Future Attempts Research Articles

Challenges in the in vitro establishment of Guadua glomerata Munro, a bamboo native from the Amazon

This study aimed to establish in vitro protocols using nodal segments and inflorescences of Guadua glomerata, a bamboo native to the Amazon. To reduce contamination of nodal segments introduced in vitro, the culture medium was supplemented with different concentrations of the biocide PPM®. For inflorescences introduced in vitro, the surface disinfestation methodology was not effective, which made it impossible to analyze the influence of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP). Fungi from contaminated flasks were identified as possible fungi of the genera Trichoderma sp., Colletotrichum sp., and Arthrobotrys sp. in nodal segments introduced in vitro, while Fusarium spp. was identified in inflorescences introduced in vitro. We conclude that it is necessary to test different disinfestation methodologies for the in vitro establishment of G. glomerata. Furthermore, the identification of the fungi found in our study opens the possibility of using specific fungicides in future disinfestation attempts and thus improving the effectiveness of the process.

Exploring Savico’s journey: dynamic capabilities and Industry 4.0 integration in organisation–industry actor relationships

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to enhance the extant empirical and conceptual understanding of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption and its repercussions for an organisation operating in an emerging economy, considering the dynamic capabilities framework. The study investigates (1) the potential impact of the I4.0 phenomenon on relationships between organisations and industry actors, (2) the existing effects of I4.0 on these relationships and (3) the necessary measures for organisations to unlock the full potential of I4.0 in order to enhance and reinforce these relationships.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative method was used. Semi-structured, open-ended face-to-face and online interviews were conducted with 18 directors, managers and chief executive officers (CEOs) of Savico, a leading Vietnamese car dealership.FindingsThe analysis revealed various dimensions highlighting impacts on organisation–industry actor relationships. For instance, the “enhancing internal/external operations” dimension highlights the significance of benefitting the company’s close stakeholders through a centralised management system or more advanced functions, while the empowering-nimble outcomes dimension underlines the benefits of I4.0 in enabling performance-based choices and staff empowerment.Practical implicationsTechnological phenomena such as the I4.0 regime require constant adaptive strategies, including knowledge acquisition and talent development. Thus, the study has implications for industry stakeholders, including companies, educational institutions and government agencies.Originality/valueThe study’s key value lies in proposing a model that provides conceptual depth into organisation–industry actor relationships. Furthermore, both the analysis and the model can guide researchers in future attempts to examine dynamic capabilities among firms operating in emerging economies, with important practical and theoretical implications.

Looking to Livestock: Gauging the Evolution of the EU's Agri-Climate Law and Policy

Abstract Awareness of agricultural climate impacts is growing. In the European Union (EU), the agricultural sector is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to receive considerable EU budgetary support. A large share of agricultural emissions is linked to livestock husbandry, a sector the direct and indirect climate impacts of which the EU's ‘green’ agricultural policies have historically ignored. This blind spot extends to the sizeable global deforestation footprint from EU livestock feed imports that remains unaddressed, despite the EU's aspired status as a global climate leader and major global agricultural market player. This article benchmarks the evolution of EU agri-climate legal and policy developments, using livestock emissions as a case study to highlight the importance of learning from the successes and failures of the EU experience, to realize future attempts to tackle global agricultural emissions.

The perception of meaningful work by employed and self-employed workers in the sphere of education

The collection of studies on meaningful work is still quite fragmented and lacks resumptive theoretical models that can be applied to various employment statuses. This article examines the meaningful work phenomenon for both employed and self-employed workers using qualitative data. Drawing on 16 in-depth semi-structured interviews with school teachers and self-employed private tutors in Russia, the analysis demonstrates the nature of meaningful work constructed by employment status. Different institutional frameworks form institutional legitimacy, professional community, the final product of work and the prestige of occupation. The article’s primary theoretical contribution is the development of a theoretical model that describes the multifaceted and impermanent nature of meaningful work. The practical implications include the revelation of prominent differences among workers having different employment statuses, which is a solid foundation for future attempts in conducting quantitative research.

Accounting for Digestion Enzyme Bias in Casanovo.

A key parameter of any bottom-up proteomics mass spectrometry experiment is the identity of the enzyme that is used to digest proteins in the sample into peptides. The Casanovo de novo sequencing model was trained using data that was generated with trypsin digestion; consequently, the model prefers to predict peptides that end with the amino acids "K" or "R". This bias is desirable when Casanovo is used to analyze data that was also generated using trypsin but can be problematic if the data was generated using some other digestion enzyme. In this work, we modify Casanovo to take as input the identity of the digestion enzyme alongside each observed spectrum. We then train Casanovo with data generated by using several different enzymes, and we demonstrate that the resulting model successfully learns to capture enzyme-specific behavior. However, we find, surprisingly, that this new model does not yield a significant improvement in sequencing accuracy relative to a model trained without enzyme information but using the same training set. This observation may have important implications for future attempts to make use of experimental metadata in de novo sequencing models.

A neutronics-fuel coupling model for the simulation of constituent redistribution in U–Zr fuel

Simulating the dynamic redistribution of elements within metallic fuels, such as U–10Zr (wt.%), is a complex challenge in nuclear power research. While existing models can adequately simulate constituent redistribution throughout the fuel pin, they rely heavily on pre-known power history data or power calculated a priori. Furthermore, existing models do not calculate an accurate actinide inventory throughout the fuel pin. This limitation leads to less precise power distribution calculations, which can negatively affect the efficiency and safety of fuel design and performance. This work aims to introduce a new approach to modeling constituent redistribution for U–10Zr (wt.%) fuel by developing a new code called PFPS that accounts for the depletion and diffusion of Zr throughout the fuel pin during burnup through an explicit coupling method. The approach independently calculates the power distribution by coupling with the reactor physics code, Serpent 2, thereby eliminating the need for externally supplied power history data. The main contribution of this study lies in this coupling to obtain a more accurate history of the compositional evolution of U–Zr fuel and its fission products. This procedure can enhance the understanding of constituent redistribution by calculating a more accurate power distribution and lays the foundation for future attempts to simulate the compositional and microstructural evolution of all materials in the fuel.

ENHANCING BUSINESS PROFITS THROUGH FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING AT RUFATA MSMEs

<p><em>Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in the culinary sector, frequently grapple with the challenge of effectively recording and managing both business and personal finances. This led to the initiation of community service activities that focused on the topic of financial management. The decision to focus on this topic was made to maximize business profits. The objective of this event, scheduled for March 2024, is to augment the knowledge and expertise of Rufata MSME participants engaged in the culinary industry in Gudang Sarinah, Pancoran, and South Jakarta. We utilize training techniques to accomplish this endeavour. This activity encompasses the procedure of recording and overseeing a business's revenue and expenses. The objective is to furnish business proprietors with precise and all-encompassing data regarding their financial circumstances. Furthermore, this PKM seeks to aid commercial entities in differentiating between business funds and personal resources. The exercises conducted demonstrated that all participants derived benefits from the provided knowledge, particularly due to its straightforward adoption and practical application. Furthermore, the participants assessed whether the provided material aligned with their requirements and whether its delivery was clear. Moreover, the participants expressed their readiness to participate in future attempts, emphasizing the benefits they experienced from the current actions.<strong></strong></em></p>

Lessons learned from implementing a Human Factors programme into an NHS trust*

The interest in employing Human Factors (HF) in healthcare is increasing. There are very few papers that outline an approach to embedding the practical application of HF in healthcare and the lessons that can be learned. The SCReaM HF and Team Resource Management (TRM) programme is not only aimed at raising the awareness and understanding of the science of HF within healthcare, but also to embed its practical application to support staff improve their safety and wellbeing and that of their patients. The programme is divided into three strands: rolling training, HF Projects and HF Engineering. Each strand of the programme supports the use of HF by teaching and applying systems thinking methodology. The programme has been embedded into an NHS Trust and this paper provides a reflection on the approach used to help guide future attempts to integrate HF into an NHS trust.

Investigating social protection amongst platform workers in Germany: forced individualisation, hybrid income generation and undesired regulation

Abstract The social protection of platform workers is considered one of the most precarious features and political challenges of this new form of employment. Still, there have only been a few empirical investigations on this issue to date. This article presents an explorative empirical analysis of the social protection of platform workers in Germany – a conservative welfare regime with a strong link between standard employment and institutionalised social protection. On the basis of an online survey amongst 719 self-employed platform workers, we examine how different employment patterns correspond to institutionalised protection against sickness and old age. We empirically explore different protection types and analyse how they differ regarding working conditions in platform work and individual social policy preferences. Findings reveal that conditions of platform work and social protection as well as demands and regulatory preferences vary notably across different clusters of platform workers. Still, the vast majority votes against obligatory social insurances for platform workers and favours self-employment over dependent employment. Against this background, we discuss challenges for future attempts aiming at improving social protection for platform workers. This study adds to the literature by empirically exploring platform workers’ social protection and social policy preferences, which have been overlooked to date.

Human Leukocyte Antigen-G Gene Polymorphism in Peninsular Malaysia: A Preliminary Report.

Introduction: Expression of the nonclassical human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G gene is upregulated in placenta during pregnancy. In other cells, HLA-G is upregulated during parasitic infections and allergic reactions. Polymorphism at the HLA-G gene locus has been reported for many populations, but so far not for any ethnic groups in Malaysia. In this survey, we screened for genetic variation in HLA-G genes from representative Malay, Chinese, and Indian individuals living in Peninsular Malaysia. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were obtained with informed consent, and ethnicity classes were assigned based on self-declared pedigree information. Exons 2, 3, and 4 of the HLA-G gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subjected to Sanger sequencing. Results: The most common genotype in Malays and Indians was found to be HLA-G*01:01:01:01/01:01:01:01 with frequencies of 0.206 and 0.167, respectively, whereas the HLA-G*01:01:03:01/01:01:01:01 genotype was the one most frequently observed in Chinese (0.221). Based on this study, HLA-G*01:01:01:01 (0.427-0.448) is the most frequent HLA-G allele in the all three ethnic groups. In contrast, HLA-G*01:01:02:01 (0.186) was observed as the second most frequent HLA-G allele in Malays and HLA-G*01:04:01 in Chinese and Indians, (0.188-0.198, respectively). Several minor HLA-G alleles were detected at low frequency in Malays, Chinese, or Indians (HLA-G*01:01:05, 01:01:09, 01:04:02, and 01:04:03). These have only rarely, if ever, been reported in other population groups. Subsequent statistical analysis including using principal coordinate data mapping showed the Malays, Chinese, and Indians are distinct but quite closely related to one another as compared with other population groups from across Europe and Africa. Conclusion: The HLA-G population data collected in this study showed that the ancestrally unrelated Malays, Chinese, and Indians are genetically distinct. This new database provides a foundation for further studies to capture HLA-G allelic diversity in uncharacterized populations of Malaysia and for future attempts to identify their roles in disease resistance and susceptibility.

Sperm cryopreservation protocol for micro-TESE-retrieved sperm.

Azoospermia is characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate and is categorized into obstructive azoospermia (OA) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). For men with NOA, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) is the only method to obtain sperm for assisted reproductive technology (ART). Given the rarity of these sperm and the unpredictable success of subsequent retrieval attempts, cryopreservation of microdissection-TESE-obtained sperm is essential. Effective cryopreservation prevents the need for repeated surgical procedures and supports future ART attempts. After first delving into the physiological and molecular aspects of sperm cryopreservation, this review aims to examine the current methods and devices for preserving small numbers of sperm. It presents conventional freezing and vitrification techniques, evaluating their respective strengths and limitations in effectively preserving rare sperm, and compares the efficacy of using fresh versus cryopreserved testicular sperm.

A prospective examination of sleep chronotype and future suicide intent among adults in the United Kingdom: A test of the integrated motivational volitional model of suicide

Objectives/backgroundPrior research identified a connection between evening chronotype and suicidality, but the mechanism underlying that connection is not well understood. The Integrated Motivational Volitional (IMV) Model of Suicide may provide a theoretical explanation for this link. The current project includes a three-time point longitudinal survey to examine whether 1) suicide intent likelihood varies across time, 2) chronotype affects suicide intent likelihood prospectively, and 3) defeat and entrapment explain the association between chronotype and suicide intent likelihood. Patients/methodsParticipants (n = 187 UK adults) completed a baseline survey (demographics, chronotype (morning-eveningness; MEQ), defeat and entrapment, and perceived intent to make a future suicide attempt), and follow-up surveys (MEQ and suicide intent likelihood) 3 and 6 months later. ResultsResults indicated that suicidal intent at 6-month follow-up was lower than baseline or 3-month follow-up. It was also found that strong evening chronotype at baseline is associated with increased suicidal intent 6 months later, and that defeat mediates this relationship. ConclusionOur theoretically informed findings shed light on the psychological mechanisms linking chronotype (i.e., eveningness) and future suicide intent by highlighting the role of defeat and entrapment. We propose that feelings of defeat might be derived from evening types’ experiences of social jetlag (resulting from conflict between biologically driven sleep schedules and externally dictated social schedules), which consequently drives entrapment and greater future suicide intent. Within this context, defeat and entrapment may be good transdiagnostic and modifiable target variables for future intervention development.

DYRK1B blockade promotes tumoricidal macrophage activity in pancreatic cancer

ObjectiveHighly malignant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by an abundant immunosuppressive and fibrotic tumour microenvironment (TME). Future therapeutic attempts will therefore demand the targeting of tumours and stromal compartments...

Refleksi Budaya Etnis Tionghoa dalam Kesenian Barongsai di Kota Singkawang

The lion dance is a form of ethnic Chinese culture with a beautiful variety of motion and visual ornaments. The purpose of this research is to serve as a reminder of cultural preservation and inheritance. The primary reflection resources paired with Feldman's art criticism method include a historical overview, performance dynamics, ritual/celebration procedures, and cultural heritage. This study also provides a glimpse into and description of ethnic Chinese's effort to express cultural arts following a time of prejudice. The dissection is carried out utilising descriptive qualitative methodologies, with data collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Triangulation of sources with ethnomusicologists validates the data analysed using an inter-academic model. Cultural reflection produced by Barongsai arts for ethnic Chinese includes reminders and awareness of evaluative materials related to the struggle for discrimination in the historical context, entertainment and sports functions in the context of performance dynamics, meanings and symbols of happy and sad expressions in the context of ritual / celebration processes, and sorting out incoming outside cultures for the younger generation in the context of cultura. It is critical and beneficial that the findings of this study serve as a vehicle and platform for future attempts to maintain and enhance the Barongsai art form. In addition, there needs to be support between elements of the ethnic Chinese community and the government so that the art of Barongsai can be preserved and developed in the future.

Investigating the Role of Change Management in Achieving Sustainable Project Management in Construction Firms

Abstract Over the past years, the construction sector has seen significant transformation driven by sustainability and change management, as most construction companies strive to lower emissions, be future-proof, and slow down the rate of climate change. While these two disciplines have distinct goals, they share essential principles. Both change management and sustainable project management emphasize addressing the environmental, social, and economic aspects while maintaining ethics, transparency, and stakeholder demands. According to previous studies, incorporating sustainability concepts into project management systems could enhance organizational value, risk control, cost savings, stakeholders’ relationships, and long-term value generation. In the context of change management, integrating sustainability into project management systems strives to ensure that initiatives are not only financially feasible but also socially and ecologically responsible. Despite previous research in those fields, further investigation and application of the implementation methodologies are still recommended. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between sustainability in the project management field, its relation to change management procedures, and how it could be beneficial for the implementation process in the construction industry. A constructive literature review was adapted to develop a potential primary framework for future implementation, which facilitates future attempts at construction organization implementation processes.

Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Structure, Properties and Applications.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have accumulated significant interest due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and remarkable applications in biomedicine, electronics, and catalysis sensing. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth study of synthetic approaches such as biological synthesis, chemical synthesis, and physical synthesis with a detailed overview of their sub-methodologies, highlighting advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, structural properties affected by synthesis methods are discussed in detail by examining the dimensions and surface morphology. The review explores the distinctive properties of Ag NPs, including optical, electrical, catalytic, and antimicrobial properties, which render them beneficial for a range of applications. Furthermore, this review describes the diverse applications in several fields, such as medicine, environmental science, electronics, and optoelectronics. However, with numerous applications, several kinds of issues still exist. Future attempts need to address difficulties regarding synthetic techniques, environmental friendliness, and affordability. In order to ensure the secure utilization of Ag NPs, it is necessary to establish sustainability in synthetic techniques and eco-friendly production methods. This review aims to give a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, structural analysis, properties, and multifaceted applications of Ag NPs.

Endogenous PGD2 acting on DP2 receptor counter regulates Schistosoma mansoni infection-driven hepatic granulomatous fibrosis.

Identifying new molecular therapies targeted at the severe hepatic fibrosis associated with the granulomatous immune response to Schistosoma mansoni infection is essential to reduce fibrosis-related morbidity/mortality in schistosomiasis. In vitro cell activation studies suggested the lipid molecule prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) as a potential pro-fibrotic candidate in schistosomal context, although corroboratory in vivo evidence is still lacking. Here, to investigate the role of PGD2 and its cognate receptor DP2 in vivo, impairment of PGD2 synthesis by HQL-79 (an inhibitor of the H-PGD synthase) or DP2 receptor inhibition by CAY10471 (a selective DP2 antagonist) were used against the fibrotic response of hepatic eosinophilic granulomas of S. mansoni infection in mice. Although studies have postulated PGD2 as a fibrogenic molecule, HQL-79 and CAY10471 amplified, rather than attenuated, the fibrotic response within schistosome hepatic granulomas. Both pharmacological strategies increased hepatic deposition of collagen fibers - an unexpected outcome accompanied by further elevation of hepatic levels of the pro-fibrotic cytokines TGF-β and IL-13 in infected animals. In contrast, infection-induced enhanced LTC4 synthesis in the schistosomal liver was reduced after HQL-79 and CAY10471 treatments, and therefore, inversely correlated with collagen production in granulomatous livers. Like PGD2-directed maneuvers, antagonism of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors CysLT1 by MK571 also promoted enhancement of TGF-β and IL-13, indicating a key down-regulatory role for endogenous LTC4 in schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis. An ample body of data supports the role of S. mansoni-driven DP2-mediated activation of eosinophils as the source of LTC4 during infection, including: (i) HQL-79 and CAY10471 impaired systemic eosinophilia, drastically decreasing eosinophils within peritoneum and hepatic granulomas of infected animals in parallel to a reduction in cysteinyl leukotrienes levels; (ii) peritoneal eosinophils were identified as the only cells producing LTC4 in PGD2-mediated S. mansoni-induced infection; (iii) the magnitude of hepatic granulomatous eosinophilia positively correlates with S. mansoni-elicited hepatic content of cysteinyl leukotrienes, and (iv) isolated eosinophils from S. mansoni-induced hepatic granuloma synthesize LTC4 in vitro in a PGD2/DP2 dependent manner. So, our findings uncover that granulomatous stellate cells-derived PGD2 by activating DP2 receptors on eosinophils does stimulate production of anti-fibrogenic cysLTs, which endogenously down-regulates the hepatic fibrogenic process of S. mansoni granulomatous reaction - an in vivo protective function which demands caution in the future therapeutic attempts in targeting PGD2/DP2 in schistosomiasis.

Deconstructing depression: specific symptoms predict future suicide attempts among clinical adolescents

Deconstructing depression: specific symptoms predict future suicide attempts among clinical adolescents

Fish dispersal from a sabotage-mediated massive escape event

Farm sabotage can cause massive fish escape events with significant ecological and socio-economic risks. This study examined the fate of Mediterranean seabass Dicentrarchus labrax escapees following a large-scale escape event caused by sabotage in the Western Mediterranean Sea. We monitored the escapee density and size structure over 3 mo after the escape at increasing distances from the escape point, up to 45 km away. Fish density adjacent to the escape location 5 d after the sabotage was, on average, 114 ± 44.7 (SE) fish per 100 m2. Our analyses showed that fish density decreased by 17% for every km away from the location, dropping to 2 and 1% after 1 and 2 mo, respectively, following the escape event. As escapee density declined throughout time and space, the size distribution of seabass shifted towards larger sizes. The rapid decrease in fish densities highlights the need for contingency plans focusing on fishing efforts in the coastal areas near the escape location (<20 km) within the first 24 h. These results are paramount to mitigating the risks associated with escape events cost-effectively. We emphasise the importance of sabotage prevention measures, such as security systems that can quickly detect intruders and trigger an immediate response to deter them. Additionally, enforcing appropriate sanctions based on the severity of the damage caused could help to discourage future sabotage attempts.

Tubulin Vibration Modes Are in the Subterahertz Range, and Their Electromagnetic Absorption Is Affected by Water.

Many proteins are thought to coordinate distant sites in their structures through a concerted action of global structural vibrations. However, the direct experimental spectroscopic detection of these vibration modes is rather elusive. We used normal-mode analysis to explore the dominant vibration modes of an all-atom model of the tubulin protein and described their characteristics using a large ensemble of tubulin structures. We quantified the frequency range of the normal vibrational modes to be in the subterahertz band, specifically between ∼40 and ∼160 GHz. Adding water layers to the model increases the frequencies of the low-frequency modes and narrows the frequency variations of the modes among the protein ensemble. We also showed how the electromagnetic absorption of tubulin vibration modes is affected by vibrational damping. These results contribute to our understanding of tubulin's vibrational and electromagnetic properties and provide a foundation for future attempts to control protein behavior via external electromagnetic fields.