bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Modification and Extension of the Equivalence Principle
Authors: Wang Jianan
Published: October 2024

In this article, the strong equivalence principle is analyzed by the gravitational mechanism of etheric pressure, and the conclusion is drawn that an object at rest in a uniform gravitational field of a certain strength is equivalent to moving in a straight line in a uniform etheric space with a certain speed (not a certain acceleration). According to this gravitational mechanism, gravitational field is a scalar (energy) field, and gravity is caused by the asymmetric density distribution of space energy, resulting in the asymmetric etheric pressure on the object at rest in space. The experimental fact of equivalence between gravity fields and velocity (rather than acceleration) in terms of time dilation has proven the equivalence between uniform gravity fields and inertial systems with uniform motion. It further deduces that gravity fields are equivalent to velocity in terms of the increase in the inertial mass effect of objects, and gravity fields are equivalent to velocity in terms of the contraction effect of the electron orbit radius of atoms. The Ether (energy) field with a gradient of field strength generated by a fluid whose flow velocity decreases perpendicular to its motion is equivalent to the gravitational field with a gradient of field strength. Using these modified and extended equivalence principles, the author explains Newton's bucket experiment, the Casimir effect, and explains what reference system the flow rate of fluid in Bernoulli equation is relative to, and why the higher the flow rate is relative to the reference system, the lower the pressure.
Looking for cycles in an alternative representation of the Collatz sequences
Authors: Hernandez Javier
Published: October 2024

Would it be possible to define a procedure capable to find all the existing cycles within the Collatz sequences? In this article we address this question in two stages: in the first one, we propose an equivalent and reversible set of actions to represent any Hailstone sequence. In the second one, we show a condition which any loop satisfies within this new definition, ultimately revealing that the problem 3n + 1 generates just a single cycle for any value of n, being moreover, always reached.
The Role of Nutrition in Preventing Chronic Diseases
Authors: AJEWOLE ABIGAIL OMOTAYO
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing these diseases by promoting health through balanced diets rich in nutrients and reducing the consumption of harmful substances. This article explores the connection between nutrition and chronic disease prevention, reviewing various studies and offering practical recommendations for diet-based interventions aimed at reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.
Earth: A World of Continuous Problem-Solving
Authors: Ugwu Abel Friday
Published: October 2024

The world we inhabit is characterized by an endless series of challenges that individuals, communities, and nations must confront. From environmental crises to socio-economic disparities, the problems humanity faces are as within the context of a continuous problem-solving framework. It argues that the existence of problems is not inherently negative; rather, it drives innovation, collaboration, and progress. Through a and analyses from various domains, this paper illustrates how the perpetual cycle of problem identification and resolution shapes human experience and fosters resilience.
Investigating the Role of Human Brands in Developing Media Literacy and Critical Thinking of Consumers: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ghorbani Asiabar Dr. Mojtaba , Ghorbani Asiabar Morteza , Ghorbani Asiabar Alireza
Published: October 2024

In the information age, media literacy and critical thinking have become essential skills for consumers. This longitudinal study examines the role of human brands in developing these vital competencies. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, data were collected from 500 participants over an 18-month period. Multiple regression analysis revealed that engagement with credible human brands significantly increased consumers' ability to detect fake news (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Furthermore, repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated that participants' critical thinking skills improved significantly over time (F(2, 998) = 15.73, p < 0.001, η² = 0.03). Qualitative interviews provided deep insights into the underlying mechanisms of this influence. These findings have important implications for marketers, policymakers, and educators in promoting media literacy.

The study employed a novel approach by combining quantitative assessments with in-depth qualitative analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized relationships between human brand engagement, media literacy, and critical thinking (CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.06). The results highlight the potential of human brands as educational conduits in an increasingly complex media landscape.

This research contributes to the growing body of literature on influencer marketing and media education, offering practical strategies for leveraging human brands to enhance consumer competencies. Future studies could explore the long-term retention of these skills and their application across different cultural contexts.
A Comparative Study of Community-Based Tourism: Chambok EcoTourism Site in Cambodia and Kerujuk Village Eco-Tourism in North Lombok
Authors: Anggratyas Putu Arya Reksa
Published: October 2024

Community-based tourism (CBT) is recognized as a tool for sustainable development that empowers local communities to manage tourism initiatives while protecting their environment and culture. This paper explores and compares two Ecotourism models: Chambok Ecotourism Site in Cambodia and Kerujuk Village Ecotourism in North Lombok, Indonesia. Through a comparative analysis, we examine how each community integrates tourism with local resources, empowers residents, and addresses environmental and social challenges. The study highlights the benefits of CBT in poverty alleviation and environmental conservation while also discussing the unique challenges each location faces.
Las funciones ejecutivas y el ajedrez: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Montoya Diana Marcela , Urquijo Sebastián , Barrero Trejos Sandra Johanna
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura científica, por medio de la búsqueda de investigaciones en la última década, sobre las relaciones entre las funciones ejecutivas y el ajedrez. Método: se desarrolló una búsqueda en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scielo, Pubmed, Scopus y en Google académico, para el período 2012-2022, mediante la metodología de revisión sistemática. Resultados: se encontraron 66 artículos y solo se analizaron 13 que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Fue posible identificar relaciones del ajedrez con 4 funciones ejecutivas; inhibición, flexibilidad, memoria de trabajo y planificación, además del funcionamiento ejecutivo en general. Conclusión: la mayoría de las investigaciones de los últimos 10 años proveen evidencia que permite demostrar la hipótesis de que la práctica del ajedrez se asocia a un mejor desempeño ejecutivo; también se encuentra un único artículo que por el contrario rechaza esta relación, Discusión: los resultados han sugerido que la práctica sistemática del ajedrez contribuye al desarrollo del funcionamiento ejecutivo. Por ser una práctica de fácil alcance se podría aprovechar sus beneficios incorporándola en diversos escenarios educativos.
De la innovación a la rutina: Ilusiones, dificultades y frustraciones entre docentes de educación primaria
Authors: Maqueda Javier
Published: October 2024

Para algunas líneas de investigación, la dificultad para introducir metodologías activas en el aula tendría que ver con las carencias formativas del profesorado, que no sabría ver los beneficios que comportan estas metodologías o no sabría ponerlas en práctica. A partir de una investigación cualitativa de carácter etnográfico en dos CEIP públicos de Andalucía bilingües y con una mezcla variable de alumnado de clase media y de clase media - baja indagamos en estos supuestos y observamos qué relación existe entre la pervivencia de estas prácticas de innovación y su adecuación a la gramática de la escolaridad de las aulas y al entramado micropolítico de la escuela. Los resultados muestran que los intentos de introducción de estas metodologías por parte de un grupo de docentes nóveles que recurre al apoyo de profesionales para mejorar sus prácticas suponen el abandono de los dispositivos más eficaces para mantener la legitimidad de su propia posición frente a las intenciones y los intereses de otros agentes. Las dificultades generadas por esta dinámica provocan el descrédito de los grupos especialistas entre el claustro y el surgimiento de todo un conjunto de estrategias pedagógicas de carácter local alejadas de las prescripciones expertas.
Být perfektní, nebo dospělí?
Authors: Moree Dana
Published: October 2024

The article presents the data collected during the application of the theatre of the oppressed method among the students of the Faculty of Humanities, Charles University of Prague in 2012–13. Students chose the theme of the pressure to “be perfect” as a result of their team work. The theatrical plays that resulted out of the group work were presented by the forum method; focus group meetings and individual interviews with students followed. Based on this experience, there are several topics discussed in the article: The method of the theatre of the oppressed is analysed as one of methods of action research; The pressure to “be perfect”, which was chosen as a main form of oppression in students’ group, is analysed in the context of the political changes in the Czech Republic after 1989. The last question discussed is to what extent is it possible to use this kind of data in the “traditional” interpretation of social reality in conventional qualitative research.
On the Complexity of the Urbanization Process of the Bushmen
Authors: Nedvěd Radek
Published: October 2024

Although overlooked by both administrators as well as anthropologists, and numerically rather marginal, the Bushmen have been always part of the Namibian urban spaces on their erstwhile territories. Based on several field research trips to the area of Grootfontein between 2007 and 2013 and archival research, this article outlines the complex historical processes and factors influencing the mobility of the !Xun Bushmen into, and out of, the urban space of Grootfontein in the commercial farming area of Namibia. Even though the mobility to its urban space was largely legally controlled during both the German and South African rule, the Bushmen continuously managed to penetrate it. With the development of the Blikkiesdorp settlement in the township of Grootfontein in the early 2000s, when many Bushmen were allocated a plot by the municipality, the number of !Xun in the town conside­rably increased and they became an integral part of the afore-mentioned settlement. This article argues that the reasons for Bushman urbanization are far more complex than being solely economically motivated.
Who cares?
Authors: Ezzeddine Petra
Published: October 2024

The Czech Republic is in the process of transforming its social system which is not capable of managing adequate care of its old citizens. In the last years we have witnessed an increase in the number of mediating agencies that import mainly Ukranian migrants for the purpose of engaging them in care work focusing on elderly people. The paper presents results of pilot ethnograpic research and focuses on commodification of care work for elderly people and the vulnerable character of domestic care work provided by Ukrainian female migrants in the Czech Republic. I argue that this specific “product” – the Ukrainian female caregiver – is based on the intersections of gender, ethnicity and migration.
The Status of Citizens and Migrants in Light of the Non‑Discrimination Principle
Authors: Scheu Harald Christian
Published: October 2024

Migration is connected to a large number of civil and political rights like, e.g., the non-refoulement principle, the respect for private and family life, a fair trial and personal liberty, human dignity and freedom of opinion, as well as social rights like, e.g., the right to just conditions of work, the right to fair remuneration, the right to social security and the right to health care. In the international human rights doctrine there is little doubt about the close link between international protection of human rights and the regulation of migration. Also the jurisprudence of international and national courts has clearly demonstrated that migration is one of the most complex human rights issues of our time.
Zuzana Jurková (ed.): Pražské hudební světy / Prague Soundscapes
Authors: Libánská Alena
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Zuzana Jurková.
Pilotní výzkum v etnografii
Authors: Vavroch Michal
Published: October 2024

This article discusses the importance of a pilot study when undertaking qualitative inquiry. One of the fundamental characteristics of qualitative research is the emerging design. This means that research question(s) may be adjusted, the methodology of data collection modified and the place changed after entering the field. The paper presents my own experience with the transformation of a research design during the research process. The subject of my research was the interaction between the Roma and the majority population, which I decided to investigate through the ethnographic approach. The necessary preliminary analysis was conducted. However, after entering the field, I discovered that the research agenda was in conflict with the nature of the environment. It was necessary to find a new line of inquiry which took me a considerable amount of time. The question is whether it could be avoided by a pilot study implementation. In order to assess the role of this method, I created a virtual pilot study. It presents, in detail, the specific procedures used and their utilization. Although my field activities met a number of parameters of the pilot study, the main point was not implemented – a fundamental change in the research design. The purpose of this paper is to initiate a discussion on the usefulness of a pilot study in ethnography. It could be interesting especially for beginning researchers, and / or for those wishing to do research in hard-to-reach groups. The text itself is written in reflexive form. It also suggests some of the findings related to the theoretical grasp of the Roma identity and identification.
Jozef Tancer: Neviditeľné mesto. Prešporok / Bratislava v cestopisnej literatúre
Authors: Luther Daniel
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Jozef Tancer.
Marek Jakoubek: Vojvodovo: historie, obyvatelstvo, migrace
Authors: Fatková Gabriela
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Marek Jakoubek.
Architektura omezení
Authors: Altová Blanka , Nešpor Zdeněk R.
Published: October 2024

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Counter-Reformation in the Central European Hapsburg lands led to the full prohibition (Bohemia, Moravia, Alpine lands) or to the wide restriction (Silesia, Hungary) of Protestantism, which included the confiscations of Protestant churches and the imposition of legal restrictions on the construction of new ones. Four types of such "restricted churches" should be identified: (1) Silesian "Churches of Peace", built after the Thirty Years' War, (2) Hungarian "articular" churches, erected according the decision of the Congress of Sopron in 1681, (3) Silesian "churches of mercy", built after the Altranstädt Convention in 1707, and (4) Bohemian, Moravian, Silesian and Hungarian "tolerance churches", erected after the issue of religious Edicts of Tolerance in 1781, before the full emancipation of Austrian Protestants in the mid-19th century. This article is dedicated to the comparative study of church architecture, localizations, inner furnishings and the respective legal restrictions in various lands and times. The first part of the article, published in this issue, provides a general historical outline and a description of three "Churches of Peace" and of 39 "articular" churches, while the next part will cover the two other types of churches and shall address the analytical issues. The authors will discuss (1) the sources and mutual influences of Protestant church architecture in various Central European countries (regions); (2) the sources and mutual influences of the legal restrictions on Protestant church architecture in specific Hapsburg lands; and (3) the questions of who, how and to what degree were these forms/restrictions imposed.
Zatčení 1848
Authors: Šiková Olga
Published: October 2024

This historical source presents the manuscript of the sermon delivered in June 1848 by Václav Krolmus. The transliterated personal document reflects the atmosphere of this revolutionary year from the perspective of a patriotic Czech Catholic priest, politician, writer, archaeologist and ethnographer. The manuscript opens the intellectual world of a person who was actively involved in the historical events that supported the development of future Czech society, and demonstrates his attitudes and opinions. The publication includes Krolmus's biography, as well a description and analysis of the historical source.
Pojmy, objekty, vztahy a systémy
Authors: Horský Jan
Published: October 2024

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, historical demography freed itself from the grip of its traditional explanation of demographic phenomena based on economic factors (J. Meuvret, P. Goubert), especially thanks to J. Dupâquiere and, in Czechoslovakia, L. Kárníková. Constituted by its own heuristics and methodology (L. Henry), it began to be interested in family structures (P. Laslett, M. Mitterauer). In Czech historiography, demography in the 1960’s-80’s symbolised a productive means of cushioning tendencies of the dogmatic use of Marxism (L. Kárníková, P. Horská, E. Maur and others). Its role in our environment wasn’t much different from that of its standings in Western European historiography, where it also could serve as a counterweight to strictly economic explanations. The fact that demography established itself as an independent science with its own terminology and methodology allows it to now – after the “cultural revolution” – assuage the excessive emphasis placed on the “emic” approach; also, as one of the most exact historical disciplines, it serves as a source of adequate arguments against radical versions of narrative and linguistic criticism of historiography. The explicative success of some historic-demographic models should not lead to the nominalisation of historical demography, however. If it is successful in this effort, it can then greatly contribute to the ability of understanding sociocultural reality also as a plurality of relatively autonomous systems, found in anthropology, history, sociology and to the demography of contemporary populations.
Mateřství a otcovství v současnosti s přihlédnutím k historickému kontextu
Authors: Nešporová Olga
Published: October 2024

The institution of parenthood has undergone dramatic changes in the past decades, hand-in-hand with the other social changes taking place and mainly affecting socio-economic areas. It was about the 1970’s when women starting making a more distinctive impact on the public sphere and on the labour market, which disrupted the previous concept of private motherhood. Women-mothers began to work in the so-called two-shift model, i.e. not only at home, but also outside of its boundaries. Fatherhood then witnessed a significant shift from authority to the weakening of a father’s role. As a reaction, the policies of many European countries attempted to aid mothers in combining their parental and professional roles and to strengthen the position of fathers through their active involvement in the upbringing and care of their children. In the past decades, there has also been a shift from parenthood as a natural state of things to parenthood as a chosen state. Linked to this is a decrease in the esteem held for parenthood as an implicit part of a fulfilled life in both women and men. This process began even earlier, and was more marked in the countries of Northern and Western Europe in comparison with the Czech Republic and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Církev a homosexualita
Authors: Koumar Jan
Published: October 2024

This material deals with the personal concepts of homosexuality that the clergymen of Christian churches create as a reaction to the normative approach of their church and as a reaction to social reality. The material contains the description, data and the results of the research I conducted among homosexual clergymen in the Czech Republic, and it originally constituted the practical part of the bachelor's thesis I wrote under the tutelage of M. C. Putna at the Faculty of Humanities at Charles University in Prague. The questions this research set out to answer were how Christian clergymen regard homosexuality, how they understand the normative approach of their own church and how much they agree with it, and furthermore, to what extent they are "out of the closet" and to what extent they fit into the normative view of their church.
Polish Medical Migrants in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ślęzak Ewa
Published: October 2024

The paper aims at analyzing the effects induced by processes of migration of Polish medical professionals to the United Kingdom following Poland´s accession to the European Union and their situation in the UK. First, a brief note on the methodology and characteristics of the sample is presented. Second, migration of Polish medical professionals is juxtaposed to existing migration theories. Third, belonging and integration are introduced, to be followed by some striking observations related to Polish medical migrants in the UK. Migrants share their opinions of the receiving society and of their lives in Poland and the UK.
Usmíření jako konečné stadium řešení konfliktu
Authors: Oberpfalzerová Hana
Published: October 2024

The aim of this synoptic article is to provide the reader with a basic understanding of the issue of reconciliation after open armed conflict. We shall mention the most significant concepts, theories amd authors in this field; however, the article does not and cannot cover all concepts in great detail due to restricted space. The article is divided into three parts, which consecutively answer the following three questions: what is the role of reconciliation in the process of conflict resolution and in the prevention of further conflicts? What are the definitions of reconciliation, and what are its various concepts and dimensions? What are the mechanisms that lead to reconciliation, and what are the obstacles that this process faces? The discussed literature concentrates on the role of reconciliation in violent, protracted and intractable conflicts. The article itself falls under the category of peace and conflict studies, in the field of conclict resolution and of the so-called peace psychology.
Architektura omezení
Authors: Altová Blanka , Nešpor Zdeněk R.
Published: October 2024

This second part of the comparative study of Protestant churches constructed during the Habsburg Dynasty in the era of the Counter-Reformation discusses the six Silesian "Churches of Grace", as well as the several hundred "Toleration Churches" in the Czech Lands, in Moravia, in Austrian Silesia and in the Kingdom of Hungary (the first part of the study was published in volume 15, 2013, 1). From the perspective of art history, the "Churches of Grace" are described individually, whereas in the case of the "Toleration Churches", the description is mainly refrained to the Czech Lands and the universal traits of such constructions, documented through specific examples. The authors show that local conditions and the possibilities of local congregations played a greater role in the design, the construction and the furnishing of individual churches than the external religious legislative restrictions. The significant influence of these external restrictions on the architecture of Evangelical churches in the Habsburg lands wasn´t felt until the period of religious tolerance at the end of the 18th and in the first half of the 19th centuries. More important than the religious restrictions themselves (typically expressed in the location of the construction and in the prohibition of building towers), which were taken hard by the Evangelicals, was the obligation to use the so-called national style and the required types of construction styles and norms, which defined the character and size of all public buildings. This fact has been practically ignored in all literature to date. Such requirements, along with other conditions simultaneously prevented a more significant use of earlier or foreign architectural styles, except for the Evangelical church architecture of Austrian Silesia, to some extent.
Seeing Gender in Migration
Authors: Bludau Heidi , Ezzeddine Petra
Published: October 2024

It is well known that, for a long time, gender was absent from studies of migration. Migrants were men and any mention of women or cgildren was in the context of trailing spouses and and other dependents or unskilled and often exploited and/or sexual workers. In general, women were, and to much extent still are, absent from economic data since much of women´s labour is done within the domestic sphere and is not perceived as economic activity. Even when this labour is done outside of the woman´s own home it is invisible to public view. It was only recently that women even entered the public migration narrative. When the "feminization of migration" coincided with feminist and post-modernist movements in social sciences, including anthropology, gender became a primary subject of migration studies.
Anna Triandafyllidou (ed.): Irregular Migrant Domestic Workers in Europe: Who Cares?
Authors: Ezzeddine Petra
Published: October 2024

A review of the book by Anna Triandafyllidou.
Jiří Musil (1928-2012) nám bude výrazně chybět
Authors: Skalník Petr
Published: October 2024

Jiří Musil si byl v poslední době vědom, že už mu nezbývá moc času. Přesto s neudolatelnou energií psal, vymýšlel nové projekty, žil současností. Letos to byla série přednášek o české modernitě, kterou inicioval spolu s Johannem Árnasonem. Českou modernitu považoval za specifickou a málo doceněnou, u nás i v zahraničí. Když jsme společně slavili jeho 84. narozeniny, přednesl na gellnerovském semináři velmi zajímavý příspěvek o židovském segmentu českého společenského a kulturního života. Jiří byl kosmopolita a přál si, aby to, co je v naší české společnosti cenné a zajímavé, bylo dostupné i ostatní Evropě a světu.
Atypical Manifestation of X-linked Agammaglobulinemia – the Importance of Genetic Testing
Authors: Markocsy Adam , Kapustová Daniela , Čereš Andrej , Froňkova Eva , Jeseňák Miloš
Published: October 2024

X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) was one of the first inborn errors of immunity to be described. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the gene for Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), which has important functions in B cell development and maturation. Recurrent bacterial infections in the first two years of life and hypogammaglobulinemia with absent B cells in male patients are the most common symptoms. A four-month-old male patient underwent surgical removal of urachus persistens complicated with recurrent scar abscesses. Hypogammaglobulinemia (IgG, IgA, and IgM), low phagocytic activity, mild neutropenia, and a normal percentage of B cells were observed in the patient’s immune laboratory profile. Over time, he suffered recurrent respiratory infections (otitis media and rhinosinusitis) and developed B cell depletion, but interestingly, this was with a normalisation of IgG and IgA levels along with undetectable IgM. Molecular-genetic testing confirmed the presence of the pathogenic variant c.1843C>T in the BTK gene, which is associated with a milder phenotype of XLA. Molecular-genetic testing uncovers the variability of clinical and laboratory features of apparently well-known inherited disorders. Patients with mild “leaky” XLA may have normal levels of non-functional or oligoclonal immunoglobulins.
Ergonomic implementation of movement interventions in healthcare from the point of view of the physiotherapist
Authors: Ravnik David , Merše Lovrinčević Katerina , Bittner Václav
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Healthcare workers have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems, which are often associated with the physical demands of their work, especially with manual handling, lifting and helping patients with mobility. In this paper, we examined these interventions from the physiotherapist’s point of view, mainly with the help of biomechanics, and proposed appropriate ergonomic approaches to reduce risks of musculoskeletal disorders.
Methods: We analysed two basic interventions: helping patients to sit over the edge of the bed (starting in the supine position) and helping them to stand up. To determine the safest and most effective methods, we used a combined approach of biomechanics and ergonomics, and we also considered the patient’s cooperation in order to train independence and functionality. This approach has also been explained with the help of ergonomic principles.
Results: The optimization of assisting patients to sit over the edge of the bed emphasized minimal lifting, gradual execution, effective rotation of partial centres of gravity, patient activation, use of levers (to use gravity), and rotation instead of lifting. When helping patients to stand up, it is most optimal for the healthcare worker to stand next to the patient, ideally on the side where the patient has preserved better functionality. All the proposed methods have proven to be more ergonomically effective and safe, and allow the patient to gain more independence and functionality.
Discussion: By incorporating the principles of ergonomics and biomechanics, we can reduce the physical burdens of healthcare workers, which does not only improve the safety of healthcare providers, but also increases the safety and independence of patients. Our findings highlight the need to evaluate the relevance of traditional approaches to lifting and handling patients in healthcare.
Conclusion: Incorporation of optimized methods into patient mobility curricula for healthcare professionals is suggested. Policy changes that focus on reducing manual tasks and lifting and include ergonomic interventions can play a key role in reducing work-related musculoskeletal problems.
Editorial
Authors: Prchlík Ivan , Bakyta Ján , Bažil Martin
Published: October 2024

Editorial
Themistocles in Cicero’s Letter to Lucceius
Authors: Nývlt Pavel
Published: October 2024

After a brief introduction to modern literature on Cicero’s famous letter to Lucceius (Fam. V, 12 [SB 22]) and its importance for Cicero’s idea of history, the paper focuses on the two mentions of Themistocles in the letter. In both instances, the correctness of Cicero’s statements is hard to defend, and previous attempts to explain this have been unpersuasive. It is possible that Cicero was simply mistaken, but on balance it seems more likely that his mistakes were intentional, made to provoke Lucceius to correct him. Had Lucceius done so, Cicero could have claimed that Lucceius was rude, and used it as further leverage on Lucceius to deliver the laudatory monograph on Cicero’s conduct from his consulship up to his return from exile.
Efficient Human Growth Hormone Gene Expression in the Milk of Non-transgenic Goats
Authors: Han Z. , Wu S. , Li Qingwang , Li J. , Gao D. , Li K. , Liu Z. W. , Zhao H.
Published: October 2024

Heterogenous expression of recombinant proteins in milk of livestock at a large scale is very labour-intensive to be achieved with current transgenic animals, and usually seen as time-consuming, expensive and technically most challenging. Here we describe a convenient system for transient production of recombinant human growth hormone and its extensive use in recombinant protein production for therapeutic purposes. In this study, an adenoviral vector containing the GFP gene and hGH gene was constructed for direct infusion into the epithelium of mammary glands of goats via the teat canal during the period of natural lactation. Western-blot analysis of milk samples obtained from all of the viral-treated founders indicated that the recombinant hGH (rhGH) was secreted into the milk of the goats. The concentrations of rhGH in milk ranged from 0.6 to 2.4 mg/ml and lasted for more than 10 days during lactation. These data suggest that it is possible to produce larger amounts of recombinant human growth hormone in the milk of livestock animals by using replication-defective adenoviruses.
Phytochemistry of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. and Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & C. H. Eberm. and in silico studies of the role of their bioactive components against cancer
Authors: Daimari Enush , Dutta Uma , Tochhawng Lalhriatpuii
Published: October 2024

Phytochemical profiling using reliable equipment and validated methods helps us know the medicinal value of the plants. Since natural compounds have fewer side effects, they can serve as replacements for synthetic drugs that are being used in the treatment of challenging chronic diseases like cancer. The present study focuses on the bioactive phytochemical profiling of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng., and Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & C. H. Eberm. and in silico studies to check the anticancer potential of their bioactive components. In thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate analysis, it was found that the methanolic extracts of plants contained the maximum number of components. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the methanolic extracts of plants showed the presence of 22 bioactive components. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis of the extracts of these plants showed the important chromatographic peak, apigenin. In silico studies showed the binding efficacy of selected bioactive components observed in the analysis of plant extracts. Amongst them, apigenin was found to be most effective at binding to the receptors of targeted cancer cells, viz., hepatocellular carcinoma, lung, and breast cancer. After the analysis of the study, it was arrived at the conclusion that the plants, viz., P. crispum, M. koenigii, and C. tamala, possess various bioactive components, and some of these components have anticancer potential. Therefore, in vivo and in vitro studies should be essentially conducted for the development of cancer-preventive drugs.
Green horizons: Exploring the potential of vertical green walls
Authors: Jeyasurya T  , C. Subesh Ranjith Kumar  , P. Irene Vethamoni  , K. Sivasubramanian  , M. Djanaguiraman
Published: October 2024

The term “Green walls” also known as vertical gardens or living walls has emerged as a promising solution to combat the environmental challenges posed by rapid urbanization. This review explores the concept ornamental, plant choice suitable and benefits associated with green walls in urban settings. Utilising vegetation to cover vertical surfaces, green walls offer several benefits to the environment, society and economy. They contribute to improved air quality, noise reduction, energy conservation and biodiversity enhancement. Vertical greenery allows for the utilization of unused wall surfaces, creating green areas without occupying valuable ground space, which is often scarce in urban environments. Additionally, green walls offer aesthetic appeal, promote urban agriculture and create opportunities for community engagement. However, their implementation requires careful consideration of factors such as structural integrity, irrigation and maintenance. Despite these challenges, green walls offer a sustainable and innovative approach to enhancing the quality of urban life while mitigating the negative impacts of urban development on the environment. The current emphasis highlights the significance of green walls as an effective tool in sustainable urban planning, underscoring the need for further research and their integration into urban planning practices.
Comparative Impacts of Ex-Ante and Ex-Post Regulation in Digital Markets: An Event Study Analysis of Stock Price Reactions
Authors: Arai Koki
Published: October 2024

In the analysis of digital markets and competition, it is imperative to consider the regulatory landscape. Specifically, with the shift from ex post to ex ante regulation in competition law, establishing a competitive environment reflective of regulatory costs becomes imperative. This study investigates the market’s assessment of ex ante regulation through stock price event analysis. The findings reveal that the market perceives a 10–20 % negative impact on businesses from ex ante regulation for each event upon finalization of the regulatory framework or identification of regulated entities. Unlike ex-post regulation, which targets specific businesses and yields varied impacts in competition law violations, ex ante regulation’s broader influence is remarkable. ex ante regulation incurs significant business costs, with the market assessing its impact as surpassing that of ex-post regulation when viewed holistically. Acknowledging these regulatory costs underscores the imperative for stringent oversight to guarantee the attainment of regulatory aims and objectives.
Experimental and numerical investigation on composite beam–column joint connection behavior using different types of connection schemes
Authors: Askar Lawend Kamal , Al-Darzi Suhaib Yahya Kasim , Al-Sulayfani Bayar Jafar Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Over the past few decades, composite joints have been regarded as one of the most promising approaches. After reviewing the research articles dealing with composite beam-column joints, it can be withdrawn that few researchers studied and developed different types of composite beam-column joints. The objectives of this paper to study the effect and behavior of different connection types on the composite beam – column joint under repeated loading as well as to investigate new forms of slab connection with column flange in composite connection joints, aiming to enhance the behaviors of the joints and make the slab endure a part of the load in a more efficient way. Five specimens with various connection types were tested to failure; the composite model number two (CM2) was considered the control specimen. Regarding the ultimate moment, the result found that CM5 has moment 50.47% more than control specimen, the lowest rotation value was in CM5. The general behaviours of the FEM were in good accordance with the experiment results. According to the parametric a higher yield strength is more rigid stiffer, the effect of web thickness on the load is too small and increase in load resistance with an increase in beam flange thickness.
Research on spatial correlation structure of war heritage based on field theory. A case study of Jinzhai County, China
Authors: Zhang Peng , Dong Wei
Published: October 2024

The value of war heritage is usually reflected in the historical process constituted by the correlation among many heritages rather than a single heritage itself. Traditional heritage protection strategies often focus on ontological protection of heritage, while the inherent relevance between heritage due to their joint participation in historical events is often ignored. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to connect the scattered heritage sites spatially through certain logic, to show the historical process as a whole, and to maximize the integration and protection of the entire resources of the heritage protection mode. Taking the war heritage of Jinzhai as the object, this article analyzes the overall distribution characteristics of the war heritage and the formation process of the war heritage field on the basis of the field theory, and then puts forward the spatial sorting steps based on historical events. The research shows that it is feasible to use key historical events to organize the space of many war heritages to obtain a kind of integrated structure, which can be used as the basic framework for the future use of heritage protection, tourism development, heritage display, and utilization.
Multi-hazard modeling of erosion and landslide susceptibility at the national scale in the example of North Macedonia
Authors: Milevski Ivica , Aleksova Bojana , Lukić Tin , Dragićević Slavoljub , Valjarević Aleksandar
Published: October 2024

Due to favorable natural conditions and human impact, the territory of North Macedonia is very susceptible to natural hazards. Steep hillslopes combined with soft rocks (schists on the mountains; sands and sandstones in depressions), erodible soils, semiarid continental climate, and sparse vegetation cover give a high potential for soil erosion and landslides. For this reason, this study presents a multi-hazard approach to geohazard modeling on the national extent in the example of North Macedonia. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems, relevant data about the entire research area were employed to analyze and assess soil erosion and susceptibility to landslides and identify areas prone to both hazards. Using the Gavrilović Erosion Potential Method (EPM), an average value of 0.36 was obtained for the erosion coefficient Z, indicating low to moderate susceptibility to erosion. However, a significant area of the country (9.6%) is susceptible to high and excess erosion rates. For the landslide susceptibility assessment (LSA), the Analytical hierarchy process approach is combined with the statistical method (frequency ratio), showing that 29.3% of the territory belongs to the zone of high and very high landslide susceptibility. Then, the accuracy assessment is performed for both procedures (EPM and LSA), showing acceptable reliability. By overlapping both models, a multi-hazard map is prepared, indicating that 22.3% of North Macedonia territory is highly susceptible to erosion and landslides. The primary objective of multi-hazard modeling is to identify and delineate hazardous areas, thereby aiding in activities to reduce the hazards and mitigate future damage. This becomes particularly significant when considering the impact of climate change, which is associated with increased landslide and erosion susceptibility. The approach based on a national level presented in this work can provide valuable information for regional planning and decision-making processes.
Effects of nanoparticles on the anaerobic digestion properties of sulfamethoxazole-containing chicken manure and analysis of bio-enzymes
Authors: Zhen Xiaofei , Zhan Han , Jiao Ruonan , Li Ke , Wu Wenbing , Feng Lei , Du Tie
Published: October 2024

Medium-temperature anaerobic digestion experiments lasting for 55 days were conducted using sulfamethoxazole (SMX)-containing chicken manure in sequential batch reactors added with nano-Fe2O3 at a concentration of 300 mg·kg−1·TS or nano-C60 at a concentration of 100 mg·kg−1·TS. The effects of nanoparticles on the anaerobic digestion properties of SMX-containing chicken manure were assessed by measuring the following indicators: biogas production by anaerobic digestion, chemical parameters, enzyme concentrations, and bacterial diversity and changes in antibiotic concentrations over time. The law of bacterial degradation of SMX was analyzed. The results showed that (1) adding either nano-Fe2O3 or nano-C60 promoted biogas production by anaerobic production from chicken manure containing different concentrations of SMX, and the cumulative biogas production in Fe2O3 and nano-C60 increased by 35.4% and 130.7%, respectively. The final cumulative biogas productions in different groups were as follows: 3,712(CK), 4,281(S1), 3,968(S2), 4,061(S3), 4,498(S4), and 4,639(S5) mL and the final concentration of SMX residues varied between 99.79% and 99.94%; (2) Bacterial abundance at the phylum level: on day 1, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota were the main dominant bacterial phyla, with relative abundances of 45.13–68.53% and 26.12–48.32%, respectively. The addition of nanoparticles increased the abundance of Bacteroidota in S4 and S5 significantly. The abundance of Bacteroidota was slightly higher in the group added with nanoparticles than in S2. On day 50, Firmicutes became the dominant bacterial phylum, and its relative abundance varied little across the groups, ranging from 90.87% to 94.54%; (3) At different stages, the bacterial community structure at the genus level was dramatically affected by substrates. As nutrients were being depleted, some bacterial communities lost their original competitive advantages. On day 5, the relative abundance of Prevotella increased. Especially, the relative abundances of Prevotella in S4 and S5 added with nanoparticles were lower than that in S2 by 8–10%. On day 15, the relative abundance of Prevotella in S2 decreased compared with the control group CK. A decrease was also observed in S4 and S5, although to a smaller extent than in S2.
Sustainable concrete production: Partial aggregate replacement with electric arc furnace slag
Authors: Chadee Aaron Anil , Narine Kristyn Lakshmi , Maharaj Davatee , Olutoge Festus , Azamathulla Hazi Mohammad
Published: October 2024

The pursuit of sustainability in the construction industry has stimulated interest in seeking environmentally friendly alternatives to natural aggregates in concrete production. This study evaluates the behavior of concrete when electric arc furnace (EAF) slag is used as aggregates in its production. The primary research gap filled by this study is to deduce the blend of the fine and coarse EAF slag aggregates that would produce concrete of comparative strengths to concrete made with natural aggregates. Concrete mixtures were formulated using varied EAF slag content in the proportions of 0, 10, 15, 25, and 50%, respectively. The compressive strength values increased as the EAF slag content increased. However, this trend was not evident for the density and tensile strength values. The concrete mixture containing 25% EAF slag with 15% fine and 20% coarse EAF slag aggregates had the greatest density value of 2550.00 kg/m3 and the tensile strength value of 4.8 Pa respectively. This could be due to the distribution of the fine and coarse aggregate grains in the mixture. Since the percentage of fine and coarse aggregate grains were 10 and 15%, respectively, it was a close enough range for the fines to fill in the void spaces. This made the mixture more compact which resulted in a higher density and tensile strength values.
Sentiment Analysis of Chinese Ancient Poetry Based on Multidimensional Attention Under the Background of Digital Intelligence Integration
Authors: Liu Zhongbao , Zhao Wenjuan
Published: October 2024

Poetry was a unique literary genre in ancient China as an important way to express sentiments. Chinese ancient poetry not only has simple words, strict meters and rich semantic relationships, but also widely uses rhetorical techniques such as simile and personification, as well as metaphorical means such as allusion and imagery, which makes it difficult to understand their implicit sentiments quickly and accurately. Therefore, this paper attempts to make full use of the semantic features of Chinese ancient poetry text and the knowledge feature of related domains under the guidance of the research paradigm of digital intelligence integration, and based on which, proposed Sentiment Analysis Model of Chinese Ancient Poetry based on Multidimensional Attention (SAMCAP). This model extracts semantic features from Chinese ancient poetry text, meanwhile designs a multidimensional attention to extract the knowledge feature from the knowledge base of Chinese ancient poetry. The recognition of Chinese ancient poetry sentiment is performed by integrating the textual feature and knowledge feature. Comparison experiments on the open ancient poetry corpus verified the effectiveness of the proposed model, and the ablation experiment explored the importance of different knowledge to the sentiment analysis result of Chinese ancient poetry.