bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Zazeleni se"
Authors: Adamović Neda , Lončarić Šubaša Tihana
Published: April 2024

Cilj. Cilj je rada prikazati primjer dobre prakse koju provodi Narodna knjižnica

„Petar Preradović“ u Bjelovaru. U kontekstu Ciljeva održivog razvoja Knjižnica je za lokalnu zajednicu pripremila program „Zazeleni se“ koji predstavlja paket radionica, izložbi i predavanja. Programom se želi ukazati na važnost uloge knjižnica u promicanju održivog razvoja i pružanju edukativnih sadržaja za građane.

Pristup/metodologija/dizajn. Na temelju primjera iz prakse prikazana je praktična primjena programa koji promiču održivi razvoj, a namijenjeni su cjelokupnoj lokalnoj zajednici.

Praktična primjena. Aktivnosti koje se provode kroz program „Zazeleni se“ namijenjene su cijeloj lokalnoj zajednici, ne samo korisnicima knjižnice. Na temelju prikazanih primjera knjižnice će moći osmisliti vlastite zelene programe s ciljem zelenog opismenjivanja stanovništva područja na kojem djeluju.

Originalnost. U sklopu programa „Zazeleni se“ 2022. pokrenuta je „Knjižnica sjemena“ kao prva u Hrvatskoj u narodnoj knjižnici. Domaća stručna literatura nije do sada spominjala takav oblik aktivnosti u narodnim knjižnicama te će ovaj rad moći poslužiti za daljnje istraživanje i edukaciju knjižničara o zelenoj pismenosti kroz biološku raznolikost.

 
Istraživanje o održivim navikama djelatnika knjižnica
Authors: Mumelaš Dolores , Klemar Bubić Blaženka
Published: April 2024

Cilj: Cilj istraživanja bio je dobiti uvid u dinamiku radnog okoliša djelatnika knjižnica s aspekta održivog razvoja te naglasiti potrebu za unaprjeđenjem njihovog radnog iskustva i osobnog blagostanja. Metodologija: Pregledni dio svjetskih i hrvatskih istraživanja izrađen je metodom sadržajne analize dostupne literature. Za središnji dio rada korištena je metoda ankete koja je provedena pomoću mrežnog anketnog upitnika. Uzorak istraživanja obuhvaća sve vrste hrvatskih knjižnica. Rezultati: Rezultati istraživanja pružaju uvide u održive navike zaposlenika hrvatskih knjižnica. U istraživanju je sudjelovalo 400 ispitanika, a analiza otkriva da postoji svijest o održivosti među zaposlenicima knjižnica. Unatoč tome primjećuje se neujednačenost u implementaciji održivih praksi. Većina knjižnica pokazuje svijest o potrebi za očuvanjem okoliša, pri čemu su pojedini elementi zelene inicijative, poput razvrstavanja otpada, integrirani u njihovo poslovanje. Iako postoji interes za razvojem održivih knjižničnih usluga i uvrštavanjem ekoloških događanja u programe, istraživanje ukazuje na potrebu za dodatnom edukacijom knjižničara o konceptu zelene knjižnice. Također, utvrđene su prepreke koje u prvom redu uključuju nedostatak resursa i infrastrukture, što ukazuje na potrebu za podrškom i poboljšanjima kako bi se unaprijedila održivost u radnom okruženju knjižnica. Originalnost/vrijednost. Istraživanje o održivim navikama djelatnika knjižnica postavljeno je na nacionalnoj razini, a njegovi su rezultati upotrebljivi u razvoju i poticanju održivih navika djelatnika u svim hrvatskim knjižnicama. Predloženi model ispitivanja također može biti koristan knjižnicama za istraživanja o održivim navikama djelatnika na uzorku pojedine knjižnice.
Pronalaženje izgubljenih publikacija
Authors: Hebrang Grgić Ivana
Published: April 2024

Cilj. Primarni cilj rada je prikazati metodologiju istraživanja izgubljenih serijskih publikacija koje su objavljivali Hrvati u Australiji na primjeru publikacija Dom i svijet iz 1932. godine i Caritas Croata iz 1950-ih godina. Prva se publikacija spominjala u literaturi, ali je bila zagubljena i nedostupna javnosti. Druga publikacija nije se spominjala u literaturi niti ju je bilo moguće pronaći pretraživanjem kataloga javnih ustanova. Sekundarni cilj rada je identificirati razloge nedostupnosti te mogućnosti istraživanja stare građe koja nije dostupna u knjižnicama i drugim javnim ustanovama, a značajan je dio hrvatske baštine.

Pristup/metodologija. Metode korištene u traženju i istraživanju publikacija nedostupnih u knjižnicama uključuju strukturirana pretraživanja mrežnih kataloga i kataloga na listićima, analizu sadržaja primarnih i sekundarnih publikacija i mrežnih mjesta te uključivanje zajednice i pretraživanje privatnih zbirki.

Rezultati. Rad prikazuje najnovije rezultate istraživanja provedenih tijekom 2023. i početkom 2024. godine u sklopu projekta Hrvatski iseljenički tisak tijekom kojih su pronađeni fizički primjerci dviju serijskih publikacija. Te su publikacije uključene u bibliografiju koja se izrađuje u sklopu projekta te su digitalizirane i pohranjene u otvorenom pristupu u repozitoriju. Na temelju tih publikacija izdvojene su metode istraživanja koje mogu poslužiti kao temelj za istraživanje drugih sličnih (izgubljenih) publikacija.

Originalnost/vrijednost. Serijske publikacije koje se opisuju u radu bile su zagubljene i desetljećima nedostupne javnosti. Stoga je pronalazak tih publikacija otkriće koje doprinosi očuvanju hrvatske kulturne baštine. Budući da su publikacije dostupne u repozitoriju u digitalnom obliku, mogu poslužiti kao polazište za daljnja interdisciplinarna istraživanja.
A Comprehensive Review of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)
Authors: Karaduman Tuğçe , Akman Berrin
Published: April 2024

This review of 36 studies investigates the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and instructional practices in various educational contexts. The majority of the reviewed studies focus on pre-service and in-service teachers, highlighting the multifaceted nature of TPACK research. Various demographic factors, technology-related variables, and research methodologies were considered, revealing diverse approaches, characteristics, and trends. A majority of the reviewed studies utilized non-probability sampling techniques, indicating a need for more consistency in sampling procedures to facilitate the comparison and synthesis of findings. The findings suggest that future research should prioritize developing well-defined research questions and data management practices to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the findings. Furthermore, future studies should continue to explore the complex relationships between TPACK and various aspects of instructional practices, as well as the potential impact of TPACK on student learning outcomes. By building on these findings and employing rigorous research methods, future studies can continue to advance our understanding of the role of TPACK in shaping effective instructional practices, ultimately contributing to the improvement of teaching and learning in the digital age. However, the study's focus on articles published in journals hosted by ULAKBIM and conducted in Turkey, as well as the exclusion of non-empirical research, may have limited the generalizability of the findings to other contexts and populations. Additionally, the lack of explicit information on data cleaning procedures and missing data from the studies reviewed might affect the accuracy and reliability of the findings.
Uzbekistan’s ‘Real’ Second Chance: a Structural Account of the Reforms of Shavkat Mirziyoyev
Authors: Levin Steven
Published: May 2024

The election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Uzbekistan was initially dismissed as, yet another Central Asian transition of power that would ultimately change very little. In this instance however, analysts were proven quite wrong. Since taking the country’s highest office, Mirziyoyev has liberalized the economy, improved relations with neighbors, increased accountability, and signaled willingness to release some executive powers to the people. However, in analyzing these welcomed reforms, we must ask ourselves whether they are genuine. Is Mirziyoyev a radical reformist willing to sacrifice the political order established by his predecessor for the sake of liberalization or are these changes instead part of a broader political agenda for the sake of legitimacy?
POETIC INTERSECTIONS IN IVAN FRANKO'S NOVEL “FATEFUL CROSSROADS” AND ANTUN GUSTAV MATOŠ'S SHORT STORY S “CAMAO”
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Tatarenko Alla
Published: April 2024

Abstract Background: Ukrainian-Croatian literary relations have often been the subject of research by Slavic scholars. The subject of research have been both direct contacts between representatives of the literature of these two nations and the reception of Croatian literature in Ukraine and Ukrainian literature in Croatia. Of peculiar interest are comparative literary studies, which outline the parallels and differences between the works of representatives of these Slavic cultures who refer to eternal images or important philosophical concepts. Purpose: The special place of Ivan Franko in the history of Ukrainian culture has been the cause which led to the interest of researchers in various Slavic aspects of studying his work. However, in our opinion, the issues of studying poetic parallels in the works of Ivan Franko and his Croatian contemporaries are still insufficiently covered. Such comparative investigations will help to look at Ivan Franko's works from the point of view of the Central European context of the time, to identify the features of the dominant artistic paradigm and the writer's originality in its interpretation and departure from it. Rich material for such a study is provided by comparing Ivan Franko's prose works marked by the features of modernism and the prose of representatives of the first period of Croatian modernism. Results: In the proposed article we analyse the poetic intersections in Ivan Franko's novel “Fateful Crossroads” and Antun Gustav Matoš's short story “Camao”. Such a choice is caused both by the prominent place of the writers in the national literary canon, the influence of their creative work on the formation of the modernist artistic paradigm in Ukrainian and Croatian literature, and the fact that both works were published in 1900. The study was carried out using historical and literary, comparative, hermeneutical methods, as well as the method of textual analysis with elements of close reading. Comparative reading of Ivan Franko's novel “Fateful Crossroads” and Antun Gustav Matoš's short story “Camao” reveals many common motifs and numerous poetic parallels, which makes it possible to draw conclusions about the peculiarities of the functioning of modernist poetics in the works of the classics of Ukrainian and Croatian literature. Key words: modernism, poetics, Croatian literature, Ukrainian literature, Ivan Franko, Antun Gustav Matos.
Efficacy of Reducing Recurrence of Intrauterine Adhesions and Improving Pregnancy Outcome after Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lin Li-jun , Qiao Xiao-yong , Chen Xue-ping , Xu Liang-zhi , Chen Hui
Published: April 2024

Background: A systematic review with pairwise and network meta-analyses was conducted to compare the clinical efficacy of treatments in reducing intrauterine adhesion (IUA) recurrence and improving pregnancy outcome after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane library, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched electronically up to January 17th, 2024, supplemented with manual searches. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with allocation to intrauterine device (IUD), auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (ACP), medical chitosan (MC) + IUD, Foley (Foley balloon catheter 3–7 days) + IUD, heart shape balloon (HSB), dried amnion graft or bone marrow stem cells-scaffold or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (DBG) + Foley/HSB, autologous platelet gel or platelet-rich plasma (APG/PRP) + IUD/HSB, ACP + Foley/IUD, Foley, and heart shape balloon or Foley 1 month (H/F) + IUD. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Pairwise meta-analyses were performed in random effects model when direct data were available; Network meta-analyses were conducted using “mvmeta” and “network” packages in Stata MP 17.0. The primary outcomes were the recurrence of IUA and clinical pregnancy. The secondary outcomes included menstrual blood volume and second-look IUA score. The research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024502941). Results: Fifteen RCTs comprising 1827 patients randomized to ten treatment protocols were included in this study. Evidence quality was all low risk of bias. ACP and Foley + IUD (surface under the cumulative ranking curve area (SUCRA) 96.4% and 83.5%, respectively) seemed effective in reducing the recurrence of IUA, H/F + IUD and DBG + Foley/HSB (SUCRA 89.7% and 82.1%, respectively) maybe effective in improving the clinical pregnancy according to network meta-analysis. Evidence on secondary treatment outcomes was insufficient. Conclusions: Some of these protocols maybe effective in reducing the recurrence of IUA or increasing clinical pregnancy. But the result should be interpreted with caution owing to the small studies, open-loop network analysis partly, and insufficient evidence. More RCTs about DBG + Foley/HSB needs to be designed, the relative effectiveness of different degrees of IUA treatment should be further clarified, and more attention should be paid to clinical pregnancy, menstrual flow, and second-look IUA score.
RETRACTED: Ahmad et al. Neuroprotection against Aluminum Chloride-Induced Hippocampus Damage in Albino Wistar Rats by Leucophyllum frutescens (Berl.) I.M. Johnst. Leaf Extracts: A Detailed Insight into Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Assays. Front. Biosci. (Landmark Ed) 2023, 28(8), 184.
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Ahmad Saeed , Akkol Esra Küpeli , Rao Huma , Shahzad Muhammad Nadeem , Nawaz Mehwish , Ghalloo Bilal Ahmad , Shier Wayne Thomas , Sobarzo-Sánchez Eduardo
Published: April 2024

The Editors-in-Chief have retracted the article titled “[Neuroprotection against Aluminum Chloride-Induced Hippocampus Damage in Albino Wistar Rats by Leucophyllum frutescens (Berl.) I.M. Johnst. Leaf Extracts: A Detailed Insight into Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Assays]” ([1]) due to significant concerns regarding the reliability and integrity of the data presented. After the publication of the article, several issues were brought to our attention regarding the originality and authenticity of the visual data within the manuscript. Specifically, Figure 4 of the article contains images that are identical to those in the previously published papers [2, 3]. This duplication of images raises serious questions about the validity of the results and the adherence to ethical standards of research. Despite multiple attempts to contact the authors for an explanation and an opportunity to address these concerns, no satisfactory response was provided. Given the lack of accountability and the serious nature of the academic misconduct implied, the Editor-in-Chief, after careful consideration and in accordance with the publication’s ethical guidelines, has decided to retract the article.
Effect of Photoperiod Duration on Flower Bud Differentiation and Related Gene Expression in Bougainvillea glabra ‘Sao Paulo’
Authors: Huang Leying , Wu Qing , Zeng Xiaoying , Li Feng , Zhang Bipei , Jiang Yongqiang , Hui Junai
Published: April 2024

Background: Environmental conditions, such as photoperiod, affect the developmental response of plants; thus, plants have evolved molecular mechanisms to adapt to changes in photoperiod. In Bougainvillea spp., the mechanism of flower formation underlying flowering control techniques remains poorly understood, and the physiological changes that occur during flower bud formation and the expression of related genes are not yet fully understood. Methods: In this study, we induced flowering of potted Bougainvillea glabra ‘Sao Paulo’ plants under light-control treatments and analyzed their effects on flowering time, number of flower buds, flowering quality, as well as quality of flower formation, which was analyzed using transcriptome sequencing. Results: Light-control treatment effectively induced the rapid formation of flower buds and early flowering in B. glabra ‘Sao Paulo’, with the time of flower bud formation being 119 days earlier and the flowering period extended six days longer than those of the control plants. The light-control treatment caused the bracts to become smaller and lighter in color, while the number of flowers increased, and the neatness of flowering improved. Transcriptome sequencing of the apical buds identified 1235 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the pathways of environmental adaptation, biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, and energy metabolism. DEGs related to gibberellin metabolism were analyzed, wherein five DEGs were identified between the control and treatment groups. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the gibberellin regulatory pathway is linked to flowering. Specifically, GA and GID1 levels increased during this process, enhancing DELLA protein degradation. However, decreasing this protein’s binding to CO did not halt FT upregulation, thereby advancing the flowering of B. glabra ‘Sao Paulo’. Conclusions: The findings of our study have implications for future research on photoperiod and its role in controlling flowering timing of Bougainvillea spp.
The Ability of Clinically Relevant Chemotherapeutics to Induce Immunogenic Cell Death in Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: He Zhenjie , Jing Xinming , Dai Xiaoyan , Bao Lingbo , Yang Xiao , Xiong Yanli , Li Mengxia
Published: April 2024

Background: Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a crucial mechanism for triggering the adaptive immune response in cancer patients. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are critical factors in the detection of ICD. Chemotherapeutic drugs can cause ICD and the release of DAMPs. The aim of this study was to assess the potential for paclitaxel and platinum-based chemotherapy regimens to induce ICD in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines. In addition, we examined the immunostimulatory effects of clinically relevant chemotherapeutic regimens utilized in the treatment of SCC. Methods: We screened for differentially expressed ICD markers in the supernatants of three SCC cell lines following treatment with various chemotherapeutic agents. The ICD markers included Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), Calreticulin (CRT), Annexin A1 (ANXA 1), High Mobility Group Protein B1 (HMGB1), and Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70). A vaccination assay was also employed in C57BL/6J mice to validate our in vitro findings. Lastly, the levels of CRT and HMGB1 were evaluated in Serum samples from SCC patients. Results: Addition of the chemotherapy drugs cisplatin (DDP), carboplatin (CBP), nedaplatin (NDP), oxaliplatin (OXA) and docetaxel (DOC) increased the release of ICD markers in two of the SCC cell lines. Furthermore, mice that received vaccinations with cervical cancer cells treated with DDP, CBP, NDP, OXA, or DOC remained tumor-free. Although CBP induced the release of ICD-associated molecules in vitro, it did not prevent tumor growth at the vaccination site in 40% of mice. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo results showed that paclitaxel (TAX) and LBP did not induce ICD in SCC cells. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that chemotherapeutic agents can induce an adjuvant effect leading to the extracellular release of DAMPs. Of the agents tested here, DDP, CBP, NDP, OXA and DOC had the ability to act as inducers of ICD.
Does Yogurt Enriched with Platelet-Activating Factor Inhibitors from Olive Oil By-Products Affect Gut Microbiota and Faecal Metabolites in Healthy Overweight Subjects? (A randomized, parallel, three arm trial.)
Authors: Antonopoulou Smaragdi , Mitsou Evdokia K. , Kyriacou Adamantini , Fragopoulou Elizabeth , Detopoulou Maria
Published: April 2024

Objective: The effect of the daily consumption of a low-fat yogurt (150 g) enriched with Platelet-Activating Factor receptor (PAF-R) antagonists, or the plain one, on gut microbiota and faecal metabolites was investigated in healthy overweight subjects. Methods: A randomized, three-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was performed that lasted 8 weeks. Blood and stools were collected and analyzed before and after the intervention. Results: Our findings revealed that the intake of the enriched yogurt resulted in a significant increase in the levels of Bifidobacterium spp., Clostridium perfringens group and Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio. On the other hand, a significant increase in the levels of Lactobacillus and C. perfringens group was detected after the intake of the plain yogurt. The increase in the levels of C. perfringens group was inversely associated with the plasma catabolic enzyme of PAF, namely LpPLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2), a cardiovascular risk marker that has been linked with inflammation and atherosclerosis. Moreover, in the enriched with PAF-R antagonists yogurt group, the increased levels of C. perfringens group were also associated with lower PAF action assessed as ex vivo human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) aggregation. Additionally, a higher % increase in molar ratio of Branched Short Chain Fatty Acids (BSCFAs) was detected for both yogurt groups after the 8 week-intervention compared to control. The consumption of the enriched yogurt also resulted in a significant drop in faecal caproic levels and a trend for lower ratio of butyrate to total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) compared to baseline levels. Conclusion: Yogurt consumption seems to favorably affect gut microbiota while its enrichment with PAF-R antagonists from olive oil by-products, may provide further benefits in healthy overweight subjects. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02259205).
Activation of the MEK/ERK Pathway Mediates the Inhibitory Effects of Silvestrol on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells via RAP1A, HK2, and GADD45A
Authors: Yu Lu-Rong , Han Xian-Zhong , Tang Ying-Zi , Liu Dan , Luo Xian-Qin , Qiu Xue-Wen , Feng Jie , Yuan Wen-Xiao , Ding Jia-Yu
Published: April 2024

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Chemoradiotherapy is the mainstream treatment for locally advanced NPC, and chemotherapeutic drugs are an indispensable part of NPC treatment. However, the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy drugs limit their therapeutic value, and new chemotherapy drugs are urgently needed for NPC. Silvestrol, an emerging natural plant anticancer molecule, has shown promising antitumor activity in breast cancer, melanoma, liver cancer, and other tumor types by promoting apoptosis in cancer cells to a greater extent than in normal cells. However, the effects of silvestrol on NPC and its possible molecular mechanisms have yet to be fully explored. Methods: Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), cell scratch, flow cytometry, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), and Western blot (WB) assays were used to evaluate the effects of silvestrol on the cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, and migration of NPC cells. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to study the effect of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitors on the cell transcriptome, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess protein expression levels in patient specimens. Results: Silvestrol inhibited cell migration and DNA replication of NPC cells, while promoting the expression of cleaved caspase-3, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, silvestrol altered the level of ERK phosphorylation. The ERK-targeted inhibitor LY3214996 attenuated silvestrol-mediated inhibition of NPC cell proliferation but not migration. Analysis of RNA-Seq data and WB were used to identify and validate the downstream regulatory targets of silvestrol. Expression of GADD45A, RAP1A, and hexokinase-II (HK2) proteins was inhibited by silvestrol and LY3214996. Finally, IHC revealed that GADD45A, RAP1A, and HK2 protein expression was more abundant in cancer tissues than in non-tumor tissues. Conclusions: Silvestrol inhibits the proliferation of NPC cells by targeting ERK phosphorylation. However, the inhibition of NPC cell migration by silvestrol was independent of the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway. RAP1A, HK2, and GADD45A may be potential targets for the action of silvestrol.
Assessment of the in Vitro Effects of Folate Core–Shell Conjugated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Potential Agent for Acute Leukemia Treatment
Authors: Nasr Ghada M. , Thawabieh Osama M. , Talaat Randa M. , Moawad Mahmoud , El Hamshary Manal O.
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective: There is a growing need to comprehend the potential outcomes of nanoparticles (NPs) on human well-being, including their potential for detecting and treating leukemia. This study examined the role of iron folate core–shell and iron oxide nanoparticles in inducing apoptosis and altering the expression of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X-protein (Bax), and Caspase-3 genes in leukemia cells. Methods: The obtained iron oxide and iron folate core–shell nanoparticles were analyzed using a variety of analytical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, FTIR and UV-Vis were used to characterize doxorubicin. The MTT test was utilized to investigate the cytotoxicity of iron oxide and iron folate core–shell nanoparticles. The expression of the apoptotic signaling proteins Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspase-3 was evaluated using the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. Additionally, flow cytometry was performed to gauge the degrees of necrosis and apoptosis. Results: UV-Visible spectroscopy analysis showed that the generated iron oxide and iron folate core–shell NPs had a distinctive absorption curve in the 250–300 nm wavelength range. The XRD peaks were also discovered to index the spherical form with a size of less than 50 nm, which validated the crystal structure. The FTIR analysis determined the bonds and functional groups at wavenumbers between 400 and 4000 cm-1. A viable leukemia treatment approach is a nanocomposite consisting of iron and an iron folate core-shell necessary for inhibiting and activating cancer cell death. The nearly resistant apoptosis in the CCRF-CEM cells may have resulted from upregulating Bax and Casepase-3 while downregulating Bcl-2 expression. Conclusions: Our study documents the successful synthetization and characterization of iron oxide, which has excellent anticancer activities. A metal oxide conjugation with the nanoparticles’ core–shell enhanced the effect against acute leukemia.
A New Indole Derivative, LWX-473, Overcomes Glucocorticoid Resistance in Jurkat Cells by Activating Mediators of Apoptosis
Authors: Song Jingrui , Yang Kun , Gajendran Babu , Varier Krishnapriya M. , Li Wenxue , Liu Qin , Rao Qing , Hang Yubing , Shen Xiangchun , Liu Sheng , Huang Lei , Xu Mei , Li Yanmei
Published: April 2024

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used as the primary chemotherapy for lymphoid malignancies, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the development of GC resistance limits their prolonged use. Methods: In this study, we investigated the potential of a newly synthesized indole derivative called LWX-473, in combination with the classic GC Dexamethasone (DEX), to enhance the responsiveness of Jurkat cells to GC treatment. Results: Our findings demonstrate that LWX-473 alone or in combination with DEX significantly improves GC-induced cell apoptosis and arrests the cell cycle in the G1 phase. Notably, the combination of LWX-473 and DEX exhibits superior efficacy in killing Jurkat cells compared to LWX-473 alone. Importantly, this compound demonstrates reduced toxicity towards normal cells. Conclusions: Our study reveals that LWX-473 has the ability to restore the sensitivity of Jurkat cells to DEX by modulating the mitochondrial membrane potential, activating the expression of DEX-liganded glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and inhibiting key molecules in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. These findings suggest that LWX-473 could be a potential therapeutic agent for overcoming GC resistance in lymphoid malignancies.
The Chemokine CXCL7 is Correlated with LDH-A and Predicts the Prognosis of Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liang Hai , Li Longhai , Huang Baoyu , Cheng Gang , Ao Jiafu , Hao Shuli
Published: April 2024

Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate the correlation between chemokine (C-X-C) ligand 7 (CXCL7) expression and glycolysis and to explore the prognostic significance of CXCL7 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: The expression of CXCL7 and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A) was measured by immunohistochemistry in tissue from 158 CRC patients. Patients were divided into high expression and low expression groups based on receiver operating characteristic curves and a cut-off value. The correlation between CXCL7 and LDH-A expression was evaluated. The overall survival (OS) times of CRC patients were explored. The risk factors related to prognosis were assessed. Results: Significantly higher expression of CXCL7 and LDH-A was detected in CRC tissue than in non-CRC tissue, and was associated with N stage and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage. CXCL7 expression was strongly correlated with LDH-A expression in CRC tissue. High expression of CXCL7 was validated as an independent risk factor for OS. Conclusion: Increased expression of CXCL7 was positively correlated with LDH-A expression and was an independent risk factor for CRC prognosis.
Kiamat Dance: A Reflection of Local Wisdom in Kuripan Village, South Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: I Wayan Mustika
Published: May 2024

The Kiamat Dance is the closing dance of the ruwah or traditional wedding of the White Blood Queendom (Keratuan Darah Putih) for seven days and seven nights, known as nuhot. The Kiamat Dance, with its history rooted in the traditions of the White Blood Queendom, holds significant cultural and social value. As the closing dance of the ruwah, this dance symbolizes the culmination of the wedding festivities and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the newlyweds. The presence of this dance in various events beyond weddings highlights its versatility and adaptability, reflecting its enduring appeal and relevance in contemporary society. Through its rich symbolism and intricate movements, the Kiamat Dance embodies the core values and beliefs of the White Blood Queendom, serving as a testament to the community's cultural heritage and identity. This research aimed to describe the history, development, and local wisdom in the Kiamat Dance from Kuripan Village, South Lampung. This research employed a qualitative approach to produce descriptive data. The underlying theory used in this study was the behavioristic theory. Data collection techniques involved field observation, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that the art of the Kiamat Dance is the closing dance of the ruwah, a series of events for seven days and seven nights at the wedding in the White Blood Queendom. The Kiamat Dance is present on the last night as a closing dance. This dance was originally only found in the wedding ceremony of descendants of the White Blood Queendom. Still, almost every event has this dance nowadays, both in welcoming special guests and celebrating holidays. The values in this dance include religious, social, aesthetic, and educational values.
Fiscal and Financial Situation of the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation: Medium-term Trends in the Regional Context
Authors:   Moscow, Russian Federation, Milchakov M. V. Milchakov
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the changes in the fiscal and financial situation of Russian regions in 2020–2022. During this period, the regions faced a new challenge in the form of a pandemic. The author gives a quantitative assessment of the changes that have occurred, analyzes the features of support measures and the regional policy being implemented. The article examines changes in the parameters of regional budget revenues, budget deficits and debt burden. In addition, the author identifies a group of regions with maximum changes in per capita budget revenues and the factors that caused these changes. The author pays special attention to measures in the field of debt policy, methodology for equalization grant allocation, as well as demographic characteristics affecting regional expenditures. The article presents proposals for possible further improvement of the system of interbudgetary fiscal relations, including approaches to the provision of unconditional gap-filling financial support.
Prospects for Transformation of the System of International Settlements in the Russian Federation Based on Central Banks Digital Currencies
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, Navoy A. V.
Published: April 2024

Fragmentation of the global financial and economic space and difficulties in the organization of international settlements cause the restructuring of the international settlement system of the Russian Federation. Russia’s need for a reliable system of international settlements is due to its rapid involvement in the system of international trade, the need for high-tech imports, sales of raw materials and high-grade goods. One of the most promising options for a new design of payment infrastructure protected from sanctions pressure is the creation of an international payment system based on the peer-to-peer model using central bank digital currencies (CBDC). The Committee on Payment Infrastructures is actively theorizing this model. To date, the Russian Federation (digital ruble) and the People's Republic of China (digital yuan) demonstrate a high level of readiness to make settlements in the CBDC. The creation of a payment system based on CBDC fundamentally changes the entire landscape of international settlements, not only reducing the cost of transactions, but also ensuring their reliability, transparency and protection from the negative influence of other countries. Of particular interest is the model of clearing using CBDC in BRICS countries, which will allow for centralized netting of mutual positions of the countries in national currencies and gradual displacement of currencies of developed countries from mutual settlements.
Prospective Approaches to Assessing the Efficiency of the State Financial Control Bodies’ Activities
Authors:   Federal Treasury Department for Moscow, Russian Federation, Kevorkova M. E. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the existing scientific approaches to evaluating the efficiency of the activities of state financial control bodies. The content of the efficiency concept is disclosed, scientific views on the formation of the system of performance measurement indicators are examined. The lack of uniformity of approaches to the development of criteria and indicators for assessing the efficiency of the state financial control bodies’ activities is also revealed. The purpose of the study is to formulate unified, universal approaches to such an assessment. The author proposes original ways of evaluation using complex indicators. In the course of the study the methods of systematization, comparative, logical and statistical analysis were used. The results can be used by the bodies of state financial control for the development of efficiency assessment methodology.
Tuning Climate Finance: Outcomes of СOР28
Authors:   Financial Research Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kabir L. S.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the study is to systematize the main directions of the discussion that unfolded at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai in November-December 2023 on the need to reform the financial mechanism of the UN climate convention. The relevance of this study is based on the fact that today the conditions have been formed to intensify Russia’s participation in the discussion at the international level on the goals and objectives of climate and sustainable finance, as there is growing dissatisfaction with the aggressive policy of developed countries trying to solve their development problems, including by distorting and replacing the global agenda previously agreed by the majority of the world's countries on the UN platform. The main conclusion of the study is as follows. When considering the problems of organization of both the climate finance mechanism and the sustainable finance mechanism in the context of the organization and functioning of the Technology Mechanism (UNFCCC) and the Technology Facilitation Mechanism (UN 2030 Agenda), embedded in the current discussion on the need to reform the financial mechanism of the UN climate convention, many issues related to the incorrectness, inconsistency and divergence of these concepts at the level of different countries can be effectively addressed by the UNFCCC. Returning the consideration of both climate and sustainable finance to the context of technological modernization tasks solved by society (as originally defined in the UN documents) will make it possible to return the process of transition of countries to a new sustainable development model to the original direction; to get rid of manipulations and substitution of concepts used by a group of developed countries; to reach consensus among all Parties to the Convention.
Financial Indicators of Value Dynamics of ESGoriented Companies in China
Authors:   State University of Management, Moscow, Russian Federation, Volodina A. O. , Trachenko M. B. ,   State University of Management, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: April 2024

The priority of investing in sustainable development and ESG-oriented companies has become a global trend. Along with the developed markets of the USA and Europe, numerous ESG indices have been formed in countries of other continents. This segment of the stock market shows high growth rates in China. The purpose of the article is to identify the financial indicators that are most closely related to the value dynamics of ESG-oriented companies in China. The empirical base for the comparative analysis of companies adhering to ESG principles and not implementing them in practice was 48 companies included in the SSE 180 ESG Leaders Index of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and 44 companies from the Shanghai Composite index that are not included in the ESG indices. The analysis of the value dynamics of the two groups of companies showed the higher resilience of ESG-oriented enterprises to the crisis phenomena in the economy. However, the comparative analysis of multipliers did not allow us to conclude that one of the groups of companies is more attractive for investment. Special attention was paid to the study of financial indicators of fundamental analysis. The main conclusion is important for investors: the growth in the value of ESG-neutral companies is not consistent with the positive dynamics of financial indicators, and such investments are riskier than investments in ESG-oriented companies. Further research on investment attractiveness of financial ESG-instruments and individual companies, adhering to the principles of sustainable development and represented in the stock market of China, will be associated with more detailed factor analysis, which is important for Russian investors to make informed decisions when developing a new capital market.
Eleştirel Ekonomi Politik Bağlamında Türkiye’de Medya İşletmeciliğinin Yapısal Dönüşümü Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme
Authors: Kılınç Elif Pınar , Şeker Mustafa
Published: April 2024

Medya işletmeleri, diğer işletmelerle benzer bazı özelliklerinin yanında, kendine özgü değişkenlerle faaliyette bulunan işletmelerdir. Sermaye, maliyet, gelir-gider, ürün, sahiplik ve örgüt yapısı gibi değişkenler, medya işletmelerinin özgünlüğü çerçevesinde gelişim ve dönüşüm göstermiştir. Diğer işletmelerden ayırt edici temel özelliklerinden olan ideolojik üretim yapması, medyanın, sahiplik yapısı ve eleştirel ekonomi politik kapsamında ele alınmasını gerekli kılmaktadır. Bu yaklaşım, medyayı ve onun tarihsel konumunu, ideolojik, kültürel, sosyo-ekonomik işlevi ve ilişkileri çerçevesinde incelemektedir. Bu noktada, 1980 sonrası neoliberal politikalar ekseninde yeniden şekillenen ve değişen üretim tarzı, medyanın çalışma biçimi ve ilişkilerini de değiştirmiştir. Serbest piyasa koşullarında faaliyet göstermeye başlayan medya, güçlü sermaye yapısına sahip, farklı iş kollarında faaliyet gösteren büyük holdinglere eklemlenerek ayakta kalmaya mecbur bırakılmıştır. Medyanın, güçlü sermaye ve finans yapısına ihtiyaç duyan işletmeler olması, ekonomik, toplumsal, siyasal düzlemde ve git gide artan oranlarda iktidarlara bağımlı bir yapı sürmesini beraberinde getirmiştir. Geldiğimiz noktada medya işletmeleri, kâr zarar hesabı yapan kurumlar olmaktan çıkmış; fizibilitesi yapılarak dolaylı getirileriyle yatırım kararı alınan bir alan hâline gelmiştir. Medya sektöründen kâr etmeyen; hatta zarar etmeleri pahasına bu alandaki varlığını sürdüren medya sahipleri, sadece faaliyette oldukları diğer iş kollarının kaldıracı olarak işlev gören, homojen bir medya ortamının oluşmasına neden olmaktadır. Çalışmada, medya endüstrili kompleksler dönemine karşılık gelen ve 2002’den günümüze uzanan süreç, nitel ve tarihsel yaklaşımla incelenmekte; örnekler ve medya temsilcileriyle yapılan görüşmeler aracılığıyla değerlendirilmektedir.
Are "10-Grams of Protein” Better Than "Ten Grams of Protein”? How Digits Versus Number Words Influence Consumer Judgments
Authors: Craig Adam , Romero-Lopez Marisabel , Mormann Milica , Kumar Anand
Published: May 2024

Numerical information can be communicated using different number formats, such as digits (“5”) or number words (“five”). For example, a battery product may claim to last for “5 hours” or “five hours.” And while these two formats are used interchangeably in the marketplace, it is not clear how they influence consumer judgments and behavior. Via six experimental studies, two online ad campaigns, and one large secondary dataset analysis, we find that digits, compared to number words, positively affect consumer behavior. We refer to this phenomenon as the number format effect. We further show that the number format effect occurs because consumers feel that digits (vs. number words) are the right way to present numerical information: digits lead to a sense of feeling right that then affects consumer behavior. Finally, we show that the number format effect is amplified when credibility of the source of information is low, and attenuated when source credibility is high. The current research advances knowledge of how numerical information influences consumer judgments and behavior and carries important implications for marketers and policymakers as they communicate numerical information to consumers.
Effects of Social Media Use on Body Image and Disordered Eating in Adolescents
Authors: Sabol Molly Anna , Duell Natasha
Published: April 2024

Social media use among this current generation of adolescents is unprecedented. Many adolescents have grown up surrounded by this novel form of media, with 35% of adolescents reporting that they are “almost constantly” using at least one social media platform. With its increasing prevalence, scholars have identified and continue to study the potential risks that social media use may have on adolescent well-being. One such risk is the influence of social media on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among adolescents. Recent research has found that 75% of adolescents report body image dissatisfaction, which has been implicated as a predictor of eating disorders. This literature review summarizes findings from research on social media use, body image, and disordered eating among adolescents. First, we define self-esteem as a precursor to adolescent body image and body satisfaction. Following, we review literature identifying links between social media use and adolescent body image with subsequent effects on disordered eating behaviors. Possible protective factors are also discussed. We end with limitations of prior studies and suggestions for future research.
Working from Home: When is it Too Much of a Good Thing?
Authors: Rudolph Cort , Zacher Hannes
Published: April 2024

Based on an integration of meta-theoretical perspectives on the “too much of a good thing” effect with psychological demands and resources theories, we propose and test non-linear relations between the percentage of time people work from home and a variety of important work-related outcomes (i.e., professional isolation, work from home satisfaction, work from home self-efficacy, work performance, job satisfaction). Then, also based on resource theories, we explore whether and how certain work from home resources (i.e., previous experience working from home, appropriate technologies to facilitate working from home, dedicated workspaces) buffer these non-linear relations. Data on working from home were provided by n = 994 employees in Germany across thirty-two monthly measurement waves between April 2020 and December 2022. Our results support the general idea that the percentage of time people work from home has non-linear associations with a variety of important work-related outcomes. However, only in a few cases (i.e., work performance, job satisfaction) do these relations take the form of inverse U-shapes that would be indicative of “too much of a good thing.” Our exploratory analysis suggests that, in several cases, work from home resources can buffer these non-linear associations. These findings have implications for the continued development of meta-theoretical perspectives on “too much of a good thing” and for employees’ and organizations’ attempts to make working from home a positive and productive experience.
The rise and fall of memories: Temporal dynamics of visual working memory
Authors: Sahakian Andre , Gayet Surya , Paffen Chris , van der Stigchel Stefan
Published: May 2024

Visual working memory (VWM) is a cognitive system, which temporarily stores task-relevant visual information to enable interactions with the environment. In everyday VWM use, we typically decide how long we look to encode information, and how long we wait before acting on the memory. In contrast, VWM is typically studied in unnaturally rigid paradigms that keep presentation times and delays fixed. Here, we ask how visual memories build up over self-paced viewing times, and how they decay over self-paced delays, in a task that naturally engages VWM. We employed a copying task, in which participants were tasked to recreate an “example” arrangement of items in an adjacent empty “workspace”. We tracked their unconstrained viewing and copying behavior at the level of individual items' viewing times and the time to successful placements (i.e., delay). Our results show that performance monotonically increased for viewing times up to one second (per item), and plateaued afterwards. Interestingly, while views exceeding one second did not strongly improve performance for short (two second) delays, views beyond one second did improve performance for longer delays. In contrast, this pattern was not observed in Experiments 2A and 2B, where viewing and delay times were experimentally manipulated (i.e., in more typical, rigid paradigms). These findings showcase the importance of considering aspects of naturalistic behavior, like decision making, when studying VWM. We suggest that in everyday situations, short glances are sufficient for immediate use from VWM, but long views are required for effective delayed use.
RATIONALIZING TONAL MUSIC
Authors: Purves Dale
Published: April 2024

Since the time of Pythagoras tonal music has been explained in terms of the ratios between the lengths of two or more vibrating objects. The evidence summarized here, however, implies that tonal music is better understood in terms of the integer fractions that comprise a harmonic series. In contrast to the Pythagorean scheme, this framework rationalizes musical octaves, accounts for the variable number of tone combinations in musical scales, and offers a way to precisely tune instruments and voices.