F1000Research最新文献

Background: This study examines the types of organizational structures in privately chartered universities in Western Uganda and how these structures impact academic staff performance. Grounded in Henri Fayol's Administrative Management Theory and Vroom's Expectancy Theory, this study integrates structural and motivational perspectives to explore the impact of institutional design on academic operations.

Method: A concurrent triangulation research design was employed to combine quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 186 academic staff members using structured questionnaires and 10 academic deans through in-depth interviews.

Results: Quantitative findings revealed that functional and hierarchical structures were the most common, with 55.4% of respondents reporting highly centralized decision-making and 42.5% reporting poor communication flow. A significant positive correlation was observed between organizational structure and academic staff performance (r = 0.512, p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that organizational structure explained 26.2% of the variance in academic staff performance (R ² = 0.262, F (1, 184) = 65.46, p < 0.001). Qualitative data supported these results, with participants highlighting that rigid and bureaucratic structures limit flexibility, innovation, and collaboration, whereas excessive centralization undermines academic autonomy ( Yusoff & Isa, 2021).

Conclusion: The study concludes that, while traditional structures dominate private chartered universities, they often hinder academic performance. To enhance staff effectiveness, universities should adopt adaptive and participatory structures ( Berkowitz, 2023). Aligning Fayol's principles of work specialization, centralization, and communication flow with Vroom's motivational framework offers a strategic path for organizational improvement.

Mangroves are ecosystems that link freshwater, land, and oceans. They are also home to vast biodiversity of species and provide vital resources to many coastal communities worldwide. However, in various parts of the world, these natural ecosystems have been subjected to anthropogenic actions that compromise their subsistence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse seasonal changes in vegetation cover in the La Caimanera marsh (Colombia) using remote sensing and satellite sensor imagery. Methodologically, machine learning techniques were used, including semi-supervised and supervised learning, using Landsat, Copernicus, and Planet images. The influence of mangrove vegetation cover on pollutants was explored using remote sensing data and in-situ measurements. The results obtained indicated that in 2015 and 2024, the ecosystem showed stability, with slight reductions in mangrove cover and water bodies. In contrast, a slight increase in urbanized areas was also evident. The NDWI, MNDWI, OC3, and QAA spectral indices were used to monitor water dynamics and water quality. The results reflected stability in water conditions between 2010 and 2020, with a slight reduction in 2023. The increase in chlorophyll-a and reduction in turbidity in 2023 showed alterations in water quality. In addition, the predominance of mature mangrove trees, which comprised 83% of the vegetation, is noteworthy, reflecting a healthy and stable ecosystem. The greater density and homogeneity of the mangrove canopy observed in this study suggests a positive ecosystem response and greater resilience to past environmental changes. It is concluded that the changes experienced by the La Caimanera marsh reflect a balance between conservation and development, highlighting the effectiveness of territorial management policies implemented to maintain the ecosystem's resilience in the face of human pressures.

Background: Astaxanthin, a red xanthophyll carotenoid, is a powerful antioxidant, anticancer, and glucose and lipid homeostasis regulator. Some pigmented yeasts belonging to the genus Rhodotorula, the well-known yeast for beta-carotene production, have been reported as natural astaxanthin producers. However, the lack of genomic data on astaxanthin-producing strains within these species hinders the identification of biosynthetic routes, molecular characterization of these pathways, and gene editing applications.

Methods: This study explored the diversity and astaxanthin production capability of cultivable pigmented yeast in flower samples. The astaxanthin production ability was inspected by three consecutive methods, including thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for the preliminary step, followed by quantitative spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for qualitative validation. The draft genome sequence and astaxanthin-producing genes of astaxanthin-producing yeasts were examined.

Results: Twelve of 23 yeasts from floral samples exhibited natural pigmentation, with colors ranging from pinkish-orange to red, and exhibited the potential for astaxanthin synthesis. These yeasts were Rhodotorula paludigena (three strains) and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (nine strains). Among R. mucilaginosa strains, HL26-1 had the greatest astaxanthin content (104.98 ± 0.13 μg/g DCW) and yield (0.9280 ± 0.0012 mg/L). Strain LL69-1 has the greatest astaxanthin content (251.78 ± 0.27 μg/g DCW) and yield (1.8632 ± 0.0023 mg/L) among R. paludigena strains. The 18.78 Mbp R. mucilaginosa HL26-1 genome includes 5,711 protein-coding genes. Conversely, the R. paludigena LL69-1 genome was 20.99 Mbp, encompassing 6,782 predicted genes. A comprehensive investigation of draft genome sequences of these two strains identified CrtE, CrtYB, CrtI, CrtS, and CrtR as potential astaxanthin transcription genes.

Conclusion: Here, our results highlight the outstanding potential of two naturally pigmented yeasts, R. mucilaginosa HL26-1 and R. paludigena LL69-1, for astaxanthin production. Furthermore, our findings provide information on the whole genome and protein-encoded genes associated with astaxanthin production, which serve as valuable biological resources for various biotechnological applications.

Introduction: Female urethral adenocarcinoma (FUA) is an exceptionally rare and aggressive malignancy, accounting for less than 0.02% of all cancers in women. Its nonspecific symptoms often lead to delayed diagnosis, with many cases detected at advanced stages. The rarity of FUA, particularly when presenting with a large mass, underscores the challenges in developing standardized treatment protocols.

Case presentation: A 65-year-old woman presented with urinary retention. Clinical examination revealed a large mass obstructing the urethral orifice. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed a malignant mass involving the entire length of urethra, with no signs of metastasis. Percutaneous cystostomy was performed, and cystoscopy through the cystostomy access revealed tumor infiltration into the anterior bladder wall, approximately 2 cm from the bladder neck. A radical urethrectomy with partial cystectomy and bladder outlet reconstruction was performed via a transurethral approach, with antegrade cystoscopy guidance. The bladder outlet was reconstructed using a segment of the anterior bladder wall to facilitate voiding through the orthotopic site with a Foley catheter. Pathology confirmed pT4 urethral adenocarcinoma with enteric subtype and clear surgical margins. Neither radiation nor chemotherapy was administered. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient was in continuous incontinence status. This condition is expected since the sphincter was also resected during the surgery as the tumor already infiltrated the anterior bladder. But with the use of silicone catheter, we can avoid any leak and patient still can void timely through regularly clamp catheter. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient reported satisfaction with her quality of life and showed no signs of recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusion: This case highlights the feasibility of bladder-preserving surgical techniques in giant FUA with bladder infiltration. The approach achieved oncological control while maintaining the patient's quality of life. Bladder outlet reconstruction provided satisfactory functional outcomes and eliminated the need for suprapubic urinary diversion.

Background: People need critical thinking skills to make well-informed health choices and avoid waste and unnecessary suffering. However, educational interventions can have adverse effects, which is often overlooked. We created a framework of potential harms of interventions to improve critical thinking about health choices. The objective was to identify potential effects and articulate potential mechanisms. We intended to use the framework to inform the development and evaluation of an intervention in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Methods: We created an initial framework drawing on two earlier frameworks. We surveyed external experts using Likert-scale and open-ended items, including researchers, educators, and others, in a variety of relevant fields. We emailed the survey to an international advisory network, and all other experts recommended by respondents. We analyzed the quantitative data using descriptive statistics. We conducted a thematic analysis of the qualitative data. We revised the framework based on those results. To identify any effects missing from the revised framework, we individually interviewed a convenience sample of one teacher from each of Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Results: We received responses from 38 of 70 external experts (54%). The quantitative survey data suggested respondents agreed with the initial framework overall. However, the qualitative data led to substantial revisions. The revised framework consists of categories of adverse outcomes; outcomes within each category; sub-outcomes; individuals, groups, and populations that might experience each adverse outcome; beneficial outcomes corresponding with adverse outcomes; and potential mechanisms of adverse effects. There are six categories: decision-making harms, psychological harms, equity harms, group and social harms, waste, and other harms. In the interviews with teachers, we did not identify any effects missing from the revised framework.

Conclusions: As far as we know, the framework is the first tool of its kind for education research. It can be improved upon and adapted.

Background: Chronic arsenic exposure interferes with hippocampal-dependent cognition through glutamate excitotoxicity, which in turn interferes with the regulation of receptors and transporters. Bromelain, a combination of proteolytic enzymes derived from Ananas comosus, is known to have neuroprotective effects; however, the mechanisms by which it counteracts glutamate-mediated toxicity in the brain are poorly understood. This study investigated the potential of bromelain to normalize glutamatergic homeostasis and cognitive function in arsenic-treated rats by specifically examining the NMDA receptor subunit NR2A and glutamate transporters GLT-1, EAAC1, and xCT.

Methods: Seventy-two adult male Wistar rats (200-220 g) were randomly divided into nine groups (n=8 each): control, arsenic-only (20 mg/kg/day sodium arsenite, administered via oral gavage for 14 days), bromelain-only (5, 10, or 15 mg/kg/day, oral gavage), arsenic plus bromelain (at the same doses), and arsenic plus donepezil (2 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal). Sodium arsenite (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered for 14 days to induce neurotoxicity, followed by bromelain (5-15 mg/kg/day, p.o.) or donepezil (2 mg/kg/day) for an additional 14 days (post-exposure) treatment. Glutamate concentration was measured using sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA] and total RNA was isolated to perform RT-qPCR to evaluate the expression of NR2A, GLT-1, EAAC1, and xCT.

Results: Arsenic exposure impaired spatial memory, increased brain tissue glutamate, and reduced NR2A and transporter gene expression. Post-exposure bromelain treatment partially/fully normalized these outcomes, with the most consistent effects at 10 mg/kg. Findings are based on mRNA expression and tissue glutamate.

Conclusions: Bromelain provides multi-target neuroprotection in arsenic neurotoxicity, rescuing glutamatergic homeostasis by coordinated upregulation of NMDA receptor NR2A and the transport network (GLT-1, EAAC1, xCT), accompanied by spatial learning and memory improvement. The demonstrated dose-response, showed numerically greater effects over 15 mg/kg donepezil, although direct superiority comparisons were not pre-specified. Also, the lack of overt adverse effects support its translational potential as a safe, plant-based adjunct to excitotoxic diseases and toxin-exposed populations.

Dermatophytes are the keratinophilic fungi which infect humans and is the most recurring type of disease. The high level of transmissibility creates an epidemiological risk and emphasises the significance of these illnesses. However, a growing number of reports describing dermatophytes can cause deep infections in diabetic and immunocompromised patients, by invading deep layers like the dermis and hypodermis. Despite the prevalence and significance of dermatophytes in clinical mycology, it is not always possible to accurately diagnose this specific infection due to its overlapping structures among species of dermatophytes. Since it is difficult to identify species that exhibit weak characteristics in the morphological highlights, identification of the dermatophyte is often relied on its morphological analysis, which is a laborious process and demands skill. The massive shift in genetic variation, the source of infection, and epidemiological research can be discovered using molecular approaches. Therefore, the development of an accurate laboratory test for dermatophyte species identification is essential for the prevention and efficient management of dermatophytoses. One such methodology allows use of PCR technology which has many methods for molecular level characterization which is rapid, efficient, and capable of producing DNA polymorphisms specific to various dermatophyte species based on distinctive band patterns seen by agarose gel electrophoresis. The RAPD-PCR approach will be used in this study protocol to molecularly characterize the dermatophytes for precise speciation of the sample. In addition to improving knowledge of fungal biology and pathology with a focus on adaptive mechanisms to combat difficult conditions from host counteractions, there is a need to improve awareness of the importance of these diseases through accurate epidemiological data. The advantages of molecular approaches for characterizing objects over traditional methods are their sensitivity and specificity.

Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Biden rightly characterized the current era of great power competition as one that occurs between democracies vs autocracies; thus, democracies need a new kind of deterrence concept against emboldened autocrats, as exemplified in Mikael Wigell's 'democratic deterrence' that calls for greater apprehension of -and confidence in-democratic advantage argument in the public consciousness. Democratic middle powers in general could play an important part in the aforementioned democratic deterrence in their own respective capacities, and the third largest democracy, in particular, has the potential to play a unique role in promoting a democratic advantage narrative, especially in the case of the compatibility of democracy with Islam through the principle of Maqashid Sharia. This study makes three recommendations for Indonesia to fulfill its potential role. First, Indonesia needs to accelerate its democratic consolidation process by raising the public's emancipative values, especially through cognitive mobilization but allied with religions. Second, democratic advantage apprehension must be integrated within traditional foreign policy principles, as the two are not at all contradictory. Finally, the West in general, and United States in particular, need to be more appreciative and supportive of Indonesia's effort to play a middle-power stabilizing role in the Indo-Pacific, whether in the forms of economic or defense cooperation.

Background: Research comparing inclusive education implementation in non-Western contexts, such as Indonesia and Oman, remains limited. Both countries share cultural similarities yet differ significantly in their education governance. Understanding these differences is crucial for improving inclusive education policies and practices.

Methods: This study employed qualitative document analysis, reviewing 33 policy and implementation documents from Indonesia and Oman. The analysis focused on five dimensions: service models, teacher training, curriculum adaptation, community involvement, and cultural attitudes.

Results and conclusions: Findings reveal that Oman's centralized system provides consistent policy coordination but limits community participation and school flexibility. Indonesia's decentralized system allows greater local innovation and community involvement but leads to disparities in implementation quality. Both countries struggle with teacher training, curriculum adaptation, and cultural stigma against disabilities. Effective inclusive education requires a balanced approach combining adaptive centralization and equitable decentralization, ongoing teacher development, flexible curricula, active community engagement, and cultural transformation. These insights offer practical recommendations to strengthen inclusive education in diverse socio-political contexts.