Integral Role Research Articles

Evolution of flow structure and heat transfer enhancement mechanism in impinging jets excited by piezoelectric fan

While jet impingement is recognized for significantly enhancing local convective heat transfer, there remains a considerable challenge in further improving its heat transfer performance and uniformity to meet the growing demand for efficient heat transfer. To address this challenge, this study proposes a method that integrates a piezoelectric fan into a continuous jet, taking advantage of the piezoelectric fan's vibration to deliver pulsating excitation to jet impingement while preserving its continuity. An experimental study is performed to identify the roles of piezo-fan integration on improving convective heat transfer from a continuous circular jet onto a flat target surface. The tests are performed under Rej=2,500∼7,500 (circular jet), s/d = 2∼28 (non-dimensional fan-to-jet distance) and L/d = 2∼8 (non-dimensional jet-to-target distance). In addition, few numerical simulations regarding the flow fields are also made to illustrate the mutual interaction mechanism between piezo-fan and continuous jet. The findings reveal that, in the longitudinal configuration, the average values of heat transfer enhancement factor (χ) and heat transfer uniformity factor (ξ) are approximately 13% and 0.5% higher, respectively, compared to the transverse configuration. In the longitudinal arrangement, the significance of the piezoelectric fan amplifies as the circular nozzle gradually distances itself from the target surface. This fan assumes a pivotal role in augmenting both the uniformity and efficiency of heat transfer associated with the circular jet. Conversely, when the piezoelectric fan moves beyond a specific s/d value (s/d = 10), the interaction between intermittent flow and the wall-jet experiences complete cessation. Despite the existence of a fountain effect resulting from the interaction between the piezoelectric fan and the circular jet in the longitudinal configuration, its discernible impact on overall heat transfer attenuation is minimal. The insights gained from this study will be valuable in improving active strategies for jet impingement and promoting the development of piezoelectric functional devices.

CFIEE: An Open-Source Critical Metadata Extraction Tool for RISC-V Hardware-Based CFI Schemes

Control flow critical metadata play a key role in hardware-based control flow integrity (CFI) mechanisms that effectively monitor and secure program control flow based on pre-extracted metadata. The existing control flow analysis tools exhibit some deficiencies, including inadequate compatibility with the RISC-V architecture, a steep learning curve, limited automation capabilities, and restricted data output formats. CFIEE is an open-source tool with a graphical interface for the automated extraction of control flow critical metadata. The tool possesses the capability to analyze RISC-V binary executables, transforming the binary into an intermediate representation (IR) in the form of the disassembled code, and extracting the critical metadata required for studying hardware-based CFI mechanism through a designed control flow transfer relationship analysis algorithm. The extracted metadata include program basic blocks and their corresponding hash values, control flow graphs, function call relationships, distribution of forward transfer instructions, etc. We selected 15 embedded system programs with processor adaptation for functional verification. The results demonstrate the CFIEE’s capability to automatically analyze programs within the supported RISC-V instruction set and generate comprehensive and precise metadata files. This tool can significantly enhance the efficiency of control flow metadata extraction and furnish configurable metadata for the hardware-based security mechanisms.

Chronotype and subjective sleep quality predict white matter integrity in young people with emerging mental disorders.

Protecting brain health is a goal of early intervention. We explored whether sleep quality or chronotype could predict white matter (WM) integrity in emerging mental disorders. Young people (N = 364) accessing early-intervention clinics underwent assessments for chronotype, subjective sleep quality, and diffusion tensor imaging. Using machine learning, we examined whether chronotype or sleep quality (alongside diagnostic and demographic factors) could predict four measures of WM integrity: fractional anisotropy (FA), and radial, axial, and mean diffusivities (RD, AD and MD). We prioritised tracts that showed a univariate association with sleep quality or chronotype and considered predictors identified by ≥80% of machine learning (ML) models as 'important'. The most important predictors of WM integrity were demographics (age, sex and education) and diagnosis (depressive and bipolar disorders). Subjective sleep quality only predicted FA in the perihippocampal cingulum tract, whereas chronotype had limited predictive importance for WM integrity. To further examine links with mood disorders, we conducted a subgroup analysis. In youth with depressive and bipolar disorders, chronotype emerged as an important (often top-ranking) feature, predicting FA in the cingulum (cingulate gyrus), AD in the anterior corona radiata and genu of the corpus callosum, and RD in the corona radiata, anterior corona radiata, and genu of corpus callosum. Subjective quality was not important in this subgroup analysis. In summary, chronotype predicted altered WM integrity in the corona radiata and corpus callosum, whereas subjective sleep quality had a less significant role, suggesting that circadian factors may play a more prominent role in WM integrity in emerging mood disorders.

The Roles of Polyamines in Intestinal Development and Function in Piglets.

The gastrointestinal tract plays crucial roles in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as in maintenance of a functional barrier. The development and maturation of the intestine is important for piglets to maintain optimal growth and health. Polyamines are necessary for the proliferation and growth of enterocytes, which play a key role in differentiation, migration, remodeling and integrity of the intestinal mucosa after injury. This review elaborates the development of the structure and function of the intestine of piglets during embryonic, suckling and weaning periods, the utilization and metabolism of polyamines in the intestine, as well as the role of polyamines in intestinal development and mucosal repair. The nutritional intervention to improve intestinal development and functions by modulating polyamine metabolism in piglets is also put forward. These results may help to promote the adaption to weaning in pigs and provide useful information for the development and health of piglets.

Cadmium modulates intestinal Wnt/β-catenin signaling ensuing intestinal barrier disruption and systemic inflammation

The intricate architecture of the intestinal epithelium, crucial for nutrient absorption, is constantly threatened by environmental factors. The epithelium undergoes rapid turnover, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis, under the control of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). The central regulator, Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in intestinal integrity and turnover. Despite its significance, the impact of environmental factors on this pathway has been largely overlooked. This study, for the first time, investigates the influence of Cd on the intestinal Wnt signaling pathway using a mouse model. In this study, male BALB/c mice were administered an environmentally relevant Cd dose (0.98 mg/kg) through oral gavage to investigate the intestinal disruption and Wnt signaling pathway. Various studies, including histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA, intestinal permeability assay, and flow cytometry, were conducted to study Cd-induced changes in the intestine. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway experienced significant downregulation as a result of sub-chronic Cd exposure, which caused extensive damage throughout the small intestine. Increased intestinal permeability and a skewed immune response were also observed. To confirm that Wnt signaling downregulation is the key driver of Cd-induced gastrointestinal toxicity, mice were co-exposed to LiCl (a recognized Wnt activator) and Cd. The results clearly showed that the harmful effects of Cd could be reversed, which is strong evidence that Cd mostly damages the intestine through the Wnt/β-catenin signalling axis. In conclusion, this research advances the current understanding of the role of Wnt/β catenin signaling in gastrointestinal toxicity caused by diverse environmental pollutants.

How would legal systems affect US and Chinese foreign direct investment in Africa? An exploration of the roles of origins, customary law, and legal integration

ABSTRACT As the first and second largest economies, the United States and China are among leading investors in Africa. Given their differences in economic systems and political institutions, a natural inquiry would be what drives both countries’ continuous investment in this continent. Previous scholars focused on macroeconomic, resources, and political factors. From our perspective, the legal system is deep-rooted and align with the lasing-interest character of FDI, which might unlock a promising space to understand the determinants of FDI in Africa. We proposed that legal systems would impact FDI through property protection, dispute settlement, and cross-border transactions cost reduction, which would take effect through general legal origins, customary law, and legal integration, respectively. Based on our sample containing 43 countries between 2007-19, we find that African’ legal heritage tends to play important roles in affecting U.S. and Chinese investors’ economic engagement with the continent.

A Role for Bottom-Up Alpha Oscillations in Temporal Integration.

Neural oscillations in the 8-12 Hz alpha band are thought to represent top-down inhibitory control and to influence temporal resolution: Individuals with faster peak frequencies segregate stimuli appearing closer in time. Recently, this theory has been challenged. Here, we investigate a special case in which alpha does not correlate with temporal resolution: when stimuli are presented amidst strong visual drive. Based on findings regarding alpha rhythmogenesis and wave spatial propagation, we suggest that stimulus-induced, bottom-up alpha oscillations play a role in temporal integration. We propose a theoretical model, informed by visual persistence, lateral inhibition, and network refractory periods, and simulate physiologically plausible scenarios of the interaction between bottom-up alpha and the temporal segregation. Our simulations reveal that different features of oscillations, including frequency, phase, and power, can influence temporal perception and provide a theoretically informed starting point for future empirical studies.

Empowering Farmers through Technology: A Sustainable Approach to Agricultural Equipment Rental and Income Generation

Abstract: Revolutionizing Agriculture: Empowering Small-Scale Farmers through a Technology-Driven Rental App System. The agricultural sector, being a cornerstone of global sustenance and economic growth, faces the challenge of enabling smallscale farmers to access modern equipment efficiently, thus enhancing their productivity and economic well-being. This paper proposes the development of a user-friendly rental app system tailored to farmers, aiming to democratize their access to essential agricultural resources at affordable rates. By promoting sustainable farming practices and fostering economic empowerment, this system seeks to uplift the livelihoods of farmers worldwide. Through an extensive review of existing literature, emphasizing the pivotal role of technology integration in agriculture, this research employs diverse methodologies including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions to gain comprehensive insights into the nuanced needs and challenges faced by farmers. Through active engagement with stakeholders and leveraging data-driven insights, the study endeavors to design a platform that optimizes resource utilization, reduces costs, and augments overall productivity for farmers. This holistic approach aims to catalyze a transformative shift in the agricultural landscape, driving sustainable development and prosperity for farming communities globally

Legal Development and Human Rights: A Study of Legal Reform in Various Countries

This article investigates the development of law and human rights (HAM) through a study of legal reform in various countries. The main focus of the research is to analyze the impact of legal changes on strengthening and protecting human rights amidst the dynamics of legal developments at the national and international levels. This study covers a wide range of legal contexts, including changes in laws, legal policies, and law enforcement mechanisms implemented by various countries. This cross-country analysis provides an in-depth understanding of how legal developments in various jurisdictions contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights. The research findings highlight the variations in legal approaches and challenges faced by countries in achieving higher human rights standards. Several factors influencing legal change are identified, including civil society pressure, political change, and the role of international institutions. Apart from that, this article also discusses the practical and theoretical implications of legal reform on the sustainability of human rights protection. It is hoped that the results of this research will provide a broad view of the importance of legal development in supporting and strengthening human rights at the global level. This article can provide guidance for policymakers, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders in understanding the challenges and opportunities involved in changing the law to improve human rights protection. In conclusion, this research stimulates further discussion and debate regarding the integral role of legal development in advancing human rights in various countries.

Sustainable development insights: synergizing publishing and academic research to propel SDGs Forward

Objective: To explore the integral roles of the publishing industry and Scopus, an academic research tool, in supporting and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Method: Qualitative analysis focusing on the impact of publishing on SDG awareness, the evolution of the SDG Publishers Compact, Scopus's role in integrating SDGs, and the broader implications of these initiatives. Results: Identification of challenges and opportunities in implementing the Compact's objectives, highlighting the importance of collaborative research efforts to tackle complex global challenges, with special emphasis on Scopus's inclusion of SDGs. Practical Implications: Highlights the synergistic impact of publishing and academic tools in advancing the sustainable development agenda, suggesting the need for collaboration among publishers, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Conclusions: The integration of SDGs into the publishing industry and academic tools represents a significant step forward in the global effort to achieve sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of information and knowledge in fostering a more informed, engaged, and proactive global community.

Exact steady states of the impurity-doped XXZ spin chain coupled to dissipators

We give an exact matrix product steady state and matrix product forms of local observables for the bulk impurity-doped XXZ spin model coupled to dissipators at both ends, whose dynamics is described by the Lindblad quantum master equation. We find that local magnetization is induced at the impurity site when the spin current flows, which is contrary to the usual situation where the current suppresses magnetization due to heating. It is proved that this current-induced magnetization survives in the thermodynamic limit, and the spin current does not depend on the impurity strength. We discuss the role of bulk integrability by comparing the results with those of non-integrable models solved numerically by the quantum trajectory method.

Dynamic Regulation of Intracellular Labile Cu(I)/Cu(II) Cycle in Microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii: Disrupting the Balance by Cu Stress.

The labile metal pool involved in intracellular trafficking and homeostasis is the portion susceptible to environmental stress. Herein, we visualized the different intracellular distributions of labile Cu(I) and Cu(II) pools in the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We first demonstrated that labile Cu(I) predominantly accumulated in the granules within the cytoplasmic matrix, whereas the labile Cu(II) pool primarily localized in the pyrenoid and chloroplast. The cell cycle played an integral role in balancing the labile Cu(I)/Cu(II) pools. Specifically, the labile Cu(II) pool primarily accumulated during the SM phase following cell division, while the labile Cu(I) pool dynamically changed during the G phase as cell size increased. Notably, the labile Cu(II) pool in algae at the SM stage exhibited heightened sensitivity to environmental Cu stress. Exogenous Cu stress disrupted the intracellular labile Cu(I)/Cu(II) cycle and balance, causing a shift toward the labile Cu(II) pool. Our proteomic analysis further identified a putative cupric reductase, potentially capable of reducing Cu(II) to Cu(I), and four putative multicopper oxidases, potentially capable of oxidizing Cu(I) to Cu(II), which may be involved in the conversion between the labile Cu(I) pool and labile Cu(II) pool. Our study elucidated a dynamic cycle of the intracellular labile Cu(I)/Cu(II) pools, which were accessible and responsive to environmental changes.

Development and State of the Art of Entrepreneurship Education: A Bibliometric Review

Entrepreneurship education (EE) plays a vital role in fostering an entrepreneurial culture and promoting the growth of the small- and medium-sized business sector in a nation. Research on EE has advanced extremely rapidly in the last two decades. These changes are evident not only in the quantity of published works but also in the evolving methods of academic communication, the rise of emerging nations as prominent contributors to EE research, and the shifting areas of focus in study themes. This current study aims to provide a comprehensive picture of these processes based on a big-data-centred bibliometric analysis of a corpus of 3787 articles that appeared in the Web of Science literature database. The bibliographic metadata was analysed using Biblioshiny, CitNetExplorer, and VOSviewer. To understand the most significant development trends, researchers employed the triangulation method, which included scientific mapping and epistemological analysis in addition to standard tools of bibliometric analysis. This has led to the identification of some study needs. First, improving EE methods in secondary school curricula; second, EE in adult education and the practicality of the findings for andragogy; third, EE in least developed countries and its unique challenges; fourth, combining EE with internet-based, innovative training and education approaches like gamification and simulations; fifth, EE’s role and methodological development in societal economic integration; and sixth, women’s unique EE requirements. On top of that, this study provides the basis for policymakers and practitioners to consider incorporating entrepreneurial education programmes, which can help to create a prosperous entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Type I Interferon Signalling and Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials.

Type I interferon (IFN-I) signalling is intricately involved in the pathogenesis of multiple infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and neurological diseases. Acute ischemic stroke provokes overactivation of IFN-I signalling within the injured brain, particularly in microglia. Following cerebral ischemia, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from injured neural cells elicit marked proinflammatory episodes within minutes. Among these, self-nucleic acids, including nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), have been recognized as a critical alarm signal to fan the flames of neuroinflammation, predominantly via inducing IFN-I signalling activation in microglia. The concept of interferon-responsive microglia (IRM), marked by upregulation of a plethora of IFN-stimulated genes, has been emergingly elucidated in ischemic mouse brains, particularly in aged ones. Among the pattern recognition receptors responsible for IFN-I induction, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) plays integral roles in potentiating microglia-driven neuroinflammation and secondary brain injury after cerebral ischemia. Here, we aim to provide an up-to-date review on the multifaceted roles of IFN-I signalling, the detailed molecular and cellular mechanisms leading to and resulting from aberrant IFN-I signalling activation after cerebral ischemia, and the therapeutic potentials. A thorough exploration of these above points will inform our quest for IFN-based therapies as effective immunomodulatory therapeutics to complement the limited repertoire of thrombolytic agents, thereby facilitating the translation from bench to bedside.

Taxonomic and functional-trait metrics track recovery of demersal fish and shrimp communities following system collapse

Monitoring programs that integrate both structural and functional ecosystem components play integral roles in ecosystem management and conservation planning. In the early 1990’s, the marine ecosystem of the waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) underwent a regime shift. Several demersal and pelagic fish stocks collapsed simultaneously, and this had significant ecological and socioeconomic consequences. As this regime shift impacted numerous commercial and non-commercial species, assessments based on individual species would be insufficient. We explored a variety of metrics that capture different facets of diversity across multiple species to provide a more robust ecosystem assessment. These were species richness, evenness, community-weighted means of maximum body length and trophic level (i.e., the mean maximum body size or trophic level of the species present in a community), and functional dispersion (FDis). The objectives of this study were 1) to assess trends in community structure of the NL demersal community during the post-collapse period (1995-2018), 2) explore how the various community-level metrics differ or are redundant, and 3) investigate how these metrics are associated with important covariates. Several metrics were redundant and displayed strongly positive, temporal trends being consistent with expectations for a recovery encompassing the entire demersal community. In particular, unweighted community-weighted means of body length and trophic level displayed nearly equal temporal patterns, showing increasing trends throughout the study period which were most prominent in the northern study area and within a limited depth range at the upper shelf break. Corresponding biomass-weighted metrics were also correlated with each other but only showed similar increasing tendencies after the first decade. In contrast, species richness did not show any temporal increase. Evenness and biomass-weighted FDis showed similar temporal patterns, decreasing during the first decade followed by strong increases during subsequent years, patterns that were directly linked to variation in Northern shrimp and Atlantic cod biomass. This study demonstrates how a variety of community metrics can provide insight into different aspects of the post-collapse recovery of the demersal community and help us better understand the complexity of the changes the ecosystem is undergoing.

Young people's priorities for the self-management of distress after stoma surgery due to inflammatory bowel disease: A consensus study using online nominal group technique.

The aim of this study was to gain consensus among young people with a stoma due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on the priorities for the content of an intervention for the self-management of stoma-related distress. The current identification and management of distress in young people with a stoma is often suboptimal in clinical settings and there is a need for improved support resources. Two consensus group meetings were carried out via online video conferencing, using nominal group technique. Participants generated, rated on a Likert scale and discussed, topics for inclusion in a future self-management intervention. Nineteen young people, aged 19-33, with a stoma due to IBD took part in one of two group meetings. Participants were located across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Twenty-nine topics were generated by participants, seven of which reached consensus of ≥80%, that is, a mean of ≥5.6 on a 7-point Likert scale. These were: receiving advice from young people with lived experience of stoma surgery; advice on/addressing concerns about romantic relationships, sex and intimacy; information about fertility and pregnancy related to stoma surgery; stoma 'hacks', for example, useful everyday tips regarding clothing, making bag changes easier and so forth; reflecting on and recognising own emotional response to surgery; tips on managing the stoma during the night; and processing trauma related to the illness and surgery journey. Findings extend previous research on young people's experiences of stoma surgery, by generating consensus on young people's priorities for managing distress related to surgery and living with a stoma. These priorities include topics not previously reported in the literature, including the need for information about fertility and pregnancy. Findings will inform the development of a self-management resource for young people with an IBD stoma and have relevance for the clinical management of stoma-related distress in this population. Three patient contributors are co-authors on this paper, having contributed to the study design, interpretation of results and writing of the manuscript. The study's Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement advisory group also had an integral role in the study. They met with the research team for four 2-h virtual meetings, giving input on the aims and purpose of the study, recruitment methods, and interpretation of findings. The group also advised on the age range for participants. The views of young people with a stoma are the central component of the study reported in this paper, which aims to gain consensus among young people with an IBD stoma on their priorities for the content of a resource to self-manage distress related to stoma surgery.

Optimizing Sustainability: Investigating The Integral Role of Green Supply Chain Management in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (Smes)

This research paper investigates the pivotal role of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) in the context of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). As global concerns over environmental sustainability continue to rise, SMEs, often viewed as the backbone of economies, face unique challenges and opportunities in integrating green practices within their supply chain operations. This study delves into the multifaceted dimensions of GSCM, exploring its implications for SMEs in terms of environmental responsibility, economic viability, and stakeholder relationships.
 The research employs a comprehensive methodology, including a thorough literature review, case studies of successful GSCM implementations in SMEs, and empirical analysis of challenges faced by SMEs in adopting sustainable supply chain practices. The objectives are to understand how SMEs integrate GSCM into their operations, identify the barriers and drivers influencing adoption, and assess the impact on environmental, economic, and social performance.

Decoding the dual desire: Expressive and impressive motivations for neo-luxury wearables

ABSTRACT In today’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape, understanding the motivational drivers behind consumer interaction with brands and purchase intentions is paramount for effective marketing communications. This research dives deep into the impressive and expressive consumer motivations influencing attitudes and purchase intentions for neo-luxury smart wearables. By employing a blended methodology of qualitative conceptual mapping and quantitative fsQCA analysis on consumer survey data, we uncover the integral role of both hedonic (pleasure-seeking) and eudaimonic (meaning-seeking) motivations for the contemporary neo-luxury consumer. Our findings underscore that a harmonious interplay between these motivations can bolster purchase intentions, even mitigating potential deterrents like skepticism or price-related apprehensions. This research offers invaluable insights for marketing communicators, including a nuanced understanding of these dual motivations as essential to crafting resonant messages for smart wearables. This paper reveals the strategies practitioners should adopt to effectively communicate the value proposition of innovative neo-luxury wearables, ensuring that messaging appeals to the expressive and impressive desires of the modern consumer.

Exploring the Roles of Reading Strategies on Speaking English Language

This research endeavors to investigate the integral role of reading strategies in the development of spoken English language skills. The primary objective is to discern the effectiveness of applying these strategies during reading to enhance comprehension. The study is motivated by the wealth of literature underscoring the advantages of reading strategies for both foreign and second language learners, with a particular emphasis on their impact on the progression from input to output language acquisition. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes open-ended questionnaires as a method to gather comprehensive data. The findings illuminate the positive outcomes associated with the adept application of reading strategies and consistent engagement in reading activities, particularly in the context of improving speaking skills. This research recommends heightened awareness among English educators and learners regarding the profound significance of employing appropriate reading strategies during the learning process. The aim is to enhance comprehension skills and foster fluent spoken communication, enabling learners to communicate more effectively and proficiently in English.

Redefining harm: The role of data integration in understanding gambling behaviour.

Redefining harm: The role of data integration in understanding gambling behaviour.