Significant Shift Research Articles

Projected decline in the strength of vegetation carbon sequestration under climate change in India

Tropical vegetation plays a critical role in terrestrial carbon budget and supply many ecological functions such as carbon sequestration. In recent decades, India has witnessed an increase in net primary productivity (NPP), an important measure of carbon sequestration. However, uncertainties persist regarding the sustainability of these land carbon sinks in the face of climate change. The enhanced NPP is driven by the strong CO2 fertilization effect (CFE), but the temporal patterns of this feedback remain unclear. Using the carbon flux data from the Earth System Models (ESMs), an increasing trend in NPP was observed, with projections of NPP to 2.00 ± 0.12 PgCyr-1 (25 % increase) during 2021-2049, 2.36 ± 0.12 PgCyr-1 (18 % increase) during 2050-2079, and 2.67 ± 0.07 PgCyr-1 (13 % increase) during 2080-2099 in Indian vegetation under SSP585 scenario. This suggests a significant decline in the NPP growth rate. To understand the feedback mechanisms driving NPP, the relative effects of CFE and warming were analyzed. Comparing simulations from the biogeochemically coupled model (BGC) with the fully coupled model, the BGC model projected a 74.7 % increase in NPP, significantly higher than the 55.9 % increase projected by the fully coupled model by the end of the century. This indicates that the consistent increase in NPP was associated with CO2 fertilization. More importantly, results reveal that the decrease in the NPP growth rate was due to the declining contribution of CFE at a rate of -0.62 % per 100 ppm CO2 increase. This decline could be attributed to factors such as nutrient limitations and high temperatures. Additionally, significant shifts in the strength of carbon sinks in offsetting the CO2 emissions were identified, decreasing at a rate of -1.15 % per decade. This decline in the strength of vegetation carbon sequestration may increase the societal dependence on mitigation measures to address climate change.

The Role of High-Quality Human Resources in Socio-economic Development in Vietnam

The globe is currently experiencing swift and groundbreaking transformations, where the crucial element influencing significant economic and social shifts is top-notch resources. In today's landscape, the rivalry among nations and enterprises primarily revolves around intellectual capacity, representing the knowledge encapsulated in products, commodities, and services facilitated by high-caliber human resources. To attain rapid and enduring progress, countries worldwide are directing their attention towards the development of human resources, recognizing it as a strategic and pressing concern within the framework of global economic globalization. Consequently, developing high-quality human resources stands out as a pivotal factor aiding Vietnam in enhancing its competitive edge and aligning with the demands of the contemporary digital economy. This piece delves into the role of advancing human resources, emphasizing how high-quality human resources align with the prerequisites of sustainable development.

Transcending traditional paradigms: the multifaceted realm of phenomenon-based learning

Phenomenon-based learning emphasizes direct engagement with everyday phenomena, highlighting how personal experiences influence our understanding of reality. This pedagogical approach promotes an educational model centered on students’ real-life experiences. Renowned for its educational standards, Finland has embraced this methodology. Through significant shifts, the nation has pursued an interdisciplinary education that values diverse perspectives. Despite challenges, notably resistance from educators, Finland’s innovative strategies and commitment to high-quality education have been pivotal to its success. This transformation in teaching methodology diverges from traditional methods, endorsing a comprehensive skillset, innovation, and practical problem-solving. The adoption of this approach by various countries attests to its efficacy in fostering essential academic competencies. This article seeks to elucidate the fundamental concepts of phenomenon-based learning, dissect its five stages and their impact on competency development, examine its theoretical grounding and relationship to the approach, highlight the target competencies, and discuss the method’s implementation in education.

Drying as an effective method to store soil samples for DNA-based microbial community analyses: a comparative study

Soil sampling for environmental DNA in remote and semi-remote locations is often limited due to logistical constraints surrounding sample preservation, including no or limited access to a freezer. Freezing at − 20 °C is a common DNA preservation strategy, however, other methods such as desiccation, ethanol or commercial preservatives are available as potential alternative DNA preservation methods for room temperature storage. In this study, we assessed five preservation methods (CD1 solution, 95% Ethanol, Dry & Dry silica gel packs, RNAlater, LifeGuard) along with freezing at − 20 °C, against immediate extraction on organic and mineral soils for up to three weeks of preservation. We assessed direct effects on DNA concentration and quality, and used DNA metabarcoding to assess effects on bacterial and fungal communities. Drying with Dry & Dry led to no significant differences from immediate extraction. RNAlater led to lower DNA concentrations, but effects on community structures were comparable to freezing. CD1, LifeGuard and Ethanol either caused immediate significant shifts in community structure, degradation of DNA quality or changes in diversity metrics. Overall, our study supports the use of drying with silica gel packs as a cost-effective, and easily applied method for the short-term storage at room temperature for DNA-based microbial community analyses.

FFAR4 activation inhibits lung adenocarcinoma via blocking respiratory chain complex assembly associated mitochondrial metabolism

Despite notable advancements in the investigation and management of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the mortality rate for individuals afflicted with LUAD remains elevated, and attaining an accurate prognosis is challenging. LUAD exhibits intricate genetic and environmental components, and it is plausible that free fatty acid receptors (FFARs) may bridge the genetic and dietary aspects. The objective of this study is to ascertain whether a correlation exists between FFAR4, which functions as the primary receptor for dietary fatty acids, and various characteristics of LUAD, while also delving into the potential underlying mechanism. The findings of this study indicate a decrease in FFAR4 expression in LUAD, with a positive correlation (P < 0.01) between FFAR4 levels and overall patient survival (OS). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated a significant diagnostic value [area under the curve (AUC) of 0.933] associated with FFAR4 expression. Functional investigations revealed that the FFAR4-specific agonist (TUG891) effectively suppressed cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, FFAR4 activation resulted in significant metabolic shifts, including a decrease in oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and an increase in extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in A549 cells. In detail, the activation of FFAR4 has been observed to impact the assembly process of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and the malate–aspartate shuttle process, resulting in a decrease in the transition of NAD+ to NADH and the inhibition of LUAD. These discoveries reveal a previously unrecognized function of FFAR4 in the negative regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and the inhibition of LUAD, indicating its potential as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment and diagnosis of LUAD.

Quality matters: Response of bacteria and ciliates to different allochthonous dissolved organic matter sources as a pulsed disturbance in shallow lakes

Shallow lake ecosystems are particularly prone to disturbances such as pulsed dissolved organic matter (allochthonous-DOM; hereafter allo-DOM) loadings from catchments. However, the effects of allo-DOM with contrasting quality (in addition to quantity) on the planktonic communities of microbial loop are poorly understood. To determine the impact of different qualities of pulsed allo-DOM disturbance on the coupling between bacteria and ciliates, we conducted a mesocosm experiment with two different allo-DOM sources added to mesocosms in a single-pulse disturbance event: Alder tree leaf extract, a more labile (L) source and HuminFeed® (HF), a more recalcitrant source. Allo-DOM sources were used as separate treatments and in combination (HFL) relative to the control without allo-DOM additions (C). Our results indicate that the quality of allo-DOM was a major regulator of planktonic microbial community biomass and/or composition through which both bottom-up and top-down forces were involved. Bacteria biomass showed significant nonlinear responses in L and HFL with initial increases followed by decreases to pre-pulse conditions. Ciliate biomass was significantly higher in L compared to all other treatments. In terms of composition, bacterivore ciliate abundance was significantly higher in both L and HFL treatments, mainly driven by the bacterial biomass increase in the same treatments. GAMM models showed negative interaction between metazoan zooplankton biomass and ciliates, but only in the L treatment, indicating top-down control on ciliates. Ecosystem stability analyses revealed overperformance, high resilience and full recovery of bacteria in the HFL and L treatments, while ciliates showed significant shift in compositional stability in HFL and L with incomplete taxonomic recovery. Our study highlights the importance of allo-DOM quality shaping the response within the microbial loop not only through triggering different scenarios in biomass, but also the community composition, stability, and species interactions (top-down and bottom-up) in bacteria and plankton.

Drivers for optimum sizing of wind turbines for offshore wind farms

Abstract. Large-scale exploitation of offshore wind energy is deemed essential to provide its expected share to electricity needs of the future. To achieve the same, turbine and farm-level optimizations play a significant role. Over the past few years, the growth in the size of turbines has massively contributed to the reduction in costs. However, growing turbine sizes come with challenges in rotor design, turbine installation, supply chain, etc. It is, therefore, important to understand how to size wind turbines when minimizing the levelized cost of electricity (LCoE) of an offshore wind farm. Hence, this study looks at how the rated power and rotor diameter of a turbine affect various turbine and farm-level metrics and uses this information in order to identify the key design drivers and how their impact changes with setup. A multi-disciplinary design optimization and analysis (MDAO) framework is used to perform the analysis. The framework uses low-fidelity models that capture the core dependencies of the outputs on the design variables while also including the trade-offs between various disciplines of the offshore wind farm. The framework is used, not to estimate the LCoE or the optimum turbine size accurately, but to provide insights into various design drivers and trends. A baseline case, for a typical setup in the North Sea, is defined where LCoE is minimized for a given farm power and area constraint with the International Energy Agency 15 MW reference turbine as a starting point. It is found that the global optimum design, for this baseline case, is a turbine with a rated power of 16 MW and a rotor diameter of 236 m. This is already close to the state-of-the-art designs observed in the industry and close enough to the starting design to justify the applied scaling. A sensitivity study is also performed that identifies the design drivers and quantifies the impact of model uncertainties, technology/cost developments, varying farm design conditions, and different farm constraints on the optimum turbine design. To give an example, certain scenarios, like a change in the wind regime or the removal of farm power constraint, result in a significant shift in the scale of the optimum design and/or the specific power of the optimum design. Redesigning the turbine for these scenarios is found to result in an LCoE benefit of the order of 1 %–2 % over the already optimized baseline. The work presented shows how a simplified approach can be applied to a complex turbine sizing problem, which can also be extended to metrics beyond LCoE. It also gives insights into designers, project developers, and policy makers as to how their decision may impact the optimum turbine scale.

Diverse phenotypes of Late Glacial–Early Holocene downy birch (Betula pubescens Erh.) and the morphology of early Preboreal tree stands in southern Schleswig-Holstein

Abstract. The flexibility in growth of Betula pubescens is taken as example for possible erroneous imaginations of Late Glacial–Early Holocene living conditions. The article highlights the factors influencing the phenotype of the contemporary plants, as well as the small-scale patchiness of the distribution of the vegetation in the landscape. The area of investigation is the southern Weichselian younger morainic area of Schleswig-Holstein, including a major Late Glacial archaeological type locality – the Ahrensburg tunnel valley. The period under investigation spans the time between 11 700 and 11 400 cal BP and hence the Late Glacial–Early Holocene transition, which is characterized by a significant shift in the vegetation. This shift has often been seen as a simple transition from treeless tundra to birch forest. The aim of the article is to provide a more realistic image of plant cover of the late Dryas 3 period and the Early Holocene period before the Preboreal oscillation by considering past natural growth limits of Betula pubescens in the study area. The intention is to provide a more accessible interpretation of palaeobotanical data to non-specialists, especially in archaeology.

Importing Clothing Made from Recycled Textile Materials? A Study of Retailers’ Sourcing Strategies in Five European Countries

This study examined retailers’ sourcing strategies for clothing made from recycled textile materials in the five largest European clothing retail markets (i.e., the UK, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain), given the increasing availability of such products. The multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted based on the detailed country of origin and product assortment information of thousands of such clothing items for sale in these five EU countries from January 2021 to May 2023. The results show that EU retailers sourced clothing using recycled textile materials diversely from over 40 developing and developed countries across Asia, America, Europe, and Africa. The geographic location of supplying countries statistically affects the detailed assortment of recycled clothing that EU retailers import. However, apart from assortment diversity, no statistical evidence indicates that developing countries had advantages over developed ones regarding product sophistication, replenishment frequency, and pricing in the five EU markets. The study’s findings offer new insights into the business aspects of recycled clothing and reveal promising global sourcing opportunities for such products. The results also imply a potentially significant shift in global apparel trade patterns as retailers embrace fashion circularity and expand sourcing clothing made from recycled textile materials.

A Case Study of the Hashtag #Freepalestine: Cultural Communication and Public Opinion Transformation

This study involves an in-depth analysis of Cultural Communication and Public Opinion Transformation through a case study of the hashtag #FreePalestine on social media. The Israeli-Palestinian controversy sparked a significant shift in public opinion, and these hashtags became an important instrument in weaving complex online narratives. This research aims to understand the impact of Cultural Communication through the hashtag #FreePalestine in transforming public opinion. Her focus includes online mobilization, influence on policy, changing international perceptions, and the formation of activist movements. This research method uses a mixed approach, namely combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. Data collection was carried out on 6 – 25 December 2023. Social media analysis was carried out to track trends, sentiment and relationship networks, while interviews and surveys were used to gain a deeper understanding of the influence of opinion transformation in the real world. This research shows that the hashtag #FreePalestine not only creates changes in online opinion but also mobilizes real action and shapes global narratives that influence policy and business. Cultural communication on social media is key to understanding further impact, with image visualization and visual solidarity being key elements in changing public opinion. The real-world implication of these findings is the importance of understanding the role of social media in shaping public perceptions and opinions regarding global conflict. In the future, this can serve as a guide for policy makers, activists and researchers to design more effective communication strategies in addressing sensitive issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Factors Affecting the Growth of E-Shopping Consumers Over Traditional Shopping After Covid-19: GCC Countries' Perspective

Purpose: The study aims to explore the factors that have led to a significant shift in consumer behavior from traditional shopping methods to e-shopping in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to identify and analyze the various elements that contribute to consumers' growing preference for online shopping and to understand how this trend is reshaping the retail landscape in the GCC region. Theoretical Framework: The research is anchored in the theory of consumer behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), like perceived usefulness, consumer psychology, ease of payment, budget considerations, health issues, and cultural and traditional values which helps in understanding the factors influencing consumers' acceptance and use of technology, in this case, e-shopping platforms. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from structured online consumer surveys and qualitative insights from expert interviews. The authors used the PLS-SEM approach to investigate the survey of 380 responses to examine the impact of various factors on e-shopping behavioral intention among consumers in the GCC countries. Findings: The findings reveal that perceived usefulness, consumer psychology, ease of payment, budget considerations, health issues, and cultural and traditional values significantly and positively impact the e-shopping behavioral intention of consumers. However, product variety does not significantly influence the e-shopping behavioral intention in the GCC region. Research, Practical &amp; Social Implications: The study opens new avenues for research in consumer behavior and e-commerce, especially in the context of unforeseen global events like pandemics. The insights are valuable for retailers, e-commerce platforms, and marketers in the GCC region for strategizing and aligning with changing consumer preferences. It aids in developing targeted marketing strategies and enhancing the online shopping experience. Originality/Value: This research offers original insights into the shift towards e-shopping in the GCC region post-COVID-19. It contributes to the broader discourse on consumer behavior in the context of pandemics and technological acceptance, providing a region-specific perspective that enhances understanding in this field.

Index construction and application of digital transformation in the insurance industry: Evidence from China.

In the context of digitization, the insurance industry's value chain is undergoing significant shifts. However, the existing research on its comprehension and measurement remains relatively limited. This study constructs an index system for digital transformation in the insurance industry (DTII) on three components: digital infrastructure, digital platform, and digital applications. Utilizing data from 31 provinces in China, this study employs the entropy weight method, analytic hierarchy process method and minimum relative entropy method to measure the weights of indicators, empirically applying this index system. The results show that DTII in China experiences rapid advancement with an average annual growth rate of 20.46% from 2014 to 2020 and there exists strong regional convergence. In addition, the spatial agglomeration and spatial effects of DTII are mainly concentrated in the life insurance industry and the eastern region. This study provides an index system and empirical evidence for evaluating the DTII, providing policy insights for exploring the sustainable development path of the insurance industry in the digital era.

Factors Affecting the Growth of E-Shopping Consumers Over Traditional Shopping After Covid-19: GCC Countries' Perspective

Purpose: The study aims to explore the factors that have led to a significant shift in consumer behavior from traditional shopping methods to e-shopping in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to identify and analyze the various elements that contribute to consumers' growing preference for online shopping and to understand how this trend is reshaping the retail landscape in the GCC region. Theoretical Framework: The research is anchored in the theory of consumer behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), like perceived usefulness, consumer psychology, ease of payment, budget considerations, health issues, and cultural and traditional values which helps in understanding the factors influencing consumers' acceptance and use of technology, in this case, e-shopping platforms. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative data from structured online consumer surveys and qualitative insights from expert interviews. The authors used the PLS-SEM approach to investigate the survey of 380 responses to examine the impact of various factors on e-shopping behavioral intention among consumers in the GCC countries. Findings: The findings reveal that perceived usefulness, consumer psychology, ease of payment, budget considerations, health issues, and cultural and traditional values significantly and positively impact the e-shopping behavioral intention of consumers. However, product variety does not significantly influence the e-shopping behavioral intention in the GCC region. Research, Practical &amp; Social Implications: The study opens new avenues for research in consumer behavior and e-commerce, especially in the context of unforeseen global events like pandemics. The insights are valuable for retailers, e-commerce platforms, and marketers in the GCC region for strategizing and aligning with changing consumer preferences. It aids in developing targeted marketing strategies and enhancing the online shopping experience. Originality/Value: This research offers original insights into the shift towards e-shopping in the GCC region post-COVID-19. It contributes to the broader discourse on consumer behavior in the context of pandemics and technological acceptance, providing a region-specific perspective that enhances understanding in this field.

Changes in Intestinal Flora and Serum Metabolites Pre- and Post-Antitumor Drug Therapy in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

this study aimed to identify the relationships between gut microbiota, metabolism, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment outcomes, which are presently unclear. in this single-center prospective cohort study, we investigated changes in the gut microbiota and serum metabolite profile in 60 patients with NSCLC after four cycles of anticancer therapy. The microbial landscape of the gut exhibited a surge in Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobiota populations, alongside a decline in Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota. Furthermore, a significant shift in the prevalence of certain bacterial genera was noted, with an increase in Escherichia/Shigella and Klebsiella, contrasted by a reduction in Bifidobacterium. Metabolomic analysis uncovered significant changes in lipid abundances, with certain metabolic pathways markedly altered post-treatment. Correlation assessments identified strong links between certain gut microbial genera and serum metabolite concentrations. Despite these findings, a subgroup analysis delineating patient responses to therapy revealed no significant shifts in the gut microbiome's composition after four cycles of treatment. This study emphasizes the critical role of gut microbiota changes in NSCLC patients during anticancer treatment. These insights pave the way for managing treatment complications and inform future research to improve patient care by understanding and addressing these microbiota changes.

Pioneering gut health improvements in piglets with phytogenic feed additives

This research investigates the effects of phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) on the growth performance, gut microbial community, and microbial metabolic functions in weaned piglets via a combined 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomics approach. A controlled trial was conducted using 200 pigs to highlight the significant influence of PFAs on gut microbiota dynamics. Notably, the treatment group revealed an increased gut microbiota diversity, as measured with the Shannon and Simpson indices. The increase in diversity is accompanied by an increase in beneficial bacterial taxa, such as Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella, and a decline in potential pathogens like Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Campylobacter. Shotgun sequencing at the species level confirmed these findings. This modification in microbial profile was coupled with an altered profile of microbial metabolic pathways, suggesting a reconfiguration of microbial function under PFA influence. Significant shifts in overall microbial community structure by week 8 demonstrate PFA treatment’s temporal impact. Histomorphological examination unveiled improved gut structure in PFA-treated piglets. The results of this study indicate that the use of PFAs as dietary supplements can be an effective strategy, augmenting gut microbiota diversity, reshaping microbial function, enhancing gut structure, and optimising intestinal health of weaned piglets providing valuable implications for swine production.Key points• PFAs significantly diversify the gut microbiota in weaned piglets, aiding balance.• Changes in gut structure due to PFAs indicate improved resistance to weaning stress.• PFAs show potential to ease weaning stress, offering a substitute for antibiotics in piglet diets.

Synthesis and Reactivity of Fe(II) Complexes Containing Cis Ammonia Ligands.

The development of earth-abundant transition-metal complexes for electrocatalytic ammonia oxidation is needed to facilitate a renewable energy economy. Important to this goal is a fundamental understanding of how ammonia binds to complexes as a function of ligand geometry and electronic effects. We report the synthesis and characterization of a series of Fe(II)-NH3 complexes supported by tetradentate, facially binding ligands with a combination of pyridine and N-heterocyclic carbene donors. Electronic modification of the supporting ligand led to significant shifts in the FeIII/II potential and variations in NH bond acidities. Finally, investigations of ammonia oxidation by cyclic voltammetry, controlled potential bulk electrolysis, and through addition of stoichiometric organic radicals, TEMPO and tBu3ArO• are reported. No catalytic oxidation of NH3 to N2 was observed, and 15N2 was detected only in reactions with tBu3ArO•.

Modeling of antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

To construct a model of the antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to identify clinical factors affecting the antibody response. A total of 779 serum samples were obtained from 550 COVID-19-naïve RA patients who were vaccinated against COVID-19. Antibody titers for the receptor binding domain (anti-RBD) and nucleocapsid (anti-N) were measured. The time from vaccination, and the log-transformed anti-RBD titer, were modeled using a fractional polynomial method. Clinical factors affecting antibody responses were analyzed by a regression model using generalized estimating equation. The anti-RBD titer peaked at about 2 weeks post-vaccination and decreased exponentially to 36.5% of the peak value after 2 months. Compared with the first vaccination, the 3rd or 4th vaccinations shifted the peaks of anti-RBD antibody response curves significantly upward (by 28-fold [4–195] and 32-fold [4–234], respectively). However, there was no significant shift in the peak from the 3rd vaccination to the 4th vaccination (p = 0.64). Multivariable analysis showed that sulfasalazine increased the vaccine response (by 1.49-fold [1.13–1.97]), but abatacept or JAK inhibitor decreased the vaccine response (by 0.13-fold [0.04–0.43] and 0.44-fold [0.26–0.74], respectively). Age was associated with lower ln [anti-RBD] values (coefficient: − 0.03 [− 0.04 to − 0.02]). In conclusion, the anti-RBD response of RA patients peaked at 2 weeks after COVID-19 vaccination, and then decreased exponentially, with the maximum peak increase observed after the 3rd vaccination. The antibody response was affected by age and the medications used to treat RA.

SMART GRIDS IN INDUSTRIAL PARADIGMS: A REVIEW OF PROGRESS, BENEFITS, AND MAINTENANCE IMPLICATIONS: ANALYZING THE ROLE OF SMART GRIDS IN PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE AND THE INTEGRATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, ALONG WITH THEIR OVERALL IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRI

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the integration and impact of smart grids in the industrial sector, focusing on the evolution from traditional grids, the role of predictive maintenance, and the integration of renewable energy sources. The primary objectives were to understand how smart grids are reshaping industrial energy management and to assess their impact on efficiency, sustainability, and operational practices. A systematic literature review was employed as the methodology, utilizing electronic databases and academic journals to gather relevant literature from 2018 to 2023. The search strategy involved keywords related to smart grids, predictive maintenance, and renewable energy integration. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to ensure the relevance of the selected literature, which was then thematically synthesized to identify key trends and insights. Key findings indicate that smart grids mark a significant shift in energy management, offering enhanced efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The integration of renewable energy sources addresses challenges like intermittency, contributing to environmental sustainability. Predictive maintenance within smart grids has emerged as a crucial strategy for improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. The study also highlights the economic and environmental impacts of smart grid technologies, underscoring their potential in promoting sustainable industrial practices. Finally, smart grids represent a pivotal advancement in industrial energy management. The study recommends continued innovation and strategic implementation to realize their full potential, with future research focusing on AI applications, emerging renewable sources, and policy frameworks in smart grid technologies.&#x0D; Keywords: Smart Grids, Predictive Maintenance, Renewable Energy, Industrial Efficiency.

THE DYNAMICS OF BANGLADESH-US RELATIONS: DOES US FOREIGN POLICY FOCUS ON DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS OR GEOPOLITICAL INTERESTS?

The bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has undergone significant shifts over the years, shaped by complex interactions between democratic ideals, human rights concerns, and geopolitical interests. This study examines the multifaceted dynamics of Bangladesh-US relations, focusing on analyzing the extent to which US foreign policy prioritizes democracy, human rights, and geopolitical considerations. The study draws upon a comprehensive literature review of scholarly works, official documents, and expert analyses related to the historical context and critical milestones in Bangladesh-US relations. The present study employs a mixed-methods technique to incorporate qualitative data, which contributes to a comprehensive comprehension of the intricate aspects that shape United States foreign policy choices concerning Bangladesh. Using case studies and examining policy initiatives, this analysis assesses the concrete results of democracy and human rights measures, elucidating their influence on the bilateral relationship. Furthermore, the research explores the role of geopolitical considerations in shaping US engagement with Bangladesh. This analysis aims to evaluate the tangible outcomes of democracy and human rights measures by employing case studies and analyzing policy efforts. Through this approach, the study seeks to shed light on the impact of these measures on the bilateral relationship. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the Bangladesh-US relationship, seeking to establish whether the US foreign policy strikes a delicate balance between promoting democracy and human rights while addressing its geopolitical interests.

Differential Regulation of Circadian Clock Genes by UV-B Radiation and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D: A Pilot Study during Different Stages of Skin Photocarcinogenesis.

Increasing evidence points at an important physiological role of the timekeeping system, known as the circadian clock (CC), regulating not only our sleep-awake rhythm but additionally many other cellular processes in peripheral tissues. It was shown in various cell types that environmental stressors, including ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B), modulate the expression of genes that regulate the CC (CCGs) and that these CCGs modulate susceptibility for UV-B-induced cellular damage. It was the aim of this pilot study to gain further insights into the CCs' putative role for UV-B-induced photocarcinogenesis of skin cancer. Applying RT-PCR, we analyzed the expression of two core CCGs (brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (Bmal1) and Period-2 (Per2)) over several time points (0-60 h) in HaCaT cells with and without 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (D3) and/or UV-B and conducted a cosinor analysis to evaluate the effects of those conditions on the circadian rhythm and an extended mixed-effects linear modeling to account for both fixed effects of experimental conditions and random inter-individual variability. Next, we investigated the expression of these two genes in keratinocytes representing different stages of skin photocarcinogenesis, comparing normal (Normal Human Epidermal Keratinocytes-NHEK; p53 wild type), precancerous (HaCaT keratinocytes; mutated p53 status), and malignant (Squamous Cell Carcinoma SCL-1; p53 null status) keratinocytes after 12 h under the same conditions. We demonstrated that in HaCaT cells, Bmal1 showed a robust circadian rhythm, while the evidence for Per2 was limited. Overall expression of both genes, but especially for Bmal1, was increased following UV-B treatment, while Per2 showed a suppressed overall expression following D3. Both UVB and 1,25(OH)2D3 suggested a significant phase shift for Bmal1 (p < 0.05 for the acrophase), while no specific effect on the amplitude could be evidenced. Differential effects on the expression of BMAL1 and Per2 were found when we compared different treatment modalities (UV-B and/or D3) or cell types (NHEK, HaCaT, and SCL-1 cells). Comparing epidermal keratinocytes representing different stages of skin photocarcinogenesis, we provide further evidence for an independently operating timekeeping system in human skin, which is regulated by UV-B and disturbed during skin photocarcinogenesis. Our finding that this pattern of circadian rhythm was differentially altered by treatment with UV-B, as compared with treatment with D3, does not support the hypothesis that the expression of these CCGs may be regulated via UV-B-induced synthesis of vitamin D but might be introducing a novel photoprotective property of vitamin D through the circadian clock.