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Editorial Volume 11, Issue 6
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.6.1017
Dear josha-journal readers, In this issue, we would like to highlight this year's winners of the Demetrios Prizes: Márcio Bruno Barra Valente, Aspasia Marmaritsaki and María Fernanda Cadena Vizuete convinced the jury with their work. Márcio Bruno Barra Valente received the prize for his doctoral thesis “We, the Mourners of the Pandemic in Brazil: Relationships between Mourning and Politics Based on the Loss of Mothers or Fathers by Covid-19” on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil. María Fernanda Cadena Vizuete received the prize in the Master's category for her thesis “Automated Microfluidic System for Suspension Cell Culture Using Lab-on-Chip Devices”. Aspasia Marmaritsaki was awarded for her Bachelor's thesis “Dance through Traditional Rhythms: A Practice-as-Research Exploration of Colombian Rhythms Informing and Shaping Contemporary Dance”.
Smart Automation of Trial and Error to Beat Cancer Sooner
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.6.1016
In this essay, I reflect on my engineering work on integrating lab automation with artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize cancer research. This novel technology aims to use high-throughput automation to generate reproducible data and analyze it using AI, particularly reinforcement learning. This approach automates the feedback loop between experiments and analysis, finding solutions through trial and error. The aim is to manage the complexity of cancer's genetic mutations and optimize the development of personalized therapies. This essay was submitted to the BioInnovation Institute (BII) & Science Prize for Innovation in 2023.
Science, Arts and Humanities in a Changing World
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.5.1015
In his speech, Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Joachim Frank reflects on the theme "Science, Arts and Humanities in a Changing World". He highlights the holistic vision of the Journal of Science, Humanities and Arts (JOSHA), founded by Prof. Dr. Roland Mertelsmann, which seeks to unite these fields in the spirit of the Renaissance. Prof. Frank emphasised how science, the arts and the humanities, while different in method, share a common thread of human ingenuity and creativity. Prof. Frank identifies two modern trends: increasing specialisation and the oversimplification of these disciplines in popular culture. He warns that artificial intelligence could reduce complex knowledge to superficial interpretations, likening it to parrots mimicking speech without understanding. Despite this, he concludes on an optimistic note, advocating authentic engagement with the sciences, arts and humanities through direct encounter with original works, and thanking Prof. Dr.
Automated Microfluidic System for Suspension Cell Culture Using Lab-on-Chip Devices
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.5.1013
Microfluidic systems, known as the miniaturization of the laboratory, allow the development of experiments on a minimal scale and the automatization of the process, minimizing experiment and personnel costs and maximizing reproducibility. These systems work with Lab-on-Chip (LOC) devices, which allow the constant renewal of fresh medium making long-term experiments feasible. Despite this, working with suspension cells is complicated as they do not attach to surfaces. Therefore, this project implements a suspension cell culture in LOC devices using a pressure-driven flow-controlled microfluidic system. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Jurkat cells (T-cell line) were used as a representative of suspension cells. Two different LOC devices were tested and then the microfluidic system was validated by comparing the expansion of cells and the action of poly-L-lysine and etoposide with a 96-well plate.
Editorial Volume 11, Issue 5
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.5.1012
Dear josha-journal readers, We have once again put together a diverse selection of topics for July and August. Some contributions come from the University of Amazon in Belém, Brazil: Alaide Vitória Cardoso Garcia writes about the lack of elaboration of emotions. Person-centered therapy is an excellent tool for understanding and elaborating symptoms in the treatment of people affected by psycho-emotional disorders. In a medical study, Lenilda Souza Simas investigated the relationship between a mother's perception of pain signs in a newborn and congenital heart defects using a scale of behavioral and physiological signs - the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale. Ana Clara Solon Rufino and Rosngela Arajo Darwich work in a completely different field. They deal with socio-cultural aspects that are present in the photographic records of Nayara Jinknss.
Role of ZBTB18 Tumor Suppression in Glioblastoma Progression
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.6.1011
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and most malignant human brain tumor which consists of distinct subtypes characterized by their gene expression profile. The Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 18 (ZBTB18) is a transcriptional repressor that plays a crucial role in brain development and neuronal differentiation. A previous study in Carro 's group provided evidence of the role of ZBTB18 in a network of transcription factors that control mesenchymal transformation in GBM. More recently, our group displayed that ZBTB18 overexpression leads to a loss of the mesenchymal and proliferative signatures and downregulation of an array of genes involved in glioblastoma tumorigenesis. These surveys support the role of ZBTB18 as a tumor suppressor in GBM and raise further questions as to how this is carried out in different tumor samples.
Assassins and their Victims: who Assassinates whom?
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.6.1010
Assassination is the killing of a political figure such as a prime minister, president or king. It goes back to the beginning of recorded history. Many cases show that it does change the course of history. There are three groups of assassins: political; psychiatric; or Lone Wolf (marginal or fringe characters). The latter group provokes the most speculation. While some believe it is for fame, albeit brief, their motives are often confused, difficult to understand and politically shallow. We look at their characteristics. Aside from excluding over psychosis, psychiatry has little to offer in explaining their motives. A review of the phenomenon is presented.
Zoo Nutrition for Wild Herbivores: An Examination of Dietary Requirements
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.6.1002
Nutritional management of wild herbivores in zoological settings is essential to modern zoo operations, reflecting their role as wildlife conservatories and research facilities. At Sardar Patel Zoological Park (SPZP), dietary practices have evolved from empirical to evidence-based, focusing on the complex needs of captive herbivores. By mimicking natural feeding behaviors—adjusting fodder height, managing feed distribution to prevent overcrowding, and synchronizing feeding times with animals' diurnal patterns—SPZP enhances herbivore welfare. Innovations like chaffed fodder reduce waste and emphasize sustainable feeding strategies. This comprehensive approach ensures the nutritional, behavioral, and physiological health of herbivores, balancing economic and environmental considerations with the well-being of zoo animals. These practices underscore the critical role of precise feed management in advancing zoo animal care.
Understanding Social Behavior and Dynamics of Four-horned Antelope in Captivity
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.5.999
The Four-horned Antelope, a typically shy, elusive, and solitary species, is found throughout India, excluding the coastal regions, and is housed in 26 zoos across the country. Despite this, there is a scarcity of studies on their social behavior, leading to a knowledge gap in conservation strategies and captive breeding program management. Our study, conducted at Sardar Patel Zoological Park, focused on the social behaviors and group composition of 14 Four-horned Antelopes (1 male, 7 females, 6 fawns) housed in a mixed-herbivore enclosure with Spotted Deer, Thamin Deer, Barking Deer, and Himalayan Goral. Contrary to their natural solitary behavior, our findings suggest that in captivity, Four horned Antelopes prefer to stay in groups and exhibit social behaviors.We observed daily activity patterns among the Four-horned Antelopes and found significant differences in the activities of males and females.
Editorial Volume 11, Issue 4
DOI: 10.17160/josha.11.4.997
Dear josha-journal readers, In this editorial, I would particularly like to recommend an article by Josha's editors, in which they emphasize the many opportunities the journal offers to publish qualified articles free of charge. This is especially true for global collaboration and knowledge sharing. The journal's mission is aligned with that of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Just as the Gates Foundation seeks to expand access to important research and its impact, JOSHA strives to make knowledge accessible to all, to foster collaboration, and to advance research for the benefit of society. In this context, the current issue of the journal features three articles by Usman Al-Amin, who takes an in-depth look at education in Nigeria, identifying problems and solutions. The other articles, ranging from cancer research to the treatment of anxiety disorders, are also highly recommended! Enjoy the read!