Major Transformation Research Articles

Human AKR1C3 binds agonists of GPR84 and participates in an expanded polyamine pathway.

Altered human aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) expression has been associated with poor prognosis in diverse cancers, ferroptosis resistance, and metabolic diseases. Despite its clinical significance, the endogenous biochemical roles of AKR1C3 remain incompletely defined. Using untargeted metabolomics, we identified a major transformation mediated by AKR1C3, in which a spermine oxidation product "sperminal" is reduced to "sperminol." Sperminal causes DNA damage and activates the DNA double-strand break response, whereas sperminol induces autophagy invitro. AKR1C3 also pulls down acyl-pyrones and pyrone-211 inhibits AKR1C3 activity. Through G protein-coupled receptor ligand screening, we determined that pyrone-211 is also a potent agonist of the semi-orphan receptor GPR84. Strikingly, mammalian fatty acid synthase produces acyl-pyrones invitro, and this production is modulated by NADPH. Taken together, our studies support a regulatory role of AKR1C3 in an expanded polyamine pathway and a model linking fatty acid synthesis and NADPH levels to GPR84 signaling.

Tantangan Dakwah Muhammadiyah di Era Digital

Islamic da'wah in the era of digital technology has undergone a major transformation with the presence of social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Muhammadiyah, as one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, seeks to optimize digital media to spread Wasathiyah Islamic values more widely and quickly. The main challenge in digital da'wah is to ensure that the information conveyed remains accurate and does not cause misinformation. Haedar Nashir, Chairman of Muhammadiyah, emphasized the importance of combining fiqh on social media with public ethics, as well as involving the younger generation in digital da'wah to ensure that the message of da'wah remains relevant and acceptable to various levels of society. With an innovative and responsive strategy, Muhammadiyah da'wah is expected to be able to answer the challenges of the times while maintaining Islamic principles in facing the era of disruption.

E-Commerce on Emerging Markets

In the foreseeable future, the impact of e-commerce on the economy is poised to be significant, reshaping the landscape of global business irreversibly due to the ubiquitous presence of the Internet. Particularly, the banking sector stands to undergo major transformations in the 21st century as a result of e-commerce’s influence. Across various economic sectors, e-commerce has wielded substantial effects, most notably driving worldwide productivity growth. Nations are now strategically assessing the workforce and investment needed to bolster their information economies and enhance business access to internet connectivity, positioning themselves for heightened productivity and competitiveness on the global stage. However, the exact mechanisms driving these outcomes remain somewhat opaque. Notably, banks and financial services in emerging markets are anticipated to require robust online payment systems to secure e-trade financing and equity investment, particularly in burgeoning sectors like tourism.

Self-assembled sodium alginate/graphene hydrogel enhances sulfamethoxazole removal: Impacts of hydrogel properties on the microbial community

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a common antibiotic, is frequently present in various wastewater sources and threatens ecological health. Biodegradation technology is a sustainable method for removing antibiotics in which biological graphene hydrogel (BGH) has an advantage in SMX removal. However, there is limited understanding of the environmentally friendly method for the formation of bio-graphene complexes and their mechanism in SMX removal. This research is focused on investigating and evaluating the performance of BGH cross-linked with sodium alginate in removing SMX, as well as the mechanisms involved in the removal process. The outcomes showed that the biocompatibility of alginate-BGH (A-BGH) allows for an increase in SMX removal, reaching up to 91.23 %. This improved SMX removal can be attributed to the fuller 3D porous structure and fewer oxygen-containing functional groups of A-BGH, which maintained the microbial community diversity. Therefore, microorganisms involved in SMX degradation, like Pseudomonas, Desulfomicrobium, and Desulfovibrio, maintained a comparable high abundance in A-BGH. This microbial community contributes to three major transformation pathways, including hydroxylation, NC bond cleavage, and N–S bond cleavage, thereby enhancing the SMX removal. The present finding demonstrated the effective adsorption and biodegradation behavior of A-BGH on SMX, indicating the A-BGH may serve as a promising material for aquatic environment remediation and wastewater treatment.

The Instrumentalization of Cultural Heritage in Ceausescu’s Romania

This article analyzes the heritagisation policies and the instrumentalization of cultural heritage by Ceausescu's regime for political purposes. I argue that Ceausescu’s political regime was neopatrimonial, a system where rules took place within the framework of legal bureaucracy of a modern state in which formal structures and rules did exist, although in practice, the separation of the private and public sphere was not always observed. This system was characterized by insecurity about the behavior and role of state institutions, but primarily the actions of the supreme leader that were erratic and unpredictable. In this regime, the rural cultural heritage was used for political-ideological purposes, in close connection with the cult of the personality of the supreme leader. In this context, the heritigisation of folk creations such as folk plays did not mean the preservation of these rural cultural forms under threat in a society undergoing major economic and social transformations that imperiled traditional community life. Instead, it was a form of symbolic political manipulation used to acquire political legitimacy. Received: 17 January 2024 / Accepted: 29 May 2024 / Published: 02 July 2024

Application of the ARCADIA Method on a Bulk Carrier Vessel Equipped with a Wind‐assistance Device

AbstractThe maritime industry is undergoing a major transformation to achieve reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Many new options, such as alternative propulsion systems and fuels, optimized routes, or auxiliary propulsion systems, including wind‐assistance devices, need to be integrated and aligned within a wide network of different stakeholders. New ways are necessary to work with and manage the increasing complexity in the maritime industry. Model‐based systems engineering approaches are a promising strategy to gain a better understanding of the as‐is situation and to develop advanced solutions. This paper shows the application of the ARCADIA method for the maritime industry, with the target of integrating wind‐assistance devices to vessels, using the ARCADIA modeling language and the Capella tool.

Broadcasting Adaptation in the Streaming Era: Industrial Transformation in the Digital Revolution

In an era of ever-evolving streaming revolution, the broadcasting industry is facing major transformation to adapt and survive. Broadcasters need to adopt new strategies in business models and monetization, such as combining subscriptions, individual purchases, data-driven advertising, as well as partnerships with large streaming platforms through a hybrid approach. Investing in producing unique and engaging original content is also critical to differentiate yourself from competitors and cater to diverse audience preferences by exploring new genres and formats. In terms of technological infrastructure, increasing network capacity, servers and hardware are needed to support high-quality streaming, as well as paying attention to security and redundancy to ensure continuity of operations. Moreover, data measurement and analytics are key by developing new, relevant metrics to measure content performance, understand consumer behavior and preferences, and optimize monetization strategies. Leveraging data also allows for better personalization of content according to viewers' individual interests. By adopting a comprehensive approach in all these aspects, broadcasters can adapt effectively and achieve long-term success in an increasingly competitive streaming era.

Towards UAF Implementation in SysML V2

AbstractThe ongoing transformation in the industry from a document‐based systems engineering to a model‐based systems engineering approach reveals gaps in existing modeling standards. Evolution of standards is inevitable. A de facto standard modeling language, SysML (Systems Modeling Language), is undergoing a major transformation in its evolution, with the introduction of SysML version 2, which is a complete redesign of the language architecture. With the major update of SysML, all related standards need to be redesigned. The Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) is not an exception. UAF version 2 is a future version of the standard to be based on SysML V2. Currently, the development of UAF based on SysML V2 is in the very early stages, and various organizations involved in its development are independently researching the way forward. This paper describes one of the research projects to test the feasibility of SysML V2 to address UAF community needs.

Educational Transformation: Using Virtual Reality as a Learning Tool for The Future

Education continues to transform with the introduction of advanced technology such as Virtual Reality (VR). The use of VR as a future learning tool promises to revolutionize the way students learn and interact with course material. This research aims to explore the potential of VR to increase student engagement through a more interactive and immersive learning experience. The research method used is literature study. Through a literature study and analysis of recent developments, we see how VR can aid the understanding of complex concepts, such as science and mathematics, as well as improve understanding of historical content through realistic simulations. However, challenges such as device costs and curriculum integration need to be overcome to realize the full potential of this technology in education. It can be concluded that with the right strategy, VR can be the key to creating more personalized and effective learning experiences, leading to major transformations in the global education system. This research contributes to a more personalized and effective learning experience, which in turn can improve the quality of education and student learning outcomes

Different tools with the same functionality at Măgura-Buduiasca Neolithic settlement (Teleorman County, southern Romania)

At the Neolithic settlements from the northern Danube, three types of artefacts are constantly present in archaeological contexts: spatulas made from cattle ribs, flattened sheep/goats astragali and Unio sp. shells with traces of use. These are very different types of items, in terms of raw material and in degree of their processing. Thus, while spatulas were obtained by major transformations of ribs, the astragali suffered only moderate changes thus allowing the identification of bone type and species. The shells had no technological changes to their natural morphology. The main purpose of our analysis was to reconstruct the way in which these tools were technologically created and how they were used. For this purpose, an experimental program has been developed that allows the recording of all details: raw materials, operational sequence and processed materials. The experimental pieces were used and the use-wear evolution pattern was systematically analyzed. Comparing the use-wear marks present on the archaeological pieces with those on the experimental pieces, we conclude that such tools were used during different stages of pottery manufacturing. The archaeological assemblage from the Măgura-Buduiasca settlement was used as a case study to prove the relevance of the results.

The Role of White-Collar Crime Jurisprudence in Combating Corrupt Practices within Pakistan: A Contemplative Analysis

This research investigates the application of white-collar crime jurisprudence in eradicating corruption in Pakistan. The objectives include analyzing the background and development of white-collar crime jurisprudence, exploring the applicability of existing anti-white-collar crime measures, reviewing the performance of the legal body responsible for combating white-collar crimes, examining the impact of military and fundamentalist interference, and suggesting measures to reinforce Pakistan's legal frameworks. The qualitative research method uses literature review, case analysis, and comparison, examining major legal transformations and case decisions. Field studies on major corruption scandals, such as the Panama Papers Scandal and Different Cases of NAB, assess the efficiency of the legal mechanism and enforcement bodies. The influence of the military and fundamentalists is considered based on evaluation cases where legal processes were interfered with. Recommendations are prepared based on the experience of other countries, international norms, and views of professional experts. The study concludes that political civil and military exigencies, fundamentalist perceptions, and political pressure have profoundly influenced the evolution of white-collar crime jurisprudence in Pakistan. Proposals for strengthening the legal base and state authority include stimulating the judicial branch's independence, carrying out deep legal and institutional changes, advocating for the openness and accountability of power, and developing cooperation with other nations.

Identification of ∼200 transformation products of polyhalogenated compounds to characterize their transformation pathways in sludges

Sewage sludge adsorbs a large amount of harmful organic pollutants, particularly the persistent and hydrophobic polyhalogenated compounds (PHCs). PHCs have been subjected to biological and chemical oxidation treatments during wastewater treatment processes; however, the species and concentrations of their transformation products (TPs) in sludge remain unknown, and the transformation pathways are unclear. In this study, 234 TPs of PHCs, including 77 TPs of chlorinated paraffins (CPs-TPs), 102 TPs of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs-TPs), 45 TPs of dechlorane plus (DPs-TPs), and 10 TPs of brominated flame retardants (BFRs-TPs), were identified in sludge through Ph4PCl-enhanced ionization coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography–Orbitrap–mass spectrometry. Based on the chemical structures of the identified TPs, we identified three major transformation pathways: dehalogenation-hydroxylation, carbon chain decomposition, and desulfurization. Approximately 97 TPs were newly discovered through the pathways. Carbon chain decomposition products of OCPs and DPs were detected for the first time at relatively high abundances. More hydroxylation products of DPs and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and multi-dehalogenation products of heptachlor, toxaphene, DPs and HBCDs were detected at relative intensities higher than those of the known TPs. The oxidation treatment of sludge achieved up to 13 %–94 % of PHCs to be removed, with dehalogenation-hydroxylation as the main transformation pathway. Advanced treatment technologies are needed for degradation of both PHCs and their TPs.

Supporting transformative agency in initial teacher education: A Change Laboratory in China

Studies of teacher agency need analytical frameworks with processual and collective perspectives in support of the transformation of educational institutions and practitioners. The framework of transformative agency by double stimulation (TADS) from cultural-historical activity theory is used as a lens to inquire how a Change Laboratory in initial teacher education in China supported teacher agency. Our analysis traces the occurrence of the TADS phases during six online Change Laboratory sessions and the distribution of these phases among 13 participants and two researchers, moving toward a major transformation of the institutional strategies for mentoring school placement. Our findings verify the usability of the TADS model for capturing transformative teacher agency as a stepwise process. The analysis shows the nonlinear character of the TADS process, requiring adaptation to context-specific contingencies. The distribution of TADS phases among the participants and researchers reveals the collective and relational nature of teacher agency in transformation efforts.

New evidence from high-resolution computed microtomography of Triassic stem-mammal skulls from South America enhances discussions on turbinates before the origin of Mammaliaformes

The nasal cavity of living mammals is a unique structural complex among tetrapods, acquired along a series of major morphological transformations that occurred mainly during the Mesozoic Era, within the Synapsida clade. Particularly, non-mammaliaform cynodonts document several morphological changes in the skull, during the Triassic Period, that represent the first steps of the mammalian bauplan. We here explore the nasal cavity of five cynodont taxa, namely Thrinaxodon, Chiniquodon, Prozostrodon, Riograndia, and Brasilodon, in order to discuss the main changes within this skull region. We did not identify ossified turbinals in the nasal cavity of these taxa and if present, as non-ossified structures, they would not necessarily be associated with temperature control or the development of endothermy. We do, however, notice a complexification of the cartilage anchoring structures that divide the nasal cavity and separate it from the brain region in these forerunners of mammals.

Electrochemical oxidation of ATMP (Amino Trimethylene Phosphonic Acid) in low-concentrated acidic electrolyte on graphite and glassy carbon electrodes using cyclic voltammetry

This study investigates the irreversible electrochemical oxidation of Amino Trimethylene Phosphonic Acid (ATMP) in ClO4−–electrolyte on original unmodified graphite electrodes (GRE) and glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) using cyclic voltammetry (CV) as the main analytical technique. The oxidation reaction starts at ≈ +0.7 V on GRE and ≈ +0.92 V on GCE vs. Ag/AgCl (3M KCl) respectively. Four distinct electrode/electrolyte systems were selected for a comprehensive analysis of charge transfer and mass transport processes at non-Faradaic and Faradaic current regions at various scan rates υ (SR). These systems comprised of GRE/ClO4−–electrolyte, GRE/ATMP–ClO4−–electrolyte, GCE/ClO4−–electrolyte, and GCE/ATMP–ClO4−–electrolyte. Charging currents in the so-called double-layer region of the CV are found to scale linearly with SR on GCE (Adsorption mechanism); instead, the charging currents obey a nearly square root law on GRE (Diffusion mechanism). The electrochemical oxidation kinetics of ATMP in ClO4−–electrolyte using GRE and GCE obey nearly the fourth root law of the maximum oxidation current density (at the upper reverse potential) vs. SR. Finally, we identified the major transformation products generated from the ATMP electrochemical oxidation: ortho-phosphate (o− PO4), iminodimethylphosphonic acid (IDMP), and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA).

The French procurement transformations: A historical perspective over sovereignty and innovation

The French defence industry underwent major transformations from 1961 onwards, laying the foundations for today's defence industrial and technological base. A new organization, known as the DMA (Délégation Ministérielle pour l′Armement11Now DGA, Direction Générale de l’Armement (Directorate General of Armaments). In this paper, “DMA” refers to the 1961–1977 period. The term “directorate” designates this administration after 1977.), directed all research, design and production processes for new equipment. However, the transformation was incomplete, and government owned defence production facilities were not transformed into companies until after the end of the Cold War. The DMA lost control of most defence production facilities, and refocused its activities on expertise and project management. Today, it must meet the challenges of innovation in a changing institutional context.

Identification of a polyfuran network as the initial carbonization intermediate in cellulose pyrolysis: A comparative analysis with cellulosic hydrochars

Pyrolysis of cellulose is accompanied with different complex and superimposing transformations resulting in a broad mixture of isolable products with strong variations depending on the applied reaction conditions. The operative chemistry represents a challenge for analytical chemists and process engineers alike. Especially, the reactions leading to char formation cannot be described as sufficiently understood. In ongoing efforts to shed light on the major transformations during charring of cellulose, the occurrence of a thermostable condensed phase (TSCP) previously postulated as an important carbonization intermediate formed below 300 °C was revisited. It was attempted to isolate pure TSCP intermediates without cellulose contamination by applying dehydration catalysts known from cellulose based carbon fiber production and extensive isothermal treatments. It was shown that the weight loss levels off during isothermal treatment for 6 h in the temperature range of 200–250 °C, resulting in the formation of a common intermediate with an almost identical composition – irrespective of the employed temperature or catalyst. Moreover, isothermal treatment of pure cellulose at 270–280 °C for up to 12 hours also resulted in the formation of an intermediate which had a similar composition as the material prepared with added dehydration catalysts. To test the hypothesis of a proposed polyfuranic nature of the TSCP intermediate the prepared samples were compared with hydrochars obtained from hydrothermal treatment of cellulose as reference material for a polyfuranic humin. Similarities and differences are discussed and implications for the overall carbonization mechanism are summarized.

Increasing fluctuations in the Arctic summer sea ice cover are expected with future global warming

The loss of Arctic sea ice (ASI) represents a major transformation in the Arctic region, impacting regional and global climate, ecosystems, and socio-economic structures. Observational and reanalysis data have consistently shown a notable shift in polar environmental conditions over recent decades, marked by a substantial reduction in the ASI area and a rise in the variability in its coverage and distribution. Utilizing data from the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase, our study reveals a consistent pattern highlighting a fundamental shift in ASI dynamics preceding total loss. We observe increasing fluctuations in the September ASI area as the threshold for an ice-free Arctic is approached across various scenarios and models. This pattern is particularly concentrated in the Central Arctic (CA) sub-region. Spatial analyses reveal increasing variance along the CA’s northern coastlines, accompanied by a substantial increase in open water coverage, underscoring the shift from stable to highly variable ice conditions in this region. Additionally, our findings suggest a potential link between increased ASI fluctuations and variability in surface wind speeds. These specific results underscore the urgency of multidisciplinary approaches in addressing the challenges posed by ASI variability, with implications for marine ecosystems, Indigenous communities, and navigational safety.

The Interconnection between Climate Cycles and Geohazards in Urban Areas of the Tourist Island of Mallorca, Spain

The island of Mallorca has experienced major interventions and transformations of the territory, with unprecedented urban development related to growing tourism activity. In this paper, we present a spatio-temporal analysis—by using spectral analysis techniques—of climate cycles on the island of Mallorca (Spain) and their correlation with the occurrences of landslides and flash floods. Both geohazards are closely related to wet periods, which are controlled by different, well-known natural cycles: ENSO, the NAO, sunspot, etc. Geostatistical methods are used to map the distribution of rainfall, as well as a spatial representation of the spectral confidence of the different natural cycles, to define the hazardous areas on the island. The cycles with the greatest influence on rainfall in Mallorca are El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) (5.6 y and 3.5 y), the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) (7.5 y), and Quasi-Biennial Oscillation (QBO). Recorded events of both rockfalls and flash floods exhibit a strong correlation with the climate indices of QBO, ENSO, the NAO, and sunspot activity. This correlation is particularly pronounced with QBO, as this cycle has a higher frequency than the others, and QBO is observed as part of the other cycles in the form of increases and decreases during periods of higher ENSO, NAO, and sunspot values. However, the impact of flash floods is also significant in the southeast part of the island, despite its lower levels of rainfall. The most dangerous episodes are related to ENSO (6.4 y) and the NAO. The validation of the methodology employed is strengthened by incorporating information from the flash flood data, as it offers comprehensive coverage of the entire island, compared to the landslide database, which is confined to the Serra de Tramuntana region. The study reveals that the city of Palma and the municipality of Calvià, as well as the central and eastern urban areas of the island, are the most vulnerable regions to intense rainfall and its consequences.

Minimally invasive training in surgical oncology: Current status and needs assessment

Utilization of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has grown significantly over the past three decades, changing the face of surgical oncology practice. Changes to educational programming have been more scattered. Surgical training has undergone a major transformation with duty hour restrictions, decreased autonomy, and increased technology in the workplace. Despite increasing exposure to laparoscopic and robotic approaches, there is a lack of standardized training in residency, fellowship and beyond. As a result, surgeons report feeling ill-equipped for independent MIS oncology practice. While long term data is limited, several models of MIS curriculum implementation exist in gastrointestinal, hepato-pancreatico-biliary, and colorectal surgery. The aim of this review is to describe the current state of robotic training in surgical oncology and offer directions for future research and practice.