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Found 6289 publications
Gender-specific obstacles and employment disparities in the V4 countries: a study on finding the ideal workplace
Publication Name: Regional Statistics
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 16
Issue: 1
Page Range: 100-131
Description:
Out of the European Union’s 104 NUTS 1 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics – Level 1) regions, those belonging to the Visegrád Group (also known as Visegrád Four or V4), have been selected for this study due to their comparable socioeconomic characteristics and regional relevance. This study aims to determine whether the obstacles to finding the right employer and job role differ between genders in the V4. These regions, through their historical background and intensive economic relations, influence not only their own territories but also the economy and value system of the entire continent. The results show significant differences between the countries in terms of the types and intensity of barriers. In Hungary, language barriers play a crucial role in restricting participation in the international labour market. In Poland, unequal access to educational opportunities is predominant. In Slovakia, the lack of flexible work arrangements tailored to family responsibilities emerged as the most significant obstacle. In certain areas of the Czech Republic, the influence of traditional gender roles was decisive. By identifying these barriers, this study contributes to understanding how gender disparities shape job-seeking experiences across the V4 countries. The research highlights that understanding the differences between countries is essential for a deeper comprehension of labour market barriers. Based on these findings, targeted measures are required, such as expanding language training in Hungary, making educational opportunities more accessible in Poland, and promoting flexible employment forms in Slovakia and less-developed areas of the Czech Republic. The results provide valuable guidance for developing policies aimed at improving gender equality and labour market participation, particularly through region-specific approaches.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.15196/RS160105
Trematurid mites (Mesostigmata: Uropodina) associated with bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) in Mexico
Publication Name: Acarologia
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 66
Issue: 2
Page Range: 364-376
Description:
Phoretic mites associated with bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) play crucial roles in forest ecosystems, yet their diversity and distribution in Mexico remain understudied. This study aims to identify the species of the family Trematuridae (genera Trichouropoda and Oodinychus) associated with bark beetles across major coniferous forests in Mexico and to describe their host specificity and attachment patterns. A total of 1,713 bark beetles belonging to nine species were examined from 24 Mexican states. Mites were collected from the host bodies, galleries, and collection vial sediments. Eleven trematurid species were identified. Mites were recorded in ten states, with Trichouropoda polytricha being the most widespread and generalist species, associated with seven host species. A significant disparity in mite prevalence was observed among hosts, ranging from 1.57% in Dendroctonus mexicanus to 25.58% in D. rhizophagus. Phoretic deutonymphs exhibited a clear preference for specific attachment sites, primarily the ventral surface (29%) and gular area (22%). Furthermore, the presence of mites in both new and old galleries confirms these structures as essential micro-ecosystems for their biological cycle. Our findings highlight a high degree of host plasticity in certain species and a complex symbiotic relationship within the gallery environment. This research provides a fundamental baseline for future studies on the ecological impact of mite-beetle associations in Mexican forest health.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.24349/qznl-uogs
Comparison and complete mitogenomes of two morphologically similar but ecologically different tick species, Ixodes arboricola and Ixodes lividus (subgenus Pholeoixodes)
Publication Name: Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Ixodes arboricola and Ixodes lividus are ornithophilic tick species. The former is typically associated with tree-hole dwelling birds, while the latter is a host-specific parasite of sand martins (Riparia riparia). These two tick species share important morphological characters that make them difficult to identify when they are collected from atypical hosts, such as birds of prey. Despite this, high resolution digital pictures have not been reported to compare I. arboricola and I. lividus, nor was their complete mitogenome reported. The aim of this study was to compensate for this lack of illustrations and sequence data. Nymphs and females of I. arboricola and I. lividus were used for morphological comparison, and one specimen of each species to generate mitogenome sequences. The results showed that females of these two species are different in the shape of their scutum, porose areas, the length of basis capituli, palps, coxae, genital pore, anal groove and tarsus I. On the other hand, nymphs of I. arboricola and I. lividus can be distinguished according to their cervical grooves, cornuae, auricular ridges and spiracular plates. The mitochondrial genome size was 14,539 and 14,536 bp, for I. arboricola and I. lividus, respectively. The mitogenome sequences of I. arboricola and I. lividus were 91.1% identical to each other. Phylogenetic analysis of Ixodes species showed that I. arboricola and I. lividus are sister species, and cluster together with Ixodes crenulatus/canisuga under strong support. In conclusion, results of this study confirmed that the front of the basis capituli is crucial in distinguishing Ixodes species, especially in the subgenus Pholeoixodes where these two species are phylogenetically closest related to I. canisuga. Another phylogenetically relevant morphological character is the scutal surface which is wrinkled (rugose) as a common feature of Pholeoixodes species in the clade of I. arboricola and I. lividus (including I. canisuga, I. rugicollis and I. ariadnae). Although the host ranges of I. arboricola and I. lividus do not substantially overlap, they may transmit some of the shared pathogens. Relevant data indicate that the eco-epidemiological significance of the two ornithophilic tick species studied here may in part be similar and they may play a role in the transmission of rickettsiae, borreliae and viruses of which birds act as reservoirs.
Open Access: Yes
Strategic selection of electric vehicles in the context of smart city development in Albania using the fuzzy MCDM methods
Publication Name: Clean Energy Science and Technology
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 4
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation towards electric vehicles (EVs) with the main goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and for a sustainable and green environment. Different types of EVs are introduced every day in the market where selecting an optimal vehicle for purchase constitutes a complex decision-making. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to evaluate EVs in Albania using multi-criteria decision-making methods (MCDM). A total of 12 vehicles were analyzed based on 4 main criteria and 12 sub-criteria. The fuzzy Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights (LMAW) method was applied to find the weights of the main criteria while the fuzzy Logarithmic Percentage Change-driven Objective Weighting (LOPCOW) method was applied to find the weights of the sub-criteria. For the EV ranking, the fuzzy Ranking of Alternatives with Weights of Criterion (RAWEC) method was applied. The findings showed that the most important criteria are the technical criteria and the Auto 11 vehicle showed the best results. The combination of Fuzzy LMAW-Fuzzy LOPCOW-Fuzzy RAWEC methods also constitutes the novelty of this research, which has not been applied before in this field. The contribution of this research consists in providing a comprehensive set of selection criteria to choose the best alternative of the EV fleet in Albania. Furthermore, the contribution of this research was the application of a hybrid methodology in the evaluation and selection of an electric vehicle as an ongoing choice faced by vehicle buyers.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.18686/cest548
Empowering resilience: celebrating and accelerating women’s transformative contributions to plant abiotic stress research (2010–2025)
Publication Name: Frontiers in Plant Science
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 17
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
The growing incidence of abiotic stresses ranging from soil salinity and prolonged drought to increasingly frequent temperature extremes continues to challenge global agriculture and jeopardize food security. As these pressures intensify under a changing climate, the demand for resilient crop systems and deeper biological understanding is greater than ever. Over the past decade and a half (2010–2025), women scientists have played a pivotal yet often under-recognized role in advancing plant abiotic stress research. Their contributions span a wide scientific spectrum, from elucidating redox-based signaling networks and stress-responsive physiological pathways to pioneering multi-omics approaches and developing innovative biotechnological tools aimed at improving crop tolerance. This review synthesizes the scientific progress achieved through research efforts led by women as first authors, corresponding authors, or principal investigators, highlighting exemplary studies and emerging themes that have shaped the field. Alongside these accomplishments, the review addresses persistent structural and institutional barriers that limit women’s participation in STEM, particularly within plant sciences, and evaluates global initiatives designed to promote equity and inclusion in research environments. By integrating scientific advances with social and institutional perspectives, the review outlines a strategic roadmap to support and amplify innovation driven by women scientists, including as leaders in research teamsin plant stress biology. Ultimately, fostering gender equity in this discipline is more than an ethical responsibility it is a necessary foundation for building sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural systems for the future.
Open Access: Yes
Perceived Barriers of Gen AI Integration in Entrepreneurship Education: Implications for Information Systems Scholars and Practitioners
Publication Name: Journal of Global Information Management
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 34
Issue: 1
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Generative AI can enhance venture creation education, yet faculty adoption remains limited. This study explores why through a three-stage mixed-methods approach. Stage 1 reviewed 2020–25 literature to identify 23 barriers across pedagogical, technical, institutional, and ethical domains. Stage 2 involved interviews with experienced entrepreneurship educators, refining and reducing the list to 15 context-specific challenges. Stage 3 used a fuzzy-DEMATEL survey to capture expert causal judgments, while thematic coding of interviews added narrative depth. The resulting influence map highlights a clear hierarchy: lack of staff training, unclear governance, and weak technical support are key upstream barriers, while concerns like plagiarism and over-reliance are downstream effects. Cluster analysis groups drivers into pedagogical, organisational, and infrastructural clusters, suggesting a phased response: begin with training and transparent policy, then invest in tools and assessments.
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.4018/JGIM.400249
Application of the walkability index in Hungarian small towns
Publication Name: Pollack Periodica
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
AbstractThe assessment of walkability is essential for sustainable mobility and livable urban environments. This study explores the applicability of a walkability index - originally developed for a metropolitan context-to small towns in Hungary and identifies necessary adaptations. Data were collected through an expert survey on the prioritization and weighting of walkability factors. Weighting was determined using two methods: pairwise comparison and 100-point distribution, followed by linear normalization. Statistical analyses revealed that sense of safety and transport accessibility is more significant in small towns, while other factors, for example the attractiveness of the environment, are less emphasized. The findings support settlement-specific weighting of walkability criteria to address local needs.
Open Access: Yes
Exercise addiction: A review and evaluation of current research and theory
Publication Name: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: Unknown
Issue: Unknown
Page Range: Unknown
Description:
Background and Aims: While regular physical activity provides many health benefits, exercise can cause more harm than good when done excessively to the point where a person loses control. This condition has been called various names, but the most accurate term is ‘exercise addiction’ (EA) because it reflects both compulsive behavior and dependence. EA is classified as a non-substance-related addictive disorder, or behavioral addiction, and has been the subject of research for over fifty years. However, it is not officially recognized in major diagnostic systems, mainly due to significant conceptual and measurement challenges. This paper provides an overview of current knowledge on EA, including its causes, assessment issues, epidemiology, associated conditions, negative effects, and options for treatment and prevention. Methods: An evaluation-driven narrative review was conducted which synthesized findings from empirical research and theoretical models adopted across EA research. It critically examined prevailing conceptualizations, methodological challenges, and potential treatment approaches. Results: Epidemiological findings are inconsistent and report inflated prevalence rates, partly due to reliance on self-report instruments that often fail to distinguish pathological exercise from passion. Etiological models emphasize the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and behavioral factors. Negative consequences include physical injury, emotional distress, and social strain. Evidence for effective interventions remains sparse. Discussion and Conclusions: Despite growing interest, progress remains slow. There is a need for larger, longitudinal, and experimental studies to advance understanding. Though not included in the DSM-5, greater clinical awareness is vital for early detection and prevention. EA is clinically relevant but still poorly defined, requiring robust empirical and theoretical work.
Open Access: Yes
Changes in antibiotic use in Hungarian large pig farms between 2022 and 2024
Publication Name: Magyar Allatorvosok Lapja
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 148
Issue: 3
Page Range: 131-148
Description:
Background: The intensification of pig production systems has been associated with increased antimicrobial use (AMU), which remains a key driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and a major concern for both veterinary and public health sectors. Monitoring and rationalizing antibiotic usage are crucial to prevent the selection of resistant bacterial strains that pose risks to both animal and public health. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the structure and magnitude of antibiotic use as well as related reduction strategies, in three large-scale Hungarian swine herds, based on farm data recorded between January 2022 and June 2024. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a digital herd health monitoring system covering monthly animal health cases and antibiotic usage. Antibiotic use was evaluated by AMEG classification, active ingredient groups, route of administration (e.g. water, feed, injection), treatment type (therapeutic vs. metaphylactic) and age group (e.g. sows, weaners, fatteners). Quantitative indicators included total mass (mg) and mg/PCU values. Results and Discussion: Antibiotic use declined during the study period, particularly in weaned pigs by 87.6% (corrected mg/PCU: from 341.70 to 42.35). The most frequent clinical problems on the examined farms were enteric and respiratory disorders as well as arthritis. Drinking water medication remained dominant (93.8%), though individual treatments increased in frequency. In 2023, a major shift occurred toward targeted therapeutic use (83.7%) over metaphylaxis (16.3%). The increased proportion of AMEG C category antibiotics and reduced use of AMEG D category substances indicate changing prescribing patterns. Regular treatment logs, vaccination protocols, sensitivity testing and the use of organic acids and probiotics may contribute to a more prudent antibiotic approach. These results confirm the importance of diagnostics-driven treatment and farm-specific interventions in AMR mitigation.
Open Access: Yes
