Metabolomics and Metabolic Pathway Analysis: Decoding Cellular Biochemistry | Chapter 2 | Innovations in Biological Science Vol. 6

 Metabolomics is the systematic study of small molecule metabolites found within cells, tissues, or biofluids. It aims to provide a functional readout of biochemical activities and hence can provide an integrated view of the biochemical status of living systems. Metabolomic studies have been used to better understand various disease states, identify biomarkers, and study the effects of drug treatments or toxic exposures. This chapter will introduce the concepts and technologies behind metabolomics experiments including mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Methods for metabolite identification, quantification and data analysis will be discussed. A key application of metabolomics data is in mapping metabolites to biochemical pathways and constructing metabolic networks. Various bioinformatics resources for pathway mapping and analysis will be presented such as KEGG, Reactome and WikiPathways. Computational approaches for metabolic modeling and simulation will also be covered. Case studies demonstrating how integrated metabolomic and pathway analysis has provided novel insights into cancer metabolism, drug toxicity and personalized medicine will be reviewed. The chapter will conclude by discussing current challenges and future opportunities in metabolomics and metabolic pathway analysis, such as integrating ‘omics data and applying network-based approaches for systems-level understanding of metabolism.

Author(s) Details:

Ebenezer Morayo Ale,
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

Olanrewaju Roland Akinseye,
HAT Unit, Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis & Onchocerciasis Research, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Richard-Harris Nsenreuti Boyi
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

Victoria Ifeoluwa Ayo
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

 

Mgbede Joy Timothy
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

 

Steve Osagie Asuelimen
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

 

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/IBS-V6/article/view/14924

Simulation of Favourable Habitats and Potential Spread for Non-gregarious Locust Pests for Preventive Measures in North Kazakhstan Based on Satellite Data | Chapter 8 | Innovations in Biological Science Vol. 6

Predictive simulation of the geographical distribution of the studied object has become an important tool in agroecology, since it uses the previous information about the spatial distribution of species in the ecosystem, limiting predictive models to the nearest ecological niche, thus generating a forecast of possible areas of occurrence based on environmental conditions that are similar to the identified populated area. The paper considers the approaches and possibilities of using two types of simulation: the species distribution model and the ecological niche model. The study aimed to simulate favorable habitats and the potential spread of nongregarious locust pests in North Kazakhstan based on satellite and ground data for preventive measures. Four regions of North Kazakhstan were selected and covered as the research area, namely, the Akmola, Pavlodar, Kostanay, and North Kazakhstan regions and the analyses were carried out for the period 1999–2021. The MaxEnt software was used to conduct the simulation. According to the species distribution model, high indicators of the habitat are predicted in the Pavlodar and Kostanay regions, on 69.9–100% of the studied territory. With the simulation of ecological niches for non-gregarious locust pests, the following class boundaries were determined for the transition from quantitative to qualitative indicators from I (85–100%) to IV (0–50%), which indicates the zones of the probability of pest attack from a higher indicator to a lower one. According to the fundamental model, high indicators of the area of pest occurrence, that is, zones I and II, are located in the central and northern parts of the Pavlodar region. Here, the probability of non-gregarious locust occurrence of zones I and II with a ratio of 1:1 is observed in a slightly arid, moderately warm agroclimatic zone. In the southern part of the Kostanay region, the simulation predicts the probability of occurrence in zones I and II with a ratio of 1:2 in the moderately arid warm agroclimatic zone of this region. In the southern and southeastern parts of the Akmola region, the model predicts the probability of occurrence in zones I and II with a ratio of 1:3 in a slightly humid, moderately warm agroclimatic zone of the region. These results of studies on the simulation of favorable habitats and the potential spread of nongregarious locust pests may allow prioritizing the areas for risk assessment, monitoring, and early warning measures for the development and spread of pests. The considered species distribution model can be used as a modern tool for long-term forecasting of the spread of nongregarious locust pests since it takes into account the peculiarities of the agricultural landscape. The fundamental niche model can be used in a long-term population forecast since it focuses more on the theoretical conditions of pest habitats. In the future, similar studies can be conducted throughout Kazakhstan to obtain a complete digital map of preferred locations for the spread of non-gregarious locust pests to adequately plan plant protection products.

Author(s) Details:

Kurmet Baibussenov,
S. Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University, 62 Zhenis Ave., 010011, Nur-Sultan, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Aigul Bekbayeva,
S. Seifullin Kazakh Agro Technical University, 62 Zhenis Ave., 010011, Nur-Sultan, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Valery Azhbenov,
Zh. Zhyembaev Kazakh Scientific Research Institute of Plant Protection and Quarantine, 1 Kultobe Str., 050000, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/IBS-V6/article/view/14981 

Psycho-Bizarreness Theory: A Rational, Anti-psychiatric Theory of Madness| Chapter 11 | Current Progress in Arts and Social Studies Research Vol. 1

 

No theory is more emblematic of the modern crisis in psychopathology than the brain-disease model of schizophrenia. Theories that posit neurological origins for schizophrenia ignore the significant percentage of patients who display no brain abnormality or who recover without drugs. Psycho-Bizarreness Theory (PBT), detailed in this article, as well as in a recent book [1], is a new non-neurological theory of madness that views schizophrenia and other bizarre behaviors, such as criminal insanity and neurosis, as rational coping mechanisms. Certain people, in the face of intolerable stress, will unconsciously adopt a bizarre behavior precisely tailored to neutralize their stressor and to block stress-related thoughts. Their brain abnormalities serve primarily as sources of stress, not of disease. Thus, by abandoning the deterministic axiomatic assumption, common to all theories of traditional theories of psychopathology, and adopting the idea that madness is a rational coping mechanism, rather than a mental or neurological disease, the new theory is able to integrate the seemingly incompatible data, obtained by rival theories in this field, into one coherent theoretical system.

Author(s) Details:

Yacov Rofé
Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar‐Ilan University, Ramat‐Gan, Israel.

Yochav Rofé
Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar‐Ilan University, Ramat‐Gan, Israel.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CPASSR-V1/article/view/15031

Individualistic and Collectivist Approaches of Societies towards Pandemic Assault | Chapter 8 | Current Progress in Arts and Social Studies Research Vol. 1

 This study explores the fascinating connection between culture and societal responses to pandemics. A significant issue for public health is influencing how the broader public reacts to pandemics. The preventive actions (such as donning masks and minimizing group gatherings) that aid in mitigating the spread of pandemics have been shown to be inadequately implemented in various places during the most recent pandemic influenza, the 2009–10 H1N1 pandemic, and the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. Regional differences in public preventive intervention were observed; owing to cultural values variables.

Across the continents 209 COVID-19 pandemic-affected countries reportedly adopted standard preventive protocols for COVID-19, but the pandemic spread and onslaught showed different patterns in different countries. Humans have a natural tendency to maintain or not maintain physical distance from one another. This tendency stems from a nation's culture, which is ingrained in its national heritage and traditions. The current pandemic scenario offers a governmental and societal level opportunity to study how flexible and adaptable cultures are between pandemic responses. In this study, culture was defined using Hofstede's dimensions Individualism/Collectivism. An exploratory case-study methodology was taken after employing a post-positivist approach. The study findings indicated collectivism encourages faster and more effective COVID-19 responses and hence suggests cultural adjustments for the purpose of infectious disease preventive intervention.

Author(s) Details:

Gautam Kr. Ghosh
Health Research Institute, Kolkata, & NACO, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CPASSR-V1/article/view/15002

Research Progress on Attitudes towards Aging among the Elderly: Concepts, Theoretical Foundations, and Evaluation Tools | Chapter 9 | Current Progress in Arts and Social Studies Research Vol. 1

 

With the intensification of population aging, the health of the elderly has gradually become a very important social issue. Attitudes towards aging, as an important social and psychological factor, have a significant impact on the physiological and psychological states of the elderly and therefore have increasingly attracted academic attention. The definition of concepts, clarification of theoretical foundations, and development of evaluation tools are the foundations of research on attitudes toward aging. The research on the above three aspects in foreign countries started earlier and explored more deeply. There are various definitions, theoretical models, and evaluation tools proposed, which have subtle differences and close connections and can easily cause difficulties in understanding and tool selection. Meanwhile, the research on attitudes toward aging in China has just begun, mainly relying on referencing and revising foreign tools. There is not much research and development on localized tools, and a few have not been well promoted. In order to better promote the research and intervention of attitudes towards aging, this article intends to provide a brief analysis of the definitions and theoretical models of attitudes towards aging at home and abroad. Based on this, it will focus on introducing the main evaluation tools, and propose relevant research prospects.

Author(s) Details:

Hou Yongmei
Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China.

 

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CPASSR-V1/article/view/15004

Quantitative Evaluation of Visitation Dynamics and Audience Segmentation for Sustainable Management of Civil War Memorial Heritage in Alicante, Spain | Chapter 10 | Current Progress in Arts and Social Studies Research Vol. 1

 

This study assesses the impact of visits to the Civil War shelters in Alicante as key elements of memorial cultural heritage, using a quantitative approach and data collected between August 2023 and January 2024 Through visitor segmentation, diverse visitor profiles were identified. Time series analysis observed patterns of visits without a clear trend, although ARIMA models predicted a slight stabilization of demand. The segmentation revealed two distinct groups of visitors, highlighting the importance of adapting dissemination and heritage education strategies. The findings underscore the significance of the shelters as tools for conservation and heritage education, suggesting the need for personalized approaches to enhance the visitor experience and promote the preservation of cultural heritage. This analysis provides valuable evidence for effective heritage management and tourism planning.

 

Author(s) Details:

Pablo Rosser
Faculty of Education, International University of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain. Avenida de la Paz, 137, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain.

 

Seila Soler
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Isabel I University, Spain. C. de Fernán González, 76, 09003 Burgos, Spain.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CPASSR-V1/article/view/15005

What is the Parents´and Adults´Role in Supporting the Young in their Intimate Relationships? | Chapter 7 | Current Progress in Arts and Social Studies Research Vol. 1

 

Love and falling in love is unforgettable for most of the young people. As a magnificent and extremely powerful emotional experience it fascinates, confuses, and hurts; yet, the young dream of it. The theoretical framework shows that falling in love as a fascinating temporary metamorphosis can respond to dreams but provide painful disappointments as well. Creating and upholding human relationships is not easy and social skills develop along with life experiences. Falling in love touches the youngster´s life strongly, but it is also a learning experience that moulds the young people´s identity and self-appreciation. But how could the ability to fall in love be taught? This article discusses what the parents’ and adults’ role is in supporting the young in their intimate relationships. The main findings show how parents should let the young be happy with what life and love can offer and also help the young to foresee crises. Adults should ensure that problems and conflicts belong to emotional human relationships. It is important to encourage youngsters to learn self-appreciation.

 

Author(s) Details:

Kaarina Määttä
Faculty of Education, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Finland.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/CPASSR-V1/article/view/14883