bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Authors: Novakovic Vesna , Milovanović Mirjana , Škorić Tanja
Published: January 2025

This paper is about entrepreneurship and the importance of entrepreneurship in economic processes in an economy. When a person decides that his career is entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process gives answers to the key questions, what do I want to achieve, what are my goals, where am I now and where do I want to go? The subject of research is the concept of entrepreneurship, its complexity and importance for the development of the economy. We defined the problem by the question to what extent the state plays a role in the development of entrepreneurship, as well as the influence of small and medium-sized enterprises on the development of entrepreneurship.
ULOGA EDUKACIJE ZA PROMOCIJU I MENADŽMENT ODRŽIVOSTI RURALNIH PODRUČJA U SVETU I SRBIJI
Authors: Ilić Milica Ž. , Ilić Biljana , Ostojić Bojana
Published: January 2025

Danas je na globalnom nivou razvijen sveobuhvatni pristup u okviru Milenijumskih ciljeva razvoja, nazvan Edukacija ruralnih krajeva (ERK), sa osnovnim ciljem da se umanji nedostatak osnovnih ljudskih potreba i stvore mogućnosti za dostizanje društvenog i životnog blagostanja, u odgovarajućem ekološkom okruženju. Cilj rada je da se ukaže na neophodnost preduzimanja aktivnosti kao što su: obrazovanje, poboljšanje uslova života u okruženju, razvoj zelene ekonomije, kao i razvoj infrastrukture. Predmet rada je analiza slabije razvijenih krajeva Srbije i dostignutog stepena održivog razvoja i pismenosti. Jedna od glavnih karakteristika Srbije jeste neujednačen razvoj njenih regiona, te je sa jedne strane severni deo zemlje najrazvijeniji, dok sa druge strane, jug i istočni krajevi zemlje zaostaju u razvoju. S toga, autori primenjuju deskriptivnu i komparativnu metodu u radu i daju uporedni prikaz razvijenih i nerazvijenih regiona i ekološki razvoj Srbije i bogatih zemalja u svetu. Doprinos autora se sastoji u preporukama sa ciljem da se na osnovu dobre prakse, preduzmu mere i aktivnosti u ruralnim krajevima u cilju edukacije stanovništva i dostigne viši nivo održivog razvoja. Na taj način bi se i u slabije razvijenim regionima zemlje podigao odgovarajući nivo kvaliteta života, odnosno povećala socijalna sigurnost uz poboljšane uslove u životnoj sredini. Samim tim, ljudi bi postali sigurniji u sebe i spremniji da se i dalje obrazuju kako bi njihove osnovne potrebe bile zadovoljene i kako ne bi morali da brinu o svojoj egzistenciji, ili o egzistenciji svoje porodice.
MODELI FINANSIRANJA PROGRAMA ZA PODRŠKU TALENTOVANIM I NADARENIM UČENICIMA
Authors: Milošević Sanda
Published: January 2025

Razvoj obrazovanja darovitih učenika dobio je značajan zamah posljednjih godina, kako u smislu zakonskih uredbi i propisa tako i u smislu kvalitete i ponude programa. Postoji širok raspon vrijednih koncepata i modela rada sa nadarenim i talentovanim učenicima. Razvoj sistema podrške talentovanim i nadarenim učenicima podrazumijeva sveobuhvatne mjere podrške u smislu savjeta i dijagnostičke podrške, jačanju tehničkih, ljudskih i materijalnih resursa obrazovnih ustanova. Sve ove mjere zahtijevaju i odgovarajuću finansijsku podršku koja nije dostupna svim obrazovnim ustanovama. Program rada sa talentovanim i nadarenim učenicima mora imati jasan koncept provođenja i finansiranja na nacionalnom nivou jer svaka država koja želi ekonomski razvoj ulaže u istraživanja i razvoj talentovanih mladih ljudi kroz različite stipendije i druge poticaje kako bi se napredak dodatno potaknuo. U radu će biti prikazan pregled modela finansiranja programa podrške talentovanim i nadarenim učenicima zemalja u kojima su ovi koncepti uspješno primjenjeni te razmotrena mogućnost primjene u našem obrazovnom sistemu.
ULOGA PORODIČNOG VASPITANJA U MORALNOM RAZVOJU DJECE
Authors: Tomić Marija
Published: January 2025

Rad se bavi analizom dosadašnjih teorija moralnosti kao i uticajem porodičnog vaspitanja na razvoj moralne komponente ličnosti. Sistem vrijednosti koji trenutno dominira u društvu, dovodi do sve veće potrebe za analizom dosadašnjih istraživanja ali i proučavanja kvaliteta porodičnog vaspitanja. Kolbergova i Pijažeova teorija moralnosti su u fokusu analize, jer predstavljaju temelj tumačenja moralnog razvoja djece. S obzirom da porodica ima ključnu ulogu u napretku pojedinca, rad sagledava sve aspekte porodičnog vaspitanja i njegovog uticaj na dječiji razvoj. Društvo već od ranog uzrasta djetetu nameće određene norme, standarde i pravila ponašanja, te su roditeljske kompetencije ključne za vaspitanje djece za život u savremenom društvu. Porodica je ključni faktor za formiranje dječije ličnosti, njegovog emocionalnog razvoja ali i socijalizacije. Pored svih izazova, porodica treba da pronađe način uklapanja u društvene promjene uz zadržavanje vlastitih sistema vrijednosti.
DEVIJACIJE U DRUŠTVU IZ UGLA SOCIOLOGIJE OBRAZOVANJA
Authors: Babić Mario , Babić Maja
Published: January 2025

Društvenim devijacijama smatraju se ponašanja kojima se krše društvene norme, ugrožavaju društvene vrijednosti i izazivaju reakciju neodobravanja i kažnjavanja. Društvena devijacija je objektivna društvena situacija u kojoj dolazi do: ugrožavanja egzistencije čovjeka; izvitoperenja u sadržajima, oblicima i načinima zadovoljavanja ljudskih potreba; nemogućnosti iskazivanja čovjeka kao radnog i stvaralačkog bića; poremećaj ponašanja i odnosa čovjeka sa drugim ljudima; poremećaj u funkcionisanju ljudskih zajednica i društvenih institucija i sukoba unutar i između globalnih društava, uključujući i njihov raspad i nastajanje. Česta je pojava da su upravo mladi ljudi ti koji su zasluženi za kršenje ovih normi. Ti mladi ljudi na razne načine pokušavaju da iskažu svoje nazadovoljstvo. Bježanje od kuće, iz škole, grafiti, tuče, silovanja, alkoholizam, narkomanija, prostitucija, pljačke i organizovani kriminal su samo neki od vidova ispoljavanja nezadovoljstva i želje za dominacijom od strane mladih. Upravo ovaj rad posmatra devijacije iz ugla sociologije obrazovanja, jer je upravo i faktor niskog nivoa obrazovnih kometencija često uzrok devijatnog ponašanja kod mladih.
IMPLEMENTACIJA I SPROVOĐENJE KONCEPTA INKLUZIVNOG VASPITANJA I OBRAZOVANJA
Authors: Simeunić Željko
Published: January 2025

Inkluzija kao pristup koji se temelji na principima poštivanja ljudskih prava pojedinca odnosi se na proces povećanja učestvovanja ljudi i djece sa posebnim potrebama u lokalnim zajednicama, školama i drugim javnim ustanovama. Takođe, inkluzivno obrazovanje je samo jedan aspekt inkluzije. Inkluzivna praksa obrazovanja djece sa posebnim potrebama se posljednih godina značajno proširila, međutim još uvijek postoje značajna ograničenja u provođenju takvog obrazovanja. Implementacija i sprovođenje koncepta inkluzivnog vaspitanja i obrazovanja predstavlja izuzetno kompleksan proces, s obzirom da on obavezno podrazumeva restrukturiranje tradicionalnog školskog sistema. Neminovno je da inkluzija traži nove i značajne izazove od strane nastavnika, uprave škole, samih učenika i njihovih roditelja, ali i cijele društvene zajednice. Svi imaju zahtjevan zadatak – odgovoriti na veliki broj različitih potreba učenika.
OBRAZOVNI SISTEM U SJEDINJENIM AMERIČKIM DRŽAVAMA
Authors: Mulaomerović Zakira
Published: January 2025

Jedan od najsloženijih i najvećih obrazovnih sistema je svakako u SAD. Javni školski sistem se finansira uglavnom iz lokalnih poreza na imovinu, što znači da bogatije zajednice često imaju bolje finansirane škole. Ne postoji nacionalni obrazovni plan. Svaka država ima svoju obrazovnu politiku i standard. U ovom radu ukazaćemo kako i na koji način funkcioniše obrazovni sistem u SAD i koje su to najznačajnije karakteristike njihovog formalnog obrazovanja.
UTICAJ POLITIKA U ZASTOJU BOSNE I HERCEGOVINE NA PUTU EVROPSKE UNIJE
Authors: Sredojević Ognjen
Published: January 2025

Bosna i Hercegovina suočava se sa brojnim političkim izazovima koji usporavaju njen napredak prema pridruživanju Evropskoj uniji. Nedostatak političke stabilnosti i usaglašenosti među političkim liderima, kao i problemi u sprovođenju potrebnih reformi, igraju ključnu ulogu u zastoju ostvarivanja napretka prema članstvu Evropske unije. Dugotrajna politička blokada, etničke podijele i nedostatak međusobnog povjerenja između političkih lidera su dodatni faktori koji ometaju proces pridruživanja Evropskoj uniji. Ovi problemi otežavaju sprovođenje reformi koje su neophodne kako bi se uskladila bosanskohercegovačka zakonodavstva i institucije sa standardima Evropske unije. Za predmet istraživanja u radu će se obuhvatiti različiti aspekti kao što su analiza u pogledu političkih faktora koji doprinose stagnaciji u evropskim integracijama, analiza internih političkih dinamika unutar Bosne i Hercegovine i istraživanje uticaja drugih država na donošenje političkih odluka unutar Bosne i Hercegovine. Potrebno se pozvati na različite teorijske i empirijske radove, te relevantne informacije koje doprinose ostvarivanju razumijevanja različitih politika i njihovih uticaja, a koje ometaju proces pridruživanja Evropskoj uniji. Takođe, treba analizirati i citirati naučna i stručna djela, izvještaje državnih organa i agencija, zatim medija kao izvora relevantnih informacija u vezi ovog istraživanja. Svakako, potrebno je izvesti zaključak na bazi analize sadržaja sa ciljem utvrđivanja da li, te ako jeste u kojoj mjeri politike utiču u zastoju Bosne i Hercegovine na putu Evropske unije, a koje se odnosi u vezi ove tematike.
The Image of Paris in Venetian Art Through the Prism of the Works of Giorgione and the Giorgionesques
Authors: Fomina Irina Anatolievna
Published: January 2025

This article is devoted to the emergence of individual plots illustrating the story of the Trojan Prince Alexander (Paris) in Venetian art in the first decade of the sixteenth century. Although Trojan themes were widely represented in the works of Florentine artists, ancient history received a different interpretation and a new edition in the works of Venetian masters Giorgione and artists in his circle. The publication examines the reasons for the interest in the Trojan theme among Venetian artists and how this theme was implemented in the art of the Most Serene Republic during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The evolution of the plot of The Court of Paris and the variety of ideas of Venetian artists visualizing the story of the Trojan Prince are shown. As a result of the work done, it was revealed that the new image of Paris, which appeared in Venetian art in the first decade of the sixteenth century, reflects the ideal of a new personality, gentile uomo, and corresponds to the mindset of Venetian society, which arose at the turn of the century and associated with the decline of the economic and political greatness of the Most Serene Republic. The paper presents descriptive and formal stylistic analyses combined with iconographic and iconological methods of studying works of art. The relevance of this work is evidenced by the evolution of the image of Paris and the many interpretations of his life story, from the ancient epic to the visual form, thanks to which he takes root in the spiritual and artistic culture of Venice, becoming a symbolic figure in the humanistic consciousness of society at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The novelty of this topic lies in the analysis of little-studied works by Venetian masters, which were created based on ancient myths. We have proposed a new approach to interpreting the image of Paris and individual scenes from his life in the works of Giorgione and his followers. This interpretation brings the fundamental semantic meaning of the plot closer to the requirements that arose in the mindset of Venetian society at the turn of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This approach allows us to consider these plots as integral historical and artistic phenomena, illuminating the semantic meaning of several works studied in a general context.
A Note on an Asymptotic Property of the Convexity of Norms
Authors: Evgeniev Petar
Published: January 2025

We observe that the recently introduced property local asymptotically midpoint uniform convexity (LAMUC}) is isomorphically distinct from AMUC. Specifically, we show that $$c_0$$ or $$T^*$$, with any locally uniformly rotund norm are strictly locally AMUC. We introduce local AUC in the same spirit and give an example of locally AMUC, not locally AUC and not isomorphic to AMUC space. Following the proof in  [10] we observe that these local properties are stable under finite sums with outer space having 1-unconditional basis and uniformly monotone norm.
Formation and Characterization of ER4043 Welding Wire Layers by CA-WAAM on Copper Substrates
Authors: Kotlarski Georgi , Ormanova Maria , Valkov Stefan
Published: January 2025

In this work, the possibility of forming aluminium ER4043 layers using a wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) setup in the cold arc (CA) mode on copper substrates was investigated. This is a challenging process due to the poor miscibility of copper and aluminium, and due to the possible formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs), which would result in accelerated formation of defects, particularly cracks, in the zone of contact between the two materials. The effect of two different technological parameters was investigated, namely the wire feeding rate (WFR), the application of pulses to the process (+SP), and the formation of layers without pulses (–SP). Wire feeding rates of 67 mm/s and 133 mm/s were employed. The results indicated that in the case of applying a layer using a WFR of 133 mm/s without pulses a homogeneous, dense structure was formed with a preferred crystallographic orientation towards the {311} family of planes. In this case, the obtained microhardness was also the highest with an average value of 100 HV0.1. During the investigations, no IMCs were detected. The results indicate that the formed layer can be successfully implemented in the field of wire arc additive manufacturing as a foundation for the manufacturing of bimetallic components made of, in this case, copper and aluminium alloy ER4043.
The Effect of Salicylic Acid as an Elicitor for Galanthamine Production in Hippeastrum papilio (Ravenna) Van Scheepen Hydroponic Cultures
Authors: Haist Gabriela , Sidjimova Boriana , Denev Rumen , Berkov Strahil
Published: January 2025

Hippeastrum papilio (Ravenna) Van Scheepen plant (H. papilio), endemic to South America, is an ornamental plant, a potential new source for industrial production of galanthamine (GAL). GAL is a natural compound, used for the cognitive treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In order to enhance the GAL and haemanthamine (HAEM) accumulation in H. papilio, elicitation with salicylic acid (SA) was tested in one-year-old hydroponic cultures. Three different concentrations of SA were applied (10, 50, and 100 μM/L), at various time points (0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 148 h). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were performed to determine the alkaloid levels in leaves. The quantity of GAL and HAEM through the tested time points varied. Treatment with 100 μM/L SA for 148 h enhanced GAL biosynthesis by 19% compared to the initial level. A similar trend was observed for HAEM accumulation. The hydroponic system is suitable for H. papilio cultivation.
Foehn Climatology and Index for Sofia 1993–2014
Authors: Stoev Krasimir , Stoycheva Anastasiya , Guerova Guergana
Published: January 2025

Foehn is an extreme weather event caused by high wind gusts and its forecasting is still a challenge. The foehn in Bulgaria is observed on the northern slopes of the mountains. The foehn in Sofia occurs after the air mass passes over Vitosha and Lulin mountains. Foehn days in Sofia are selected using as criteria the surface temperature, relative humidity and wind direction. For the period 1993–2014 there are 136 foehn days. For 55.9% the wind gust is between 14 and 19 m/s corresponding to yellow Meteoalarm code, 14.7% are with gusts 20–29 m/s (orange code), and 1.5% are with gusts over 30 m/s (red code). For the foehn days the upper-air flow at mountain peak Cherni Vrah is in 47.4% of the days from 202⁰ direction and in 36.8% from 225⁰ Orange code days are 55.0% with wind direction 225⁰ at Cherni Vrah, while for red code it is 180⁰. Cherni vrah-Sofia Stability Index is computed and found to have high sensitivity to foehn/no foehn conditions. The case studies in 2010 show that the Index decreased by 20% with foehn start, and increased by up to 29% after the foehn. For the foehn days a manual circulation classification is created with 4 circulation classes. The circulation class I with Mediterranean cyclones passing over Hungary, results in 51.3, 65.0 and 100.0% of the days with yellow, orange and red code, respectively.
Reproductive health
Authors: Yan Wei
Published: January 2025

The articles in this special issue highlight the diversity and complexity of research into reproductive health, including the need for a better understanding of the fundamental biology of reproduction and for new treatments for a range of reproductive disorders.
eIF3 engages with 3’-UTR termini of highly translated mRNAs
Authors: Mestre-Fos Santi , Ferguson Lucas , Trinidad Marena I , Ingolia Nicholas T , Cate Jamie HD
Published: January 2025

Stem cell differentiation involves a global increase in protein synthesis to meet the demands of specialized cell types. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this translational burst and the involvement of initiation factors remains largely unknown. Here, we investigate the role of eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) in early differentiation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Using Quick-irCLIP and alternative polyadenylation (APA) Seq, we show eIF3 crosslinks predominantly with 3’ untranslated region (3’-UTR) termini of multiple mRNA isoforms, adjacent to the poly(A) tail. Furthermore, we find that eIF3 engagement at 3’-UTR ends is dependent on polyadenylation. High eIF3 crosslinking at 3’-UTR termini of mRNAs correlates with high translational activity, as determined by ribosome profiling, but not with translational efficiency. The results presented here show that eIF3 engages with 3’-UTR termini of highly translated mRNAs, likely reflecting a general rather than specific regulatory function of eIF3, and supporting a role of mRNA circularization in the mechanisms governing mRNA translation.
Disentangling acute motor deficits and adaptive responses evoked by the loss of cerebellar output
Authors: Sinha Nirvik , Israely Sharon , Ben Harosh Ora , Harel Ran , Dewald Julius PA , Prut Yifat
Published: January 2025

Cerebellar patients exhibit various motor impairments, but the sequence of primary and compensatory processes leading to these deficits remains unclear. To investigate this, we reversibly blocked cerebellar outflow in monkeys performing planar reaching. The block caused a spatially tuned reduction in hand velocity due to decreased muscle torque, especially in movements with high coupling torques. Examining repeated movements to the same target revealed that during multi-joint reaching movements, the reduced velocity was driven by an acute deficit superimposed on a gradually emergent strategic slowing aimed at minimizing passive inter-joint interactions. However, the reduced velocity did not explain the decomposed and variable trajectories observed during the cerebellar block. Our findings suggest that loss of cerebellar signals leads to motor impairments through insufficient muscle torques and an altered control strategy to compensate for the impaired control of limb dynamics. However, impaired feedforward control also increases motor noise, which cannot be strategically eliminated.
Maturation and detoxification of synphilin-1 inclusion bodies regulated by sphingolipids
Authors: Cao Xiuling , Wu Xiang , Zhao Lei , Zheng Ju , Jin Xuejiao , Hao Xinxin , Winderickx Joris , Liu Shenkui , Chen Lihua , Liu Beidong
Published: January 2025

Due to proteostasis stress induced by aging or disease, misfolded proteins can form toxic intermediate species of aggregates and eventually mature into less toxic inclusion bodies (IBs). Here, using a yeast imaging-based screen, we identified 84 potential synphilin-1 (SY1) IB regulators and isolated the conserved sphingolipid metabolic components in the most enriched groups. Furthermore, we show that, in both yeast cells and mammalian cells, SY1 IBs are associated with mitochondria. Pharmacological inhibition of the sphingolipid metabolism pathway or knockout of its key genes results in a delayed IB maturation and increased SY1 cytotoxicity. We postulate that SY1 IB matures by association with the mitochondrion membrane, and that sphingolipids stimulate the maturation via their membrane-modulating function and thereby protecting cells from SY1 cytotoxicity. Our findings identify a conserved cellular component essential for IB maturation and suggest a mechanism by which cells may detoxify the pathogenic protein aggregates through forming mitochondrion-associated IBs.
Driver lines for studying associative learning in Drosophila
Authors: Shuai Yichun , Sammons Megan , Sterne Gabriella R , Hibbard Karen L , Yang He , Yang Ching-Po , Managan Claire , Siwanowicz Igor , Lee Tzumin , Rubin Gerald M , Turner Glenn C , Aso Yoshinori
Published: January 2025

The mushroom body (MB) is the center for associative learning in insects. In Drosophila, intersectional split-GAL4 drivers and electron microscopy (EM) connectomes have laid the foundation for precise interrogation of the MB neural circuits. However, investigation of many cell types upstream and downstream of the MB has been hindered due to lack of specific driver lines. Here we describe a new collection of over 800 split-GAL4 and split-LexA drivers that cover approximately 300 cell types, including sugar sensory neurons, putative nociceptive ascending neurons, olfactory and thermo-/hygro-sensory projection neurons, interneurons connected with the MB-extrinsic neurons, and various other cell types. We characterized activation phenotypes for a subset of these lines and identified a sugar sensory neuron line most suitable for reward substitution. Leveraging the thousands of confocal microscopy images associated with the collection, we analyzed neuronal morphological stereotypy and discovered that one set of mushroom body output neurons, MBON08/MBON09, exhibits striking individuality and asymmetry across animals. In conjunction with the EM connectome maps, the driver lines reported here offer a powerful resource for functional dissection of neural circuits for associative learning in adult Drosophila.
Design of low-carbon planning model for vehicle path based on adaptive multi-strategy ant colony optimization algorithm
Authors: Guo Qi , Li Rui , Zheng Changjiang , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: January 2025

In contemporary transportation systems, the imperatives of route planning and optimization have become increasingly critical due to vehicles’ burgeoning number and complexity. This includes various vehicle types, such as electric and autonomous vehicles, each with specific needs. Additionally, varying speeds and operational requirements further complicate the process, demanding more sophisticated planning solutions. These systems frequently confront myriad challenges, including traffic congestion, intricate routes, and substantial energy consumption, which collectively undermine transportation efficiency, escalate energy usage, and contribute to environmental pollution. Hence, strategically planning and optimizing routes within complex traffic milieus are paramount to enhancing transportation efficacy and achieving low-carbon and environmentally sustainable objectives. This article proposes a vehicle path low-carbon planning model, Adaptive Cooperative Graph Neural Network (ACGNN), predicated on an adaptive multi-strategy ant colony optimization algorithm, addressing the vehicle path low-carbon planning conundrum. The proposed framework initially employs graph data from road networks and historical trajectories as model inputs, generating high-quality graph data through subgraph screening. Subsequently, a graph neural network (GNN) is utilized to optimize nodes and edges computationally. At the same time, the global search capability of the model is augmented via an ant colony optimization algorithm to ascertain the final optimized path. Experimental results demonstrate that ACGNN yields significant path planning outcomes on both public and custom-built datasets, surpassing the traditional Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm, random graph network (RGN), and conventional GNN methodologies. Moreover, comparative analyses of various optimization methods on the custom-built dataset reveal that the ant colony optimization algorithm markedly outperforms the simulated annealing algorithm (SA) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO). The method offers an innovative technical approach to vehicle path planning and is instrumental in advancing low-carbon and environmentally sustainable goals while enhancing transportation efficiency.
Evaluating the feasibility of automating dataset retrieval for biodiversity monitoring
Authors: Fuster-Calvo Alexandre , Valentin Sarah , Tamayo William C. , Gravel Dominique
Published: January 2025

Aim

Effective management strategies for conserving biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of global change rely on access to comprehensive and up-to-date biodiversity data. However, manual search, retrieval, evaluation, and integration of this information into databases present a significant challenge to keeping pace with the rapid influx of large amounts of data, hindering its utility in contemporary decision-making processes. Automating these tasks through advanced algorithms holds immense potential to revolutionize biodiversity monitoring.

Innovation

In this study, we investigate the potential for automating the retrieval and evaluation of biodiversity data from Dryad and Zenodo repositories. We have designed an evaluation system based on various criteria, including the type of data provided and its spatio-temporal range, and applied it to manually assess the relevance for biodiversity monitoring of datasets retrieved through an application programming interface (API). We evaluated a supervised classification to identify potentially relevant datasets and investigate the feasibility of automatically ranking the relevance. Additionally, we applied the same appraoch on a scientific literature source, using data from Semantic Scholar for reference. Our evaluation centers on the database utilized by a national biodiversity monitoring system in Quebec, Canada.

Main conclusions

We retrieved 89 (55%) relevant datasets for our database, showing the value of automated dataset search in repositories. Additionally, we find that scientific publication sources offer broader temporal coverage and can serve as conduits guiding researchers toward other valuable data sources. Our automated classification system showed moderate performance in detecting relevant datasets (with an F-score up to 0.68) and signs of overfitting, emphasizing the need for further refinement. A key challenge identified in our manual evaluation is the scarcity and uneven distribution of metadata in the texts, especially pertaining to spatial and temporal extents. Our evaluative framework, based on predefined criteria, can be adopted by automated algorithms for streamlined prioritization, and we make our manually evaluated data publicly available, serving as a benchmark for improving classification techniques.
Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibition as a novel treatment for stroke
Authors: Zhong Jiahong , Yu Xihui , Lin Zhuomiao
Published: January 2025

The incidence of stroke ranks third among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. It has the characteristics of high morbidity, high disability rate and high recurrence rate. The current risk associated with stroke surgery is exceedingly high. It may potentially outweigh the benefits and fail to ameliorate the cerebral tissue damage following ischemia. Therefore, pharmacological intervention assumes paramount importance. The use of thrombolytic drugs is most common in the treatment of stroke; however, its efficacy is limited due to its time-sensitive nature and propensity for increased bleeding. Over the past few years, the treatment of stroke has witnessed a surge in interest towards neuroprotective drugs that possess the potential to enhance neurological function. The PDE4D gene has been demonstrated to have a positive correlation with the risk of ischemic stroke. Additionally, the utilization of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors can enhance synaptic plasticity within the neural circuitry, regulate cellular metabolism, and prevent secondary brain injury caused by impaired blood flow. These mechanisms collectively facilitate the recovery of functional neurons, thereby serving as potential therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the comprehensive investigation of phosphodiesterase 4 as an innovative pharmacological target for stroke injury provides valuable insights into the development of therapeutic interventions in stroke treatment. This review is intended for, but not limited to, pharmacological researchers, drug target researchers, neurologists, neuromedical researchers, and behavioral scientists.
Exploring the Role of Code-Switching in Multilingual Classroom Dynamics: A Comparative Study of Attitudes and Practices among University Students in the Philippines
Authors: Maranan Mario , Batalla Regina , Santos Arren
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the usage and attitudes towards code-switching among university students in the Philippines, focusing on its role in promoting inclusive and equitable education. The research addresses the gap in understanding the implications of code-switching in educational settings, particularly in a multilingual context where native languages and English are used in instruction. A descriptive correlational research design was employed, utilizing an online questionnaire to collect data from a random sample of 205 students across three universities. The survey measured the frequency of intersentential, intrasentential, tag, situational, and metaphorical code-switching and attitudes toward these practices. Pearson's R correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between respondents' profile variables and their perceptions and usage of code-switching. The significant findings reveal that while code-switching is not frequently practiced, with a weighted mean of 2.341 indicating its rarity, it is nonetheless viewed positively, with a weighted mean of 3.141 reflecting an "Acceptable" attitude towards its use in the classroom. Situational code-switching emerged as the most common type, with a total weighted mean of 3.116, indicating general agreement with its use. The study concludes that code-switching is a valuable communicative strategy, potentially aiding in more inclusive and equitable education. The study recommends further research to explore the reasons behind the low frequency of code-switching usage and to identify barriers that may prevent its more widespread adoption. Additionally, professional development for teachers on effective code-switching strategies and the consideration of positive attitudes towards code-switching in educational policy development are suggested.
Evaluating the Tax Management Practices of Selected Construction Enterprises in Yubei District, Chongqing, China
Authors: Zhu Ling
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates the tax management practices of selected construction enterprises in the Yubei District, Chongqing, China. Through a quantitative-descriptive research method, this study obtained 385 responses from five construction companies in the district, revealing significant trends in the construction sector.  The demographic data indicates that a majority of employees work for relatively young firms, with 60.3% employed at companies operating for 10 years or less. Additionally, a significant portion of the workforce is associated with firms reporting lower net profits, as 62.6% earn less than CN¥200,000. The evaluation of tax management practices reveals a general indication of manifestation to a great extent of such practices among respondents regarding their companies' transparency and fairness in pricing, contract planning, subcontracting methods, labor costs, and enterprise planning. Statistical analyses, including the Kruskal-Wallis test, highlight significant evaluation differences based on years of operation, net profit, employee experience, and job position. Established firms (over 20 years) received higher ratings in reasonable pricing and contract planning than newer ones. Similarly, employees with more experience rated tax management practices more favorably. Notably, executive-level respondents consistently provided higher evaluations across various tax management practices, indicating a correlation between job position and evaluation of tax management effectiveness. The findings underscore the importance of experience and company maturity in shaping evaluation of tax management practices. Furthermore, the study suggests that higher-profit companies tend to employ more sophisticated tax strategies, while smaller firms may struggle with efficiency.
Evaluating Production Risks, Livelihood Impacts, and Determinants of Agricultural Insurance Demand among Farmers in Ningxia, China
Authors: Gao Zeyuan
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the production risks, livelihood impacts, and determinants of agricultural insurance demand among farmers in Ningxia, China, a region heavily reliant on agriculture yet vulnerable to various risks. The research highlights the critical role of agricultural insurance as a risk management tool that can stabilize farmer incomes and promote rural economic development. The study employs a quantitative research design, utilizing surveys to gather data from 206 farmers across three rural areas in Ningxia. Key findings reveal that farmers perceive significant risks from natural disasters, price fluctuations, sales issues, and quality risks, which adversely affect their livelihoods. The demand for agricultural insurance is influenced by factors such as insurance policy features, company reputation, individual economic conditions, and the variety of insurance products available. Notably, the study finds no significant differences in evaluations of these factors based on demographic variables such as gender, age, or type of agriculture, indicating that farmers prioritize universal concerns like affordability and reliability over personal characteristics. The results underscore the need for tailored insurance solutions that address the specific challenges faced by farmers in Ningxia, particularly in light of the region's fragile ecological environment and frequent natural disasters. The study concludes that enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of agricultural insurance can significantly contribute to the resilience and sustainability of the agricultural sector, ultimately supporting rural livelihoods and economic stability.
Cosmeceutical Potential of Artocarpus camansi Fruit Peel Extract as Bioactive Ingredient in Topical Serum Formulation
Authors: Bayuran Richie , Blazo Christine Joy
Published: January 2025

The global use of plant-based cosmetics has increased dramatically as consumers become more aware of the long-term health advantages of natural products. The Philippines, a tropical Asian country, has numerous local plant resources with promising medicinal value while preserving its unique biodiversity and inherited medicinal value. The present study deals with the utilization of Artocarpus camansi fruit peel extract as bioactive component with pharmacological activity in cosmetic formulation. This experimental research involved extraction of phenolic compounds, formulation of topical serum, and in vitro investigation of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective activity of A. camansi topical serum (ACTS). The pure extract yielded 22.5 mg/g total phenolic content. Among the three formulations, 5% ACTS was found to be the most effective antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective topical serum compared to 1% and 3%. The results of one-way ANOVA revealed that there was a statistically significant difference among the formulations compared to the positive and negative controls. Post-hoc confirmed that the positive controls provided the highest activity among the treatments. A. camansi fruit peel extract can therefore be identified as a potential bioactive ingredient in cosmetic formulations for serums which can be effective in improving skin and providing protection from the external environment.
Ensuring On-farm Food Safety through Good Agricultural Practices: A Review
Authors: Reddy Suddamalla Manoj Kumar , Reddy Gongalla Sreeja , Joshi Anu , Chaithanya Leela Krishna
Published: January 2025

With food-borne illnesses increasing every year and e-commerce operations reaching every location globally, ensuring food safety is of paramount importance. In India, 16 per cent of the total disease outbreaks are reported to be food-related emphasising the significance. While On-Farm Food Safety (OFFS) practices ensure food safety, many complexities are involved in bringing them to the forefront among farmers due to underreporting of food-borne illness, small and scattered farms, lack of evidence in linking illness to food consumed etc. Tackling OFFS requires farmers to adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) that address environmental, economic and social sustainability. India also offers a certification scheme, IndGAP, to individual and group farmers that requires farmers to follow GAPs. Though the scheme is available, its adoption among farmers is yet to be ascertained due to a lack of data. Implementation of GAPs by farmers reportedly reduces the consumption of plant protection chemicals thereby reducing the cost of cultivation. As compliance with various such practices that ensure food safety is required, the food produced by the farmers following GAPs will be much safer than otherwise. Evidence also suggests that both small and large farmers have similar levels of knowledge on various GAPs and thereby any farmer can implement them with handholding support from the governments. As most of the landholdings in India are small and marginal, Farmer Producer Organisations should be leveraged to train the farmers in the adoption of GAPs. More research on OFFS practices adoption levels, cost and return analysis and improving the regulations and compliance in the policy landscape of food safety are essential to ensure food produced is safe to consume.
Therapeutic Potential of Asparagus Racemosus Root in Managing Hyperglycemia, Dyslipidemia, and Platelet Aggregation in Neonatal Streptozotocin-induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Hannan J. M. A. , Ahammed Asma , Flatt P. R.
Published: January 2025

Lipid abnormalities frequently accompany hyperglycemia and thus a primary goal in diabetes therapy is the management of dyslipidemia.   Asparagus racemosus root has previously been shown to reduce postprandial blood glucose in diabetic rats by delaying carbohydrate absorption and enhancing insulin secretion. In the present study, the chronic effects of A racemosus root on serum glucose, fructosamine, lipids, and platelet aggregation were assessed in rats with type 2 diabetes induced by neonatal streptozotocin injection. 
The type 2 diabetes model was created by injecting 48-hour-old pups with a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (STZ). Platelet aggregation was measured by optical aggregometry. Daily oral administration of ethanol extract of A racemosus to diabetic rats (n = 10) lowered serum glucose by 21% (p<0.01) and fructosamine by 11% (p<0.05) after 28 days.  Total cholesterol (p<0.05), triglyceride (p<0.05), and NEFA (p<0.01) levels were also lowered by 9%, 16% and 38% respectively.  No difference in HDL cholesterol or body weights was observed compared to control rats but platelet aggregation was significantly reduced by 18% (p<0.05). Food and water intake, stool formation, water content of stools, and urine formation were unchanged in extract-treated rats in a 24-hour acute observational study in Nalgene Metabolic Cages. In conclusion, this study reveals that ethanol extract of A racemosus root lowers circulating glucose, and atherogenic blood lipids and decreases platelet aggregation. Thus, A racemosus is the source of glucose-lowering bioactive agents and a useful dietary adjunct in the management of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and related complications.
Variation in Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) Infestation and Resistance Levels Across Diverse Rapeseed-Mustard Genotypes
Authors: Arvind  , Kumar Dalip , Yadav Sunita , Kumari Pavitra , Saini Ankit , Shubham  , Saini Vivek Kumar
Published: January 2025

The present study evaluated 89 rapeseed-mustard genotypes for their resistance against mustard aphid during the Rabi season of 2023–24 at CCSHAU, Hisar, Haryana to understand the role of phenological and genotypic variations influencing aphid resistance. Screening targeted three key crop stages: aphid appearance, full flowering, and siliqua formation to measure aphid infestation levels using standardized indices. Aphid infestation was consistently higher in B. juncea (7.81 aphids/10 cm twig) compared to B. napus (1.88 aphids) during early stages of crop growth. At the aphid appearance stage, 60 genotypes were resistant (ARI = 1), 28 moderately resistant (ARI 1–2), and one tolerant. During the full flowering stage, resistant genotypes number declined slightly to 54 while, 32 remained moderately resistant. At full flowering, infestation in Brassica juncea (17.08 aphids/10 cm twig) remained higher than in B. napus (1.88 aphids/10 cm twig). The full siliqua formation stage saw higher aphid infestations, with four genotypes categorized as susceptible and eight as tolerant.  However, by the full siliqua formation stage, the infestation levels between the B. juncea and B. napus (30.12 and 27.63 aphids) were nearly equal, indicating either a convergence in susceptibility at later crop stages or some sort of developmental asynchrony. The differential response of B. napus and B. juncea genotypes across crop growth stages, points to potential avenues for breeding programs to improve resistance in rapeseed-mustard crops.
Projected Life Expectancy Gains From Improvements in HIV Care in Black and White Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Rich Katherine M. , Pandya Ankur , Chiosi John J. , Reddy Krishna P. , Shebl Fatma M. , Ciaranello Andrea L. , Neilan Anne M. , Pinkney Jodian A. , Losina Elena , Freedberg Kenneth A. , Ahonkhai Aima A. , Hyle Emily P.
Published: November 2023

Importance

Substantial racial inequities exist across the HIV care continuum between non-Hispanic Black and White men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US.

Objectives

To project years of life gained (YLG) with improving the HIV care continuum among Black MSM and White MSM in the US and to determine the outcomes of achieving health equity goals.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications microsimulation model was used and populated with 2021 race-specific data to simulate HIV care among Black MSM and White MSM in the US who have acquired HIV. Analyses were completed from July 2021 to October 2023.

Intervention

The study simulated status quo care using race-specific estimates: age at infection, time to diagnosis, receipt of care, and virologic suppression. The study next projected the outcomes of attaining equity-centered vs non–equity-centered goals by simulating 2 equal improvements in care goals: (10-point increased receipt of care and 5-point increased virologic suppression), 3 equity-centered goals (annual HIV testing, 95% receiving HIV care, and 95% virologic suppression) and lastly, an equitable care continuum that achieves annual HIV testing, 95% receiving care, and 95% virologic suppression in Black MSM and White MSM. One-way and multiway sensitivity and scenario analyses were conducted.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Mean age at death and YLG.

Results

In the simulated cohort, the mean (SD) age at HIV infection was 27.0 (10.8) years for Black MSM and 35.5 (13.6) years for White MSM. In status quo, mean age at death would be 68.8 years for Black MSM and 75.6 years for White MSM. The equal improvements in care goals would result in 0.5 YLG for Black MSM and 0.5 to 0.9 YLG for White MSM. Achieving any 1 equity-centered goal would result in 0.5 to 1.7 YLG for Black MSM and 0.4 to 1.3 YLG for White MSM. With an equitable care continuum compared with the nationally reported status quo, Black MSM and White MSM would gain 3.5 and 2.1 life-years, respectively. If the status quo HIV testing was every 6 years with 75% retained in care and 75% virologically suppressed, Black MSM would gain 4.2 life-years with an equitable care continuum.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this simulation modeling study of HIV care goals, equal improvements in HIV care for Black and White MSM maintained or worsened inequities. These results suggest that equity-centered goals for the HIV care continuum are critical to mitigate long-standing inequities in HIV outcomes.
Participation in Conditional Cash Transfer Program During Pregnancy and Birth Weight–Related Outcomes
Authors: Falcão Ila R. , Ribeiro-Silva Rita de Cássia , Fiaccone Rosemeire L. , Alves Flávia Jôse Oliveira , Rocha Aline dos Santos , Ortelan Naiá , Silva Natanael J. , Rebouças Poliana , Pinto Júnior Elzo Pereira , de Almeida Marcia Furquim , Paixao Enny S. , Pescarini Júlia M. , Rodrigues Laura C. , Ichihara Maria Yury , Barreto Mauricio L.
Published: November 2023

Importance

There is limited evidence of the association of conditional cash transfers, an important strategy to reduce poverty, with prevention of adverse birth-related outcomes.

Objective

To investigate the association between receiving benefits from the Bolsa Família Program (BFP) and birth weight indicators.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used a linked data resource, the Centro de Integracao de Dados e Conhecimentos Para Saude (CIDACS) birth cohort. All live-born singleton infants born to mothers registered in the cohort between January 2012 and December 2015 were included. Each analysis was conducted for the overall population and separately by level of education, self-reported maternal race, and number of prenatal appointments. Data were analyzed from January 3 to April 24, 2023.

Exposure

Live births of mothers who had received BFP until delivery (for a minimum of 9 months) were classified as exposed and compared with live births from mothers who did not receive the benefit prior to delivery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Low birth weight (LBW), birth weight in grams, and small for gestational age (SGA) were evaluated. Analytical methods used included propensity score estimation, kernel matching, and weighted logistic and linear regressions. Race categories included Parda, which translates from Portuguese as “brown” and is used to denote individuals whose racial background is predominantly Black and those with multiracial or multiethnic ancestry, including European, African, and Indigenous origins.

Results

A total of 4 277 523 live births (2 085 737 females [48.8%]; 15 207 among Asian [0.4%], 334 225 among Black [7.8%], 29 115 among Indigenous [0.7%], 2 588 363 among Parda [60.5%], and 1 310 613 among White [30.6%] mothers) were assessed. BFP was associated with an increase of 17.76 g (95% CI, 16.52-19.01 g) in birth weight. Beneficiaries had an 11% lower chance of LBW (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.88-0.90). BFP was associated with a greater decrease in odds of LBW among subgroups of mothers who attended fewer than 7 appointments (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.84-0.87), were Indigenous (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61-0.88), and had 3 or less years of education (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.72-0.81). There was no association between BFP and SGA, except among less educated mothers, who had a reduced risk of SGA (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.79-0.88).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that BFP was associated with increased birth weight and reduced odds of LBW, with a greater decrease in odds of LBW among higher-risk groups. These findings suggest the importance of maintaining financial support for mothers at increased risk of birth weight–related outcomes.