genotype × environment interaction study for future breeding programs. Further, studying the genetic makeup for moderately diverse species offers valuable insights into evolutionary history, population dynamics, and ecological interactions, which may lead to conservation efforts and guidance for the management of trees such as G. robusta in their native and introduced regions.

Digitalization concepts in academic bioprocess development.

Digitalization with integrated devices, digital and physical assistants, automation, and simulation is setting a new direction for laboratory work. Even with complex research workflows, high staff turnover, and a limited budget some laboratories have already shown that digitalization is indeed possible. However, academic bioprocess laboratories often struggle to follow the trend of digitalization. Due to their diverse research circumstances, high variety of team composition, goals, and limitations the concepts are substantially different. Here, we will provide an overview on different aspects of digitalization and describe how academic laboratories successfully digitalized their working environment. The key aspect is the collaboration and communication between IT-experts and scientific staff. The developed digital infrastructure is only useful if it supports the laboratory worker and does not complicate their work. Thereby, laboratory researchers have to collaborate closely with IT-experts in order for a well-developed and maintainable digitalization concept that fits their individual needs and level of complexity. This review may serve as a starting point or a collection of ideas for the transformation toward a digitalized laboratory.

Examining socioeconomic factors influencing maternal health in pregnancy

ABSTRACT Maternal health outcomes are profoundly influenced by socioeconomic determinants, posing significant challenges to achieving equitable care for pregnant women worldwide. This research examines the impact of socioeconomic factors on maternal health, aiming to assess the extent of inequality among expectant mothers. Employing diverse research methodologies and data analysis techniques, this study investigates the multifaceted relationship between socioeconomic status and maternal health outcomes. Findings reveal distinct disparities in access to healthcare, influenced by income, education, employment, and housing conditions. These disparities contribute to varying maternal health outcomes, emphasizing the critical need for targeted interventions. The study recommends tailored strategies, encompassing improved healthcare access, educational initiatives, workplace support, and policy enhancements to address socioeconomic inequalities in maternal health effectively. This research underscores the urgency of comprehensive interventions to ensure equitable maternal healthcare for all pregnant women, irrespective of their socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Inclusion of Underrepresented Populations in Cardiovascular Genetics and Epidemiology.

Novel genetic risk markers have helped us to advance the field of cardiovascular epidemiology and refine our current understanding and risk stratification paradigms. The discovery and analysis of variants can help us to tailor prognostication and management. However, populations underrepresented in cardiovascular epidemiology and cardiogenetics research may experience inequities in care if prediction tools are not applicable to them clinically. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to outline the barriers that underrepresented populations can face in participating in genetics research, to describe the current efforts to diversify cardiogenetics research, and to outline strategies that researchers in cardiovascular epidemiology can implement to include underrepresented populations. Mistrust, a lack of diverse research teams, the improper use of sensitive biodata, and the constraints of genetic analyses are all barriers for including diverse populations in genetics studies. The current work is beginning to address the paucity of ethnically diverse genetics research and has already begun to shed light on the potential benefits of including underrepresented and diverse populations. Reducing barriers for individuals, utilizing community-driven research processes, adopting novel recruitment strategies, and pushing for organizational support for diverse genetics research are key steps that clinicians and researchers can take to develop equitable risk stratification tools and improve patient care.

Health Equity as a Guide for Urban Planning

Urban planning has struggled to establish a consensus on what “good” planning looks like and instead grapples with balancing competing planning priorities and perspectives. This paper proposes that planners and planning scholars look to health equity as a guiding “north star.” We justify this proposal by reviewing scholarship at the intersection of planning and public health. Drawing from empirical and theoretical work linking urban planning, health, and social equity, we recommend planners adopt participatory and anti-racist practices; implement cross-sectoral strategies beyond the professional boundaries of urban planning or public health; and learn from diverse data sources, research methods, and geographic contexts.

Supercontinents, orogenesis and magmatism: a tribute to the career of J. Brendan Murphy

Abstract Special Publication 542 is a tribute to the remarkable career of J. Brendan Murphy and features 32 articles by 134 authors from 17 different countries; a testament to the high-profile and far-reaching influence of Brendan's work. The topics are wide-ranging in accord with Brendan's diverse research interests, but fall into three broad categories that encompass Brendan's main fields of influence: (i) supercontinents and the supercontinent cycle, including reconstructions and modelling, (ii) orogenesis and terranes, with a focus on the Appalachian–Variscan and Central Asian orogenic belts and the oceans with which they are associated and (iii) magmatism and magmatic processes, with an emphasis on the geochemistry and isotopic compositions of magmas in arc and rift settings. Like Brendan's own research, the scope of the papers spans the globe from Canada to China and ranges from regional field-based studies to conceptual global analyses. All of the articles, however, are focused on unravelling some critical aspect of geology or aimed at clarifying some crucial geologic process. Hence they also share a theme common to Brendan's many contributions in emphasizing the importance of process-oriented research.

7th International Conference of Engineering Against Failure (ICEAF)

The 7th International Conference of Engineering Against Failure (ICEAF VII) was successfully held in the beautiful island of Spetses in Greece, from June 21st to 23rd, 2023. The main goal of the ICEAF VII Conference was to provide a platform where renowned scientists, young enthusiastic researchers, colleagues, and friends from around the world came together to present and discuss their latest research findings.The ICEAF VII Organizing Committee extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the conference, including Keynote speakers, the International Scientific Committee, authors, presenters, participants. Moreover, we extend our special gratitude to the dedicated Local Organizing Committee.Appreciation is also given to endorsing organizations FEMS, EASN, and HMS, as well as Conference sponsors: Analytical Instruments S.A., the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, the Hellenic Research Centre for Metals S.A., M.J. Priniotakis S.A.I.C., and Setpoint Technologies.The event was a comprehensive gathering, featuring 5 engaging Keynote Speeches that set the tone for the conference. With 44 Oral Sessions and 1 Poster Session, numerous research findings were shared, providing a platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge exchange. We are pleased to acknowledge the high quality of all sessions and we wish to express our appreciation to the organizers of the sessions. Additionally, we wish to express our appreciation for the contributions of all the authors and presenters. A total of 228 Oral Presentations and 20 Poster Presentations showcased diverse research topics and insights. To the successful event have participated 256 attendees representing 29 countries, highlighting the international collaboration and shared passion for advancing the field.During the three-day gathering, highlights of the Conference were the Keynote Speeches delivered by distinguished experts in the field. These presentations enriched the overall conference experience and triggered valuable discussions. More specifically:• Prof. Hanshan Dong from the University of Birmingham, UK, discussed innovative surface engineering strategies to combat material failure.• Prof. Elena Jasiuniene from Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania, highlighted challenges and solutions in the field of imaging using ultrasonics and X-ray CT.• Prof. George Lampeas of the University of Patras, Greece, focused on the validation of structural simulations for large-scale aeronautical components, ensuring their accuracy and reliability.• Prof. Angeliki Lekatou from the University of Ioannina, Greece, delved into the effects of microstructure on the electrochemical corrosion behavior of advanced metallic materials, shedding light on materials science.• Prof. Angelos Filippatos from the University of Patras, Greece, discussed sustainable engineering practices and their role in eco-design, emphasizing the importance of environmentally friendly engineering solutions.The ICEAF VII Conference Co-Chairmen are available in this pdf.

A Cognitive Robotics Implementation of Global Workspace Theory for Episodic Memory Interaction With Consciousness

Artificial general intelligence revived in recent years after people achieved significant advances in machine learning and deep learning. This leads to the thinking of how real intelligence could be created. Consciousness theories believe that general intelligence is essentially conscious, yet no universal definition is agreed upon. In this work, Global Workspace Theory is implemented and integrated with crucial cognitive components. With the focus on episodic memory and inspiration from the nature of episodic memory in psychology and neuroscience, the episodic memory component is implemented within the Global Workspace framework. In our experiment, the robotic agent operates in a real-world interactive context, forming episodic memory and demonstrating static, temporal, and context memory capabilities during interactions. Consciousness in this work engages in all formation, maintenance, and retrieval processes of episodic memory. The novelty and contributions of this work are 1) this work is implementing episodic memory within the consciousness framework, suggesting the sustainable potential of such an integrated approach to cognitive agents with AGI; 2) Regarding the limited examples in consciousness-based cognitive architectures, this work attempts to contribute to the diversity of perspectives and approaches; 3) Extant episodic memory implementations are suffering from various limitations, while this work summarises some key features for modelling episodic memory within a cognitive architecture; 4) Authors discuss the relationship between episodic memory, consciousness, and general intelligence, proposing the compatibility and relationship between machine consciousness and other AGI research. It is believed that a better alignment between them would further boost the fusion of diverse research for achieving desired cognitive machines.

A Sustainable Pipeline to Staff a Diverse Research Team

A Sustainable Pipeline to Staff a Diverse Research Team

Cancer Research Challenges and Potential Solutions in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Discussion Group Study.

Cancer incidence in Saudi Arabia has recently shown an upward trend. Research efforts within the different cancer continuum are pivotal to strengthening control measures. Since cancer research is evolving in the country, it is crucial to understand the current challenges and implement defined interventions to overcome them. The present qualitative study aimed to assess cancer research barriers among researchers and identify potential solutions from their perspectives. We conducted a focus group discussion among 17 Saudi-based cancer researchers from diverse research backgrounds, provinces, and institutions. We used descriptive-interpretive thematic analysis following an open-ended approach to investigate the challenges in conducting cancer research. We also captured the solutions suggested based on the researchers' experiences. Six major themes emerged from the analysis: requirements of the data landscape, organizational support, national research roadmap, sustainable funding, clearer policies and regulations, and capacity building. To address challenges in these areas, researchers stressed the need for improved interinstitutional collaborations, immediate availability of research materials, and unlimited and easy access to research data. Improving health research is one of the primary goals of Saudi Vision 2030. It is, therefore, essential to overcome the current challenges in cancer research, enabling research findings to inform policies related to cancer control and care provision.

Building a Parallel Corpus for Chinese Folk Songs Translation Studies: A Case Study of Northern Shaanxi and Hua’er Folk Songs

Folk songs, collaboratively created by the public and transmitted orally, have gained widespread popularity. The translation of folk songs primarily centers on lyrics translation, a subset of literary translation. Recent advancements in corpus technology have highlighted the significance of corpus-based research approaches for the analysis of literary translation. The corpus method, now employed as a hybrid research approach, enables the generation of quantitative data for descriptive translation studies. Scholars are increasingly using parallel corpora containing both the source text (ST) and the target text (TT) to explore translation universals across diverse texts. Despite the growing body of literature on the translation of Chinese folk songs, most studies have involved straightforward analyses of a limited number of translated texts without the utilization of quantitative approaches. This article aims to bridge this gap by presenting a prospective study on the creation of the Chinese-English Parallel Corpus of Northern Shaanxi and Hua’er Folk Songs (CEPCNSHFS). The study covers essential aspects such as sampling, corpus structure, corpora selection, and corpora processing. Moreover, to assess the practical utility of the CEPCNSHFS, a pilot study was conducted. The primary contributions of this article reside in the potential of the CEPCNSHFS to support diverse research topics, including the exploration of translation language characteristics, styles, and methods employed in translating Northern Shaanxi and Hua’er folk songs, both of which hold significant positions within Chinese folk song traditions.

Rapid and Bifunctional Chemoselective Metabolome Analysis of Liver Disease Plasma Using the Reagent 4‐Nitrophenyl‐2H‐azirine

AbstractPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bile ducts that has been associated with diverse metabolic carboxylic acids. Mass spectrometric techniques are the method of choice for their analysis. However, the broad investigation of this metabolite class remains challenging. Derivatization of carboxylic acids represents a strategy to overcome these limitations but available methods suffer from diverse analytical challenges. Herein, we have designed a novel strategy introducing 4‐nitrophenyl‐2H‐azirine as a new chemoselective moiety for the first time for carboxylic acid metabolites. This moiety was selected as it rapidly forms a stable amide bond and also generates a new ketone, which can be analyzed by our recently developed quant‐SCHEMA method specific for carbonyl metabolites. Optimization of this new method revealed a high reproducibility and robustness, which was utilized to validate 102 metabolic carboxylic acids using authentic synthetic standard conjugates in human plasma samples including nine metabolites that were newly detected. Using this sequential analysis of the carbonyl‐ and carboxylic acid‐metabolomes revealed alterations of the ketogenesis pathway, which demonstrates the vast benefit of our unique methodology. We anticipate that the developed azirine moiety with rapid functional group transformation will find broad application in diverse chemical biology research fields.

Rapid and Bifunctional Chemoselective Metabolome Analysis of Liver Disease Plasma Using the Reagent 4-Nitrophenyl-2H-azirine.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bile ducts that has been associated with diverse metabolic carboxylic acids. Mass spectrometric techniques are the method of choice for their analysis. However, the broad investigation of this metabolite class remains challenging. Derivatization of carboxylic acids represents a strategy to overcome these limitations but available methods suffer from diverse analytical challenges. Herein, we have designed a novel strategy introducing 4-nitrophenyl-2H-azirine as a new chemoselective moiety for the first time for carboxylic acid metabolites. This moiety was selected as it rapidly forms a stable amide bond and also generates a new ketone, which can be analyzed by our recently developed quant-SCHEMA method specific for carbonyl metabolites. Optimization of this new method revealed a high reproducibility and robustness, which was utilized to validate 102 metabolic carboxylic acids using authentic synthetic standard conjugates in human plasma samples including nine metabolites that were newly detected. Using this sequential analysis of the carbonyl- and carboxylic acid-metabolomes revealed alterations of the ketogenesis pathway, which demonstrates the vast benefit of our unique methodology. We anticipate that the developed azirine moiety with rapid functional group transformation will find broad application in diverse chemical biology research fields.

Modelling the Purchase of Green Packaged Products: The Significant Impact of the West–East Cultural Context

Although a relatively recent phenomenon, green packaging has been the focus of extensive research aimed at understanding consumer perceptions of green packaging and consumer behaviours toward green packaging. The effectiveness of these inquiries, however, has varied. The current study has determined that the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) has had the highest level of effectiveness and promotion of scientific progress in this field. This study contributes to the research by combining diverse research endeavours regarding environmentally sustainable packaging. The methodology used initially produced only moderately sufficient fitting indicators. Nonetheless, the literature suggests that there are significant differences in consumer behaviours between Western and Eastern cultural contexts. The importance of cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural understanding in a global economy is highlighted by the disparities among consumers. By recognizing and valuing these diversities, companies can successfully encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging through the adoption of policies that take into account the cultural context.

Globalizations from below: understanding the spatialities, mobilities and resources of transnational migrant entrepreneurs across the globe

ABSTRACT Transnational corporations have been long recognized as the building blocks of global system theory and their impact is widely acknowledged and studied. By comparison, we have insufficient understanding of transnational practices ‘from below’. We argue that focusing on transnational migrant entrepreneurship is a novel opportunity to gain insights into the social and economic processes of ‘globalization from below’. Such processes refer to the dynamics and practices initiated by actors outside the hegemonic socio-economic spheres who, using various resources, move people, goods and ideas across national borders to create small-scale enterprises thus connecting distant places and people around the world. This special issue brings together a transdisciplinary group of researchers who examine the spatialities, mobilities and resources of transnational migrant entrepreneurs in Asia, Europe, North Africa, South America and the USA. The rich empirical base, coupled with diverse research methods, provides new insights into the phenomenon to scholars, policymakers and practitioners.

Promoting a more diverse and inclusive research workforce through the research scholars program

BackgroundNovel and comprehensive approaches are needed to address shortcomings in the diversity and inclusiveness of the scientific workforce. In response to this need and informed by multiple programs and data sources, we created the Research Scholars Program (RSP). The RSP is a yearlong program for early-career faculty with an overall objective to overcome barriers to the academic success, retention, progression, and promotion of groups underrepresented in biomedical and behavioral research. The goal of the RSP is to increase research confidence and productivity, build a supportive research community, and reduce isolation by providing personal and group research enrichment to junior faculty through professional development, mentorship, and networking.MethodsWe adapted evidence-based approaches for our institutional context and vetted the RSP across our campus. The resulting RSP consists of three main elements: (1) five levels of Mosaic Mentorship; (2) group and tailored professional development programming; and (3) scientific and social networking. To determine the potential of the RSP to improve research confidence critical to success, we used a modified shortened version of the Clinical Research Appraisal Inventory (CRAI-12) to assess participants’ confidence in performing a variety of research tasks before and after program participation. We collected information about retention, promotion, and grants submitted and awarded. Additionally, we conducted semi-structured exit interviews with each scholar after program participation to identify programmatic strengths and areas for improvement. Data for Cohorts 1 and 2 (N = 12) were analyzed.ResultsOur assessment finds, with one exception, increasing confidence in participants’ research skills across all items, ranging from 0.4 (4.7%) to 2.6 (40.6%). In their exit interviews, the Research Scholars (RS) described their improved productivity and increased sense of belonging and support from others. Research Scholars noted numerous components of the RSP as strengths, including the Mosaic Mentorship model, professional development programming, and opportunities for both informal and formal interactions. Respondents identified time pressure, a lack of feedback, and unclear expectations of the various mentorship roles as areas in which the program can improve.ConclusionPreliminary findings indicate that the RSP is successful in building the research confidence of underrepresented and disadvantaged early-career faculty. While this report focuses on the development and protocol of the RSP, additional cohorts and data will provide the evidence base to support dissemination as a national model of research professional development. Such programming is critical to ensure sustainable support structures, institutional networks, infrastructure, and resources that will improve discovery and equity through inclusive excellence.

Research on the issue of changing the forms of education in higher education institutions of Ukraine during the crisis

This paper dives into examining how education in Ukrainian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is evolving in response to various factors, external and internal influences. We take a closer look at the significant impact of the crisis on the educational setup of Ukraine's HEIs. Gathering insights and facts from diverse educational sources, scientific studies, and research findings, we investigate and thoroughly explore the strengths and the main advantages of specific education models in higher education institutions of Ukraine, and the advantages of their application under certain circumstances in crisis conditions. Additionally, the abstract sheds light on the collaborative efforts and partnerships between HEIs, industries, and governmental initiatives that contribute to the ongoing educational transformation. In addition to this, we break down the core principles guiding initiatives in Ukraine to enhance educational quality amid numerous challenges. It is also worth noting that all these changes require the development of technologies and their integration into the educational process. Evidently, despite such rapid changes, Ukraine was able to quickly adapt Internet technologies to the educational process. We highlight the essential role of education as a driving force in effectively tackling modern challenges. In addition, we emphasize the importance of training qualified, competitive specialists in their field, capable of contributing to the recovery of economic processes in Ukraine even in a crisis period. This discussion aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the changing educational landscape, shedding light on the strategies used to navigate and improve educational outcomes in the country. As a newcomer in this field, this exploration is an attempt to unravel the complexities of educational shifts during crisis periods in Ukrainian HEIs.

Weight Management Health Note, a Mobile Health Platform for Obesity Management Developed by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity.

The Weight Management Health Note application, developed by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity (KSSO), was designed to assist individuals in weight management and enhance overall well-being. The Committee of IT-Convergence Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome of the KSSO designed this application. Committee members reviewed and supervised the application's underlying driving algorithms and scientific rationale. A healthcare-specific application developer subsequently finalized the application. This application encompasses a myriad of features, including a comprehensive food diary, an exercise tracker, and tailor-made lifestyle recommendations aligned with individual needs and aspirations. Moreover, it facilitates connections within a community of like-minded individuals endeavoring to manage their weight, fostering mutual support and motivation. Importantly, the application is rich in evidence-based health content curated by the KSSO, ensuring users access accurate information for effective obesity management. Looking ahead, the KSSO is committed to orchestrating diverse academic research endeavors linked to this application and refining its functionalities through continuous feedback from users. The KSSO aspires for this application to serve as a valuable resource for individuals striving to manage their health and enhance their quality of life.

Development of experimental device for inductive heating of magnetic nanoparticles

Inductive heating using magnetic nanoparticles is a critical process extensively investigated for cancer treatment. However, the high cost of commercially available equipment hinders its accessibility for many research groups. In response, this paper introduces a simple electronic circuit with low-cost components, making it easy to construct even for non-electronic experts. Operating within the 50–200 kHz range, the circuit employs a parallel inductor-capacitor configuration, providing a maximum induction magnetic field of 23.6 mT. Ltspice software simulations align well with oscilloscope measurements. Using commercial iron oxide nanoparticles (∼16 nm) in water suspensions (1–10 mg ml−1), the device exhibited a concentration-dependent reduction in specific absorption rate values, consistent with literature findings. Hyperthermia temperatures were achieved in a few minutes at 52.5 kHz and 23.6 mT in the highest concentration. At 81.9 kHz and 21.5 mT, a temperature of 93 °C was achieved after 22 min at 10 mg ml−1. Additionally, the device demonstrated stable and safe operation over a 100 min period, as validated by an ice-melting experiment. These results highlight the device’s efficacy for hyperthermia experiments in both biological and non-biological systems, particularly advantageous for larger nanoparticles in a blocked state. The proposed device holds significant potential for contributing to hyperthermia studies across diverse research groups. Future development will focus on frequency adjustment without reducing the alternating magnetic field amplitude and a thorough investigation of field homogeneity inside the coils.

Organizational Sustainability Orientation: A Review

Organizational sustainability orientation (OSO) is a concept increasingly gaining prominence among academics and practitioners. The primary goals of this study entail:(a) elucidating about the origins and evolution of OSO, encompassing its conceptual foundations, the scholarly communities instrumental in shaping the field, and its co-evolution with social and environmental orientations; (b) delineating the diverse research streams within the OSO domain and establishing avenues for advancing this line of inquiry; and, (c) proposing a conceptual framework that includes the drivers, consequences, and contextual contingencies associated with OSO. The study employs two bibliometric analyses, namely, co-citation and citation and a qualitative thematic analysis. Drawing on a dataset of 112 scholarly articles, the research provides nuancedinsights into the development and advancement of OSO research, underscores its state of the art, and proposes avenues for future investigations in this evolving field.