Research Strategy Research Articles

Efficacy of Homoeopathy In PCOS- A Review

Introduction: To evaluate the usefulness of homeopathy for the treatment of PCOS through a literature review and to develop a strategy for future research. Method: A comprehensive search was done in electronic databases, including general medical databases MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Science Direct, specialised database for homeopathy CORE-Hom, CAM databases LILACS Chiro ACCESS, AYUSH Research Portal, Google Scholar, Research gate net, clinical trial registry, aimed to target the available literature of observational studies, randomized trials, controlled trials, case reports on PCOS in homeopathy and limited to the English language. The inclusion criteria are the studies with a full-text present in mentioned databases, studies with experimental or quasi-experimental designs published in peer-reviewed or partial peer-reviewed journals and studies with humans as their samples. Result: A literary search through databases helped to identify a few significant studies, such as one placebo-controlled trial, one comparative clinical study, one retrospective study, three clinical studies, and nine case reports. A retrospective study showed positive results for the role of homeopathic medicines in PCOS. The placebo-controlled trial showed a difference in outcome between the two groups. The verum group showed a positive effect in the regularization of menses. The comparative clinical study showed that both homeopathic medicines (Cal. carb, Lycopodium) appeared to be effective. Three clinical studies showed the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines in improving and curing PCOS. Nine case reports showed a positive effect of homeopathy in improving PCOS, out of which three cases showed positive outcomes also in infertility with PCOS. Conclusion: The results showed that Homoeopathy has positive effects on the management of PCOS in women. In the future, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCT), comparative studies of homeopathy with conventional therapy, and in-vitro and animal model studies will be required to support the effectiveness of homeopathic therapeutics in PCOS.

Impact of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBP) during water/wastewater treatment: A review

Disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation during water and wastewater treatment is a concern for public health and environmental preservation. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) serves as a recognized precursor to DBP formation, which can potentially jeopardize human health. This review article offers a comprehensive insight into DON's influence on DBP formation during water and wastewater treatment processes. It delves into DON's sources, properties, and concentrations in water and wastewater, underlining the variability dependent on water source and environmental conditions. The mechanisms of DBP formation from DON, encompassing formation pathways and influencing factors, are meticulously examined. Different treatment methods, like chlorination, ozonation, and UV disinfection, are carefully examined to see how they affect the formation of DON and DBP. Factors that sway DON's impact on DBP formation are also explored. The review also presents various DBP reduction techniques, spanning physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods, their efficacy in curtailing DON's influence, and their potential pros and cons. It addresses challenges, outlines future research directions, identifies knowledge gaps, and highlights the necessity for regulatory measures and policies, providing recommendations for prospective research avenues. It is clear from this in-depth review that more research is needed to understand how DON affects the formation of DBP entirely. It is also essential to protect human health and the environment and follow the rules first when treating wastewater. In conclusion, it analyzes DON's part in forming DBP in water and wastewater treatment. This emphasizes the need for ongoing research and mitigation strategies to protect public health and water quality.

Genetic and functional research strategies of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the post genome-wide association study era

The emergence of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has greatly promoted the genetic research of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P). There have been more than 40 regions concerning NSCL/P identified by GWAS, whereas specific susceptible loci and their potential function remains unclear. In the post-GWAS era, precise localization of susceptible loci in candidate regions and exploration of underlying biological mechanism will contribute to further understanding of genetic etiology of NSCL/P. The present article reviewed the genetic and functional research strategies of NSCL/P in post-GWAS era.

Quantitative analysis of the electromagnetic hybrid nanofluid flow within the gap of two tubes using deep learning neural networks

Purpose(1) A mathematical model for the Hybrid nanofluids flow is used as carriers for delivering drugs. (2) The flow conditions are controlled to enable drug-loaded nanofluids to flow through the smaller gap between the two tubes. (3) Hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) made from silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are analyzed for applications of drug delivery. (Ag) and (TiO2) (NPs) are suitable candidates for cancer treatment due to their excellent biocompatibility, high photoactivity, and low toxicity. (4) The new strategy of artificial neural networks (ANN) is used which is machine-based and more prominent in validation, and comparison with other techniques.Design/methodology/approachThe two Tubes are settled in such a manner that the gap between them is uniform. The Control Volume Finite Element Method; Rk-4 and Artificial Neural Network (ANN).Findings(1) From the obtained results it is observed that the dispersion and distribution of drug-loaded nanoparticles within the body will be improved by the convective motion caused by hybrid nanofluids. The effectiveness and uniformity of drug delivery to target tissues or organs is improved based on the uniform flow and uniform gap. (2) The targeting efficiency of nanofluids is further improved with the addition of the magnetic field. (3) The size of the cylinders, and flow rate, are considered uniform to optimize the drug delivery.Research limitations/implications(1)The flow phenomena is considered laminar, one can use the same idea through a turbulent flow case. (2) The gap is considered uniform and will be interesting if someone extends the idea as non-uniform.Practical implications(1) To deliver drugs to the targeted area, a suitable mathematical model is required. (2) The analysis of hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) derived from silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles is conducted for the purpose of drug delivery. The biocompatibility, high photoactivity, and low toxicity of (Ag) and (TiO2) (NPs) make them ideal candidates for cancer treatment. (3) Machine-based artificial neural networks (ANN) have a new strategy that is more prominent in validation compared to other techniques.Social implicationsThe drug delivery model is a useful strategy for new researchers. (1) They can extend this idea using a non-uniform gap. (2) The flow is considered uniform, the new researchers can extend the idea using a turbulent case. (3) Other hybrid nanofluids flow, in the same model for other industrial usages are possible.Originality/valueAll the obtained results are new. The experimental thermophysical results are used from the existing literature and references are provided.

Estimating individual trajectories of structural and cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment for early prediction of progression to dementia of the Alzheimer’s type

Only a third of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progress to dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (DAT). Identifying biomarkers that distinguish individuals with MCI who will progress to DAT (MCI-Converters) from those who will not (MCI-Non-Converters) remains a key challenge in the field. In our study, we evaluate whether the individual rates of loss of volumes of the Hippocampus and entorhinal cortex (EC) with age in the MCI stage can predict progression to DAT. Using data from 758 MCI patients in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Database, we employ Linear Mixed Effects (LME) models to estimate individual trajectories of regional brain volume loss over 12 years on average. Our approach involves three key analyses: (1) mapping age-related volume loss trajectories in MCI-Converters and Non-Converters, (2) using logistic regression to predict progression to DAT based on individual rates of hippocampal and EC volume loss, and (3) examining the relationship between individual estimates of these volumetric changes and cognitive decline across different cognitive functions—episodic memory, visuospatial processing, and executive function. We find that the loss of Hippocampal volume is significantly more rapid in MCI-Converters than Non-Converters, but find no such difference in EC volumes. We also find that the rate of hippocampal volume loss in the MCI stage is a significant predictor of conversion to DAT, while the rate of volume loss in the EC and other additional regions is not. Finally, individual estimates of rates of regional volume loss in both the Hippocampus and EC, and other additional regions, correlate strongly with individual rates of cognitive decline. Across all analyses, we find significant individual variation in the initial volumes and the rates of changes in volume with age in individuals with MCI. This study highlights the importance of personalized approaches in predicting AD progression, offering insights for future research and intervention strategies.

Barriers to and facilitators of paediatric medical device innovation: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionThe development of paediatric medical devices continues to lag adult medical devices and contributes to issues of inequity, safety, quality and patient outcomes. New legislation and funding mechanisms have been...

Campus entrepreneurs’ research habits and needs: a five-year study

PurposeThis study surveyed the entrepreneurship community on a large university campus in 2016 and in 2020 to identify and understand its information habits and needs. User needs can inform service design and assessment, as well as inform approaches to reference interactions. Librarians are encouraged to conduct similar surveys to better understand this niche population.Design/methodology/approachInvestigators employed repeated cross-sectional design, a longitudinal research approach that draws on samples of non-overlapping or minimally overlapping cases over time. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using online survey instruments. Data collected included demographic information, venture characteristics, participation in institutional activities such as accelerator programs and credit courses, general startup research behaviors and needs, and details of a specific instance of business or market research as well as interaction with the library and access to training. Triangulation of semantic and episodic was applied to draw reliable conclusions about respondent behavior.FindingsIn both surveys, over half of respondents were students and 75% of respondents were engaged in startup activity, most at the early stages. While respondent demographics, type and purpose of information sought remained constant between the two surveys, awareness and use of the library rose on several metrics. Coding revealed insights into respondents’ attitudes toward and strategies for secondary business research. Information obtained during the research process had a moderate impact on their ventures. These findings informed the development of library research and instruction services, programs, and collections for entrepreneurs.Originality/valueThe repeated cross-sectional design of the study is unique and shows trends in the community over time. The mixed-methods approach provides a robust and nuanced portrait of the community. These findings informed the development and assessment of library research and instruction services, programs and collections for entrepreneurs.

Rapid quantitative analysis of multiple rare earth elements in NdFeB alloys based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and random forest (RF)

NdFeB material has excellent comprehensive magnetic properties, which plays a crucial role in the field of rare earth magnetic materials, and is one of the important basic materials to support modern high-tech industries. In the production of NdFeB alloys, the control of rare earth elements (REEs) is directly related to the quality and resource utilization efficiency of NdFeB materials. Therefore, the prediction of REEs content in NdFeB alloys is of great research significance and application value for the quality control of products, the enhancement of production efficiency and reduction of energy consumption by the rare earth material industry. In this study, a combination of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and random forest (RF) was used to investigate the quantitative analysis of four REEs (Nd, Pr, Tb and Dy) in NdFeB alloys. Firstly, the original LIBS spectra were screened by principal component analysis-mahalanobis distance (PCA-MD). Then, the effects of different data processing methods on the screened LIBS spectra were explored, and next, the feature variables were extracted from the preprocessed spectral data by the variable importance measurement (VIM). In order to further verify the prediction performance of the model, the prediction results of the RF models based on the different methods were compared. Finally, a PCA-VIM-RF calibration model was established on the basis of the optimized spectra, selected feature variables and parameters. Leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) was used to optimize the parameters of PCA-MD method, spectral preprocessing method and variable importance thresholds during the construction of the calibration model. The results show that the PCA-VIM-RF model has better prediction performance than the RF calibration model based on the raw spectra. For the PCA-VIM-RF calibration method of Nd, Pr, Tb and Dy elements, the values of R2CV are 0.9991, 0.9998, 0.9986, and 0.9984, respectively, the values of RMSECV are 0.06296%, 0.02788%, 0.04647% and 0.05252%, respectively. The values of R2P are 0.9508, 0.9975, 0.9691 and 0.9457, respectively, and the values of RMSEP are 0.6082%, 0.09205%, 0.5776% and 0.2631%, respectively.The above results indicate that LIBS combined with PCA-VIM-RF algorithm is a promising method for rapid quantitative analysis of REEs in NdFeB alloys without complicated sample preparation, which can provide some new ideas or strategies for the future research, development and quality control of rare earth materials.

Enhancing Efficiency and Energy Optimization: Data-Driven Solutions in Process Industrial Manufacturing

This paper reviews the current state of research in data analytics and machine learning techniques, focusing on their applications in process industrial manufacturing, particularly in control and optimization. Key areas for future research include selection and transfer learning for process monitoring, addressing time-varying characteristics, and enhancing data-driven optimal control with domain-specific knowledge. Additionally, the paper explores reinforcement learning techniques and robust optimization, including distributional robust optimization, for high-level decision-making. Emphasizing the importance of historical knowledge of plants and processes, this paper aims to identify knowledge gaps and pave the way for future research in data-driven strategies for process industries, with a particular emphasis on energy efficiency and optimization.

Development of Sustainable Integrated Farming Systems for Small and Marginal Farmers and Ecosystem Services -A Comprehensive Review

This review article shows a holistic approach regarding integrated farming system (IFS) for livelihood security and sustainable development of small and marginal households in India. Integrated farming systems are being developed for location specific because enormous problems are being aroused in the agriculture and allied sectors such as declined factor productivity, profitability, unscientific management of farm resources, decreases in crops and livestock productivity due to climate change, changes in food habits of the people, deprived soil health, low inputs use efficiencies, declined in crop diversification and biodiversity, increased cost of production, utilization of high energy inputs, produces low energy outputs and other problems are also coexisted in current farming system. The integrated farming system includes different components like crops, livestock, poultry, beekeeping, fisheries, mushroom, kitchen garden, boundary plantation and others to cultivate in an integrated way for efficient utilization of limited farm resources. Moreover, imperative need to resolve these ablaze issues with the help of development of location-specific integrated farming system modules/models. IFS is a tool of sustainable strategies for the meeting of assorted agrarian anxieties along with ensured food and nutritional security and conserved ecosystem services. The standardized and upscale IFS models increased the productivity and profitability of the farmers more than mono-cropping and single-farm enterprises. The conducted studies emphases about enhance soil quality indicators, recycling and saving plant nutrients by around 55.6% through proper management of farm-based waste and byproducts. A total of 265.18 kg nitrogen, 48.91 kg phosphorus and 269.48 kg potassium can be saved through recycled farm-based waste or byproducts of a 1.5 ha model which comprises nine components. In conclusion, IFS modules/models are emission-negative or low GHG emitters, paving the way for promoting of climate-friendly farming in India. IFS emerges as a holistic approach to increase climate-resilient, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, it is a potential for sustainable agriculture development requiring continued research, policy support and innovative strategies for widespread adoption. As regards to livelihood security, the IFS approach has adapted to meet the home-grown family needs of cereals, pulses, oils, fruits, milk, meat, eggs, and vegetables. The future direction for research includes vertical farming, climate-smart farming systems, and improving the quality and sustainability of the farming systems, especially for underprivileged farm householders.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the biology of a neglected disease.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by a wide range of symptoms that severely impact all aspects of life. Despite its significant prevalence, ME/CFS remains one of the most understudied and misunderstood conditions in modern medicine. ME/CFS lacks standardised diagnostic criteria owing to variations in both inclusion and exclusion criteria across different diagnostic guidelines, and furthermore, there are currently no effective treatments available. Moving beyond the traditional fragmented perspectives that have limited our understanding and management of the disease, our analysis of current information on ME/CFS represents a significant paradigm shift by synthesising the disease's multifactorial origins into a cohesive model. We discuss how ME/CFS emerges from an intricate web of genetic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers, notably viral infections, leading to a complex series of pathological responses including immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic disturbances. This comprehensive model not only advances our understanding of ME/CFS's pathophysiology but also opens new avenues for research and potential therapeutic strategies. By integrating these disparate elements, our work emphasises the necessity of a holistic approach to diagnosing, researching, and treating ME/CFS, urging the scientific community to reconsider the disease's complexity and the multifaceted approach required for its study and management.

Co-production of a systematic review on decision coaching: a mixed methods case study within a review

BackgroundCo-production is a collaborative approach to prepare, plan, conduct, and apply research with those who will use or be impacted by research (knowledge users). Our team of knowledge users and researchers sought to conduct and evaluate co-production of a systematic review on decision coaching.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods case study within a review to describe team co-production of a systematic review. We used the Collaborative Research Framework to support an integrated knowledge translation approach to guide a team through the steps in co-production of a systematic review. The team agreed to conduct self-study as a study within a review to learn from belonging to a co-production research team. A core group that includes a patient partner developed and conducted the study within a review. Data sources were surveys and documents. The study coordinator administered surveys to determine participant preferred and actual levels of engagement, experiences, and perceptions. We included frequency counts, content, and document analysis.ResultsWe describe co-production of a systematic review. Of 17 team members, 14 (82%) agreed to study participation and of those 12 (86%) provided data pre- and post-systematic review. Most participants identified as women (n = 9, 75.0%), researchers (n = 7, 58%), trainees (n = 4, 33%), and/or clinicians (n = 2, 17%) with two patient/caregiver partners (17%). The team self-organized study governance with an executive and Steering Committee and agreed on research co-production actions and strategies. Satisfaction for engagement in the 11 systematic review steps ranged from 75 to 92%, with one participant who did not respond to any of the questions (8%) for all. Participants reported positive experiences with team communication processes (n = 12, 100%), collaboration (n = 12, 100%), and negotiation (n = 10–12, 83–100%). Participants perceived the systematic review as co-produced (n = 12, 100%) with collaborative (n = 8, 67%) and engagement activities to characterize co-production (n = 8, 67%). Participants indicated that they would not change the co-production approach (n = 8, 66%). Five participants (42%) reported team logistics challenges and four (33%) were unaware of challenges.ConclusionsOur results indicate that it is feasible to use an integrated knowledge translation approach to conduct a systematic review. We demonstrate the importance of a relational approach to research co-production, and that it is essential to plan and actively support team engagement in the research lifecycle.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with a Focus on Lupus Nephritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease affecting mostly women of child-bearing age. Immune dysfunction in SLE results from disrupted apoptosis which lead to an unregulated interferon (IFN) stimulation and the production of autoantibodies, leading to immune complex formation, complement activation, and organ damage. Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common and severe complication of SLE, impacting approximately 30% to 40% of SLE patients. Recent studies have demonstrated an alteration in mitochondrial homeostasis in SLE patients. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes significantly to SLE pathogenesis by enhancing type 1 IFN production through various pathways involving neutrophils, platelets, and T cells. Defective mitophagy, the process of clearing damaged mitochondria, exacerbates this cycle, leading to increased immune dysregulation. In this review, we aim to detail the physiopathological link between mitochondrial dysfunction and disease activity in SLE. Additionally, we will explore the potential role of mitochondria as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in SLE, with a specific focus on LN. In LN, mitochondrial abnormalities are observed in renal cells, correlating with disease progression and renal fibrosis. Studies exploring cell-free mitochondrial DNA as a biomarker in SLE and LN have shown promising but preliminary results, necessitating further validation and standardization. Therapeutically targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in SLE, using drugs like metformin or mTOR inhibitors, shows potential in modulating immune responses and improving clinical outcomes. The interplay between mitochondria, immune dysregulation, and renal involvement in SLE and LN underscores the need for comprehensive research and innovative therapeutic strategies. Understanding mitochondrial dynamics and their impact on immune responses offers promising avenues for developing personalized treatments and non-invasive biomarkers, ultimately improving outcomes for LN patients.

Carbon footprint research and mitigation strategies for rice-cropping systems in China: a review

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and quantifying the carbon footprint (CF) of rice-cropping systems in the context of food security is an important step toward the sustainability of rice production. Exploring the key factors affecting emission reduction in rice production is important to properly evaluate the impact of China’s rice-cropping systems on global climate change. This review provides an overview of the direct and indirect CF in rice-cropping systems; analyzes the influencing factors in terms of rice-based cropping systems, varieties and agronomic practices; and proposes mitigation strategies. Different studies have shown that direct and indirect GHG emissions in rice-based cropping systems accounted for 38.3 to 95.5% and 4.5 to 61.7% of total emissions, respectively. And the CFs of ratoon rice, rice–wheat, rice–maize, rice–rapeseed, and rice–fish systems ranged from 316,9 kg CO2-eq kg−1 to 258,47 kg CO2-eq kg−1, which are lower than that in a double-rice planting system. High-yielding rice, drought-resistant rice, and other hybrids can mitigate GHG emissions from paddy fields by 3.7 ~ 21.5%. Furthermore, organic matter, water, tillage, straw incorporation, conservation tillage, reduced nitrogen fertilizer use, and added biochar and methane inhibitors could reduce emissions. Therefore, through reasonable agronomic measures, variety selection and optimal layout of rice-based rotation systems, the carbon neutral rate of rice production can be improved to help the national carbon sequestration and emission reduction target.

Why do nurses leave their jobs? Understanding person-related hostility in the healthcare sector of Pakistan.

Nursing is considered indigent and oppressed because of uneven organizational hierarchies and unsatisfactory work environments. This study aimed to highlight the critical aspects of organizational culture in the nursing profession and, in general, those propagating hostile behaviours among female nursing staff that result in dissatisfaction and intention to leave the organization. A quantitative research approach was applied and a survey research strategy was used to collect the data. Convenience sampling was applied and data were collected from female nurses who were easily accessible and willing to participate in the research. A total of 707 questionnaires were collected from 14 hospitals and the data was analyzed using SmartPLS 4. Lack of administrative support and gender discrimination positively affected person-related hostility. In contrast, person-related hostility mediated the relationship between gender discrimination and lack of administrative support with the intention to leave. Direct or indirect person-related hostility factors can severely damage organizational reputation and quality and may cause the loss of employees with specific organizational knowledge and exposure. Losing an experienced employee to a newer one cannot replace the costs incurred on hiring, training, and providing knowledge to older employees. HR managers in organizations should devise strategies and policies that allow for the timely resolution of issues of nursing staff based on fair work performance.

Navigating the Neuromarketing Landscape: Valuable Insights for Businesses in a Post-Pandemic World

ABSTRACT Neuromarketing disrupted the marketing research landscape by offering profound insights to the businesses. These insights guide strategic marketing decisions like product design, branding, and communication. However, businesses are still skeptical about integrating neuromarketing into their marketing research strategies. The reason for such skepticism may be certain misconceptions. One such misconception is that neuromarketing is a difficult and expensive marketing research tool. Another misconception is whether neuromarketing is a mere gimmick or an intuitive marketing research method. To address these pertinent misconceptions, the present study conducts qualitative in-depth interviews with neuromarketing experts from eleven countries. The study then subjects interview transcripts to thematic analysis. Through this analysis, the study contributes to the extant literature and provides notable practical insights to businesses, marketing research companies, and independent neuromarketers.

Development of a team-specific research strategy using a modified Delphi method in a regional public hospital dietetics department.

Evaluate research capacity and culture among regional hospital dietitians, develop a team specific research strategy, and build research skills of novice researchers. The Research Capacity in Context Tool was used to assess current research capacity and culture at organisational, team and individual levels. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis of free text responses. A modified Delphi method gained consensus regarding research capacity building. Mixed method study. Dietetics department of a regional tertiary hospital (Modified Monash Category 2). All clinical dietitians currently employed within the hospital (n = 20) regardless of employment duration. Self-rated response to research capacity and culture to produce a dietetics-specific research strategy. Fifteen dietitians (75%) completed the Research Capacity in Context Tool. The overall mean score was highest at an organisational level at 7.9 (IQR 2), and lowest at team and individual levels at 4.3 (IQR 2.7) and 4.9 (IQR 3.3) respectively. Common barriers to research included time, lack of skills, knowledge and support. Using the modified Delphi method 39 statements relating to research capacity building met consensus and informed the creation of a research strategy. The results of the Research Capacity in Context Tool from this regional study reflect those reported in the literature at metropolitan sites. A dietetic-specific research strategy was developed to assist with increasing research capacity at a team and individual level in a regional setting. Evaluation of long-term outcomes post implementation will be the subject of further research.

Not (Officially) in My Backyard

Problem, research strategy, and findings One promising policy approach to addressing housing needs is liberalizing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) development. Yet, understanding the impact of such policy efforts is fundamentally constrained by the inability to quantify and characterize unpermitted ADUs, which may expose homeowners and tenants to legal, financial, and safety risks and confound policy evaluations. We addressed this gap by leveraging computer vision and human annotations to estimate the population of detached ADU constructions in San José (CA). Our contributions are threefold: 1) We estimated the proportion of unpermitted ADU constructions from 2016 to 2020; 2) we describe the demographic, housing market, and parcel characteristics associated with these informal ADUs; and 3) we provide a data set of labeled small buildings, excluding unpermitted detections, for further research. We found that informal ADU construction was substantial—approximately three to four informal units for every formal unit—and more likely in more diverse, dense, and overcrowded neighborhoods. Though our study was limited to analyzing detached ADUs during one time period, we set the stage for further investigations of informal housing across different typologies and over time. Takeaway for practice Our approach demonstrates the promise of computer vision and human annotations to enable more robust, comprehensive, and reliable understanding of actual—not just permitted—housing units. We urge planners and other policymakers to consider the growth patterns of unpermitted ADUs to more optimally and equitably address housing needs.

Exploring the Targets and Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin for the Treatment of Bladder Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics.

Curcumin, a phenolic compound derived from turmeric, has demonstrated anti-tumor properties in preclinical models of various cancers. However, the exact mechanism of curcumin in treating bladder cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of curcumin in the treatment of BC through an integrated approach of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. PharmMapper, SuperPred, TargetNet, and SwissTargetPrediction were utilized to acquire targets associated with curcumin, while GeneCards, CTD, DisGeNET, OMIM, and PharmGKB databases were utilized to obtain targets related to bladder cancer. The drug-disease interaction targets were obtained using Venny 2.1.0, and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were then conducted with the DAVID tool. We constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and identified tenkey targets. In conclusion, AutoDock Tools 1.5.7 was utilized to conduct molecular docking simulations, followed by additional analysis of the central targets through the GEPIA, HPA, cBioPortal, and TIMER databases. A total of 305 potential anticancer targets of curcumin were obtained. The analysis of GO functional enrichment resulted in a total of 1105 terms, including 786 terms related to biological processes (BP), 105 terms related to cellular components (CC), and 214 terms related to molecular functions (MF). In addition, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 170 relevant signaling pathways. Treating bladder cancer could potentially involve inhibiting pathways like the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, and IL-17 signaling pathway. Activating TNF, ALB, CASP3, and ESR1 while inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, STAT3, BCL2, SRC, and HSP90AA1 can also hinder the proliferation of bladder tumor cells. According to the results of molecular docking, curcumin binds to these central targets in a spontaneous manner, exhibiting binding energies lower than -1.631kJ/mol. These findings were further validated at the transcriptional, translational and immune infiltration levels. By utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, it was discovered that curcumin possesses diverse effects on multiple targets and pathways for treating bladder cancer. It has the potential to impede the growth of bladder tumor cells by suppressing various pathways including the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as pathways associated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and the IL-17 signaling pathway. Curcumin could potentially disrupt the cell cycle advancement in bladder cancer cells by increasing the expression of TNF, ALB, CASP3, and ESR1 while decreasing AKT1, EGFR, STAT3, BCL2, SRC, HSP90AA1, and other targeted genes. These findings reveal the possible molecular pathways through which curcumin exerts its anticancer effects in bladder cancer, and this novel research strategy not only provides an important basis for an in-depth understanding of the anticancer mechanism of curcumin, but also offers new potential drugs and targets for the clinical treatment of bladder cancer. Therefore, this study is of great scientific significance and practical application value for promoting the development of bladder cancer therapeutic field. This finding provides strong support for the development of novel, safe and effective drugs for bladder cancer treatment.

Rehearsal Studies - Inside the Rehearsal Room: Process, Collaboration and Decision-making. By Robert Marsden. Bloomsbury/Methuen Drama, 2022; 234 pp. $90.00 cloth, $22.00 paper, e-book available. - Rehearsal Practices of Indigenous Women Theatre Makers: Australia, Aotearoa, and Turtle Island. By Liza-Mare Syron. Springer/Palgrave Macmillan, 2021; 129 pp.; illustrations. $64.99 cloth, e-book available. - Staging Sex: Best Practices, Tools, and Techniques for

Exploring diverse strategies of process-focused research from historical reconstructions of period practices to staged intimacy coaching, seven new titles offer a representative but not exhaustive overview of the expanding field of rehearsal studies.