Development Of Platform Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF AN E-COMMERCE PLATFORM USING EXTREME PROGRAMMING METHODOLOGY

<span lang="EN-US">The pervasiveness of information technology has reshaped human lifestyles, including shopping practices. Andalas Store, a prominent bookstore, has experienced a decrease in customer visits. Consequently, this research endeavours to establish an e-commerce platform for Toko Andalas utilizing Extreme Programming (XP) and the MERN Stack to broaden customer reach and expand market presence. The e-commerce platform is constructed leveraging the XP software development methodology and undergoes rigorous testing encompassing unit testing, black box testing, Lighthouse, and the System Usability Scale. The research outcomes validate the successful development and testing of the Toko Andalas e-commerce platform, highlighting its website performance in responsiveness, accessibility, adherence to best practices, and SEO optimization. The platform also encompasses comprehensive functionalities, including product search, shopping cart, and online payment. </span>

Recent Developments in Infectious Disease Research

The field of infectious disease research is rapidly evolving and advancing, driven by the demand to address both current and emerging threats to global health. The recent COVID-19 pandemic underscored the criticality of infectious disease outbreak preparedness and response, while factors such as climate change, migration, and globalization continue to influence disease transmission dynamics. Innovative approaches to infectious disease research are more essential than ever to prevent future pandemics and the spread of vectorborne diseases. This comprehensive review article investigates some recent pertinent developments in infectious disease research, including the development of a novel serosurveillance platform, modeled after the one designed during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at tackling the growing global threat of arboviruses. Also investigated in this article is the repurposing and application of mRNA vaccine technology, initially developed during the pandemic, to address the complex challenge of tick-borne Lyme disease. Finally, we outline several novel and cutting-edge strategies aimed at tackling the ever-mounting crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Each of these innovations marks a significant step forward in global health security and preparedness, offering promising solutions to the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, while drawing on the lessons learned from past outbreaks and epidemics.

Modelling of blast furnace ironmaking process based on digital twin

AbstractThe blast furnace ironmaking process is a crucial step in the steel industry. Effectively modelling the blast furnaces is significant in ensuring smooth operation and accelerating the digitalisation transformation of blast furnaces. The authors focus on the mechanism modelling of the blast furnace operation process, using a digital twin model development platform to simulate the main reaction processes inside the blast furnaces. Under on‐site production conditions, Si, Mn and Ti contents of molten iron and the corresponding indicators for model accuracy are calculated. For Si, Mn, and Ti content, the Root Mean Square Error values are 0.0678, 0.0108 and 0.0093 for dataset 1, while 0.0933, 0.0120 and 0.0111 for dataset 2, respectively, indicating that the model has a small simulation error and high accuracy. By comparing the simulation results with accurate laboratory results, the model is validated to have satisfactory simulation reliability and compensates for the existing shortcomings in the blast furnace mechanism modelling field.

Unveiling the dynamics of binge-scrolling: A comprehensive analysis of short-form video consumption using a Stimulus-Organism-Response model

The rapid rise of short-form content has led to the emergence of a new media consumption behavior termed “binge-scrolling,” where users sequentially consume numerous short videos. However, systematic analysis of this phenomenon is lacking in existing literature, which primarily attributes excessive usage to individual factors. Therefore, drawing on the stimulus-organism-response paradigm, this study designated the platform factor of short-form video services as an environmental stimulus and developed a research model to investigate how features influence users’ negative responses and subsequent coping behaviors. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study discovered that the infinite scrolling feature inherent in the short video services contributes to a perceived loss of self-control among users. This can result in users’ feelings of regret and diminished cognitive engagement and compel them to curtail their time using the video service. The significance of this study is manifold. The study is the first to explore the emerging behavior of “binge-scrolling” comprehensively by employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Additionally, it underscores the mediating role of “loss of self-control” between service features and users’ negative internal state by extending the stimulus-organism-response model. Furthermore, this study illuminates a paradoxical effect wherein features initially designed to enhance user engagement, such as infinite scroll, may inadvertentely result in decreased usage time. This calls for the necessity of reassessing service feature with a focus on user experience and advocates for the incorporation of platform factors into policies and regulations governing online services. Thereby, this study offers valuable insights for platform developers, policy makers, users, and researchers, ultimately aiming to enhance user well-being in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital media consumption.

Factors Impacting the Use of Donation-Based Crowdfunding Platforms in Saudi Arabia: The Case of Ehsan Platform

This research investigates the factors influencing people's intentions to use donation-based crowdfunding platforms in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the Ehsan platform supervised by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). Ehsan aims to ensure proper monetary distribution to genuinely needy individuals, thereby reducing financial fraud and corruption. For the platform's success, it is essential that citizens effectively utilize it. Employing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the study analyzes the determinants that influence intentions to use Ehsan and actual use behaviors. An empirical study was conducted with 224 Saudi citizens from various age groups, and the research model was validated using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) approach. Findings reveal that performance expectancy and facilitating conditions significantly impact intentions to use Ehsan, while effort expectancy and social influence do not. The results indicate a positive association between participants' intentions to use Ehsan and their actual usage. This study enhances the understanding of factors affecting donation-based crowdfunding platforms in Saudi Arabia and offers practical insights for platform developers and decision-makers to consider in their design and modifications.

Chemotherapeutic Drug Delivery Nanoplatform Development: From Physicochemical to Preclinical Evaluation.

Through this study, the synergistic behavior of small-molecular-weight, amphiphilic surfactant molecules and the triblock copolymer Pluronic 188 was extensively evaluated based on their ability to formulate nanocarriers with novel properties for the delivery of class II and IV (biopharmaceutical classification system) chemotherapeutic compounds. The combination of four different surfactants at multiple weight ratios and twelve initially formulated nanosystems resulted in four hybrid delivery platforms, which were further studied in terms of multiple physicochemical characteristics, as well as their stability in protein-rich media (fetal bovine serum/phosphate-buffer saline). Finally, we obtained a single final nanoformulation that exhibited a high loading capacity (%EE ≥ 75%) and a sustained drug release profile under physiological conditions (model drug methotrexate), without altering the original physicochemical characteristics of the carrier. With a mean hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of less than 70 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.219, and no protein complexation, the system is a suitable candidate for in vivo, intravenous, and/or intramuscular administration. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of both loaded and unloaded carriers were evaluated through the examination of the upregulation or downregulation of apoptosis-related pathways. Multiple conventional 2D and 3D spheroidal conformations were used for these assessments, including HEK293, HCT-116, and MCF-7 cell lines, the results of which stressed the safety and biocompatibility of the empty nanocarrier. Additionally, experiments on Caenorhabditis elegans were conducted to evaluate the system's in vivo toxicity, focusing on developmental stages, egg-laying behavior, and locomotion. Nanosystems studied in terms of chemotherapeutic encapsulation have mostly focused on the physiochemical aspect of the development of such novel delivery platforms, with only few exceptions proceeding step-by-step from cellular 2D to 3D to in vivo experimentation. The present study offers a holistic view of the behavior of such a novel system, advancing our understanding of the capabilities of polymeric/surfactant-based nanodelivery platforms.

Advancing Organizational Effectiveness Through Strategic Workforce Planning and Technology Integration

Abstract: This comprehensive examination delves into the pivotal roles of strategic workforce planning and technological advancements in bolstering organizational effectiveness. Spanning various critical dimensions such as human resource demand forecasting, strategic recruitment and selection, employee training and development, diversity and inclusivity, and the integration of technology in HR practices, the paper articulates a multi-faceted approach to optimizing workforce capabilities. By leveraging predictive analytics, organizations can forecast future employment needs, while AI-enhanced recruitment processes streamline candidate selection, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The deployment of advanced training methodologies, coupled with a focus on creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, not only enriches organizational culture but also drives innovation and improves overall performance. The paper further explores the strategic use of HR analytics, AI in recruitment, and digital platforms in employee development and engagement, highlighting their significance in adapting to the evolving work landscape. Through an in-depth analysis, it becomes evident that the integration of strategic HR planning and cutting-edge technologies is not merely an option but a necessity for organizations aiming to thrive in the competitive global market.

Single-cell chemoproteomics identifies metastatic activity signatures in breast cancer.

Protein activity state, rather than protein or mRNA abundance, is a biologically regulated and relevant input to many processes in signaling, differentiation, development, and diseases such as cancer. While there are numerous methods to detect and quantify mRNA and protein abundance in biological samples, there are no general approaches to detect and quantify endogenous protein activity with single-cell resolution. Here, we report the development of a chemoproteomic platform, single-cell activity-dependent proximity ligation, which uses automated, microfluidics-based single-cell capture and nanoliter volume manipulations to convert the interactions of family-wide chemical activity probes with native protein targets into multiplexed, amplifiable oligonucleotide barcodes. We demonstrate accurate, reproducible, and multiplexed quantitation of a six-enzyme (Ag-6) panel with known ties to cancer cell aggressiveness directly in single cells. We further identified increased Ag-6 enzyme activity across breast cancer cell lines of increasing metastatic potential, as well as in primary patient-derived tumor cells and organoids from patients with breast cancer.

The ninth art, tells the story of cultural China and the world: Cultural interaction in cross-cultural video game communication-based on 'Genshin Impact' YouTube comments.

China has attached increasing importance to the overseas dissemination of traditional culture as it continues to strengthen its comprehensive national strength and develop globalization initiatives. The electronic game, as the 'ninth art', with its booming development and inherent cross-cultural communication platform attributes, has taken on the important task of taking culture abroad. This study selects 'Genshin Impact', a game highly praised and well-received globally, which contains an abundance of Chinese cultural elements and cultural elements from various regions of the world, to study cultural interaction in cross-cultural communication of electronic games. This study conducts text sentiment analysis and semantic network analysis on the comments of 'Genshin Impact' videos on the overseas video platform YouTube and studies the cultural interaction in the cross-cultural communication of the 'ninth art', telling the cultural stories of China and the world from a multicultural perspective. The study found that games and derivative videos triggered positive emotional responses from audiences both at home and abroad. While experiencing pleasure and surprise, audiences also arouse deeper emotions such as admiration, identification, and expectation. Meanwhile, in the complex art form of the 'ninth art', audiences can absorb the cultural elements of different cultures, resonate with the elements of their cultural circle, and even trigger further profound thinking. Finally, this study provides constructive suggestions on using the 'ninth art' to better 'tell China's stories and disseminate China's voice'.

Feasibility of Low-Code Development Platforms in Precision Agriculture: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Low-Code Development Platforms (LCDPs) empower users to create and deploy custom software with little to no programming. These platforms streamline development, offering benefits like faster time-to-market, reduced technical barriers, and broader participation in software creation, even for those without traditional coding skills. This study explores the application of LCDPs in Precision Agriculture (PA) through a systematic literature review (SLR). By analyzing the general characteristics and challenges of LCDPs, alongside insights from existing PA research, we assess their feasibility and potential impact in agricultural contexts. Our findings suggest that LCDPs can enable farmers and agricultural professionals to create tailored applications for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and automation, enhancing farming efficiency. However, challenges such as scalability, extensibility, data security, and integration with complex IoT systems must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of LCDPs in PA. This study contributes to the growing knowledge base in agricultural technology, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers looking to leverage LCDPs for sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Development of graphene oxide-based biosensing platforms for label-free bioelectronic detection of pathogenic microorganisms.

A novel electrochemical nanogenosensor devoted to clinical analysis is reported for label-free detection of pathogenic microorganisms in the present work. The designed biosensor is composed of graphene oxide-modified disposable pencil graphite electrodes as a sensing platform. Escherichia coli is used as a model case. A 5'-aminohexyl-linked 22-base sequence probe representing the E. coli amplicon is immobilized onto sensor surfaces via carbodiimide chemistry. Hybridization is performed with denatured PCR amplicons of the bacteria. Detection is realized by transduction with the electrochemical impedance spectrometry technique. The selectivity of the designed genosensor is measured using Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Klebsiella pneumoniae sequences. Outstanding sensitivity is achieved with this genosensor array platform with a detection limit of 102 nM. This platform offers promise for rapid, simple, and cost-effective detection of various pathogenic microorganisms.

Research Buddy—From a Framework for Overcoming Language Barriers to the Development of a Qualitative Citizen Science Platform

Abstract Students benefit from international study programmes in fields such as HCI. However, user-centred research in a foreign country has some challenges, especially language hurdles when going into the field and conducting ethnographic and participatory studies. A particular obstacle is added when targeting groups that do not speak English, such as in Germany, where English was not taught in schools until the 1970s. The task and challenge of the present project, ‘Research Buddy’, is to bring together young international students and older people as co-researchers in Germany. We describe the participatory development of the concept of a matching platform and its design. In focus groups with older people, university faculty and students, requirements for a collaborative research infrastructure were jointly identified and prototypically implemented. The empirical results focus on the possibilities the platform offers for qualitative citizen science in the field of age tech.

Soft wearable electronics for evaluation of biological tissue mechanics

Flexible wearable devices designed to evaluate the biomechanical properties of deep tissues not only facilitate continuous and effective monitoring in basic performance but also exhibit significant potential in broader disease assessments. Recent advancements are highlighted in the structural and principled design of platforms capable of capturing various biomechanical signals. These advancements have led to enhanced testing capabilities concerning spatial scales and resolution modes at different depths. This review discusses the engineering of soft wearable devices for the biomechanical evaluation of deep tissue signals. It encompasses different measurement modes, device design and fabrication methods, integrated circuit (IC) integration schemes, and the characteristics of measurement depth and accuracy. The core discussion focuses on platform development, targeting different monitoring sites and platform structure design, ranging from linear strain gauges and conformal stretchable sensors to complex three-dimensional (3D) circuit-integrated stretchable arrays. We further explore various technologies associated with different measurement mechanisms and engineering designs, as well as the penetration depth and spatial resolution of these wearable sensors. The practical applications of these technologies are evident in the monitoring of deep tissue signals and changes in tissue characteristics. The results suggest that wearable biomechanical sensing systems hold substantial promise for applications in healthcare and research.

Relationship Marketing and Customer Loyalty among Deposit-Taking SACCOS in Western Kenya

Deposit-taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) in Kenya have faced significant challenges due to intense competition and declining customer numbers, which underscores the need for further investigation into relationship marketing strategies. A key research gap is the role of digital platforms in moderating the effectiveness of these strategies and their impact on customer loyalty. This study aimed to evaluate how digital platforms influence the relationship between relationship marketing (RM) and customer loyalty among SACCOs in Western Kenya. Using Relationship Commitment, Social Exchange, and Commitment Trust theories, the research focused on 23 SACCOs with 37,137 customers and surveyed 396 respondents, including prior pilot study. Descriptive and correlational research designs were used, with data collected via self-administered questionnaires and systematic sampling. Analysis with SPSS assessed validity and reliability, employing descriptive statistics and inferential methods such as Pearson’s Correlation, Simple Linear Regression, and Hierarchical Regression Analysis. Assumption tests confirmed that the research data met normality, linearity, homoscedasticity, and multicollinearity criteria, with a response rate of 87.63% and significant correlations (p<0.05) among variables. Digital Platforms were found to contribute significant moderating role on the link between Relationship Management and Customer Loyalty (p<0.05), emphasizing features like interactivity, personalization, and trustworthiness. The results suggest that in order to enhance customer experience, SACCOs should allocate resources towards the development of user-friendly digital platforms, utilize data analytics in targeted marketing efforts, so as to enhance engagement with the community via online channels. Moreover, it is crucial for SACCOs to prioritize personalized service, establish trust, and strive for continuous improvement, while taking into account regulatory revisions, in order to maximize the effectiveness of digital platforms within the financial sector.

Leveraging Xenobiotic-Responsive Cancer Stemness in Cell Line-Based Tumoroids for Evaluating Chemoresistance: A Proof-of-Concept Study on Environmental Susceptibility.

Emerging evidence suggests that cancer stemness plays a crucial role in tumor progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Upon exposure to internal or external stress, ribosomes stand sentinel and facilitate diverse biological processes, including oncological responses. In the present study, ribosome-inactivating stress (RIS) was evaluated for its modulation of cancer cell stemness as a pivotal factor of tumor cell reprogramming. Based on the concept of stress-responsive cancer cell stemness, we addressed human intestinal cancer cell line-based off-the-shelf spheroid cultures. Intestinal cancer cell line-based spheroids exhibited heightened levels of CD44+CD133+ cancer stemness, which was improved by chemical-induced RIS. Further evaluations revealed the potential of these stress-imprinted spheroids as a platform for chemoresistance screening. Compared to adherent cells, stemness-improved spheroid cultures displayed reduced apoptosis in response to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a frontline chemotherapeutic agent against colorectal cancer. Moreover, serial subcultures with repeated RIS exposure maintained and even enhanced cancer stemness and chemoresistance patterns. In particular, isolated CD44+CD133+ cancer stem cells exhibited higher chemoresistance compared to unsorted cells. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying RIS-induced stemness, RNA-seq analysis identified Wnt signaling pathways and stemness-associated signals as notable features in spheroids exposed to RIS. Loss-of-function studies targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a negative regulator of Wnt signaling, revealed that CTGF-deficient spheroids exhibited improved cancer stemness and resistance to 5-FU, with RIS further enhancing these effects. In conclusion, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging stress-responsive cancer stemness for the development of spheroid-based platforms for chemoresistance evaluation and elucidation of pathophysiological processes of colorectal tumorigenesis under environmental stress.

FoCa – Free of Carbon Architecture –an educational and informational online platform supporting the decarbonization of the construction sector in Poland and Turkey

Wrocław University of Science and Technology, in consortium with the Polish Association of Ecological Buildings (PLGBC), the Institute of Building Technology (ITB) and research and scientific units from Turkey, started the international project FoCA – Free of Carbon Architecture. Its aim is to create a publicly available tool – an interactive internet platform providing information on the environmental properties of construction materials and products available in Poland and Turkey. The platform allows users to compare and evaluate the environmental impact of selected building materials. As part of the platform's development, information is collected about building materials or products available on local markets, in the form of data describing their selected environmental impacts (GWPfossil, GWPbiogenic, GWPtotal, TRPE, TNRPE, WD). The platform allows to compare building materials and perform analyzes for conceptual building designs. In addition, producers of building materials can also benefit from the project because they will receive information about the environmental properties of some of their products. The platform will be available in the second half of 2024.

Small-Sample Data Pricing Based on Data Augmentation and Meta-Learning

Data trading platforms play a crucial role in facilitating data circulation and promoting the sustainable allocation of data resources. Establishing a transparent, fair, and efficient pricing mechanism is key to ensuring the long-term stability and development of such platforms. However, these platforms face challenges in pricing due to the small sample problem, as traditional machine learning methods typically rely on large amounts of data. To address this issue, this paper proposes a data resource pricing model that combines WGAN-GP data augmentation and the Reptile algorithm. Data augmentation generates related datasets to increase sample size, enhancing the renewability of data resources, while meta-learning transfers knowledge across tasks, improving the model’s ability to quickly adapt to new tasks and efficiently utilize resources. Validation using actual trading data from the data trading platform shows that the proposed model accurately predicts data resource prices under small-sample conditions, outperforming other models. This study addresses the limitations of existing pricing methods in small-sample scenarios, providing a sustainable pricing solution for small-sample data resources and improving the accuracy and long-term stability of data pricing in the market.

Single cell transcriptional analysis of human adenoids identifies molecular features of airway microfold cells.

The nasal, oropharyngeal, and bronchial mucosa are primary contact points for airborne pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), SARS-CoV-2, and influenza virus. While mucosal surfaces can function as both entry points and barriers to infection, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT) facilitate early immune responses to mucosal antigens. MALT contains a variety of specialized epithelial cells, including a rare cell type called a microfold cell (M cell) that functions to transport apical antigens to basolateral antigen-presenting cells, a crucial step in the initiation of mucosal immunity. M cells have been extensively characterized in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in murine and human models. However, the precise development and functions of human airway M cells is unknown. Here, using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), we generated an atlas of cells from the human adenoid and identified 16 unique cell types representing basal, club, hillock, and hematopoietic lineages, defined their developmental trajectories, and determined cell-cell relationships. Using trajectory analysis, we found that human airway M cells develop from progenitor club cells and express a gene signature distinct from intestinal M cells. Surprisingly, we also identified a heretofore unknown epithelial cell type demonstrating a robust interferon-stimulated gene signature. Our analysis of human adenoid cells enhances our understanding of mucosal immune responses and the role of M cells in airway immunity. This work also provides a resource for understanding early interactions of pathogens with airway mucosa and a platform for development of mucosal vaccines.

Does job gamification perception promote the job involvement of gig workers? The role of cognitive assessment and overwork—evidence from Chinese delivery platforms

PurposeThis paper takes the gig workers in Chinese delivery platform as the research object and adopts a questionnaire survey to explore the complex influence of job gamification perception on the job involvement of gig workers, via the mediating role of cognitive assessment and moderating role of overwork, in order to provide research and data support for the development of platform gamification.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted a three-wave online questionnaire survey to obtain 300 final samples from Chinese delivery platforms. Hypotheses were tested hierarchical regression and bootstrap methods.FindingsDrawing on cognitive appraisal theory, we observed an inverted U-shaped relationship of gig workers between job gamification perception and job involvement. The mediating role of cognitive assessment and moderating role of overwork were also considered. Both challenge and threat assessment mediate the relationship between job gamification perception and job involvement. Direct effect of job gamification perception on job involvement and indirect effect of job gamification perception on cognitive assessment are moderated by overwork.Originality/valueIn the past, the research on job gamification mostly focused on the traditional forms of employment, but this study focuses on the new forms of employment and from the perspective of individual self-perception, explores the influence of job gamification perception on the job involvement of gig workers in Chinese delivery platform and investigated the dialectical role of job gamification perception. The findings enrich the literature and theoretical research on job gamification perception and job involvement and provide new references and perspectives for management practice.

Melt Polycondensation Strategy to Access Unexplored l-Amino Acid and Sugar Copolymers.

Biodegradable polymers from bioresources are highly in demand for the development of sustainable polymer platforms for commodity plastics and in the biomedical field. Here, an elegant one-pot synthetic strategy is developed, for the first time, to access unexplored hybrid polymers from two naturally abundant resources: carbohydrates (sugars) and l-amino acids. A bottleneck in the synthetic strategy is overcome by tailor-making d-mannitol-based six- and five-membered bicyclic acetalized diols, and their structures are confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and 2D NMR spectroscopy. l-Amino acids are converted into ester-urethane functional monomers, and they are polymerized with sugar-diols under solvent-free melt polycondensation to yield biodegradable poly(ester-urethane)s. Acid-catalyzed deprotection yielded amphiphilic polymers having exclusively alternating residues of sugar and l-amino acid in the polymer backbone. The polymer is self-assembled into 200 ± 10 nm sized nanoparticles that can encapsulate fluorescent dyes, are nontoxic to cells up to 250 μg/mL, and are readily endocytosed for lysosomal enzymatic biodegradation at the cellular level.