bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decolonial Data Law and Governance
Authors: Peter de Souza Siddharth , Mukiri Smith Hellen , Taylor Linnet
Published: February 2025

In the introduction to this special issue, we propose a decolonial take on data law and governance across three aspects through the dismantling of hegemonic structures, the embracing of pluriversality and finally the decentering of data and technology. The special issue covers papers that discuss a) what decolonisation means in relation to data law and governance for the digital economy, b) what kinds of methods should be employed to develop data governance frameworks that account for different infrastructural, social, and political contexts, and c) vocabularies and imaginations for how to regulate data, from the majority world. The papers are written from different disciplinary backgrounds of law, science, and technology studies, governance and policy, as well as media studies and present different points of view, and different entry points into the debate. In this piece, we explore ways to place them in dialogue as a plural whole.
Long COVID: Current Status, Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Huang Liling , Huang Tingting , Liao Yongqian , He Shaoling , Hu Yanling , Lv Jiannan , Zhang Yuluan , Xu Chengqiong
Published: February 2025

Long COVID refers to the persistent symptoms and health issues experienced by patients following infection with the SARS-CoV-2. As the pandemic continues, research into Long COVID has gradually become a focal point for the global medical community. Current studies suggest that the pathogenesis of Long COVID may be closely related to factors such as immune response, inflammatory reactions, neurological damage, and microvascular lesions. The clinical manifestations are diverse and include, but are not limited to, fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive impairment, and mental health issues. Epidemiological studies show that there are significant differences in the incidence of Long COVID among different populations, and its effects can be long-lasting, severely affecting patients' quality of life. Currently, diagnostic methods for Long COVID are still under exploration, with common assessment tools involving clinical interviews and questionnaires. In terms of treatment strategies, while no specific treatments exist yet, a comprehensive management approach including symptom relief, rehabilitation training, and psychological support has shown some efficacy. By analyzing the latest research findings, this paper aims to provide references for clinical practice and future research, promoting further understanding and response to Long COVID.
Pan-Cancer Analysis for Identification of Tumor Antigens and Immune Subtypes in mRNA Vaccine Development
Authors: Lin Yao , Xu Xinyue , Liu Ziyi , Chen Hubin , Bao Yi , Meng Jun , Li Zheng , An Sanqi , Li Yueqi , Hu Xiaopeng , Chu Jiemei
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Immunotherapy using vaccines proved effective for a variety of cancers, however, so far there is no vaccine against many types of cancers. The aim of this study was to identify potential tumor antigens for the development of antiall cancer mRNA vaccines and to map the immune landscape of pan-cancer to select suitable patients for vaccination.
Methods
We collected normalized gene expression data and clinical data from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) version 2 was used to analyze the differential expression of cancer genes and to calculate the prognostic index of each selected antigen. We used the cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal) to visualize the gene alterations of potential tumor antigens in the TCGA data and the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) to analyze and visualize the association between immune infiltrates and expression level of the identified potent antigens. Consistency matrix analysis was used to identify corresponding gene modules and immune subtypes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression as well as log-rank tests were used to assess the prognostic distinctions of the GBM immune subtypes. We used the reduce Dimension function of the Monocle package to visualize the distribution of immune subtypes across TCGA and CGGA patients.
Results
Different cancer have different potential RNA Antigens. In GBM, seven tumor antigens (DIRAS3, EGFLAM, FUCA1, LILRB2, MPZL2, OSMR, and STC1) were identified as promising candidates for developing anti-GBM mRNA vaccines. Based on the immune gene expression profiles, GBM was classified into four immune subtypes (IS1–IS4). IS1 and IS4 were immunologically “hot,” which means they are more likely to benefit from vaccines. In addition, six immune hub genes (CLCF1, CD54, SOCS3, PLAUR, LIF, and BCL3) were identified as potential biomarkers for GBM vaccine effectiveness.
Conclusion
Different cancer types should have different potential RNA vaccine. For instance, DIRAS3, EGFLAM, FUCA1, LILRB2, MPZL2, OSMR and STC1 were identified to be related with poor survival and antigen presenting cell (APC) infiltration in GBM, and they are promising targets for mRNA vaccine development. GBM patients could be divided in to four immune subtypes based on the clustering of immune-related gene expression, and those in the IS1 and IS4 groups were candidates for vaccination.
Law and More than Human Societies
Authors: Akhtar-Khavari Afshin
Published: February 2025

N/A
Memory Retention Techniques in Consecutive Interpreting: An Empirical Study of Note-Taking Methods
Authors: Zhao
Published: February 2025

Consecutive interpreting (CI) is a complex cognitive process that demands significant memory retention and information processing skills. Among the many strategies employed to enhance performance in CI, note-taking stands out as a critical technique. This paper investigates the impact of various note-taking methods on memory retention during CI. Through an empirical study involving professional interpreters and interpreting students, we compare traditional linear note-taking with diagrammatic and symbol-based methods. The findings reveal key insights into the effectiveness of these approaches and offer practical recommendations for interpreter training programs.
Fibre, the gut microbiome and breast cancer
Authors: Bischof Patricia , Wexler Margaret
Published: February 2025

All studies reviewed in this briefing have found a diet high in fibre is linked to a decreased breast cancer risk. The British Nutrition Foundation recommends the average adult consumes at least 30g of fibre per day. Dietary fibre has many effects on the body, especially on digestion and the composition of microorganisms in your gut. A varied diet rich in fibre, such as the Mediterranean diet – which includes high consumption of whole grains – supports a diverse and stable gut microbiome (the total population of gut microorganisms) and contributes significantly to gut health. Fibre may help prevent breast cancer through several proposed mechanisms which include preventing the reabsorption of oestrogens from the gut into the blood; binding oestrogen and thus increasing faecal excretion; and helping to reduce the risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Mabeob, Nyankomade, Salamangka: Illustrating the Intersection of Medicine, Diversity, and Ethics in Three Original Comics set in Korea, Ghana, and the Philippines
Authors: Ryu Grace Soojin , Pino Anne Francine , Bonsu Edna , Sim Hyelim , Vinluan Amber , Myers Kimberly
Published: February 2025

This manuscript discusses medical students’ experience of co-authoring three medical ethics-based comics inspired by their respective Korean, Ghanaian, and Filipino backgrounds. Shaping Beauty, Best Medicine, and Conflicting Covenants are a part of the increasingly popular field of Graphic Medicine, defined as the “intersection between the medium of comics and the discourse of healthcare” (Williams, 2021).  Targeting the international Graphic Medicine audience and medical learners, we explore distinct medical ethical dilemmas in sample panels from each comic. Subsequently, we share insights about how these interprofessional, international collaborations have impacted us as students who are training to become competent and compassionate physicians. This developmental process, known as Professional Identity Formation (PIF), is defined as a gradual transformation while integrating values, relationships, roles, and responsibilities (Sarraf-Yazdi et al., 2024). This process is partly conscious, as when students seek experiences that will help them embody the clinical skills and ethical sensitivity of their role models; at other times, PIF is more a product of the “hidden curriculum,” where students intuitively learn the mores of medical culture largely through exposure to it (Green & Myers, 2010; Green et al., 2017). We discovered during this two-year-long project that Graphic Medicine serves as a novel educational modality that bridges the gap between our lived experiences and those of individuals from different cultures.
Vers de nouvelles approches en santé mentale : possibilités et limites pour les francophones en situation minoritaire à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador et aux Territoires du Nord-Ouest
Authors: Savard Sébastien , van Kemenade Solange , Bouchard Louise , Savard Jacinthe , Oukouomi D. Ghisleine , Michel Jean Nephetaly
Published: February 2025

De nouvelles approches axées sur la cybersanté mentale l’aide à la navigation du système, les cliniques sans rendez-vous, ainsi que les approches plus traditionnelles comme les lignes d’aide et de crise cohabitent afin de promouvoir ou d’intervenir précocement en santé mentale. Comment ces interventions répondent-elles aux besoins des francophones en contexte linguistique minoritaire alors que la communication est au coeur d’une consultation réussie? Objectif : Documenter six initiatives à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador et dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest. Méthode : Études de cas, incluant trente-six entrevues semi-dirigées auprès des autorités sanitaires, des fournisseurs de soins et des usagers. Résultats : La gratuité, l’anonymat, la rapidité, la présence des pairs travailleurs, l’absence de jugement et des démarches simples facilitent l’accès aux programmes. Parmi les limites, l’insuffisance de services en français et l’accent sur les thérapies brèves peuvent affecter la continuité des services, notamment pour les usagers francophones. Conclusion : Malgré les efforts pour améliorer l’offre de services en santé mentale aux francophones, des lacunes subsistent. L’article présente certaines stratégies qui permettraient d’améliorer l’offre de ces services.
Intercultural twinning within community organizations in the province of Quebec: A successful practice in reducing prejudices and promoting intergroup contact?
Authors: Lacroix Marie-Ève , Arsenault Stéphanie , Dioh Marie-Laure , Lechaume Aline , Martins Borges Lucienne , Barré Marc-Antoine , Gnikpo Aline Celeste
Published: February 2025

To provide immigrants with conditions conducive to their settlement process, community intercultural twinning programs have been deployed in Quebec over the years through different institutions. Those programs are offered to immigrants from all immigration categories and have been acclaimed as tools to foster integration, but also intercultural rapprochement, which is seen as important in the Québécois context because the province continues to experience problems of racism and systemic discrimination. While intercultural twinning programs overseen by education and work institutions have been subject to many studies, intercultural twinning programs in community organizations have received little academic attention, despite presenting differences in participants’ profiles, resources, and sequences. It is important to study this gap because these different types of twinning do not have the same objectives, nor are they based on the same logic. Based on 46 semi-structured interviews, this article addresses one of the effects of participating in a community organization’s intercultural twinning: changes in prejudices among participants. We argue that a positive intercultural twinning experience contributes to reducing prejudices for both newcomers and host society member twins, though a negative intercultural twinning experience can reinforce pre-existing prejudices, especially among participants who had no previous intergroup contact. Previous intercultural experience emerged as a common denominator among host society members interviewed (23/26), but our results show that having previous intercultural experience can also mitigate, in some cases, the reduction of prejudices of participants. Lastly, we have established three categories of factors influencing intercultural twinning relationships: personal, language, and structural. We explain the importance of focusing on all these factors to improve the potential of twinning.
Expérimentation de la communauté de pratique en tant que stratégie de mobilisation de connaissances scientifiques dans le champ social
Authors: Bilodeau Angèle , St-Louis Marie-Pier , Morin Lucie , Johnson Rebecca , Parent André-Anne , Racine Sonia , Chapeau Jean-Marie , Potvin Louise
Published: February 2025

La mobilisation des connaissances scientifiques par la connexion réciproque et continue entre producteurs et utilisateurs de connaissances est un champ en expansion. La communauté de pratique (CdeP) y figure comme une stratégie avancée de mobilisation et de mise en action des connaissances. La CdeP peut être intentionnelle, c.-à-d. pilotée par un organisme ayant des attentes signifiées envers le milieu de pratique. Deux CdeP intentionnelles initiées par des chercheurs ont été expérimentées sur un an pour soutenir la mobilisation de connaissances scientifiques et d’instruments d’application dans le domaine de l’action intersectorielle. Les membres provenaient d’instances intersectorielles du Québec, pour l’une, et du Canada anglais, pour l’autre. La capacité des CdeP à atteindre les résultats anticipés a été évaluée à partir des données d’opération. Les variables documentées ont été le profil et l’intérêt des membres; les activités réalisées; l’appropriation et l’utilisation des connaissances et instruments; les besoins des participants à cet effet. Une description chronologique par CdeP a été suivie d’une analyse comparative des CdeP. Les résultats ont été : 1) l’appropriation et l’utilisation des connaissances et instruments et le partage d’expériences et de nouvelles pratiques entre les participants; 2) l’amorce de l’expérimentation au sein de leurs instances de provenance. Une pleine application au sein des instances n’a pu être réalisée en raison de la durée et des ressources limitées, mais aussi en raison de la difficulté des CdeP, communément dédiées au partage entre leurs membres, à se repositionner en tant que mécanisme de mobilisation des connaissances orienté vers les réseaux d’utilisateurs à soutenir.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT OF HUNGARIAN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS BEFORE AND DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
Authors: Keller Krisztina , Kaszás Nikoletta , Mátyás Szabolcs
Published: February 2025

The aim of the study is to examine how the crisis management of tourist attraction sites evolved before and during the coronavirus epidemic. Eighty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted with managers responsible for crisis management of attraction sites, examining the stages of preparation and response regarding the perception of the crisis, setting up a crisis plan and crisis team, defining priorities and measures during the coronavirus pandemic, and the lessons learned. Results have demonstrated that most had neither a crisis management plan nor experience gained from previous crises. Most of the enterprises set up a business management team consisting of managers, which then defined the retention of the workforce as a primary priority, while the steps that were taken mainly related to working from home and the use of public wage subsidies, as well as a rethinking of communication.
HOUSEHOLD DEBT AND INTEREST RATES: A CASE STUDY OF SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Molefe Kgomotso , Mutezo Ashley
Published: February 2025

South African households have increased their debt uptake, even during periods when the cost of credit has increased, which runs counter to theory. The purpose of the study is to determine both households’ borrowing reactions to interest rates and the impact of credit demand on interest rates in South Africa. A quantitative approach was followed by econometric analysis of the data. The study employed the autoregressive distributive lag and vector error correction model to analyse the time-series data for the period from 1990 to 2019. The results of the study indicate both a long-run relationship and short-run causality between household debt and interest rates in South Africa. These results support theory as they confirm claims that a low interest rate environment encourages borrowing and vice versa. Policy makers and credit regulators should be alert to the effects of policy-induced changes in interest rates, which are slow to reflect on household debt and can only be witnessed in the long run. The recommendation is that households should be advised to speed up debt repayments rather than stretch themselves during periods of low interest rates. The theoretical contribution of this study is to the loanable fund’s theory and the channels of the monetary transmission mechanism. The period analysed captured most important periods, such as the end of the Apartheid era, the National Credit Act and the financial crisis.
CHALLENGES OF MIGRATION OF STUDENTS IN EASTERN CROATIA
Authors: Knežević Kušljić Sanja , Sigurnjak Lena
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this research is to describe student’s intentions of migration and their satisfaction with life in the home country and also the factors that are important for staying in Croatia. Research also investigate how sociodemographic characteristics are connected to student’s intention of migration from Eastern Croatia. The differences between gender, age, household income, place of residence, average grade in the previous part of the study, student status and close friends/family members live abroad were examined. This research was conducted on 420 students in Eastern Croatia during January and April 2023. Data was analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistical analysis and Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis test. Research results identified that gender, place of residence, average grade in the previous year of the study, close friends/family members live abroad didn’t have significant impacts on the intention of migration. Age, household income and student’s status have significant impacts on the intention of migration. The results also recognized that most respondents are satisfied with life in Croatia and believe that Croatia is better than other countries.
LEADERSHIP STYLES, ESGs, AND EXTERNAL SOCIAL CAPITAL: IMPACT ON ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AND INNOVATION IN SERBIA
Authors: Jovanović Nikola , Pavlović Katarina , Vukonjanski Srdić Jelena
Published: February 2025

Leadership, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and External Social Capital (ESC) are critical elements in contemporary organizations, frequently discussed in scientific literature. However, their influence on organizational commitment and innovation, particularly in the Serbian context, is underexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationships between leadership styles, ESG dimensions (Environmental Protection, Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance), and ESC on organizational commitment and innovation in Serbian enterprises in order to provide valuable insights for managers. All three hypotheses were confirmed. According to the results, environmental protection is the strongest predictor of innovation, explaining 28% of its variance. While leadership significantly affects both organizational commitment and organizational innovation, ESC has a less direct or even negative impact on commitment and a positive one on innovation. These results from Serbian organizations contribute to the understanding of how contemporary leadership and sustainability practices drive success in the context of the national business environment.
TRANSPARENCY OF FINANCING OF THE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA
Authors: Jokić Miloš , Novaković Vesna , Milovanović Mirjana
Published: February 2025

This paper examines the transparency of financing of the non-profit organizations. This subject is regulated by legal and by-laws that define the conditions and criteria that non-profit organizations, should fulfill and satisfy in order to gain allocated funds. However, the question arises of the transparency of the financing of these organizations, whether the allocation procedure is followed by reports on the intended use of funds, whether there is a clearly visible public interest that is financed by budget funds. Therefore, this research was prepared in order to provide an answer and collect data on the method of allocation and the amount of financial amounts of public funds that were available to non-profit organizations for the period 2021-2022. The subject of analysis of this paper includes the legal framework for financing non-governmental organizations in the Republic of Srpska, and the goal is to determine to what extent the legal regulation affects the achievement of transparency in the financing of non-profit organizations. In accordance with the above, the following hypotheses are tested: H1: The legal framework for financing non-profit organizations in the Republika Srpska provides an adequate basis for achieving transparency regarding the collection and spending of funds by non-profit organizations. H2: Inadequate application of legal regulations and the absence of appropriate by-laws affect the achievement of a low level of transparency in the financing of non-profit organizations in the Republic of Srpska. The considerations that we give through the conclusion of the paper will give us an answer to the set research problem and confirm or deny the truth of the set hypothesis.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO COLLECTING CLIMATE FINANCE DATA- THE EXAMPLE OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Jokić Miloš , Novaković Vesna , Grujić Miloš
Published: February 2025

This study examines climate finance context, policy context in Bosnia and Herzegovina and creating recommendations regarding national Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system to track climate finance inflows and public expenditure. This research was prepared to answer the question, what is the best methodological approach for recording climate finance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, considering the best foreign practices as well as the specifics of the political system of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The subject of the research was the financial flows of investments in climate change, mitigation and adaptation, and the recommendation of the best way to establish a system for monitoring, reporting and verifying the relevant financial indicators. During the research, the main hypothesis was tested: H1: The existing monitoring of flows of public finances in Bosnia and Herzegovina give a clear picture of investment in climate change. The findings underscore the necessity for a robust MRV system that not only enhances transparency but also fosters accountability in the allocation of climate finance. It becomes evident that tailored strategies must be deployed to integrate these practices within the existing governance frameworks, ensuring that financial flows align with national climate objectives. Ultimately, this study seeks to contribute valuable insights and actionable recommendations toward advancing climate finance management in Bosnia and Herzegovina, advocating for a sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate change impacts.
Determination of the Instantaneous Noise Level Using a Discrete Road Traffic Flow Method
Authors: DANILEVIČIUS Algimantas , DANILEVIČIENĖ Irena , KARPENKO Mykola , STOSIAK Michał , SKAČKAUSKAS Paulius
Published: February 2025

Noise pollution from the streets is a critical problem for those living or working near them. Although the traffic noise problem is not a new research topic, it is usually limited to providing average values. This paper aims to determine variations in the instantaneous noise level and its influencing factors using the experimental noise level and theoretical traffic flow using a discrete traffic flow model. The research results suggested that the noise level could be changed by properly managing traffic flow with existing traffic lights without changing the infrastructure. The results of this research may be useful for city transport traffic management institutions.
Impact of Airport Ownership Forms on Passenger Terminal Construction Projects: Developing a Robust Assessment Model
Authors: RAUCH Robert , VREČKO Igor , MUMEL Damijan
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this research paper is to develop a comprehensive assessment model to examine how different forms of airport ownership affect the design and construction of airport passenger terminals. The study emphasises the development and justification of the research framework through an extensive literature review and theoretical foundation. The significance of this research lies in the need for a thorough understanding of the relationship between airport ownership forms and the execution of passenger terminal projects. The literature review identifies gaps in existing research and underscores the necessity of a new research framework. The chosen research approach, which includes interviews and case studies, is carefully justified. The paper systematically outlines the key elements of the research framework, linking them to relevant literature and theoretical concepts. By providing a step-by-step development of the research framework, this paper lays the groundwork for future investigations in this area. The conclusion summarises the key points presented in the article and emphasises the importance of the developed research framework in guiding further research efforts.
Targeting IRE1α improves insulin sensitivity and thermogenesis and suppresses metabolically active adipose tissue macrophages in obesity
Authors: Wu Dan , Eeda Venkateswararao , Maria Zahra , Rawal Komal , Wang Audrey , Herlea-Pana Oana , Undi Ram Babu , Lim Hui-Ying , Wang Weidong
Published: February 2025

Overnutrition engenders the expansion of adipose tissue and the accumulation of immune cells, in particular, macrophages, in the adipose tissue, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. In obesity, several proinflammatory subpopulations of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) identified hitherto include the conventional “M1-like” CD11C-expressing ATM and the newly discovered metabolically activated CD9-expressing ATM; however, the relationship among ATM subpopulations is unclear. The ER stress sensor inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) is activated in the adipocytes and immune cells under obesity. It is unknown whether targeting IRE1α is capable of reversing insulin resistance and obesity and modulating the metabolically activated ATMs. We report that pharmacological inhibition of IRE1α RNase significantly ameliorates insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in male mice with diet-induced obesity. IRE1α inhibition also increases thermogenesis and energy expenditure, and hence protects against high fat diet-induced obesity. Our study shows that the “M1-like” CD11c
+
ATMs are largely overlapping with but yet non-identical to CD9
+
ATMs in obese white adipose tissue. Notably, IRE1α inhibition diminishes the accumulation of obesity-induced metabolically activated ATMs and “M1-like” ATMs, resulting in the curtailment of adipose inflammation and ensuing reactivation of thermogenesis, without augmentation of the alternatively activated M2 macrophage population. Our findings suggest the potential of targeting IRE1α for the therapeutic treatment of insulin resistance and obesity.
Thinking Through German Literature with Andrew Jaszi
Authors: Ralston Kenneth M.
Published: February 2025

Brings to light an important and unconventional teacher of literature whose way of thinking and method are relevant both in and beyond German Studies, particularly in view of the present crisis of the humanities.
At a time when enrollment in the humanities is said to be in "free fall" (Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 2/27/2023), the figure of Andrew Jaszi offers an alternative vision of what a literary education might look like. Jaszi was a Hungarian-born philosopher and literary scholar in the German Department at the University of California, Berkeley, from 1948 to 1985. His accessible, jargon-free approach, a method he developed through analogy with Goethe's unique way of doing science, attracted students of diverse backgrounds and majors to his classes, while also winning acclaim from colleagues who compared him to Wittgenstein and Buber.

Drawing on a set of previously unknown tape recordings of Jaszi's seminars, this book offers readers the opportunity to witness this legendary teacher in action. The book's immediate benefit is the illumination provided by Jaszi's original interpretations of Goethe's Faust and Kafka's "The Judgment." More broadly, it illustrates the transformative, whole-self education Jaszi advocated and himself embodied, one that runs counter to the technocratic imperatives of our time. Ultimately, the book's goal is to make better known an important literary thinker and an unconventional teacher of German Studies, the value of whose work extends beyond a single discipline to humanities education in general, with special bearing on its present crisis and potential future.
Britten, Opera and Film
Authors: Auker Peter
Published: February 2025

Investigates cinematic qualities in opera and reveals why Benjamin Britten's operas lend themselves to TV and film interpretations.

Benjamin Britten's 1954 opera The Turn of the Screw, based on Henry James's ghost story, has been described by many critics and commentators as cinematic. Along with Peter Grimes, The Turn of the Screw is one of the most frequently televised or filmed of Britten's operas. Some of these productions have used location footage and/or studio work, and others are based on theatrical settings. This book explores the notion of cinematic opera in the context of The Turn of the Screw and filmed opera in general, and questions what inherent cinematic qualities exist in the work which make it particularly conducive for screen interpretation, an aspect of Britten's compositional style which has rarely been examined in detail before.

Contrary to the prevailing narrative around Britten's disdain for cinema and television, the composer engaged with film as both a cinemagoer and film music composer early in his career and these experiences informed his compositional and dramatic choices. Archival research reveals clues to the composer's adaptation process. By tracing the progress from Henry James's original novella to operatic stage and screen production, via the development of Myfanwy Piper's libretto and Britten's score, the journey of adaptation is discussed in detail. A key part of the book looks at the subsequent interpretation of the opera on screen. Case studies evaluate eight directors' interpretations of the opera ranging from 1959 up to the 2020s. Included is a special study of Peter Morley's 1959 ITV version, which had previously been thought lost. This reveals the roots of Britten's subsequent engagement with screen media, culminating in his television opera Owen Wingrave. The book also briefly explores the influence of cinema on stage productions of the opera which have not been filmed.
Rewriting the Past in Scottish Literature, 1350-1550
Authors: Ash-Irisarri Kate
Published: February 2025

Considers how Anglo-Scottish conflict was memorialised, reimagined and embedded by later writers.
The Anglo-Scottish Wars of Independence are often treated in historical and poetical works produced in Scotland between the fourteenth and sixteenth century, from chronicles and hagiographical romances to advisory and commemorative poems. Through an examination of such texts, this book explores how late-medieval writers drew on the memory of the wars to articulate a collective identity; and how literary and historical frameworks were deeply influenced by shifting Anglo-Scottish relations. It covers a range of topics: how borders - textual, geographic, and cultural - became a focus for articulations of national memory; the utilisation of origin myths and royal genealogy; anxieties around failures of memory or deliberate acts of forgetting; and the impact of the Battle of Flodden (1513) on writing about Scottish nationhood. Dealing in particular with Bower's Scotichronicon, Hary's Wallace, The Complaynt of Scotland and Lyndsay's Dreme, this study argues that these writers drew on understandings of the arts of memory to shape selective, and collective, recollections of the past as a response to contemporary concerns, providing an emotive memorialisation of Scotland's history.
Napoleon's American Prisoners
Authors: Morddel Anne
Published: February 2025

Tells the story of the 1,500 or so common seamen of the American merchant marine who were held as prisoners of war in France during the Napoleonic Wars.

Based on extensive original research, this book tells the story of the 1,500 or so common seamen of the American merchant marine who were held as prisoners of war in France during the Napoleonic Wars. Although the United States was neutral, Napoleon interpreted neutrality narrowly, and included among the enemy merchants doing business with the enemy and seamen working on enemy vessels. Drawing on remarkably full source material in French, American and British archives, including the seamen's letters, their pleas for help to the consuls, the correspondence about them between the French authorities and the US diplomatic service, and the British Admiralty lists of prisoners, the book reveals a great deal about who these seamen were, and about their vastly different experience in French prisons. It contrasts their fate with that of British seamen and officers, discusses the labyrinthine maritime laws that ensnared the seamen and how their nationality, in an era before passports, was determined, charts the establishment of the US consular service, first established at this time to help "distressed American seamen", and relates the American seamen's experiences to the wider scholarly literature. Throughout, the book includes fascinating case studies of the adventures and misadventures of individual seamen.
Monsieur Francisque’s Touring Troupe and Anglo-French Theatrical Culture, 1690-1770
Authors: Kenny Robert V.
Published: February 2025

This deeply accomplished and lively monograph charts the career of a travelling French actor-manager whose impact and significance have been overlooked.

The "inimitable Monsieur Francisque"(François Moylin, c. 1690-1770), was an extraordinary actor-manager and key figure in the early eighteenth-century theatre world of both England and France. Leader of a family of gifted performers, including his niece, the famous dancer-choreographer Marie Sallé, he took them to every corner of France and beyond, playing before Louis XV as well as George I and II of England.

However, despite his fame among his contemporaries, Francisque's career has been largely overlooked. Robert V. Kenny resurrects Moylin from the footnotes of theatre history with this detailed case-study of an entrepreneurial actor-manager, his troupe and their repertory. Following them from the Paris fairs to the courts of Europe, via one of the worst riots in English theatre history, the book showcases the giddying range of activities and performances undertaken by this family and their associates.

Through the careful piecing together of diverse and fragmentary historical records, Kenny reveals the crucial role played by Francisque and his troupe in the conflict between Parisian fairground players and the established theatres, stressing Francisque's major contribution to the development of opéra-comique. This book not only revives Moylin's legacy but enriches our understanding of cross-cultural theatrical exchanges in eighteenth-century Europe.
Confocal Microscopy for Detection of Intracellular Bacteria in Urine Samples of patients Suspected with Urinary Tract Infection: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Authors: Takbhate Bhagyashri Patil- , Memane Nilam , Tripathy Srikanth , Gandham Nageswari , Mirza Shahzad
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Uropathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli (UPEC) and Pseudomonas are the most common agents of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Recently, the ability of UPEC to invade urothelial cells and to form Intracellular Bacterial Communities (IBCs) has been described which can be missed out during routine diagnosis and can lead to recurrent infection despite antibiotic treatment.

Aim: To study the presence of ICB in exfoliated urothelial cells using confocal microscopy.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India for detection of Isolated Intracellular Bacteria (IIB) and IBC. The study done for detection of IIB/IBC in urine samples suspected with UTI between January 2022 to December 2022. Four hundred ninety-five urine samples collected from women of age group 18-50 years visited at Central laboratory for suspected diagnosis of UTI. Urine samples were screened for detection of Gram-negative intracellular bacteria by using light microscopy. Urine samples showing intracellular gram-negative bacteria by Gram staining were further processed for fluorescence confocal microscopy followed by conventional culture and virulence detection by multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Formation of biofilm ability was assessed by tube method. Quantitative data presented as mean and Standard Deviation (SD) while qualitative variables expressed as frequency (percentage).

Results: Ninety-two Gram negative urine samples were processed for fluorescence staining and culture, out of that 24 were processed for virulence gene detection. Mean age of women was 36.2±9.5 years and 74 (80.4%) had fever, 19 (20.7%) had burning sensation and 16 (17.4%) had frequent micturition. Confocal microscopy examination showed 23 (25.0%) samples which were IIB and 11 (12.0%) were IBC. While the culture report showed 23 (25.0%) were E. coli, 29 (31.5%) were polymicrobial flora and 29 (31.05%) were negative for culture. Interestingly, out of 29 culture negative samples 9 (3.1%) were detected with IIB and IBC by confocal microscopy. Prevalence of virulent genes like iutA was higher 12 (50.0%).

Conclusion: This study highlighted the importance of confocal microscopy for diagnosis of IIB/IBC which was missed by urine culture. Unrecognised bacterial colonisation might be maintained through intracellular reservoir. Hence diagnosis of IIB/IBC is crucial for the management of recurrent UTI and precise antibiotic therapy to avoid antibiotic resistance.
Dexmedetomidine versus Dexamethasone as Perineural Adjuvants in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: An Interventional Study
Authors: Shah Charmi Hitenbhai , Kothari Jinesh Pareshbhai , Shah Nilesh Vrajmohan , Shah Rajsi Rajan , Thomas Sara Mary
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Supraclavicular block is a common regional
anaesthetic technique for upper limb surgeries. Adjuvants
like dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine can enhance the
block’s efficacy and prolong the duration of anaesthesia and
analgesia.
Aim: To compare the effects of perineural dexamethasone
versus perineural dexmedetomidine added to a local anaesthetic
mixture in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb
surgeries.
Materials and Methods: This interventional study was
conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Dhiraj
Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, India from October 2023 to April
2024 on 80 patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists
(ASA) physical status I and II, aged 18 to 65 years, scheduled
for surgery under supraclavicular brachial plexus block.
Patients were allocated into two groups of 40 patients each.
Group 1 received 12 mL of 0.2% lignocaine with adrenaline
and 13 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine along with dexmedetomidine
50 mcg. Group 2 received the same local anaesthetic mixture
with dexamethasone 8 mg (2 mL). The onset and duration of
sensory and motor blocks, haemodynamic changes {variations
in pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation (SpO2
)},
duration of rescue analgesia, side-effects, and complications
were evaluated. Chi-square test and t-test were applied for
statistical evaluation.
Results: Group 1 had a significantly lower average age
(35.38±9.03 years) compared to Group 2 (46.40±13.12 years)
(p=0.000039). Group 1 had a slower onset of sensory and
motor blockade compared to Group 2 (14.38±2.19 minutes
vs. 13.00±1.89 minutes, p=0.0036; 16.20±2.14 minutes vs.
15.70±1.99 minutes). Group 2 also showed significantly longer
durations for motor blockade (918.75±65.80 minutes vs.
632.60±23.09 minutes, p=3.10×10-44), postoperative analgesia
(1051.00±90.18 minutes vs. 811.12±17.23 minutes, p=1.00×10-28),
and time for rescue analgesia (1116.75±93.96 minutes vs.
826.50±13.92 minutes, p=2.40×10-32). Haemodynamics and
SpO2
were comparable between the two groups.
Conclusion: Dexamethasone, as an adjuvant to a local
anaesthetic mixture in supraclavicular brachial plexus block,
provided excellent quality of postoperative analgesia with
minimal side-effects. However, the incidence of hypotension
and bradycardia was higher with dexmedetomidine, which
could be managed with routine clinical measures.
First Report and Morphological Study of Paraplagusia bilineata (Bloch, 1787) in the Arabian Sea, Gujarat, Northwest Coast of India
Authors: Borichangar Ritesh V. , Parmar Jeet N. , Bharda Sheetal K. , Tandel Bhavika R. , Tandel Lata V. , D. Vyas Upasana
Published: February 2025

The present study reports an additional record of the rare flatfish, Double lined tongue sole  Paraplagusia bilineata (Cyanoglossidae), off Dholai fishing harbour, Gujarat, India. One specimen was caught in a trawl net at a depth of 30–32 m around the coast of Gujarat. The total length and weight of the specimen were recorded as 20.4 cm and 60.5 g, respectively. In total, 18 morphometric parameters were closely observed and recorded for the taxonomic identification and confirmation of the species using morphometric analysis with traditional morphometrics. Paraplagusia bilineata is categorized as ‘Least Concern’ in the IUCN Red List, with the latest assessment conducted in 2021. Previously, P. bilineata was not reported in Gujarat. This study serves as the initial report of the presence of Paraplagusia bilineata from Dholai fishing harbour, Gujarat, on the Northwest coast of India.
Exploring the Roles of Master Teachers in Balancing Teaching and Leadership in Pudtol District, Philippines
Authors: Bayaua Michelle A.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the complexities faced by master teachers in balancing their roles in teaching, mentoring, and leadership within the Schools Division of Apayao, Philippines. Master teachers are critical in enhancing educational outcomes, yet they often struggle with challenges related to workload management, lack of administrative support, and limited professional development opportunities. Utilizing a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 7 master teachers. Key findings reveal significant barriers that hinder their effectiveness, such as heavy teaching loads and insufficient time allocated for mentoring and leadership responsibilities. Participants expressed that despite these challenges, they perceive their effectiveness as having a positive influence on student outcomes. The study highlights the pressing need for targeted interventions and comprehensive professional development programs tailored to the specific needs of master teachers, enhancing their capacity to fulfill their dual responsibilities. Insights gained from this research aim to inform educational policies and practices, advocating for a nuanced understanding of the interplay between teaching, mentoring, and leadership in the Philippine educational landscape.
Nutritional, Microbiological Evaluation, and Stability of Cocoa and Cashew-based Ready-to-Use Foods to Combat Child Malnutrition in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Yépié Audrey Herbert , Gbakayoro Jean-Brice , Kouamé Hanzi Karen , Anin-Atchibri Anin Louise
Published: February 2025

Child malnutrition in Côte d’Ivoire represents a major public health challenge, requiring effective nutritional solutions such as Ready-to-Use Foods (RUFs). However, existing RUFs face challenges such as high cost, limited local availability, and reliance on imported ingredients, which complicate their accessibility and sustainability. This study aims to develop Ready-to-Use Foods based on cocoa or cashew while evaluating their nutritional quality, microbiological safety, and storage stability. Four RUFs (LF1, LF2, LF3, and LF4) were formulated and produced using linear programming and domestic production processes. Their nutritional and microbiological composition was analyzed according to standard methods. Their stability over a one-month storage period was assessed in 100 mL polypropylene plastic containers using acid value (AV) and peroxide value (PV) indices, enabling the estimation of their shelf life. The results showed that the tested formulae (LF1 to LF4) met nutritional recommendations for malnourished children, with high protein content (15.02 to 15.40 g/100 g) and energy density (526.66 to 530.76 kcal/100 g). Microbiological analyses confirmed the absence of pathogens, and lipid stability indicated minimal degradation, with an estimated shelf life of at least four months. In conclusion, these locally developed RUFs offer a promising solution to combat child malnutrition, although further studies are necessary to validate their acceptability and clinical efficacy.
Study of Yield Parameters and Kernel Micronutrient Genetic Diversity in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Singh Pargat , Singh S.P. , Singh Rajesh , Devesh Pavan , M. Shankar
Published: February 2025

Forty-eight maize inbred lines were evaluated for thirteen traits for the genetic diversity study. The research experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. All the 48 genotypes were grouped into 4 clusters. Cluster II consist of largest cluster comprising of 22 maize genotypes followed by cluster II (14) and cluster IV (11). Cluster I comprise least number of genotype (1). Cluster distances indicated by the average inter and intra cluster distance is the approximate measure of the cluster divergence. Genotypes of cluster III show high intra cluster distance indicating high degree of divergence among the genotypes studied. It can be inferred that crossing between these genotypes may result in good recombinants for successful breeding program.
Performance Analysis of Linear Congruential Random Generator Algorithms Using Python and Java Languages
Authors: Durrani Omar Khan , Ali Mohammed Saif , Makandar Davalmalik sayadali , T P Hemalatha , Bano Gulfishar , Begum Dilshad
Published: February 2025

Giving Consideration to the era of Generic AI and Internet of things where high band width, connectivity, servers, storage and decisions play a important role. Hence speed and security is a obvious need. As pseudo-random number generation (PRNG)is also a basic need when security, probability, heuristics and many other issues are of concern. For this purpose and by considering the recent research outcomes with respect to programming languages like java and Python. We selected Linear congruential Generator (LCG) algorithm which is one of the popular PRNG. In this study, we analyze the performance of Linear Congruential Generator (LCG) pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) implemented in Python and Java using three seeding techniques: manual, system time, and hash/object based. Our results show that system-time seeding offers the best trade-off between speed and randomness, with Java outperforming Python in execution times. The results noticed have proved the strengths and weaknesses of Java and Python. These findings provide practical guidance for developers in selecting appropriate PRNG implementations for applications in IoT, AI, and statistical modeling.