Dual Nature Research Articles

The dual role of ribosomal protein SA in pathogen infection: the key role of structure and localization.

Ribosomal protein SA (RPSA) plays multiple roles in cells, including ribosomal biogenesis and translation, cellular migration, and cytoskeleton reorganization. RPSA is crucial in the process of pathogen infection. Extensive research has examined RPSA's role in pathogen adhesion and invasion, but its broader functions, particularly its anti-infective capabilities, have garnered increasing attention in recent years. This dual role is closely related to its structural domains, which influence its localization and function. This review summarizes key research findings concerning the functional domains of RPSA and analyzes the relationship between its membrane localization and structural domains. Additionally, the functional implications of RPSA are categorized based on its different localizations during pathogen infection. Specifically, when RPSA is located on the cell surface, it promotes pathogen adhesion and invasion of host cells; conversely, when RPSA is located intracellularly, it exhibits anti-infective properties. Overall, RPSA shows a dual nature, both in facilitating pathogen invasion of the host and in possessing the ability to resist pathogen infection. This review comprehensively examines the dual role of RPSA in pathogen infection by analyzing its structural domains, localization, and interactions with cellular and pathogen molecules. Our aim is to update and deepen researchers' understanding of the various functions of RPSA during pathogen infection.

Novel eco-friendly and easily recoverable bismuth-based materials for capturing and removing polyphenols from water

Olive oil production is one of the most developed Europe's sectors, producing olive oil and undesirable by-products, such as olive mill wastewater (OMWW) and organic waste. OMWW, containing large amounts of compounds (mainly polyphenols, phenols, and tannins), represents a problem. In fact, polyphenols have dual nature: i) antioxidant beneficial properties, useful in many industrial fields, ii) biorefractory character making them harmful in high concentrations. If not properly treated, polyphenols can harm biodiversity, disrupt ecological balance, and degrade water quality, posing risks to both environment and human health. From a circular economy viewpoint, capturing large quantities of polyphenols to reuse and removing their residuals from water is an open challenge. This study proposes, for the first time, a new path beyond the state-of-the-art, combining adsorption and degradation technologies by novel, eco-friendly and easily recoverable bismuth-based materials to capture large amounts of two model polyphenols (gallic acid and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid), which are difficult to remove by traditional processes, and photodegrade them under solar light. The coupled process gave rise to collect 98% polyphenols, and to rapidly and effectively photodegrade the remaining portion from water.

Regulatory T cells: masterminds of immune equilibrium and future therapeutic innovations.

Regulatory T cells (Tregs), a subset of CD4+T cells marked by the expression of the transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3), are pivotal in maintaining immune equilibrium and preventing autoimmunity. In our review, we addressed the functional distinctions between Foxp3+Tregs and other T cells, highlighting their roles in autoimmune diseases and cancer. We uncovered the dual nature of Tregs: they prevented autoimmune diseases by maintaining self-tolerance while contributing to tumor evasion by suppressing anti-tumor immunity. This study underscored the potential for targeted therapeutic strategies, such as enhancing Treg activity to restore balance in autoimmune diseases or depleting Foxp3+Tregs to augment anti-tumor immune responses in cancer. These insights laid the groundwork for future research and clinical applications, emphasizing the critical role of Foxp3+Tregs in immune regulation and the advancement of next-generation immunotherapies.

Commodifying Passage: Ethnographic Insights into Migration, Markets, and Digital Mediation at the Darién Gap and Mexico–Guatemala Border

This paper examines transit migration through the Darién Gap and the Mexico–Guatemala border, focusing on the commodification of migration, the transformative role of digital platforms, and the socio-economic impacts on local economies. Based on ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews conducted from 2021 to 2023, we explore how migration has evolved into a commodified journey where services and safety are bought and sold, often exploiting migrants’ vulnerabilities. We analyze how digital platforms have become essential tools for navigation and community building among migrants, yet also introduce new risks and inequalities. Our findings highlight the dual nature of local economic adaptations, which both capitalize on and are reshaped by the migratory flows, leading to significant economic and social transformations. The paper argues for a reevaluation of migration policies that integrates these elements and supports a migration governance framework that prioritizes human dignity and rights. Through exposing these dynamic and interlinked phenomena, we aim to contribute to a better understanding of migration that goes beyond traditional paradigms of border security and control, advocating for policies that are just, equitable, and respectful of human experiences and challenges.

Век великодушия: megalopsychia Аристотеля и die schöne Seele Гегеля

Modernity loves noble aspirations; the image of a hero following the path of ad­venture in order to save the universe and become happy forms the center of many works of art. Often, the image of such a hero is reinforced by the idea of magnanimity, that is, the idea of a moral character that allows its owner to overcome emerging difficulties and cope with outstanding circumstances. However, for a long time, ideas about generosity did not have the degree of un­ambiguity that we put into this word now. For example, in the Middle Ages, generosity was strongly associated with the sin of pride, and therefore commen­tators on Aristotle (for example, Albertus Magnus) tried to find a clear substan­tive difference between magnanimitas and superbia. For this reason, critical concepts of Aristotle and Hegel are interesting, because they show that the great soul (or beautiful soul) does not have noble connotations, for they are ironic (or ordinary). Both Aristotle and Hegel greatly influenced subsequent ideas about generosity; by showing its dual nature, they showed the “other side” of this virtue. This article provides a consistent analysis of Aristotle’s ideas about generosity, set out in the Nicomachean Ethics, and Hegel’s Gestalt, de­scribed in the Phenomenology of Spirit. The final section presents a comparison of the two concepts, revealing which critical foundations are significant for both Hegel and Aristotle, and also describes possible lines of further research

Inheritance Law as interpreted by the Supreme Court in Albania

Abstract In Albanian civil law, inheritance is established as a cornerstone institution within the legal framework. It arises upon the death of an individual and is categorized in two forms: legal inheritance and testamentary inheritance. This legal concept encompasses all state-issued norms that regulate property relations arising from an individual’s death and governs the transfer of assets from the de-cuius (the testator) to their heirs. This process confers civil rights and obligations upon the inheritors. Within civil law, inheritance pertains to property relations that commence posthumously, defined as “the lawful or testamentary transfer of the deceased’s property to one or more individuals in accordance with the provisions of the legal code.” The legal relationship of inheritance in Albania is contingent upon the death of the testator, marking a pivotal legal fact. This relationship is characterized by its dual nature: it encompasses both property and familial dimensions. The property aspect becomes manifest at the moment of the testator’s death, as their rights and real property are transferred to their heirs. Meanwhile, the familial dimension pertains to specific qualities required of heirs, such as blood relations, adoption, or marital status. A will has legal effect only at the moment of the testator’s death, when the inherited property automatically transfers to the heirs by operation of law. The death of the specified individual is essential for initiating these legal effects.

Exploring the dual nature of time as a form of energy and a dimension of space

Exploring the dual nature of time as a form of energy and a dimension of space

A cochlear progenitor pool influences patterning of the mammalian sensory epithelium via MYBL2.

During embryonic development, Wnt signaling influences both proliferation and sensory formation in the cochlea. How this dual nature of Wnt signaling is coordinated is unknown. In this study, we define a novel role for a Wnt-regulated gene, Mybl2, which was already known to be important for proliferation, in determining the size and patterning of the sensory epithelium in the murine cochlea. Using a quantitative spatial analysis approach and analyzing Mybl2 loss-of-function, we show that Mybl2 promoted proliferation in the inner sulcus domain but limited the size of the sensory domain by influencing their adjoining boundary position via Jag1 regulation during development. Mybl2 loss-of-function simultaneously decreased proliferation in the inner sulcus and increased the size of the sensory domain, resulting in a wider sensory epithelium with ectopic inner hair cell formation during late embryonic stages. These data suggest that progenitor cells in the inner sulcus determine boundary formation and pattern the sensory epithelium via MYBL2.

Эволюция антикризисного управления организацией в современных условиях

The article deals with the dynamics of the theory of anti-crisis management of the organization (ACM) in modern conditions. The basic classifications of types of anti-crisis management are considered, their comparative analysis is carried out, conclusions are made that in modern conditions anti-crisis management of an organization is inseparably connected with its sustainable development, therefore, it comes to a new level, becoming a part of strategic management and especially actual today change management. The levels of anti-crisis management of the organization are marked out. The article pays special attention to the ambiguity of interpretation of the concept of «crisis of the organization». It is necessary for formation of effective anticrisis strategy of the organization to understand the essence of its basic concept – crisis, the research of its genesis and modern interpretations. The study of economic literature has shown that the understanding of crisis is ambiguous. There are two main positions have been formed in studies on the problems of crisis management to understand the nature of the crisis. One group of authors (E.M. Korotkov, T.N. Rogova, V.K. Krutikov, K.V. Baldin, S.E. Kovan, etc.) focuses on the negative manifestations of the crisis, its destructive function. Other researchers (A.S. Bolshakov, V.Y. Zakharov, A.D. Chernyakhovsky, N.D. Koryagin, A.S. Lifshits, V.M. Pishchulov, etc.) consider crises as a contradictory phenomenon and analyse their positive sides and creative role. The dual nature of crises predetermines the multi-purpose orientation of ACS and multifunctionality of its content. This is the peculiarity of the anti-crisis management system. The unified ACM system includes tools for crisis prevention, diagnosis, overcoming the crisis, enterprise restructuring strategy, methods of crisis prevention, methods of forecasting and planning, strategic management, as well as non-standard methods of personnel management. The author notes that crisis management tools should be integral components of sustainable enterprise development strategies.

The life threat in hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation - an interview and focus group study on health care professionals' perspectives.

Understanding healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experiences with patients undergoing hematopoietic allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is crucial, given its dual nature of offering a hope for cure which on the other hand is accompanied by a high risk for morbidity and mortality. Yet, how HCPs experience their patients' existential threats remains unexplored. Qualitative thematic content analysis was employed to comprehend these experiences. This involved conducting three focus groups and 11 individual in-depth interviews with nurses and hematologists. We found that HCPs struggled to balance curative goals and the therapy's risks, while attempting to maintain their patients' hopes. The unpredictability of patient trajectories and their suffering burdened HCPs. Despite occasional disagreements within the team, (inter-)professional exchanges remained a crucial ressource, especially in addressing the patients' potential life threat. Team meetings and palliative care specialist supervisions were emphasized as vital for managing these challenges. HCPs sought support in communicating with patients about death-related issues and managing the transition from a curative to a palliative goal of care. Our research underscores the need for targeted support for HCPs and lays a groundwork for addressing their challenges. Trial registration number DRKS00027290 (German Clinical Trials Register). Date of trial registration January 10th, 2022.

A Critical Examination of Globalization's Impact on the Economies of Sub-Saharan African Countries

This essay critically examines the impacts of globalization on the economy of Sub-Saharan Africa. Through the method of literature review, this paper explores the impact of globalization on international trade, foreign investment, and local development trends, while also emphasizing the negative consequences, such as economic disparities and cultural shocks. The analysis delves into theories including Friedman's "The World is Flat" and Wallerstein's world systems theory, comparing their global perspectives with the realities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Case studies illustrate the dual nature of globalization: its contribution to economic growth and the emergence of socioeconomic obstacles. The essay provides policy recommendations to effectively utilize the advantages of globalization while mitigating its negative effects, aiming to achieve inclusive economic growth and save the local cultures and traditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The significance of this paper is to claim that although there are negative impacts of globalization, the benefits it brings are more important and that globalization should occur in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Multi-attention recommender system for non-fungible tokens

Recommender systems have become essential tools for enhancing user experiences across various domains. While extensive research has been conducted on recommender systems for movies, music, and e-commerce, the rapidly growing and economically significant Non-Fungible Token (NFT) market remains underexplored. Recommender systems have the potential to significantly enhance user engagement, increase the time users spend on platforms, and deepen user involvement. Consequently, effective implementation of such systems could serve as a catalyst for invigorating the NFT market. However, the unique characteristics of the NFT market, such as the high sparsity of user–item interactions, anonymity of blockchain, and dual nature, present challenges not encountered in traditional recommender systems, highlighting the importance of developing tailored solutions to cater to its specific needs and unlock its full potential. In this paper, we examine the distinctive characteristics of NFTs and propose the first recommender system specifically designed to address NFT market challenges. In specific, we develop a Multi-Attention Recommender System for NFTs (NFT-MARS) with three key characteristics: (1) graph attention to handle sparse user–item interactions, (2) multi-modal attention to incorporate feature preference of users, and (3) multi-task learning to consider the dual nature of NFTs as both artwork and financial assets. We demonstrate the effectiveness of NFT-MARS compared to various baseline models using the actual transaction data of NFTs collected directly from the blockchain for four of the most popular NFT collections.

The implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity: A detailed review for multidomain industry

Cyber threats are becoming increasingly complicated and diverse, posing serious risks to individuals, businesses, and organizations in the cybersecurity sector. The cybersecurity industry needs to change to combat these new dangers as cybercriminals are always coming up with new ways to get past protections. This paper investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) may both simplify and improve cybersecurity efforts. AI has transformed the industry by offering cutting-edge defensive technologies, but it also gives cybercriminals new tools at their disposal to automate and enhance their hacking methods. The effect of AI on authentication procedures—which are crucial for protecting network access—is given special attention. This paper emphasizes the critical need for creative remedies to defend against more complex cyberattacks by examining the dual nature of AI in cybersecurity.

Unveiling the Motivations and Challenges: an Introspection into Women's Football in Hungary

The article evaluates the current state of hungarian women's football. It recognizes progress in the women's game while addressing persistent challenges like social perceptions and financial disparities. The research aims to comprehend the motivation of Hungarian adult female football and futsal players, exploring aspects such as the supportive environment and reasons for sustained engagement (N=175). Findings reveal the dual nature of women's football in Hungary, encompassing both competitive and recreational aspects. We delve into players' sentiments, thoughts of quitting, and future plans within the sport. The motivation analysis underscores the prevalence of intrinsic motivation rooted in genuine interest, with elite players exhibiting stronger extrinsic motivation. The study emphasizes football's positive impact and advocates for promoting physical activity and lifelong engagement. In conclusion, we calls for further development in women's football, addressing challenges and promoting recreational aspects. It advocates for strategies to reduce dropout rates and highlights football's potential for positive societal changes.

Experimental Study to Investigate the Performance-Related Properties of Modified Asphalt Concrete Using Nanomaterials Al2O3, SiO2, and TiO2.

The dual nature of asphalt binder necessitates improvements to mitigate rutting and fatigue since it performs as an elastic material under the regime of rapid loading or cold temperatures and as a viscous fluid at elevated temperatures. The present investigation assesses the effectiveness of Nano Alumina (NA), Nano Silica (NS), and Nano Titanium Dioxide (NT) at weight percentages of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% in asphalt cement to enhance both asphalt binder and mixture performance. Binder evaluations include tests for consistency, thermal susceptibility, aging, and workability, while mixture assessments focus on Marshall properties, moisture susceptibility, resilient modulus, permanent deformation, and fatigue characteristics. NS notably improves binder viscosity by about 138% and reduces penetration by approximately 40.8% at 8% nanomaterial (NM) content, significantly boosting hardness and consistency. NS also enhances Marshall stability and decreases air voids, increasing the mix's durability. For moisture resistance, NS at 8% NM content elevates the Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) to 91.0%, substantially surpassing the 80% standard. Similarly, NA and NT also show improved TSR values at 8% NM content, with 88.0% and 84.1%, respectively. Additionally, NS, NA, and NT reduce permanent deformation by 82%, 69%, and 64% at 10,000 cycles at 8% NM content, illustrating their effectiveness in mitigating pavement distress. Notably, while higher NM content generally results in better performance across most tests, the optimal NM content for fatigue resistance is 4% for NS and 6% for both NA and NT, reflecting their peak performance against various types of pavement distresses. These results highlight the significant advantages of nanoparticles in improving asphalt's mechanical properties, workability, stability, and durability. The study recommends further field validation to confirm these laboratory findings and ensure that enhancements translate into tangible improvements in real-world pavement performance and longevity.

Ai-driven innovations in greenhouse agriculture: Reanalysis of sustainability and energy efficiency impacts

In the context of greenhouse agriculture, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evaluated for its potential to enhance sustainability and crop production efficiency. This study reanalyzes publicly available datasets, using advanced time series analysis and noise reduction techniques through seasonality detection and removal. This novel approach reveals trends more clearly, providing a detailed comparison between AI-driven methods and traditional agricultural practices. An extensive review of literature on AI applications in agriculture is conducted to establish a broad understanding of its current state and future prospects. The core focus is the Autonomous Greenhouses Challenge, an initiative where research teams apply AI technologies in real-world greenhouse settings. This challenge offers crucial data for a thorough assessment of AI’s practical impact. The analysis reveals that AI significantly reduces heating energy consumption, indicating a notable improvement in energy efficiency. However, reductions in CO2 emissions, along with improvements in electricity and water usage, are only marginal when compared to traditional farming methods. Similarly, enhancements in crop quality and profitability achieved through AI are found to be on par with conventional techniques. These findings highlight the dual nature of AI’s impact in greenhouse agriculture: it shows significant promise in some areas, while its effectiveness in other key sustainability aspects remains limited. The study emphasizes the need for further research and investment in technological advancements, as well as the importance of a robust data infrastructure. It also highlights the necessity of education and training in AI technologies for effective implementation in the agricultural sector. The results of this research aim to inform policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders about the mixed impacts of AI on sustainable greenhouse farming. By offering a comprehensive evaluation of the benefits and challenges of AI integration, this study contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable agricultural practices and provides insights into the future direction of AI in this field.

Assessing open-pit mining impacts on semi-arid grassland: A framework for boundary and intensity quantification

Coal mining in northern China's grasslands faces significant environmental challenges due to the fragile semi-arid ecosystem and the abundance of mineral resources. However, current research lacks clarity in both theoretical understanding and effective quantification of its impacts. Insufficient distinction between direct and indirect environmental effects, the oversight of interactions from neighboring activities, and inaccurate measurements of impact intensity all hinder a comprehensive understanding. These limitations also prevent the precise delineation of ecological protection compensation areas. In this study, we developed a comprehensive framework utilizing Landsat time-series images (1989–2017) and field sampling data (228 sample locations in 2017) to assess the boundaries and intensities of mining impacts. First, the k-means clustering algorithm was applied to identify the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time-series trajectories and map the spatial information of direct impacts. Then, a buffer zone was established and an amplitude model was proposed for determined the cross-impacts and their intensities based on the volatility of NDVI trajectories. Accordingly, a Trend-thresholds model was proposed to automatically extract the indirect impacts boundary of mining-dominated on vegetation under varying intensities. The Soil Quality Index (SQI) ∼ distance curves were fitted and a derivative model was employed for determine the boundary of indirect impacted on soil. We applied this assess framework in Baorixile coalfield (i.e., Baorixile coal mine (BM), DongMing coal mine (DM), Shunxing coal mine (SX)) a typical semi-arid grassland mining area, and quantified three types of impacts: direct, indirect, and cross-impacts. Findings reveal negative coal mining impacts primarily confined to permitted mining areas and decreasing over time. Direct impacts boundary limited in the mining sites and its impact intensity shows a dual nature, with a negative weakening and a positive strengthening trend. Widespread negative indirect impacts exist outward the mining area displays spatial heterogeneity, and its intensity attenuation with distances. In there, the very severe effect (D1) is predominantly focusing on the grassland where near by the mining work face (BM maximum range 1.2 km, DM maximum range 0.55 km, SX maximum range 0.4 km). Moreover, our study indicated that vegetation and soil exhibited consistent responses to coal mining impacts within 1 km, demonstrating the feasibility of using remote sensing data to qualify the impact boundary on the grassland environment. Besides, we further identify significant cross-impacts surrounding the mining areas, characterized by strong negative effects, particularly in the southeastern region of BM. This research offers valuable insights for effective ecological compensation governance and scientific environmental management in similar global contexts.

AI and the Future of Teaching: Preservice Teachers’ Reflections on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Open and Distributed Learning

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in education underscores transformative prospects for open and distributed learning, encompassing distance, hybrid, and blended learning environments. This qualitative study, grounded in narrative inquiry, investigates the experiences and perceptions of 141 preservice teachers engaged with AI, mainly through ChatGPT, over a 3-week implementation on Zoom to understand its influence on their evolving professional identities and instructional methodologies. Employing Strauss and Corbin’s methodological approach of open, axial, and selective coding to analyze reflective narratives, the study unveils significant themes that underscore the dual nature of AI in education. Key findings reveal ChatGPT’s role in enhancing educational effectiveness and accessibility while raising ethical concerns regarding academic integrity and balanced usage. Specifically, ChatGPT was found to empower personalized learning and streamline procedures, yet challenges involving information accuracy and data security remained. The study significantly contributes to teacher education discourse by revealing AI’s complex educational impacts, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive ethical AI literacy in teacher training curricula. However, critical ethical considerations and practical challenges involving academic integrity, information accuracy, and balanced AI use are also brought to light. The research also spotlights the need for responsible AI implementation in open and distributed learning to optimize educational outcomes while addressing potential risks. The study’s insights advocate for future-focused AI literacy frameworks that integrate technological adeptness with ethical considerations, preparing teacher candidates for an intelligent digital educational landscape.

Investigation of Third-Grade fluid flow in an inclined Microchannel: Utilizing the Hermite wavelet technique for second law analysis

Microfluidics serves as an interdisciplinary bridge between thermal and engineering fields, offering flexible solutions for addressing heat transport obstacles across diverse sectors. This study explores entropy production in the flow of a third-grade fluid through an inclined microchannel, considering radiation and convective heating effects. The analysis includes various factors such as viscous dissipation, natural convection, Joule heating, magnetic fields, and a uniform heat source/sink. The aim is to assess the energy efficiency of the system by minimizing entropy generation. To achieve this, governing equations are transformed into dimensionless forms using non-dimensional parameters. These equations are then solved using the Hermite wavelet method, a novel approach in this field. The impact of the Biot number on temperature exhibits a dual nature: temperature increases towards the upper plate of the channel while decreasing towards the lower plate. Similarly, entropy generation displays a dual behavior for higher values of Qt and Re, decreasing at the lower plate and increasing at the upper plate. This research offers valuable insights for optimizing energy efficiency in various applications, including pumps, heat exchangers, and energy systems, with potential applications in electronics cooling and renewable energy collection.

Surface Doping and Dual Nature of the Band Gap in Excitonic Insulator Ta2NiSe5.

Excitons in semiconductors and molecules are widely utilized in photovoltaics and optoelectronics, and high-temperature coherent quantum states of excitons can be realized in artificial electron-hole bilayers and an exotic material of an excitonic insulator (EI). Here, we investigate the band gap evolution of a putative high-temperature EI Ta2NiSe5 upon surface doing by alkali adsorbates with angle-resolved photoemission and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The conduction band of Ta2NiSe5 is filled by the charge transfer from alkali adsorbates, and the band gap decreases drastically upon the increase of metallic electron density. Our DFT calculation, however, reveals that there exist both structural and excitonic contributions to the band gap tuned. While electron doping reduces the band gap substantially, it alone is not enough to close the band gap. In contrast, the structural distortion induced by the alkali adsorbate plays a critical role in the gap closure. This work indicates a combined electronic and structural nature for the EI phase of the present system and the complexity of surface doping beyond charge transfer.