Characterization and Comparison of Interaction of Capsaicin with Hemoglobin and Bovine Serum Albumin Using Circular Dichroism

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Capsaicin, the primary pungent compound in chili peppers (Capsicum species), exhibits a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. Investigating its interaction with proteins is crucial for understanding its behaviour in biological systems and potential physiological effects. This study explores the binding of capsaicin with two model proteins, hemoglobin (Hb) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to evaluate structural changes induced by ligand interaction. Far-UV CD spectra of Hb and BSA reveals characteristic negative bands around 208 nm and 222 nm, consistent with their predominantly α-helical secondary structures. Upon titration with capsaicin, significant changes in the intensity of these bands were observed, indicating partial alterations in α-helical content and conformational adjustments in both proteins. These structural modifications suggest that capsaicin binds to Hb and BSA, likely through hydrophobic interactions and potential hydrogen bonding with specific amino acid residues. Comparative analysis showed differences in the extent of conformational change between Hb and BSA, reflecting variations in their binding affinity and interaction modes with capsaicin. The results highlight the impact of capsaicin on protein stability and secondary structure and demonstrate the utility of CD spectroscopy as an effective tool for probing protein–ligand interactions. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of capsaicin–protein binding, which may inform its physiological and therapeutic relevance.

Ikigai and Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Literature Review of Purpose-Driven Ventures and Sustainable Performance

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This systematic literature review examines the convergence of Ikigai — the Japanese philosophical notion of purposeful living — with entrepreneurship, integrating evidence from peer-reviewed journals, practitioner literature, and multidatabase academic sources from 2016 to 2026. The review utilises a PRISMA-adapted protocol on a final corpus of 42 key sources, incorporating additional citations from Scopus, Google Scholar, and CrossRef databases to delineate the current state of knowledge in this nascent field. The analysis reveals three predominant thematic clusters: (1) the psychological underpinnings of Ikigai and their implications for entrepreneurial resilience and well-being; (2) the strategic incorporation of Ikigai principles into organisational management and sustainable performance; and (3) persistent conceptual discussions regarding cultural portability, measurement validity, and definitional limits. The evidence collectively indicates that purpose-driven founders, aligned with Ikigai principles, exhibit significantly greater psychological resilience, lower operational volatility, and more sustainable financial trajectories than their solely profit-driven counterparts. The review identifies a substantial gap in founder-centric, psychometrically sound empirical research and proposes three testable hypotheses to guide subsequent scholarly investigations. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), ensuring that all 42 included sources met a minimum threshold of methodological rigour. The results have direct implications for entrepreneurial educators, startup ecosystems, and policymakers seeking to encourage more sustainable, people-centred approaches to new venture creation.

Themes, Topics, and Structure of Chivalrous Detective Novels in Southern Vietnam during the Early 20th Century

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This study examines the distinctive features of theme, content, and narrative structure in early 20th-century South Vietnamese knightly detective novels. The question posed is: how are theme, content, and narrative structure expressed? The study primarily employs a careful reading of texts, combined with systematic classification and analysis of relevant texts. Furthermore, a synthetic analysis method is applied to generalize key patterns and identify specific structural and thematic characteristics of the genre. The results show that South Vietnamese knightly detective novels exhibit a unique convergence of Western detective novel models and indigenous moral traditions, particularly the chivalrous and generous spirit of the South Vietnamese people in the early 20th century. Their themes and content often revolve around justice, morality, and social order, while the narrative structure integrates both traditional and modern elements. In short, this genre represents a fusion of indigenous and Western traditional genres and cultures. This demonstrates that the spirit of learning without hesitation is a recurring spirit throughout the Vietnamese tradition.

Integrating Social-Emotional Education (SEL) into Steam Education to Develop Empathy in 5-6 Years Old Preschool Children

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The rapid development of artificial intelligence and digital transformation is placing new demands on early childhood education; the goal of early childhood education is not only to develop cognitive abilities but also to comprehensively develop humanistic qualities and competencies in children, in which empathy is considered a core component of socio-emotional competence. However, in reality, the development of these competencies in early childhood education still faces many limitations and lacks systematic and effective integrated approaches. This article aims to analyze the theoretical basis and clarify the mechanism for developing empathy in 5-6 years old preschool children through the integration of socio-emotional education (SEL) in STEAM education. The study uses a method of analyzing and synthesizing literature from the fields of developmental psychology, socio-emotional education, and STEAM education to build an integrated theoretical framework. The research results show that empathy can be effectively formed and developed through three main mechanisms: experiential learning, social interaction, and human-centered problem-solving in STEAM activities. Simultaneously, the research also points to the strong link between SEL and STEAM in the holistic development of children’s abilities. This paper contributes to supplementing the theoretical basis for integrating SEL into STEAM education and proposes directions for organizing activities to enhance the effectiveness of empathy development in preschool children in the current educational context.

TRAINER – A Content-Based Recommender System of Training Workouts and Nutritional Diets for Fitness Enthusiasts

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The TRAINER system is a personalized health and fitness solution developed for the Fitness Zone Fitness Center in Antipolo, Philippines, to address the shortcomings of generic, “one-size-fits-all” training programs. By utilizing a content-based recommender system driven by machine learning, the platform integrates individual user profiles—including fitness levels, personal goals, and dietary preferences—with a curated repository of workouts and nutritional plans. The system features a web-based interface for real-time data collection and progress tracking, employing a continuous feedback loop to ensure recommendations remain dynamic and adaptive. Ultimately, TRAINER seeks to enhance client adherence and health outcomes by providing data-driven, context-aware guidance that bridges the gap between limited instructor availability and the diverse needs of fitness enthusiasts.

Exemplary Model of AI-Supported Adaptive Optimization Energy Flow Control in Smart City Microgrids: A Simulation-Based Scenarios

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The paper focuses on the possibilities for developing a model for adaptive control of electricity flows in urban microgrids using AI support into the Internet of Things networks.  The goal is the requirement for smarter, more adaptive and sustainable methods in controlling local energy systems. This is critical for distributed generation and the growing incorporation of renewable energy resources. The study is conceptual in nature and aims to develop an integrated model that combines physical energy infrastructure, IoT-based data acquisition, the analytical capabilities of artificial intelligence, and a logic for adaptive real-time decision-making. It is analyzed the theoretical foundations of adaptive management in microgrids, the design of model development of multilayered architecture, and the interaction between physical and information flows. Particular attention is given to the role of intelligent monitoring devices, forecasting and optimization algorithms, as well as the coordination between local generation, storage, consumption, and exchange with the main grid. The proposed model is analyzed through comparison with traditional, optimization-based, and AI-driven models discussed in the scientific literature, and it is argued that the integration of AI and IoT enables higher adaptability, improved load balancing, more efficient use of local energy resources, and better integration of renewable energy sources in the urban energy environment. The proposed model provides a conceptual framework for the intelligent management of electricity flows in urban microgrids, emphasizing its potential for further development and application in sustainable energy systems.

Improving Inter-Hospital Transfer Documentation Through Standardisation and Accountability: A Quality Improvement Study in a Resource-Limited Sri Lankan Hospital

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Background: Incomplete transfer documentation contributes to communication failures, delayed clinical decision-making, and increased patient safety risks during inter-hospital transfers. These risks are amplified in resource-limited settings due to system inefficiencies, high workload, and lack of standardisation.¹–³

Objective: To improve the completeness, accuracy, and accountability of inter-hospital transfer documentation through structured system-level interventions.

Methods: A single-centre quality improvement study using Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycles was conducted at Base Hospital Kinniya, Sri Lanka from January to June 2019 for a period of 6 months. A retrospective audit of 436 inter-hospital transfer forms was conducted using predefined criteria derived from Ministry of Health standards and stakeholder consensus. Two PDSA cycles were implemented: the first introduced staff training and a structured documentation seal; the second introduced a “probable diagnosis” field and a checking officer system. Key indicators included documentation of diagnosis, reason for transfer, vital signs, treatment given, and time of transfer. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse changes in documentation completeness.

Results: Baseline assessment demonstrated major deficiencies in documentation, including diagnosis (61.5%), treatment given (42.2%), time of transfer (14.7%), and oxygen saturation (26.6%). Following PDSA cycle 1, improvements were observed across all parameters. After PDSA cycle 2, near-complete compliance was achieved in most domains, including diagnosis (99.1%), heart rate (100%), blood pressure (100%), and time of transfer (98.6%). Treatment documentation improved to 94.9%, and oxygen saturation to 98.6%. Documentation verification reached 100% following introduction of a checking officer.

Conclusion: System-level interventions incorporating standardisation, training, and accountability significantly improved transfer documentation completeness. This low-cost, scalable approach is potentially applicable to similar resource-limited healthcare settings.

Analysis of the Relationship between Duration of Diabetes Mellitus and HbA1c Levels in Type 2 DM Patients at Primary Health Center in Kupang City

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Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health challenge characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia and progressive metabolic dysfunction. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) serves as the gold standard for assessing long-term glycaemic control and is closely linked to the risk of diabetes-related complications. Disease duration has been hypothesised to influence glycaemic outcomes; however, findings from previous studies remain inconsistent, warranting further investigation.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between disease duration and glycaemic control, as measured by HbA1c levels, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: An analytical observational study with cross-sectional design was conducted on 71 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at three primary health centres in Kupang City from July to August 2025. Disease duration data were obtained through interviews and medical records, categorised as less than one year, one to five years, and more than five years. HbA1c levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography method. Data analysis used Spearman’s correlation test with significance level of α=0.05.

Results: Mean HbA1c levels demonstrated an ascending trend across duration categories: 8.25±3.15% for less than one year, 9.06±2.14% for one to five years, and 9.92±2.76% for more than five years. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between disease duration and HbA1c levels (r=0.247; p=0.038).

Conclusion: A significant positive correlation exists between type 2 diabetes mellitus duration and HbA1c levels, although with weak correlation strength. This finding emphasises the importance of regular glycaemic monitoring and comprehensive multifactorial management approaches, as glycaemic control is influenced not only by disease duration but also by modifiable factors including medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and psychosocial support.

Educational Measures to Develop School Violence Prevention Skills for Junior High School Students

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School violence is becoming a pressing issue in the educational environment, negatively impacting the psychological development, personality, and learning process of junior high school students. Based on theoretical research on education in preventing school violence, this article clarifies the role of equipping students with the skills to identify, prevent, and respond to violent situations in school.Based on that theoretical foundation, the article proposes several measures to educate students in Ho Chi Minh City on skills to prevent school violence. These measures aim to contribute to building a safe and healthy school environment.

Comparative Economic Burden of Tuberculosis Patients with and Without Diabetes Mellitus in Kupang City, Indonesia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

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Background: Tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus are major public health problems with a well-recognized bidirectional relationship. Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of active tuberculosis, while tuberculosis may worsen glycemic control. This comorbidity may also increase household economic burden through higher non-medical expenses, productivity loss, and catastrophic health expenditure. Evidence comparing the economic burden of tuberculosis patients with and without diabetes mellitus in Kupang City remains limited.

Objective: To compare the economic burden between tuberculosis patients without diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus in Kupang City, Indonesia, in 2025.

Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study included 86 respondents, consisting of 43 tuberculosis patients without diabetes mellitus and 43 tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus who were receiving outpatient treatment at 10 primary health centers in Kupang City.

Results: A significant difference in economic burden was observed between the two groups. The median total cost among tuberculosis patients without diabetes mellitus was IDR 255,000, whereas the median total cost among tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus was IDR 850,000. Direct non-medical costs and indirect costs were also higher in the tuberculosis-diabetes mellitus group. Catastrophic costs were significantly more frequent in the TB-DM group than in the TB non-DM group (44.2% vs. 20.9%; p = 0.021).

Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the economic burden among tuberculosis patients. Compared with tuberculosis patients without diabetes mellitus, those with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus incur higher total costs, greater non-medical expenditures, and higher indirect costs. These findings support the need for integrated tuberculosis-diabetes services and stronger financial protection strategies for vulnerable patients.