bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the relationships among preservice physical education teachers’ beliefs, emotions, and professional identity
Authors: Kim Youngjoon , Simonton Kelly L. , Mercier Kevin , Gaudreault Karen Lux , Richards Kevin Andrew
Published: January 2025

Teacher identities, shaped within teacher education programs, are linked to professional commitment, career longevity, teaching effectiveness, and student learning. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among teacher beliefs, emotions during student teaching, and professional identity in physical education (PE) preservice teachers (PSTs). The PE PSTs ( N = 268), who were in the final weeks of completing their semester-long student teaching in the USA, completed a survey that measured teacher beliefs, emotions, and professional identity. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to evaluate the data and hypothesized relationships. The results confirmed that PE PST beliefs were related to positive and negative emotions during student teaching and that both beliefs and emotions were related to teacher identity. The emotions experienced in student teaching support indirect relations between beliefs and identities. The study highlights the importance of teacher education that fosters strong and professional teacher beliefs and provides a meaningful student teaching environment that can generate positive emotions. To ensure the success of PE PSTs, rather than simply their survival, this study advocates for the establishment of supportive and close-knit partnerships between university-based teacher educators, cooperating teachers, and school staff. PE PSTs’ professional identity formation and its influences require more research to establish connections with teacher effectiveness, motivation, and well-being, which are tethered to student learning.
A Courageous Journey of a Foreign-Born Intensive Care Unit Nurse in Finland: A Narrative Case Study
Authors: Cubelo Floro
Published: January 2025

Finland is facing a severe shortage of nurses. While uncommon, the deportation of a foreign-born nurse could exacerbate this already critical situation. However, research on the deportation experiences of migrants, particularly healthcare workers such as nurses, remains scarce. This study aimed to provide a descriptive analysis of a deportation case involving a foreign-born intensive care nurse in Finland and examined the implications of this case for nursing education, the healthcare workforce, and government policies. Using a narrative case study approach, publicly available data from various sources, including mainstream and social media platforms, were analyzed. The nurse in this narrative left the country following disappointment with government officials, despite winning the deportation case. The findings of the study also revealed that the deportation decision faced by the foreign-born intensive care nurse has significant implications for nursing education, healthcare management, and government policies, indicating the need for necessary reforms. Intergovernmental collaboration is crucial to expedite the just and equitable processing of residence permits for highly skilled migrant health workers, promoting more effective government policies.
A Prospective Pilot Study Demonstrating Noninvasive Calibration-Free Glucose Measurement
Authors: Rothenbühler Martina , Lizoain Aritz , Rebeaud Fabien , Perotte Adler , Stoffel Marc , DeVries J. Hans
Published: January 2025

Background:

Glucose is an essential molecule in energy metabolism. Dysregulated glucose metabolism, the defining feature of diabetes, requires active monitoring and treatment to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Current technologies for intermittent and continuous glucose measurement are invasive. Noninvasive glucose measurement would eliminate this barrier toward making glucose monitoring more accessible, extending the benefits from people living with diabetes to prediabetes and the healthy.

Methods:

A novel spectroscopy-based system for measuring glucose noninvasively was used in an exploratory, prospective, single-center clinical study (NCT06272136) to develop and test a machine learning-based computational model for continuous glucose monitoring without per-subject calibration. The study design blinded the development investigators to the validation analyses.

Results:

Twenty subjects were enrolled. Fifteen were used for the development set, and five in the validation set. All study participants were adults with insulin-treated diabetes and median glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.3% (interquartile range [IQR] = 6.7-7.7). The computational model resulted in a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 14.5% and 96.5% of the paired glucose data points in the A plus B zones of the Diabetes Technology Society (DTS) error grid. The correlation between the average model sensitivity by wavelength and the spectrum of glucose was 0.45 ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that Raman spectroscopy coupled with advanced computational methods can enable continuous, noninvasive glucose measurement without per-subject invasive calibration.
Central nervous system B-cell lymphoma in a patient diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids: A case report
Authors: Koumasopoulos Evangelos , Spiteri Evangelia-Anna , Vakrakou Aigli G , Toulas Panagiotis , Velonakis Georgios , Stranjalis George , Stefanis Leonidas , Evangelopoulos Maria-Eleptheria , Anagnostouli Maria
Published: January 2025

This is a case presentation of a primary central nervous system B-cell lymphoma in a 69-year-old woman with chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids and chronic immunosuppressive treatment. The patient had been diagnosed as having probable chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids, according to international criteria. Afterward, regular clinical and imaging examinations and blood tests were performed. The patient presented with primary central nervous system B-cell lymphoma 3 years after the initial diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids. Brain tissue histology was indicative of diffuse giant B cells, Epstein–Barr virus positive, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The nature of chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids is obscure, driving the formulation of many hypotheses about its causes. In our opinion, the presented case supports the putative neoplastic nature of the disease, at least in the long term, and/or along with Epstein–Barr virus involvement, which is known that have been related to other immune-mediated diseases such as multiple sclerosis and malignancies, especially with specific human leukocyte antigen haplotypes. Further research is needed and close monitoring of such patients is strongly recommended.
How Much Do New Early Educators Improve Over Time? Tracking Improvement Trajectories Among Early Educators in Louisiana
Authors: Bellows Laura , Shapiro Anna , Markowitz Anna J. , Bassok Daphna
Published: January 2025

We know surprisingly little about returns to experience among new teachers working with very young children, ages 2 to 5 years. This study begins to fill that gap using data on early care and education teachers working in all publicly funded, center-based settings in one state to document the relationship between teacher experience and an observational measure of teacher–child interaction quality. We used both cross-sectional data—similar to the data used in prior small studies—and longitudinal data that allowed us to track the improvement trajectories of individual teachers over a 3-year period. Our findings show considerable improvements over a 3-year period, particularly among new teachers (0.67 SD). Our longitudinal analysis also showed that, although teachers in childcare centers and Head Start began their careers with lower scores than teachers working in school-based pre-K programs, they demonstrated steeper growth trajectories.
Efficacy and safety of the activin signalling inhibitor, sotatercept, in a pooled analysis of PULSAR and STELLAR studies
Authors: Hoeper Marius M. , Gomberg-Maitland Mardi , Badesch David B. , Gibbs J. Simon R. , Grünig Ekkehard , Kopeć Grzegorz , McLaughlin Vallerie V. , Meyer Gisela , Olsson Karen M. , Preston Ioana R. , Rosenkranz Stephan , Souza Rogerio , Waxman Aaron B. , Perchenet Loïc , Strait James , Xing Aiwen , Manimaran Solaiappan , Wang Xuelong , Miller Barry , Cornell Alexandra G. , de Oliveira Pena Janethe , Ghofrani H. Ardeschir , Humbert Marc
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Sotatercept is a first-in-class activin signalling inhibitor that acts to restore the balance between the growth-promoting and growth-inhibiting signalling pathways.

Methods

This post-hoc, exploratory, pooled analysis combines data from the double-blind placebo periods of the phase 2 PULSAR (NCT03496207) and phase 3 STELLAR (NCT04576988) studies. Both studies were international, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients with PAH. Efficacy and safety parameters common to both studies were analysed.

Results

A total of 429 patients were randomised and treated; 237 received sotatercept and 192 received placebo. Adding sotatercept to background PAH therapy for 24 weeks improved exercise capacity (as assessed by 6-min walk distance), pulmonary vascular resistance, World Health Organization functional class, and delayed time to first occurrence of death or clinical worsening event. There were clinically important reductions in both pulmonary and right heart pressures; improvements in right ventricle (RV) size during both systole and diastole; and enhancements in RV contractility and RV-pulmonary artery coupling. The number of patients who experienced at least one adverse event of interest or special interest (increased haemoglobin, thrombocytopenia, bleeding events [mostly epistaxis], increased blood pressure, and telangiectasia) was higher in the sotatercept group than the placebo group.

Discussion

This pooled analysis confirms that sotatercept delivers therapeutic benefit across a range of efficacy endpoints and has favourable safety in patients with PAH. Increased duration of follow-up will provide further insight into long-term outcomes of sotatercept in patients with PAH.
Longitudinal association between hemoglobin and lung function with insights into the incidence of airflow obstruction: an observational study
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Kim Yun Tae , Leem Ah Young , Jung Ji Ye , Kim Young Sam , Park Youngmok
Published: January 2025

Background/Aims

Evidence regarding the long-term association between hemoglobin (Hb) levels and lung function in individuals from the general population is scarce. This study aimed to determine the longitudinal association between Hb levels and lung function in a community-based population cohort in South Korea.

Methods

We used linear mixed regression analysis to evaluate the longitudinal associations between Hb levels and lung function parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC. Additionally, we used a generalized estimating equation to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of airflow obstruction (AO) according to the Hb level.

Results

Over an 8-year biennial follow-up of 4,468 individuals (median age, 53.9 years; men, 49.0%), we observed that in men, Hb levels were positively associated with lung function (estimated values of FVC: 16.7 mL, FEV1: 15.5 mL, FEV1/FVC: 0.18%; all P < 0.001) and a decreased incidence of AO (OR = 0.83, P < 0.001). In women, Hb levels were positively associated with FVC but not with FEV1 or FEV1/FVC (estimated values of FVC: 4.7 mL, P = 0.045; FEV1: 3.1 mL, P = 0.142; FEV1/FVC: 0.01%, P = 0.838). The incidence of AO was not significantly different among women (OR = 0.93, P = 0.568). In postmenopausal women, higher Hb levels were associated with increased lung function (estimated values of FVC: 11.8 mL, P < 0.001; FEV1: 9.8 mL, P < 0.001; FEV1/FVC: 0.09%, P = 0.052), but the incidence of AO was not statistically significant (OR = 0.82, P = 0.129).

Conclusions

A decreased Hb level was associated with reduced lung function and an increased incidence of AO in men.
Clinical performance of class II MOD fiber reinforced resin composite restorations: an 18-month randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Hamdy , Abouauf Eman Ali , Mosallam Rania Sayed
Published: January 2025

Background

In recent years, there have been suggestions for new restorative strategies that aim to effectively utilize modern adhesive technologies and protect the remaining intact tooth structure. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical performance of fiber reinforced resin composites in restoring Class II MOD cavities over 18 months.

Methods

Forty-five participants with class II MOD cavities were randomly enrolled. The participants were allocated to three groups (n = 15): Group (1) short glass fiber reinforced resin composite (EverX Posterior), Group (2) polyethylene fiber (Ribbond-Ultra) reinforced resin composite and Group (3) only conventional resin composite (Filtek Z250). The modified USPHS criteria were used to evaluate the restorations at baseline; and at three, six, 12 and 18 months. The categorical data were reported as frequencies and percentages. Intergroup comparisons were analyzed using Chi-Square test after Bonferroni correction (P ≤ 0.016). Comparisons within each group were analyzed using Cochran’s Q test after Bonferroni correction (P ≤ 0.005).

Results

Intergroup comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in any of the evaluated criteria except for color match. Compared with the other groups, the short glass fiber-reinforced restoration group presented significantly fewer color matches at different follow-up periods.

Conclusions

Class II direct fiber-reinforced resin composite restorations can offer acceptable performance similar to the nanohybrid resin composite through 18-month of clinical service.

Clinical significance

Fiber reinforcement of resin composites could be a reliable technique for restoring posterior cavities considering factors such as application complexity, cost and aesthetic considerations.

Trial registration

The trial was registered retrospectively on (19/05/2022) at https://clinicaltrials.gov with the ID (NCT05380973).
Everyday activity strategies perceived by people with advanced cancer: a qualitative explorative study
Authors: Cour Karen la , Oestergaard Lisa Gregersen , Pilegaard Marc Sampedro
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite growing research on the daily life of people with advanced cancer, more specific knowledge is needed about the specific strategies these people use to manage everyday activities.

Purpose

This study explores how people with advanced cancer manage their everyday activities and describe their specific strategies.

Methods

The qualitative study was designed with an explorative approach. Data from 28 people with advanced cancer was drawn from a trial including qualitative interviews to elicit participants’ perceptions about managing their everyday activities. Interviews were conducted in participants’ homes and analysed using an inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Within an overarching theme of keeping ‘Daily life as usual’, the findings unfold participants’ specific strategies identified within two sub-themes ‘, Upholding routines’ and ‘Activity adaptations’. Upholding routines related to 1) Personal care and household and 2) Leisure-, social- and work-life. Activity adaptation about 1) Working with and around physical limitations; 2) Sharing, delegating, and letting go; and 3) Enlisting ‘outside’ support.

Conclusion

This study specified participants’ specific and distinct self-developed strategies within routines and activity adaptations. The strategies reflect participants’ needs for maintaining functioning while relieving pain and mourning, which holds essential potential for informing person-centred intervention development integrating rehabilitation in palliative care.
Hospital in-reach family-centred social prescribing pilot for children with neurodisability: mixed methods evaluation with social return on investment analysis
Authors: Gordon Laura , Hastry Megan , Bate Angela , Gordon Katie , Greaves Emily , Dimitriadou Simoni , Rapley Tim , Basu Anna Purna
Published: January 2025

Background

Social prescribing link workers support individuals to engage with community resources, co-creating achievable goals. Most schemes are community-based, targetting adults. Vulnerable populations including hospitalized children with neurodisability and their families, could also benefit from social prescribing.

Aims

To pilot a hospital-initiated social prescribing service for children with neurodisability and their families; to explore its feasibility, acceptability and undertake social return on investment (SROI) analysis.

Methods

Mixed-methods cohort study with SROI analysis. We recruited children aged < 16y with neurodisability, identified during inpatient stays, their parents/carers and siblings. Participants received link worker support for 6 months, extending beyond hospital discharge. Pre- and post-intervention pilot data covered profile of needs (Support Star), quality of life (EQ5D/CHU-9D), wellbeing (WEMWBS/CORS) and financial strain. We undertook 22 qualitative observations of family/link worker interactions and 39 in-depth interviews with families, link workers and healthcare professionals. Together these data were analysed within a SROI to establish the costs and social value generated.

Results

Of 48 families supported by the service, 25 were recruited to the evaluation (26 children, aged 10 m-15y; 4 siblings; 36 parents). Baseline quality of life and wellbeing indices averaged below population norms. Link workers were highly effective at supporting families (only 6/151 goals unmet). Unmet need decreased by 6 months (Support Star, p < 0.001).

Families reported having felt overwhelmed when trying to adjust to new ways of life post diagnosis/discharge before link worker intervention, with little support to navigate non-medical needs. Parents, link workers and health care professionals found link worker support invaluable for making community services accessible. Families then felt more connected to their communities, and less isolated, with increased belief in their self-efficacy. Families and healthcare professionals felt that the duration of support, and eligibility criteria, should be extended. Inputs to deliver the service for 1 year (49 families) were estimated at £74,736: outcomes for the 18 families studied were estimated at a value of £205,861.

Conclusion

Hospital in-reach social prescribing is feasible, acceptable, and addresses a range of otherwise unmet needs of children with neurodisability and their families, showing a positive SROI. Other vulnerable patient groups could also benefit from this approach.

Trial registration

ISRCTN23306751 (2.8.22).
Characterization and genome analysis of lytic Vibrio phage VPK8 with potential in lysing Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates from clinical and seafood sources
Authors: Jintasakul Valalak , Pattano Jiranan , Preeprem Sutima , Mittraparp-arthorn Pimonsri
Published: January 2025

Background

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a marine bacterium causing seafood-associated gastrointestinal illness in humans and acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimp. Bacteriophages have emerged as promising biocontrol agents against V. parahaemolyticus. This study characterizes Vibrio phage VPK8, focusing on host specificity, efficiency of plating (EOP) variability across V. parahaemolyticus isolates from diverse sources and other Vibrio species, morphology, genomic features, and bacteriolytic potential.

Methods

Vibrio phage VPK8 was isolated from blood cockles in Thailand using a mixed-host approach and purified via the double-layer agar method. Host specificity was evaluated using spot assays and EOP measurements against 120 Vibrio strains, including AHPND-associated, clinical, and seafood isolates. Phage morphology was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while genomic features were analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Lytic characteristics, including latent period and burst size, were determined through one-step growth curves, and bacterial growth reduction was evaluated over a 24-h.

Results

Vibrio phage VPK8 is a lytic phage with a 42,866 bp linear double-stranded genome, G + C content of 49.4%, and 48 coding sequences. Phylogenetic analysis grouped it within the Autographiviridae family, showing 95.96% similarity to Vibrio phage vB_VpaP_MGD1. Viral proteomic analysis placed VPK8 within the Pseudomonadota host group. Spot assays indicated broad lytic activity, but EOP analysis revealed high infectivity in clinical and seafood V. parahaemolyticus isolates, as well as some V. cholerae and V. mimicus strains. TEM revealed an icosahedral head (~ 60 nm) and a short tail. At a multiplicity of infection of 0.01, VPK8 exhibited a latent period of 25 min, a burst size of 115, and effectively inhibited the reference host V. parahaemolyticus PSU5124 within 6 h, maintaining its lytic activity and stability for over 24 h.

Conclusions

This study provides a detailed characterization of Vibrio phage VPK8 which exhibits targeted infectivity with high EOP in clinical and seafood V. parahaemolyticus isolates, as well as selected Vibrio species. Its stable lytic performance, rapid replication, and genomic safety suggest its potential for phage-based applications. Further studies should explore its in vivo efficacy and the genetic features contributing to phage resistance mechanisms, enhancing its potential applicability in managing Vibrio-related diseases.
Temporal trends in biosecurity in Irish pig herds using a standardized scoring system
Authors: Correia-Gomes Carla , Terezo Bárbara , Graham David
Published: January 2025

Background

Biosecurity measures are crucial to the introduction and spread of pathogens both within and between farms. External biosecurity focuses on preventing pathogens from entering or leaving the farm, while internal biosecurity aims to limit or stop the spread of pathogens within the farm. Implementing biosecurity measures not only protects animals from disease but also has positive effects on productivity, welfare and farm profitability. By reducing the need for antimicrobials, biosecurity measures also contribute to combating antimicrobial resistance. To assess and improve biosecurity, tools like Biocheck.UGent have been developed. In Ireland, the Biocheck.UGent tool has been widely used in pig farms since 2018. The aims of this study were firstly to assess temporal trends on biosecurity scores in Irish pig farms from 2018 to 2023 using the Biocheck.UGent tool and secondly to identify areas for improvement.

Results

There was an increase in the number of annual assessments over the study period, with the majority of farms being assessed multiple times. Overall, external biosecurity scores were higher than internal scores. Improvements in the scores were observed over time for most of the subcategories for external and internal biosecurity and across the different farm types. Analysis of the subcategories within the scoring system revealed areas with lower scores, including disease management, cleaning and disinfection, and measures between compartments. Weaner-to-finisher farms tended to have lower scores compared to other farm types.

Conclusions

While external biosecurity in Irish pig farms is generally high, there is room for improvement in internal biosecurity. This study highlights the importance of continuous efforts to improve biosecurity. The data obtained will aid in estimating the cost–benefit of implementing biosecurity measures, crucial for decision-making and better returns on investments.
Protocol for a feasibility study evaluating a supported self-management intervention for stroke survivors with aphasia (StarStep study)
Authors: Wray Faye , Cruice Madeline , Kellar Ian , Forster Anne
Published: January 2025

Background

There is a growing evidence base to support the use of self-management interventions for improving quality of life after stroke. However, stroke survivors with aphasia have been underrepresented in research to date. It is therefore unclear if self-management is an appropriate or effective approach for this group. To address this gap in the evidence base, we have developed a supported self-management intervention (the ‘Living with Aphasia’ intervention) specifically for stroke survivors with aphasia in the first year after stroke. The StarStep study aims to assess the feasibility of implementing and evaluating the intervention (including the feasibility of participant recruitment, the feasibility of delivering facilitator training, the acceptability of the intervention, the fidelity of intervention delivery and outcome data completeness).

Methods

StarStep is a mixed-methods, non-randomised feasibility study. The Living with Aphasia intervention will be facilitated by speech and language therapists and implemented in two community stroke teams in the north of England. We aim to recruit 30 stroke survivors who have aphasia (and/or their family members) and who are ≤ 12-month post-stroke to participate in data collection for the study. Following informed consent, participants will complete a baseline data collection questionnaire which will include measures of quality of life, symptoms of depression and perceived communicative effectiveness. Follow-up questionnaires will be completed at 3-month post-intervention. Qualitative data collection will include implementation groups and semi-structured interviews with speech and language therapists, semi-structured interviews with stroke survivors with aphasia (and/or their family members) and observations of the delivery of the intervention. A joint display table will be used to integrate findings from each element of data collection in order to consider overall feasibility.

Discussion

This study will provide the information necessary to optimise data collection processes and to optimise the implementation and delivery of the self-management intervention. Feasibility data will inform decision-making regarding progression to a future definitive cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry, trial registration number: ISRCTN10401966. Date of registration: 07/10/2023. URL of trial registry record: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10401966.
Σχεδιασμός, σύνθεση και διαμορφωτική μελέτη αναλόγων της εκλυτικής ορμόνης των γοναδοτροπινών (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone, GnRH) που εμπλέκονται στον ορμονοεξαρτώμενο καρκίνο
Authors: Μπινιάρη Γεωργία
Published: January 2025

Η εκλυτική ορμόνη των γοναδοτροπινών (GnRH ή LHRH) αποτελεί ένα δεκαπεπτίδιο που ρυθμίζει την έκκριση των γοναδοτροπινών FSH και LH αλλά και τη λειτουργία του αναπαραγωγικού άξονα. Μεταβολές στη δράση της σχετίζονται με προβλήματα γονιμότητας και ορμονοεξαρτώμενους καρκίνους στους οποίους παρατηρείται μεγάλος αριθμός των υποδοχέων της GnRH (GnRHR). Μία από τις υπάρχουσες θεραπείες είναι η χορήγηση τροποποιημένων πεπτιδικών αναλόγων της GnRH που παρουσιάζουν μικρό χρόνο ημιζωής λόγω της πρωτεολυτικής αποικοδόμησης που υφίστανται. Μία άλλη θεραπευτική λύση είναι η χορήγηση κυτταροτοξικών ουσιών που δρουν ισχυρά και αποτελεσματικά, αλλά χαρακτηρίζονται από την εμφάνιση σοβαρών παρενεργειών. Το ενδιαφέρον της επιστημονικής κοινότητας επικεντρώνεται στην ανάπτυξη μίας στοχευμένης θεραπείας με βελτιωμένη αποτελεσματικότητα και μειωμένες παρενέργειες.Στα πλαίσια της διδακτορικής διατριβής πραγματοποιήθηκε ο σχεδιασμός και η σύνθεση πεπτιδικών αναλόγων της GnRH με αγωνιστική και ανταγωνιστική δράση. Το καρβοξυ-τελικό άκρο των αγωνιστικών αναλόγων τροποποιήθηκε σύμφωνα με την αλληλουχία του Leuprolide, ενώ το ανταγωνιστικό ανάλογο συντέθηκε βασιζόμενο στην αλληλουχία του Cetrorelix. Στη θέση 6 των πεπτιδικών αναλόγων χρησιμοποιήθηκαν αμινοξέα D-διαμόρφωσης με τροποποιημένη πλάγια αλυσίδα, ώστε να ενσωματωθεί στο μόριο μία θειολομάδα. Παράλληλα, πραγματοποιήθηκε ο σχεδιασμός και η σύνθεση αναλόγων της κυτταροτοξικής ένωσης μιτοξανδρόνης με σκοπό την εισαγωγή μίας θειολομάδας. Ο απώτερος στόχος της διδακτορικής διατριβής ήταν η σύνθεση συζευγμάτων αποτελούμενων από ένα πεπτιδικό ανάλογο της GnRH και ένα ανάλογο της μιτοξανδρόνης συνδεδεμένων μέσω δισουλφιδικού δεσμού. Σκοπός αυτών των συζευγμάτων είναι η δέσμευση του πεπτιδικού αναλόγου στον υποδοχέα της GnRH και η απελευθέρωση του αναλόγου της μιτοξανδρόνης μετά την αναγωγή του δισουλφιδικού δεσμού με τη βοήθεια του συστήματος της θειορεδοξίνης.Πραγματοποιήθηκε διαμορφωτική μελέτη με τη χρήση τεχνικών Μοριακής Μοντελοποίησης των αγωνιστικών πεπτιδικών ανάλογων της GnRH και των αντίστοιχων συζευγμάτων τους. Επιπλέον, όλα τα ανάλογα μελετήθηκαν μέσω 1D και 2D Φασματοσκοπίας Πυρηνικού Μαγνητικού Συντονισμού (NMR). Οι μελέτες παρείχαν σημαντικές πληροφορίες σχετικά με τη διαμόρφωση των αναλόγων. Το πιο υποσχόμενο σύζευγμα μελετήθηκε για την ικανότητα αναγωγής του δισουλφιδικού δεσμού από το σύστημα της θειορεδοξίνης και τη σταθερότητά του κατά τη διάρκεια μακροπρόθεσμης αποθήκευσης σε διαφορετικές μορφές (υγρό/ στερεό) και θερμοκρασίες.
Auctions, REITs and future trends
Authors: Βεζύρογλου Κορνήλιος
Published: January 2025

Ο κύριος στόχος της διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι να εξετάσει το πεδίο της ακίνητης περιουσίας στην Ελλάδα από μια πολυδιάστατη προοπτική. Συγκεκριμένα, εμβαθύνουμε σε τρεις διακριτούς ερευνητικούς τομείς. Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο, διαφωτίζουμε την εντελώς ανεξερεύνητη ελληνική αγορά πλειστηριασμών ακινήτων, η οποία απέκτησε ιδιαίτερη δυναμική μετά την αύξηση των μη εξυπηρετούμενων δανείων την τελευταία δεκαετία. Ερευνούμε τους παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν την πιθανότητα επιτυχούς έκβασης ενός πλειστηριασμού, καθώς και τους καθοριστικούς παράγοντες της τελικής τιμής πώλησης. Η μελέτη εισάγει ένα ευρύτερο φάσμα τύπων ακινήτων και ανεξάρτητων μεταβλητών σε σύγκριση με προηγούμενες εργασίες. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο, παρουσιάζουμε για πρώτη φορά μια εις βάθος ανάλυση όλων των ελληνικών Εταιρειών Επενδύσεων σε Ακίνητη Περιουσία (ΑΕΕΑΠ) σχετικά με τις πρακτικές αναφοράς ESG. Το κύριο ερευνητικό ερώτημα είναι να αξιολογήσουμε το επίπεδο συμμόρφωσής τους με τον Οδηγό Δημοσιοποίησης Πληροφοριών ESG του Χρηματιστηρίου Αθηνών του 2022. Ο δεύτερος στόχος μας είναι να πραγματοποιήσουμε μια ποιοτική επισκόπηση αυτών των ευρημάτων. Για να το επιτύχουμε αυτό, αξιολογούμε πόσο στενά ακολουθεί η αναφορά ESG των ΑΕΕΑΠ το Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), ένα κορυφαίο πλαίσιο για τη δημοσίευση στοιχείων ESG. Το κεφάλαιο περιλαμβάνει επίσης ένα μοντέλο Σκοροκάρτας Βιωσιμότητας (S-BSC) σχεδιασμένο αποκλειστικά για τις ελληνικές μικρομεσαίες επιχειρήσεις (ΜΜΕ). Τέλος, το τρίτο κεφάλαιο εξετάζει τους παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν τις τιμές στη δημοφιλή πλατφόρμα διαμοιρασμού καταλυμάτων Airbnb στην Αθήνα και τη Θεσσαλονίκη, τις δύο μεγαλύτερες πόλεις της χώρας. Σε αυτό το κεφάλαιο, η κύρια συμβολή μας στην ακαδημαϊκή έρευνα έγκειται σε έναν μοναδικό συνδυασμό παραδοσιακής οικονομετρικής ανάλυσης, μηχανικής μάθησης και προηγμένων εργαλείων τεχνητής νοημοσύνης.
Ο συντονισμός της εκπαίδευσης του Γένους από το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο, στο δεύτερο μισό του 19ου αιώνα, όπως αποτυπώνεται στον ελληνικό Τύπο της Κωνσταντινούπολης
Authors: Χατζηγιάννη Δέσποινα
Published: January 2025

Η παρούσα διατριβή μελετά τον τρόπο οργάνωσης και συντονισμού της εκπαίδευσης των Ορθοδόξων από το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο κατά το β΄ μισό του 19ου αιώνα. Πρόκειται για την εξαιρετικά δύσκολη περίοδο της έξαρσης των βαλκανικών εθνικισμών, των εθνικών αλλά και εκπαιδευτικών ανταγωνισμών, κατά την οποία το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο ιδρύει την Πατριαρχική Κεντρική Εκπαιδευτική Επιτροπή (ΠΚΕΕ), προκειμένου να επιτύχει τον καλύτερο δυνατό συντονισμό των σχολείων με σκοπό την ομοιόμορφη εκπαίδευση του ποιμνίου του αλλά και τον έλεγχό της. Η παράλληλη λειτουργία του Ελληνικού Φιλολογικού Συλλόγου της Κωνσταντινουπόλεως (ΕΦΣΚ) και οι φιλεκπαιδευτικοί σύλλογοι που δραστηριοποιούνται στις επαρχίες, διαδραματίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στα εκπαιδευτικά δρώμενα κατά τη μελετώμενη περίοδο, προκαλούν μεταβολές στο περιεχόμενο και στον τρόπο οργάνωσης της εκπαίδευσης και αποτελούν πρόκληση για τον μέχρι τότε κυρίαρχο ρόλο της Εκκλησίας στην εκπαίδευση του Ελληνισμού της Οθωμανικής Αυτοκρατορίας. Οι διαφοροποιήσεις, οι κρίσεις και ο ενίοτε διαφορετικός τρόπος αντιμετώπισης των εκπαιδευτικών ζητημάτων από το Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο και τον ΕΦΣΚ, που επηρεαζόταν από την εθνική και εκπαιδευτική πολιτική του ελληνικού κράτους, αποτελούν το περιεχόμενο και δίνουν το έναυσμα για μια κριτική και συγκριτική προσέγγιση, μελέτη και αποτίμηση των δημοσιευμάτων της εποχής, στον Τύπο της Κωνσταντινούπολης, σχετικά με την εκπαίδευση.
The genome sequence of Red Underwing, Catocala nupta Linnaeus, 1767
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Lewis Owen T. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: January 2025

We present a genome assembly from an individual female specimen of Catocala nupta (Red Underwing; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 930.40 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.82%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.57 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,889 protein-coding genes.
Incorporating Dance into Primary School Music Education: A Perspective on China’s New Curriculum Standards
Authors: Wu Rui
Published: January 2025

Under the “New Curriculum Standards”, the teaching of music and dance in primary schools urgently needs reform. As a new teaching method, module teaching is very suitable for the teaching of music and dance in primary schools under the background of “New Curriculum Standards”. It is conducive to enriching students’ artistic experience and to highlighting their learning initiative. The application strategies of module teaching in primary school music and dance mainly include: design of teaching modules; stimulating students’ independent learning with interest; encouraging students to communicate and cooperate to consolidate learning results and expand innovation, and making teaching life-oriented.
THE ORIGIN OF THE UKRAINE WAR IN LIGHT OF A MARKET-ANARCHIST THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Authors: Slenzok Norbert
Published: January 2025

The article undertakes two major tasks. First, the position labeled here as a market-anarchist theory of international relations (MATIR) is reconstructed. Second, the conception is applied to international politics in Central-Eastern Europe with special regard to the Ukraine war. The overarching aim of this endeavor is to highlight MATIR’s explanatory power. The central question posed in the article is: Who, in light of MATIR and some fairly uncontroversial facts, bears the main responsibility for the outbreak of the war? This research problem breaks down into two further questions: (1) How likely is it that the Ukraine war has been triggered chiefly by the West’s eastward expansion? (2) Were policies adopted by parties to the conflict reasonable given the circumstances? The upshot of the inquiry is that (1) on MATIR, Russia would have been quite likely to invade Ukraine even absent the latter’s pro-NATO foreign policy, and (2) that while Ukraine was conducting a textbook (albeit risky) policy of defensive balancing, Russia is guilty of a greatly overdone response to an exaggerated threat. Thus -  John Mearsheimer and some leading proponents of MATIR such as Walter Block and Hans-Hermann Hoppe to the contrary notwithstanding - it is Russia that should be blamed for the present war. An original contribution of the article, then, lies also in putting the libertarian discourse on the Ukraine war on the right track. In terms of methodology, the paper offers purely theoretical investigations based on a rational reconstruction of the theory under discussion.
ANALYZING THE SPATIO-TEMPORAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PUBLIC INTEREST IN GENDER DISCRIMINATION THROUGH BAIDU INDEX DATA
Authors: Tan Qinyi , Wang Meijie , He Fang , Chen Xiaolu , Teng Luyan , LIU Haiou
Published: January 2025

Gender equality has always been a hot topic of global concern. This study aims to understand the temporal and spatial characteristics of public interest towards gender discrimination in China, providing information support for eliminating gender discrimination and promoting social equity in China to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5. It uses Baidu Index as the research tool, selecting gender discrimination as the keyword, taking July 1, 2013, to October 13, 2022, as the research interval to analyze the trend research, demand map, and population portrait of gender discrimination. It has been found that the search trend of gender discrimination has been slowly rising year by year, from the overall trend of personal computers (PC) and mobile. The peak appears periodically during the Spring Festival and summer vacation each year; “Gender discrimination” has a significant peak in early March 2017 and mid-June 2022. Additionally, the public also shows great concern for discrimination and racial discrimination. Most netizens who pay attention to gender discrimination come from East China. Females pay more attention to gender discrimination than males, and most of the females are under 19 years old and 20-29 years old. Finally, it contrastively analyzes the search trend of terms such as “discrimination” and “gender discrimination” and finds that the search index of “discrimination” is like that of “gender discrimination.”
THE COMPETITIVENESS OF UKRAINIAN SERVICE EXPORTS IN THE CONTEXT OF UKRAINE’S INTEGRATION WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE WAR IN UKRAINE
Authors: Wyszkowska-Kuna Joanna
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the paper is to examine the involvement of Ukrainian services companies in global value chains (GVCs) and assess the competitiveness and specialization of Ukrainian services exports. It is necessary to examine this issue after the entry into force of the DCFTA as part of the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement. Additionally, on the eve of the commencement of accession negotiations between Ukraine and the EU and in light of the impact of the war on Ukraine’s economy, it is imperative to investigate this issue. The following indicators are used: the ratio of exports to output and the ratio of imported intermediate inputs to output (participation in GVCs), the normalised revealed comparative advantage index, and the trade balance index (export competitiveness). A special matrix (Widodo, 2009) is developed to identify the four scenarios for Ukraine, indicating different degrees of competitiveness of its exports and the leading exported services. The study is based on data from the WTO and the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, and it covers 2005–2022. The empirical results demonstrate that services have not increased their shares in Ukraine’s exports, and the DCFTA had no impact on Ukrainian services companies’ participation in GVCs or their export competitiveness. Computer services are outliers. The paper also demonstrates that Ukraine has a very strong position in the exports of computer services compared to both EU and non-EU countries. The study contributes to the literature by indicating the leading exported services (mainly computer) as well as services with the potential to gain comparative advantages in Ukrainian exports (other business) based on the product mapping method. The paper also identifies factors that positively determine Ukraine’s competitiveness in this field (i.e., external demand, openness, government policy, the UAH exchange rate, employment, and earnings) and those that should be improved (i.e., human capital, in particular, a knowledge of English, and communication infrastructure). Finally, the study discusses the reasons why the services sector will likely play a key role in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
IS A PARADIGM SHIFT IN MAINSTREAM ECONOMICS NEEDED IN THE LIGHT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ?
Authors: Noga Marian , Noga Beniamin
Published: January 2025

Economic researchers have been discussing a paradigm shift in mainstream economics for many years, as economics as a science has ceased to formulate accurate predictive conclusions. Representatives of unorthodox streams of economics, such as institutional economics, behavioural economics or the emerging neuroeconomics, state that the classical paradigm of mainstream economics should be eliminated from research and a new paradigm of economics should be introduced into economic science. Previous attempts to construct such a new paradigm of economics have failed. Artificial intelligence, rapidly developing in the 21st century, brought some hope to those seeking to dismantle the classical paradigm of mainstream economics. In this paper, we present our research on the classical paradigm of mainstream economics. We put forward a research hypothesis stating that the mainstream economic paradigm should not be dismantled, but rather modified. We propose applying data filtering at both the input and output stages to the existing paradigm by constructing various filters. These filters would enable economics to formulate practical conclusions, increase the efficiency of scientific research, allow the discovery of new economic laws, and optimize the decision-making process.
Highlighting the latest research: January 2025
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane , Cowan Helen
Published: January 2025

Sarah Jane Palmer presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing, while Helen Cowan explores their application to practice. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected and highlight their relevance to cardiac nursing practice. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail.
Getting ready for school
Authors: Kirby Gemma
Published: January 2025

Following Starmer's announcement that three quarters of children should be ‘school ready’ by 2028, Gemma Kirby, from University College Birmingham, discusses how practitioners can support this and still ensure children thrive uniquely.
Having patience
Authors: Tapping Rachel
Published: January 2025

Setting are reporting a rise in children needing more support with their emotional and social development. In this second article in a series about emotional development, Rachel Tapping, Piklerian Early Childhood Adviser and Chair of Pikler UK, discusses the concept of patience and how to cultivate and model it for children.
Educational Ideologies in Transition: Analyzing Teachers’ Shifting Perspectives through Structured Reflection
Authors: Kiraz Ercan , Yılmaz Yıldız Seval Bircan
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the ideological orientations of teachers and the potential transformation of these orientations over 14 weeks, focusing specifically on their conceptualizations of educational ideologies within conservative and liberal frameworks. The research employs an inventory-based assessment to capture participants’ ideological stances. Initial findings revealed participants’ tendency to associate ideological labels with political dualities, reflecting simplified views on educational ideologies. Throughout the study’s second phase, participants engaged in critical reading assignments and reflective discussions designed to expand their awareness and understanding of various educational ideological paradigms. Findings indicate a notable shift in ideological positioning, primarily driven by exposure to foundational texts and structured reflection sessions. In the final phase, participants re-took the initial inventory, allowing for a direct comparison of ideological stances. The comparative analysis demonstrated subtle yet significant shifts, particularly regarding participants’ views on the interrelations between educational ideology, social equity, and the intellectual demands of modern pedagogy. This study underscores the transformative potential of immersive engagement with diverse ideological perspectives, highlighting the need for professional development models that prioritize reflective dialogue and critical exploration of ideological content.
Rice Bran Protein-Based Microbeads As Entrapping Carriers To Improve Stability of Enterococcus faecalis HZNU S1
Authors:   Department of Cooking and Nutrition, School of Culinary Art, Tourism College of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China, Tang Zhen-Xing , Wang Qiu-Yu ,   Department of Culinary Science and Technology, Jiangsu College of Tourism, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China, Zhou Hai ,   Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China, Hu Yan-Yu ,   Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China, Ye Xing-Pei ,   Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China, Jiang Zhong-Bao ,   Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China, Shen Hui-Yang ,   Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China, Shi Lu-E ,   Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
Published: January 2025

The primary purpose of the current research was to study the
influence of entrapment on E. faecalis HZNU S1 under simulated
gastrointestinal and different storage conditions. To achieve this, the
cell was entrapped by sodium alginate (ALG) and rice bran protein
(RBP) as wall materials. Probiotic survival under storage and simulated
gastrointestinal conditions were explored, as well as entrapment yield (EY)
and the size of microbeads. EY was around 98.5 %, while the diameter
was 1.75 ± 0.15 mm. In simulated gastrointestinal tests, entrapment
provided significant protection against viability loss compared to the
control. Entrapped cells could be completely released within 2 h in
simulated intestinal juice (SIJ) approximately. In the storage stability
tests, entrapment also promoted greater protection for probiotics in
relation to the free cells. The viable cells of entrapped cells retained
more than 7.0 Log CFU/g after one month of storage (4 °C), and higher
than 6.0 Log CFU/g at 25 °C when being stored for 8 days, respectively.
Entrapped E. faecalis HZNU S1 exhibited increased tolerance to external
conditions, making it a suitable candidate for delivering probiotics to
enhance the related product value.