bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of VDBP rs4588 and rs7041 gene polymorphism on vitamin D status in obese individuals
Authors: Shnar Varvara A. , Paskidov Dimitri V. , Bograya Maria M. , Voronova Sophia S. , Vulf Maria A. , Gazatova Natalia D. , Mikhailova Larisa V. , Litvinova Larisa S.
Published: November 2024

Vitamin D plays a major role in bone metabolism regulating body phosphorus and calcium metabolism. Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) binds to vitamin D metabolites and transports them to target tissues. It is hypothesized that polymorphisms in VDBP affect the absorption of vitamin D in the body. However, the relationship between VDBP polymorphisms and vitamin D levels in individuals with obesity has yet to be sufficiently investigated.
This work aimed to identify the relationship between vitamin D [25(OH)D3] blood levels in obese and non-obese individuals and the rs4588 and rs7041 polymorphisms in VDBP.
The study included a total of 80 participants from the Kaliningrad region. The sample was stratified based on vitamin D status (normal, insufficiency, deficiency, and acute deficiency) and body mass index (BMI). Vitamin D blood levels were determined using enzyme immunoassay. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood samples. VDBP polymorphisms were identified using HaeIII and ErhI restriction endonucleases.
No significant differences in vitamin D blood levels between obese and non-obese individuals were revealed. The rs4588 C A genotypes were associated with no significant differences in vitamin D levels between individuals with different body mass index (CC, p=0.147; CA, p=0.646; AA, insufficient data). However, for the VDBP rs4588 polymorphism, a significant difference was demonstrated in allele frequency between the groups with different vitamin D levels, i.e., normal vitamin D level group vs. insufficiency group (p=0.009) and normal vitamin D level group vs. acute deficiency group (p 0.0001).
The analysis of the individuals with the VDBP rs7041 T G polymorphism demonstrated that there were no significant differences in the vitamin D levels between the BMI groups with specific genotypes (TG, p=0.502; GG, p=0.283; TT, insufficient data). However, the control and acute deficiency groups differed significantly (p 0.0001) in allele frequencies of individuals with the rs7041 polymorphism.
Vitamin D blood levels in obese patients were comparable to those of non-obese individuals. VDBP rs7041 and rs4588 polymorphisms do not correlate with variations in vitamin D blood levels among individuals with different BMI. However, the VDBP rs4588 A polymorphism is associated with low vitamin D levels, while the VDBP rs4588 G polymorphism is more common among individuals with normal vitamin D blood levels.
Pengembangan Animasi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Bagi Siswa Berkebutuhan Khusus Di Taman Kanak-Kanak
Authors: Prabawati Anastasia Putri Cahyo , Susilaningsih Susilaningsih , Utami Deka Dyah
Published: November 2024

This research is motivated by efforts to improve the quality of the inclusive learning process. From the results of interviews with teachers, it was found that the majority of students in the class were students with special needs. Apart from that, it was found that the learning process of typical students with students with special needs was still combined into one class by implementing a conventional learning system. The aim of this research is to produce differentiated learning animation that have high validity. This type of research is development research or Research and Development with the development model used, namely the ADDIE development model. After going through validation and testing procedures, it was concluded that the differentiated learning animation media developed had high validity, meaning the media was feasible and interesting to be implemented in the inclusive learning process.

Abstrak
Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh adanya upaya untuk meningkatkan kualitas proses pembelajaran inklusi. Dari hasil wawancara dengan guru ditemukan bahwa mayoritas siswa yang berada di dalam kelas adalah siswa berkebutuhan khusus. Selain itu, ditemukan bahwa proses pembelajaran siswa tipikal dengan siswa berkebutuhan khusus masih digabungkan menjadi satu kelas dengan menerapkan sistem pembelajaran konvensional. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menghasilkan animasi pembelajaran berdiferensiasi yang memiliki validitas tinggi. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian pengembangan atau Research and Development dengan model pengembangan yang digunakan yaitu model pengembangan ADDIE. Setelah melalui prosedur validasi dan uji coba disimpulkan bahwa media animasi pembelajaran berdiferensiasi yang dikembangkan memiliki validitas tinggi yang bermakna media tersebut layak dan menarik untuk diimplementasikan dalam proses pembelajaran inklusi.
Impacto económico de la transición energética en Perú
Authors: Ruíz Elías , Heros Carlos , De la Torre Ugarte Daniel
Published: November 2024

Esta nota técnica analiza cuatro escenarios en los que se evalúa diferentes niveles de demandas de energía, penetración de energías renovables y vehículos eléctricos, participación de gas natural, entre otros. El escenario base sigue la tendencia actual de crecimiento, mientras que los escenarios alternativos se evalúan niveles menores de demanda de energía final, mejoras en la eficiencia de las tecnologías de generación eléctrica, penetración de energías renovables y de vehículos eléctricos y, además, disminución de los costos en las tecnologías de generación de energía eólica y solar fotovoltaica. Se realiza un análisis de cada escenario y una comparación entre escenarios. El alcance en el análisis de los costos solo se da a nivel de inversiones (CAPEX).
Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio as a predictor of the activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China, Sun Xing-Hong , Han Chen ,   Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China, Dou Xin ,   Department of Radiology, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China, He Xue-Ying ,   Department of Radiology, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China, Su Meng-Ru ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China, Jiang Feng ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing 210000, Jiangsu Province, China, Yuan Song-Tao ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
Published: November 2024

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and the disease activity of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).
METHODS: A total of 87 patients were classified into two groups based on clinical activity score (CAS) scoring criteria: high CAS group (n=62, the CAS score was ≥3); low CAS group (n=25, the CAS score was <3). In addition, a group of healthy people (n=114) were included to compared the MHR. Proptosis, MHR, average signal intensity ratio (SIR), average lacrimal gland (LG)-SIR, average extraocular muscles (EOM) area from 87 patients with TAO were calculated in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and compared between these two groups. Correlation testing was utilized to evaluate the association of parameters among the clinical variables.
RESULTS: Patients in high CAS group had a higher proptosis (P=0.041) and MHR (P=0.048). Compared to the healthy group, the MHR in the TAO group was higher (P=0.001). Correlation testing declared that CAS score was strongly associated with proptosis and average SIR, and MHR was positively associated with CAS score, average SIR, and average LG-SIR. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of MHR was 0.6755.
CONCLUSION: MHR, a novel inflammatory biomarker, has a significant association with CAS score and MRI imaging (average SIR and LG-SIR) and it can be a new promising predictor during the active phase of TAO.
Prevalence of refractive errors in school-aged and preadolescent children in Colombia
Authors:   Universidad El Bosque, Facultad de Medicina, Programa de Optometría, Grupo de investigación Salud visual y ocular UnBosque, Bogotá D.C. 110110, Colombia, Garcia-Lozada Diana , Angulo-Sánchez Sara Viviana ,   Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Programa de Optometría, Bogotá D.C. 110110, Colombia, Sánchez-Espinosa Jenny Maritza ,   Universidad El Bosque, Facultad de Medicina, Programa de Optometría, Grupo de investigación Salud visual y ocular UnBosque, Bogotá D.C. 110110, Colombia
Published: November 2024

AIM: To describe the distribution of refractive errors by age and sex among schoolchildren in Soacha, Colombia.
METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted in five urban public schools in the municipality of Soacha. A total of 1161 school-aged and pre-adolescent children, aged 5-12y were examined during the school year 2021-2022. Examinations included visual acuity and static refraction. Spherical equivalent (SE) was analysed as follows: myopia SE≤-0.50 D and uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or worse; high myopia SE≤-6.00 D; hyperopia SE≥+1.00 D (≥7y) or SE≥+2.00 D (5-6y); significant hyperopia SE≥+3.00 D. Astigmatism was defined as a cylinder in at least one eye ≥1.00 D (≥7y) or ≥1.75 D (5-6y). If at least one eye was ametropic, children were classified according to the refractive error found.
RESULTS: Of the 1139 schoolchildren included, 50.6% were male, 58.8% were aged between 5 and 9y, and 12.1% were already using optical correction. The most common refractive error was astigmatism (31.1%), followed by myopia (20.8%) and hyperopia (13.1%). There was no significant relationship between refractive error and sex. There was a significant increase in astigmatism (P<0.001) and myopia (P<0.0001) with age.
CONCLUSION: Astigmatism is the most common refractive error in children in an urban area of Colombia. Emmetropia decreased and myopia increased with age.
Improving access to midwifery care in Greece’s rural and remote areas
Authors: Tigka Maria
Published: November 2024

Introduction
Please note that this is a letter to the editor, so an abstract is not applicable. The platform only allowed "research article" as an option for study design. Please remove the abstract from the final version.

Methods
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Results
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Conclusions
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Διαπολιτισμική προσέγγιση νεογνικού θανάτου στις ΜΕΝΝ
Authors: Παντελάκη Νικολέττα , Σαραντάκη Αντιγόνη , Δραγκιώτη Έλενα , Μεταλλινού Δήμητρα
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Η νεογνική απώλεια αποτελεί βαθιά πρόκληση με πολιτιστικές, πνευματικές και προσωπικές προεκτάσεις
που διαφέρουν μεταξύ των πληθυσμών. Καθώς οι Μονάδες Εντατικής Νοσηλείας Νεογνών (ΜΕΝΝ) γίνονται όλο και πιο
πολυπολιτισμικές, οι μαίες καλούνται να υιοθετήσουν κατάλληλες προσεγγίσεις για την υποστήριξη των οικογενειών, καθώς οι
πολιτισμικές διαφορές επηρεάζουν τις πρακτικές γύρω από το θάνατο, την έκφραση του πένθους και την οικογενειακή δυναμική.

Methods

Πρόκειται για αφηγηματική ανασκόπηση που συνθέτει την υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία. Ανακτήθηκαν μελέτες μεταξύ
2014-2024 από τα Pubmed, Science Direct και Google Scholar, χρησιμοποιώντας όρους MeSH. Τα κριτήρια επιλεξιμότητας
περιλάμβαναν την αγγλική γλώσσα, αξιολόγηση από ομοτίμους, μελέτες περιπτώσεων και εκθέσεις από ΜΕΝΝ παγκοσμίως.

Results

Τα ευρήματα αναδεικνύουν πολιτισμικές διαφορές στις εκδηλώσεις θρήνου, αποκαλύπτοντας την ανάγκη
οι μαίες να προσαρμόζουν την προσέγγισή τους στην απώλεια νεογνού με βάση το πολιτισμικό πλαίσιο κάθε οικογένειας.
Σε πολλούς ασιατικούς και αφρικανικούς πολιτισμούς, το πένθος είναι μια κοινοτική εμπειρία, με τα μέλη της ευρύτερης
οικογένειας να παίζουν ενεργό ρόλο στο πένθος υποστηρίζοντας τη στενότερη οικογένεια. Αυτοί οι πολιτισμοί δίνουν έμφαση
σε συλλογικές τελετουργίες πένθους, όπου η συμμετοχή της κοινότητας θεωρείται απαραίτητη. Αντίθετα, οι δυτικοί πολιτισμοί
δίνουν προτεραιότητα στην ατομική έκφραση του πένθους εντός της κεντρικής οικογένειας, με έμφαση στην ιδιωτικότητα και
τους προσωπικούς μηχανισμούς αντιμετώπισης. Βασικά στοιχεία που συμβάλλουν στην αποτελεσματική, πολιτισμικά ευαίσθητη
φροντίδα, περιλαμβάνουν τη χρήση διερμηνέων, ευελιξία στις τελετουργίες, πρόσβαση σε πολιτισμικά ενημερωμένη ψυχολογική
υποστήριξη και την οικοδόμηση εμπιστοσύνης. Τέλος, οι μαίες πρέπει να εφαρμόζουν πολιτισμική ταπεινότητα, αναλογιζόμενες
τις προσωπικές τους προκαταλήψεις ώστε να εξασφαλίσουν υποστήριξη χωρίς αποκλεισμούς.

Conclusions

Για τις μαίες, η κατανόηση και ο σεβασμός της πολιτισμικής ποικιλομορφίας είναι ουσιαστικής σημασίας
για την παροχή συμπονετικής, πολιτισμικά κατάλληλης φροντίδας και της ενίσχυσης της ανθεκτικότητας των οικογενειών.
Η κατάρτιση των επαγγελματιών υγείας σε θέματα πολιτισμικής επάρκειας είναι απαραίτητη προκειμένου να αποκτήσουν
δεξιότητες που να υποστηρίζουν αποτελεσματικά και με ενσυναίσθηση τις οικογένειες που πενθούν.
Curriculum Definition Revisited
Authors: Azar Nasim Gheshlaghi , Hosseini Fakhrosadat
Published: November 2024

The definition of "curriculum" has been the subject of scholarly debate for decades. This commentary revisits one of the most widely accepted definitions of curriculum in health profession education and offers a revised definition. The authors aim to emphasize the importance of planned and unplanned learning experiences in the definition of curriculum. Also, the key role of students’ support to help students make the most of their learning from the un-planned experiences is highlighted. In cases where the holistic learning experiences are neglected, the school is unlikely to achieve its ultimate goals.
Using Lesson Study to Enhance the Quality of Teaching and Learning in Health Professions Education
Authors: Sandars John , Allan David
Published: November 2024

Lesson study (LS) offers a systematic, but flexible, approach for enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in Health Professions Education (HPE). During LS, teachers collaboratively increase their understanding of their own practice with a variety of stakeholders, including students, subject specialists and education experts. There is increasing global use of LS in primary, secondary and higher education, with studies highlighting its impact on enhancing the quality of both teaching and learning through the professional development of teachers. Despite these benefits of LS, there have been few studies of how LS have been implemented in HPE. The article describes how LS can be practically adapted and implemented in a variety of both academic and clinical settings across the continuum of HPE, from basic to postgraduate and continuing professional education. There is great potential of LS as a method for faculty development in HPE, with both integration into current faculty development programmes and as a continuing professional development activity for teachers across the continuum of HPE.
An Outdoor Educational Experience in Health Professions Education: Beyond a Focus Group Study
Authors: Shirazi Mandana , Motlagh Maryam Karbasi , Zarghi Nazila , Nordquist Jonas
Published: November 2024

Outdoor learning can relate students with environment, community, society and themselves. It can benefit students of all ages and successful in a variety of settings. Furthermore, it can enrich the curriculum and improve educational attainment. So, the present study has tried to explore experience of PhD candidates in Medical Education through a focus group. Data were collected from PhD students in medical education after participating in an outdoor session through a focus group which is frequently used as a qualitative approach to gain an in-depth understanding of social issues. Data were analyzed through conventional content analysis approach. Fifteen PhD candidates participated in focus group. Most of them aged above 35. The majority of them were working at Education Development Center (EDC), the rest were clinical practitioner, faculty member and people involved with educational activities. As to conventional content analysis of data, two main categories of instructional and inspirational sides of outdoor learning had emerged with three (Different physical space, Environmental distractors, and Innovative teaching method) and four subcategories (Informal communication, Attractive learning environment, inducing reflection, and making a new viewpoint) respectively. It is recommended to include the outdoor learning experience to provide situations for research and practice. It should be noted that curriculum reform might be necessary for planning the Outdoor learning environments and associated teaching learning methods.
Integrating Solar Cells into Building Materials (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics - BIPV) to Turn Buildings into Self-Sustaining Energy Sources
Authors: Hossen M S , Alam Khorshed , Mostakim Md Ali , Mahmud Upal , Imran Md Al , Fathah Abdullah Al
Published: November 2024

The integration of solar cells into building materials, known as Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), represents a transformative approach to sustainable construction. By converting building surfaces—such as rooftops, facades, and windows—into energy-generating elements, BIPV systems aim to create self-sustaining structures that minimize reliance on traditional power grids. This paper explores the key components, types, and materials used in BIPV systems, including crystalline silicon, thin-film, and emerging organic photovoltaic technologies. BIPV is shown to offer both environmental and economic advantages, such as reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and long-term energy cost savings. However, the deployment of BIPV faces challenges, including high initial costs, technological limitations, and regulatory constraints, which must be addressed to maximize its potential impact.
To illustrate BIPV's capabilities and limitations, case studies of successful applications across different geographic and climatic conditions are examined. These cases demonstrate the effectiveness of BIPV in generating clean energy and reducing energy expenses, highlighting the technology's viability in diverse settings. Additionally, the paper discusses ongoing advancements, such as transparent solar cells and flexible applications, that could further enhance the efficiency and accessibility of BIPV. The findings underscore the importance of policy support, technological innovation, and increased awareness in promoting BIPV as a standard practice in modern architecture. Ultimately, BIPV has the potential to reshape urban environments, making buildings not only energy-efficient but also key contributors to a sustainable energy future.
Eficacia de los modelos de hélice como instrumentos para el desarrollo
Authors: Moreno Villaseñor Oswualdo Getzemany , Marín-Leyva René Augusto
Published: November 2024

Los modelos de hélice son aquellos en los que diferentes actores colaboran para impulsar la innovación y la transferencia de conocimiento, con el fin de promover el desarrollo. Aunque existen teorías que abordan la posibilidad de múltiples hélices, conocidas como N-Tuple hélices, los modelos más comúnmente aplicados son la triple hélice, la cuádruple hélice y la penta hélice.
La triple hélice se centra en la interacción entre el gobierno, las universidades y las empresas. En el modelo de cuádruple hélice, se incluye, además, a la sociedad como un cuarto actor. Por su parte, la quíntuple hélice incorpora factores adicionales que pueden variar según el autor, como recursos naturales, económicos o culturales, entre otros. De manera similar, en las N-Tuple hélices, se agregan otros actores que también pueden diferir dependiendo de la perspectiva del autor. Por estas razones, se puede afirmar que los modelos de hélice fundamentales son la triple y la cuádruple hélice.
El propósito de esta investigación es analizar si los modelos de hélice son eficaces como instrumentos para el desarrollo. La metodología empleada incluye una revisión bibliográfica bajo la metodología salsa, la misma que se plasma a través de un cuadro de análisis. En este cuadro, se evalúan los resultados de trabajos de investigación de diversos referentes teóricos sobre los modelos de hélice, con el objetivo de verificar si se acepta la hipótesis de que estos modelos son eficaces como instrumentos para el desarrollo.
Principal Component Analysis of Morphometric Traits of Tripura Desi Cattle
Authors: Majumder Surita , Chaurasia Deepak Kumar , Gupta Ritu , Ghosh Tanay , Sahu Santosh Kumar , Samal Lipismita , Senapati Manas Ranjan , Tolenkhomba T.C.
Published: November 2024

Background: In 234 cows of Tripura desi cattle from three districts, 18 different biometric traits were measured and analyzed by PCA to explain body conformation. These traits included body length, height at withers, heart girth, paunch girth etc. The native cattle in Tripura are of a smaller breed, according to the average of these several traits. Methods: Six factors that accounted for roughly 75.67% of the variation overall were found using factor analysis with promax rotation. Explaining 26.07% of the total variation, factor 1 characterized the overall body structure. The measurements of tail length, shank length, heart girth, paunch girth, circumference of horn and horn length were significantly positive with high loadings. Result: The outcome indicates that a significant decrease in the number of biometric parameters required to record in order to explain body conformation could lead to the application of principal component analysis (PCA) in breeding programmes. As a result, the study will support conservation efforts and the stabilization of this non-descript breed of cow.
Analysis of Voice and Agency in Countering Backlash Against Gender Justice: Synthesis of Three Policy Cases in Bangladesh
Authors: Sultan Maheen , Islam Mohaiminul , Mahpara Pragyna , Jahan Iffat , Novelly Shamsad Navia
Published: November 2024

This paper consolidates research conducted in Bangladesh on three policy cases to understand how gender justice movements formulate their demands on specific issues in response to the backlash they encounter from anti-rights actors. The cases examined are: the formulation of the Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act (DVPPA), the Hindu Family Law Reform (HFLR) initiative, and online gender-based violence (OGBV). We examine these cases to highlight the similarities and differences in how the movements strategised to place their demands, the alliances and coalitions they formed, the opportunities they seized, the spaces (policy, civic and popular) they were active in, and the results they achieved. We also scrutinise the backlash they faced, the actors involved, the strategies employed by these actors, the alliances formed, and the outcomes obtained.
Does Having More Women in Parliament Result in More Gender-Sensitive Tax Policies? A Case Study of Uganda’s Parliament
Authors: Kangave Jalia , Rukundo Solomon
Published: November 2024

The number of women in parliaments globally has slowly but steadily increased over the years. In Uganda, this number has increased from two women at Uganda’s independence in 1962 to 189 women in the current parliament. To understand the impact that female parliamentarians have on tax debates, we analyse the contents of 72 tax debates that were held in Uganda’s parliament between 1995 and 2022. We then interview former and current members of parliament, officials from the Uganda Women’s Parliamentary Association and the Equal Opportunities Commission and representatives from civil society organisations. We find that most of the gendered tax debates are on issues relating to value-added tax and excise duty, with both female and male parliamentarians playing important roles in engendering these debates. While the engendering of tax debates can be traced back to the early 2000s, it was not until 2014 that gender became a more frequent component in these debates. In addition to the increase in the number of women in parliament, we find three other factors that facilitate the invoking of gender in tax debates: the introduction of the Certificate of Gender and Equity Compliance in 2014, the efforts of the Uganda Women’s Parliamentary Association and the presence of a female speaker of parliament. However, female parliamentarians are constrained in their ability to invoke gender in tax debates because they have limited tax knowledge and are sometimes constrained by political party positions. Summary of Working Paper 199.
How Tanzanian’s Levy on Mobile Money Affects Small Businesses
Authors: Pfeil Stefanie , Murimi Nyaoke , Siebert Marius , Santoro Fabrizio
Published: November 2024

Low-income countries in Africa recently started imposing taxes on mobile money and digital services as a strategy to increase tax revenue. However, there is still limited evidence on the tangible impact of these taxes, or the ideal structure for a well-designed, fair, and transparent tax policy in this area. The introduction of a new government levy on mobile money in Tanzania on 1 July 2021, in addition to the existing 18 per cent value added tax and 10 per cent excise duty, triggered widespread public outcry. Citizens and critics expressed concern about the potential impact of the tax on low-income households, particularly on the financial inclusion of marginalised groups. Consequently several adjustments were made to the e-levy, until it was partially abolished in July 2023. Summary of ICTD Working Paper 213.
“THE ITALIAN GENIO”: L’ITALIANO NEL FOOD MARKETING GLOBALE
Authors: Bertini Malgarini Patrizia , Caria Marzia , Favaro Manuel
Published: November 2024

Il contributo si propone di analizzare gli italianismi utilizzati dai grandi marchi italiani delfood nella comunicazione commerciale internazionale. Per valorizzare i propri prodotti, iprincipali brand del comparto agroalimentare si presentano sui mercati internazionalicostruendo campagne di comunicazione spesso incentrate sul richiamo (più o menoesplicito) all’italianità. L’italianità (e il cosiddetto “vivere all’italiana”), tradizionalmentemolto fortemente colle gata all’alimentazione, nel senso del buon cibo e del mangiar bene,viene richiamata non solo attraverso paesaggi, immagini, musiche che evochino l’Italia,ma anche mediante l’uso di parole e locuzioni italiane (nel nostro caso, ovviamente, sitratterà di termini per lo più relativi alla gastronomia). Gli italianismi assumono così unruolo decisivo nel veicolare nel mondo l’immagine dell’Italia, fornendone però difrequente un’immagine altra rispetto a quella reale, idealizzata, stereotipata, e, in alcunic asi, scivolando nel sogno e nel mito. Si pensi, ad esempio, ai casi in cui il prodottoalimentare italiano viene proposto attraverso la citazione (anche linguistica) di tutti queglielementi che richiamano simbolicamente il cosiddetto “way of life” italian o: il buonmangiare, il piacere della convivialità e dello stare insieme (soprattutto a tavola), lasimpatia, ma anche la buona musica, lo stile e l’eleganza degli italiani. In questaprospettiva, ci si sofferma più nello specifico sulle dinamiche linguist iche e comunicativeutilizzate nel mercato globale per costruire questa immagine di un’Italia più fantastica chereale (“il bel paese”, non a caso, etichetta di un formaggio di grande successo) che possafare presa sui consumatori. Allo scopo di meglio com prendere questo fenomeno, siprendono in considerazione alcuni esempi di comunicazione commerciale di alcuneimportanti aziende che promuovono i loro prodotti all’estero, dalla Barilla alla Ferrero.
UMANA COSA È RIDERE. UNA POSSIBILE INTERPRETAZIONE DEL TEMA DEL RISO NELLA NOVELLA DAL BOCCACCIO AL GRAZZINI
Authors: Maksimović Branislava
Published: November 2024

In questo contributo ci proponiamo di analizzare il motivo del personaggio ridente nellanovellistica tardomedioevale e rinascimentale, inteso come una strategia narrativadell’autore, ovvero come un intervento volontario e consapevole dell’autore destinato adoffrire al lettore/pubblico l’espediente interpr etativo per la giusta comprensione delnarrato. Partendo dalla prima novella boccacciana di Ser Ciappelletto, ormai considerataprogrammatica sotto vari aspetti, nell’analisi diacronica saranno incluse altre novelle delDecameron , nonché quelle di Sacchett i, Salernitano, Bandello e Grazzini. L’analisi testualeincluderà il confronto delle reazioni di due pubblici, uno diegetico e altro extradiegetico(ove presente), in relazione con i due piani narrativi. Nel breve riassunto delleconsiderazioni teoriche su lla poetica della novella, individueremo i principali concetti e leidee dei primi teoretici che saranno poi collegati con la prassi narrativa nella prospettivaintertestuale.
The Effects of Social Network Services Usage Motivations on Depression Among College Students: The Mediating Effects of Loneliness
Authors:   Korean Academy Welfare Counselling, Lee Jae Kyeong , Park Eun A
Published: November 2024

This study was conducted to examine whether loneliness mediates the relationship between university students' motivations for using social network service and depression. For this, a survey was conducted among students at a university in Region M from September to November 2023, with a final sample of 456 responses analyzed using SPSS 26.0. The mediation effect was assessed through Baron and Kenny's three-step regression analysis. The main findings are as follows: First, social network services usage motivations among college students varied significantly based on gender, academic performance, and satisfaction with their major. Second, the motivation for reality avoidance during social network services use significantly impacted both loneliness and depression, whereas the motivation for interpersonal relationship formation significantly affected only loneliness. Third, loneliness was found to partially mediate the relationship between reality avoidance motivation during social network services use and depression. Specifically, the negative influence of reality avoidance motivation on social network services use was confirmed, indicating that this motivation increases loneliness, which in turn positively affects depression. Based on these findings, the study proposes differentiated interventions based on social network services usage motivations and strategies to reduce loneliness among college students.
The Effects of Self Esteem of College Students on Depression: The Mediating Effect of SNS Addiction Tendency and The Moderated Mediating Effect of Excessive Reassurance Seeking
Authors:   Korean Academy Welfare Counselling, Yun Hye Ji , Cha Yu Seong , Lee Eun Young , Kim Youngkeun
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of SNS addiction tendency and the moderated mediation effect of excessive reassurance-seeking in the relationship between self-esteem and depression among university students. A total of 395 students enrolled in universities located in Gyeongsangnam-do were surveyed to assess their levels of self-esteem, depression, SNS addiction tendency, and excessive reassurance-seeking. The key findings of this study are as follows. First, SNS addiction tendency partially mediated the relationship between self-esteem and depression. Second, excessive reassurance-seeking did not show a moderating effect on the relationship between SNS addiction tendency and depression. Third, while SNS addiction tendency mediated the relationship between self-esteem and depression, excessive reassurance-seeking had a moderated mediation effect in the pathway between SNS addiction tendency and depression. This suggests that low self-esteem in university students leads to SNS addiction tendency, which in turn triggers negative emotions such as depression, with excessive reassurance-seeking exacerbating this effect. Notably, although excessive reassurance-seeking did not moderate the relationship between SNS addiction tendency and depression, it moderated the pathway from self-esteem to depression via SNS addiction tendency, indicating the need for therapeutic interventions targeting impaired self-esteem. Lastly, the implications and limitations of this study are discussed, along with suggestions for future research directions.
The Effect of Adult Attachment on Post-traumatic Growth: Moderated Mediation of Optimism and Mentalizing
Authors:   Korean Academy Welfare Counselling, Jeong Seo Yun , Kim Hyoung Soo
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderated mediating effect of mentalization on the relationship between adult attachment and post-traumatic growth (PTG) through the mediation of optimism. To achieve this, the study surveyed 260 adults aged 19-39, gathering data on trauma experiences, adult attachment patterns, and levels of optimism and mentalization through both online and offline questionnaires. The findings of this study are as follows: First, correlation analysis revealed that avoidant attachment had a negative correlation with post-traumatic growth, while anxious attachment showed no significant correlation with PTG. In contrast, mentalization and optimism had significant positive correlations with PTG. Second, mediation analysis indicated that optimism fully mediated the relationship between avoidant attachment and PTG. Third, moderation analysis showed that mentalization had a moderating effect on the relationship between optimism and PTG. Fourth, the moderated mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of avoidant attachment on PTG through optimism was significantly moderated by mentalization. Based on these results, the study discusses its implications and provides suggestions for future research.
A Case Study on the Negative Impact of Caregiver-Centered Operations on Social Welfare Service Utilization: Focused on Yangcheon-gu Adoptee Death Case
Authors:   Korean Academy Welfare Counselling, Yoo Tae Han , Kim Ha Eun
Published: November 2024

This study explores the negative impact of caregivers' social capital on the use of social welfare services through a case study of the child abuse death incident in Yangcheon-gu. By applying social capital theory, the study analyzes how caregivers' intangible capital restricts the rights and choices of vulnerable users, such as children, in the operation of social welfare services. The research methods involved frequency analysis and literature analysis using Textom, revealing the structural issues where children’s choice rights were limited due to caregivers’ social capital during the handling of abuse cases by key actors such as the police, daycare centers, and adoption agencies. The results showed that social capital facilitated a caregiver-centered service operation, leading to situations where children's rights were inadequately protected. Specifically, adoption agencies and the police prioritized their networks and trust with the caregivers over the children's interests, resulting in inadequate protection of the children. In contrast, daycare centers intervened relatively more in line with the children's interests, but were still constrained in their role due to the imbalance of social capital. This study suggests that the imbalance of social capital between caregivers and users in social welfare services can distort service delivery, highlighting the need for institutional interventions and the strengthening of advocacy systems. These measures aim to provide concrete solutions for realizing user-centered service operations in social welfare services in the future.
Evaluation of the Proliferative Effects of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Nanoparticles on Leukemia Cells and Leukemia Stem Cells
Authors: Meriç Neslihan , Kar Fatih , Kar Ezgi
Published: November 2024

Leukemia is a malignant disease that affects the bone marrow, lymphatic system, spleen, and blood-forming organs, leading to an excessive proliferation of white blood cells. Current cancer treatments are often limited by drug resistance, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Nanoparticles, including boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials, have shown promise in enhancing drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy due to their excellent physical and chemical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles (hBN NPs) on leukemia cells and leukemia stem cells to explore their potential use in leukemia treatment.: hBN NPs were synthesized and characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Leukemia cell lines (HL-60 and CCRF-CEM) and CD34+ leukemia stem cells were treated with various hBN NPs. Cell viability was assessed using MTS assays, and flow cytometry was employed to analyze the expression of leukemia surface markers. The study found that hBN NPs did not exhibit significant anticancer properties; instead, they promoted cell proliferation in leukemia cells and stem cells. The CCRF-CEM CD34+ cells showed resistance to hBN NPs treatment, which reduced the treatment's therapeutic efficacy. The lack of cytotoxicity toward healthy cells suggests potential selectivity, yet the proliferative effects on leukemia cells indicate that hBN NPs may not be suitable for leukemia treatment. hBN NPs lack therapeutic potential for leukemia due to their proliferative effects on leukemia cells. Future studies should focus on developing combination therapies and exploring hBN NPs' impact on other cell lines to identify potential synergistic strategies that could overcome resistance mechanisms in leukemia and other cancers.
Reprogrammed lipid metabolism in advanced resistant cancers: an upcoming therapeutic opportunity
Authors: Cioce Mario , Arbitrio Mariamena , Polerà Nicoletta , Altomare Emanuela , Rizzuto Antonia , De Marco Carmela , Fazio Vito Michele , Viglietto Giuseppe , Lucibello Maria
Published: November 2024

Resistance of cancer to therapy is the main challenge to its therapeutic management and is still an unsolved problem. Rearranged lipid metabolism is a strategy adopted by cancer cells to counteract adversity during their evolution toward aggressiveness and immune evasion. This relies on several mechanisms, ranging from altered metabolic pathways within cancer cells to evolved dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME), with some cell populations at the forefront of metabolic reprogramming, thereby contributing to the resistance of the whole ecosystem during therapy. Unraveling these mechanisms may contribute to the development of more effective combinatorial therapy in resistant patients. This review highlights the alterations in lipid metabolism that contribute to cancer progression, with a focus on the potential clinical relevance of such findings for the management of therapy resistance.
Multi-model integration accelerates Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy screening
Authors: Yuan Yanru , Sui Yudong , Li Pengfei , Quan Meng , Zhou Hao , Jiang Aoyang
Published: November 2024

The 7xxx (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) alloys were extensively utilised in aerospace and rail transit due to their low density, high strength, and excellent processability. Nevertheless, an increase in strength inevitably comes at the expense of ductility, and vice versa, which was known as the “strength-ductility trade-off” dilemma. Extensive research had been conducted to address this issue, accumulating a large amount of experimental and computational data. However, the conventional approach of trial-and-error largely relied on the empirical knowledge of researchers. If the expected results are not obtained, the experiment will need to be repeated constantly. The emergence of machine learning (ML) as a new paradigm had introduced novel data analysis tools for basic scientific research. Numerous studies had demonstrated the feasibility and reliability of ML methods. Consequently, this paper adopted ML methods to investigate this dilemma of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys. A multi-algorithm integrated model was employed to accelerate the screening of the target mechanical properties. Four high-strength and high-ductility alloys were designed using the desired target properties as inputs. The alloys designed by the ML methods were experimentally prepared. Additionally, the effects of extrusion and rolling processes on the alloy’s properties were compared. Notably, the E4 alloy exhibited an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 709 ± 4 MPa and an elongation (EL) of 16% ± 1%, which represents a significant enhancement in comprehensive performance. This study provides a reference for resolving the “strength-ductility trade-off” dilemma, and contributes to the development of more competitive aluminium alloy materials.
A new species of Chayamaritia (Gesneriaceae) from Thailand
Authors:   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverlieth Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR, Scotland, U.K., Middleton David J. , Tetsana Naiyana ,   Forest Herbarium, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, 61 Phahonyothin Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.., Puudjaa Pachok ,   Forest Herbarium, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, 61 Phahonyothin Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand., Kerdkaew Orathai ,   Forest Herbarium, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, 61 Phahonyothin Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand., Suddee Somran ,   Forest Herbarium, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, 61 Phahonyothin Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
Published: November 2024

The new species Chayamaritia sirindhorniana (Gesneriaceae) is described from materials collected in Loei Province in Northeastern Thailand. As it is currently only known from the type locality, further exploration of the region is needed to assess its conservation status.
Análisis de ciclo de vida de la remediación de suelo contaminado con plomo por lavado y fitoextracción
Authors: González-Cardoso Griselda , Labastida-Núñez Israel , López-Guzmán Mónica Silvia , Beltrán-Villavicencio Margarita , Turpin-Marion Sylvie Jeanne
Published: November 2024

Los residuos de la minería se disponen en presas de jales que contaminan suelos. Se ha reportado un suelo agrícola del municipio de Zimapán, Hidalgo, México, impactado por jales, con una concentración de plomo de 647.5 mg Pb/kg de suelo seco, por arriba del límite máximo permisible (400 mg Pb/kg) establecido en la NOM-147-SEMARNAT/SS41-2004. Por ello, se han evaluado en laboratorio dos tecnologías para su remediación: lavado de suelo con ácido etildiaminotetraacético (EDTA) y fitoextracción asistida. En este trabajo se comparó la evaluación del impacto del ciclo de vida de las dos tecnologías, una de ellas con dos escenarios de disposición de residuos, para lo cual la unidad funcional fue remediar 1 kg de suelo contami-nado por jales mineros con 647.5 mg Pb/kg, para cumplir el límite máximo permisible. Se realizó para ambas tecnologías el inventario de ciclo de vida con datos experimentales y con la base de datos Ecoinvent 3.8; y se analizaron 18 categorías de impactos con el método ReCiPe 2016 mediante el software SimaPro v9.5. La contribución del lavado de suelos con EDTA es mayor que la de la fitoextracción asistida en 17 categorías; la mayor contribución de la fitoextracción asistida fue el consumo de agua; y, para ambas tecnologías, la mayor contribución fue la toxicidad humana carcinógena, debido a la emisión de sustancias tóxicas que ocurren durante el proceso de fabricación del EDTA. La fitoextracción asistida resultó ser más viable que el lavado con EDTA por generar menores impactos ambientales.
Rethinking Energy Conservation and Generation for Sustainable Solutions-An Innovative Energy Circuitry Approach
Authors: Kimuya Alex Mwololo
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces an innovative energy circuit that challenges conventional understandings of energy conservation, marking a significant departure from traditional frameworks. Seeking to enhance energy generation within existing paradigms, this innovation holds promise for addressing pressing global issues such as the energy crisis and environmental sustainability, while also stimulating scientific inquiry. In contrast to prevalent misconceptions rooted in philosophical and scientific constraints, this study refutes the notion of generating energy from nothing and questions the viability of perpetual motion machines as conceptual models. Instead, it proposes a novel circuit design derived from an unconventional electrical short circuit, which is shown to disrupt the established principles of energy conservation. This circuit offers a transformative approach with diverse applications, including self-recharging capabilities for electric vehicles, bolstering microgrid infrastructure, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. Transcending conventional scientific boundaries, this paper prompts philosophical reflections on the evolving nature of scientific exploration. Ultimately, the energy circuit represents a pivotal step towards mitigating the global energy crisis by reducing reliance on finite resources and fostering sustainability. The paper concludes by illustrating the circuit's potential to revolutionize energy systems and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future.
Nutraceutical Strategies for Aging: Looking Towards Parkinson’s Disease and Frailty
Authors: Montanari Martina , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Martella Giuseppina
Published: November 2024

Aging is a biological process denoted by a slow and progressive decline in physiological function, and it is often associated with several disorders collectively known as age-related diseases (ARDs). With the aging global population, ARDs like Parkinson's Disease (PD) and frailty are becoming more common, highlighting the need for innovative strategies. Nutraceuticals are naturally bioactive compounds contained in foods offering health benefits over and above essential nutrition, which is critical for preventing and coping with ARDs. By examining literature from the past decade, this review highlights how nutraceuticals can act as complementary therapies, addressing key processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroprotection. Notably, the antioxidant action of nutraceuticals appears particularly beneficial in PD and frailty. For instance, antioxidant-rich nutraceuticals may mitigate the oxidative damage linked to levodopa therapy in PD, potentially reducing side effects and enhancing treatment sustainability. Similarly, the antioxidant effects of nutraceuticals may amplify the benefits of physical activity, enhancing muscle function, cognitive health, and resilience, thereby reducing the risk of frailty. This review proposes a holistic approach integrating nutraceuticals with exercise, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. t promises to transform the management of ARD, prolong life, and improve the quality of life and well-being of older people.