Research Strategy Research Articles

Agents of Different Origins for Reduction of Mycotoxins’ Level in Feed

Abstract Toxic secondary metabolites of some fungi (mainly representatives of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium genera) may contaminate agricultural products, representing serious health hazards to both humans and animals. Along with this, the economic losses due to the mycotoxins’ presence in feed production, including crop and animal feedstuff processing and distribution, motivated the plentiful research of detoxification strategies. Feed supplementation with mineral adsorbents (zeolites, hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS), bentonites, etc.) is the most prominent approach widely applied. Besides these, other products for mycotoxin level reduction based on the constituents of the yeast cell wall or Lactobacilli are often used. Recently, many investigations are directed toward plant-derived products that can efficiently adsorb mycotoxins in their native (biosorbents) or modified forms (e.g. activated carbon, biochar etc.). These renewable, easily accessible and readily prepared sorbents are economically viable and safe alternatives for mycotoxin decontamination of feed resources. Organic polymers (chitosan, cellulose, etc.) as well as synthetic polymers, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidine, also might reduce mycotoxins’ level in feed. Besides these conventional methods, new research trends are nanotechnologies, the promising, effective, low-cost way for mycotoxins’ removal. This overview systematically summarizes information on binding agents of different origins for the reduction of mycotoxins’ levels in feed. Furthermore, the knowledge of potential applications of binding agents in the feed industry is also reviewed and discussed.

Screening of key modules and key genes in the prevention of skin cancer development based on gene volcano plot and WGCNA.

Skin cancer, a prevalent form of cancer that is on the rise worldwide, requires proactive prevention strategies to reduce the burden of screening, treatment, and mortality. The KEGG research highlighted the significant involvement of red module genes in protein digestion and absorption. These findings provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with skin cancer susceptibility, offering potential targets for further research and development of preventive strategies. Hub genes numbered 130. "limma" in R found 600 DEGs from GSE66359 dataset. DEGs are enriched in BP: chromosome segregation, CC: chromosomal region, and MF: DNA replication origin binding, according to GO analysis. Cell cycle was enriched in DEGs by KEGG and GSEA. Finally, significant genes were COL5A1, CTHRC1, ECM1, FSTL1, KDELR3, and WIPI1. ECM1 and WIPI1 greatly prevented skin cancer. This study created a coexpression network using WGCNA to investigate skin cancer susceptibility modules and cardiovascular disease genes. Our study finds a module and many important genes that are essential building blocks in the etiology of skin cancer, which may help us understand the molecular mechanisms of disease prevention.

Research and simulation of high-efficiency disturbance rejection speed control strategy for PMSM

Research and simulation of high-efficiency disturbance rejection speed control strategy for PMSM

Research Trends in Family-Centered Care for Children With Chronic Disease: Keyword Network Analysis.

Family-centered care is an approach to promote the health and well-being of children with chronic diseases and their families. This study aims to explore the knowledge components, structures, and research trends related to family-centered care for children with chronic conditions. We conducted the keyword network analysis in three stages using the keywords provided by the authors of each study: (1) search and screening of relevant studies, (2) keyword extraction and refinement, and (3) data analysis and visualization. The core keywords were child, adolescence, parent, and disabled. Four cohesive subgroups were identified through degree centrality. Research trends in the three phases of a recent decade have been changed. With the systematic understanding of the context of the knowledge structure, the future research and effective strategy establishment are suggested based on family-centered care for children with chronic disease.

Recent Progress in Poly (Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid)-Based Biodegradable Drug Delivery Carriers for Pain Management

Pain, a prevalent clinical symptom, significantly demands attention in the current public health system due to its profound impact on patients’ quality of life, daily activities, and economic circumstances. Despite being a pervasive issue, many forms of pain remain ineffectively addressed, hence posing an enormous burden on patients. Pharmaceutical treatments, the first-line approach for various forms of pain, continue to face considerable challenges due to their limited efficacy, lack of long-lasting effects, and adverse side effects. In recent years, the rapid advancements in science and technology, especially the incorporation of micro and nano technologies across various domains, have accelerated the development of novel therapeutics. This review underscores the merits and drawbacks of different pharmacological strategies for pain management. It focuses on the research progress and applications of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) as drug delivery carriers, elucidating their potential therapeutic influence over pain management. The review concludes with a thorough summary of current research outcomes and limitations, a discussion of potential clinical transformations, and projections for future pain management research and effective care strategies.

Reviving the forgotten legacy: Strategies for reviving qanats as sustainable solutions for agricultural water supply in arid and semi-arid regions

In semi-arid and arid regions, qanats are a vital water source for agricultural needs. However, many communities are abandoning these traditional and sustainable water supply systems in favor of modern and more productive methods. Consequently, this research aimed to identify the most effective approaches for rejuvenating qanats in the dry and semi-arid areas of Razavi Khorasan province, Iran. To accomplish this goal, a comprehensive strategy was employed by merging the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT, Best-Worst Method (BWM), and the Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS).Based on interviews with experts in water resources and SWOT analysis, 27 factors affecting the restoration of qanats were identified and weighted with BWM. The results of BWM-WASPAS highlight the crucial role of a holistic approach in reviving qanats. The study findings reveal that the highest scores were obtained by the strategies reforming water governance policies to prioritize sustainable indigenous water resources (SO1) and establish an independent institution for qanat restoration (WT7). Conversely, educational (ST1), informational (SO3), and research (WO4) strategies concerning the revival of qanats were categorized as intermediate priorities. Lastly, strategies associated with farm-level support policies were assigned lower priorities. Accordingly, it is recommended that policymakers in Mashhad give priority to macro-level and institutional policies concerning qanat restoration, considering the current state of indigenous water resources. Additionally, a continued emphasis on research policies and farm-level initiatives is advised.

Unraveling the Molecular Threads: A Comprehensive Review of the Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Insights Into Allergic Rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa, triggered by allergen exposure and characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, and rhinorrhea. This comprehensive review aims to unravel the molecular mechanisms underpinning AR, exploring the pathogenesis from allergen recognition to chronic inflammation and tissue remodelling. Central to the disease are immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity reactions, involving key inflammatory mediators and cellular players such as mast cells, eosinophils, and T cells. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors also play significant roles in susceptibility and disease progression. Therapeutic strategies for AR are varied, ranging from symptomatic relief through antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids to more targeted approaches like allergen-specific immunotherapy. Emerging treatments focus on novel molecular pathways, with a growing emphasis on personalized medicine to optimize patient outcomes. Despite advancements, challenges remain in fully understanding the heterogeneity of AR and developing universally effective treatments. This review synthesizes current knowledge, highlighting critical insights into the molecular basis of AR and their implications for clinical practice. It underscores the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to enhance therapeutic efficacy and calls for ongoing research to address unresolved questions and explore new frontiers in AR management. Through this comprehensive synthesis, the review aims to inform and inspire future research and clinical strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals affected by AR.

Unmatched. What's Next? Is a Preliminary Year of Residency or Research Fellowship Better for Reapplicants to Plastic Surgery?

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is one of the most competitive residency programs, and given the increased number of applicants for a relatively fixed number of positions, successfully matching is a challenge. Match rates have declined since 2018, with a match rate of ~55% in 2022. Two common options before reapplying are a preliminary year of residency (preliminary year) or a research fellowship. This study investigated which option is more beneficial for reapplicants seeking a successful match. This retrospective study included all applicants to an integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency from 2015 to 2023. Two cohorts based on reapplication strategy (research fellowship or preliminary year) were created. Demographic, applicant, and match data were collected. Pearson chi-squared, Fisher exact, and Wilcoxon rank sum testing were performed. In total, 125 reapplicants were included. Seventy-one (56.8%) reapplicants pursued a preliminary year, and 29 (23.2%) completed a research fellowship. Research fellowship reapplicants had a greater mean number of first author publications (8.8 versus 3.2, P < 0.001), non-first author publications (11.3 versus 5.9, P = 0.021), poster presentations (9.7 versus 6.0, P = 0.028), and oral presentations (11.8 versus 6.4, P < 0.001). Research fellowship reapplicants were more likely to match into plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) than preliminary year reapplicants, with 72.4% (n = 21) of research fellowship reapplicants matching into PRS compared with 39.4% (n = 28) of preliminary year reapplicants (P = 0.003). Research fellowship reapplicants demonstrated greater research productivity and were almost twice as likely to match into PRS compared with preliminary reapplicants.

The ReCoDe addiction research consortium: Losing and regaining control over drug intake-Findings and future perspectives.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are seen as a continuum ranging from goal-directed and hedonic drug use to loss of control over drug intake with aversive consequences for mental and physical health and social functioning. The main goals of our interdisciplinary German collaborative research centre on Losing and Regaining Control over Drug Intake (ReCoDe) are (i) to study triggers (drug cues, stressors, drug priming) and modifying factors (age, gender, physical activity, cognitive functions, childhood adversity, social factors, such as loneliness and social contact/interaction) that longitudinally modulate the trajectories of losing and regaining control over drug consumption under real-life conditions. (ii) To study underlying behavioural, cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms of disease trajectories and drug-related behaviours and (iii) to provide non-invasive mechanism-based interventions. These goals are achieved by: (A) using innovative mHealth (mobile health) tools to longitudinally monitor the effects of triggers and modifying factors on drug consumption patterns in real life in a cohort of 900 patients with alcohol use disorder. This approach will be complemented by animal models of addiction with 24/7 automated behavioural monitoring across an entire disease trajectory; i.e. from a naïve state to a drug-taking state to an addiction or resilience-like state. (B) The identification and, if applicable, computational modelling of key molecular, neurobiological and psychological mechanisms (e.g., reduced cognitive flexibility) mediating the effects of such triggers and modifying factors on disease trajectories. (C) Developing and testing non-invasive interventions (e.g., Just-In-Time-Adaptive-Interventions (JITAIs), various non-invasive brain stimulations (NIBS), individualized physical activity) that specifically target the underlying mechanisms for regaining control over drug intake. Here, we will report on the most important results of the first funding period and outline our future research strategy.

Leveraging AI to Improve Research Strategies Investigating the Complex Interaction Between Chardonnay Marc and Its Potential Impact on Gut Barrier Function

Leveraging AI to Improve Research Strategies Investigating the Complex Interaction Between Chardonnay Marc and Its Potential Impact on Gut Barrier Function

A Review on Indole-triazole Molecular Hybrids as a Leading Edge in Drug Discovery: Current Landscape and Future Perspectives.

Molecular hybridization is a rational design strategy used to create new ligands or prototypes by identifying and combining specific pharmacophoric subunits from the molecular structures of two or more known bioactive derivatives. Molecular hybridization is a valuable technique in drug discovery, enabling the modulation of unwanted side effects and the creation of potential dual-acting drugs that combine the effects of multiple therapeutic agents. Indole-triazole conjugates have emerged as promising candidates for new drug development. The indole and triazole moieties can be linked through various synthetic strategies, such as click chemistry or other coupling reactions, to generate a library of diverse compounds for biological screening. The achievable structural diversity with indole-triazole conjugates offers avenues to optimize their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic attributes, amplifying their therapeutic efficacy. Researchers have extensively tailored both indole and triazole frameworks with diverse modifications to comprehend their impact on the drug's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. The current review article endeavours to explore and discuss various research strategies to design indoletriazole hybrids and elucidate their significance in a variety of pathological conditions. The insights provided herein are anticipated to be beneficial for the researchers and will likely encourage further exploration in this field.

A new dynamic framework is required to assess adaptation limits

Anthropogenic climate change is already causing dangerous and widespread disruptions in global ecological and social systems and affects the lives of billions of people around the world. Even with scaled-up risk management and adaptation, the limits of adaptation will often be reached. Currently, very little is known about the degree to which societies can adapt to climate change, and where and when limits to adaptation will be reached. In this paper, we conceptualize adaptation limits through a novel methodological framework, assess adaptation limits along adaptation pathways, and propose a research strategy for empirical and model-based limits assessments based on biophysical and socio-economic data. Assessing limits is central to national and international adaptation policymaking. More efficient adaptation can also help climate mitigation efforts.

Impact of electrolyte solutions on carbon dioxide fixation in single chamber Al–CO2 battery

Governments and research & development (R&D) organizations are actively initiating various programs and research strategies for CO2 capture, its utilization, and integration with long duration energy storage from renewable sources worldwide. In line with the carbon capture goals, here we report a novel electrochemical Al-CO2 battery cell, that can simultaneously capture CO2 and convert it into value-added products, in addition to long-duration energy generation and storage. This innovative approach employs cost-effective Al metal as an anode and an in-house synthesized Ni–Fe based bimetallic double hydroxide catalyst as the cathode, with meticulously optimized compositions and morphologies. We explore the impact of different aqueous electrolyte solutions compositions on the cell performance, demonstrating up to 10 h of stable long duration energy storage with a stable voltage profile. The cell exhibits low polarization even at high current densities of up to 12 mA cm−2 and maintains stable cycling over 500 h. Through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, we determined that the discharge product is either NaAlCO3(OH)2 or KAlCO3(OH)2, distinct from the Al2(CO3)3 typically reported in conventional Al–CO2 batteries.

A stability improvement control strategy research for LLC resonant converter with single neuron PI-I double closed loop control

LLC resonant converters are widely used in the aerospace field. However, under traditional single-loop control, LLC resonant converters are prone to instability in the face of high-power load disturbances, which fails to meet the high stability requirements of the aerospace field. In order to enhance the stability and disturbance rejection capability of the LLC resonant converter, this paper proposes a stability improvement strategy with additional resonant voltage integral control based on the generalized state-space aver-aged model of the LLC resonant converter. By combining eigenvalue sensitivity analysis and eigenvalue analysis theory, the system stability is further optimized. To achieve control parameter adaptive adjustment, a single neuron algorithm is introduced, resulting in an LLC resonant converter with a single neuron PI-I double closed-loop control. Simulation results indicate that the proposed LLC resonant converter with single neuron PI-I double closed-loop control exhibits improved stability compared to the LLC resonant converter under traditional single-loop control.

Moving from the Business Case Towards an Equity-Based Approach: Theorizing Diversity and Inclusion in Open Strategy

A growing number of organizations open their strategy processes by including a more diverse set of actors. This has drawn scholarly interest and led to a field of research known as open strategy. In this paper, we problematize how open strategy research deploys diversity and inclusion without engaging with the diversity and inclusion literature that offers a more differentiated understanding of these concepts. We build on this literature to elucidate how most open strategy studies follow a business case approach wherein inclusion, and implicitly also diversity, are theorized based on their impact on strategy outcomes. We show how engaging with the diversity and inclusion literature allows open strategy scholars to move from the business case towards an alternative, equity-based approach. Adopting an equity-based approach widens the themes addressed in open strategy research to the reproduction of power relations and sustained inequalities in strategy making and thus contributes to a more societally meaningful and relevant understanding of diversity and inclusion in the strategy field.

A Grounded Theory Approach to Understanding Jombang Government Strategy in Facing the Era of Digitalization

In 1967, Glaser and Strauss created a book entitled "The Discovery of Grounded Theory; Strategies for Qualitative Research'', which was published and became a breakthrough in qualitative research. The work offers systematic consensus methodologies and strategies for a wide range of qualitative research practices. When talking about public administration, grounded theory is rarely used in literature studies, especially in Indonesia. In public administration, grounded theory methodology can be directed toward understanding how the government develops strategic processes for policy, both at the organizational and individual levels. This article discusses the grounded theory research method approach, which is aimed at understanding how the Jombang Regency Regional Government develops strategic processes in facing the era of digitalization. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 high-ranking regional government officials. This is intended to understand in depth their understanding and experience in managing changing situations. The research results show that there are five core categories: (1) human resource development; (2) technological innovation; (3) improving the management system; (4) security; and (5) mindset. By using selective and axial coding, it was found that there were two main functions of strategy that emerged, namely (1) system maintenance; and (2) adaptation to global change. Keywords: Grounded Theory, Public Administration, Public Policy, Strategy

THE PREVALENCE OF MOTION SICKNESS IN YOUNG ADULTS OF MYSORE, KARNATAKA

Background: Motion sickness is a common condition characterized by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, triggered by movements during travel or other activities. Despite its impact across all ages, there is lack of studies in the prevalence among 18– 28 years individuals.Understanding its effects on the quality of life and productivity is crucial for developing effective interventions. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of motion sickness among age 18 –28 years. Methods:A convenient sampling approach was employed, involving 562 participants (463 females, 99 males), aged 18 - 28 years from various departments of JSSAHER. Participants completed the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ) short form to assess their susceptibility. Additionally, the Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire (MSAQ) was administered at the end of travel to evaluate the severity of symptoms experienced by them. Results:In this study of 562 participants (463 females, 99 males), 71.4% mild, 27.8% moderate, and 0.9% severe. The mean age was 19.89 years. There was no significant association between gender and motion sickness severity (p = 0.264), but age showed a significant correlation with motion sickness severity (p = 0.014). Linear regression indicated a weak positive relationship between age and motion sickness score (Beta = 0.196, p &lt; 0.05), explaining 3.9% of the score variability. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of motion sickness that impacts young adults quality of life and occupational performance. Currently, there is no permanent solution, highlighting further research and intervention strategies.

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.

Floristic status and analyses of the mangrove marine park in Muanda (central Kongo) and the Kimvula-Mitendi experimental site in Kinshasa (democratic republic of Congo)

Human activities and climate change affect mangrove biotopes. This study is part of the search for a space favorable to the domestication of these species in the ecological landscape of Kinshasa (DRC) for their sustainable management. Plant species were collected, identified, and analyzed for biological, ecological and phytogeographical parameters determination. A total of 38 species were identified, among which 14 were from Km5-Banana (Muanda) and 24 from Kimvula-Mitendi (Kinshasa) sites. Magnoliophyta represent 92.86% of species versus 7.14% of Polypodiophyta. The generic coefficient of Jaccard was estimated to 92.86% at Km5-Banana and 100% at Kimvula-Mitendi. Sorensen’s evidence of similarities between the two sites reveals that the two sites were very different. The forest at Kimvula-Mitendi is heavily exploited and the mangrove forest at Km5-Banana seriously degraded. Domestication success of mangrove plant species from Km5-Banan in the biotope of Kinshasa may result in a big challenge and need suitable research and technical strategies.

Epigenetics in the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a cause of dementia, has emerged as a significant public health concern that affects societies worldwide. Statistics of 2021 reveal that there are 55 million reported cases of this disease globally, this disease is characterized by the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the brain, which inevitably leads to a decline in cognitive abilities. The progression of AD is significantly influenced by genetic factors. Scientific research has helped identify over 40 genetic risk loci that are associated with the disease, giving an idea on the molecular mechanisms behind its development. However, environmental factors and epigenetic modifications, which are changes in gene expression not caused by alterations in the DNA sequence, also play important roles in the disease's development and progression. The current treatment strategies for AD primarily aim to manage the symptoms and slow the rate of cognitive decline, but these treatments are not curative and the disease continues to progress. This underlines the importance of early diagnosis, which can significantly improve the effectiveness of these treatments. Decoding the role of genetics and epigenetics in the development of AD is key to identifying potential therapeutic targets and developing effective treatments. The understanding of these factors will provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of AD, contributing to advancements in medical research and healthcare strategies aimed at combating the disease.