Rapid Cycle Research Articles

Drosophila as a Model for Human Disease: Insights into Rare and Ultra-Rare Diseases

Rare and ultra-rare diseases constitute a significant medical challenge due to their low prevalence and the limited understanding of their origin and underlying mechanisms. These disorders often exhibit phenotypic diversity and molecular complexity that represent a challenge to biomedical research. There are more than 6000 different rare diseases that affect nearly 300 million people worldwide. However, the prevalence of each rare disease is low, and in consequence, the biomedical resources dedicated to each rare disease are limited and insufficient to effectively achieve progress in the research. The use of animal models to investigate the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis has become an invaluable tool. Among the animal models commonly used in research, Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as an efficient and reliable experimental model for investigating a wide range of genetic disorders, and to develop therapeutic strategies for rare and ultra-rare diseases. It offers several advantages as a research model including short life cycle, ease of laboratory maintenance, rapid life cycle, and fully sequenced genome that make it highly suitable for studying genetic disorders. Additionally, there is a high degree of genetic conservation from Drosophila melanogaster to humans, which allows the extrapolation of findings at the molecular and cellular levels. Here, I examine the role of Drosophila melanogaster as a model for studying rare and ultra-rare diseases and highlight its significant contributions and potential to biomedical research. High-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, such as whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), are providing massive amounts of information on the genomic modifications present in rare diseases and common complex traits. The sequencing of exomes or genomes of individuals affected by rare diseases has enabled human geneticists to identify rare variants and identify potential loci associated with novel gene–disease relationships. Despite these advances, the average rare disease patient still experiences significant delay until receiving a diagnosis. Furthermore, the vast majority (95%) of patients with rare conditions lack effective treatment or a cure. This scenario is enhanced by frequent misdiagnoses leading to inadequate support. In consequence, there is an urgent need to develop model organisms to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases and to establish the genetic origin of these maladies. The aim of this review is to discuss the advantages and limitations of Drosophila melanogaster, hereafter referred as Drosophila, as an experimental model for biomedical research, and the applications to study human disease. The main question to address is whether Drosophila is a valid research model to study human disease, and in particular, rare and ultra-rare diseases.

Maggot kinase: A novel and cost-effective fibrinolytic enzyme from maggots

Maggot kinase, a novel fibrinolytic enzyme source, has been isolated from fly maggots and comprehensively characterized. Using CM-52 ion exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography, we obtained a highly purified and active form of the enzyme. In particular, the fibrinolytic activity of maggot kinase, evaluated using the fibrin plate method, was found to be 8.98 ± 0.08 × 105 U/mg, demonstrating significant efficacy. Further structural analysis using mass spectrometry revealed that maggot kinase consists of a primary sequence of 226 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 22.91 kDa. In vitro thrombolytic assays demonstrated the enzyme's remarkable ability to degrade the essential fibrinogen subunits (α, β, and γ), thereby facilitating clot lysis. Notably, our studies in a mouse model underscored the significant in vivo thrombolytic activity of maggot kinase, demonstrating its potential to inhibit thrombosis. The finding is particularly significant considering the widespread use of fly maggots in agriculture and animal husbandry due to their rapid growth cycle and minimal nutritional requirements. Our research highlights the untapped potential of fly maggots as a source for maggot kinase development for antithrombotic drug and functional food applications.

Influence of Stacking Sequence on the Mechanical Properties of Banana-Glass Fiber Hybrid Laminates for Automotive Shells

The development of composite materials using natural fibers has garnered significant global research interest. Banana fibers, due to their abundant availability and rapid growth cycle, present a promising option for composite material development. When combined with synthetic fibers to form hybrid composites, the resulting material may exhibit significantly improved properties, which is desirable for automotive body manufacturing. The hybrid properties of such composites, however, remain largely unexplored and require thorough evaluation. This study investigates the mechanical performance of hybrid laminated composites fabricated from banana and woven glass fibers bonded with epoxy resin. The composites were produced using non-crimp banana (B) fiber and woven glass (WG) fiber fabrics through the hand lay-up process with four distinct stacking sequences: [WG/B-0⁰/B-0⁰/WG], [WG/B-0⁰/B-45⁰/WG], [WG/B-0⁰/B-60⁰/WG], and [WG/B-0⁰/B-90⁰/WG]. Comprehensive mechanical testing, including tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests, along with environmental testing (water diffusion) was conducted in accordance with ASTM standards. Results indicated that the [WG/B-0⁰/B-0⁰/WG] configuration exhibited the highest tensile strength, while the [WG/B-0⁰/B-60⁰/WG] configuration achieved superior flexural strength. The [WG/B-0⁰/B-45⁰/WG] configuration demonstrated the highest impact strength and energy absorption. Rockwell hardness testing revealed that the average hardness numbers for all orientations were approximately 79, which is considered moderate for composite materials. Water absorption tests showed maximum water saturation in [WG/B-0⁰/B-90⁰/WG] of ∼5.5%, where the other laminates had water saturation between 4.5-4.9%. The microscopic analysis of the [WG/B-0⁰/B-45⁰/WG] laminate suggests fiber-matrix debonding and fiber pull-out as the major cause of failure under tensile and flexural loading. These findings suggest that the hybrid laminated composites, particularly the [WG/B-0⁰/B-0⁰/WG] and [WG/B-0⁰/B-45⁰/WG] configurations, exhibit mechanical properties suitable for automotive body applications.

Rapid cycle evaluation of a program to enhance the readiness and response to family violence in general practices.

The research evaluated an introductory‑level training program to improve the readiness of general practices in regional Victoria to identify and support victim-survivors of family and domestic violence (FDV). Mixed methods research was conducted in parallel with a co-design process to optimise the program over three iterations using a rapid-cycle evaluation approach, with data collected to assess early indicators of the program's effectiveness. Six practices participated in the trainingsessions. Post-training surveys demonstrated significant changes in their perceived readiness to respond to FDV, with five main themes emerging from the qualitative analysis, including navigating the multiple layers of complexity, providing victim-centred care, tailoring the program to the needs of practices, theprogram's influence on staff, andrecommendations. The research confirmed that the project achieved its aim of developing a training program that improved the readiness of general practices to identify and support victim-survivors.

NGT: Generative AI with Synthesizability Guarantees Discovers MC2R Inhibitors from a Tera-Scale Virtual Screen.

Commercially available, synthesis-on-demand virtual libraries contain upward of trillions of readily synthesizable compounds for drug discovery campaigns. These libraries are a critical resource for rapid cycles of in silico discovery, property optimization and in vitro validation. However, as these libraries continue to grow exponentially in size, traditional search strategies encounter significant limitations. Here we present NeuralGenThesis (NGT), an efficient reinforcement learning approach to generate compounds from ultralarge libraries that satisfy user-specified constraints. Our method first trains a generative model over a virtual library and subsequently trains a normalizing flow to learn a distribution over latent space that decodes constraint-satisfying compounds. NGT allows multiple constraints simultaneously without dictating how molecular properties are calculated. Using NGT, we generated potent and selective inhibitors for the melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) from a three trillion compound library. NGT offers a powerful and scalable solution for navigating ultralarge virtual libraries, accelerating drug discovery efforts.

The effect of autoclave cycles on the mechanical properties and surface roughness of NiTi archwires: ex-vivo study

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of the universal and rapid autoclave cycles on the mechanical properties and surface roughness of nickel-titanium archwires following clinical use.Material and methodsThirty-six NiTi archwires (0.016 × 0.022 inch) were equally divided into a control group (Group A) and 2 experimental groups (Group B & C). Wires in group A were tested in the “as-received” form. Wires in the two other groups were installed in patients mouth for 4 weeks, and then autoclaved using the rapid-cycle (Group B) or the universal-cycle (Group C). All wires were subjected to 3-point bending test to calculate the elastic limit, modulus of elasticity, spring-back, yield strength, resilience and toughness. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used for surface roughness qualitative and quantitative analysis.ResultsGroup B showed significantly higher values of elastic limit, modulus of elasticity, resilience, yield strength and toughness than the other two groups. No significant differences were detected between groups A and C (P > 0.05). Group B showed significantly lower average surface roughness than the other two groups, but no significant differences were detected between groups A and C (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe mechanical properties and surface roughness of clinically used NiTi wires were less affected by the universal-cycle than the rapid-cycle autoclaving. However, the difference between the effect of both autoclave cycles was diminutive.Clinical relevanceThe mechanical properties and surface roughness of the tested NiTi wires were not notably altered by clinical use and autoclaving.

High mitochondrial DNA content is a key determinant of stemness, proliferation, cell migration, and cancer metastasis in vivo

Here, we examined the potential role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in conveying aggressive phenotypes in cancer cells, using two widely-used breast cell lines as model systems (MCF7[ER+] and MDA-MB-231[ER-]). These human breast cancer cell lines were fractionated into mtDNA-high and mtDNA-low cell sub-populations by flow cytometry, using SYBR Gold as a vital probe to stain mitochondrial nucleoids in living cells. Enrichment of mtDNA-high and mtDNA-low cell sub-populations was independently validated, using a specific DNA-binding mAb probe (AC-30-10), and mitochondrial-based functional assays. As predicted, mtDNA-high MCF7 cells showed significant increases in mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and superoxide production, as well as increased mitochondrial respiration and ATP production. Moreover, mtDNA-high MCF7 cells demonstrated increases in stemness features, such as anchorage-independent growth and CD44 levels, as well as drug-resistance to Gemcitabine and Tamoxifen. Proliferation rates were also significantly increased, with a dramatic shift towards the S- and G2/M-phases of the cell cycle; this was indeed confirmed by RNA-Seq analysis. Complementary results were obtained with MDA-MB-231 cells. More specifically, mtDNA-high MDA-MB-231 cells showed increases in stemness features and ATP production, as well as rapid cell cycle progression. Moreover, mtDNA-high MDA-MB-231 cells also exhibited increases in both cell migration and invasion, suggesting a role for mtDNA in distant metastasis. To test this hypothesis more directly, a preclinical in vivo model was utilized. For this purpose, MDA-MB-231 tumour cell grafts were treated with an established mtDNA synthesis inhibitor, namely Alovudine (3’-deoxy-3’-fluorothymidine). As expected, drug-induced depletion of mtDNA led to a shift from mitochondrial to glycolytic metabolism. Interestingly, Alovudine very effectively reduced the formation of spontaneous metastases by nearly 70%, but minimally inhibited tumour growth by approximately 20%. Taken together, these data suggest that high mtDNA content is a key driver of stemness, proliferation, and migration, as well as cancer cell metastasis.

A narrative review of velocity-based training best practice: The importance of contraction intent vs. movement speed.

Explosive movements requiring high force and power outputs are integral to many sports, posing distinct challenges for the neuromuscular system. Traditional resistance training can improve muscle strength, power, endurance, and range of motion; however, evidence regarding its effects on athletic performance, such as sprint speed, agility, and jump height, remains conflicting. The specificity of resistance training movements, including velocity, contraction type, and joint angles affects performance outcomes, demonstrates advantages when matching training modalities with targeted sports activities. However, independent of movement speed, the intent to contract explosively (ballistic) has also demonstrated high velocity-specific training adaptations. The purpose of this narrative review was to assess the impact of explosive or ballistic contraction intent on velocity-specific training adaptations. Such movement intent may predominantly elicit motor efferent neural adaptations, including motor unit recruitment and rate coding enhancements. Plyometrics, which utilize rapid stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) movements may augment high-speed movement efficiency and muscle activation, possibly leading to improved motor control through adaptations like faster eccentric force absorption, reduced amortization periods, and quicker transitions to explosive concentric contractions. An optimal training paradigm for power and performance enhancement might involve a combination of maximal explosive intent training with heavier loads and plyometric exercises with lighter loads at high velocities. This narrative review synthesizes key literature to answer whether contraction intent or movement speed is more critical for athletic performance enhancement, ultimately advocating for an integrative approach to resistance training tailored for sports-specific explosive action.

Probe-Based Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Rapid Detection of Two Clarireedia spp., the Causal Agent of Dollar Spot of Turfgrass.

Dollar spot is a major fungal disease affecting turfgrass worldwide and can quickly destroy turfgrass swards. An assimilating probe-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed to detect Clarireedia monteithiana and C. jacksonii, the causal agents of dollar spot within the continental United States. Five LAMP primers were designed to target the calmodulin gene with the addition of a 6-carboxyl-fluorescein florescent assimilating probe, and the temperature amplification was optimized for C. jacksonii and C. monteithiana identification. The minimum amount of purified DNA needed for detection was 0.05 ng μl-1. Specificity assays against host DNA and other turfgrass pathogens were negative. Successful LAMP amplification was also observed for dollar spot-infected turfgrass field samples. Further, a DNA extraction technique via rapid heat-chill cycles and visualization of LAMP results via a florescent flashlight was developed and adapted for fast, simple, and reliable detection in 1.25 h. This assimilating probe-based LAMP assay has proved successful as a rapid, sensitive, and specific method for the detection of C. monteithiana and C. jacksonii in pure cultures and from symptomatic turfgrass leaves blades. The assay represents a promising technology to be used in the field for on-site, point-of-care pathogen detection.

Population dynamics and reproductive features of the Amazon River prawn Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) in Neotropical reservoirs under drought events

Here, we describe population and reproductive dynamics of four populations of Macrobrachium amazonicum in reservoirs during drought events. Additionally, we analyze possible phenotypic changes in this species promoted by fish predation. Two populations had a large-size phenotype (with large body proportions and morphotypes in males) while a small-size phenotype (with reduced sizes and no morphotypes) was found in the two other populations. Overall, females were larger than males and there were varying sex ratios among the four studied populations. All populations had bimodal or polymodal patterns in their monthly size-class frequency, suggesting a seasonal influence and a potentially great capacity of these populations to adapt to adverse environmental conditions. No major changes were found in the patterns of sex ratio, recruitment, frequency of (larger) male morphotypes and female ovarian development stages during drought events. Macrobrachium amazonicum is a resilient species and undergoes continuous reproduction. Females with immature ovaries were predominant in all populations, performing multiple spawns and exhibiting rapid ovarian development cycles. In males, the initial morphotype (TC - translucent claw) was predominant in populations with a social hierarchy. Males of dominant morphotypes (GC1 and GC2 - green claw 1 and 2) use more energy to carry out and maintain metabolic processes, which could probably one of the explanations why their number in populations are limited. We did not find any clear evidence that fish predation affected phenotypes, suggesting that phenotypic plasticity could be more related to intrinsic factors, which would have to be further investigated.

A Simulation and Small-Group Pediatric Emergency Medicine Course for Generalist Healthcare Providers: Gastrointestinal and Nutrition Emergencies.

This is a review curriculum utilizing multiple methods of education to enhance the skills of generalist healthcare providers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the identification and stabilization of pediatric respiratory emergencies. Our audience of implementation was Belizean generalist providers (nurses and physicians). 8-10 hours. Early recognition and stabilization of critical pediatric patients can improve outcomes. Compared with resource-rich systems, many low-resource settings (i.e., LMICs) rely on generalists to provide most pediatric acute care. We created a curriculum for general practitioners comprising multiple educational modules focused on identifying and stabilizing pediatric emergencies. Our aim was to develop an educational framework to update and teach generalists on the recommendations and techniques of optimally evaluating and managing pediatric nutritional and gastrointestinal emergencies: bowel obstructions, gastroenteritis, and malnutrition. The aim of this curriculum is to increase learners' proficiency in identifying and stabilizing acutely ill pediatric patients with gastrointestinal medical or surgical disease or complications of malnutrition. This module focuses on the diagnosis and management of gastroenteritis, acute bowel obstruction, and deficiencies of feeding and nutrition. The target audience for this curriculum is generalist physicians and nurses in limited-resource settings. The educational strategies used in this curriculum include didactic lectures, medical simulation, and small-group sessions. We evaluated written pretests before and posttests after intervention and retested participants four months later to evaluate for knowledge retention. Participants provided qualitative feedback on the module. We taught 21 providers. Eleven providers completed the pretest/posttest and eight completed the retest. The mean test scores improved from 8.3 ± 1.7 in the pretest to 12.2 ± 2.6 in the posttest (mean difference: 1.4, P=0.027). The mean test score at pretest was 8.3 ± 2.3, which increased to 10.8 ± 3.0 at retest (mean difference: 2.5, P=0.060). Seven (71.4%) and four (28.5%) participants found the course "extremely useful" and "very useful," respectively (n=11). This curriculum may be an effective and welcome training tool for Belizean generalist providers. There was a statistically significant improvement in the test performance but not in retesting, possibly due to our small sample size and high attrition rate. Evaluation of other modules in this curriculum, application of this curriculum in other locations, and measuring clinical practice interventions will be included in future investigations. Medical simulation, rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP), Belize, gastrointestinal, nutrition, emergency, gastroenteritis, acute bowel obstruction, Belize, low- and middle-income country (LMIC), collaboration, global health.

Acquisition of Certifiable Competencies in Undergraduate Medical Curriculum of National Medical Commission: Role of Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice

Acquisition of Certifiable Competencies in Undergraduate Medical Curriculum of National Medical Commission: Role of Rapid Cycle Deliberate Practice

Extraction of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Ulva sp. Using Acid and Toxicity Testing with the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT)

This study investigates the extraction of sulfated polysaccharides from Ulva sp. at pH 3 and evaluates their toxicity using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) with Artemia salina. Artemia salina is utilized for its rapid life cycle and sensitivity to various chemical compounds, making it an effective bioassay organism for assessing the toxicity of natural extracts. The extraction process was conducted at both hot (80°C) and cold (room temperature) conditions, with the hot extraction yielding higher amounts of polysaccharides. The results indicated a wet extraction yield of 890 mL at 80°C and 800 mL at room temperature, while the highest dry weight yield was achieved at 80°C (0.57 g). The toxicity assessment revealed an LC50 value of 15,815.85 ppm, classifying the sulfated polysaccharides as non-toxic to Artemia salina. Maintaining optimal water quality parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen levels, is essential for the successful cultivation of Artemia salina. Furthermore, the acidic extraction pH significantly influences the structure and chemical properties of the resulting polysaccharides, emphasizing the importance of this parameter in future applications. These findings support the potential use of sulfated polysaccharides from Ulva sp. as a safe and effective feed ingredient in aquaculture.

Visual Representations of Abandoned Industrial Spaces in Tourist Photos

A few decades ago, an enthusiastic researcher would have found relatively few data to analyze, looking for such information about the ruins of modernity as the structural consequences caused by rapid cycles of industrialization and desolation, development and depopulation, conflict and reconciliation. However, conducting the same search today reveals an extraordinary increase in academic and public interest in the ruins of the recent past and the associated abandoned places. The authors of this article join in the discussion and explore the images of deindustrialization posted and distributed in the online communities among abandoned sites enthusiasts. The aim of the research is to form an idea of “everyday life policy” about the abandoned industrial facilities popularized by amateur photographers. “Everyday life policy” is expressed through the signifying and conceptualizing the abandoned and ruined places when putting them in a close-up. The authors rely on the ideas of the architect and historian I. de Sola-Morales, who calls the places left by people “terrain vague”. Photographic images of the terrain vague spaces play an important role in conceptualizing them. In order to understand what meanings exactly shaped the public policy, the authors use the ethnographic method of immersion in the online VKontakte/Telegram communities of abandoned sites enthusiasts to discover the recurring iconographic elements of the derelict places. Deindustrialization in photographs is reflected through 1) loss of human; 2) violence of vegetation or nature agency; 3) artifacts and texts of the past or material objects agency. The authors discuss the similarities of the images taken by amateur photographers and those media clichés found in popular movies and video games. Photographs are a way of explaining space and spatial experience. Furthermore, like any other work of art, a photo conveys not only and not so much the actual characteristics of the depicted objects, thanks to which we can form an idea about them (in this case, about space), but also effects and experiences. Thus, a photograph becomes a tool that helps us form value judgments about the places we have seen.

High-quality Chromosomal-Level Genome Assembly of the Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) ‘Magic’

Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) is a plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family that produces its distinctive pungent taste through allyl isothiocyanate. This study achieved a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of the E. japonicum ‘Magic’ bred in Korea for its rapid growth cycle. The assembly was accomplished using a combination of Illumina, PacBio HIFI, Nanopore MinION, and Pore-C scaffolding technologies. The final assembled genome size is 794.6 Mb, anchored to 14 chromosomes. The genome comprises 67.56% repetitive elements and has a BUSCO score of 99.3%, indicating a high level of completeness. Compared to previously published assemblies with a different cultivar, the total length increased by approximately 48.08 Mb, while the number of Ns decreased from 89,000 to 49,000, and the assembly gaps (500 N padding) reduced from 178 to 98, resulting in a higher quality assembly. This genome will be a valuable resource for genetic and biological research on E. japonicum, aiding in its breeding and genetic improvement.

Abbreviated in-situ inter-professional debriefing simulation training in peri-operative care environments: Minimizing the impact on clinical care using standardized videos

IntroductionOur facility leadership posed questions to the perioperative leadership team regarding the presence of collaborative communication during the reconciliation of events occurring in several perioperative care areas (operating rooms {OR}, clinic procedure areas, Intensive Care Unit {ICU}). Our team* collaborated to pilot a rapid cycle performance improvement project focused on improving the effectiveness of debriefings and handoffs that could conceivably lead to more effective after-action reviews following events which were complicated by multiple simultaneous unexpected factors. We proposed we could implement standardized abbreviated low-fidelity point of care (in-situ) inter-professional simulation training across the healthcare system with minimal impact on clinical schedules. We believed this would improve the perception of teamwork and collaboration among surgical team members. MethodsInter-professional in-situ simulation training exercises were designed and performed in perioperative care areas systemwide at our three major facilities (Main hospital and two Healthcare Community Centers [HCC]). Multiple iterations of styles of training were conceived and trialed. In the end, preconstructed videos were used to standardize the processes that framed the simulation role-playing of a debriefing after a complex situation. These videos contain the pre-simulation pre-briefings, the clinical situation that preceded the clinical debriefing and the simulation debriefing. Successful reconciliation of the multiple events required team members to exercise closed-loop communication, mutual trust, reengagement, and de-escalation of disengaged team members. Anonymous institutional review board reviewed, and Association of Federal Government Employees (AFGE) approved retrospective pre/post implementation surveys were made available to participants immediately after and sixty to ninety days following simulation exercises. ResultsBetween July 2023 and March 2024, one hundred and six staff in the perioperative care areas participated in twenty-two inter-professional simulation trainings (eleven OR, eight clinic, and three ICU simulations). Fourteen simulation scenarios in seven surgical disciplines were created. Eleven videos were produced covering cases in the O.R., clinic and ICU. Ultimately, the simulations were completed within twenty minutes in the three perioperative care clinical areas. Seventy-nine staff responded to the initial surveys after the simulation training. Eighty percent of the respondents gave favorable assessments regarding the effectiveness of the training in improving components of teamwork and agreed this program should continue. ConclusionsThe pilot program affirmed that we could implement simulations across the healthcare system in a format that minimally impacted the staffs’ clinical schedule. The process was standardized through the creation of multiple specialty specific videos. We proposed that perioperative team leadership could utilize these videos in the future to conduct spontaneously arranged simulations when they identified the presence of members naïve to this training and opportunities in the clinical schedule.*Refer to the acknowledgments for construct of our perioperative leadership simulation advisory team

Circular economy strategies: a fuzzy DEMATEL decision framework for the fast fashion footwear manufacture

The fast fashion industry significantly impedes sustainability by its rapid production cycles, low-cost products, and heavy carbon footprint. Nowadays, circular economy (CE) has become an interesting concept, which follows the “take-make-dispose” model and allows products, materials, and resources to be in use as long as possible. There is a paucity of research in the identification of circular economy strategies (CES) and mapping them based on their interrelationships, which is very important from a managerial perspective. In this vein, this study identifies nine CES and analyzes their causal relationships using the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method in the context of fast fashion footwear manufacture. The key contributions include providing actionable insights for implementing CE practices, enhancing the sustainability of the footwear industry, and offering a strategic roadmap for industry stakeholders. The results and implications of this study will guide footwear industry decision-makers in making a strategic map considering the cause-and-effect interrelationships among the CES for implementing CE business practices in the footwear industry.

Review of the Use of Metals in Biomedical Applications: Biocompatibility, Additive Manufacturing Technologies, and Standards and Regulations

Advanced manufacturing techniques such as Additive Manufacturing (AM) have grown rapidly in major industries such as aerospace, automotive, and biomedical device manufacturing. Biomedical industry has benefitted immensely from AM because of its flexibility in design and its rapid production cycle. Powder bed processes are the major production technique for metal-based AM implants. This paper serves as a comprehensive review on the research efforts being made using AM to develop new patient centered medical devices. This review focuses on AM of the most common metals for biomedical applications, Magnesium alloys, Cobalt-Chromium alloys, pure Titanium, Titanium alloys. Several different aspects are discussed including biocompatibility and osseointegration, application of specific metals in different types of implants, their advantages and disadvantages, mechanical properties in comparison to bone, and their production technologies. Regulatory and quality assurance hurdles that are facing new innovations made using AM are discussed.

Ensuring Security and Compliance in Agile Cloud Infrastructure Projects

Purpose: This research paper investigates strategies for ensuring security and compliance in agile cloud infrastructure projects. Methodology: The study synthesizes current literature, industry reports, and expert insights to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic. Findings: Key challenges identified include rapid deployment cycles, shared responsibility models, and data sovereignty concerns. The research proposes strategies such as shift-left security approaches, continuous compliance monitoring, and automated security testing. The importance of organizational culture shifts and the evolving role of cloud service providers in shared security responsibilities are highlighted. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The paper offers recommendations for practitioners navigating the complex landscape of security and compliance in agile cloud projects. It provides insights into integrating security and compliance into agile methodologies, leveraging cloud-native security tools, and the potential impact of AI and machine learning on cloud security.

An investigation into Venusian atmospheric chemistry based on an open-access photochemistry-transport model at 0–112 km

Atmospheric chemistry plays a crucial role in the evolution of climate habitability on Venus. It has been widely explored by chemistry-transport models, but some characteristics are still poorly interpreted. This study is devoted to developing an open-access chemistry-transport model spanning both the middle and lower atmospheres of Venus. It provides a scheme for the structure of the chemistry, especially for the sulfur and oxygen, and investigates the influence of the cloud diffusivity and the SO2 dissolution that are adopted in the clouds. The developed model is based on the VULCAN framework and was updated with the state-of-the-art Venusian atmospheric chemistry. It includes vertical eddy diffusion retrieved recently with the Venus Express observations, and it resolves radiative transfer containing gas absorption and scattering, Mie scattering of the cloud droplets, and absorption of the unknown UV absorber. The obtained abundance profiles of SO, SO2, CO, COS, O, O2, O3, HCl, and NO are in overall agreement with the observations. The results show that the increase in cloud diffusivity has slight effects on the chemical structure. The SO2 mainly dissolves in 50–90 km and evaporates below the clouds. The rapid dissolution-release cycle is responsible for the large upward flux of SO2 at 58 km. At around 70 km, SO has a significant peak that is larger than that of previous studies by an order of magnitude, and S and SO2 also show slight increases. They are attributed to the buffering effects of liquid SO2 in the clouds. O2 is significantly eliminated by SO in this layer. We emphasize the superior regulation of the sulfur cycle on O2 at 70 km and its potential contributions to the long-standing problem of the overestimated O2 abundance.