External Agents Research Articles

Voices Unveiled: Navigating Intersectionality in the Political Landscape of Chinese Women in Peninsular Malaysia

This study explores the factors influencing Chinese women's involvement in politics in Peninsular Malaysia, using qualitative interviews with ten participants selected via purposive sampling. Key informants include female political representatives, male politicians, academics and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) activists. The research applies intersectionality theory to analyze how internal and external agents of political socialization and various challenges shape women's political engagement and culture. Internal socialization agents encompass education, economic status, family background, religion, ethnicity, and gender. External agents include Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), political parties, and community networks. The study identifies multiple challenges that Chinese women face, such as gender competition, cronyism, low political interest, time management conflicts, racial sentiments, sexist remarks, male dominance, competition from political opponents, and ideological barriers. These agents and challenges are intertwined and impact Chinese women's political culture, which, in turn, influences their empowerment in political, economic, and social spheres. The intersectionality framework reveals how overlapping social identities and systemic barriers shape their political experiences and efforts towards empowerment. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics affecting Chinese women's political participation and highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to enhance their roles in politics and broader societal contexts.

Implementing total quality management in a virtual organisation: thoughts and lessons from an interventionist approach

PurposeThis article aims to understand the challenges and key takeaways of implementing total quality management (TQM) in a virtual organisation.Design/methodology/approachAn interventionist research (IVR) methodology combined with a qualitative critical event analysis was used to evaluate the challenges and concerns faced during the company’s adoption of TQM and understand the roles of the key players involved.FindingsStandard process tools such as desktop procedures (DTP), focused teams, and service-level agreements (SLAs) were fundamental to implementing TQM in the company. These processes require the right leaders, but external agents may also be influential, acting as accelerators of change in adopting and using management practices in small companies. Indeed, the researcher acted as a problem solver, bringing innovative solutions to the firm using a hands-on iterative approach.Practical implicationsThis research underscores the importance of critical success factors (CSF), such as employee engagement, training, and project management tools. These factors are not just important but crucial for the success of TQM in organisations seeking to adopt the industry’s best practices.Originality/valueThis study, conducted as a virtual IVR for TQM implementation, provides novel insights for practitioners and academics. It elucidates the pivotal role of some quality management tools in the journey towards TQM and the role of both internal and external critical players in the process, particularly in small virtual organisations based on innovative business models.

Catholic universities: Political power, cultural paradigms, and identity from early modernity to the ‘long 1960s’. A historical overview

This paper delves into the historical trajectory of Catholic universities, spanning from the early modern era to the 'long 1960s’, focusing on the development and change of their religious identities and mission amidst challenges posed by state intervention, secularization, and shifts within the Church and society. The analysis explores the reforms introduced in university governance by internal or external agents and the transformation of academic cultures influenced by intellectual or scientific trends, political intervention, ideological activism, and religious currents within Catholicism. Concurrently, it evaluates how these processes affected the capacity of Catholic universities to shape society and maintain a relevant presence in culture, offering responses rooted in Christian faith and heritage. To achieve this, four distinct periods are characterized: the expansion of early modern Catholic universities under the post-Tridentine paradigm; the decline of Catholic higher education amidst enlightened reforms, the French Revolution, and the development of national university systems in the early 19th century; the Ultramontane and neo-Thomist revival, leading to the development of a new model of Catholic universities (1840s–1950s); and the impact of the ‘long 1960s’ on the identity and ethos of Catholic universities.

HSADab: A comprehensive database for human serum albumin

Human Serum Albumin (HSA), the most abundant protein in human body fluids, plays a crucial role in the transportation, absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion of drugs, significantly influencing their therapeutic efficacy. Despite the importance of HSA as a drug target, the available data on its interactions with external agents, such as drug-like molecules and antibodies, are limited, posing challenges for molecular modeling investigations and the development of empirical scoring functions or machine learning predictors for this target. Furthermore, the reported entries in existing databases often contain major inconsistencies due to varied experiments and conditions, raising concerns about data quality. To address these issues, a pioneering database, HSADab, was established through an extensive review of >30,000 scientific publications published between 1987 and 2023. The database encompasses over 5000 affinity data points at multiple temperatures and >130 crystal structures, including both ligand-bound and apo forms. The current HSADab resource (www.hsadab.cn) serves as a reliable foundation for validating molecular simulation protocols, such as traditional virtual screening workflows using docking, end-point, and al-chemical free energy techniques. Additionally, it provides a valuable data source for the implementation of machine learning predictors, including plasma protein binding models and plasma protein-based drug design models.

Parametric analysis of hybrid elastocaloric – CO2 cooling system

This study examines the potential application of elastocaloric refrigeration (eC) technology for the subcooling of CO2 in transcritical single-stage refrigeration cycles. Elastocaloric refrigeration, a solid-state refrigeration technology, possesses significant untapped potential due to its environmentally friendly characteristics, primarily its lack of harmful operational fluids. However, its direct stand-alone application has been limited due to the relatively small temperature spans produced by current proof-of-concept elastocaloric devices. Efforts of the scientific community have focused on extending the temperature difference that eC systems can provide, while this work offers an alternative to that challenge, offering an application solution for the current state of technology. The study proposes for the first-time a unique integration of eC technology and CO2 cooling systems, aiming to capitalise on the respective weaknesses of these technologies and transform them into strengths. In the proposed solution, an eC device operates as an external agent to subcool CO2, with the objective of enhancing the energy performance of the refrigeration system. This concept is motivated by the recent advancements in CO2 cooling systems and the growing recognition of subcooling as a promising method to boost the performance of such systems. The hybrid system’s performance was evaluated across various ambient temperatures, ranging from 20 °C to 35 °C, and at an evaporating level of −15 °C. It is evaluated by means of a calculation model based on the data obtained experimentally from an elastocaloric regenerator and an experimental CO2 plant. The system‘s energy efficiency was analysed in comparison to a non-subcooled CO2 cycle, and a third cycle comprising both eC subcooling and an expander for energy recovery from the expansion process. The results demonstrated a considerable increase in the coefficient of performance (COP) with the use of eC subcooling: increments of 2.7 % at 20 °C, 4.5 % at 25 °C, 9.6 % at 30 °C and 13.1 % at 35 °C, where more significant increments were observed at higher ambient temperatures. The eC Subcooler with expander reaches increments of 7.5 %, 11.1 %, 18.1 % and 22.2 % respectively. Additionally, the eC subcooler allowed a reduction in the optimum gas-cooler pressure by up to 5 bar at the highest environment temperature. Despite these promising results, the study underscores the necessity for further optimisation and improvement of elastocaloric devices. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of energy recovery strategies from the expansion process in transcritical CO2 cooling system.

Changes in the Properties of Soils Contaminated with Oil Production Water Before and Af ter Treatment with CaO

In the Mexican southeast, hydrocarbon spills and their residues af fect various agricultural sites. A specific case is spills of oil production or congenital waters that cause soil salinization. When soil is contaminated, restorations are regularly carried out based on regulatory limits, but many regions still do not consider the pedological classification, so restorations are not entirely ef fective and, in the case of agricultural soils, reduce your productivity. For these reasons, this study evaluated the cation exchange with CaO applied to four soils contaminated with congenital waters and determined if there are dif ferences in the treatment behavior according to the properties of each soil. It will be found that sandy soils require less treatment time, but have greater ef fects on their properties compared to clay soils, mainly in field capacity, pH, and porosity. Furthermore, it was found that contaminant removal times vary with respect to the type of soil and that this could be related to the amount and type of clay. In the case of congenital water spills, clay soils show a greater increase in electrical conductivity (EC) compared to sandy soils. When remediated with CaO, clay soils needed longer treatment times to reduce EC, but presented fewer changes in their physical and chemical properties. In addition, it was found that, although washing with drinking water is carried out, the treatment with CaO adds alkalinity to the soils, so they must be managed according to the crop to be developed. It is concluded that soils have dif ferent physical and chemical properties, this influences the response they have to an external agent, both when contaminated and when remediated.

Clinical Implications of EMT in HNSCC: A Review of the Factors and Pathways at Play

_Background: _Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process where epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits. Epithelial cells are characterized by tight cell-cell adhesions and apical-basal polarity, whereas mesenchymal cells are generally elongated in appearance with loose cell-cell interactions, allowing increased cell migration. Many studies have been done on EMT pathways in oral cavity carcinoma, but there are few studies about the possible clinical implications. _Aims_ _&_ _Objectives:_ This systematic review was carried out to find the clinical implications of EMT in HNSCC and bring together the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic pathways found to be acting on the cadherin switch. _Materials & Methods: _An extensive search for relevant papers was made on PubMed, Medline, and Google Search. Only good-quality studies pertaining to epithelial–mesenchymal transition in oral cavity cancers in humans were selected. Furthermore, all selected papers were assessed for their clinical relevance. _Results: EMT has role in prognostication, diagnostic dilemma, margin assessment, mandibular preservation, making OSCC more prone to systemic therapies and planning risk reduction in strategies. _The cadherin switch is regulated by transcription factors like Snail, SLUG, ZEB1, and ZEB2. It is also acted on by epigenetic modifiers. These transcription factors are regulated by multiple pathways like Wnt/β–catenin, PI3K/AKT, MAPK, etc. These pathways are in turn regulated by molecular and external agents like NNK from tobacco smoke, hypoxia, the DDB2 gene, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and melatonin.

Continuous postural and movement monitoring system for wheelchair users assessment

The aim of this study is to develop a system to assist in diagnosing individuals with reduced mobility. Specifically, the posture of wheelchair users, which is closely related to their functional status, can be adversely affected by everyday movements and obstacles. To address this, the study proposes a combined monitoring device that tracks real-time users posture and wheelchair movement (distance, orientation, vibrations...) and quantifies the relationship between both. Tests were conducted on various environments, such as smooth floors, ramps, pavements, tramways, and lifts, to establish the relationship between wheelchair motion and user posture. Specific evaluation metrics were used to assess this relationship and the device’s ability to identify it. The results confirm the success of the combined approach, as the system can detect the impact of external agents on user posture. This robust and reliable device helps professionals quantify users functional status and understand the challenges faced by wheelchair users.

Effects of knowledge transformation and social capital on business performance

PurposeThis article delves into the antecedents of business performance. The main aim of this study is to analyze the effect of knowledge transformation on business performance in firms in the tourism industry and how cognitive and structural social capital heterogeneously moderate this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical study was conducted on a sample of 300 firms from the tourism industry in Arequipa-Perú. The analysis was performed by means of partial least squares structural equation modeling, using the Smart PLS software.FindingsOur findings show that knowledge transformation is key factor for increasing business performance. The results also highlight the significance of interorganizational relationships in this effect and the importance of analyzing each dimension of social capital separately. Thus, it is observed that cognitive social capital enhances the relationship between knowledge transformation and business performance, while (Sari and Indriani, 2023) structural social capital hinders it.Practical implicationsThe findings assist practitioners in developing a shared culture, values and goals with their contacts to improve business performance. Furthermore, firms should establish bridging ties with external agents to avoid be stuck in excessively dense networks. Relationships with institutions can act as a bridging agent.Originality/valueThis paper analyses the unresolved question of how knowledge transformation affects the business performance of companies in the tourism sector as well as how different dimensions of social capital influence in this relationship. Addressing these two critical, but as yet unresolved questions, this study draws on absorptive capacity and social capital theories as an overarching framework to present a conceptual model that integrates both theories in order to analyze the effect of knowledge transformation on business performance in tourism firms and the role of structural and cognitive capital on this relationship.

Pointing correction based on limit cycles oscillators applied on a heliostats field digital twin

Digital twin models are an emerging topic that captures the dynamic response of physical systems to have a portrayal of digital representation. Complex systems such as heliostat fields for sustainable energy are good candidates for developing digital twins since the physical operation of facilities of this type can be highly time-consuming and weather-dependent. Therefore, a digital twin model of heliostat fields represents an adequate choice for the performance validation of new pointing correction algorithms with shorter assessing times. In this sense, one of the most important issues in the operation of heliostat fields for sustainable energy is to achieve a good accuracy of heliostats pointing to the target, even under physical errors of the solar field components and disturbances produced by external agents. However, since these types of disturbances have nonlinear characteristics, they should be dealt with by using nonlinear methods. This article presents a novel pointing correction technique based on nonlinear Limit Cycle Oscillators (LCOs) applied to the digital twin of a heliostat field. Analytical analysis, numerical verification, and further validation results are used to demonstrate the performance of the developed novel dynamic method.

Suture materials in maxillofacial surgery – A comprehensive review

By holding tissues together to speed up the healing process, surgical sutures are used to secure and restore active or trauma-induced wounds. In dentistry, a variety of sutures are employed. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable suture materials are part of the primary category. A well-fitting suture prevents the displacement forces caused by external agents, functional movements, and muscle insertions. The potential of novel suture materials to resemble wounds and cure wounds is driving up their manufacture in recent times. In order to help the clinician obscure the best possible soft tissue care, this review provides an update on the features and guiding principles of suture selection.

Orbital evolution of LIGO/Virgo binaries in stellar clusters driven by cluster tides, stellar encounters, and general relativity

ABSTRACT Origin of LIGO/Virgo gravitational wave events may involve production of binaries with relativistic components in dense stellar systems – globular or nuclear star clusters – and their subsequent evolution towards merger. Orbital parameters of these binaries (the inner orbit) and their motion inside the cluster (the outer orbit) evolve due to both external agents – random encounters with cluster stars and cluster tides due to the smooth cluster potential – and the internal ones – various sources of dissipation and precession within the binary. We present a numerical framework – binary evolution in stellar clusters (besc) – that follows the evolution of the binary inner and outer orbits accounting for all these effects simultaneously, enabling efficient Monte Carlo studies. The secular effect of cluster tides is computed in the singly averaged approximation, without averaging over the outer binary orbit. As to stellar encounters, we include the effects of both close and distant flybys on the inner and outer orbits of the binary, respectively. Also, given our focus on the LIGO/Virgo sources, we include the general relativistic precession (which suppresses cluster tides at high eccentricities) and the gravitational wave emission (shrinking the binary orbit). We use besc to illustrate a number of characteristic binary evolutionary outcomes and discuss relative contributions of different physical processes. In particular, we find that stellar encounters often dominate over the cluster tides in the evolution of compact binaries. besc can also be used to study other objects in clusters, e.g. blue stragglers, hot Jupiters, X-ray binaries, etc.

Targeting sebaceous slands: a review of selective photothermolysis for Acne Vulgaris treatment.

Acne vulgaris (AV), characterized by excessive sebum production and Cutibacterium acnes proliferation in the sebaceous glands, significantly impacts physical and psychological health. Recent treatment advancements have focused on selective photothermolysis of sebaceous glands. This review evaluates two innovative therapies: the 1726-nm laser and nanoparticle-assisted laser treatments. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase using the primary terms "acne vulgaris" or "acne" AND "laser," "photothermal therapy," "nanoparticles," "treatment," or "1726 nm laser." Inclusion criteria were articles published in English in peer-reviewed journals that focused on treating AV through targeting the sebaceous glands, yielding 11studies. Gold nanoparticles, used with 800-nm laser, 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser, or photopneumatic device, and platinum nanoparticles with 1450-nm diode laser, showed notable improvements in severity and number of acne lesions, safety, and patient satisfaction. The 1726-nm laser treatments also showed considerable lesion reduction and tolerability, with minimal side effects such as erythema and edema. Its efficiency is credited to its short, high-power pulses that effectively target sebaceous glands, offering precise treatment with fewer side effects compared to lower-power pulses. Selective photothermolysis using nanoparticle-assisted laser therapy or the 1726-nm laser offers a promising alternative to conventional AV treatments, showcasing efficacy and high patient satisfaction. The 1726-nm laser streamlines treatment but involves new equipment costs, while nanoparticle-assisted therapy integrates well into existing setups but relies on external agents and is unsuitable for certain allergies. Future research should include long-term studies and comparative analyses. The choice of treatment modality should consider patient preferences, cost implications, and availability of specific therapies.

Varieties of gratitude: Identifying patterns of emotional responses to positive experiences attributed to God, karma, and human benefactors.

Good fortune can be attributed to many sources, including other people, personal efforts, and various theistic and nontheistic supernatural forces (e.g., God, karma). Four studies (total N = 4,579) of religiously diverse samples from the United States and the United Kingdom investigated the distinct emotional reactions to recalled positive experiences attributed to natural and supernatural benefactors. We found that the hallmarks of interpersonal gratitude (e.g., thankfulness, admiration, indebtedness) were reported when believers attributed their good fortune to a personal, benevolent God. However, a distinct emotional profile arose when participants attributed good fortune to the process of karmic payback, which was associated with relatively less gratitude but with higher scores for feelings of pride and deservingness. These results were partially explained by participants' attributions of positive experiences to an external agent (e.g., God) versus a universal law or internal factors as in the case of karma. We conclude that diverse spiritual beliefs influence causal attributions for good fortune, which, in turn, predict distinct emotional responses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

University innovation ecosystems and innovation channels

Universities play a fundamental role in the economy and social development. In this role they use different channels for the inception of innovations in markets. It is still necessary a systematic view capable of identifying the existent innovation channels and their relationship with the university innovation ecosystem. Drawing upon the university-industry literature, this article outlines a conceptual framework about the university innovation channels, the main agents of university innovation ecosystems and their respective roles in the technology-transfer process. This framework is based on three layers: 1 – macro-context; 2 – micro-context; and 3 – internal-context. There are identified three types of innovation channels: 1 – university spin-offs; 2 – cooperation with external agents; and 3 – licensing of patents. This framework is validated by a qualitative approach through visits and interviews with nine agents (4 spin-offs; 1 technology center; 2 science parks; and 2 business incubators) of three different university innovation ecosystems in Brazil. This article contributes to the theory presenting an integrative perspective about the agents of university innovation ecosystems, explaining how they contribute to the university innovation channels insert innovations in markets. For the practice this article can guide the assessment and planning of the improvement of university innovation ecosystems.

Validation of a method for measuring the antielastolytic activity of human circulating alpha1-antitrypsin

The existence of alpha-1 antitrypsin variants with apparently unremarkable phenotypes and serum concentrations, contrasting with a clinical picture suggestive of a severe deficiency, led us to investigate whether in these cases there was a reduction or even suppression of the capacity of alpha-1 antitrypsin to inhibit elastase. To this end, in two different laboratories, we adapted and validated a method for measuring the functional activity of alpha-1 antitrypsin, based on spectrophotometric kinetic analysis of the inhibition by serum alpha-1 antitrypsin of the hydrolytic activity of porcine pancreatic elastase on a chromogenic substrate. This method has proved to be robust, reproducible and transferable and made possible to define, on the basis of an analysis of a hospital population, a functionality index with a confidence interval comprised between 0.87 and 1.2, allowing to identify subjects likely to have a functional deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin, whether this deficiency being of a genetic origin without any quantitative or phenotypic translation, or whether being acquired under the effect of external agents (cigarette smoke or viruses).

Mejoramiento de las Propiedades Mecánicas del Concreto Estructural Utilizando Microporoso Etileno Acetato de Vinilo

Over the years, the world has tried to increase the recycling of materials, especially those of artificial origin, this in order to produce compounds that are sustainable and sustainable. Among these materials, concrete stands out as a versatile element, to which different external agents can be added; however, since many of them are not compatible with aggregates, cement or water, can cause some alterations in their mechanical performance. Therefore, the present investigation addressed the study of an artificial material called Microporous Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (MEVA), in order to evaluate its influence on the mechanical properties of structural concrete. MEVA additions were used in ranges of 5.00 %, 10.00 %, 15.00 % and 20.00 % with respect to the volume of concrete, to analyze its behavior in the mix, both in physical and mechanical properties. The results show that the workability and unit weight are affected by the increase in MEVA. Despite this, the mechanical performance showed significant increases in the compressive strength of 8.81 %, tensile of 22.86 %, flexion of 24.51 % and modulus of elasticity of 2.12 %, with the addition of 5.00 % of MEVA after 28 days. Nevertheless, at higher doses there is a reduction in said strengths. For these reasons, it is concluded that the incorporation of MEVA at 5.00 % greatly improves the mechanical properties of concrete for structural use, in relation to the theoretical design strength of 21.00 MPa.

Mn- or Zn-substituted goethite enhancing tetracycline degradation by increasing oxygen vacancies and promoting electron transfer

The metal-substituted goethite with addition of oxidants can effectively promote the degradation of antibiotics, but the usage of external agents restricts its application in in-situ remediation of antibiotic pollution. In this study, the metal-substituted goethites were prepared through co-precipitation method to investigate the effects of using manganese (Mn) or zinc (Zn) substitution alone on tetracycline (TC) degradation, combining with microscopic characterization and electrochemical methods. The results showed that the degradation rate constants of the first stage on Mn or Zn-substituted goethite were 0.299 h-1 and 0.498 h-1, respectively, which were about 2 and 4 times of the pristine goethite (0.117 h-1). In the pH range of 4.0–9.0, Mn or Zn substitution significantly promoted TC degradation. Free and non-free radical pathways existed in the process of TC degradation by Mn or Zn-substituted goethite. The active site change and enhanced electron transfer ability were the main reasons for promoting degradation. Mn or Zn substitution increased oxygen vacancy (OV) content and promoted the electron transfer between TC and goethite. In Zn-substituted goethite, the coupling of OV and electron transfer produced free radicals, and in Mn-substituted goethite, the redox reaction induced mainly by electron transfer produces free radicals. This study reveals a new mechanism of efficient degradation of TC by iron minerals without the need for external oxidants, and the materials studied can be used for in-situ remediation of antibiotic contaminated groundwater.

The New Paradigm: The Role of Proteins and Triggers in the Evolution of Allergic Asthma.

Epithelial barrier damage plays a central role in the development and maintenance of allergic inflammation. Rises in the epithelial barrier permeability of airways alter tissue homeostasis and allow the penetration of allergens and other external agents. Different factors contribute to barrier impairment, such as eosinophilic infiltration and allergen protease action-eosinophilic cationic proteins' effects and allergens' proteolytic activity both contribute significantly to epithelial damage. In the airways, allergen proteases degrade the epithelial junctional proteins, allowing allergen penetration and its uptake by dendritic cells. This increase in allergen-immune system interaction induces the release of alarmins and the activation of type 2 inflammatory pathways, causing or worsening the main symptoms at the skin, bowel, and respiratory levels. We aim to highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying allergenic protease-induced epithelial barrier damage and the role of immune response in allergic asthma onset, maintenance, and progression. Moreover, we will explore potential clinical and radiological biomarkers of airway remodeling in allergic asthma patients.

How membership of a farmer organization can support farmers in adapting to climate change in the Pacific Island region

Abstract Climate projections for the Pacific Island region serve to emphasize the climate unpredictability, variability and intensity that farmers will have to adapt to in the future. The impact that climate change is having on agriculture in the Pacific is evident from the data around agriculture loss and damage from extreme weather events such as flooding and cyclones. It is clear that food systems will have to be resilient and farmers will have to adapt, if food security in the region is not to be seriously threatened. The factors considered as essential for building adaptive capacity are: (a) social capital; (b) ability of communities to engage effectively with external agents; (c) access to knowledge including how knowledge is generated, shared and exchanged; (d) merging of local and external knowledge; (e) space for farmers to interact, communicate, experiment and learn from each other; (f) trust in the adaptation measure(s)being promoted; (g) effective capacity building; (h) decentralized research; and (i) supportive policy. This article explores these factors and proposes that membership of a farmer organization (FO) provides an enabling platform for the effective and efficient delivery of these conditions, thereby providing farmers with the tools essential for adaptation to a changing climate. Examples illustrating how farmers around the Pacific Island region are working together to put in place measures that will strengthen the resilience of their farming systems are provided from national and regional farmer organizations in the region.