bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Has Europe learned the lessons of territory? An African perspective on Oscar Mazzoleni's book
Authors: Jirari Mouna
Published: January 2025

In his book, Territory and democratic politics: A critical introduction (2024), Oscar Mazzoleni reflects upon territory, and the outcome this notion creates. He pushes back against the trend of "deterritorialization" in social sciences and underlines a need for a correct understanding of territory for management of late modernity issues inclusive of citizenship, nationalism and migration. Mazzoleni further opined that ‘territory can hardly be understood as an area or a geographical space but it is an aspect of identities and politics’. Within this context, by dwelling on the territory/identity/power connection, Mazzoleni offers valuable insights into most of the problems that affect democracies today. This review contextualizes and refines Mazzoleni’s work through a lens by addressing fundamental issues related to the African context. The purpose of this article is to deconstruct the arduous nature of the land and the dynamics of democratization in Africa, which still lags in responding to the challenges of decolonization, not to mention the colonial invention of borders and nations.
The Hormonal dysregulation and its consequences in Obese Women - overview
Authors: Pala Katarzyna Maria , Tomaszewska Wiktoria , Siudziński Paweł , Łyko Mateusz , Skoczylas Alicja , Golińska Maria , Nowak Anna , Kurasz Jakub , Podlasiewicz Wiktoria , Dudziak Piotr , Maj Wojciech
Published: January 2025

Introduction
 
Obesity, a global health challenge, significantly impacts women's hormonal balance, affecting metabolic and reproductive health. Defined as a BMI >30 kg/m² by WHO, its prevalence is rising, creating substantial health and economic challenges.
 
Aim of Study
 
This study explores the effects of obesity on women's hormonal regulation, emphasizing associated conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance, infertility, and cardiometabolic diseases, while identifying mechanisms and potential interventions.
 
Material and Methods
 
A review of 34 peer-reviewed articles (2000–2024) using PRISMA criteria analyzed hormonal imbalances caused by obesity, focusing on adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin, and their roles in glucose metabolism, lipid regulation, and inflammation.
 
Analysis of Literature
Obesity-induced chronic inflammation disrupts insulin regulation, sex hormones, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It causes ovulatory disorders, reduced oocyte quality, and impaired endometrial receptivity. Mechanisms like insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and leptin dysfunction are central to these effects.
 
Conclusion
 
A multidimensional treatment approach, including lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy (e.g., GLP-1 agonists), and surgical interventions, is essential. Personalized strategies can alleviate symptoms, improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes, and enhance quality of life for women with obesity.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sepsis in a Fourteen-year-old Patient: A case study of pulmonary inflammatory discharge without typical features of respiratory tract infection
Authors: Żaczek Bartłomiej , Kozłowski Jakub , Kamińska Alicja , Kupczak Wojciech , Bujak Kinga , Kocjan Aleksandra , Alsoubie Ismael , Papachristoforou Natalie , Kaźmierski Wojciech , Ziomek Mateusz , Lis Paulina , Czubaj-Kowal Marta
Published: January 2025

Introduction and aim. Sepsis is a set of symptoms caused by the body’s uncontrolled inflammatory response to infection, leading to damage to more than one organ and homeostasis disorders. Symptoms of sepsis in children may be non-specific, making it difficult to diagnose quickly and effectively.
Description of the case. This article presents the case of a 14-year-old patient who was admitted to the Paediatric Unit due to a high fever (up to 42 degrees Celsius) lasting from five days and severe pain in the area of the lower ribs on the left side, at the site of an injury that occurred two weeks earlier.
Conclusion. In the case of unclear symptoms of high fever and indicators of inflammation, a broad diagnostic spectrum is necessary, including imaging and laboratory tests and specialist consultations. It is also important to consider the possibility of pulmonary congestion in case of postural pain and elevated levels of D-dimers. Regular patient monitoring and controlled laboratory studies are crucial in assessing the effectiveness of therapy and the progress of treatment.
Longevity Recipe - Lifestyle Influences on the Quantity and Quality of Life
Authors: Piotrowicz Katarzyna , Piotrowicz Hubert , Kurzeja Jacek , Bajkacz Agnieszka , Kraśnik Wojciech , Jankowska Olga , Rogala Anna , Osmólska Joanna
Published: January 2025

Introduction and Purpose. For many years, people have been fascinated by the question of how to achieve a long and healthy life, seeking a recipe for longevity. Our lifestyle can play a significant role in this. The aim of this review is to enhance public awareness of longevity and to emphasise the consequences of our daily habits.Materials and Methods. A literature review was carried out using the PubMed database, searching for the most recently published scientific sources.State of Knowledge. The review details the impact of individual lifestyle elements on quantity and quality of life. The benefits of physical activity were discussed, including the amount of exercise necessary per week to reduce mortality risk, and the most efficacious sport disciplines for health promotion. It also emphasises the significance of dietary habits and the role of phytochemicals. Additionally, it addresses the following questions: Does consuming small amounts of alcohol prolong life? What is the extent of the damage caused by smoking? How can stress and sleep be managed? Why are social relationships an important protective element? Finally, it considers whether there is a cure for longevity.Summary. A holistic approach that encompasses a sufficient level of physical activity, proper nutritional habits and the maintenance of a healthy body weight can contribute towards the attainment of longevity. Conversely, factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor stress or sleep management and loneliness can have a negative effect on life expectancy. A search is underway for anti-aging pharmacological compounds that are both efficacious and safe.
IBS as a diverse disease. A comprehensive review
Authors: Dylik Adrianna , Gryczyńska Weronika , Musiał Mikołaj , Krawczak Łukasz , Gulaczyk Hanna , Spychalski Jan , Kaczmarek Mikołaj , Grochowska Wiktoria , Spychalska Maria
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most popular diseases among the gastrointestinal difficulties. The main problem is lower quality of life because of troublesome symptoms of the disease.                   
Aim of the study: This review seeks to consolidate the current understanding of IBS, emphasizing the prevalence of this condition and the persistent challenges in achieving a definitive understanding, even after decades of research. The primary objective is to highlight contemporary approaches to patient care, revisiting both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies.                                                                                                                               
Materials and methods: The analysis is based on a thorough review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025, ensuring the inclusion of the most up-to-date insights. Knowledge was sourced from PubMed using the advanced search with terms „irritable bowel syndrome” with „or” and „IBS”, ultimately returning 1,228 results.                                                                                                                                            
Results and conclusion: The findings underscore the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach involving a team of specialists to provide comprehensive care. Additionally, a crucial factor is the patient's diet and overall well-being, which play a pivotal role in determining the progression and course of the condition.  Furthermore, a clear conclusion has been established that, the psychological dimension—integral to both the disease and its management—emerges as a critical factor that warrants careful consideration and should not be underestimated.
Online shopping for a cause: social marketing in second-hand fashion stores.
Authors: García Medina Irene , Salinas Vázquez María
Published: January 2025

This study examines existing literature on the use of online platforms in influencing social consumer behaviour, engagement,
and purchase intentions, particularly in the context of non-profit sectors like second-hand fashion shops. In this regard,
academic perspectives on this topic are explored. The aim is none other than to highlight the gaps in current understanding, as
well as to denounce the need for more in-depth studies. To this end, the methodology used was the bibliographical technique. The results point to the fact that consumer behaviour in the fashion sector does not yet have a beneficent orientation, which is why further work needs to be done on this approach.
Propósitos sociales y preocupaciones juveniles en las campañas promocionales de las teen series: el caso de Netflix España.
Authors: Tavárez Pérez Andy Damián , Saavedra Llamas Marta
Published: January 2025

Las teen series españolas surgidas en la era streaming tienen un impacto en la juventud determinado no solo por su contenido,
sino por sus campañas de marketing. El análisis ofrece una panorámica de las tácticas realizadas por Netflix, SVOD líder a nivel
mundial en suscriptores y principal motor de consumo de los adolescentes en 2024, cuando comercializa una serie para jóvenes
en España. El mensaje comunicativo de las ficciones juveniles intenta responder a las preocupaciones de los adolescentes de
la generación Z, abordando en sus temáticas y, más aún, en sus acciones publicitarias, los propósitos sociales que mueven a
los jóvenes espectadores. Los resultados evidencian el interés de Netflix por conectar con el público y establecer engagement
con los adolescentes; en una sociedad calificada de consumista y hedonista, la audiencia demanda una comunicación social y
comprometida y por eso las tramas de las series y las campañas de marketing promueven intereses de corte personal o grupal, a través de las preocupaciones o las emociones. Los propósitos sociales más utilizados por las campañas de marketing son la salud mental, cuestiones de género, la sexualidad y la desigualdad, y concuerdan con los estudios sobre las preocupaciones
juveniles a escala nacional e internacional.
El negocio de la comunicación en Iberoamérica: diversificación y concentración mediática. Casos en Chile, México y España.
Authors: iménez-Yañez César , Mancinas-Chávez J, Rosalba , Figuereo-Benítez Juan C.
Published: January 2025

El surgimiento de empresas de comunicación vinculadas a grandes conglomerados empresariales es una realidad en las
economías globales de mercado donde podemos ver cómo la diversificación de los negocios es fundamental. Es el caso de
los grupos Saieh en Chile, Salinas en México y Mediaset en España. En este trabajo nos proponemos exponer, relacionar y
comparar estos tres grupos empresariales que, además de contar con importantes empresas de comunicación, han sido y son
líderes en diversas áreas de negocios en las que participan. Se analizarán sus empresas, negocios y redes empresariales en
el campo de la comunicación y otros sectores económicos, profundizando en su estructura de integración multisectorial y su
relación con otros sectores de poder político y económico. Estos grupos presentan un panorama mediático similar y su éxito
radica en la variedad de sus negocios e inversiones, en su capacidad de diversificación y expansión, así como el peso político
que tienen sus dueños.
Evaluación de actitudes hacia la ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas (STEM) para fomentar la creatividad en la educación secundaria
Authors: Mujib Mujib , Mardiyah Mardiyah
Published: January 2025

Las actitudes de los estudiantes hacia asignaturas como ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas (STEM) desempeñan un papel crucial en el proceso de aprendizaje del siglo XXI. Aumentar el número de estudiantes que eligen carreras en STEM se ha reconocido como importante. En consecuencia, mejorar el aprendizaje y la participación de los estudiantes en las asignaturas STEM, así como fomentar actitudes positivas hacia STEM, se ha convertido en un objetivo principal para la educación STEM en K-12. Sin embargo, medir tales actitudes en un contexto de aprendizaje sigue siendo un desafío significativo. Esta investigación ha tenido como objetivo desarrollar una herramienta de evaluación completa y válida para evaluar las actitudes de los estudiantes hacia STEM en un contexto de aprendizaje, con el fin de mejorar su creatividad. La muestra para esta investigación ha consistido en 311 estudiantes de secundaria con una media de edad de 12,83 ± 1,04 años. La validez de la estructura de cuatro factores del modelo ha sido evaluada utilizando un análisis factorial confirmatorio. Los valores de fiabilidad para los cuatro factores han oscilado entre .73 y .94 con Alfa de Cronbach, mientras que los de fiabilidad compuesta han oscilado entre .97 y .97. La relación entre las variables en las actitudes hacia el instrumento STEM ha identificado varios coeficientes de ruta y tamaños de efecto, indicando fuertes correlaciones entre las variables de actitud STEM. El análisis ha revelado diferencias significativas según el nivel de grado, mostrando que los estudiantes de noveno grado han presentado un rendimiento mejor o al menos competitivo en la mayoría de las disciplinas. Se ha encontrado que este cuestionario es un instrumento viable para evaluar las actitudes STEM de los estudiantes de secundaria. Estos hallazgos tienen importantes implicaciones para las estrategias de educación STEM, enfatizando la necesidad de enfoques sostenidos y enfocados en experiencias de aprendizaje profundo para todos los estudiantes, independientemente del género.
Efecto mediador del autocontrol sobre la autoestima y el uso de Instagram en adolescentes. Relaciones con el rendimiento académico y el estrés tecnológico
Authors: Rubio Hernández Francisco José , Díaz López Adoración , Caba Machad Vanessa , González-Calahorra Elena
Published: January 2025

Se exploraron las interrelaciones entre el uso de Instagram, el autocontrol, la autoestima, el estrés tecnológico y el rendimiento académico en adolescentes. Mediante un diseño cuantitativo transversal, con enfoque correlacional-explicativo, se encuestó a 158 estudiantes de educación secundaria. Se aplicaron técnicas de análisis correlacional y ecuaciones estructurales. Los principales resultados revelaron lo siguiente: a) una mayor frecuencia de uso de redes sociales se asoció con un peor desempeño académico y una menor autoestima; b) el estrés tecnológico y el uso específico de Instagram se vincularon con una disminución de la autoestima; c) la intención de dedicar más tiempo al estudio se relacionó con expectativas de mejores calificaciones; d) reducir el tiempo en línea se asoció con la percepción de un mejor rendimiento académico. Además, se observó que el autocontrol actuaba como mediador en la relación entre el uso de Instagram y la autoestima. En conclusión, aunque usar Instagram y tener un buen autocontrol no parecen estar directamente relacionados con la autoestima por sí solos, la capacidad de control al usar dicha red social sí que parece influir, lo cual debe tenerse en cuenta en futuras intervenciones de carácter socioeducativo.
The Acts of Thecla in the Emergent Discourse of the Early Christian Movement
Authors: Mcginn Sheila E.
Published: January 2025

Abstract: Catholic biblical scholarship since Vatican II has reclaimed the centrality of the Bible in Catholic theology and practice; unfortunately, cognate noncanonical materials have been left to the side in this ressourcement . A sola scriptura ideology has shaped contemporary biblical studies. Because of the long history of use of apocryphal texts in Catholic tradition, Catholic biblical scholars can make an important contribution to redressing this imbalance, thereby broadening and deepening our understanding of the biblical texts and the communities that produced them. This presidential address will use the Acts of Thecla to illustrate how transgressing the canonical boundaries can expand our understanding of the early Christian movement and its emergent discourse in the late first and early second centuries c.e. That expanded understanding also provides an important touchstone for the contemporary church to discern future directions.
You Shall Purge the Evil from Your Midst: Legal Omissions and Reconstructions of the Illicit Sex Laws in Deuteronomy 22:22–29
Authors: Park Sung Jin
Published: January 2025

Abstract: In this article, I examine the legal omissions and reconstructions in Deut 22:22–29, focusing on the representative nature of the sex laws and their failure to enumerate all possible crimes and penalties. In a detailed study of the passage's literary structure, I investigate why the text does not cover every conceivable real-life scenario, particularly in cases of adultery and rape. Key issues explored include the semantics of crucial verbs [inline-graphic 01], [inline-graphic 02], and [inline-graphic 03]), the criteria for distinguishing consensual sex from rape, and comparisons with ancient Near Eastern laws. I propose that Deut 22:22–29 presents representative cases rather than exhaustive legal statutes, requiring readers to infer penalties for unlisted scenarios based on analogous cases within the passage. By providing detailed structural analysis, I aim to enhance understanding of the passage's legal complexities and offer plausible reconstructions for its legal omissions. The insights gained from this analysis contribute to a deeper comprehension of how ancient Israelite law addressed illicit sexual conduct, reflecting broader legal and societal norms.
Matthew's Charity: Righteousness, Almsgiving, and the Greek World
Authors: Desrosiers Nathaniel P.
Published: January 2025

Abstract: In this article, I examine the issue of charity in Matthew's Gospel, and specifically his directives on almsgiving as it is described in the Sermon on the Mount in 6:2–4. While almsgiving was a standard form of piety in Judaism, Matthew's particular version of the practice has significant differences that eventually redefined charity and delineated the Christian practice. Although there has been much discussion on this topic, the role that the Greek world and especially Hellenistic philosophical thought played in the formation of Matthew's views has been ignored. Here I examine Matthew's discussion of almsgiving in chap. 6 in order to determine how this material fits into broader ancient Mediterranean contexts, including Hellenistic Judaism and Greco-Roman philosophical traditions. While there are clear Jewish influences present, I suggest that reading this chapter through a Stoic-infused moral philosophical lens provides a more accurate picture of the passage.
Taming the Spirits in Ephesus (Acts 19:11–17)
Authors: Marcello Fabrizio
Published: January 2025

Abstract: In this article, I aim to articulate the relationship that Luke develops in Acts 19:11–17 between magic and proper Christian miracles. By presenting material and literary evidence of contemporaneous magical practices, I show how well the episode is attuned to the magical-religious context of the time, and this in turn allows a deeper appreciation of the well-crafted literary strategy by which Luke is able to assert the distinctiveness of the Christian experience and its extraordinary efficacy in contrast to all other deviant forms of religious practice. Greek amulets emerge as the closest material comparandum for the first scene (vv. 11–12), especially in the way these objects were conceptualized, made, and used. As for the subsequent narrative (vv. 13–17), I pay particular attention to the use of names in magical and exorcistic texts. Moreover, by juxtaposing the two scenes, Luke suggests that only missionaries who are fully committed to evangelization are able to work wonders and miracles in the name of Jesus. Those who are not in such a position can only fail, even if they are Jews, whose expertise in performing exorcisms was widely known in the early centuries.
Trap-loss fluorescence spectroscopy of cesium magneto-optical trap with single-photon Rydberg excitation and the background electric field measurement and regulation
Authors: Hou Xiaokai , Wang Yuewei , Su Wenjing , He Jun , Wang Junmin
Published: January 2025

Calibration and compensation of the background electric fields in the vicinity of the cold atomic ensemble are critically vital, for achieving quantum computing, quantum simulation, and precision measurement. Here the work presents and demonstrates a straightforward method for measuring and compensation of the background electric field by means of the trap-loss fluorescence spectroscopy (TLFS) of cesium (Cs) magneto-optical trap (MOT) with the Rydberg nP3/2 states with principal quantum numbers n from 71 to 85. In our experiment, TLFS is induced by single-photon Rydberg excitation with a Cs MOT, utilizing a 319 nm ultraviolet (UV) laser characterized by narrow linewidth (less than 6 kHz), continuous fine-tuning of 1 GHZ, and ultra-low-intensity noise (the intensity fluctuates approximately ±0.06% over 25 minutes with sampling power of 3 mW). Using this method, we measure the intensity of the background electric field in the vicinity of a cold atomic ensemble of about 218.9 ± 7.5 mV/cm. Through adjustment of electrode plates the residual electric field was reduced to 116.3 mV/cm, which induces a Stark shift −84.1 MHz. Our experiments provide an easier and more straightforward method for measuring and regulating the background electric field and lay a foundation for optimizing electric field compensation and fast feedback systems in the future.
Photonic spin rings formed by toroidal spin momentum
Authors: Lu Qi , Wen Shuangchun , Luo Hailu , Shu Weixing
Published: January 2025

The transverse spin angular momentum (TSAM) of light, also called photonic wheels, has brought important applications, but its direction can only be along a straight line. Here we employ a tightly focused circular polarization to show that the generated TSAM can be oriented along a 3D ring. Firstly, we show that due to the π/2 phase difference between the circularly polarized light and the induced longitudinal polarization component, the resulting spin momentum away from the focus circulates about a ring, leading to an azimuthal TSAM. Secondly, we reveal that the TSAM is closely related to the spatial curl of polarization orientation. Finally, it is shown that the TSAM manifests itself as an array of photonic rings since the spin directions are reversed every one half wavelength. The 3D spin ring adds a new degree of freedom to photonic spin and may be valuable in developing novel energy and information transfer methods.
Young Adults Rehabilitation experiences and Needs following Stroke (YARNS): A scoping review of the rehabilitation care experiences and outcomes of young adults post-stroke
Authors: Chandler Colin , Clarissa Catherine , Putri Arcellia Farosyah , Aviles Lissette , Choi HyeRi , Hewitt Jonathan , Hennessy Emily , Noble Helen , Reid Joanne , Holloway Aisha , Kelly Daniel
Published: January 2025

Background

Stroke is one of the leading disabling conditions in the United Kingdom. While an increasing focus on the rehabilitation care for stroke survivors has been noted, practice guidelines, targets and services tend to be tailored for the elderly population rather than young adults.

Objectives

This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on the rehabilitation care experiences and outcomes of young adults post-stroke aged between 18 and 45 years within acute and social care settings.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review was conducted to identify existing practice and published academic and evidence-based literature related to the topic. Arksey and O’Malley’s framework guided the review and reporting followed the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Electronic databases and grey literature were searched to capture the potentially recent and relevant literature available in English from year 2000–2022. The databases included CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ASSIA, AMED, PEDro, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Grey literature was searched from the following sources: Google Scholar, websites of networks, organisations and charities related to stroke. Hand searches were performed on the reference lists of the included articles and grey literature to find relevant references. Data were extracted on young adults’ experiences of stroke and rehabilitation care and their outcomes and experiences of a particular stroke rehabilitation programme in acute and social care settings.

Results

Eighty-five articles were included in this review. In most instances, stroke was reported to negatively impact young adults, although positive consequences were also documented. The focus and the outcomes of stroke rehabilitation were predominantly physical especially in the areas of movement, communication and memory. Young adults experienced a lack of age-adapted stroke rehabilitation in acute and social care settings.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the unmet needs of young adults in their stroke recovery journey. Effective rehabilitation programmes and interventions should be developed to support young adults following stroke and meet their age-specific needs.
Social contexts and black families’ engagement in early childhood programs
Authors: Leer Jane , Smith Imari Z. , Hill Zoelene , Gennetian Lisa A.
Published: January 2025

In the U.S., the federal government and dozens of cities have invested in home visiting programs intended to be universally available at scale to support caregivers of young children. Evaluations find that participation in these programs reduces maternal mortality, improves maternal mental health, and supports children’s healthy development. Yet, many parents of young children who are invited to participate in home visiting programs do not enroll. This study fills gaps in the literature by examining how the broader social context affects Black families’ engagement in home visiting programs. Via focus groups, survey data from a socioeconomically diverse sample of Black parents across the U.S., and a pre-registered field experiment, we capture views of and experiences with early childhood home visiting programs. We assess the responsiveness of these views to the broader social context and examine implications for interest and participation in home visiting programs. Focus group participants described benefits of home visiting while also expressing concerns about being unfairly judged about their parenting practices and the risk of a home visit resulting in child welfare system involvement. One out of four Black parents surveyed associated the term “home visit” with surveillance (i.e., government scrutiny of parenting), and associating “home visit” with surveillance was empirically correlated with lower participation in home visiting programs. Further, our pre-registered survey experiment showed a causal link between surveillance fears and home visit engagement. Reading a news article about a family’s experience with the child welfare system decreased interest in home visiting among Black parents, while labeling a program as “new baby wellness” rather than “home visit” increased interest. Collectively, the findings point to ways in which the broader social context of parenting/parental surveillance negatively affects Black parents’ participation in early childhood home visiting programs despite their interest.
Effects of project-based learning on EFL learners’ writing performance
Authors: Andargie Abebaw , Amogne Dawit , Tefera Ebabu
Published: January 2025

Connecting language classrooms with 21st-century skills could be the potential framework for enhancing EFL learners’ performance in writing classes. However, investigating whether project-based learning, as a new field within ELT with unique pedagogical affordances, can enhance learners’ writing skills still needs to be improved in the literature. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the impact of project-based learning on EFL learners’ writing performance. It sought to determine whether and to what extent project-based learning could enhance writing skills in an EFL context. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with an interrupted pre-test-post-test time series design with single group participants. Twenty-three third-year EFL undergraduate students enrolled in the Advanced Writing Skills I course were selected using a comprehensive sampling method. An essay writing test and interview were used to gather data. The participants of the study were given a series of three problem-solving essay writing tests before and after the intervention, which employed project-based essay writing instruction. In addition, to discover their attitudes toward the impacts of project-based learning and its applications on the ground, three randomly selected students were interviewed at the end of the intervention. The data collected through the tests were analyzed through a one-way repeated measure ANOVA; narration was also used to analyze the qualitative data gathered through interviews. Accordingly, the quantitative data suggested that project-based learning significantly enhances EFL learners’ writing performance. Moreover, interview data showed that students felt optimistic about the impact of project-based learning on their writing performance, idea generation, and cooperation among themselves. Therefore, project-based learning is suggested as another method in ELT writing classes because it enhances learners’ writing via idea generation, data collection, organization, cooperation, and general communication skills. As students work on worthwhile projects, its emphasis on real-world applicability and realistic activities can help them become better writers. Hence, teachers can reinforce the relationship between form and purpose by incorporating a variety of genres and collaborative writing to reflect real-world or professional situations.
On the estimation of inverse-probability-of-censoring weights for the evaluation of survival prediction error
Authors: Prince Thomas , Bommert Andrea , Rahnenführer Jörg , Schmid Matthias
Published: January 2025

Inverse probability weighting (IPW) is a popular method for making inferences regarding unobserved or unobservable data of a target population based on observed data. This paper considers IPW applied to right-censored time-to-event data. We investigate the behavior of the inverse-probability-of-censoring weighted (IPCW) Brier score, which is frequently used to assess the predictive performance of time-to-event models. A key requirement of the IPCW Brier score is the estimation of the censoring distribution, which is needed to compute the weights. The established paradigm of splitting a dataset into a training and a test set for model fitting and evaluation raises the question which of these datasets to use in order to fit the censoring model. There seems to be considerable disagreement between authors with regards to this issue, and no standard has been established so far. To shed light on this important question, we conducted a comprehensive experimental study exploring various data scenarios and estimation schemes. We found that it is generally of little importance which dataset is used to model the censoring distribution. However, in some circumstances, such as in the case of a covariate-dependent censoring process, a small sample size, or when dealing with noisy data, it may be advisable to use the test set instead of the training set to model the censoring distribution. A detailed set of practical recommendations concludes our paper.
Herbivore functions in the hot-seat: Resilience of Acanthurus triostegus to marine heatwaves
Authors: Souza Taylor , Brijs Jeroen , Tran Leon , Crowder Larry , Johansen Jacob L.
Published: January 2025

Herbivorous fishes play a crucial role in the conservation of coral reefs threatened by thermal stress (e.g., marine heatwaves and long-term ocean warming) by helping to maintain reefs in a coral-dominated state via the removal of algae. However, as thermally sensitive ectotherms, rising thermal stress may also pose a serious threat to these fishes and the critical ecosystem functions they deliver. Here we evaluate the consequences of thermal stress on the capacity of a common herbivorous coral reef fish (Acanthurus triostegus) to control finely filamentous matrices of Caulerpa sertularioides and C. verticillata algae in Hawaiʻi, by characterizing in-vivo changes in metabolic demands, diurnal foraging rates, activity patterns and individual condition in a laboratory setting during winter (24.0±0.1°C), summer (27.5±0.1°C), and at the peak of a representative marine heatwave, (31.0±0.1°C). Rising temperatures caused significant increases in standard metabolic rate (from ~135 O2 kg-1 h-1 in winter to 224 O2 kg-1 h-1 at the peak of a marine heatwave), but not in the proportion of time spent active (~83–96%) or foraging (~2.4 bites min-1). Consequently, A. triostegus gained body mass during summer and winter, but lost ~0.8% body mass per day during the marine heatwave. Given marine heatwaves can last for weeks to months, these results indicate that while herbivorous coral reef fishes may continue to remove algae during periods of thermal stress, their ability to control many macroalga may be limited due to precipitous reductions in individual performance. Therefore, in addition to algal types, the thermal sensitivity in herbivorous reef fishes will need to be considered for the successful implementation of coral-algal management strategies in a warmer world.
Women’s experiences and outcomes of abortion care in sub-Saharan countries: A mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Wakgari Negash , Tessema Gizachew A. , Watson Stuart J. , Bekele Delayehu , Bradfield Zoe
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Abortion care experiences encompass various aspects, including women’s decision-making capability, physical and emotional experiences, service provision, and post-abortion experiences. The lack of woman-centred and respectful abortion services, influenced by stigma and restrictive abortion laws in certain contexts, poses a public health concern. These challenges may lead to variations in women’s experiences and care outcomes, potentially resulting in adverse physical, psychological, and emotional outcomes for individuals seeking abortions. Therefore, this systematic review aims to synthesise the available evidence on women’s abortion care experiences and outcomes in sub–Saharan Africa published from 2010 onwards.

Methods

Eight databases including Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Psych-Info, Web of Science, and Global Health will be searched using subject headings and specific keywords related to women’s abortion care experiences, abortion care outcomes, and its measurement. Predetermined criteria will be used to select studies that meet the review’s inclusion criteria. These include all original studies published in English languages that focussed on induced abortion care and assessed women’s abortion care experiences and outcomes. After screening for title and abstract and full text, included studies will undergo data extraction, where information relevant to the methodological quality of each study will be collected. This review will integrate qualitative and quantitative data through a narrative synthesis approach.

Discussion

By synthesising abortion care experiences and outcomes across studies and analysing the commonalities and differences of the multifactorial challenges women face in health facilities, this study will improve the understanding of abortion care experiences and outcomes and inform evidence-based recommendations and future research directions. In addition, this systematic review will also discover and locate an existing measurement tool for abortion care experiences and outcomes for women while receiving the services in the facility.
Spiroplasma endosymbiont reduction of host lipid synthesis and Stomoxyn-like peptide contribute to trypanosome resistance in the tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes
Authors: Awuoche Erick O. , Smallenberger Gretchen , Bruzzese Daniel L. , Orfano Alessandra , Weiss Brian L. , Aksoy Serap
Published: January 2025

Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) vector African trypanosomes that cause devastating diseases in humans and domestic animals. Within the Glossina genus, species in the Palpalis subgroup exhibit greater resistance to trypanosome infections compared to those in the Morsitans subgroup. Varying microbiota composition and species-specific genetic traits can significantly influence the efficiency of parasite transmission. Notably, infections with the endosymbiotic bacterium Spiroplasma have been documented in several Palpalis subgroup species, including Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (Gff). While Spiroplasma infections in Gff are known to hinder trypanosome transmission, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To investigate Spiroplasma-mediated factors affecting Gff vector competence, we conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing of the gut tissue along with functional assays. Our findings reveal elevated oxidative stress in the gut environment in the presence of Spiroplasma, evidenced by increased expression of nitric oxide synthase, which catalyzes the production of trypanocidal nitric oxide. Additionally, we observed impaired lipid biosynthesis leading to a reduction of this important class of nutrients essential for parasite and host physiologies. In contrast, trypanosome infections in Gff’s midgut significantly upregulated various immunity-related genes, including a small peptide, Stomoxyn-like, homologous to Stomoxyn first discovered in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans. We observed that the Stomoxyn-like locus is exclusive to the genomes of Palpalis subgroup tsetse species. GffStomoxyn is constitutively expressed in the cardia (proventriculus) and synthetic GffStomoxyn exhibits potent activity against Escherichia coli and bloodstream form of Trypanosoma brucei parasites, while showing no effect against insect stage procyclic forms or tsetse’s commensal endosymbiont Sodalis in vitro. Reducing GffStomoxyn levels significantly increased trypanosome infection prevalence, indicating its potential trypanocidal role in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that the enhanced resistance to trypanosomes observed in Spiroplasma-infected Gff may be due to the reduced lipid availability necessary for parasite metabolic maintenance. Furthermore, GffStomoxyn could play a crucial role in the initial immune response(s) against mammalian parasites early in the infection process in the gut and prevent gut colonization. We discuss the molecular characteristics of GffStomoxyn, its spatial and temporal expression regulation and its microbicidal activity against Trypanosome parasites. Our findings reinforce the nutritional influences of microbiota on host physiology and host-pathogen dynamics.
La política británica de las “listas negras” a través de la prensa de Buenos Aires
Authors: Sánchez Emiliano Gastón
Published: January 2025

Mediante un estudio de la prensa periódica de Buenos Aires y de la documentación diplomática, este artículo analiza las repercusiones culturales y mediáticas de la política británica de las “listas negras”, iniciada a comienzos de 1916 en el marco de una nueva fase de la guerra comercial contra Alemania y sus aliados. Se procura demostrar que el debate sobre las “listas negras” ocupó, por diversas razones, un lugar central en la prensa de Buenos Aires durante los meses posteriores a su aplicación. No sólo por el efecto directo de esta guerra comercial sobre algunas publicaciones que fueron incluidas en dicha lista sino también por los diversos alineamientos y los “usos” que las “listas negras” suscitaron en casi toda la prensa local.
Soberanía, nación, Estado. Las Monarquías en el desarrollo de los Estados nacionales en Europa
Authors: Millán García-Varela Jesús
Published: January 2025

Muchos historiadores del “largo siglo XIX” europeo aceptan la disyuntiva habitual entre la autoridad de los reyes y la del pueblo. En consecuencia, la evolución del periodo suele verse como la pérdida de legitimación del gobierno de los reyes y el aumento del basado en el pueblo. En cambio, este trabajo destaca la importancia de la “monarquía constitucional “, como la forma claramente dominante que adoptó la ascendente figura del Estado nacional en Europa entre las guerras napoleónicas y la I Guerra Mundial. A partir de los estudios de las últimas décadas, el autor analiza las implicaciones en Europa de la nueva idea de soberanía política y el significado de la experiencia de la Revolución francesa y de la influyente Constitución española de Cádiz. En ese contexto, el artículo señala las principales funciones que podían desplegar algunas dinastías reinantes como dirigentes del Estado nacional en una “era civilizada”.
¿De una República a otra? El legado de la Primera República en el proceso de construcción del republicanismo catalanista (1904-1917)
Authors: Izquierdo Ballester Santiago
Published: January 2025

El artículo analiza hasta qué punto el legado de la Primera República y de alguno de sus máximos dirigentes, influyó en el proceso de vertebración del republicanismo nacionalista catalán. También pretendemos estudiar hasta qué punto los nacionalistas republicanos repitieron algunas de las contradicciones que provocaron el colapso de aquella primera experiencia republicana en España.
El eje central de la investigación lo constituirá El Poble Català (1904-1919), el principal órgano de prensa del republicanismo catalanista. A través de sus páginas podemos reconstruir el complejo proceso de apropiación que este republicanismo de nuevo cuño va a intentar llevar a cabo en relación con una parte del legado de la Primera República, del cual se consideraba legítimo heredero. La consulta de las memorias y de algunos fondos documentales personales de dirigentes nacionalistas republicanos, de monografías y, puntualmente, de otras cabeceras republicanas, van a constituir el resto de las fuentes sobre las cuales vamos a fundamentar nuestro estudio
MUÑOZ SANZ-AGERO, María, La construcción de la identidad nacional en el Ateneo de Madrid (1875-1898), Centro de Estudios Políticos y Constitucionales, Madrid, 2024, 350 pp.
Authors: Lemke Duque Carl Antonius
Published: January 2025

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Genetic characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus in cattle in Northern Egypt
Authors: Yousef Sarah G. , El Damaty Hend M. , Elsheikh Hussein A. , El-Shazly Yousry A. , Metwally Eman , Atwa Samar
Published: January 2025

Background and Aim: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that poses significant economic threats to livestock globally. This study aimed to confirm the presence of FMD virus (FMDV) in Egyptian cattle and identify the predominant serotypes contributing to outbreaks in Sharkia and Dakahlia provinces in 2022.

Materials and Methods: A total of 65 cattle showing acute FMD symptoms were sampled. Desquamated epithelial tissues and oral secretions were analyzed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction with universal and serotype-specific primers. Seven representative samples underwent sequencing for phylogenetic and genetic variability analysis.

Results: All sampled animals tested positive for FMDV. Serotype A accounted for 72.3% of cases, while 27.7% were serotype O. Sequence analysis identified FMDV serotype A (African topotype, genotype IV) and serotype O (East Africa-3 topotype) as the outbreak-causing strains. The identified strains exhibited significant genetic divergence from the vaccine strains used in Egypt, with notable amino acid substitutions in the VP1 protein’s G-H loop. These mutations raise concerns about the efficacy of existing vaccines against current field strains.

Conclusion: The study highlights the ongoing threat of FMD in Egypt, particularly among smallholder cattle farmers. The genetic divergence between circulating FMDV and vaccine strains underscores the need to continuously monitor and update vaccine formulations to enhance disease control efforts. Implementing stricter animal movement regulations and tailored vaccination strategies is essential for effective management.

Keywords: foot-and-mouth disease, Egypt, cattle, FMDV serotypes, VP1 sequencing, vaccine efficacy.
Cardiac morphological and electrophysiological changes induced by sustained, high-intensity endurance training in large animal experimental models
Authors: Polyák Alexandra
Published: January 2025

Despite the well-known benefits of regular exercise, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that elite athletes who engage in intense training beyond a certain threshold are more susceptible to harmful ventricular cardiac arrhythmias, and in some cases, even sudden cardiac death, although the mechanisms behind this remain unclear. To gain a better understanding of cardiac remodelling in response to chronic vigorous exercise, this study explores the effects of such exercise on cardiac structure and electrophysiology in new rabbit and dog models of the athlete's heart. In the first experiments, rabbits and dogs were divided into sedentary (SED), exercised (EX) subjected to 16 weeks of chronic treadmill exercise, and a testosterone-treated group in dogs (DOP). In the second experiments, a more intense training protocol for dogs was introduced, and changes between trained (TRN) dogs and their sedentary (SED) counterparts were studied. Various tests, including echocardiography and electrocardiograms, were conducted, along with assessing proarrhythmic sensitivity and autonomic responses in conscious dogs. In vitro studies, such as electrophysiological measurements, immunocytochemistry, and histopathological analysis, were carried out after heart removal. Results showed that EX animals, both rabbits and dogs, displayed left ventricular enlargement and bradycardia, indicating an increased vagal tone. EX and DOP dogs showed a lower response to the parasympatholytic agent atropine and more pronounced QTc interval lengthening after dofetilide challenge compared to the SED group. No significant morphological or functional changes were observed in dogs treated with steroids. In conscious trained dogs, ECG recordings indicated bradycardia, prolonged QTc intervals, and increased QT interval variability, reflecting elevated repolarization dispersion. At the cellular level, prolonged action potential duration and reduced magnitude of the transient outward potassium current were observed in the left ventricular myocytes of trained dogs. Left ventricular fibrosis and increased HCN4 protein expression were also noted. Our findings provide in vivo, cellular electrophysiological, and molecular biological evidence for the enhanced susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in the large animal model of chronic exercise. The sustained 4-month training regimen resulted in echocardiographic changes that are consistent with the morphology of the hearts of endurance-trained human athletes. These animal models hold promise for further investigations into the cardiovascular effects of competitive training.