F1000Research最新文献

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, is known to induce oxidative stress and disrupt male reproductive function. This study evaluated the ameliorative effects of the ethyl-acetate extract of Bidens pilosa L., Asteraceae (EABP) on oxidative stress and reproductive impairment in BPA-exposed male mice.

Method: GC-MS phytocompounds from EABP were subjected to in-silico pharmacokinetic, drug-likeness, and toxicological screening using the SwissAdme and PkCSM web servers. Antioxidant capacity of EABP was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Over a 28-day period, male mice were assigned to six groups. The control group (Group 1) received distilled water, while Group 2 administered BPA at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were treated with BPA in combination with EABP at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively. Group 6 received BPA along with vitamin C at 100 mg/kg/day. Various parameters, including body weight, malondialdehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase level were assessed.

Result: Molecular docking analysis revealed that 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, a key phytoconstituent of EABP, exhibited strong binding affinity for both the androgen receptor (AR) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Its interaction with AR was comparable to that of testosterone, suggesting potential androgenic activity, while its binding to NRF2 mirrored that of vitamin C. The extract's antioxidant activity was further supported by the DPPH radical scavenging assay, where it demonstrated moderate potency with an IC₅₀ of 6.11μg/mL, compared to 1.25μg/mL for vitamin C. in vivo findings showed that treatment with EABP at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg restored SOD activity and significantly reduced MDA levels. Catalase (CAT) activity also improved, particularly at the higher dose.

Conclusion: Collectively, these results indicate that the EABP offers protective effects against BPA-induced oxidative stress, metabolic disturbance, and reproductive dysfunction, possibly through its combined antioxidant and hormone-like properties.

Narrative Curriculum Vitae (NCVs) are a type of CV focusing on written descriptions of researchers' skills, experiences, collaborations, and achievements, which seek to promote more equitable and responsible research assessments. Despite an apparent shift by funding organizations towards the use of NCVs to reassess how researchers are evaluated, the extent of current NCV adoption is unclear. Therefore, we conducted a scoping review to answer the following: 1. Which research funding agencies currently provide NCVs templates for their applicants? and 2. What are the characteristics of said NCV templates? To this end, we employed grey literature searches to identify all existing NCV templates provided by research funding organizations. Our findings highlight several key insights. First, number of funders currently requiring NCVs remains low overall, although national granting agencies are among the early adopters. Second, some funders do not provide formal guidance on how to complete narrative CV's-this may create barriers to uptake. Third, among the NCV templates identified, there are structural commonalities, although there is little insight into the evaluation of NCVs. As interest in NCVs grows, addressing these gaps will be essential to realizing their potential as a fairer and more holistic tool for research assessment.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has taken some measures to advance collective action to accelerate telehealth in the region. Still, it has encountered the problem of digital readiness and digital health preparedness disparities within the region. To maintain the consolidation of digital health utilization across ASEAN member states, this article offers policy recommendations to address the diverse approaches taken and compensate for capacity differences among members. Drawing on insights from published official policies, government health ministry websites of Southeast Asian nations, and ASEAN's digital health policies, the article first reviews the diversities of digital technologies in a post-pandemic Southeast Asia and then assesses measures to enhance regional approaches. Several recommendations are presented: First, ASEAN can standardize regional frameworks for telehealth by sharing digital health transformation blueprints and leveraging ASEAN and ASEAN Plus forums to bridge divergent understandings and advance the region's digital health initiatives. Second, ASEAN facilitates investment through a telehealth sandbox and fosters collaboration among stakeholders. Although the recommendations are consistent with the 'ASEAN Way,' lingering concerns in Southeast Asia's telehealth landscape include different commitments and expectations, risks of privacy infringements, and the misuse of technology in the region's authoritarian states.

Background: The development of intercultural competences mediated by digital technologies has gained prominence in higher education, driven by academic internationalization and the advancement of virtual learning environments. However, questions remain regarding the most frequently studied competence dimensions, the geographic regions involved, and the methodologies employed.

Methods: A systematic literature mapping was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines to analyze scientific production from 2005 to 2024, sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed, open-access articles, in English or Spanish, addressing the integration of digital technologies in the teaching of intercultural competence. After screening 176 records, 23 studies were included for analysis.

Results: Scientific production was primarily concentrated in the Americas and Europe (78%), with Mexico (15%) and countries such as the United States, Spain, and Russia each accounting for 11%. The most frequent competence dimensions were adaptation and management (47.83%), intercultural knowledge (39.13%), communication skills (39.13%), and intercultural attitudes (39.13%). Competences such as cultural adaptability, intercultural awareness, and intercultural communication were the most frequently addressed, reflecting the need for flexibility and communication skills in multicultural contexts. Technologies like COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) and immersive tools are emerging as effective strategies to promote intercultural learning, although areas such as innovative leadership (4.35%) and personal development (8.70%) remain underexplored. Temporally, there has been sustained growth in research since 2019, with peaks in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Conclusion: Digital technologies show significant potential for the development of intercultural competences, but their implementation requires addressing structural, pedagogical, and equity-related gaps. This study lays the groundwork for future research and policies aimed at enhancing inclusive and sustainable intercultural education in digital environments.

Background: Efficient inventory management is a critical internal capability for ensuring the financial sustainability of micro and small enterprises, especially in emerging economies affected by post-pandemic disruptions. In Bagua, Peru, MSMEs often lack digitised control systems, leading to frequent stock imbalances, rushed purchases at high prices, and lower profitability; a deeper understanding of inventory practices that drive financial performance can contribute to more informed and strategic decision-making.

Method: This quantitative, descriptive, and explanatory study examined the effects of four components of inventory management-control, valuation methods, control records, and measurement-on profitability; a convenience sample of 83 MSMEs yielded 200 valid responses from key personnel involved in inventory decisions; A 21-item Likert scale validated by experts was applied, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression in SPSS v27. Profitability indicators included return on assets (ROA), gross margin (GM), and return on equity (ROE).

Results: All dimensions of the inventory showed moderate levels of implementation (means: 2.37-2.62 on a five-point scale). The regression model demonstrated satisfactory predictive power (R ² = 0.402; F = 32.81; p < 0.001). Inventory measurement was the strongest and only highly significant predictor of profitability (β = 0.383; p < 0.001), followed by inventory control, with a smaller but significant contribution (β = 0.257; p = 0.013). Inventory valuation methods and control records did not show statistically significant direct effects (p > 0.40).

Conclusion: The findings highlight that decision-oriented measurement practices, supported by systematic control, are essential factors for the financial performance of micro and small enterprises; investment in digital monitoring tools, replenishment based on key performance indicators, and staff training could improve operational and financial efficiency; due to its cross-sectional design and localised context, future studies should incorporate longitudinal data and broader geographical comparisons to strengthen generalisation and explore possible mediation pathways between accounting-oriented practices and profitability.

Background: Cerebral computed tomography angiography (CTA) is widely used to assess neurovascular disorders, but venous contamination often obscures arteries. Optimizing bolus-tracking thresholds is crucial, yet patient factors influencing contrast dynamics and the value of radiation dose indices in head CTA remain unclear.

Objectives: To optimize bolus-tracking thresholds in cerebral CTA by examining patient-related influences on enhancement and radiation metrics.

Methods: 126 adults undergoing cerebral CTA were evaluated in this prospective study. Demographics, physiologic parameters, peak enhancement time (PET), peak enhancement attenuation (PEA), and dose indices (CTDIvol, SSDE) were recorded. Linear regression identified predictors of enhancement. Two blinded radiologists graded venous contamination. ROC analysis, including age subgroups, determined the optimal HU threshold.

Results: Median age was 55.5 years; 70% were male. PET rose with age (+0.086 s/year, p < 0.001) and was shorter in females (-2.39 s, p = 0.003). PEA increased with threshold (+1.03 HU/unit, p < 0.001). Arterial enhancement was higher in females (+40.7 HU, p < 0.001) and patients ≥60 years (+70 HU, p < 0.001). Venous enhancement correlated with PET (p = 0.023) and systolic pressure (p = 0.002). ROC analysis showed an optimal threshold of 105 ± 5 HU (AUC = 0.634; sensitivity 88.4%, specificity 77.1%). CTDIvol, but not SSDE, correlated with weight (p = 0.015).

Conclusion: Intrinsic (age, gender) and extrinsic (threshold) factors shape CTA enhancement. A 105 ± 5 HU threshold reduces venous contamination, especially in younger patients. CTDIvol remains the preferred dose index. Findings support individualized, resource-efficient CTA protocols aligned with UN SDGs 3, 9, and 12.

Introduction: Globally, around 40% of women report unintended pregnancies, with approximately 214 million women in developing countries wanting to avoid pregnancy but not using any contraception. Modern contraceptives (MCs) are effective tools for preventing unintended pregnancies, controlling rapid population growth, and reducing fertility and maternal mortality rates, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to identify the determinants of modern contraceptive use among Ethiopian women of reproductive age using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Methodology: The study utilized secondary data from the 2019 Performance Monitoring and Accountability (PMA) Ethiopia survey, analyzing 8,837 samples. Preprocessing steps included data cleaning, feature engineering, dimensionality reduction, and splitting the data, with 80% used for training and 20% for testing the algorithms. Six supervised ML algorithms were employed and assessed using confusion matrices, with information gain applied to identify critical attributes for predicting MC use.

Results: Only 24% of participants used modern contraceptives [95% CI (23.1%, 24.9%)]. Extreme gradient boosting (XGB) demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy (81.97%, 95% CI {79.06%, 82.7%}) and area under the ROC curve (76.63%), followed by logistic regression (80.52%) and support vector machines (80.41%). Key determinants of MC use included starting family planning at age 20 or older, being single, having partner approval, being the wife of the household head, being between 36 and 49 years old, advice from healthcare providers, concerns about side effects, and having a household size of five or more.

Conclusion and recommendations: The use of modern contraceptives among Ethiopian women remains low. Extreme gradient boosting proved most effective in predicting determinants of MC use. Based on the results of predictive associations, improved counseling during antenatal and postnatal care visits, promoting partner discussions on family planning, and addressing concerns about family size and contraceptive use are recommended strategies to enhance MC uptake.

Despite extensive research on technology-mediated visitor experiences, a holistic approach to the smart museum remains underexplored. This paper addresses the gap by examining the intersection of museums and digital technologies through a cultural lens, with a focus on their role in redefining the museum experience. The concept and profile of the 21st-century smart museum were shaped through a synthesis of findings from 143 scholarly and institutional publications, combining 118 research outputs (2012-2025) across seven technological categories -Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Fusion, Blockchain, and general Digital Technologies- with a complementary body of theoretical works (1989-2025) that strengthen its conceptual and cultural foundations. From this synthesis, 15 key attributes emerged, outlining the ideal smart museum model. Anchored in theoretical and institutional frameworks, these attributes conceptualize the smart museum as a culturally embedded, technologically enhanced, and human-centered institution. The paper provides a conceptual framework and strategic guide for cultural managers, museum professionals, and designers developing smart museum practices in the digital era.

Background: Many graduates are discouraged about the labor market.…" because of the abysmal increase in unemployment rates. While academics have tried to incorporate employable skills into curricula, graduates must understand social and humanitarian principles to meet globalization demands. This study investigated how service-learning influences the prosocial skills of economics undergraduate pre-service teachers and its impact on their future employment prospects.

Method: We adopted a mixed-method design of the sequential explanatory approach. A purposive random sampling technique was used to select 150 pre-service teachers (300 and 400 level) from five departments in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ibadan offering economics. A purposive sampling technique was used to sample 10 students for focus group discussions, who served as team leaders in service-learning courses. The Students' Prosocial and Professional Competencies Questionnaire (r= 0.79) and a Focus Group Discussion Guide were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and paired sample t-test at a significance level of 0.05, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Results: The mean scores for the constructs were communication skills (2.61), teamwork (2.45), empathy (2.35), culture (2.30) and social responsibility (2.50). The mean for communication skills increased significantly from 2.61 before the intervention to 3.35. The reduction in the standard deviation indicates that the communication skills of pre-service teachers have become more consistent and prominent (F=24.87), confirming the statistical significance of these improvements. Similar improvements were observed in teamwork skills, with the mean score rising from 2.62 before intervention to 3.36 and statistically significant (F=9.71).

Conclusion: The undergraduate students had low overall prosocial ability scores, indicating a lack of prosocial competencies essential for effective teaching and professional success in education. Policymakers and stakeholders should recognize the value of service learning and support its integration into teacher education programs through funding, resources, and institutional encouragement.

Background and objective: Several studies highlight the widespread prevalence of dental health problems within the Saudi population. To effectively develop public health strategies, it is vital to assess oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours at a population level. This study aimed to examine these three domains among adults aged 18 and older residing in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024, involving a sample of adult visitors at shopping malls and public parks in Al-Kharj. Data were gathered using a validated, self-administered, structured questionnaire addressing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to oral health.

Results: The study included 367 participants aged 18 years and above. Among them, 90.2% were aware of the link between tobacco use and oral cancer, and 89.1% held favourable views regarding the use of fluoridated toothpaste to prevent cavities. However, only 55.6% brushed their teeth twice daily, and just 44.7% routinely visited a dentist. Women exhibited significantly better knowledge than men (p = 0.0001), older individuals had greater knowledge than younger ones (p = 0.004), and participants with a monthly income above 10,000 SAR scored higher on oral health knowledge (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: Although many respondents demonstrated good oral health knowledge, fewer than half maintained positive attitudes and practices necessary for proper oral care.