bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of power training on physical functional performance of patients with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: de Almeida Samuel Brito , Tavares Sobreira Emmanuelle Silva , de Lucena Alves Charles Phillipe , Lima Danielle Pessoa , de Carvalho Bonfadini Janine , Sobreira-Neto Manoel Alves , Freitas Thiago Holanda , do Nascimento Simony Lira , Braga-Neto Pedro
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is becoming more prevalent, highlighting the urgency of developing treatments to minimize its effects on muscular strength and physical function. Power training (PT) is a potential approach that may improve endurance and muscular power, essential for maintaining functional ability in PD.

Objective

To compare the effect of PT versus control or other physical activity (PA) interventions on physical functional performance (PFP) in PD patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, PEDro, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials comparing PT to a control group or another PA intervention in PD patients. PFP was the primary outcome. Pooled effect estimates were calculated from baseline to endpoint scores.

Results

From 21,558 results, four studies were included in the meta-analysis due to their moderate to high methodological quality. PT showed no significant effect on PFP outcomes compared to control groups (TUG: ES, −0.281; 95% CI, −0.693 to 0.130; P = 0.180; I2:0%; PWS: ES, 0.748; 95% CI, −0.768 to 2.265; P = 0.333; I2:88%; FWS: ES, 0.420; 95% CI, −0.950 to 1.791; P = 0.548; I2:83%; SLS: ES, 0.161; 95% CI, −0.332 to 0.655; P = 0.521; I2:0%). No differences were found between PT and alternative interventions (TUG: ES, 0.132; 95% CI, −0.394 to 0.657; P = 0.623; I2:0%; BBA: ES, 0.057; 95% CI, −0.430 to 0.544; P = 0.820; I2:0%).

Conclusion

PT did not improve PFP compared to control or alternative interventions. More studies are needed to explore PT effects (e.g., higher volume, intensity, and combined types) in PD patients.
Mapping the future: The current landscape and future directions of evidence-based practice in Saudi radiology departments
Authors: Alsharif Walaa , Alrehily Faisal , Alhazmi Fahad H. , Greeballah Awadia , Qurashi Abdulaziz A. , Aldahery Shrooq , Alahmadi Adnan , Alsaedi Amirah , Alshoabi Sultan , Alshamrani Khalid M. , Omer Awatif M. , Aljuhani Raghad
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To examine the current application of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) among radiology professionals, including radiologists and radiographers, in Saudi Arabia and to identify challenges in order to propose suitable future improvement strategies if it is required.

Method

A mixed-method design was used in this study. A survey consisting of 23 questions addressing research activities and EBP within radiology departments was sent to radiology personnel. The sample size of the quantitative phase of the study was determined using a formula specific for an infinite or unknown population. The formula used was n = P(1-P)Z2/d2, which resulted in a required sample size of 384 participants. A total of 345 participants; however, 45 did not fully complete the questionnaire and were therefore excluded. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Inferential statistics, including non-parametric tests such as the Mann-Whitney U Test and the Kruskal-Wallis Test, were used to assess the influence of demographic factors on perceptions and challenges related to the adoption of evidence-based practice (EBP) in research within Saudi Arabia. Additionally, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with radiology personnel across the country. The sampling technique for the qualitative phase of the study was guided by the study’s objectives and the unique characteristics of the research group. The participants were purposively sampled in order to include radiologists and radiographers who work in different types of hospitals (public, semi-public, private) in Saudi Arabia. Responses from the interviews were coded, and key themes were identified following Miles and Huberman’s framework.

Results

The findings revealed a positive attitude towards research and EBP among Saudi radiology personnel. Over half of the participants (74.3%) strongly agreed that they understood and were familiar with EBP. They also felt confident in their ability to conduct scientific research in radiology (Mean = 4.27) and believed that they should actively initiate projects (Mean = 4.10). Radiologists reported a higher level of agreement compared to radiographers regarding their familiarity with EBP and their ability to critically evaluate the quality of research (P-value = <0.05). However, participants indicated lower level of agreement about their ability to develop their current practice based on EBP and engage in discussions with colleagues about research evidence. Key challenges identified include a lack of training, insufficient support and limited autonomy, which may hinder EBP implementation.

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for comprehensive education, ongoing training and a supportive organisational culture to enhance EBP adaption.
Assessing potential reductions of agricultural GHG in countries with different land productivities: Long-term integrated efficiency in DEA hybrid meta-frontier model
Authors: Czyżewski Bazyli , Kryszak Łukasz
Published: February 2025

Globally, the agricultural sector is responsible for the emission of ca. 9.3 gigatons of CO2 equivalent annually. A realistic efficiency model orientation, considering agricultural policy objectives in a given region of the world, is a crucial premise for finding the optimal path for achieving global targets of emission reduction. The main objective of this article is to assess agricultural greenhouse gases (GHG) potential reductions in countries with different farming productivity accounting for food security and economic performance of agricultural sector. The analysis focuses on non-radial slack that, theoretically, may be easily reduced by the improvement in available resource management. The DEA-based hybrid super-efficiency meta frontier model with undesirable output was employed, using the efficiency approach integrating three sustainability dimensions. The dataset consisted of data from 99 countries (2005–2018) divided into clusters. Several potential model orientations were tested and discussed with regard to agricultural policy objectives. It was found that by reducing slacks, agricultural emissions can be decreased by 0.74 Gt of CO2eq per year. Hence, removing only management inefficiencies would help achieve up to 80% of the global reduction targets in agriculture without a substantial technological change. However, the efficiency change component turned out to be mainly negative over the period studied; thus, a specific focus on agricultural policy is needed in terms of supporting farmers with a more rational use of their resources.
Armed violent conflict and healthcare-seeking behavior for maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Adeyanju Gbadebo Collins , Schrage Pia , Jalo Rabiu Ibrahim , Abreu Liliana , Schaub Max
Published: February 2025

Background

Over 630 million women and children worldwide have been displaced by conflict or live dangerously close to conflict zones. While the adverse effects of physical destruction on healthcare delivery are relatively well understood, the effects on healthcare-seeking behavior remain underexplored, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to better understand the interconnections and knowledge gaps between exposure to armed violent conflicts and healthcare-seeking behaviors for maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Five key electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycNET, and African Journals Online) were searched for peer-reviewed publications between 2000 and 2022. The review was designed according to PRISMA-P statement and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO database. The methodological quality and risks of bias were appraised using GRADE. A data extraction instrument was modelled along the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination of Systematic Reviews.

Result

The search results yielded 1,148 publications. Only twenty-one studies met the eligibility criteria, reporting healthcare-seeking behaviors for maternal and child health. Of the twenty-one studies, seventeen (81.0%) reported maternal health behaviors such as antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care services, and family planning. Nine studies (42.8%) observed behaviors for child health such as vaccination uptake, case management for pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition, and cough. While conflict exposure is generally associated with less favorable healthcare-seeking behaviors, some of the studies found improved health outcomes. Marital status, male partner attitudes, education, income and poverty levels were associated with healthcare-seeking behavior.

Conclusion

There is a need for multifaceted interventions to mitigate the impact of armed violent conflict on healthcare-seeking behavior, given its overall negative effects on child and maternal healthcare utilization. While armed violent conflict disproportionately affects children’s health compared to maternal health, it is noteworthy that exposure to such conflicts may inadvertently also lead to positive outcomes.

Prospero registration number

CRD42023484004.
BCL6 (B-cell lymphoma 6) expression in adenomyosis, leiomyomas and normal myometrium
Authors: Salas Loreta Canivilo , Mielczarski Bruna , Rivero Raquel Camara , da Cunha Filho João Sabino Lahogue , Savaris Ricardo Francalacci
Published: February 2025

Adenomyosis and leiomyomas are common benign uterine disorders characterized by abnormal cellular proliferation. The BCL6 protein, a transcriptional repressor implicated in cell proliferation and oncogenesis, has been linked to the pathogenesis of endometriosis. This study investigates BCL6 expression in adenomyosis, leiomyomas, and normal myometrium using immunohistochemistry and deep learning neural networks. We analyzed paraffin blocks from total hysterectomies performed between 2009 and 2017, confirming diagnoses through pathological review. Immunohistochemistry was conducted using an automated system, and BCL6 expression was quantified using Fiji-ImageJ software. A supervised deep learning neural network was employed to classify samples based on DAB staining. Our results show that BCL6 expression is significantly higher in leiomyomas compared to adenomyosis and normal myometrium. No significant difference in BCL6 expression was observed between adenomyosis and controls. The deep learning neural network accurately classified samples with a high degree of precision, supporting the immunohistochemical findings. These findings suggest that BCL6 plays a role in the pathogenesis of leiomyomas, potentially contributing to abnormal smooth muscle cell proliferation. The study highlights the utility of automated immunohistochemistry and deep learning techniques in quantifying protein expression and classifying uterine pathologies. Future studies should investigate the expression of BCL6 in adenomyosis and endometriosis to further elucidate its role in uterine disorders.
Cultural adaptation, translation and validation of the conflict in adolescence dating relationship inventory (CADRI) in the Greek language
Authors: Barroso-Corroto Esperanza , Carmona-Torres Juan Manuel , Laredo-Aguilera José Alberto , López-Fernández-Roldan Ángel , Navarrete-Tejero Carlos , Kartsoni Evangelia , Christodoulakis Antonios , Patelarou Athina , Zografakis-Sfakianakis Michail
Published: February 2025

Background

Dating violence (DV) is a major public health problem with serious consequences for the young population. The Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory (CADRI) is the most internationally used tool to measure DV. However, no tool has been translated, culturally adapted, or validated in the Greek context to assess the prevalence of DV in the Greek population.

Aim

To culturally adapt, validate, and translate the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory (CADRI) in the Greek language to ensure its reliability and cultural and linguistic validity in the Greek population.

Methods

A cross-cultural adaptation process and cross-sectional study were carried out. There were two phases in the research. First, face validity was assessed after the first phase of translation, which included cross-cultural item adaptation, content validation and expert review of the instrument. In the second stage, the scale’s psychometric qualities were assessed on a sample of nursing college students. A CADRI instrument was used to assess DV.

Results

The final sample comprised a total of 177 university students. The internal consistency and reliability were good (>0.7), with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.889 for the violence perpetrated subscale and 0.925 for the violence suffered subscale, indicating strong correlations between the total item scores. After exploratory factor analysis was performed, the structure obtained was similar to the original structure. Furthermore, 88.7% of university students perpetrated DV in the last year on their partners, and 90.7% suffered DV, with verbal and emotional violence the most common types.

Conclusion

This study provides robust evidence of the validity and reliability of the CADRI for measuring DV in the Greek university population. Additionally, the high prevalence makes it necessary to create DV prevention plans and further research, especially among nursing students.

Impact

Validation of the CADRI in Greece will increase the knowledge of DV in this population, which lacks validated instruments.

Public contribution

The results obtained with the CADRI can be applied to the prevention of DV in young people.
The Serbian version of the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale (PREPS-SRB)–A validation study
Authors: Kostić Konstantin , Kostić Aleksandra , Petrović Aleksandra , Vasilijević Andrija , Milin-Lazović Jelena
Published: February 2025

Pregnancy is a sensitive period in a woman’s life when psychological distress can have negative consequences for the mother and fetus. Prolonged and intensified symptoms of anxiety and depression caused by the COVID-19 pandemic increase the risk of maternal and fetal health complications. The Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale (PREPS) is a thoroughly designed tool that helps determine and analyze stress among pregnant women during pandemics in three domains: Preparedness in childbirth, (2) Infection, and (3) Positive Appraisal. A cross-sectional study included 189 pregnant women attending a community health center, “Dr Simo Milošević,” in Belgrade, Serbia, from January to February 2022. Pregnant women anonymously completed a questionnaire as part of the study. The mean scores for those three domains are as follows: Preparedness (2.4 ± 0.9), Infection stress (2.8 ± 1.1), and Positive Appraisal (3.7 ± 0.9). Internal consistency of the PREPS questionnaire for PREPS-Total (α = 0.867). An explanatory factor analysis of the PREPS showed that the Serbian version of the Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale has good psychometric properties. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) was found to be 0.860, indicating a high degree of sampling adequacy. Additionally, Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity yielded a statistically significant result (χ2 = 1564.206, df = 105, p < 0.001). The CFA showed very good fit indices for the Serbian sample, confirming the factor structure of the original English version. The RMSEA value of 0.056 (0.036–0.075) and values for fit indices TLI (0.961) and CFI (0.974) were above the cut-off of ≥0.95, indicating an excellent fit. All standardized factor loadings were statistically significant and ranged from 0.50 to 0.85. The PREPS-SRB questionnaire serves as a valuable tool for Serbian healthcare professionals, allowing them to identify pregnant women experiencing significant stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
High mortality rates and long-term complications in children with infectious brainstem encephalitis: A study of sixteen cases
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Zhu Yi , Cao Lingfeng , Shi Yingyan , Shen Jun
Published: February 2025

Objective

Brainstem encephalitis (BE) can cause sudden death in children. Fewer studies have been conducted on the incidence, clinical manifestations, pathogens and post-infectious sequelae of pediatric infectious BE.

Methods

Pediatric patients diagnosed with BE in our Medical Center from 01 January 2015 to 31 July 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical data of these children were obtained from the hospital’s medical database on 15 August 2024. The number of outpatient and inpatient patients at our Medical Center during that period were provided by the hospital data center. Data analysis was conducted using Excel 2019.

Results

A total of twenty-eight cases were diagnosed with BE in our National Children′s Medical Center over the past decade. Among them, 57.1% (16/28) cases were diagnosed with infectious BE. The incidence of infectious BE was estimated to be 16 cases per 30 million outpatient visits and 13 cases per 500,000 hospitalized patients. Fever, consciousness disorders and seizures were observed in 75.0% (12/16), 68.8% (11/16) and 62.5% (10/16) of the cases, respectively. Among them, 31.3% (5/16) cases were diagnosed as human enterovirus infections, 12.5% (2/16) cases were confirmed to be influenza B virus infections, while one case each was diagnosed with herpes simplex virus 1 and human herpesvirus 6 infection. The mortality rate during hospitalization was 12.5% (2/16). Among the surviving patients, 50.0% (7/14) of them had follow-up records, 85.7% (6/7) of the survivors suffered from sequelae such as motor disorders.

Conclusion

Fever, consciousness disorders and seizures were the major clinical manifestations in patients with infectious BE visited our Medical Center. These rare cases exhibited a notably high mortality rate and a significant frequency of long-term complications.
Enterovirus-like particles encapsidate RNA and exhibit decreased stability due to lack of maturation
Authors: Kuijpers Louis , Giannopoulou Evdokia-Anastasia , Feng Yuzhen , van den Braak Wouter , Freydoonian Abbas , Ramlal Ramon , Meiring Hugo , Solano Belén , Roos Wouter H. , Jakobi Arjen J. , van der Pol Leo A. , Dekker Nynke H.
Published: February 2025

To counteract hand, foot, and mouth disease-causing viruses such as enterovirus A71 and coxsackievirus A6, virus-like particles (VLPs) have emerged as a leading contender for the development of a multivalent vaccine. However, VLPs have shown rapid conversion from a highly immunogenic state to a less immunogenic state and low particle integrity lifetimes compared to inactivated virus vaccines, thus raising concerns about their overall stability. Here, we produce VLPs to investigate capsid stability using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), mass spectrometry (MS), biochemical assays, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In contrast to prior studies and prevailing hypotheses, we show that insect-cell produced enterovirus VLPs include encapsidated RNA fragments with viral protein coding sequences. Our integrated approach reveals that CVA6 VLPs do not undergo viral maturation, in contrast to virions; that they can encapsidate RNA fragments, similarly to virions; and that despite the latter, they are more brittle than virions. Interestingly, this indicates that CVA6 VLP stability is more affected by lack of viral maturation than the presence of RNA. Our study highlights how the development of VLPs as vaccine candidates should encompass probing for unwanted (viral) RNA content and establishing control of their maturation to enhance stability.
Generative, reductive or exploitative? How change in policy, funding and production practice impacts disciplinary and transdisciplinary practice in disability arts in Australia
Authors: Hadley Bree
Published: February 2025

In this article, I draw on a developing body of archival research into disability arts in Australia to consider how changes in training, production and presentation, accessibility, funding, politics, aesthetics and audience engagement practices have influenced the development of disciplinary and transdisciplinary work in the field. Disability arts in Australia is recognized globally for its innovation and impact. Efforts to document this legacy as part of the Australian Research Council funded The Evolution of Disability Arts in Australia project have highlighted the challenge of tracing the history of historically marginalized artists who have not always had the time, space, platforms and support to create work or hold collections recording the creation of that work in formats, modes and media meaningful to the creators. These challenges notwithstanding, records of companies and recollections of practitioners collected during this project are providing insight into when, where and how artists have produced work. More critically, they are showing how changes in policy, funding, training, development and creative development opportunities, and platforms for disabled artists to take a leadership role have served as a generative, reductive or exploitative force shaping the evolution of performing and visual arts work. This includes differences in the development of performing and visual arts practices. In this article, I consider how reflecting on this history, and the way it has produced a range of a practices – disciplinary and transdisciplinary, personal, social and political, ensemble and individual, in a range of relationships to mainstream theatres, galleries and museums – can assist in understanding how the celebrated body of work for which Australian disabled artists have become known has evolved, and how policy-makers can support these artists to continue to innovate in future.
Cripping the poem: Visual and literary arts trans-disciplinarity in Hardly Creatures
Authors: Colgate Rob Macaisa
Published: February 2025

The term disability poetics is often used to describe poetry that is simply about disability. Drawing from the concepts of against-access and cripping the arts, the present article explores the current limitations of disability poetics and suggests the implementation of visual arts accessibility practices as one path towards expanding the notion of what disability poetics can encapsulate. The article then introduces an excerpt from the author’s book Hardly Creatures (Tin House, 2025), a collection of poems that uses the metaphorical form of an accessible art gallery to make its own attempt at translating the aforementioned visual arts accessibility practices across disciplines into poetic practice.
Interdependent experiential abstraction
Authors: Sweeney Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

What if artists premised their artistic practice on the assumption that their audience or the audience that mattered, were Deaf, Disabled or Mad? How would we approach our work then? Starting with this main question, my work as an artist is focused on centring my own access needs, both as an artist and viewer, while also striving to create work that is accessible to others. My own neurodiversity draws me towards abstract gestures and forms, so I developed a framework to create works of art, interdependently with other Crip and Mad artists. This short entry describes how this method was developed and a manifesto detailing this creative framework. I have also included several images of collaborative works generated through this method.
Lumpy Bed: A prototype towards holding bodies
Authors: Crochet Jillian
Published: February 2025

Lumpy Bed is an accessible crip-lounge installation built for the Bay Area Now 9 Triennial. This vibrant chartreuse sculptural landscape, composed of soft, undulating mounds invites communal rest. Carved upholstery foam covered in non-toxic rubber paint is squishy, like a stress-ball for your body – prioritizing the comfort and support of disabled bodies in public spaces. The 8-foot circular bed encourages rest and relaxation, challenging institutional furniture and somatic norms while promoting inclusivity. Through rest performances and physical repairs, the artist engages with the complexities of support and repair, reflecting on the ongoing need for adaptive care of both works of art and the disabled body. Lumpy Bed serves as a prototype towards accessible design and inclusive rest, challenging the norms of our built environment that often does not consider or meet the needs of the disabled body.
Platform models in small businesses: A challenge for mature
Authors: Schur Rafael Dan , Sabiá Rodrigo , Trabasso Rafael
Published: February 2025

Objective: Understand the necessary conditions for small companies to adopt business models based on digital platforms. Methodology: The methods of Structural Equation Modeling by Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) were applied in an online survey with 126 small companies to evaluate relationships of sufficiency and necessity of selected constructs in the adoption of business models based on digital platforms. Results: The necessary condition for small businesses to adopt digital platform-based business models is that they are at an early stage of their lifecycle before and during the peak of COVID-19, which indicates that platforms represent a challenge for mature small businesses grounded in the issue of entrepreneurial inertia. Theoretical-methodological contributions: Expansion of the literature on the adoption of digital business by small companies, adding the emerging NCA methodology to the research in this field of study and supporting evidence of the existence of bu
Characterization of genetic modulators of PARP inhibitor sensitivity
Authors: Mamar Hasan
Published: February 2025

The clinical success of PARP 1/2 inhibitors (PARPi) prompts the expansion of their applicability beyond homologous recombination deficiency. Here, we demonstrate that the loss of either the chromatin remodeler ALC1 or the accessory subunits of DNA polymerase epsilon, POLE3 and POLE4, sensitizes cells to PARPi. We show that ALC1 is important for mobilizing PARP1 from sites of DNA damage. Upon ALC1 deletion, PARPi treatment leads to enhanced PARP1 trapping and accumulation of double-strand breaks, which underlies the sensitivity of ALC1 KO to PARPi. We also establish that ALC1 overexpression, a common feature in multiple tumor types, reduces the sensitivity of BRCA-deficient cells to PARP inhibitors. Strikingly, targeting ALC1 could bypass PARPi resistance caused by restoration of homologous recombination. Furthermore, we demonstrate that POLE4 loss affects replication speed leading to the accumulation of single-stranded DNA gaps behind replication forks upon PARPi treatment, due to impaired post-replicative repair. POLE4 knockouts elicit elevated replication stress signaling involving ATR and DNA-PK. Importantly We find POLE4 to act parallel to BRCA1 in inducing sensitivity to PARPi and counteracts acquired resistance associated with restoration of homologous recombination. Altogether, our findings establish ALC1 and POLE4 as a promising target to improve PARPi driven therapies and hamper acquired PARPi resistance.
Analyzing the Dynamics of Curling: Insights from the Quasi Liquid Layer-Pressure Asymmetrical Model
Authors: Liu Bingmiao
Published: February 2025

Curling, a sport characterized by the precision movement of rocks on ice, has intrigued scientists and enthusiasts alike. In the recent paper by Hao and Wang (2023), a novel quasi liquid layer-pressure asymmetrical model is proposed to elucidate the motion of a curling rock on an ice surface. This communication paper discusses the main findings of this research, its implications for the sport of curling, and its contributions to the broader field of physics and sports dynamics.
A Parametric Study and Optimization of Ship-Stabilization Systems
Authors: Marzouk Osama , Nayfeh Ali
Published: February 2025

We conduct a parametric study on the performance of passive and active anti-roll tank systems that stabilize the motion of ships to identify the influence of continuous and discrete design variables; such as the number of tanks, their locations, and their overall mass (relative to the mass of the ship). We carried out simulations for the motion of a typical cargo ship with and without control. We modified the original geometry such that pitching can excessively excite rolling through autoparametric resonance. We found interesting phenomena, such as sharp loss-of-effectiveness and saturation. We suggest a two-tank system (either passive or active); its mass is determined from the desired roll limit.
Ethnoscience Study of Reed Plants (Imperata Cylindrica (L.)) in the Ume Kbubu of the Timor Tribe
Authors: Baifeto Ekri Pranata Ferdinand , Sriyati Siti , Liliawati Winny , Tohe Humairah Ansar
Published: February 2025

The alang-alang plant is believed to be a good thermal insulation, but unfortunately, it is starting to be abandoned. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of reed plants (Imperata cylindrica (L.)) as a basic material in the manufacture of ume kbubu of the Timorese tribe. This research was conducted in the South Middle Timor District, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The method used in this research is the triangulation method, which analyzes primary data in the form of observation data, interview data, and literature studies. The results showed that alang-alang (Imperata cylindrica (L.)) is used by Timorese people as an ume kbubu roof due to several factors such as its abundant availability, cheap, strong, durable, and cheap. Through scientific studies, it can be explained that alang-alang (Imperata cylindrica (L.)) has a strong structure, contains high lignin and cellulose, is hydrophobic, and has anti-microbial and antioxidant properties that can help protect plants from pests and diseases. In addition, the influence of the shape of the roof construction using alang-alang which has a hollow structure makes the ume kbubu roof a good thermal insulator. The study of community science and scientific science on using reeds (Imperata cylindrica (L.)) as a basic material for making ume kbubu of the Timorese tribe can be integrated into science learning in schools and universities.
Ethnoscience Studies in Traditional Food of North Maluku "Papeda" and Its Implementation of Chemical Concepts in Science Learning
Authors: Tohe Humairah Ansar , Sriyati Siti , Liliawati Winny , Tohe Ansar
Published: February 2025

Ethnoscience is a science learning approach that implements local wisdom (regional culture) using certain cultural products. Local wisdom can be in food and drink, traditional ceremonies, dances, games, and traditional languages. One of the traditional food-based local wisdom is Papeda. Papeda is a traditional food made from sago flour. The purpose of this research is to reconstruct the original science of the community into scientific science and to review the concept of chemistry in science learning in the process of making papeda. The research method used is descriptive qualitative research through interviews and literature studies. The results of this study indicate that the reconstruction of indigenous knowledge into scientific science from the local wisdom of traditional food typical of North Maluku, namely Papeda, can be used as a learning resource for students because it has relevance to various chemical concepts in science learning. Chemical concepts contained in the process of making papeda are substances and their changes, colloids, physical and chemical changes, thermochemistry, macromolecules (especially carbohydrates), and food and nutrients with their relationship to the digestive system.
Structure-based Virtual Screening, and Design of Some Lead Compounds as Inhibitors of Kras-G12D of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ovaku Idris Momohjimoh , Abechi Stephen Eyije , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Umar Abdullahi Bello , Uzairu Adamu
Published: February 2025

Pancreatic cancer is an abnormal cell growth in the pancreas. In 2021, approximately 60,430 individuals were diagnosed in the USA, with the annual increasing incidence rates. Pancreatic cancer is anticipated to become the second leading cause of cancer mortality by 2030. This escalating challenge has prompted a search for innovative therapeutic agents. Virtual screening, a computational technique, was employed to discover novel drug-like compounds from a diverse set of 30 chemical compounds, sourced from the PubChem database. These compounds were evaluated based on some important properties, including pharmacokinetics, lipophilicity, drug-likeness, water-solubility, and physicochemical characteristics. Seventeen compounds emerged as promising candidates for pancreatic cancer treatment. Subsequent molecular docking studies focused on the Kras-G12D protein target and identified Ligand 18 as the leading candidate, exhibiting a binding energy (BE) of -10.5 kcal mol-1 and extensive interactions with the target protein. Additionally, a newly designed compound, D4, displayed an even higher BE of -10.8 kcal mol-1, fitting more effectively into the protein's binding site than existing drugs like Gemcitabine and Irinotecan. All newly designed compounds met the five scientists' rule, indicating favorable drug-likeness and bioavailability. These findings pave the way for developing a new generation of less toxic therapeutic compounds for pancreatic cancer treatment.Keywords: virtual screening, binding energy, kras-G12D, pancreatic cancer, designed compounds.
Rosmarinic Acid from Orthosiphon aristatus Potentially Targets Estrogen Receptor-Alpha in Breast Cancer: In-silico Study
Authors: Qurrotaayun Ghina Alya Putri , Sitompul Joy Elizabeth Nauli , Fadhilah Naya , Pramudita Fransisca Widi , Putri Nazwa Septiriana , Muljono Fajar Oktavian , Fardhan Firghi Muhammad , Novitasari Dhania
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Tamoxifen, a widely used estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) inhibitor, is effective but often causes side effects, necessitating the search for alternative inhibitors from natural sources. Ortosiphon aristatus, also known as cat's whiskers, is a medicinal plant traditionally valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Recent studies suggest its bioactive compounds may exhibit anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines. This study explores the potential of O. aristatus metabolites as ER-α inhibitors using computational approaches. Nine metabolites were assessed for their physicochemical properties based on Lipinski’s rule of five and ADMET predictions, followed by pharmacophore-based virtual screening with LigandScout and molecular docking with AutoDock. The results showed that all tested compounds complied with Lipinski’s rule, and most met ADMET criteria. Among these, rosmarinic acid was identified as one of the hit compounds based on pharmacophore screening, exhibiting binding interactions comparable to 4-hydroxytamoxifen with the ER-α amino acid residues HIS524 and GLY521. It also demonstrated a binding energy of -8.02 kcal/mol and a low inhibition constant (Ki) of 1.31 μM. These findings highlight the potential of O. aristatus and rosmarinic acid for further evaluation as candidates against ER-α in breast cancer cells.Keywords: breast cancer, estrogen receptor-alpha, Orthosiphon aristatus, in silico.
Hegel on Human Ways of Considering Nature
Authors: Palombelli Marco
Published: February 2025

In this article I aim to show the limits of certain "ways of considering" nature, as well as the intrinsic contradictions in their modus operandi, following Hegel's analysis in the Introductions to the Encyclopaedic Naturphilosophie and the Berlin Lectures on the Philosophy of Nature. After framing the problem within the broader theme - already explored in Jena - of the relationship between nature and spirit, I will show that both the practical and the theoretical, insofar as they are founded in an original separation between man and nature, result in a subjection of the natural being to man. In order for this to be redeemed from one-sided conduct towards it, it is necessary to access through living intuition a philosophical consideration – both of the living being and of nature as a whole –, the activity of which Hegel understands as a rediscovery of the rationality of nature and its "liberation”.
Final Topology for Preference Spaces
Authors: Schenone Pablo
Published: February 2025

We say a model is continuous in utilities (resp., preferences) if small perturbations of utility functions (resp., preferences) generate small changes in the model’s outcomes. While similar, these two questions are different. They are only equivalent when the following two sets are isomorphic: the set of continuous mappings from preferences to the model’s outcomes, and the set of continuous mappings from utilities to the model’s outcomes. In this paper, we study the topology for preference spaces defined by such an isomorphism. This study is practically significant, as continuity analysis is predominantly conducted through utility functions, rather than the underlying preference space. Our findings enable researchers to extrapolate continuity in utility as indicative of continuity in underlying preferences.
Application of GNSS-levelling for updating the base vertical network
Authors: Borowski Łukasz , Banasik Piotr , Maciuk Kamil
Published: February 2025

This study explores the potential of GNSS-levelling to complement geometric levelling in the state levelling network, particularly outside the main lines. The Polish state levelling network plans to reduce the number of points from 40,000 to 16,000 during upcoming updates. GNSS-levelling is considered a cost-effective solution for filling gaps in the network, especially in rural areas. The experiment, commissioned by the Polish Head Office of Geodesy and Cartography, applied Polish geometric levelling accuracy criteria and tested them against GNSS-levelling. The goal was to develop a technique that an average surveying company could apply. The results showed that the initial hypothesis of GNSS-levelling’s suitability was not fully supported, primarily due to inconsistent vector repeatability. Accuracy could be improved by increasing the number of observation sessions or using specialized GNSS software while still maintaining cost-effectiveness. The experiment was conducted in an area where the state quasi-geoid model fits the levelling network with an accuracy of ±1 cm. Furthermore, the single vector solution (SVS) outperformed the each-to-each vector strategy (NET) in aligning with this network. Although challenges remain, GNSS-levelling demonstrates the potential and after refinement of techniques requirements, it is possible to obtain the main goal.
Exploration of the association between estimated glucose disposal rate and osteoarthritis in middle-aged and older adults: An analysis of NHANES data from 2011 to 2018
Authors: Gu XiaoPeng , Zhang SongOu , Ma WeiHu
Published: February 2025

Background

It is unclear how the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) index relates to osteoarthritis (OA). The goal of this research is to explore the possible link between the eGDR index and the likelihood of OA development.

Methods

The study encompassed 9,051 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2018). Participants were divided into quartiles according to their eGDR, calculated with the equation: eGDR (mg/kg/min) = 21.158 − (0.09 × waist circumference) − (3.407 × hypertension) − (0.551 × glycosylated hemoglobin). We assessed the independent correlation between the eGDR metric and the incidence of OA through weighted multivariate regression, stratified analysis, and threshold effect evaluation.

Results

The study encompassed 9,051 participants, who had an average eGDR of 7.09. Participants with OA had lower eGDR levels compared to those without OA (6.27 ± 0.09 vs 7.31 ± 0.06, P < 0.001). The odds ratios (ORs) for OA associated with the eGDR index in the logistic regression models were 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84, 0.89) in the unadjusted model I and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.91) in model II (adjusted for all covariates). Higher eGDR index was associated with a reduced risk of OA when compared to the lowest quartile (Q1). A restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a linear negative relationship between eGDR and OA risk.

Conclusion

An increased eGDR index is inversely related to the risk of OA. The eGDR may serve as a valuable biomarker for the detection of OA and offers a new perspective for the assessment and management of the condition.
Lathyrol affects the expression of AR and PSA and inhibits the malignant behavior of RCC cells
Authors: Song Shengyou , Tai Lunwei , Zhou Lei , Jiang Junling , Zhao Junfeng
Published: February 2025

Objective

To investigate how lathyrol affects aggressive behaviors and related proteins of the androgen receptor (AR) 786-O cells.

Methods

786-O cells were cultured in vitro and divided into these groups at random: the dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) control group (A group), negative control group (B group), and experimental group (C group). Cells in A group were grown in DMSO working medium (contained RPMI 1640 medium and 1% DMSO), B group cells were cultured in nilutamide working medium (contained DMSO working medium and 325 μg/mL nilutamide), while those in C group were cultured in lathyrol working medium (contained DMSO working medium and 300 μg/mL lathyrol). Cell proliferation was measured via CCK-8 assays, and cell apoptosis was examined through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining. Scratch tests and Transwell invasion tests were used to evaluate cell movement and penetration. The expression information about p-AR, AR, p-Akt, ki67, caspase3, cleaved-caspase3, Bcl-2, Bax, caspase9, cleaved-caspase9, and GAPDH proteins was investigated through western blotting. Immunocytochemistry was used to identify the 786-O cells’ secretion level of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), MMP9, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) proteins.

Results

The negative control and experimental groups’ cells exhibited reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion and increased apoptosis after 24 h treatment. Furthermore, these two group cells exhibited a notable reduction in the status of Ki67, Bcl-2, MMP2, MMP9, and p-Akt (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the expressions of AR, p-AR, Bax, cleaved-caspase3, and cleaved-caspase9 (P < 0.05). There was no statistical distance in PSA, caspase3, and caspase9 expressions among the three groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In vitro, lathyrol and nilutamide exert notable anticancer effects by effectively suppressing the proliferation, migration, and invasion of 786-O cells while also inducing apoptosis.
Rationalités correctives et intelligence artificielle assistée : les doubles contraintes des humanités numériques
Authors: Basso Fossali Pierluigi
Published: February 2025

Cet article explore la complexité de l’interaction entre l’Intelligence Artificielle (IA) et les rationalités humaines, en mettant l’accent sur les défis des humanités numériques. À travers une étude exploratoire, on articule deux perspectives : d’une part, la critique de l’idée que l’IA pourrait imiter ou reproduire fidèlement les rationalités humaines, et d’autre part, l’examen des limites et des possibilités de l’intelligence artificielle en tant que système autonome. L’analyse s’appuie sur des interactions prolongées avec ChatGPT, visant à tester les capacités de l’IA dans des contextes pédagogiques et épistémiques. L’article propose une reconceptualisation des relations entre jeux, calculs et mondes possibles, en soulignant les implications pour des sémiosphères différentes (culturelle/artificielle) et les standards de rationalité. Finalement, l’article vise à problématiser les rôles potentiels de l’IA en tant que catalyseur d’énonciation, médiateur dans une cognition distribuée, et agent participant à une intelligence collective, tout en soulignant les limites intrinsèques des capacités réflexives et cognitives de l’IA.
Queer Vietnam
Authors: Christopher Stephen , Rydstrom Helle
Published: February 2025

Inspired by the workshop “Sacred Canopies: LGBT+, Buddhism, and Economics in Vietnam,” hosted at the University of Copenhagen in November 2023, this introduction frames the themes of the special issue. It focuses on how Vietnam’s globalized market economy is shaping LGBTQI+ aspirations, mobilizations, personhoods, and spiritual experiences. It explores how the articles in this special issue shed new light on how LGBTQI+ people deal with exclusion, health issues, migration, livelihood challenges, mobilization for improved conditions, the abusive powers of biopolitics, and the potentialities of new forms of spirituality. Of particular salience is the use of long-term ethnographic fieldwork as the methodological foundation for understanding the production and practices of late-socialist queerness. We also point to some avenues for future research.
Die Geburt Griechenlands aus dem Geist der Musik: Der romantische Volkslied-Diskurs und seine Bedeutung für den deutschen Philhellenismus
Authors: Hillemann Marco
Published: February 2025

Die vorliegende Studie beleuchtet die deutsche Rezeption der neugriechischen Volkslieder und ihre Bedeutung für den Philhellenismus des frühen 19. Jahrhunderts. Ausgehend von den Volksliedprojekten Johann Gottfried Herders und der deutschen Romantiker wird gezeigt, wie der zeitgenössische Volkslieddiskurs einerseits dazu beiträgt, die Griechen als prototypisches Naturvolk zu imaginieren, andererseits auf der Grundlage dieser „Natur- und Nationalpoesie“ einen historischen Zusammenhang zwischen dem modernen Griechenland und seinem antiken Kulturerbe zu konstruieren. Die Herausbildung des philhellenischen Volkslieddiskurses wird hier am Beispiel der neugriechischen Volksliedsammlung Werner von Haxthausens untersucht, deren Entstehungsgeschichte sich im Übergang vom romantischen Volksliedinteresse zum politischen Engagement von 1821 bewegt.
Harro Harring – ein revolutionärer Philhellene und Schriftsteller aus Nordfriesland. Die Darstellung des griechischen Unabhängigkeitskrieges in seinen literarischen Texten
Authors: Traka Theologia
Published: February 2025

m Mittelpunkt des Artikels steht der Schriftsteller Harro Harring, dessen Werke „Die Insel Sphagia“, „Tragikomische Abenteuer eines Philhellenen“, „Der Korsar“ und „Die Mainotten“ den griechischen Freiheitskampf thematisieren. Die Erzählung „Insel Sphagia“ ist ein markanter Fall in der Fülle der philhellenischen Literatur der 1820er Jahre, denn in ihr werden die Griechen nicht ausschließlich positiv als Kämpfer für die Befreiung Griechenlands dargestellt. Bei dem Text „Die tragikomischen Abenteuer eines Philhellenen“ handelt es sich um den vierten Band des umfangreichen autobiographischen Romans „Rhongar Jarr. Fahrten eines Friesen“. Die beiden anderen Texte sind Theaterstücke. Das Theaterstück „Die Mainotten“ war dabei das erste Drama, das zu dieser Thematik mit großem Erfolg auf einem deutschen Theater aufgeführt wurde. Harro Harring gehört zu den wenigen Literaten, die selbst als Freiwillige am griechischen Freiheitskampf teilgenommen haben.
Zwischen Griechenland und Bayern. Ludwig Steubs griechische Reisebilder
Authors: Lindinger Stefan
Published: February 2025

Der aus Bayern stammende Schriftsteller, Volkskundler und Jurist Ludwig Steub (1812-1888) bereiste Griechenland zwei Mal, das erste Mal als Angehöriger der größtenteils aus Bayern herangeführten Staatsverwaltung (1834 – 1836) und ein weiteres Mal als landeskundiger Tourist (1884). Im folgenden Beitrag sollen – nach einer kurzen Würdigung des Autors – seine Reisewege anhand der darauf bezogenen autobiographischen Texte ‚Mein Leben‘ (1883), ‚Bilder aus Griechenland‘ (1841) sowie ‚Bilder aus Griechenland. Altes und Neues‘ (1885) nachvollzogen werden. Ein besonderer Stellenwert kommt dabei denjenigen Passagen zu, in denen der philhellenisch eingestellte Steub, der gleichwohl wesentlich durch seine Herkunft aus dem Königreich Bayern geprägt ist, interkulturelle Wahrnehmungen macht bzw. sich als Kulturmittler versucht.