Potential Contribution Research Articles

Eukaryotes may play an important ecological role in the gut microbiome of Graves' disease.

The prevalence of autoimmune diseases worldwide has risen rapidly over the past few decades. Increasing evidence has linked gut dysbiosis to the onset of various autoimmune diseases. Thanks to the significant advancements in high-throughput sequencing technology, the number of gut microbiome studies has increased. However, they have primarily focused on bacteria, so our understanding of the role and significance of eukaryotic microbes in the human gut microbial ecosystem remains quite limited. Here, we selected Graves' disease (GD) as an autoimmune disease model and investigated the gut multi-kingdom (bacteria, fungi, and protists) microbial communities from the health control, diseased, and medication-treated recovered patients. The results showed that physiological changes in GD increased homogenizing dispersal processes for bacterial community assembly and increased homogeneous selection processes for eukaryotic community assembly. The recovered patients vs. healthy controls had similar bacterial and protistan, but not fungal, community assembly processes. Additionally, eukaryotes (fungi and protists) may play a more significant role in gut ecosystem functions than bacteria. Overall, this study gives brief insights into the potential contributions of eukaryotes to gut and immune homeostasis in humans and their potential influence in relation to therapeutic interventions.

Concept mapping and conceptual change texts: a constructivist approach to address the misconceptions in nanoscale science and technology

Nanoscale Science and Technology (NST) is a rapidly evolving field with profound implications for various industries and our everyday lives. However, misconceptions among learners can hinder their ability to grasp the fundamental concepts of NST, thereby impeding their potential contributions to this advancing domain. Concept maps (CM) and conceptual change texts (CCT) are graphical and written representations of knowledge that enable learners to visualize relationships between concepts and assess the coherence of their understanding. In this pursuit, we engage with the concept of rehabilitation for misconceptions, viewing the learning process as a transformative journey akin to cognitive rehabilitation. Through this CM-CCT constructivist approach, learners are encouraged to engage in critical reflection, self-questioning, and peer discussions, which facilitate the identification of misconceptions. Moreover, CM-CCT provide a structured framework for presenting accurate information about NST, offering a clear depiction of the hierarchical and interconnected nature of nanoscale phenomena. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CM-CCT in correcting the misconceptions of undergraduate university students regarding nanotechnology and the taxonomy of nonmaterial. Prior to the implementation of the CM-CCT, an assessment of pre-existing knowledge of the students was performed through the structure of the observed learning outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy. A quasi-experimental research design was carried out. A total of 70 undergraduate university students, divided into two intact groups, were cross-examined for the study. Further, before and after the instructional tools, an achievement test based on nanotechnology and classification of nonmaterial was conducted, covering all six cognitive domains of the Bloom taxonomy of educational objectives. Data analysis revealed that the instructional tools based on constructivist approach had a statistically significant impact on students for elimination of their misconceptions about nanotechnology, nano science and classification of nonmaterial.

Competing risk multistate censored data modeling by propensity score matching method

The potential contribution of the paper is the use of the propensity score matching method for updating censored observations within the context of multi-state model featuring two competing risks.The competing risks are modelled using cause-specific Cox proportional hazard model.The simulation findings demonstrate that updating censored observations tends to lead to reduced bias and mean squared error for all estimated parameters in the risk of cause-specific Cox model.The results for a chemoradiotherapy real dataset are consistent with the simulation results.

The Geochemical Characteristics of Trace Elements in the Magnetite and Fe Isotope Geochemistry of the Makeng Iron Deposit in Southwest Fujian and Their Significance in Ore Genesis

The Makeng iron deposit in southwest Fujian is a significant iron polymetallic deposit containing various types of iron ore, including garnet magnetite, diopside magnetite, and quartz magnetite. The metallogenetic type of the deposit has been a subject of debate, particularly in relation to the genesis of magnetite and the source of iron. In situ microanalysis of trace elements in magnetite from different ores shows relatively low levels of V, Ti, Cu, and Zn, with higher concentrations of Ca and Si, indicating the characteristics of a skarn type deposit. The δ57Fe values of the magnetite range from −0.091‰ to 0.317‰. Combining these data, whole-rock iron isotope analyses, including Juzhou and Dayang granites, diabase, and the Lower Carboniferous Lindi Formation sandstone, suggest that Fe in the magnetite primarily originates from granitic pluton, with potential contributions from diabase and the Lower Carboniferous Lindi Formation sandstone. Combined with field work, these results indicate that Makeng iron deposit is a skarn-type magnetite deposit associated with Yanshanian granitic intrusions. Therefore, the initial ore-forming fluid is postulated to be a high-temperature magmatic hydrothermal fluid with high oxygen fugacity. This fluid infiltrates spaces such as interlayer fracture zones between the Upper Carboniferous Jingshe Formation–Middle Permian Qixia Formation carbonate rocks and the Lower Carboniferous Lindi Formation sandstone, resulting in diverse magnetite ores due to metasomatism. The mineralization process of the Makeng iron deposit is basically the same, as it is composed of typical skarn deposits. Magnetite was mainly formed during calcic skarn formation stage, and this process persisted until the initial phase of the retrograde alteration of skarns. In contrast, sulfide minerals, including molybdenite, sphalerite, and galena, precipitated during the quartz–sulfide stage.

Arendt’s conception of love and anti-fascist education

Recent scholarship on anti-fascist education has stressed the role of everyday manifestations of power and oppression as the locus of molecular or microfascism, a term coined by Deleuze and Guattari. While identifying the ways in which power structures operate at the quotidian level is undoubtedly an important educational task, this paper argues that an anti-fascist educational approach must also account for the ways in which such structures are connected to concrete political manifestations of fascism. To this end, it explores the potential contributions and challenges of an Arendtian conception of love in the context of anti-fascist education. Drawing on Arendt’s polemical interactions about love with Israeli scholar Gershom Scholem, this paper suggests that Arendt’s conception of love as belonging outside the realm of the political, and her rejection of a love for the nation and for collectivities in general, can serve as important pedagogical tools in uncovering and critiquing specific affective appeals characteristic of fascist and neo-fascist rhetoric. While in Arendt’s own work love is not explicitly associated with an analysis of fascism, her thinking about love brings us back to questions about the very meaning of politics, questions that are foundational to any meaningful attempt to establish an anti-fascist pedagogy.[AQ]

The Association of Childhood Parental Connection With Adult Flourishing and Depressive Symptoms.

To determine whether a common measure of childhood emotional neglect, scored instead as a continuous measure of increasing parental connection, is associated with adult flourishing and depressive symptoms, and to compare the magnitude of these 2 associations. We pooled cross-sectional survey data from the Midlife in the United States study, collected from 2 national cohorts (2004-2006 and 2011-2014) of English-speaking, US adults, aged 25 to 74 years. Using the 5-item emotional neglect subscale of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, a score of increasing childhood parental connection was created by not reverse-scoring responses. The adult outcomes were standardized scores of flourishing, from Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale, and depressive symptoms, from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Data were available for 2079 of 2118 participants (98.2%). The mean (SD) age was 53.1 (12.6) years and 54.6% were female. After adjusting for covariates (age, gender, race and ethnicity, marital status, chronic disease, socioeconomic disadvantage), the adult flourishing score was 0.74 (95% confidence interval 0.63-0.86) SD units higher in those in the highest quartile of childhood parental connection compared with the lowest, whereas the depressive symptoms score was lower by a similar magnitude (-0.65 [95% confidence interval -0.77 to -0.54] SD units). When emotional neglect is reframed as parental connection, it has associations with adult flourishing and depressive symptoms that are of similar magnitude but opposite direction. Clinicians and researchers should consider the more positive and aspirational frame of parental connection and its potential contribution to life course flourishing.

River(s) Wear: Water in the Expanded Field

This article elaborates on an artist-in-residence project funded by the Leverhulme Trust in the Geography Department at Durham University in 2015–16. The project confronted artistic and scientific perspectives to investigate how people in the North-East of England perceive and value their river environments and to recognize potential contributions to catchment management. The project identified a variety of disconnexions and hierarchies in the River Wear catchment and formulated artistic interventions for nonhuman audiences. This article reflects on water holistically and explores transdisciplinary views to propose water in its expanded field. Water in the Expanded Field is plural, complex, and aims at decentering the human importance. It promotes water multiple perspectives, including the more-than-human world and acknowledging water’s ontological importance, developed by the speculative artistic practice of producing works of art for nonhuman audiences and then transposed to water debates. The article converges distinct evidence pointing to the importance of composting existing knowledge and dualistic reasoning to promote pluriversal ontologies of water.

Beetroot juice supplementation and exercise performance: is there more to the story than just nitrate?

This mini-review summarizes the comparative effects of different sources of dietary nitrate (NO3-), beetroot juice (BRJ) and nitrate salts (NIT), on physiological function and exercise capacity. Our objectives were to determine whether BRJ is superior to NIT in enhancing exercise-related outcomes, and to explore the potential contribution of other putatively beneficial compounds in BRJ beyond NO3-. We conducted a comparative analysis of recent studies focused on the impact of BRJ versus NIT on submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2), endurance performance, adaptations to training, and recovery from muscle-damaging exercise. While both NO3- sources provide benefits, there is some evidence that BRJ may offer additional advantages, specifically in reducing VO2 during high-intensity exercise, magnifying performance improvements with training, and improving recovery post-exercise. These reported differences could be due to the hypothesized antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory properties of BRJ resulting from the rich spectrum of phytonutrients it contains. However, significant limitations to published studies directly comparing BRJ and NIT make it quite challenging to draw any firm conclusions. We provide recommendations to help guide further research into the important question of whether there is more to the story of BRJ than just NO3-.

Strengthening Internet of Things Security: Surveying Physical Unclonable Functions for Authentication, Communication Protocols, Challenges, and Applications

The spectrum of Internet of Things (IoT) applications is vast. It serves in various domains such as smart homes, intelligent buildings, health care, emergency response, and many more, reflecting the exponential market penetration of the IoT. Various security threats have been made to modern-day systems. Cyberattacks have seen a marked surge in frequency, particularly in recent times. The growing concern centers around the notable rise in cloning attacks, persisting as a significant and looming threat. In our work, an in-depth survey on the IoT that employs physically unclonable functions (PUFs) was conducted. The first contribution analyzes PUF-based authentication, communication protocols, and applications. It also tackles the eleven challenges faced by the research community, proposes solutions to these challenges, and highlights cloning attacks. The second contribution suggests the implementation of a framework model known as PUF3S-ML, specifically crafted for PUF authentication in the Internet of Things (IoT), incorporating innovative lightweight encryption techniques. It focuses on safeguarding smart IoT networks from cloning attacks. The key innovation framework comprises three stages of PUF authentication with IoT devices and an intelligent cybersecurity monitoring unit for IoT networks. In the methodology of this study, a survey relevant to the concerns was conducted. More data were provided previously regarding architecture, enabling technologies, and IoT challenges. After conducting an extensive survey of 125 papers, our analysis revealed 23 papers directly relevant to our domain. Furthermore, within this subset, we identified 11 studies specifically addressing the intersection of communication protocols with PUFs. These findings highlight the targeted relevance and potential contributions of the existing literature to our research focus.

Can higher education contribute to trust building in a fragmented reality? A Latin American perspective

PurposeThe article aims at exploring the challenges and possibilities of cooperation of higher education in a Latin American social, political and cultural context that faces historical difficulties of integration, as well as the potential contribution of academic cooperation for global citizenship.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a general overview of networks and international centers of academic cooperation of higher education in Latin America. The analysis comprises objectives, countries, stakeholders, activities, projects and scope. The study is based on literature on internationalization, regional integration and the development of higher education, as well as on empirical gathered with networks/centers and key actors in the field. This study was carried out as a mixed qualitative method design. Firstly, a systematic review of a literature corpus of studies produced by Latin-American scholars was performed. Semi-structured interviews were then carried out with a group of scholars who are members of networks.FindingsThe findings include a review of the role of higher education in a politically fragmented reality, a panorama of major networks and international centers of academic cooperation with emphasis on internationalization of higher education, as well as their connections. The are highlighted examples of successful initiatives of cooperation and, based on interviews, there is presented a preliminary view on cooperation and trust building from professionals in higher education in Latin America.Originality/valueIn the last decades, with the growing interest and need for internationalizing higher education, many universities have organized or joined networks and international centers. The article will contribute for mutual knowledge of these spaces, their shortcomings and potentials, thus creating conditions for dialogue among them, as well as with universities in other continents.

PLA-Sago Starch Implants: The Optimization of Injection Molding Parameter and Plasticizer Material Compositions

Previous research extensively characterized PLA blends for various biomedical applications, especially in polymer-based biodegradable implant fixations, offering advantages over metallic counterparts. Nevertheless, achieving an optimal PLA mixture with both mechanical resistance and fast biodegradability remains a challenge. Currently, literature still lacks insights into the manufacturing parameter impact on sago starch/PLA in combination with PEG plasticizer. The objective of this study is to assess variations in injection molding temperatures and sago/PLA/PEG weight compositions to identify the optimal combination enhancing miniplate mechanical properties and biodegradation behavior. Mechanical tests reveal that incorporating PEG into pure PLA yields high mechanical performance, correlating linearly with increasing injection temperature. However, the interaction once the three materials are mixed decreases mechanical performance across tested temperatures. Higher biodegradation rates are observed with a larger weight composition of the hydrophilic behavior attributed to sago starch presence. The observed novelty in PLA mixed with 20% sago starch and 10% PEG at 170 °C indicates a better performance in elastic modulus and elongation at break also the degradation rate, emphasizing the role of injection temperature in molding miniplate implants. In conclusion, the interplay of injection molding parameters and material compositions is crucial for optimizing PLA-based miniplate implants, with potential contributions to tissue implants rather than bone implants due to their mechanical limitation.

Real-World Data and Clinical Implications of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)-Based Analysis in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients.

Over the last two decades, the use of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in medical oncology has increased the likelihood of identifying druggable mutations that may be potentially susceptible to targeted treatments. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) currently does not recommend the use of the NGS test to determine the therapeutic course of patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in daily clinical practice. However, the aim of this work is to evaluate the potential contribution of the NGS test in selecting targeted therapies for patients with mBC. Data were retrospectively collected from 101 patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and treated at the Modena Cancer Center between January 2015 and April 2022. A NGS test was performed on the tumor tissue of each patient at the Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of the University Hospital of Modena. This study analyzed the clinical-pathological characteristics and mutational profile of the population using NGS tests, with a focus on actionable mutations that could be targeted in advanced stages of clinical development. The indicator of this study was to quantify the actionable mutations that resulted in a change of cancer treatment. In total, 101 patients with metastatic breast cancer were analyzed, including 86 with luminal phenotype, 10 who were HER2-positive and 5 who were triple-negative. Median age was 52 years. NGS analysis was conducted on 47 samples of primary breast cancer, 52 on metastatic sites of disease and 2 on liquid biopsies. A total of 85 gene mutations were found. The most common mutations were identified in the PIK3CA (47%), FGFR (19%) and ERBB2 genes (12%), and to a lesser extent in other genes. Of the 61 patients with pathogenic mutations, 46 (75%) had at least one actionable mutation. Of these, nine received treatment with a molecular target drug: eight patients with a mutation of the PIK3CA gene were treated with alpelisib and fulvestrant; one patient with FGFR1/2 amplifications received TAS120. Median PFS for these patients was 3.8 months. The study results show that using the NGS test on cancer tissue of metastatic breast cancer could influence the therapeutic choices, considering the small sample size and limited follow-up. About 9% of the study population had their therapy modified based on the results of NGS. The growing number of detectable mutations and increased accessibility of the test may lead to a greater number of potential therapeutic implications for the NGS assay. Perspectives suggest that NGS analysis can be implemented in daily clinical practice, particularly in contexts where a Molecular Tumor Board (MTB) is active.

Long-read sequencing reveals the structural complexity of genomic integration of HPV DNA in cervical cancer cell lines

BackgroundCervical cancer (CC) causes more than 311,000 deaths annually worldwide. The integration of human papillomavirus (HPV) is a crucial genetic event that contributes to cervical carcinogenesis. Despite HPV DNA integration is known to disrupt the genomic architecture of both the host and viral genomes in CC, the complexity of this process remains largely unexplored.ResultsIn this study, we conducted whole-genome sequencing (WGS) at 55-65X coverage utilizing the PacBio long-read sequencing platform in SiHa and HeLa cells, followed by comprehensive analyses of the sequence data to elucidate the complexity of HPV integration. Firstly, our results demonstrated that PacBio long-read sequencing effectively identifies HPV integration breakpoints with comparable accuracy to targeted-capture Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. Secondly, we constructed detailed models of complex integrated genome structures that included both the HPV genome and nearby regions of the human genome by utilizing PacBio long-read WGS. Thirdly, our sequencing results revealed the occurrence of a wide variety of genome-wide structural variations (SVs) in SiHa and HeLa cells. Additionally, our analysis further revealed a potential correlation between changes in gene expression levels and SVs on chromosome 13 in the genome of SiHa cells.ConclusionsUsing PacBio long-read sequencing, we have successfully constructed complex models illustrating HPV integrated genome structures in SiHa and HeLa cells. This accomplishment serves as a compelling demonstration of the valuable capabilities of long-read sequencing in detecting and characterizing HPV genomic integration structures within human cells. Furthermore, these findings offer critical insights into the complex process of HPV16 and HPV18 integration and their potential contribution to the development of cervical cancer.

Screening for Rare Mitochondrial Genome Variants Reveals a Potentially Novel Association between MT-CO1 and MT-TL2 Genes and Diabetes Phenotype.

Variations in several nuclear genes predisposing humans to the development of MODY diabetes have been very well characterized by modern genetic diagnostics. However, recent reports indicate that variants in the mtDNA genome may also be associated with the diabetic phenotype. As relatively little research has addressed the entire mitochondrial genome in this regard, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the genetic variations present in mtDNA among individuals susceptible to MODY diabetes. In total, 193 patients with a MODY phenotype were tested with a custom panel with mtDNA enrichment. Heteroplasmic variants were selected for further analysis via further sequencing based on long-range PCR to evaluate the potential contribution of frequent NUMTs (acronym for nuclear mitochondrial DNA) insertions. Twelve extremely rare variants with a potential damaging character were selected, three of which were likely to be the result of NUMTs from the nuclear genome. The variant m.3243A>G in MT-TL1 was responsible for 3.5% of MODY cases in our study group. In addition, a novel, rare, and possibly pathogenic leucine variant m.12278T>C was found in MT-TL2. Our findings also found the MT-CO1 gene to be over-represented in the study group, with a clear phenotype-genotype correlation observed in one family. Our data suggest that heteroplasmic variants in MT-COI and MT-TL2 genes may play a role in the pathophysiology of glucose metabolism in humans.

Skin Cancer Detection and Classification Using Neural Network Algorithms: A Systematic Review.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of computer-assisted technology for early detection of skin cancer through the analysis of dermatoscopic images. However, the accuracy illustrated behind the state-of-the-art approaches depends on several factors, such as the quality of the images and the interpretation of the results by medical experts. This systematic review aims to critically assess the efficacy and challenges of this research field in order to explain the usability and limitations and highlight potential future lines of work for the scientific and clinical community. In this study, the analysis was carried out over 45 contemporary studies extracted from databases such as Web of Science and Scopus. Several computer vision techniques related to image and video processing for early skin cancer diagnosis were identified. In this context, the focus behind the process included the algorithms employed, result accuracy, and validation metrics. Thus, the results yielded significant advancements in cancer detection using deep learning and machine learning algorithms. Lastly, this review establishes a foundation for future research, highlighting potential contributions and opportunities to improve the effectiveness of skin cancer detection through machine learning.

Synaptic dysfunction and extracellular matrix dysregulation in dopaminergic neurons from sporadic and E326K-GBA1 Parkinson's disease patients.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with both genetic and sporadic origins. In this study, we investigated the electrophysiological properties, synaptic activity, and gene expression differences in dopaminergic (DA) neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of healthy controls, sporadic PD (sPD) patients, and PD patients with E326K-GBA1 mutations. Our results demonstrate reduced sodium currents and synaptic activity in DA neurons derived from PD patients with E326K-GBA1 mutations, suggesting a potential contribution to PD pathophysiology. We also observed distinct electrophysiological alterations in sPD DA neurons, which included a decrease in synaptic currents. RNA sequencing analysis revealed unique dysregulated pathways in sPD neurons and E326K-GBA1 neurons, further supporting the notion that molecular mechanisms driving PD may differ between PD patients. In agreement with our previous reports, Extracellular matrix and Focal adhesion pathways were among the top dysregulated pathways in DA neurons from sPD patients and from patients with E326K-GBA1 mutations. Overall, our study further confirms that impaired synaptic activity is a convergent functional phenotype in DA neurons derived from PD patients across multiple genetic mutations as well as sPD. At the transcriptome level, we find that the brain extracellular matrix is highly involved in PD pathology across multiple PD-associated mutations as well as sPD.

Characteristics and Source Apportionment of Volatile Organic Compounds in an Industrial Area at the Zhejiang–Shanghai Boundary, China

As “fuel” for atmospheric photochemical reactions, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a key role in the secondary generation of ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5, an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm). To determine the characteristics of VOCs in a high-level ozone period, comprehensive monitoring of O3 and its precursors (VOCs and NOx) was continuously conducted in an industrial area in Shanghai from 18 August to 30 September 2021. During the observation period, the average concentration of VOCs was 47.33 ppb, and alkanes (19.64 ppb) accounted for the highest proportion of TVOCs, followed by oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) (13.61 ppb), alkenes (6.92 ppb), aromatics (4.65 ppb), halogenated hydrocarbons (1.60 ppb), and alkynes (0.91 ppb). Alkenes were the predominant components that contributed to the ozone formation potential (OFP), while aromatics such as xylene, toluene, and ethylbenzene contributed the most to the secondary organic aerosol production potential (SOAFP). During the study period, O3, NOx, and VOCs showed significant diurnal variations. Industrial processes were the main source of VOCs, and the second largest source of VOCs was vehicle exhaust. While the largest contribution to OFP was from vehicle exhaust, the second largest contribution was from liquid petroleum gas (LPG). High potential source contribution function (PSCF) values were observed in western and southeastern areas near the sampling sites. The results of a health risk evaluation showed that the Hazard Index was less than 1 and there was no non-carcinogenic risk, but 1,3-butadiene, benzene, chloroform, 1,2-dibromoethane, and carbon tetrachloride pose a potential carcinogenic risk to the population.

DOCTRINE OF EPIDEMIOLOGY IN AYURVEDA

Epidemiology, the essential aspect of community medicine, is pivotal in understanding and controlling health-related states or events in populations. The Concept of Epidemiology and its principles in Ayurveda, apart from Janapadodwamsa, is a lesser-explored domain. Employing an advanced epidemiological model encompassing Time (Kala), Environment (Desha), Host (Purusha), and Causative factors (Nidanas), including Aharaja, Viharaja, Manaika, and Agantuja factors along with modes of transmission and factors influencing human health in Ayurveda, the analysis unravel the hidden doctrine of Epidemiology in Ayurveda. This study is a modest attempt to understand the epidemiological concepts mentioned in Ayurveda, shedding light on their potential contributions to contemporary public health understanding and programme planning.

A REVIEW OF AGILE METHODOLOGIES IN PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT: BRIDGING THEORY AND PRACTICE FOR ENHANCED DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

This study explores the intersection of agile methodologies and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), aiming to bridge theoretical insights with practical applications for an improved integration of digital technologies. Agile methodologies, originally developed for software development, have gained prominence for their adaptive and collaborative approach. This paper investigates their applicability and impact within the broader context of PLM, a strategic process encompassing the entire lifecycle of a product from conception to disposal. The integration of agile practices in PLM promises enhanced flexibility, faster response to changing requirements, and improved collaboration among cross-functional teams. The review encompasses a comprehensive examination of existing literature, synthesizing insights from both agile and PLM domains. The analysis delves into key principles of agile methodologies, such as iterative development, continuous feedback, and adaptive planning, and evaluates their potential contributions to various stages of the product lifecycle. Additionally, the paper scrutinizes real-world case studies and industry examples to illustrate successful implementations and identify challenges in adopting agile practices within PLM frameworks. Theoretical frameworks are explored to establish a foundation for the practical integration of agile methodologies, addressing potential conflicts and synergies. The review highlights the significance of aligning agile principles with PLM objectives to foster digital technology integration. The proposed synthesis of theory and practice aims to guide organizations in leveraging agile methodologies for optimizing their product development processes within the dynamic landscape of digital technology. This review contributes valuable insights to academia and industry professionals seeking a nuanced understanding of the synergy between agile methodologies and PLM for enhanced digital technology integration.
 Keywords: Project Management; Product Cycle; Agile Methodologies; Management; Resources; Review.

Report on new tree-ring-radiocarbon dates from Snaketown, Gila River Indian Community

Ceramic chronologies are crucial for archaeological dating, but in many areas very few tree-ring dates are available for the high-precision refinement of ceramic phases. This paper takes a step toward the objective evaluation of Hohokam ceramic chronologies with high-precision tree-ring-radiocarbon dates. Tree-ring sequences from pit structures spanning ca. 500 years at the site of Snaketown (Hohokam Pima National Monument), an important ball-court center in the Pre-Classic Hohokam interaction sphere, were dated with wiggle-match calibration. We compare the new absolute dates to probability distributions generated from ceramic assemblages and other information. The results indicate that Middle Gila phase designations based on pottery wares and house types overlap with the wiggle-matched dates, with good agreement observed in earlier phases. However, the highest density 50-year intervals of ceramic dates generated from floor assemblages thought to date to Middle Sacaton phases do not agree with the new independent dates. Our discussion explores explanations for instances of low agreement and points out the potential contributions of scaled-up wiggle-matching studies in the Hohokam region.