Abstract:Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is characterized by its highly aggressive nature, presenting substantial challenges in clinical management. Surgical resection remains a potential curative option; however, most patients receive a diagnosis at intermediate or advanced stages, where the tumor often invades nearby critical blood vessels, nerves, and organs, thus reducing the probability of successful resection. Additionally, the issues of postoperative recurrence and metastasis require urgent attention and resolution. The applicationof single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology holds promise for exploringtumor heterogeneity, mechanisms of drug resistance, the plasticity ofthe immune microenvironment, and independent prognostic markers in PAAD. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of current treatment strategies for PAAD, critically evaluating their strengths and limitations, and to summarize the novel applications of transcriptomics in identifying tumor-targeted therapeutic and diagnostic targets, thereby offering theoretical support for its implementation inPAAD treatment.
Abstract:Frugality represents a fundamental aspect of traditional Chinesecultural values, consistently shaping individual behavior. Effectively stimulatingresidents' intrinsic motivation to adopt low-carbon consumption practices is crucial for reducing carbon emissions in China. This research utilizes aquestionnair survey to investigate the low-carbon consumption intentions of residents in Shanxi Province, utilizing a structural equation model for analysis andprediction with SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0. Drawing on the Theory of PlannedBehavior (TPB), the study investigates the influence of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on low-carbon consumption intentions, withaparticular focus on the moderating role of frugality values. The findings not onlyreaffirm the moderating function of Confucian cultural values but also extend theTPB framework by incorporating frugality as a moderating factor. Consistent withprior research, the results indicate a positive relationship between low-carbonconsumption intentions and attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Although frugality values did not exert a direct effect on low-carbon consumption intentions, they significantly moderated the relationships between attitude and perceived behavioural control with consumption intentions. However, no significant moderating effect was observed for subjective norms, adding complexity to the existing literature. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of individual consumption behaviour and offer empirical insights into the role of cultural values in shaping low-carbon consumption intentions, providing novel strategies for enhancing public engagement in sustainable consumption practices in Shanxi Province.
Abstract:Fruit yogurt is consumed fondly as a healthy snack. The combination of both fruit and yogurt brings together the benefits of both ingredients. Proteins are essential for a healthy life. There is limited data on the protein content of fruit yogurts. This study described the total protein and casein fraction in different fruit yogurts, mostly produced and consumed: strawberry, forest fruit, fig-walnut, mango, blueberry, peach, raspberry, and pineapple. We also provided detailed information about fruit yogurts. We employed a nanodrop spectrophotometer to determine total protein content and SDS-PAGE, a widely recognized and effective protein identification method, though it has not yet been applied to fruit yogurt. Statistical evaluation was performed with an analysis of variance. The highest total protein amount was observed in pineapple (3.51 mg/mL) and fig-walnut yogurts (3.25 mg/mL), and the lowest in forest fruit (1.21 mg/mL) and strawberry yogurts (1.27 mg/mL). The highest casein density was determined in pineapple (41.05%) and fig-walnut yogurts (36.56%) and the lowest in mango (12.94%) yogurts. The remaining fruit yogurts had OD (Optical Density) values of 27.61% for strawberry, 22.40% for peach, 19.85% for raspberry, and 19.04% for blueberry, respectively. In addition, the casein of the fruit yogurts was determined around 25 kDa. The statistical differences were significant between fruit yogurts (P<0.001). As a result, yogurt producers must carefully consider their choice of starter culture to optimize both sensory attributes and health benefits, ensuring that consumers receive a product that aligns with their expectations for quality and nourishment.
Abstract:The integration of blockchain technology in the retail industry has been a growing area of interest, yet traditional research has often overlooked the intricate relationship between user sentiment and loyalty. This study addresses this gap by exploring the correlation between user acceptance, sentiment experience, and loyalty within the context of blockchain-supported retail environments. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, sentiment data from retail users was collected and analyzed using the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK) for sentiment analysis, while a modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was employed to assess user acceptance. The model was extended to incorporate user sentiment and loyalty as critical factors. The results indicate a significant positive correlation between user sentiment and loyalty, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.68 to 0.82. These findings suggest that user sentiment, when adequately managed, can enhance user loyalty, thereby providing strategic insights for the retail industry. The study contributes to the literature by offering a more holistic understanding of user behaviour in the context of emerging technologies, with practical implications for enhancing user experience and guiding retail strategies.
Abstract:Purpose of the study. We aimed to find and study in silico and in vivo novel thienopyridine and dihydropyridine derivatives with hypoglycemic activity. Materials and methods. Three derivatives of thienopyridine and dihydropyridine with potential hypoglycemic effect were selected from 350 novel cyanothioacetamide derivatives synthesized by the authors in the “ChemEx” Research Laboratory using virtual bioscreening based on SwissTargetPrediction software, and their oral administration safety was assessed. During the experimental study conducted on 72 mature male Wistar rats, we modeled hyperglycemia in the animals by means of high-fat diet and dexamethasone load, then we performed pharmacological correction of metabolic disorders with the novel compounds and comparison drugs - Metformin, Vildagliptin. Upon withdrawal of animals from the experiment, blood was sampled for further biochemical investigation and determination of glucose concentration, ALT, AST, total bilirubin, triglycerides, and total blood cholesterol levels. Results. The results of molecular docking showed that the novel compounds with the codes AZ-383, AZ-257, and AZ-020 have putative effects on biotargets with potential for the correction of hyperglycemia and positive impact on lipid metabolism and liver function. In addition, these compounds have a good safety profile when administered orally. In the in vivo study, compounds AZ-383, AZ-257, and AZ-020 were found to have hypoglycemic activity and associated hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic properties. Conclusions. Novel derivatives of thienopyridine and dihydropyridine showed hypoglycemic activity in the experiment following metabolic disorder modeling in animals. This corresponds fully with the biotargets identified in silico for these compounds. Pharmacological activity of compounds with the codes AZ-383, AZ-257, and AZ-020, as well as their oral administration safety confirm the high relevance of further study.
Abstract:In a profession where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, fatigue is a silent but critical threat that compromises police officers' effectiveness and well-being. Fatigue remains a critical but often overlooked threat to police officers' effectiveness and well-being, particularly in high-pressure environments where operational efficiency is vital for public safety. Officers in the South African Police Service (SAPS) frequently endure demanding, physical and mental tasks, irregular working hours, and prolonged exposure to stress, leading to workflow disruptions and impaired decision-making. Despite its serious implications, fatigue is underexplored in South African policing literature, particularly regarding SAPS officers working 12-hour shifts in Pretoria Central. This study investigates the impact of fatigue on workflow disruptions and explores strategic interventions to mitigate its effects. The significance of this research lies in its potential to improve officer well-being, operational efficiency, and public service delivery. Motivated by the lack of qualitative insights in existing studies, this research adopts a case study design, applying the Job Demand Control Theory (JDCT) and Spillover Theory (SOT) to understand fatigue's influence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight purposively sampled SAPS officers with over ten years of service. Thematic analysis revealed key findings, including fatigue-related workflow disruptions, reduced service quality, and heightened stress levels. Recommended interventions include flexible shift scheduling, mandatory rest periods, mental health support programs, and fatigue management training. These findings contribute to improving SAPS working conditions and informing global policing policies for enhanced officer performance and well-being.
Abstract:This work focuses on the experimental study of the mechanical behavior through "three-point bending" tests on concrete slabs reinforced with two types of fibers: metal fibers (MF) and polypropylene fiber grids (PPF). The metal fibers come from machining waste of steel parts, randomly dispersed in the concrete, while the grids are made of polypropylene fibers. The bending tests are carried out on slabs with dimensions of [25x50x7] cm³. Compression tests are also performed on cylinders with a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 320 mm. The fibers are characterized in terms of mechanical strength and pull-out resistance. The composition of the concrete is determined using the experimental method known as the "Dreux-Gorisse" method. For this study, five metal fiber (MF) contents are selected (W=0.2%, W=0.4%, W=0.6%, W=0.8%, and W=1%). A reference concrete (BT) with a fiber content of (W=0%) is prepared to serve as a baseline. Two variants of polypropylene fibers, with small mesh (PPG/SM) and large mesh (PPG/LM), are also included. By comparing and contrasting the results obtained with those of Adeel Waris et al. [41], it is evident that the addition of metal fibers (MF) to concrete at a fiber percentage (W = 0.8%) improves both the strength and the bending rigidity better than the addition of polypropylene fiber grids, as well as better than the combination of steel fibers and rubber at volumes (Vf = 0.1(MF) + 2% (RC)) according to Adeel Waris et al. [41]. The comparison of the different results obtained also shows that metal fibers (MF) provide significant ductility to the material after the concrete cracks. Moreover, the metal fibers used limit the crack openings.
Abstract:Conventional eddy current testing is a well-established technique in the non-destructive evaluation of materials which is limited by the fact that due to the penetration depth only defects close to the surface of the component can be detected. In this paper the concept of motion induced eddy current testing is presented which makes use of the relative motion between a permanent magnet and the test object. The corresponding Lorentz force influences the motion of electrons and disturbances in the current flow due to defects can be measured. The results are penetration depths two orders of magnitude larger than those recorded for conventional eddy current testing. In this way even deep lying defects can be detected yielding a considerable improvement compared to conventional eddy current testing.
Abstract:In this researcher paper, was studied the content of heavy metals in atmospheric dust of power plants, TC "Kosova A & B" in area of Obilic city. The pollution levels and environmental risks of HMs were assessed using the geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, pollution load index and potential ecological risk index. The results revealed severe contamination of atmospheric dust from TC "Kosova A & B", with particularly hazardous HMs such as As, Cd and Pb and the proportion of As, Cd and Pb is higher in the power plants TC "Kosova A & B", compared to the other analyzed elements, in both power plants such as Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Zn, and Cr, in this case study. Dust samples were taken and analyzed to determine the content of heavy metals (HM): As, Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Zn, and Cr using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The values obtained for heavy metals were compared with the WHO air quality guidelines and the US-EPA regulatory guideline. The concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Mn, Co and Zn in the dust of TC “Kosova A” and As, Cd, Pb, Co, Mn and Zn in the dust of TC "Kosova B", showed high variability (CV> 35%), which indicates an intense influence of anthropogenic activity. The results of the pollution factor analysis show that As, Pb, Cd, Co and Mn in TC "Kosova A" (atmospheric dust samples) and As, Cd, Pb, Co, Mn and Zn, in TC "Kosova B", resulted as high values (very high pollution class-CF>3). According to the results of the geoaccumulation index TC "Kosova A", is heavily polluted with the following elements: As, Cd, Pb (3< Igeo ≤4). Based on the ecological risk index method, As, Cd and Pb, were found to be priority pollutants in the study area of power plants, TC "Kosova A & B", in Obiliç city, in the year 2023. Air pollution is directly related to cancerous diseases, due to the content of polluted air, with many different organic and inorganic pollutants (especially heavy metals).
Abstract:The Feeling Economy, related to tasks that involve emotions or feelings, studies the impact not only on the economy but also on society, influencing areas such as employment, marketing, education, politics, governance, and ethics. This study is the first systematic and bibliometric literature review to investigate the current state of knowledge on this topic, considering the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI). This review followed the PRISMA method using the VosViewer computer program. The thematic analysis of the 21 chosen studies resulted in the extraction of three key research themes: (1) characterization of multiple AI; (2) response of employees and clients/consumers to multiple intelligences; and (3) effects of AI on job skills and tasks. The results of this study allow for a greater and more detailed understanding of how the Feeling Economy has developed and been studied. The possibility of significant change, like jobs, stands out, with increasing emphasis on skills related to feeling, empathy, and emotional intelligence. There will also be practical implications for political and business decisionmakers for understanding the changes necessary to thrive in the Feeling Economy, considering the replacement of human tasks by AI and exploring human/AI complementarity and integration. One proposes a future research agenda.