Search Results (216)

This study proposes an integrated analytical framework (IAF) as a tool to simultaneously assess vulnerable social groups within their administrative context. This study hypothesizes that analyzing vulnerable groups through socio-spatial delineation reveals subnational disparities and sub-regional heterogeneity in energy poverty (EP) indicators, associated with additional context-sensitive environmental consequences of energy use. Using Hungarian deprived rural settlements (DRSs) (n = 300) as an example, mixed methods were applied to examine national–regional disparities, intra-regional variations, and the environmental implications of extreme household energy use practices. Results show that both socio-economic indicators and building energy efficiency, and energy-use profiles, fall short of national indicator performance. The sample outlined by the IAF performed homogeneously regarding socio-economic circumstances and showed mild differences in housing quality and energy access. These results indicate not structural differences but variation in underlying regional drivers, highlighting the region-specific manifestation of EP. The energy-use-related environmental assessment was performed using a parametrized building-stock model and the two most extreme energy-use scenarios for households relying on solid fuels. The results suggest that the use of substitute fuels substantially increases the combined emissions of CO₂, CO, PM, NOx, and SOx by up to 32 percentage points. Although limitations constrain the reporting of empirically representative results, findings underscore the potential policy relevance of DRSs in national climate objectives. Full article

Background: Ketogenic dietary therapies (KDTs), characterized by substantial carbohydrate restriction and increased dietary fat intake, were originally developed for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy but have recently attracted broader scientific interest. In the context of population aging and the increasing prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia, their potential relevance for brain health has received growing attention. Experimental and emerging clinical evidence suggests that ketogenic metabolism may influence biological processes involved in brain aging, including cerebrovascular regulation, neuroinflammatory signaling, and cerebral energy metabolism. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the relationship between ketogenic dietary therapies and brain health, with particular emphasis on cerebrovascular mechanisms, neuroinflammatory pathways, and neuroprotective processes relevant to aging. The review also briefly introduces the Semmelweis Study as an example of a translational research framework for evaluating nutrition-related interventions in real-world preventive settings. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using structured searches of major scientific databases to identify experimental and human studies investigating ketogenic dietary interventions, cerebrovascular mechanisms, and neuroprotective outcomes. Publications related to the Semmelweis Study were included solely to illustrate implementation-oriented research approaches and not as evidence supporting dietary efficacy. Results: Available evidence indicates that ketogenic dietary interventions may modulate several biological pathways relevant to brain health, including cerebral energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress regulation, and inflammatory signaling. However, the current evidence base is dominated by preclinical studies and short-term human investigations, and direct evidence linking ketogenic dietary therapies to long-term cerebrovascular or cognitive outcomes remains limited. Conclusions: Ketogenic dietary therapies represent metabolically distinct dietary strategies with potential relevance for cerebrovascular and neuroprotective mechanisms. Nevertheless, human evidence remains heterogeneous and insufficient to support broad clinical recommendations. Future research should prioritize well-designed long-term human studies with clearly defined metabolic, cerebrovascular, and cognitive endpoints. Translational research frameworks may facilitate the evaluation of feasibility, safety, and implementation of ketogenic interventions in aging populations. Full article

The aim of this work is to present the Peripatetic doctrine of fate (heimarmene) according to Alexander of Aphrodisias in his treatise Peri heimarmenes or De fato. The central thesis of this Alexandrian work is that everything that occurs kata ten physin (in accordance with nature) occurs kath’ heimarmenen (in accordance with fate). In order to reconstruct the doctrine underlying this claim, I alternate between an exposition of the Aristotelian concepts addressed in Alexander’s writings and his own theoretical elaborations. The paper begins by outlining the terms of the debate on fate as presented by Alexander. It then reconstructs the Alexandrian account of the causality of fate, along with the Aristotelian presuppositions that support it. Finally, it examines specific aspects and limits of Alexander’s notion of fate, particularly in relation to other key concepts in his philosophy, such as what occurs katà symbebekos, human proairesis, and divine pronoia. De fato is the main reference for this paper, but other relevant works, including the Quaestiones and De Providentia, are also considered. Full article

Background/Objectives: As current methods of measuring blood glucose levels are inconvenient and painful for patients, using salivary glucose as a non-invasive biomarker to estimate glucose levels may improve patient compliance. This study aims to quantify the association between salivary glucose levels and blood glucose levels and to assess how heterogeneity between studies and the methodological differences affect the potential clinical use of salivary glucose. Methods: The PRISMA guidelines were used for this review, and the protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023471213). Four databases were searched: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane’s Library Trials, and Web of Science. The search was conducted on 22 November 2023 and updated on 18 August 2025. No filters were applied for the search. Human studies, where paired salivary and blood samples were taken both from patients with diabetes and healthy individuals after at least 8 h of fasting, were included in the analysis. We extracted correlation coefficients and group means differences. Risk of bias was assessed with QUADAS-2, and the between-study heterogeneity was examined using random-effects models. Results: Through the systematic search, 15,162 articles were found, 25 of which were included in our meta-analysis. The analysis showed a weak correlation between whole-mouth saliva samples and blood samples (r² value: 0.05) and a slightly stronger correlation between parotid saliva samples and blood samples (r² value: 0.11). These low r² values reflect weak associations and are reported descriptively. The difference between the mean salivary glucose level of patients with diabetes and controls was 4.43 mg/dL (95% CI: 2.05; 6.80). The high heterogeneity (I² values approaching 100% for mean difference analyses) limits the interpretability of pooled estimates. Conclusions: Current evidence indicates that salivary and blood glucose levels associate weakly, and the study results are highly heterogeneous. Given the weak and highly heterogeneous associations observed across studies, current evidence does not support the use of salivary glucose measurement as an alternative to blood glucose measurement for the time being. Further standardized research is required before any conclusion about clinical applicability can be drawn. Full article

Forgiveness and reconciliation pose significant challenges in post-conflict societies, especially for those directly affected by violence. While legal frameworks of transitional justice are often discussed, the personal and religious dimensions of forgiveness receive less attention. This article seeks to address this gap using René Girard’s mimetic theory to analyze the relationship between religious motivation and the processes of forgiveness and reconciliation. The study’s empirical findings stem from qualitative interviews with 22 individuals who were victims during the Homeland War (1991–1995) in Croatia. Girard’s theory posits that humans imitate not just behavior, but the desires of others, leading to mimetic rivalry that can escalate into violence—a concept known as “negative mimesis.” However, concept of “positive mimesis” is also achievable when individuals emulate Jesus Christ’s model of self-giving love, facilitating a pathway towards reconciliation. The primary research question guiding this inquiry asks how individuals affected by violence navigate forgiveness and reconciliation, especially the role of religion in this process. In this context, forgiveness is conceptualized as a deeply personal and spiritual journey, whereas reconciliation is defined as the restoration of interpersonal relationships within a societal framework that requires forgiveness. Consequently, this research prioritizes exploring individual narratives and personal accounts from participants rather than addressing broader societal implications. Insights from interviews reveal participants’ understanding of both negative and positive mimesis, indicating that mimetic mechanisms can foster tendencies towards violence as well as forgiveness. In this framework, Jesus Christ serves as a vital external mediator, providing a transformative route away from cycles of violence. Most participants indicated that their faith, prayer practices, and the example set by Christ significantly influenced their forgiveness decisions. This paper contributes original insights into the theological and anthropological aspects of forgiveness, demonstrating that Girard’s mimetic theory effectively illuminates the complexities of reconciliation in post-conflict settings. Full article

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback could be considered as a tool to help athletes to optimize their performance. This study aimed to examine the effects of a one-week HRV biofeedback (HRV-BFB) program on physiological indices, sensorimotor functions, and kata performance in Eastern martial arts athletes. Forty high-level martial arts athletes (karate, wushu, taekwondo, kyokushinkai) aged 17–27 years were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 20) and a biofeedback group (BFB, n = 20). Athletes from both groups underwent assessment of sensorimotor functions and the technical quality of their kata routines. The primary outcome was the expert-rated kata performance score. All routines were video-recorded and independently rated by three certified judges. The BFB group completed a hybrid HRV-BFB program consisting of supervised resonance-frequency breathing sessions in the laboratory and one week of home-based practice. During supervised sessions, athletes performed slow abdominal-paced breathing (6 breaths/min). At home, they practiced the same breathing pattern twice daily for one week (5 min per session, smartphone-guided). Nonparametric tests were used because several variables deviated from normality, and the sample size per group was limited (n = 20). After completing the HRV-BFB training, movement oscillation frequency improved significantly, reflected by lower movement oscillation frequency (p = 0.0009, r = 0.79), faster choice reaction time at a tendency level (p = 0.0793, r = 0.39), and an increase in blood volume pulse (BVP) (p = 0.037, r = 0.48) in BFB group compared to control group. Following BFB training, the judges’ scores did not change in the control group, while a significant increase was observed in the BFB group (p = 0.038, r = 0.44), indicating a positive effect of BFB training on kata performance. Regular HRV-BFB training emphasizing slow-paced abdominal breathing may enhance autonomic regulation, fine motor control, and improve the technical execution of kata routines in athletes. Full article

Effective communication is essential for professional practice, yet medical curricula rarely incorporate systematic, performance-based training. The Sell Yourself!—Presentation Techniques course was developed to address this gap through a two-day, practice-oriented program integrating rhetorical training, evolutionary psychology, and structured peer feedback. We examined anonymized institutional evaluations from 450 medical students using descriptive statistics and combined inductive–deductive thematic and content coding to gauge the perceived educational utility of the course. The course received a mean satisfaction rating of 9.6/10, with approximately 74% of students assigning the maximum score. Inductive analysis identified interactivity (143 mentions), practical usefulness (76), feedback and improvement (75), positive atmosphere (51), instructor quality (47), and multimedia examples (37) as key strengths, while critiques primarily concerned breaks and scheduling (62), course length and intensity (59), and smaller concerns regarding feedback processes, content structure, and technical issues. Deductive coding indicated perceived improvements across five predefined dimensions: increased confidence, rhetorical fluency, feedback quality, peer recognition, and cultural inclusivity. Structured rhetorical training appears to be well received by learners and may provide a feasible model for embedding communication competence in medical education. These findings also offer a transferable template for integrating performance-based communication training into other programs. However, conclusions are limited by reliance on self-reported perceptions and the absence of a control group or direct assessment of applied communication outcomes. Full article

Informal STEM education programs (ISEs) can be a successful vehicle for addressing the underrepresentation of girls in STEM by expanding their views of what constitutes science and debunking stereotypes related to who succeeds in STEM careers. Research has demonstrated how in-person ISEs provide opportunities for girls to engage in hands-on, authentic science experiences, interact with diverse women role models, and understand the real-world application of STEM to improve their STEM identity development (i.e., STEM competence, performance, self and external recognition, and sense of belonging within STEM). But few studies have focused on STEM identity development in online spaces. Our study addresses this gap through a mixed methods study that investigates how an online program (Brite), held in 2023, influenced the STEM identities of the participating girls. Our results highlight the aspects of the online program that improved the STEM identity for participants as well as lessons learned for future programs. The influential programmatic pieces were role model interactions and the supportive Brite community that included program educators, the other girls, and the Brite facilitators, which helped girls feel inspired and motivated to continue along their STEM identity trajectories. Full article

Crop Wild Relatives (CWRs), the wild counterparts of cultivated crops, hold immense potential for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today. They play an essential role for safeguarding agrobiodiversity, enhancing crop resilience, and supporting long-term food security and climate adaptation. Despite their recognized value, their use and conservation remain insufficiently integrated into policy frameworks. To address this gap, this study undertakes a systematic literature review with the primary objective of synthesizing policy-oriented results from previous research efforts related to the use and expansion of CWR. Focusing on peer-reviewed studies with a policy-relevant focus, this review explores strategic efforts aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of Crop Wild Relatives. The synthesis sheds light on both enabling factors and persistent policy gaps, offering insights into how national, European, and international policies can better support the sustainable integration of CWR into agricultural systems. The findings aim to inform future policy development and strengthen the role of CWR in agri-environmental strategies. Full article

Dogs are often viewed as family members, and many owners describe them as “fur babies.” However, little is known about how women with and without children perceive and practice caregiving toward their dogs, and how these experiences relate to parenting. This qualitative study explored the meanings of dog and child caregiving among 28 dog-owning women (13 mothers and 15 childless) through semi-structured interviews. All participants had lived with their dog for at least one year. Thematic analysis identified five main themes: (1) emotional meanings and motivations of caregiving, (2) practical caregiving and daily routines, (3) responsibility and dependency, (4) social relationships and support, and (5) life course perspectives. Both mothers and non-mothers described their dogs as sources of joy, companionship, and unconditional love. Women without children often saw their dogs as child substitutes, while mothers stressed the greater responsibility and permanence of raising children. Dog ownership and parenting influenced social life and work differently: dogs often increased social interaction and offered flexibility, whereas children introduced stricter routines and reduced spontaneity. Overall, dogs fulfilled important emotional and caregiving needs, particularly among women without children, but did not replace the unique social and moral responsibilities of parenting. Full article

Background: The Relative Age Effect (RAE) refers to the advantage conferred to athletes born earlier within a selection year. In karate, particularly at the highest level, evidence is lacking. This study aimed to examine the presence of RAE among male and female karate athletes competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in two competitive disciplines: kata and kumite. Methods: Data from 81 athletes (42 males, 39 females) were retrieved from open-access databases. Birthdates were grouped into quartiles (Q1–Q4) and semesters (S1–S2). Chi-squared tests and odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess deviations from a uniform distribution, while binary logistic regression examined the association between semester of birth and medal attainment. Results: The overall distribution of birth quartiles significantly deviated from a uniform distribution (χ²(3) = 9.81, p = 0.020), indicating a higher proportion of athletes born in Q1 (38%) compared with Q4 (19%; OR = 2.07). RAE was particularly evident in kumite (χ²(3) = 17.87, p < 0.001; OR = 3.50 for Q1 vs. Q4) and among female athletes (χ²(3) = 9.92, p = 0.019), whereas no significant effect was found in kata or among males. Logistic regression revealed no significant association between semester of birth and medal success (OR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.20–1.21], p = 0.125). Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of RAE in Olympic karate, especially among females and in kumite. However, relative age did not predict performance outcomes, suggesting that once athletes reach the Olympic level, technical and tactical factors outweigh birthdate advantages. Full article

The increasing environmental impact of electronic waste has intensified the pursuit of sustainable materials for manufacturing green electronics. This study presents the development of lignin-based hybrids with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via an environmentally friendly ultrasonication process in aqueous medium. Two hybrid materials containing 10 and 20 wt% MWCNTs were synthesized and thoroughly characterized. DLS analysis revealed better dispersion and colloidal stability due to strong physicochemical interactions between lignin and MWCNTs, while SEM and TEM images confirmed a continuous lignin matrix embedding an interconnected MWCNT network. Raman spectroscopy indicated structural ordering within the hybrids. The electrical conductivity of the hybrids reached 2–5 S/cm as evaluated by four-point probe measurements, despite the high lignin content (80–90 wt%). Electrochemical analysis suggested significantly enhanced redox activity and electron transfer kinetics, with measured electroactive surface areas increasing up to 21-fold larger compared with the unmodified electrode. The synergy between lignin and MWCNTs enabled the formation of a conductive network, highlighting these hybrids as promising, cost-effective, and sustainable materials for conductive and electrochemical applications in next-generation green electronics. Full article

Titanium dioxide nanostructures are extensively produced and utilized in various industries. Concerns have been raised about this material’s less researched environmental impact. This study investigates the indirect toxicity of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) on ant communication via the photocatalytic degradation of ant trail pheromones. Foraging experiments with Lasius niger demonstrated that TiO₂-treated pathways were avoided by ants, suggesting trail pheromone degradation. Photocatalytic tests confirmed the degradation of the pheromone component (R)-(-)-mellein under UV-A irradiation in the presence of Evonik Aeroxide P25 TiO₂. The nanosized titania was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). These findings indicate that TiO₂ NPs can disrupt ant communication, potentially leading to significant ecological consequences. Full article

Background/Objectives: Metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) carries a poor prognosis and limited systemic treatment options. While immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved outcomes in cutaneous melanoma, their activity in mUM remains modest. Tebentafusp has recently emerged as the first therapy to improve overall survival in HLA-A*02:01–positive patients, but effective options for others remain scarce. This study compared the real-world effectiveness and safety of ipilimumab plus nivolumab versus anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) monotherapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis of patients with mUM treated at the National Institute of Oncology, Budapest. Patients received either dual checkpoint inhibition (ipilimumab plus nivolumab) or anti-PD-1 monotherapy (nivolumab or pembrolizumab). Evaluated outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Survival was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier methods, log-rank tests, and Cox regression. Results: Fifty-five patients were included (33 ipilimumab–nivolumab, 22 anti-PD-1). ORR was 21% versus 5%, and DCR was 42% versus 32%, respectively. Median PFS was 5.8 vs. 3.7 months (p = 0.053; HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.34–1.09), and median OS was 12.3 vs. 10.6 months (p = 0.214; HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.36–1.22). Grade 3–4 irAEs occurred in 48% of patients receiving ipilimumab–nivolumab compared with 9% on monotherapy. No treatment-related deaths were observed. Conclusions: Anti-PD-1 monotherapy demonstrated limited clinical activity, providing little benefit beyond conventional chemotherapy. Dual checkpoint blockade with ipilimumab and nivolumab achieved higher response and disease control rates, albeit with increased toxicity, suggesting a potential benefit for selected patients. Tebentafusp has emerged as an effective option and a new standard of care for a molecularly defined subgroup of HLA-A*02:01–positive patients. However, for the majority of individuals with metastatic uveal melanoma, effective systemic therapies remain an unmet need. Full article

The local segmental mobility of polymer chains in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) plays a critical role in determining the material’s behaviour. Incorporation of zeolite particles can modify these local dynamics, which is crucial as they affect the overall performance of the resulting composite material with potential for various industrial applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of zeolite addition on the local dynamic behaviour of PDMS chain segments in PDMS–zeolite composites. To investigate the effect of zeolite morphology and loading on the segmental dynamics and phase behaviour of PDMS, Zeolite A (with cubic and spherical morphologies) and Zeolite X were incorporated into the PDMS matrix at 20, 30, and 40 wt%. The electron spin resonance (ESR)-spin probe method was used to study molecular dynamics, while the thermal behaviour was analysed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). ESR results revealed that the presence of zeolites increases the isothermal crystallisation rate affecting segmental mobility in the amorphous phase below the crystallisation temperature. This effect was found to depend more strongly on zeolite morphology than on filler content. DSC measurements showed no change in glass transition temperature with the addition of zeolite; however, shifts in cold crystallisation and melting behaviour were observed, indicating changes in crystal structure and its degree of perfection. These findings suggest that zeolites act as heterogeneous nucleation agents, with their structural properties playing a critical role in the crystallisation behaviour of PDMS. Full article