Dual Nature Research Articles

Without morals in a moral world—the expanding moral circle of The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt

As video and computer games get increasingly more advanced, the immersive experience for the player of these games also follows this trajectory. In these games, one aspect that has been explored to the greatest extent is that of choice and player agency. Often, these choices and acts are of a moral character, whether it be choosing what to do on an ambiguously formulated questline with multiple branches or how to approach different creatures within the game world. The game The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt provides a case of a game that uses many mechanisms to explore issues related to moral and morality. Through a qualitative textual analysis of the game, this article explores how players are faced with the game’s moral order. Utilizing Singer’s idea of the expanding moral circle, this article explores the game world’s establishing of moral issues, including who and what are included in the expanding circle and in what way this is conveyed within the game. Relying on the dual nature of the gameplay, where players are role-playing as the Witcher Geralt of Rivia as well as experiencing what unfolds in the game in front of a screen, this article discusses how these moral orders–the one in the game world and the one in “real” life—intertwine the moral underpinnings of a digital game. This article also discusses how encounters with non-human animals often leave the player with very few choices regarding which to act, which is not presented as moral issues at all. Furthermore, this article discusses further development of the theoretical framework as a possible vantage point from where to understand morality and how it emanates in different game worlds.

The role of pyroptosis in cancer: key components and therapeutic potential.

Pyroptosis is a lytic and inflammatory form of gasdermin protein-mediated programmed cell death that is typically initiated by inflammasomes. The inflammasome response is an effective mechanism for eradicating germs and cancer cells in the event of cellular injury. The gasdermin family is responsible for initiating pyroptosis, a process in which holes are made in the cell membrane to allow inflammatory chemicals to escape. Mounting evidence indicates that pyroptosis is critical for controlling the development of cancer. In this review, we provide a general overview of pyroptosis, examine the relationship between the primary elements of pyroptosis and tumors, and stress the necessity of pyroptosis-targeted therapy in tumors. Furthermore, we explore its dual nature as a double-edged sword capable of both inhibiting and facilitating the growth of cancer, depending on the specific conditions. Ultimately, pyroptosis is a phenomenon that has both positive and negative effects on tumors. Using this dual impact in a reasonable manner may facilitate investigation into the initiation and progression of tumors and offer insights for the development of novel treatments centered on pyroptosis.

Human Rights in Limbo: A Human Rights Analysis of Religious Freedom Protections in European Asylum Centres

Abstract This article examines the legal protections for religious freedom afforded to non- detained asylum seekers and refugees in European asylum centres, highlighting the gap between theoretical rights and practical implementation. Despite the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief, asylum seekers often face coercion, verbal and physical attacks, and restrictions on their religious practices within these centres. The absence of regulations or guidelines exacerbates these problems, leaving operators in a legal grey area and the religious freedom rights of asylum seekers in limbo. The article also examines how the privatisation of refugee reception impacts human rights obligations and the dual nature of state responsibilities—both negative and positive—regarding religious freedom. It emphasises the necessity for the implementation of regulations and guidelines to guarantee the enforcement of religious freedom protections, with the objective of safeguarding the religious freedom rights of asylum seekers and refugees in European asylum centres.

Cognitive-Linguistic Status of Ethical Knowledge and Ways of Its Representation

The article is devoted to the study of the cognitive nature of ethical knowledge, its essence and substantive contours. There is no classification of ethical knowledge in science, so the formats of its representation and its types have not been determined. The aim of the article is to identify the cognitive foundations of morality, its rational or sensual nature; to determine the ethical knowledge based on its characteristics and classification according to types of representation in knowledge formats. To prove the representability of ethical knowledge a conceptual analysis of the concept “responsibility” is carried out; a value-labeled algorithm of a person’s moral behavior is presented in the ethical script. A cognitive ethical scenario of the category “compassion” is considered; an evaluative categorization of the concept’s “pity” and “ruthlessness” are given; a frame model of the concept “virtue” and the representability of ethical knowledge in knowledge formats (concept, scenario, evaluative categorization, frame, cognition) are constructed. The study also identifies features of ethical knowledge with their definitions, their classification that is carried out based on the criteria of what it is, and what it should be. The authors recognize the cognitive nature of ethical knowledge and consider it can be an information product of cognitive activity, that is tested for truth, expressed as new knowledge, while which person is evaluating behavior, represented in knowledge formats. In the article scientists’ points of view according to which ethical knowledge relates to the theoretical level of knowledge, metaethics or to the practical level of knowledge, practical ethics or philosophy are analyzed. The authors adhere to the statement that ethical knowledge has a dual nature (practical knowledge that regulates human behavior, theoretical knowledge, norms, principles, ethical knowledge). In the course of the research, the following scientific results were obtained: the cognitive essence of ethical knowledge was revealed confirmed by the features of its cognition (informativeness, truth, verifiability, knowability, representability). The authors’ positions which recognize the cognitive nature of ethical knowledge of cognitivists are reflected. The features of ethical knowledge with their definitions are identified; the classification of ethical knowledge is carried out based on the criteria of what it is and what it should be. The level of scientificity and practicality of ethical knowledge is determined. The conclusion is made about the existence of scientific (metaethics) and practical ethics; the cognitive measurability and representability of knowledge through knowledge formats has been proven. Conclusion about that the ethical knowledge has a cognitive status is drawn. The knowledge obtained as a result of cognitive-linguistic activity, provides new information about kinds of behaviour, ways of regulating value relations between people, knowledge about moral values, categories, norms verbalized with the help of language units.

Meaningful app-work? Exploring meaningful work experiences of food delivery couriers in Poland

PurposeThe rise of app-based work in the gig economy, particularly within the food delivery sector, challenges traditional employment paradigms and raises questions about the potential for achieving meaningful work experiences. This study explores whether such work can be considered meaningful for food delivery couriers in Poland.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopts a qualitative, case-study approach, conducting 30 in-depth interviews with food delivery couriers in Poland. The study investigates how these workers perceive the meaningfulness of their work, focusing on the interplay between subjective and organisational aspects of their work.FindingsThe findings reveal that despite the precarious nature of app-based work, couriers often find meaningful experiences through perceived autonomy, gamified control and the physical demands of their job. The study highlights the dual nature of app work, where the same elements that contribute to worker engagement and a sense of independence also perpetuate exploitation and job insecurity.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s reliance on a convenience sample of 30 interviews conducted via social media may not represent the broader population of food delivery couriers. Future research should expand the sample size and include a more diverse range of participants to improve generalisability.Practical implicationsThe insights from this study can inform platform designers and policymakers to create more supportive environments for gig workers. Enhancing algorithmic transparency, providing better social protections and implementing fair gamification strategies can help mitigate the negative aspects of gig work and improve job satisfaction.Social implicationsThe study underscores the need for regulatory changes to ensure minimum guaranteed earnings and health and safety provisions for gig workers. By fostering a supportive and transparent work environment, the gig economy can better contribute to worker well-being and social equity.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the limited body of literature on meaningful work within the gig economy, particularly focusing on food delivery couriers in Poland. It provides new insights into how workers create and perceive meaningful work in a highly digitised and algorithmically managed environment.

Role of Eosinophils in Immunity, Allergy, and Inflammation: Friend or Foe

Eosinophils are multifunctional granulocytes involved in both protective and pathological immune responses. Traditionally recognized for their role in host defense against parasitic infections, eosinophils have gained significant attention for their involvement in allergic diseases, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, where they are often considered detrimental. Eosinophils contribute to tissue damage and inflammation by releasing cytotoxic granule proteins, cytokines, and chemokines, perpetuating chronic inflammation. In conditions such as eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders and hypereosinophilic syndrome, eosinophils infiltrate tissues and exacerbate inflammation, leading to organ dysfunction. However, eosinophils also exhibit beneficial roles, including modulating immune responses, promoting tissue repair, and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Recent research has highlighted their regulatory functions, where they interact with other immune cells to mediate both pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. The dual nature of eosinophils—both as protectors in immunity and contributors to pathology—presents a complex challenge in understanding their full impact on health and disease. Advances in biologic therapies targeting eosinophil activity, such as IL-5 inhibitors, offer promising treatment options for eosinophil-associated disorders. This review explores the diverse roles of eosinophils in immunity, allergy, and inflammation, examining both their protective and harmful functions, while discussing therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating eosinophil activity in various diseases. Keywords: Eosinophils, allergy, inflammation, immune regulation, IL-5 therapy

Anomalous scaling of branching tidal networks in global coastal wetlands and mudflats

Branching networks are key elements in natural landscapes and have attracted sustained research interest across the geosciences and numerous intersecting fields. The prevailing consensus has long held that branching networks are optimized and exhibit fractal properties adhering to power-law scaling relationships. However, tidal networks in coastal wetlands and mudflats exhibit scaling properties that defy conventional power-law descriptions, presenting a longstanding enigma. Here we show that the observed atypical scaling represents a universal deviation from an ideal fractal branching network capable of fully occupying the available space. Using satellite imagery of tidal networks from diverse global locations, we identified an inherent “laziness” in this deviation—where the increased ease of channel formation paradoxically decreases the space-filling efficiency of the network. We developed a theoretical model that reproduces the ideal fractal branching network and the laziness phenomenon. The model suggests that branching networks can emerge under a localized competition principle without adhering to conventionally assumed optimization-driven processes. These results reveal the dual nature of branching networks, where “laziness” complements the well-known optimization process. This property provides more flexible strategies for controlling tidal network morphogenesis, with implications for coastal management, wetland restoration, and studies in fluvial and planetary systems.

Corporate Technology for the Implementation of an Automated System: Functional, Technological and Methodological Aspects

The purpose of the study is to form a methodological justification for the pedagogical model of the individual trajectory of professional development of bachelors and masters for the implementation of the stages of creating an automated system based on the principles of continuity and experimental verification of its application in the educational process of the university in accordance with the requirements of IT departments, vendors and employers. It is shown that there is a gap between the socio-economic order for the training of IT specialists with high professional competence in the field of information systems and the insufficient level of targeted formation of their readiness to implement the stages of creating automated systems. In addition, the lack of methods and practical recommendations for the implementation of such systems in the context of maximum preservation of corporate standards and taking into account the requirements of Russian legislation, as well as specialists competent in these matters, determined the feasibility of conducting the study in two aspects - functional-technological and pedagogical.Methods and materials. The key methods are structural-functional and process modeling, interactive methods of organizing the educational process (project method, etc.). The research materials include a functional model for developing a corporate technology for implementing an automated system in the form of a function tree.Results. The results present a model of causes and factors determining the success of the projects for the implementation of the automatization systems. The role of the factor “qualification of the performing team” and the possibilities of the educational environment of the university to influence this factor are considered. The pedagogical aspect of the research problem is determined by the methodological justification for conducting students’ project work within a number of disciplines for training bachelors and masters in the field of “Applied Informatics”. The description of the structure and requirements for students’ projects gives an idea of the level of formed competencies, their consistency with the work functions of specialists in the field of information systems.Conclusion. At this stage of work on the research problem, its dual nature was determined. On the one hand, modern IT projects require their own technologies and management methodologies, which should change from project to project, so it is important to have practical recommendations for the development of corporate technology for the implementation of an automated system. On the other hand, one of the success factors of the project for the implementation of an automated system is the “Project Implementation Team”, its level of qualification. This factor is successfully determined and influenced by educational institutions responsible for training specialists in this field. In this direction, the project method plays a key role. It ensures the development of communication skills, the ability to independently pose a problem and develop a way to solve it together. Methodological aspects and practical results, generalizing the pedagogical model for training bachelors in the field of creating automated systems presented in the paper, as well as the development of corporate technology for the implementation of information systems, were reflected in three electronic multimedia educational publications: “Portfolio of Software Engineering Projects”, “Theory and Practice of IS Implementation”, “Theory and Practice of IS Maintenance”.

Effect of Explanation Conceptualisations on Trust in AI-assisted Credibility Assessment

As misinformation increasingly proliferates on social media platforms, it has become crucial to explore how to best convey automated news credibility assessments to end-users, and foster trust in fact-checking AIs. In this paper, we investigate how model-agnostic, natural language explanations influence trust and reliance on a fact-checking AI. We construct explanations from four Conceptualisation Validations (CVs) - namely consensual, expert, internal (logical), and empirical - which are foundational units of evidence that humans utilise to validate and accept new information. Our results show that providing explanations significantly enhances trust in AI, even in a fact-checking context where influencing pre-existing beliefs is often challenging, with different CVs causing varying degrees of reliance. We find consensual explanations to be the least influential, with expert, internal, and empirical explanations exerting twice as much influence. However, we also find that users could not discern whether the AI directed them towards the truth, highlighting the dual nature of explanations to both guide and potentially mislead. Further, we uncover the presence of automation bias and aversion during collaborative fact-checking, indicating how users' previously established trust in AI can moderate their reliance on AI judgements. We also observe the manifestation of a 'boomerang'/backfire effect often seen in traditional corrections to misinformation, with individuals who perceive AI as biased or untrustworthy doubling down and reinforcing their existing (in)correct beliefs when challenged by the AI. We conclude by presenting nuanced insights into the dynamics of user behaviour during AI-based fact-checking, offering important lessons for social media platforms.

Towards a new ontology of economics

The article attempts to look at the ontology of economic science from the standpoint of the dual nature of the human personality, which combines two principles – individualism and collectivism. The purpose of this study is to identify the true nature of man, who is not a one-dimensional individualist, but also has features of collectivism, i.e. the desire and ability to live in society. The author puts forward and seeks to prove the following hypothesis: individualism and collectivism are simultaneously inherent in the human personality and inevitably manifest themselves in its vital interests, including economic ones. The research methodology, based on taking into account the objective and subjective factors of economic life, allows us to identify the genesis of public interests as a continuation of the collectivist principle in man himself, as well as to characterize and typologize public goods in their combination with private goods. Based on the analysis, the one-sidedness of methodological individualism is shown, which takes into account only the egoistic nature of man and not his collectivist principle. The overwhelming majority of society, with the help of the state, forces the disobedient minority to obey the rules of community life, without which social life is impossible. As a result of the study, the main conclusion is made about the need to replace methodological individualism with the principle of methodological dualism, postulating a dialectical combination of individualistic and collectivist inclinations of people.

The Dual Role of B Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Cancer Immunology and Therapy.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and heterogeneous tissue composed of various cell types, including tumor cells, stromal cells, and immune cells, as well as non-cellular elements. Given their pivotal role in humoral immunity, B cells have emerged as promising targets for anti-tumor therapies. The dual nature of B cells, exhibiting both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting functions, has garnered significant attention. Understanding the distinct effects of various B cell subsets on different tumors could pave the way for novel targeted tumor therapies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the heterogeneous B cell subsets and their multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis, as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting B cells in cancer treatment. To develop more effective cancer immunotherapies, it is essential to decipher the heterogeneity of B cells and their roles in shaping the TME.

The Double-Edged Sword of Tension: How Moderate Stress Enhances Performance While Over-Focus Impairs It

Tension, often considered a negative emotional state, has traditionally been viewed as detrimental to performance, particularly when excessive. However, emerging research suggests that tension, when experienced at moderate levels, may have a facilitating effect on task performance by activating physiological and cognitive resources. This study explores the dual effects of tension on behavioral outcomes, proposing that moderate tension improves performance by enhancing arousal and resource mobilization, while excessive focus on tension can lead to cognitive overload, impairing task performance. Two hypotheses are tested: (H1) moderate tension enhances task performance through physiological arousal mechanisms such as increased adrenaline secretion, and (H2) excessive focus on tension increases cognitive load, leading to poorer performance. A randomized experimental design will be employed, with participants assigned to a moderate tension group, an excessive tension focus group, and a control group. Physiological measures, including heart rate and galvanic skin response (GSR), along with task performance indicators, will be collected. The expected results will provide empirical evidence supporting the positive role of moderate tension in enhancing behavioral outcomes and highlight the detrimental effects of excessive tension focus. This study offers theoretical insights into the dual nature of tension and practical implications for managing tension in high-pressure task environments.

Interactions of sphingomyelin with biologically crucial side chain-hydroxylated cholesterol derivatives.

Oxysterols are interesting molecules due to their dual nature, reflecting beneficial and harmful effects on the body. An issue that still needs to be solved is how slight modification of their structure owing to the location of the additional polar group in the molecules affects their biological activity. With this in mind, we selected three side chain-hydroxylated oxysterols namely: 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol (20(S)-OH), 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24(S)-OH), and 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OH), and examined their behavior in mixtures with the bioactive sphingolipid - sphingomyelin (SM). Our research was based on the Langmuir monolayer technique supplemented with molecular dynamics (MD) and microscopic observation of the films texture (Brewster angle microscopy, BAM, and atomic force microscopy, AFM). Additionally, since 20(S)-hydroxycholesterol has not been studied so far, we thoroughly characterized this oxysterol in one-component monolayers. Our studies showed differences in the interactions of the studied oxysterols and sphingomyelin. Namely, it was found that 20(S)-OH binds to SM, unlike 24(S)-OH and 27-OH, which both weakly interact with SM. This distinct behavior was interpreted within the molecular dynamics as being due to weak intermolecular interactions between 20(S)-OH molecules, which allowed easy incorporation of SM into the 20(S)-OH monolayer. In contrast, the strong oxysterol-oxysterol interactions occurring in monolayers with 24(S)-OH or 27-OH make this process more difficult. This may be important in the process of bone formation/resorption. Other aspects derived from our study are: (i) the tendency of oxysterols to incorporate into lipid rafts (leading to their modification in structure and function), as well as (ii) the formation of multilayer structures, in which oxysterols are arranged in the characteristic forms of "strings of beads", which may facilitate their transport across the membrane.

Multifaceted role of TRIM28 in health and disease.

The TRIM (tripartite motif) family, with TRIM28 as a key member, plays a vital role in regulating health and disease. TRIM28 contains various functional domains essential for transcriptional regulation, primarily through its interaction with KRAB-ZNF proteins, which influence chromatin remodeling and gene expression. Despite extensive research, the precise mechanisms by which TRIM28 impacts health and disease remain elusive. This review delves into TRIM28's multifaceted roles in maintaining health, contributing to a variety of diseases, and influencing cancer progression. In cancers, TRIM28 exhibits a dual nature, functioning as both a tumor promoter and suppressor depending on the cellular context and cancer type. The review also explores its critical involvement in processes such as DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the maintenance of stem cell properties. By uncovering TRIM28's complex roles across different cancers and other diseases, this review underscores its potential as a therapeutic target. The significance of TRIM28 as a versatile regulator opens the door to innovative therapeutic strategies, particularly in cancer treatment and the management of other diseases. Ongoing research into TRIM28 may yield key insights into disease progression and novel treatment options.

Recent Advances in Cyclodextrin-Based Nanoscale Drug Delivery Systems.

Cyclodextrins (CDs) belong to a class of cyclic oligosaccharides characterized by their toroidal shape consisting of glucose units linked via α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. This distinctive toroidal shape exhibits a dual nature, comprising a hydrophobic interior and a hydrophilic exterior, making CDs highly versatile in various pharmaceutical products. They serve multiple roles: they act as solubilizers, stabilizers, controlled release promoters, enhancers of drug bioavailability, and effective means of masking undesirable tastes and odors. Taking advantage of these inherent benefits, CDs have been integrated into numerous nanoscale drug delivery systems. The resulting nanomaterials exploit the exceptional properties of CDs, including their ability to solubilize hydrophobic drugs for substantial drug loading, engage in supramolecular complexation for engineered nanomaterials, increase bioavailability for improved therapeutic efficacy, stabilize labile drugs, and exhibit biocompatibility and versatility. This paper compiles recent studies on CD functional nanoscale drug delivery platforms. First, we described the physicochemical and toxicological aspects of CDs, CD/drug inclusion complexation, and their impact on improving drug bioavailability. We then summarized applications for CD-functional nano delivery systems based on polymeric, hybrid, lipid-based nanoparticles, and CD-based nanofibers. Particular interest was in the targeted applications and the function of the CD molecules used. In most applications, CD molecules were used for drug solubilization and loading, while in some studies, CD molecules were employed for supramolecular complexation to construct nanoscale drug delivery systems. Finally, the review concludes with a thoughtful consideration of the current challenges and outlook.

Unveiling game meat: an analysis of marketing mix and consumer preferences for a forest ecosystem product

This study explores the dynamics of the game meat market, with a particular focus on venison and wild boar meat, to assess the impact of a nuanced marketing mix and strategy grounded in a comprehensive customer analysis. By conducting three pivotal research studies—namely, the Omnibus Survey (2022) and Consumer Market Analysis Polls (2021 and 2023)—and analysing their data, this research comprehensively analyses buyers’ preferences, motivations, and purchasing patterns. This paper is guided by three research questions aimed at examining the relationship between the game meat consumption and engagement in forest ecosystem services, including forest visitation, the sociodemographic characteristics of consumers and the criteria for market segmentation. The analysis focuses on identifying factors influencing the game meat consumption and examines how these factors may influence consumer behavior over time. It also explores the implications for the development of marketing strategies, based on Michael E. Porter’s approach, which is discussed in detail. Additionally, the research evaluates the role of game meat within the context of forest ecosystem services, its contribution to forest reforestation initiatives, and its relevance in the formulation of forest policy. This examination highlights the dual nature of game meat as both a market commodity and a critical element in ecosystem management and policy frameworks, seeking to harmonize the economic and ecological objectives.

An Industrial Economics Perspective on the Economic Valuation of Cornus officinalis: A Case Study from Xixia County, Henan Province

The dual nature of Cornus officinalis as both a medicinal and edible resource endows it with expansive market potential. This research develops an analytical framework to evaluate the economic value of Cornus officinalis through the lens of industrial economics. Utilizing theoretical exploration and a case study centered on Xixia County, Henan Province, the study draws several key conclusions: First, within the primary industry, Cornus officinalis contributes to the enhancement of farmers’ incomes and fosters the growth of local agriculture-related sectors through the cultivation of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Second, from the perspective of the secondary industry, Cornus officinalis generates substantial economic worth via food processing and pharmaceutical commerce. Finally, in the realm of the tertiary industry, the economic value of Cornus officinalis is predominantly realized through leisure and wellness services, as well as the tourism sector.

“The Revival of Islam”: a French view of the Islamic Revolution in Iran

In this article, the author investigates the responses of French diplomats and experts to the events occurring in Iran during 1978–1979 and their consequences. This analysis is conducted primarily in the context of the rising prominence of religious considerations in international relations. To this end, the author draws on materials from the archives of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In France, the dual nature of these events was acknowledged. Firstly, there was a notable “re-Islamisation” of the populations in Muslim countries. In many of them, Islam became an influential factor in the formation of national identities after independence, serving to unify and stabilise communities. Secondly, French diplomats emphasised that while religion played a part in these developments, it was not the sole driving force. Rather, it was employed by local leaders as a political tool to advance their own agendas. The French experts demonstrated a tendency to overestimate the degree of Western influence on educated and wealthy sections of Muslim populations, while simultaneously underestimating the capacity of nationally oriented Islamic leaders and movements to modernise their respective countries. Furthermore, these experts also underestimated the ability of these leaders and movements to defend their right to development in accordance with their own customs and traditions. It is notable that many of the conclusions drawn by French diplomats at the turn of the 1970s and 1980s do not align with the contemporary interpretations of the French authorities. A review of the French Foreign Ministry notes from 1978 to 1979 revealed no mention of the issue of Islamic influence and its radical form in the Maghreb and the Middle East on the Muslim community in France.

Hyperlipidemia interferes with the behavior of variant NKT cells

Abstract Background NKT cells significantly influence atherosclerosis development. However, inconsistent findings on the function of the NKT cells and the invariant subset in atherosclerosis remains a challenge. Moreover, there is no clarity on the role and phenotype of the variant (vNKT) subset in atherosclerosis. Purpose To understand the role of the vNKT subsets in HFD-induced atherosclerosis. Methods We extracted the data for meta-analysis to understand the role of the whole NKT and iNKT cells in atherosclerosis. PRISMA guidelines were followed for the meta-analysis. In addition, C57BL/6 mice (WT) were fed with HFD for 20 weeks from 6-8 weeks of age. vNKTs were identified as CD3+NK1.1+CD1d-tetramer- within the CD3+NK1.1+ NKT cell population in both liver and spleen by flow cytometry. Intracellular cyotkines staining was performed. Statistical differences inthe means of two groups are calculated by two-tailed Student’s t-test with nonparametric Mann-Whitney tests. P-value<0.05 was considered significant. All data represented as mean±SEM. Results The NKT cell numbers increased significantly in the spleen, lymph nodes, blood, and liver in the HFD-fed mice fed from 1.5 to 24 weeks in Apoe-/-, Ldlr-/- in comparison to wild-type mice (SMD, 2.51 [95% CI, 1.42, 3.61]). Contrary to this, the iNKT cell numbers and the iNKT TCR gene expression levels, decreased significantly in the HFD-fed mice (SMD, -2.04 [95% CI, -3.34, -0.75]). The reduction in iNKT cell numbers is also supported by the clinical data from the AMI patients when compared to healthy controls [SMD = -1.81, 95% CI = -2.89, -0.74] (Figure 1). In HFD-fed C57BL/6 hyperlipidemic mice, significantly increased levels of total cholesterol (HFD vs Chow; 226.5±29.66 vs 118.5±10.56 mg/dL, n=4) and LDLc (44.56±11.96 vs 16.69±1.13 mg%, n=4) was observed. The number of vNKTs in the liver was significantly increased by 46% (HFD vs Chow 28.35±2.28 vs 19.41±1.36, n=6-7) (Figure 2A). However, the CD8+ vNKTs were significantly decreased by 68.6% in the liver (4.72±0.99 vs 15.06±0.96) and the CD4+ vNKTs decreased more than two times in the HFD-fed WT liver (7.39±0.76 vs 18.28±0.36) (Figure 2B). Also, the intracellular IFN-γ+ vNKT cells doubled in their numbers in the HFD-fed spleen (14.31±1.39 vs 6.367±0.87) compared to the chow-fed mice (Figure 2C). Conclusion(s) Meta-analysis revealed dual nature of the NKT cells and its invariant subsets in atherosclerosis, since the whole NKTs increase whereas the iNKTs decrease in number. The vNKT subset actively participates in immune modulation in the HFD-induced hyperlipidemia by increasing their number, as well as by differentially regulating CD8 and CD4 co-receptors between chow and HFD. HFD induced a pro-inflammatory nature in the splenic vNKTs but not in liver vNKTs, that in turn may aggravate other immune cells. This data confirms the dual nature of the NKT subsets and reveals a crucial systemic involvement of vNKT cells in the progression of dyslipidemia.

Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Sustainability: Insights from PLS-SEM on Resource Efficiency and Carbon Emission Reduction

This study investigates the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and environmental sustainability, focusing on how AI-driven resource efficiency, energy consumption, environmental monitoring, and carbon emission reduction contribute to sustainability outcomes. The purpose of this research is to examine the dual nature of AI's impact on sustainability by testing both positive and negative effects using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Drawing from a sample of 233 firms in the energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors, this study collects data through an online survey measured on a five-point Likert scale. Four hypotheses are tested, revealing that AI-driven resource efficiency and environmental monitoring positively affect sustainability, while AI energy consumption has a negative impact. Furthermore, AI integration in industrial processes helps reduce resource depletion. The findings suggest that governments should incentivize AI adoption aimed at resource efficiency and environmental monitoring through policies like tax breaks or subsidies, particularly for firms reducing their carbon footprint. To mitigate the negative effects of AI energy consumption, policymakers are urged to promote energy-efficient AI models and invest in renewable energy infrastructure. A balanced policy approach is crucial to optimize the environmental benefits of AI while minimizing its energy-related drawbacks.