ASM International

The subconscious mimicry of others’ behaviors, termed “the chameleon effect,” has been studied in face-to-face interactions and is now gaining attention in digital contexts. Such mimicry is linked to likability in both face-to-face and online communication. Additionally, recent work indicates subtle social biases may influence perceptions in online interactions. The present study examined how linguistic mimicry, message style, and phone type (iPhone vs. Android) affect text message sender likability. Results indicated that mimicked messages and cases where both texters used iPhones led to higher likability ratings. These findings are the first to empirically demonstrate how subtle digital cues (e.g. message bubble color reflecting phone type) affect interpersonal perceptions, offering new insights into the role of mimicry in computer-mediated communication.

Neurocritical care is a specialized field dedicated to improving the neurological outcome of critically ill patients. In Western countries, experts in neurocritical care play a pivotal role in managing patients with severe neurological diseases. This emerging specialty is still not widely recognized in Japan. Herein, we highlight the importance of neurocritical care and neurointensivists, particularly in the context of post-cardiac arrest syndrome, where neurological prognostication remains complex and uncertain.

Murals, usually seen as decorations on walls have didactic, aesthetic, and spiritual connotations. Historically, they have been done for aesthetic and documentation of cultural practices and philosophies of the recipient culture. They are also used for rituals and to keep records of the cultural environment across time as evident in images found in ancestral caves and rock representations. The Asante of Ghana is known for elaborate indigenous architecture with abstract and culturally embedded imagery. most of these architectures, which were part of the heritage of the Asante Kingdom, have been lost to war and time. Some surviving indigenous architecture with remarkable murals in Asante includes shrine houses and a few ancient palaces, which have been designated as world heritage sites. With the advent of modern public and domestic architecture and the redesigning of Kumasi into a British Colonial “Garden City”, these decorations are not just fading away but losing their cultural essence. The study used a qualitative phenomenology and a narratological approach to source primary data from participants in six selected Indigenous communities of Asante through purposive and simple random sampling. The study unearthed the spiritual essence and philosophies of the Asante shrine murals embedded in the people’s traditional symbols and proverbial sayings as a way of maintaining their unique identity as its main findings. Authors thus recommend the incorporation of such traditional symbols, especially the endangered/extinct ones into modern architectural designs and mural representations to reinforce history and cultural identity.

Aim: Representing about 15% of lung cancers, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an extremely aggressive disease characterized by rapid growth and early spread, leading to dismal clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the dual roles of exosomal long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LYPLAL1-DT (LYPLAL1 divergent transcript) in both tumor cells and vascular endothelial cells. Methods: The circulating levels of LYPLAL1-DT were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction in 13 SCLC patients and 21 normal controls. Exosomes from the supernatant of cell culture medium or serum were extracted through ultracentrifugation and dyed with PKH67 green fluorescent cell linker to identify internalization. Migration and invasion assay, colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and tube formation assays were used to assess the malignant effects of extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) LYPLAL1-DT in exosomes. Results: Exosomal LYPLAL1-DT is upregulated in SCLC patients and plays a dual role in promoting tumor cell aggressiveness and enhancing pro-angiogenic behavior in endothelial cells, thereby accelerating SCLC progression. Mechanistically, LYPLAL1-DT functions as a competing endogenous RNA, exerting its effects through the miR-204-5p/profilin-2, miR-204-5p/B-cell lymphoma 2 and miR-204-5p/sirtuin 1 regulatory axes. These pathways underscore the pleiotropic effects of exosomal LYPLAL1-DT and underscore its value as a promising therapeutic target. Conclusion: In the current study, we investigated the bidirectional communication mediated by exRNA LYPLAL1-DT between SCLC and endothelial cells, while also exploring its potential regulatory targets. This research provides a potential circulating biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of SCLC.

This study examines the challenges and strategies for international expansion of Indonesian cosmetic companies, focusing on Sariayu and Wardah. A qualitative descriptive approach was applied, using literature review and company documentation analysis to collect data. Findings reveal that Sariayu’s failure resulted from limited cross-cultural adaptation, domestic branding, restricted distribution, inadequate marketing strategies, and suboptimal human resource management and regulatory compliance. Conversely, Wardah succeeded in global markets through integration of products, culture, marketing, human resources, regulations, and economic strategies. The study recommends conducting global market research, adapting products and branding to local cultures, enhancing HR capabilities via cross-cultural training, and developing digital distribution and marketing. These strategies are expected to improve global competitiveness and reduce the risk of expansion failure

The therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen (H2), particularly in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and deleterious inflammation, have been increasingly attributed to its modulation of redox balance. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying H2-medated redox modulation, particularly in mitochondrial reverse electron transfer (RET)-driven superoxide (O2•-) generation, remain unclear. Here we show that under membrane-less in-solution conditions, H2 modulates O2•- kinetics in ways consistent with a tunneling-assisted electron transfer involving semiquinone radicals (Q•-), without catalytic metals or hydrogenases. Using enzymatic (xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine; XO/Hx) and non-enzymatic (potassium superoxide; KO2) systems combined with the O2•--specific chemiluminescent probe, 2-methyl-6-p-methoxyethynyl-imidazopyrazinone (MPEC), we observed bell-shaped and U-shaped O2•- kinetics as a function of H2. In Q-free assays, O2•- appeared to activate H2, yielding a clear bell-shaped kinetic profile compatible with tunneling-assisted electron transfer from H2 to O2•-. When Q was present, distinct U-shaped profiles emerged, consistent with Q•--mediated electron buffering followed by H2 activation. Electron spin resonance (ESR) radical scavenging experiments and quantitative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses confirmed transient semiquinone-mediated redox cycling leading to the formation of ubiquinol (QH2). Collectively, these in-solution data support a metal-free pathway for H2 participation in Q redox cycling that is compatible with tunneling-assisted electron transfer under defined in vitro conditions. These findings demonstrate the chemical feasibility of H2-driven Q reduction in-solution; the in vivo relevance remains to be determined.

Despite the widespread recognition of blockchain technology's potential to improve transparency and efficiency, its application in performance-based reward and incentive systems remains limited. This study aims to explore how blockchain can enhance fairness, automation, and trust in employee reward mechanisms. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with HR and IT professionals from organizations that are exploring or implementing digital HR systems. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and insights. Findings reveal that organizational understanding of blockchain is still nascent, with significant challenges including infrastructure, human resources, costs, and resistance to change. However, the potential benefits—such as increased transparency, reduced conflicts, and automated incentive distribution via smart contracts—highlight promising opportunities for future implementation. The study emphasizes the need for strategic planning, education, and phased adoption to leverage blockchain's capabilities effectively. Results contribute to the limited empirical literature on blockchain in HR and provide practical guidance for organizations seeking to innovate reward systems through blockchain technology.

This study aims to analyze the influence of work ethic, work relationships, and work environment on work motivation and its impact on teacher performance at SMA Negeri Jakarta Timur 1. A quantitative approach was employed, with data collected through questionnaires and analyzed statistically. The results indicate that the implementation of work ethic, work relationships, and work environment at the school received very positive evaluations from the teachers. Work ethic and work environment were found to have a significant direct effect on work motivation, while work relationships did not show a direct effect on motivation. On the other hand, work ethic and work relationships had a direct impact on teacher performance, whereas the work environment did not show a direct influence on performance. Teacher work motivation also proved to significantly affect performance improvement. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening work ethic and the quality of work relationships in enhancing teacher motivation and performance within educational settings.

Emissions Reduction Visual Presentation R04 The quantification of methane emissions in the oil and gas industry is critical for environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance. As quantification efforts expand, comprehensive and consistent measurements are needed across all types of facilities. This paper explores the use of in situ methane sensors conveyed by drones to localise and quantify emissions in diverse operational environments. Drones equipped with advanced sensors offer a flexible and efficient solution for emissions data collection. The mobility of drones and efficient survey methods allow surveys to be quickly completed and enable accurate and consistent quantification. The use of in situ sensors overcomes the limitations of other remote methods (such as manned aircraft reflectivity or light detection and ranging (LiDAR)-based systems, satellites and fixed sensors), including operating effectively over water, localising sources laterally and vertically, quantifying to the equipment level and eliminating false positive/false negative results. Carefully developed operational practices and a robust analysis methodology mean that the results are comparable and repeatable across asset types and environments. This paper is based on examples from the Asia–Pacific region, describing the deployment of the technology in various oil and gas settings including offshore platforms, floating production assets, tankers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities and onshore surveys. Examples are included for difficult low wind environments, which are common in parts of the region. The paper shares examples of what has been achieved with this type of technology to support the development of methane emissions measurement programs, facilitating transparent reporting under programs such as the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and European Union importation regulations, and supporting robust methane abatement plans. To access the Visual Presentation click on the link on the right. To read the full paper click here

This study aimed to empower teachers in designing and implementing literacy-based evaluations through a community-engaged professional development program. Responding to the need for improved assessment literacy, the initiative involved workshops and classroom mentoring for in-service teachers in elementary and secondary schools. Using a qualitative descriptive and action-based approach, data were collected through observation sheets and semi-structured interviews, then analyzed thematically. Results indicated a significant shift in teacher practices, from reliance on traditional assessments toward the use of formative, student-centered tools such as rubrics and reflective journals. Teachers demonstrated increased confidence, autonomy, and collaboration, reflecting professional growth and greater assessment literacy. The intervention also fostered reflective thinking and peer support, aligning well with national and international literacy frameworks. Despite challenges such as time limitations and varied readiness among teachers, the program showed that targeted, participatory training can foster sustainable changes in assessment practice. The study recommends integrating such models into broader teacher development policies and highlights the need for future research to explore long-term impacts on both teaching and student outcomes.