bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of droplet and contact transmission risks among elementary school students based on network analyses using video-recorded data
Authors: Kikuchi Shuta , Nakajima Keisuke , Kato Yasuki , Takizawa Takeshi , Sugiyama Junichi , Mukai Taisei , Kakizawa Yasushi , Kurahashi Setsuya
Published: February 2025

In elementary schools, immunologically immature students come into close contact with each other and are susceptible to the spread of infectious diseases. To analyze pathogen transmission among students, it is essential to obtain behavioral data. Questionnaires and wearable sensor devices were used for communication behavior and swab sampling was employed for contact behavior. However, these methods have been insufficient in capturing information about the processes and actions of each student that contribute to pathogen transmission. Therefore, in this study, actual behavioral data were collected using video recordings to evaluate droplet and contact transmission in elementary schools. The analysis of communication behavior revealed the diverse nature of interactions among students. By calculating the droplet transmission probabilities based on conversation duration, the risk of droplet transmission was quantified. In the contact behavior, we introduced a novel approach for constructing contact networks based on contact history. According to this method, well-known items, such as students’ desks, doors, and faucets, were predicted to be potential fomite. In addition, students’ shirts and shared items with high contact frequency and high centrality metrics in the network, which were not evaluated in swab sampling surveys, were identified as potential fomites. The reliability of the predictions was demonstrated through micro-simulations. The micro-simulations replicated virus transmission scenarios in which virus-carrying students were present in the actual contact history. The results showed that a significant amount of virus adhered to the items predicted to be fomites. Interestingly, the micro-simulations indicated that most viral copies were transmitted through single items. The analysis of contact history, contact networks, and micro-simulations relies on video-recorded behavioral data, highlighting the importance of this method. This study contributes significantly to the prevention of infectious diseases in elementary schools by providing evidence-based information about transmission pathways and behavior-related risks.
Socioeconomic, demographic and obstetric determinants of maternal near miss in Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Diakite Mory , de Brouwere Vincent , Assarag Bouchra , Belrhiti Zakaria , Zbiri Saad , Khalis Mohamed
Published: February 2025

Background

High rates of maternal mortality and morbidity remain significant health issues in low- and middle-income countries. Despite this, few researchers have investigated the underlying factors of severe maternal complications in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to determine the socioeconomic, demographic, and obstetric predictors of severe maternal complications in this region.

Method

For this systematic review, we searched PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct between 2000 and 2022. Studies were eligible if they reported a relationship between impending maternal death and one or more socioeconomic, demographic or obstetric determinants. We did not contact the authors of the articles, as we had access to their full texts. The quality of qualitative and quantitative studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills quality assessment tool.

Results

Among the 3001 identified studies, this systematic review selected 25 articles. Factors such as economic status, level of education, maternal age, marital status, rural residence, transfers to other facilities, and delays during childbirth were identified as the main determinants of severe complications occurrence in Africa. Disparities in access to maternal healthcare were observed among women from different socioeconomic groups, often due to power imbalances in decision-making processes.

Conclusion

Several factors, including education, prenatal care follow-up, pre-existing medical conditions, method of admission, and mode of delivery, have been identified as significant indicators of the likelihood of severe maternal morbidity. To reduce these cases, it is crucial to implement targeted socio-economic development programs, including improving access to education, strengthening prenatal health services, providing support to pregnant women with pre-existing medical conditions, and ensuring appropriate admission and delivery methods.
Research on digital empowerment, innovation vitality and manufacturing supply chain resilience mechanism
Authors: Wang Huiyan , Chen You , Xie Jiaping , Liu Caixuan
Published: February 2025

As global manufacturing competition increasingly emphasizes supply chain resilience, enhancing the risk resistance of manufacturing supply chains through digital empowerment has become a critical priority. This study leverages the opportunities of the digital economy to deeply investigate the mechanisms that enhance supply chain resilience. Using data from China’ s A-share listed manufacturing companies from 2012 to 2020, a research framework is constructed based on information asymmetry and transaction cost theories. Employing text analysis and factor analysis, the study develops indicators for digital empowerment and supply chain resilience and examines their relationship through both theoretical analysis and empirical testing. The findings reveal that: (a) Digital empowerment significantly enhances supply chain resilience in the manufacturing sector, and this conclusion is robust across various robustness checks. (b) Mechanism analysis demonstrates that digital empowerment drives supply chain resilience primarily by enhancing innovation vitality within enterprises. (c) The moderating analysis shows that environmental uncertainty positively influences the resilience of digitally empowered manufacturing supply chains. (d) Further analysis indicates that the effects of digital empowerment on supply chain resilience vary depending on factor intensity, supply chain position, and industry competition levels. These results validate the positive role of digital empowerment in promoting supply chain resilience and explore the ’black box’ mechanism from the perspective of innovation vitality. The study also highlights the moderating influence of environmental uncertainty. By advancing the understanding of how the digital economy fosters high-quality development in manufacturing, this research provides actionable insights for strengthening supply chain resilience, achieving greater control over supply chain dynamics, and promoting deeper integration between digital technologies and the real economy.
Privatized healthcare for older adults living with chronic illness: A scoping review protocol for synthesizing the state of knowledge on their experiences
Authors: McKinlay Stuart , Sheppard Christine L. , Brown Paige , Sirisegaram Luxey , Kokorelias Kristina M.
Published: February 2025

As global populations age, the prevalence of chronic illness among older adults is increasing, intensifying the burden on healthcare systems. Research shows that today’s older adults, especially those over 65, are more likely to suffer from multiple chronic conditions than previous generations. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for healthcare systems capable of addressing complex, long-term health needs. The rise of privatized healthcare—services provided by non-governmental entities and funded through private insurance or out-of-pocket payments—has become a significant feature of the healthcare landscape, affecting how older adults receive care. In contrast to public healthcare systems, which are government-funded and aim to ensure universal coverage, privatized models often involve substantial private costs. Hybrid systems, such as those in Australia, combine public and private elements to offer comprehensive services. However, even in predominantly public systems like Canada, private costs for non-covered services persist. This scoping review protocol outlines a plan to identify (1) the potential role of privatized healthcare models in countries with public or hybrid healthcare in addressing health needs, (2) challenges and limitations associated with these models for older adults living with chronic conditions, and (3) current gaps in knowledge regarding the impact of privatized healthcare on care outcomes for older adults, based on the available literature.. It aims to explore the experiences and challenges of this population across various countries with public or hybrid healthcare systems. The review will use a structured methodology based on the Arskey and O’Malley guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, focusing on qualitative studies published in the past 20 years. By comparing findings across different settings, the review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how privatized healthcare models affect older adults and inform future research and policy development.
Bacterial profiles of the oral, vaginal, and rectal mucosa and colostrum of periparturient sows
Authors: Piirainen Virpi , König Emilia , Husso Aleksi , Heinonen Mari , Iivanainen Antti , Pessa-Morikawa Tiina , Niku Mikael
Published: February 2025

The commensal microbiota influences the health, feeding efficiency, and reproductive performance of sows. The microbiota composition in the alimentary and genitourinary tracts and in colostrum/milk during pregnancy and lactation also impacts the microbiota and immune system, growth, and health of the piglets. Knowledge of the microbial compositions is important for evaluation of these effects and for discovering ways to improve the health and productivity of the sows. Oral, vaginal, and rectal mucosa and colostrum were sampled from 32 sows of variable parity in late pregnancy, and colostrum within 6 hours of delivery of the first piglet, on four commercial piglet-producing farms in Finland. Microbial compositions were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The most abundant genera of the oral microbiota were Rothia, Moraxella, and Streptococcus. The rectal microbiota was dominated by Clostridium sensu stricto 1. Streptococcus was the most abundant genus in the vagina and colostrum. Moderate differences in diversity and composition were observed between farms. The relative abundances of the genera Neisseria (MaAsLin 2 q = 0.002, ANCOMBC q = 0.005), Fusobacterium (MaAsLin 2 q = 0.008, ANCOMBC q = 0.04) and Bacteroides (MaAsLin 2 q < 0.005, ANCOMBC q = 0.06) were lower in oral samples and Romboutsia (MaAsLin 2 q = 0.07, ANCOMBC q = 0.05), Turicibacter (MaAsLin 2 q = 0.08, ANCOMBC q = 0.02) and Lachnospiraceae_UCG_007 (MaAsLin 2 q = 0.1, ANCOMBC q = 0.05) were higher in rectal samples of multiparous compared to primiparous sows. In vaginal samples there was a tendency of higher relative abundances of the genera Fusobacterium and Streptococcus in multiparous than primiparous sows. Among the differentially abundant taxa, F. necrophorum and F. nucleatum were identified in oral samples, F. gastrosuis and F. necrophorum in vaginal samples, and S. dysgalactiae in colostrum samples. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the mucosal and colostrum microbiota of periparturient sows during normal production conditions on Finnish commercial farms.
Gender differences in dictator giving: A high-power laboratory test
Authors: Barreda-Tarrazona Iván , Jaramillo-Gutiérrez Ainhoa , Pavan Marina , Sabater-Grande Gerardo
Published: February 2025

We gather information from a large laboratory sample comprising 1,161 subjects and study gender differences in altruism using a dual-role dictator game. We control for factors potentially affecting the role of gender in dictator giving, such as the subject’s age, cognitive ability, and personality traits, together with the dictator’s self-reported emotions motivating the decision, and response time. We find that women behave in a significantly more generous way than men: after controlling for the factors mentioned above, females transfer 7.5 percentage points (about 40%) more of their endowment than males, on average. Moreover, we find that gender differences in giving are mediated by reasoning ability, personality traits and emotions.
Effects of insecure attachment on fMRI resting state functional connectivity in poly drug use disorder
Authors: Fuchshuber Jürgen , Koschutnig Karl , Fink Andreas , Alexopoulos Johanna , Löffler-Stastka Henriette , Unterrainer Human-Friedrich
Published: February 2025

Background

Insecure adult attachment has previously been linked to more severe psychopathology and to alterations within neuronal connectivity on a structural as well as functional level. Little is known about the resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of the attachment system in patients suffering from poly-drug use disorder (PUD).

Methods

The present study investigated rs-FC at two measuring points (t1: ROI-to-ROI; t2: seed-to-voxel) in a sample of PUD patients (n = 33; Age: M = 30y; SD = 8y; Female = 15%). Adult attachment was measured with the German version of the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-RD8). Furthermore, insecure attachment was correlated with depressive symptoms (ADS), trait anxiety (STAI) and general psychopathology (BSI-53).

Results

More insecure attachment was associated with increased trait anxiety, depressive and general psychiatric symptom burden in patients. Furthermore, we observed time-stable links between insecure adult attachment and increased rs-FC between the left lateral parietal default mode network (DMN LP) and bilateral parts of the salience network, as well as decreased rs-FC between DMN LP and medial parts of the DMN.

Discussion

Implications of the present study are highlighting the association between attachment security and brain areas related to affect regulation.
Fractal-fractional modeling and stability analysis of pine wilt disease dynamics
Authors: Aldwoah Khaled , Ahmed Shahid , Jahan Shah , Touati Amel , EIjaneid Nidal , AIjaaidi Tariq
Published: February 2025

In this article, we have constructed a compartmental mathematical model employing fractal-fractional operators to investigate the dynamics of pine wilt disease. The model comprises six nonlinear ordinary differential equations, representing six compartments for individuals categorized as susceptible, exposed, and infected. Furthermore, we restructured the model by applying methodologies that are based on fractional calculus and fractal theory, one can gain significant insights into the intricacies of pine wilt disease transmission. The model’s essential properties, that is existence and uniqueness were analysed using the Banach and Leray-Schauder theorems. We study the stability of the fractional model by applying the Ulam-Hyers stability conditions. Additionally, computational techniques for the model in fractal-fractional cases are formulated using an iterative numerical approach like the fractional Adams-Bashforth methodology. Finally, we presented a comprehensive simulation conducted to validate the theoretical findings. The results are simulated to correspond to various fractional order values (θ1) and fractal dimensions (θ2) using MATLAB.
New Christians: Hypocrites or Apostates?
Authors: Akın Burak
Published: February 2025

A disszertáció témája azoknak az oszmán alattvalóknak a helyzete, akik Buda visszafoglalása után a magyar területeket nem hagyták el, hanem itt letelepedtek, és áttértek a keresztény hitre. Általában akkor választották ezt a lehetőséget, ha a várukat olyan megegyezéssel adták át az ostromlóknak, amelynek alkupontjai lehetővé tették számukra, hogy továbbra is itt éljenek. Eger várának védői hosszú ellenállás után 1687 december 17-én megadták magukat. A kapituláció harmadik pontja lehetővé tette azoknak az oszmán alattvalók számára, akik az Egerben maradás mellett döntöttek, hogy feltétel nélkül ott maradhassanak. Így mintegy ötvenhárom család maradt Egerben, akik áttértek a kereszténységre. Az áttértek száma idővel tovább nőtt, az oszmánoktól visszafoglalt környező várak, például Várad 1692-es visszafoglalása után. Az első áttérésektől kezdve a források “újkeresztények”-ként emlegetik az egykori muszlim áttérteket. Ebben a disszertációban az újkeresztények életét különböző nézőpontokból vizsgálom, például az Egerben maradt, valamint az 1687 után Egerbe szivárgott és ott áttért személyek motivációit. Emellett elemzem az újkeresztények lakóhelyzetét, a visszafoglalás előtti és utáni tulajdonviszonyaikat, a családi életüket a generációk közti vallási konfliktusok kapcsán, valamint a társadalomba való beilleszkedésüket a házasságkötésük nyomon követésével egészen addig, amíg 1706-1709 körül néhányuk újra felvette korábbi muszlim identitását.
A város és a vidék megítélése a római eszmetörténetben
Authors: Ormos Bálint
Published: February 2025

A kutatásom révén fel kívántam hívni a szakmai és érdeklődő laikus olvasóközönség figyelmét, hogy a rómaiak felfogásával kapcsolatos eszmetörténeti vizsgálatok joggal tartanak érdeklődésre számot a jelenkori tudományos diskurzusokban. A kutatás során nem a rómaiak politikai kultúrájával kapcsolatos magyarországi diskurzust kívántam folytatni, hanem a város–vidék antik viszonyítási rendszerébe helyezett villa-kultúrával kapcsolatos felfogásokat szemléltettem. A létrejött dolgozatban ezért egy antik „gondolatvilág” feltérképezésére tettem kísérletet. Az elemzésem során a korabeli politikai és kulturális elit képviselőitől származó forrásmunkákat vizsgáltam, emiatt egy elitista szemszögből megörökített város–vidék, illetve villa koncepció bontakozott ki a dolgozat oldalain. Habár a rómaiak kapcsolatát mutattam be a vidék, a város és villa gondolati alakzataival, mindazonáltal nem vállalkoztam arra, hogy teljességre törekvő áttekintést nyújtsak a „várossal” illetőleg a „vidékkel” kapcsolatos felfogásokról a Kr. e. 2. és a Kr. u. 2. századok között Itáliában. A kutatás során kijelölt időintervallum egyrészt megengedte, hogy szemléltethetőek legyenek a fentebb felvázolt viszonyulás sajátosságai, másrészt olyan, forrásokként hasznosított írásműveket elemezzek, amelyek a hajdani Róma politikai-kulturális elitjének gondolatvilágát tükrözik. Mindezek mellett szintén kijelenthető, hogy a római villa pedig mind építészeti, mind pedig kulturális felületként egyaránt magában foglalta az urbánus és rusztikus ideákat, amelyek kölcsönhatásban álltak a korabeli politikai és kulturális elitrétegekkel.
Spatiotemporal Study of a Risk-Stratification Epigenetic-Based Biomarker Assay in Barrett’s Esophagus Patients
Authors: Laun Sarah E. , Kann Lisa , Braun Jerome , Pierre Francia , Kim Suji , Gilbert Stacey , Lunz Daniel , Kalra Andrew , Ma Ke , Cheng Yulan , Leggett Cadman L. , Zaidi Ali H. , Omstead Ashten N. , Korman Louis , Jobe Blair , Perpetua Lorrie , Greenwald Bruce D. , Maddala Tara , Meltzer Stephen J.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is the strongest known risk factor for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), the second-most lethal cancer in the United States. Esopredict is a novel validated methylation-based biomarker assay that provides precise quantification of neoplastic progression risk in BE patients. Inherit challenges, including tissue heterogeneity, sampling error, interobserver variability, and inconsistent adherence to surveillance biopsy guidelines may impact Esopredicts’ predictive value results obtained at different anatomic locations or different sampling time points.

Methods:

To investigate the spatiotemporal performance of Esopredict across multiple spatiotemporal sampling points, we profiled 220 biopsies obtained from 58 BE patients, including 11 patients with overlapping spatial and temporal biopsies. We focused on spatial profiling (i.e., multiple biopsies obtained at several anatomic locations during a single endoscopy and temporal profiling (i.e., biopsies obtained from multiple endoscopies performed at different time points). Each patient had an initial histologic diagnosis of nondysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (NDBE), indefinite for dysplasia (IND), or low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Final follow-up (endpoint) biopsies showed either HGD or EAC (progressors); or NDBE, IND, or LGD (non-progressors). Biopsies were analyzed with Esopredict to compute a progression risk score, which quantified the likelihood of future progression to HGD or EAC within 5 years.

Results:

In 52 spatially profiled patients, Esopredict demonstrated a sensitivity of 81% (17/21 progressor patients), based on the highest-scoring biopsy from each patient; sensitivity increased to 100% (12/12) when endpoint biopsies occurred within 5 years of the index (initial) biopsy. In 28 temporally profiled patients, sensitivity was 100% (8/8 patients), based on the biopsy performed at the timepoint closest to the endpoint biopsy.

Conclusion:

Esopredict showed high predictive performance in multiple spatiotemporal samples in BE patients. These data further support the use of Esopredict as a robust test to distinguish high-risk BE patients, who may benefit from endoscopic eradication therapy or increased surveillance frequency, from low-risk patients, who may be candidates for less frequent surveillance and non-interventive observation.
RONCAGLIA, Gino. 2023. L’architetto e l’oracolo, forme digitali del sapere da Wikipedia a Chatgpt.
Authors: Nava Beatrice
Published: February 2025

Review
Pediatric patient educational material development and implementation: A qualitative study of nursing students' experiences and opinions
Authors: Küçük Sibel , Uludaşdemir Dilek , Karşıgil Perver
Published: February 2025

Research problem/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the opinions of nursing students about the preparation and implementation of educational materials for hospitalized children.
Methods: The research was conducted by using a phenomenological research design, one of the qualitative research methods during clinical practice was carried out within the scope of the Child Health and Disease Nursing Course in a university in Ankara with 59 students. Data were collected face-to-face interview technique. The collected data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method.
Results: Developing of child patient-student nurse relationship, becoming easy, effective, permanent education, making them love clinical practice, facilitating compliance of the pediatric patient to the hospital and breaking the known prejudice of nursing are firstly taking place in the positive opinion of the nurse students. On the other hand, difficulties in getting feedback from child patients, having difficulties at identifying the training topic and preparing the material, increasing heavy workload with this study are main negative opinions.
Conclusion: The majority of opinions are positive about providing education with materials to child patients. It's suggested that to increase work on material preparation and training, use student motivation to develop educational roles, provide guidance to students on the subject.
Financial Reporting and the Determination of Distributable Profits: A Broken Link. The Case of Italy
Authors: Di Sarli Maria
Published: February 2025

The application of IAS/IFRS standards, implying the substantial downgrading of the realisation principle, makes financial reporting inconsistent with the determination of distributable profits. This article summarises the Italian approach to this problem. Generally speaking, the introduction of a harmonised European regulation on this matter seems desirable, since different rules in EU Member States are likely to create disparities regarding the level of creditor protection.
Important Features of Capital Maintenance in Germany
Authors: Hossfeld Christopher
Published: February 2025

German GAAP can be categorized as typical Continental European (Fülbier, R. U., C. Pelger, E. M. Kuntner, and M. Bravidor. 2017. “The Role and Current Status of IFRS in the Completion of National Accounting Rules – Evidence from Austria and Germany.” Accounting in Europe 14 (1–2): 13–28; Nair, R. D., and W. G. Frank. 1980. “The Impact of Disclosure and Measurement Practices on International Accounting Classifications.” The Accounting Review 55 (3): 426–50) with a primary focus on creditor protection by means of a strong prudence (or conservatism) principle and the priority of the profit (dividend) determination function compared to the information function of financial statements. The increasing internationalization of German companies lead to a questioning of German GAAP and, ultimately, the introduction of IFRS. IFRS became not only mandatory for consolidated financial statements of listed companies but influenced German GAAP as such. Indeed, some elements in German GAAP were more aligned over time with some IFRS features to improve information quality of German GAAP financial statements. To adapt capital maintenance to these new elements and maintain a strong creditor protection, specific dividend distribution restrictions were introduced. The purpose of this paper is to provide a general presentation of the important features of capital maintenance in Germany with a particular focus on the accounting-induced specific dividend distribution restrictions.
Shareholders’ Equity and Dividend Regulation in Japan: How Can Financial Reporting and Capital Maintenance Be Reconciled?
Authors: Hoshi Akio , Takahashi Mioko , Garcia Clémence
Published: February 2025

The concept of shareholders’ equity is fundamental in both company law and financial reporting standards. In continental European countries and Japan, these legislations have traditionally shared common principles by limiting the source of distribution to shareholders to the accumulated profits a company has earned. As the purposes of financial accounting have progressed towards decision usefulness for investors, however, the link between accounting and statutory distribution restriction has been undermined. Our research addresses the treatment of shareholders’ equity in Japan based on legal primary sources and related literature. Its purpose is to explain the divergence between financial reporting and dividend restrictions in light of their contrasting objectives. Our findings provide two main implications. First, reconciling financial reporting and dividend restriction requires a complex recalculation of distributable profits. The regulation has become too complex to ensure all the companies easily comply with dividend distribution restrictions. Second, the underlying definitions of equity items and their presentation in financial statements have remained consistent between the Companies Act provisions and the accounting standards even after converging with the IFRS. This has been achieved by splitting the concept of shareholders’ equity from net assets in financial accounting.
Introduction to “Better Company Law for Sustainable Business Conduct: ELI Guidance on Company Capital and Financial Accounting for Corporate Sustainability”
Authors: Biondi Yuri , Haslam Colin , Malberti Corrado
Published: February 2025

This article summarises the conception, development and main findings of the ELI project which resulted in the ELI report entitled “ELI Guidance on Company Capital and Financial Accounting for Corporate Sustainability,” approved in September 2022. Special attention is given to the methodological approach of the project and its main implications for EU and national policy and legislation on corporate sustainability both from a company law and a financial accounting perspective.
The first-line antihypertensive nitrendipine potentiated the therapeutic effect of oxaliplatin by downregulating CACNA1D in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lai Chengzhe , Liu Jinghu , Zhou Jingna , Zhou Haokun
Published: February 2025

Background

Oxaliplatin (OXA) is among the most common chemotherapy drugs and is the base component of the FOLFOX regimen (OXA + leucovorin + 5-fluorouracil) and CapeOX regimen (OXA + capecitabine). Resistance to and failure of these two OXA-based regimens often results in poor outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Nitrendipine (NTD) is a first-line antihypertensive drug commonly used in hypertension and coronary heart disease with confirmed low toxicity and side effects. However, the potential benefits of NTD for CRC progression and therapy remain unclear.

Methods

Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) detection, colony formation assay, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay, SynergyFinder webtool, and subcutaneous tumor models were used to assess the effect of NTD with OXA on CRC inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics tools including Human Protein Atlas (HPA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting analyses, lentivirus transfection, and rescue experiment were used to investigate the mechanism(s) of the related action.

Results

Utilizing murine and human CRC cell lines, the in vitro and in vivo experiment demonstrated that NTD inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and the synergy scores calculated by SynergyFinder indicated that NTD exhibited synergistic activity with the chemotherapeutic drug OXA. The CCK-8 detection, animal model, and rescue experiment results demonstrated that NTD suppressed CRC progression and potentiated OXA therapeutic effect by downregulating calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 D (CACNA1D).

Conclusions

This study presents novel data on first-line antihypertensive NTD, exerting inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and migration in CRC and revealing synergistic activity with OXA by downregulating CACNA1D. NTD may be a candidate as a promising chemosensitizer as an OXA new combination to improve the efficacy and safety of CRC therapy.
Transverse orbital angular momentum and polarization entangled spatiotemporal structured light
Authors: Huang Hsiao-Chih , Mu Kefu , Leung Hui Min , Liao Chen-Ting
Published: February 2025

Intra-system entanglement occurs between non-separable modes within the same system. For optical systems, the various degrees of freedom of light represent different modes, and the potential use of light to create higher dimensional classical entangle states offers a promising potential to drive new technological developments. In this work, we present experimental results demonstrating the orthogonality between transverse orbital angular momentum (t-OAM) of different spatiotemporal topological charges, a previously unverified property of t-OAM. Based on those results, we developed methods to create and characterize a novel family of t-OAM and polarization entangled spatiotemporal structured light. We further provide theoretical analysis to support our study of the entanglement between those modes. By demonstrating the feasibility of leveraging t-OAM as a new family of modes for classical entanglement, our work represents a new advancement towards higher dimensional classical entanglement strategies.
Exploring the link between research funding, co-authorship and publication venues: an empirical study in communication, political science, and sociology
Authors: Demeter Marton , Goyanes Manuel , Kohus Zsolt , de Zúñiga Homero Gil
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The paper investigates the relationship between research funding and its impact on co-authorship and journal selection in the social sciences, specifically in communication, political science, and sociology. It examines whether funded research projects are associated with more co-authors and higher journal prestige, revealing that funded papers generally involve larger teams, and are published in more prestigious journals, with some exceptions in sociology.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a quantitative content analysis research design, examining 1,091 articles across the fields of communication, political science, and sociology. It employs statistical techniques, including a Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square goodness-of-fit test, and chi-square test of independence, to assess the relationship between research funding, the number of co-authors, and journal quartile rankings.

Findings

The main findings reveal that funded papers typically have more co-authors and are more likely to be published in prestigious journals, especially in communication and political science. However, sociology shows no significant link between funding and journal prestige. Across all disciplines, non-funded papers are more common, reflecting the general underfunding of social sciences.

Practical implications

The results suggest that research funding can significantly enhance collaboration and increase the likelihood of publication in prestigious journals, emphasizing the need for more targeted funding in social sciences to boost research quality and visibility. Policymakers and funding agencies should consider these dynamics when allocating resources to ensure that underfunded disciplines, like sociology, receive adequate support to enhance their academic and societal impact. Additionally, researchers may benefit from seeking funding opportunities that facilitate larger, more diverse collaborations.

Social implications

The study’s findings highlight the broader social implications of unequal research funding, which can exacerbate disparities in knowledge production and dissemination. The overrepresentation of funded research in prestigious journals may reinforce existing power structures, limiting the visibility of non-funded but potentially impactful research. Addressing these imbalances could lead to a more diverse and equitable academic landscape, fostering innovation and inclusive knowledge that better reflects a wider range of societal needs and perspectives.

Originality/value

The primary value of this study lies in its empirical evidence, which has the potential to enhance future social science research practices. Additionally, it highlights how targeted financial support can promote more diverse, impactful, and socially responsible research.
Do social interactions in the classroom improve academic attainment?
Authors:   Anglia Ruskin University, Drydakis Nick
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has streamlined processes, improved workforce allocation, and created new jobs to meet the needs of digitalization and automation. Individuals with AI capital experience greater employment opportunities and higher wages, particularly in high-skilled roles and large firms. Training in AI helps reduce gender-based digital disparities, empowers individuals, and enhances their employability. Policymakers should promote inclusive AI development policies to prevent widening AI-related divides and unemployment, and to ensure equitable opportunities.
Plants Are Not Independent Organisms
Authors: Lee Soon-Jae
Published: February 2025

In plant science education, students can develop their perception of plants as independent living organisms. However, the accumulated studies testify that plants are not living alone in nature. The current paradigm in plant science explains a plant as a holobiont (plant and interacting microorganisms), instead of a single organism. In the center of this new paradigm, there is a symbiosis between plant and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). About 80% of terrestrial plant species form mutualism with AMF that act as an extension of roots. The symbiosis is crucial for plant nutrient uptake from the soil as well as resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. Although the symbiosis is crucial for plant physiology and ecology, the efforts for summarizing current understanding and formulating it for teaching are relatively poor. For efficient introduction in class, it is important to visualize the AMF living inside roots. However, the widely used methodology for staining requires a carcinogenic chemical. Based on the current state of knowledge in AMF biology, I introduce AMF and a safer methodology for visualizing AMF in plants. Furthermore, I provide suggestions for teachers to design class activities that could inspire students to learn and think about plant physiology and ecology together with AMF.
“What Kind of an Ending is That?” Adapting Shakespeare for a Young Audience: The Case of Gnomeo and Juliet (2011)
Authors:   University of Rzeszów, Poland, Rokosz Elżbieta
Published: February 2025

The article discusses adapting William Shakespeare’s plays for young viewers. It aims to present the adaptive strategies taken up by the creators of an animated feature film based on Romeo and Juliet and to discuss how the production engages its audience in a cultural dialogue. One of the main points of consideration is that adaptations of literary classics into film productions addressed to young audiences can be analyzed as enriching the source texts with new dimensions, which might shed a sometimes surprisingly new light on the source text. The genre-change-induced modifications and intertextuality of Gnomeo and Juliet (2011) are discussed, focusing on how the production maneuvers between the source text and requirements of the genre, on the dialogue it involves its viewers in, and on its possible cultural role.
Relikvijar glave sv. Kristofora na Rabu
Authors: Munk Ana
Published: February 2025

Relikvijar glave sv. Kristofora je najranije sačuvan primjer ilustracije jedne svetačke legende u dalmatinskoj srednjovjekovnoj umjetnosti do 14. stoljeća. Relikvijar se uobičajeno datira u 12. stoljeće i u latinsko-bizantski ili čak grčkobizantski kulturni krug. U radu se predlaže Zadar kao mjesto izrade te venecijanski kulturni krug kao izvorište bizantinizirajućih ili dvojezičnih stilskih i ikonografskih elemenata koje nalazimo na ovom relikvijaru. Iznose se argumenti za kasniju dataciju djela, u zadnja desetljeća 13. ili sam početak 14. stoljeća što otvara mogućnost da je relikvijar rađen u vrijeme rapskog biskupa Hermolaisa, autora teksta Miracula sancti Christofori iz 1308. godine. Naglašeni klasicizam figura rimskih vojnika u scenama mučeništva objašnjava se uporabom bizantskih predložaka za svetce ratnike, međutim, umjetnikovo posvemašnje zanemarivanje uloge i značenja bizantskih svetaca ratnika još je jedan dokaz o zapadnjačkom okruženju u kojem je rađen ovaj relikvijar. Prikazi Mučenja strelicama (koji se ne javlja se u grčkoj varijanti legende) i Glavosijeka odgovaraju, vizualno prate i podržavaju dva lokalna blagdana sv. Kristofora.
On the Trail of a Peripatetic Vitruvian Reader
Authors: Guarneri Cristiano
Published: February 2025

This article revolves around a copy of Vitruvius’s De architectura once owned by the master builder Giovanni Battista Fontana. Firstly, it proposes the identification of this individual as the elder brother of the Ticino-born architect Carlo Fontana through a comparative analysis of handwritten samples from different archives. Secondly, it attempts a tentative reconstruction of Giovanni Battista Fontana’s career in the Eastern Adriatic. Old and newly discovered sources from state and monastic archives indicate that Fontana arrived in the Eastern Adriatic via Rome and settled in Korčula. From 1670 to the end of the century, he participated in various building projects in Kotor, Zadar, Cres, and Perast. His copy of Vitruvius plays a central role in the argumentation, as the material evidence of use detected in its pages provides insight into his reading interests and practices. Thus, it greatly contributes to the reconstruction of his corpus of works and architectural language. The article portrays a peripatetic master builder characterized by a high degree of mobility between his homeland in Ticino and the Eastern Adriatic via Rome, Ancona, and Dubrovnik, with a marked skill in combining the classical language of architecture with the local style of Korčula stonemasonry.
Fenomen uvođenja mramornih oltara u Hrvatskom primorju: nepoznati oltar radionice Pacassi u nekadašnjemu frankopanskom kaštelu u Bakru
Authors: Tulić Damir , Pintarić Mario
Published: February 2025

U članku se na temelju novih podataka rekonstruira fenomen uvođenja mramornih oltara na habsburškom teritoriju u Hrvatskom primorju i Istri krajem 17. stoljeća. Novopronađeni arhivski izvori otkrivaju da je prvi mramorni oltar svetog Franje Ksaverskog bio podignut 1683. godine u nekadašnjoj isusovačkoj crkvi Svetog Vida u Rijeci. Upravo su isusovci započeli transformaciju sakralnih prostora uvođenjem mramorne opreme koja je postupno zamjenjivala onu prije učinjenu u drvu. Tijekom posljednjeg desetljeća 17. stoljeća riječki su naručitelji oltare nabavljali isključivo u goričkoj altarističkoj radionici obitelji Pacassi. Tako se s njihovim djelima susrećemo u nekadašnjoj riječkoj isusovačkoj crkvi, župnoj crkvi u Kastvu, kapeli Bezgrešno Začete u sklopu bivšeg augustinskog samostana u Rijeci te u franjevačkoj crkvi na Trsatu. Naposljetku, u kvarnerski opus Pacassijevih uvršten je do danas fragmentarno sačuvan oltar iz kapele Svetog Mihovila u nekadašnjem frankopanskom kaštelu u gradu Bakru.
Glavni oltar u crkvi Male braće u Dubrovniku i njegov predložak u Anconi te crtica za slikara Antonija Belluccija i kipara Giuseppea Mariju Mazzu
Authors: Tulić Damir
Published: February 2025

Mramorni glavni oltar u franjevačkoj crkvi Male braće u Dubrovniku pripada najvažnijim ostvarenjima barokne altaristike u Hrvatskoj. Podignuli su ga 1712. – 1713. majstori Celio i Giovanni Toschini. Oltar dosad nije bio kontekstualiziran s obzirom na naručitelja, specifičnu tiplogiju te izrazit scenografski smještaj u crkvi. Sagrađen je zaslugom dubrovačkog franjevca Francesca Caffarellija koji se 1711. vratio u domovinu nakon službe u samostanu San Francesco ad Alto u Anconi. Za njegova su boravka u tom samostanu braća Toschini 1706. – 1707. sagradila glavni oltar kao okvir slavnoj Tizianovoj Pali Gozzi, a u 19. stoljeću preseljen je u crkvu San Domenico u Anconi. Upravo je taj oltar poslužio kao predložak za onaj dubrovački. U drugom se dijelu teksta slikaru Antoniju Bellucciju pripisuje maleno platno s temom Pietà iz privatne zbirke u kojem se može prepoznati model ili uspomena za istoimeno majstorovo djelo naslikano neposredno prije 1694. za oltar Jakoba Schella von Schellenburga u nekadašnjoj franjevačkoj crkvi u Ljubljani. Konačno, kiparu Giuseppeu Mariji Mazzi pripisuje se terakotni kip sv. Grgura pape u Musei Civici u Trevisu u kojem se prepoznaje glineni model plaćen skulptoru 1705., a prema kojem je izliven istoimeni brončani kip na glavnom oltaru u bazilici Il Redentore u Veneciji.
Ljetnikovac Crijević-Pucić na Pilama u Dubrovniku
Authors: Baće Antun
Published: February 2025

Iako je ljetnikovac Crijević-Pucić na Pilama u Dubrovniku odavno visoko valoriziran, dosadašnja znanstvena obrada uglavnom je bila usmjerena na pitanja ishodišta arhitektonske koncepcije sklopa, njezine stilske i šire kulturološke interpretacije te na dataciju i atribuciju kamene plastike kuće i vrta, dok kasnije intervencije, pogotovo sudbina ljetnikovca nakon pada Dubrovačke Republike, nisu budile veći interes istraživača. Stoga se u radu nastoji rekonstruirati, interpretirati i valorizirati temeljit obnoviteljski zahvat proveden u sedmom desetljeću 19. stoljeća. Njega je na ljetnikovcu spaljenom 1806. godine proveo tadašnji vlasnik, grof Mato Pucić. Nadalje, na temelju arhivske građe i materijalnih tragova, nastoji se utvrditi izvorni obuhvat južnog vrta ljetnikovca, koji je u nepoznatim okolnostima reduciran tijekom 19. stoljeća. Obrađuju se i svi kasniji zahvati na ljetnikovcu, koji svjedoče o promjenjivoj sudbini ovoga iznimnog spomenika nakon što sredinom 20. stoljeća dobiva javnu namjenu.
The Role of Motivation Towards Sports Participation among Student-Athletes
Authors: Richardson Donnamey , Ompoc Harlyn Mae S.
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to investigate the role of motivation in the sports participation of student-athletes in Iligan City, Philippines. The Motivation for Sports Measure–Revised (MSM-R), adapted from the Motivation for Physical Activity Measure-Revised developed by Ryan et al. (1997), was utilized to assess motivation, while the Sports Participation Model Questionnaire (SPMQ) developed by Aicenena (2012) was employed to evaluate athletes' sports involvement. A total of 1015 college student-athletes from various Colleges and Universities in Iligan City participated by completing a series of questionnaires pertaining to motivation and sports participation. Analysis of the motivation subscales revealed that appearance, competence, and social interaction exhibited significant associations with sports participation among the student-athletes. Conversely, interest/enjoyment and fitness did not demonstrate a significant relationship with sports participation. These findings suggest that appearance, competence, and social interactions are the primary drivers motivating student-athletes to engage in sports activities. Hence, the findings of this study indicate that student-athletes participate in sports not primarily out of interest, enjoyment, or fitness concerns, but rather to enhance their physical attractiveness and social interactions. This underscores the importance of understanding motivational factors influencing sports participation and their implications for promoting and sustaining engagement among student-athletes.
Policy Analysis of the Sports Achievement Development Program in Papua After the XX National Sports Week (PON) Based on the Perception of KONI Papua
Authors: Caro Carolus Wasa , Rahayu Tandiyo , Setijono Hari , Hartono Mugiyo , Yambedoan Thadius
Published: February 2025

Analyzing the policies for the achievement sports development program in Papua after the XX National Sports Week (PON) based on KONI Papua's perception is something that must be done because achievement sports development must be carried out in a planned, systematic, measurable and sustainable manner. This research aims to analyze the policy of the achievement sports development program in Papua after the XX PON based on the perception of KONI Papua. Using qualitative methods with interview, observation and documentation data collection techniques. With the policy analysis methodology used in problem solving: problem formulation, forecasting, recommendations, monitoring and evaluation. The participants were the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Papua, numbering 1 person.In generalpolicy for sports achievement development programs in Papua after the national sports week(PON) XX based on KONI Papua's perceptionnot yet integrated well due to internal factors in sports coaching such as the very limited sports coaching budget.
Persistence of Private Equity Excess Returns: Europe vs. North America
Authors: Spruck Valentin
Published: February 2025

Despite the Efficient Market Hypothesis suggesting that historical performance doesn’t predict future results, private equity – particularly venture capital and buyout funds – exhibits an anomaly known as performance persistence. The findings in this paper reveal significant performance persistence across the whole dataset, where the performance of the last two fund generations strongly predicts future outcomes. However, a key contribution of this paper to the existing literature is the finding that performance persistence may not be a universal industry-wide phenomenon, as previously suggested. Instead, the results indicate that performance persistence is primarily driven by North American funds, while European funds exhibit significantly less persistence. Additionally, higher past performance correlates with stronger fundraising growth, and persistence is more pronounced when fundraising rounds occur in shorter time frames, suggesting that similar market conditions influence fund performance.