bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme-value statistics in nonlinear optics
Authors: Zheltikov Aleksei M.
Published: February 2024

We show that, although nonlinear optics may give rise to a vast multitude of statistics, all these statistics converge, in their extreme-value limit, to one of a few universal extreme-value statistics. Specifically, in the class of polynomial nonlinearities, such as those found in the Kerr effect, weak-field harmonic generation, and multiphoton ionization, the statistics of the nonlinear-optical output converges, in the extreme-value limit, to the exponentially tailed, Gumbel distribution. Exponentially growing nonlinear signals, on the other hand, such as those induced by parametric instabilities and stimulated scattering, are shown to reach their extreme-value limits in the class of the Fréchet statistics, giving rise to extreme-value distributions (EVDs) with heavy, manifestly nonexponential tails, thus favoring extreme-event outcomes and rogue-wave buildup.
Elliptical spiral zone plate fabrication using direct laser writing for generating an elliptical perfect vortex beam
Authors: Li Minglong , Zhu Haodong , Huang Yi , Yin Ruiqi , Yang ZhenYu , Zhao Ming
Published: February 2024

We report and fabricate a novel, to our knowledge, vortex beam generator called elliptical spiral zone plate (ESZP) using direct laser writing (DLW), which can generate the elliptical perfect vortex beam (EPVB). It is shown that the radius of the EPVB can be adjusted by tuning the control parameters of the ESZP. It is verified through the interference experiment and the Hermitian–Gaussian light field that the topological charge of the EPVB is consistent with the design. In addition, we integrate the ESZP at the tip of the single-mode fiber. Our work may set the scene for applications in fiber optical tweezers, optical communications, and integrated optics.
Niche overlap across landscape variability in summer between two large herbivores using eDNA metabarcoding
Authors: Mas-Carrió Eduard , Churski Marcin , Kuijper Dries , Fumagalli Luca
Published: February 2024

Understanding the relationship between a species feeding strategy and its environment (trophic ecology) is critical to assess environmental requirements and improve management policies. However, measuring trophic interactions remains challenging. Among the available methods, quantifying the plant composition of a species’ diet indicates how species use their environment and their associated niche overlap. Nevertheless, most studies focusing on herbivore trophic ecology ignore the influence that landscape variability may have. Here, we explored how landscape variability influences diet composition through niche overlap. We used eDNA metabarcoding to quantify the diet composition of two large herbivores of the Bialowieza Forest, red deer (Cervus elaphus) and European bison (Bison bonasus) to investigate how increasing habitat quality (i.e. higher abundance of deciduous forage species) and predation risk (i.e. density of wolf in the area) influence their diet composition and niche partitioning. Our findings indicate diet composition is non-homogeneous across the landscape, both within and between species. Red deer showed greater diet variability and lower niche overlap within species compared to bison. We detected a reduction of niche overlap for red deer with increasing predation risk, leading to more dissimilar diets, suggesting their feeding behaviour is affected by wolf presence. This correlation was not found for bison, which are rarely predated by wolf. Higher habitat quality was associated with higher niche overlap only within bison, probably due to their suboptimal feeding strategy as browsers. These results show the importance of integrating environment-induced diet variation in studies aimed at determining the landscape usage or niche overlap of a species.
Is managerial ability a catalyst for driving digital transformation in enterprises? An empirical analysis from internal and external pressure perspectives
Authors: Wu Weilin , Song Jing , Lu Lei , Guo Hongxia
Published: February 2024

In a dynamic and competitive business environment, managerial ability emerges as a pivotal strategic factor for capitalizing on new opportunities within the technological revolution and digital transformation of enterprises. Based on data from Chinese A-share listed firms spanning from 2009 to 2019, this study integrates insights from the upper echelons theory and the behavioral theory of the firm to investigate the moderating roles of historical aspiration shortfalls and industrial competitiveness on the relationship between managerial ability and enterprise digital transformation from internal and external pressure perspectives. Our findings indicate a positive impact of managerial ability on digital transformation. The relationship between managerial ability and digital transformation is reinforced by historical aspiration shortfalls; nevertheless, industrial competitiveness has attenuated the aforementioned relationship. This study contributes to a better understanding of the strategic implications of managerial ability within the context of organizational innovation strategies. It offers valuable insights into the decision-making processes of firms as they navigate the challenges of digital transformation within an ever-evolving business environment.
Predicting and identifying factors associated with undernutrition among children under five years in Ghana using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Anku Eric Komla , Duah Henry Ofori
Published: February 2024

Background

Undernutrition among children under the age of five is a major public health concern, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to use machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict undernutrition and identify its associated factors.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of the 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) was performed using R and Python. The main outcomes of interest were undernutrition (stunting: height-for-age (HAZ) < -2 SD; wasting: weight-for-height (WHZ) < -2 SD; and underweight: weight-for-age (WAZ) < -2 SD). Seven ML algorithms were trained and tested: linear discriminant analysis (LDA), logistic model, support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), ridge regression, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). The ML models were evaluated using the accuracy, confusion matrix, and area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristics (ROC).

Results

In total, 8564 children were included in the final analysis. The average age of the children was 926 days, and the majority were females. The weighted prevalence rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight were 17%, 7%, and 12%, respectively. The accuracies of all the ML models for wasting were (LDA: 84%; Logistic: 95%; SVM: 92%; RF: 94%; LASSO: 96%; Ridge: 84%, XGBoost: 98%), stunting (LDA: 86%; Logistic: 86%; SVM: 98%; RF: 88%; LASSO: 86%; Ridge: 86%, XGBoost: 98%), and for underweight were (LDA: 90%; Logistic: 92%; SVM: 98%; RF: 89%; LASSO: 92%; Ridge: 88%, XGBoost: 98%). The AUC values of the wasting models were (LDA: 99%; Logistic: 100%; SVM: 72%; RF: 94%; LASSO: 99%; Ridge: 59%, XGBoost: 100%), for stunting were (LDA: 89%; Logistic: 90%; SVM: 100%; RF: 92%; LASSO: 90%; Ridge: 89%, XGBoost: 100%), and for underweight were (LDA: 95%; Logistic: 96%; SVM: 100%; RF: 94%; LASSO: 96%; Ridge: 82%, XGBoost: 82%). Age, weight, length/height, sex, region of residence and ethnicity were important predictors of wasting, stunting and underweight.

Conclusion

The XGBoost model was the best model for predicting wasting, stunting, and underweight. The findings showed that different ML algorithms could be useful for predicting undernutrition and identifying important predictors for targeted interventions among children under five years in Ghana.
Lightweight high-precision SAR ship detection method based on YOLOv7-LDS
Authors: Zhu Shiliang , Miao Min
Published: February 2024

The current challenges in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) ship detection tasks revolve around handling significant variations in target sizes and managing high computational expenses, which hinder practical deployment on satellite or mobile airborne platforms. In response to these challenges, this research presents YOLOv7-LDS, a lightweight yet highly accurate SAR ship detection model built upon the YOLOv7 framework. In the core of YOLOv7-LDS’s architecture, we introduce a streamlined feature extraction network that strikes a delicate balance between detection precision and computational efficiency. This network is founded on Shufflenetv2 and incorporates Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) attention mechanisms as its key elements. Additionally, in the Neck section, we introduce the Weighted Efficient Aggregation Network (DCW-ELAN), a fundamental feature extraction module that leverages Coordinate Attention (CA) and Depthwise Convolution (DWConv). This module efficiently aggregates features while preserving the ability to identify small-scale variations, ensuring top-quality feature extraction. Furthermore, we introduce a lightweight Spatial Pyramid Dilated Convolution Cross-Stage Partial Channel (LSPHDCCSPC) module. LSPHDCCSPC is a condensed version of the Spatial Pyramid Pooling Cross-Stage Partial Channel (SPPCSPC) module, incorporating Dilated Convolution (DConv) as a central component for extracting multi-scale information. The experimental results show that YOLOv7-LDS achieves a remarkable Mean Average Precision (mAP) of 99.1% and 95.8% on the SAR Ship Detection Dataset (SSDD) and the NWPU VHR-10 dataset with a parameter count (Params) of 3.4 million, a Giga Floating Point Operations Per Second (GFLOPs) of 6.1 and an Inference Time (IT) of 4.8 milliseconds. YOLOv7-LDS effectively strikes a fine balance between computational cost and detection performance, surpassing many of the current state-of-the-art object detection models. As a result, it offers a more resilient solution for maritime ship monitoring.
Perceptions of diabetes risk and prevention in Nairobi, Kenya: A qualitative and theory of change development study
Authors: Manyara Anthony Muchai , Mwaniki Elizabeth , Gill Jason M. R. , Gray Cindy M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes is increasing in Kenya, especially in urban settings, and prevention interventions based on local evidence and context are urgently needed. Therefore, this study aimed to explore diabetes risk and co-create a diabetes prevention theory of change in two socioeconomically distinct communities to inform future diabetes prevention interventions.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with middle-aged residents in two communities in Nairobi (one low-income (n = 15), one middle-income (n = 14)), and thematically analysed. The theory of change for diabetes prevention was informed by analysis of the in-depth interviews and the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, and reviewed by a sub-set (n = 13) of interviewees.

Results

The key factors that influenced diabetes preventive practices in both communities included knowledge and skills for diabetes prevention, understanding of the benefits/consequences of (un)healthy lifestyle, social influences (e.g., upbringing, societal perceptions), and environmental contexts (e.g., access to (un)healthy foods and physical activity facilities). The proposed strategies for diabetes prevention included: increasing knowledge and understanding about diabetes risk and preventive measures particularly in the low-income community; supporting lifestyle modification (e.g., upskilling, goal setting, action planning) in both communities; identifying people at high risk of diabetes through screening in both communities; and creating social and physical environments for lifestyle modification (e.g., positive social influences on healthy living, access to healthy foods and physical activity infrastructure) particularly in the low-income community. Residents from both communities agreed that the strategies were broadly feasible for diabetes prevention but proposed the addition of door-to-door campaigns and community theatre for health education. However, residents from the low-income community were concerned about the lack of government prioritisation for implementing population-level interventions, e.g., improving access to healthy foods and physical activity facilities/infrastructure.

Conclusion

Diabetes prevention initiatives in Kenya should involve multicomponent interventions for lifestyle modification including increasing education and upskilling at individual level; promoting social and physical environments that support healthy living at population level; and are particularly needed in low-income communities.
The application of flipped learning to a gross anatomy dissection course
Authors: Chung Eun-Kyung , Yun Heoncheol , Nam Kwang-Il , Cho Young-Suk , Han Eui-Ryoung
Published: February 2024

We implemented flipped learning for a gross anatomy dissection course and compared its effects on students’ motivation and academic achievement with those of traditional dissection methods. We invited 142 first-year medical students at Chonnam National University Medical School to participate in this study. All participants engaged in traditional dissection methods in the first part of the study and flipped learning in the latter part. Medical students’ motivation to learn anatomy by cadaveric dissection was measured using the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction) model. Thereafter, all students completed a written examination consisting of 96 multiple-choice questions. The students’ mean motivational score regarding attention was significantly higher in association with flipped learning than with traditional learning. However, the students’ mean motivational scores regarding relevance, confidence, and satisfaction were not significantly different between the methods. Additionally, the mean anatomy practice test score was significantly higher in association with flipped learning than with traditional learning. The students’ motivational scores and anatomy practice test scores associated with flipped learning positively correlated with the extent of learning material completion. The students’ responses indicated that flipped learning helped enhance the learning process, improve time management, reduce confusion during practice, and promote independent practice. The application of flipped learning to a cadaveric dissection course increased individual learning motivation, which improved learning activities both in and out of class, as well as academic achievement.
Spurious prospective effects between general and domain-specific self-esteem: A reanalysis of a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Sorjonen Kimmo , Melin Bo
Published: February 2024

A recent meta-analysis, of 38 studies with data from 43 independent samples (total N = 24,668), claimed evidence for positive reciprocal prospective effects, and hence for both top-down and bottom-up processes, between general and domain-specific self-esteem. However, the meta-analytic cross-lagged effects were estimated while adjusting for a prior measurement of the outcome variable and it is known that such adjusted cross-lagged effects may be spurious due to correlations with residuals and regression to the mean. In the present reanalyses, we found all of the prospective effects to be spurious. Consequently, claims about increasing prospective effects and top-down and bottom-up processes between general and domain-specific self-esteem can be questioned. It is important for researchers to be aware of the limitations of cross-lagged panel analyses, and of analyses of correlational data in general, in order not to overinterpret findings.
Physical activity and cognitive function in adults born very preterm or with very low birth weight–an individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Aakvik Kristina Anna Djupvik , Benum Silje Dahl , Tikanmäki Marjaana , Hovi Petteri , Räikkönen Katri , Harris Sarah L. , Woodward Lianne J. , Darlow Brian A. , Indredavik Marit S. , Lydersen Stian , Mork Paul Jarle , Kajantie Eero , Evensen Kari Anne I.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Individuals born very preterm (<32 weeks of gestation) or with very low birthweight (<1500g) have lower cognitive function compared with term-born peers. Furthermore, some studies suggest that they are less physically active as young adults than controls, but the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function remains unclear. We performed an individual participant data meta-analysis to examine whether being born preterm/with very low birth weight is associated with physical activity in adulthood and examined if cognitive function mediates this association.

Study design

Cohorts with data on physical activity and cognitive function in adults born very preterm/very low birth weight and term-born controls were recruited from the Research on European Children and Adults Born Preterm, and the Adults Born Preterm International Collaboration Consortia. A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase.

Results

Five cohorts with 1644 participants aged 22–28 years (595 very preterm/very low birth weight and 1049 controls) were included. Adults born very preterm/very low birth weight reported 1.11 (95% CI: 0.68 to 1.54) hours less moderate to vigorous physical activity per week than controls, adjusted for cohort, age and sex. The difference between individuals born very preterm/very low birth weight and controls was larger among women than among men. Neither intelligence quotient nor self-reported executive function mediated the association between very preterm/very low birth weight and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Results were essentially the same when we excluded individuals with neurosensory impairments.

Conclusion

Adults born very preterm/very low birth weight, especially women, reported less moderate to vigorous physical activity than their term-born peers. Cognitive function did not mediate this association. Considering the risk of adverse health outcomes among individuals born preterm, physical activity could be a target for intervention.
UV-curable powder transparent coatings based on oligo(meth)acrylic resins
Authors: Pojnar Katarzyna , Pilch-Pitera Barbara , Kisiel Maciej , Zioło Aleksandra , Kędzierski Michał
Published: February 2024

Polyacrylic resins containing glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl acrylate (BA) in various molar ratios were obtained. Triaryl sulfonium hexafluorophosphate was used as a photoinitiator and reacted with the epoxy groups of GMA. The relationship between the chemical structure of polyacrylic resins and the parameters of the UV curing reaction and the functional properties of powder coatings was investigated. The appearance and mechanical properties of the coatings were determined based on thickness, gloss, roughness, deformability, scratch resistance, adhesion to steel, hardness, and water contact angle. DMA was used to assess the cross-link density. Powder coatings with good physical and mechanical properties and curing time of 70 s were obtained.
Sage-modified polydimethylsiloxane applied as antibacterial wound dressing material
Authors: Sarraj Sara , Szymiczek Małgorzata , Jędrejek Dariusz , Soluch Agata , Kurpanik Roksana
Published: February 2024

Materials based on polydimethylsiloxane have been developed with antibacterial activity and mechanical properties required for wound treatment. Sage herb (raw, modified, and polyphenol extract) was used as a filler in an amount of 5 and 10% by weight. Physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties were examined. The results indicate a beneficial effect of sage modification on the tested properties.
Modelling effects of nutrients and hypoxia on Lake Erie's central basin foodweb
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Mason Doran M. , Rutherford Edward S. , Koops Marten A. , Johnson Timothy B. , Gorman Ann Marie , Rowe Mark , Zhu Xinhua , Hossain Monir , Cook H. Andrew
Published: February 2024

Hypoxia (dissolved oxygen <2 mg l-1) has long been a prevalent feature of the central basin of Lake Erie. Studies of the sublethal impacts of hypoxia on fishes have focused on individual species feeding rates, behavior and spatial distributions over short time periods, but the long-term effects on the fish community and its foodweb are poorly known. Sublethal effects of hypoxia on fish include: interrupting their vertical migration, displacing them from bottom habitats either up into the water column or away from the hypoxic zones, altering predator-prey relationships by segregation or aggregation of predators and their prey, and increasing fishing mortality by concentrating fish at the edge of hypoxic zones. We used the Ecopath with Ecosim foodweb model to investigate the singular and combined effects of nutrient concentration and hypoxia on the foodweb structure in Lake Erie's central basin. Our model tracked predator-prey interactions and population biomass of 33 model groups. We balanced the model in Ecopath and calibrated it against biomass time series data from 1996 up to 2020. Model simulations were run with varied nutrients (from 20 to 220% of the previous nutrient loading target level) and hypoxia (none, average summer value from 1996 to 2017, historical high) as forcing variables on the foodweb. Model results suggested that nutrients had positive, non-linear effects on foodweb biomass, while hypoxia decreased biomass of benthos, benthivorous fishes, and some omnivores, but increased biomass of plankton and planktivorous fishes. Nutrient effects were greater than hypoxia effects on the foodweb. Results of the foodweb model analysis may inform water quality and fisheries management strategies for Lake Erie's central basin.
Modelling the current status of Lake Malawi fish stocks, an inland lake in East Africa
Authors: Weyl O. L. , M'balaka M. S. , Sharma R. , Cope J , Kafumbata D.
Published: February 2024

Inland rift valley lake systems have been sustaining humanity for a long time. Only recently have commercial fisheries entered these systems and for Lake Malawi, this occurred in the mid-1970s upon successful experimental trawl fishing. Lake Malawi with the highest diversity of freshwater fishes in the world has had fisheries for centuries. Previous assessment of the impact of commercial trawl fisheries revealed significant changes in stock composition and overall biomass. The study evaluates the state of fisheries resources using novel techniques developed using integrated assessment methods amenable to data poor fisheries. Data from biomass assessment surveys and landed catch from 2016 to 2019 were examined to determine the status of selected fish stocks over time. Stock Synthesis for Data Limited tools in R environment were used to run the models. The Surplus Production Models and Statistical catch-at-age models that were used to examine alternative hypotheses on life history parameters on the key stocks exploited primarily by the commercial trawl fishery and evaluate long-term trends on these populations. The study results revealed that Mcheni (Rhamphochromis spp.), Ndunduma (Diplotaxodon limnothrissa) and Utaka (Copadichromis virginalis) stocks are within the sustainable limits, while Chambo (Oreochromis karongae), Chisawasawa (Lethrinops gossei), Mlamba (Bathyclarias nyasensis) and Kampango (Bagrus meridionalis) appear to be overfished in recent years, though Kampango may have recovered recently. Given, the large uncertainties with productivity of most tropical fishes with climate change, as well as large uncertainties due to inaccurate and untimely data submissions, it is recommended that a systematic monitoring and evaluation program, like the one being conducted in Lake Malawi should be developed for other inland lake systems. If stocks are facing overfishing by both the small-scale and commercial trawl fisheries, limits to overall catch and size should be implemented possibly through output controls such that the fisheries remain sustainable for the long term.
Dynamic modelling of coastal aquaculture systems: A Review
Authors: Muralidhar M. , Kumar J. Ashok , Suvana S. , Jayanthi M. , Vishwajeet P. , Dayal J. Syama
Published: February 2024

Coastal aquaculture is an important economic activity in India dominated majorly by shrimp culture, which involves a range of interconnected processes that are challenging to analyse and optimise without a systematic approach. System dynamics modelling is a useful tool for understanding and predicting the behavior of complex coastal aquaculture systems. Here, we review the status of dynamic simulation modelling works undertaken in aquaculture, which can provide directives for various researchers working on developing simulation models for shrimp aquaculture. There is a need to assess the impact of dynamic forces on the animals during the culture period which could be addressed through these models. System dynamic models assist decision-makers to augment potential measures for aquaculture-related problems under different possible scenarios. System dynamic models developed in aquaculture were related to feeding, water quality parameters, nitrogen dynamics, growth, etc. The strengths and limitations of software packages used in developing the simulation models are discussed. Considering the economic potential of shrimp aquaculture, it is important to develop an integrated dynamic model for predicting all the sub-processes of shrimp aquaculture.
Strategic plan to restore a shallow overgrowing macrophyte lake
Authors: Maileht Kairi , Nõges Tiina , Laarmaa Ronald , Lehtpuu Maili , Sepp Margot , Luigujõe Leho , Saar Katrin , Krause Teet , Metsur Madis , Raadla Kalev , Võhandu Kaarel , Zingel Priit , Nõges Peeter , Ott Ingmar
Published: February 2024

As a result of natural and anthropogenic eutrophication, shallow lakes ultimately become wetlands. Several aquatic ecosystem values diminish, but some biotic communities may benefit. Lake Lahepera is a very shallow lake filled with sediments and overgrown with macrophytes. It is a former bay and an important spawning ground for fishes of Lake Peipsi, the fourth largest lake in Europe. The main question is, how to reconcile the goals of nature conservation and circular economy – restore and maintain good functioning of the lake ecosystem, preserve habitats for wetland communities, make economic use of sapropel, and renew spawning conditions for fish. The lake has been investigated since the 1950s. Resulting from strong human pressure, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, the accumulated organic sediments and macrophyte overgrowth have diminished the habitat diversity of the lake. Irregular flushing of the lake with Lake Peipsi waters can wash away large amounts of phosphorus. According to the investigations in 2014-15, phosphorus in- and outflow are in balance, but the internal loading is high. A set of possible restoration options with sediment and macrophyte removal methods is proposed and their outcome assessed using the ecosystem service concept. A comparison of possible future scenarios, based ecosystem service values shows that with a balanced combination of different habitat restoration methods it is possible to achieve stable ecological status of the lake. Species diversity, especially that of floating leaved macrophytes, will increase in the lake. At the same time, wetland habitats will retain their values.
The investigation of the attitudes of students at the faculty of sports sciences towards human rights in sports according to different variables
Authors: Soyer Alptuğ , İbiş Serkan , Güngör Nuri Berk
Published: February 2024

The aim of this research is to examine the attitudes of students studying at the faculty of sports sciences towards human rights in sports in terms of different variables. The research group consists of 85 (41.1%) women and 122 (58.9%) men studying at the faculty of sports sciences. The data collection tools in the research are the personal information form and the Human Rights in Sports Attitude Scale. It was determined that the scores of the participants from the human rights attitude scale in sports were above the average. It was determined that the participants human rights in sports attitude scale and its subdimensions did not differ according to the gender variable. According to the participants' department variable, a significant difference was detected in favor of coaching education only between coaching education and physical education and sports teachers in the subdimension of solidarity rights. Another finding of the research was that as the age of the participants increased, the values ​​they received from personal rights increased, and as the age decreased, the attitude towards social rights increased. As a result, people who are interested in the field of sports sciences attract wide attention with their popular lectures, seminars, and other elements regarding human rights in sports.
(Extended English summary is at the end of this document)
 
Özet
Bu araştırmanın amacı spor bilimleri fakültesinde öğrenim görmekte olan öğrencilerin farklı değişkenler açısından sporda insan hakları tutumlarının incelenmesidir. Araştırma grubu spor bilimleri fakültesinde öğrenim görmekte olan 85 (%41.1) kadın ve 122 (%58.9) erkekten oluşmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama araçları ise kişisel bilgi formu ile Sporda İnsan Hakları Tutum Ölçeği’dir. Katılımcıların sporda insan hakları tutum ölçeğinden almış oldukları puanların ortalama seviyenin üzerinde olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Katılımcıların sporda insan hakları tutum ölçeği ve alt boyutlarının cinsiyet değişkenine göre farklılaşmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Katılımcıların bölüm değişkenine göre sadece dayanışma hakları alt boyutunda antrenörlük eğitimi ve beden eğitimi ve spor öğretmenleri arasında antrenörlük eğitimi lehine anlamlı bir farklılık tespit edilmiştir. Araştırmadaki bir başka bulgu ise katılımcıların yaşları arttıkça kişilik haklarından aldıkları değerlerin artış gösterdiği yaş azaldıkça sosyal haklara yönelik tutumun arttığı belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak spor bilimleri alanında öğrenim gören öğrencilerin sporda insan haklarıyla ilgili farkındalık düzeylerinin ders, seminer ve benzeri unsurlarla arttırılması gerektiği düşünülmektedir.
Mechanisms underlying exercise intolerance in long COVID: An accumulation of multisystem dysfunction
Authors: Jamieson Alexandra , Al Saikhan Lamia , Alghamdi Lamis , Hamill Howes Lee , Purcell Helen , Hillman Toby , Heightman Melissa , Treibel Thomas , Orini Michele , Bell Robert , Scully Marie , Hamer Mark , Chaturvedi Nishi , Montgomery Hugh , Hughes Alun D. , Astin Ronan , Jones Siana
Published: February 2024

The pathogenesis of exercise intolerance and persistent fatigue which can follow an infection with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus (“long COVID”) is not fully understood. Cases were recruited from a long COVID clinic (N = 32; 44 ± 12 years; 10 (31%) men), and age‐/sex‐matched healthy controls (HC) (N = 19; 40 ± 13 years; 6 (32%) men) from University College London staff and students. We assessed exercise performance, lung and cardiac function, vascular health, skeletal muscle oxidative capacity, and autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. Key outcome measures for each physiological system were compared between groups using potential outcome means (95% confidence intervals) adjusted for potential confounders. Long COVID participant outcomes were compared to normative values. When compared to HC, cases exhibited reduced oxygen uptake efficiency slope (1847 (1679, 2016) vs. 2176 (1978, 2373) mL/min, p = 0.002) and anaerobic threshold (13.2 (12.2, 14.3) vs. 15.6 (14.4, 17.2) mL/kg/min, p < 0.001), and lower oxidative capacity, measured using near infrared spectroscopy (τ: 38.7 (31.9, 45.6) vs. 24.6 (19.1, 30.1) s, p = 0.001). In cases, ANS measures fell below normal limits in 39%. Long COVID is associated with reduced measures of exercise performance and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity in the absence of evidence of microvascular dysfunction, suggesting mitochondrial pathology. There was evidence of attendant ANS dysregulation in a significant proportion. These multisystem factors might contribute to impaired exercise tolerance in long COVID sufferers.
Idealism and Greek Philosophy: What Natorp Saw and Burnyeat Missed
Authors: Delcomminette Sylvain
Published: February 2024

In his paper “Idealism and Greek Philosophy: What Berkeley Missed and Descartes Saw,” Myles Burnyeat purports to show not only that idealism was not endorsed by any ancient philosopher, but also that it could not have been endorsed before Descartes; Greek philosophy was dominated by an “unquestioned, unquestioning assumption of realism.” By ‘idealism,’ Burnyeat means mainly Berkeley’s immaterialism, but he also extends his demonstration to something more akin to Kant’s transcendental idealism. After arguing that this last version has more historical credentials to the title of idealism than Berkeley’s doctrine, I compare Burnyeat’s reading to Natorp’s interpretation in Platos Ideenlehre, subtitled “An Introduction to Idealism.” Natorp argues that there is, on the contrary, a kind of underlying idealism in Greek philosophy, one that can be discerned on the basis of an interpretation of the meaning of the verb ‘to be’ which has found support in more recent research.
Variability in road surface temperature in urban road network – A case study making use of mobile measurements
Authors: Loga-Księska Wiktoria , Sordyl Justyna
Published: February 2024

This work presents the results of the research on the thermal state of the road surface measured by means of a mobile road condition sensor. A 15 km route circumnavigating the city centre and used by urban traffic was taken as the research area. Sixteen test runs were performed under summer and winter conditions. An analysis of the locations at which the rate of change of surface temperature had extreme values between consecutive test runs (which lasted around 25 min) was carried out. Based on that, critical sections of the test route were identified, and thus points characterised by readings deviating significantly from the mean values. Based on the thermal mapping methodology, an analysis of the rate of surface cooling was carried out. It was shown to be characterised by temporal (as well as spatial) non-uniformity. The rate of change of surface and air temperatures was calculated as a function of time, which was equal to −2.22 and −1.97°C/h, respectively. During the analysis, it came to light that hourly intervals represent the optimal frequency for thermal monitoring of a road network. Exceptions to the above are the aforementioned sections selected on the basis of the mobile measurements, in which permanent monitoring of road conditions via ESS stationary systems are recommended.
Performance analysis, evaluation, and improvement of selected unsignalized intersection using SIDRA software – Case study
Authors: Al-Rubaee Rasha Hassan , Hameed Irfan Talib
Published: February 2024

Significant social, economic, and environmental costs are associated with traffic congestion. The effectiveness of intersections makes a substantial contribution to the effectiveness of entire road networks. The three-leg at-grade Al-Husainea intersection, located 20 km from the center of holy Karbala city in Iraq, is subjected to serious congestion, resulting in an increase in delay time, reduction in capacity, and bad level of service (LOS). Therefore, it is essential to use advanced software tools to ensure that the current intersection can be controlled, evaluated, and improved. So, the major goal of this study is to use SIDRA, an acronym for signalized and unsignalized intersection design and research aid, software to evaluate the LOS of the Al-Husainea intersection, in which the traffic is assessed using the current LOS. LOS, delay time, and degree of saturation were the criteria utilized to evaluate the traffic flow performance. SIDRA is also used to assess benefits as a result of suggested changes in the design of particular junctions. The first stage is to gather field data regarding traffic volumes utilizing a method of traffic volume gathering. From 7 am to 6 pm, the SIDRA program gathered data for a full 7 days. The results showed that the LOS for the Al-Husainea intersection in the Al-Husainea arm is F, with an average delay of 52 s per vehicle and a saturation level of 0.86 v/c. Finally, it was determined that the Al-Husainea intersection needs additional improvements based on the study and findings from the SIDRA program, and some remedies are suggested in this study to improve the intersection traffic flow.
Optimization and characterization of sustainable geopolymer mortars based on palygorskite clay, water glass, and sodium hydroxide
Authors: Hamid Samer , Johari Izwan , Othman Nadras
Published: February 2024

The synthesis of ambient-cured sustainable geopolymer mortars (GMs) was studied throughout this work. To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, new materials must be used in the production of sustainable concrete and mortars. Many types of binders are used in the synthesis of GM and concrete (GPC), especially clay minerals. These clay minerals are considered sources of alumina and silica in GM and concrete. The geopolymerization process relies on the alkaline solution activating the alumino-silicate to produce geopolymer gel products. The palygorskite (PA) clay mineral, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and sodium silicates (Na2SiO3) were chosen as a binder (solid material) and alkaline activator solution to synthesize GM at ambient temperature. PA was thermally treated at 550, 650, 700, and 750°C, respectively, to convert into high-reactive PA (HRP) HRP550, HRP650, HRP700, and HRP750, respectively. The characteristics of PA clay, HRP powders, and HRP-based GM were evaluated using compressive strength (CS) testing, X-ray fluorescence analysis, carbon footprint analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) diffractograms, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The maximum CS of 25.1 MPa was acquired for geopolymer synthesis utilizing HRP700-based GM cured at 30°C for 28 days. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that HRP-based GM showed the presence of Si–O, Al–O, and O–C–O bonds stretching vibrations in the alumino-silicate network. The results showed that the CO2 emissions had a reduction in the HRP-based GM compared with the reference mix of ordinary Portland cement mortar (OPM). The percentage of reductions was 14.1, 13.7, 13.1, and 12.4 for HRP550, HRP650, HRP700, and HRP750, respectively, compared with the OPM mixture. SEM images/EDS analysis and XRD diffractograms confirmed the presence of sodium alumino-silicate hydrates, magnesium silicate hydrate, and calcium silicate hydrate gels with high quantities particularly in the HRP700-based GM than that in HRP550, HRP650, and HRP750, respectively. The results indicate the suitability of HRP calcined at 700°C (HRP700) in the synthesis of the GM.
Synthesis and characterization of capsaicin nanoparticles: An attempt to enhance its bioavailability and pharmacological actions
Authors: Sher Mujahid , Hussain Ishtiaq , Khan Farhat Ali , Zahoor Muhammad , Sher Wiaam Mujahid , Khalil Muhammad Saqib , Sulaiman Muhammad , Ullah Riaz , Naz Sumaira , Ali Essam A.
Published: February 2024

Herein, capsaicin nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by two different methods, namely, evaporative precipitation of nanosuspension (EPN) and anti-solvent precipitation with a syringe pump (APSP). The nanoparticles of the necessary sizes were obtained after optimizing experimental parameters such as the solvent-to-anti-solvent ratio and stirring speed. They had spherical shapes and an average diameter of 171.29 ± 1.94 and 78.91 ± 0.54 nm when prepared using the EPN and APSP methods, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and an X-ray diffractometer showed that the capsaicin crystallinity decreased. FTIR results showed that the NPs were produced with their original configuration and did not result in the synthesis of any additional structures. The NP formulation had a desirable drug content. They surpassed the unprocessed drug in solubility and displayed the desired stability. Capsaicin NP cream showed many folds of enhanced analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects compared to unprocessed capsaicin.
The central tree property and algorithmic problems on subgroups of free groups
Authors: Roy Mallika , Ventura Enric , Weil Pascal
Published: February 2024

We study the average case complexity of the Uniform Membership Problem for subgroups of free groups, and we show that it is orders of magnitude smaller than the worst case complexity of the best known algorithms.
This applies to subgroups given by a fixed number of generators as well as to subgroups given by an exponential number of generators.
The main idea behind this result is to exploit a generic property of tuples of words, called the central tree property.
An application is given to the average case complexity of the Relative Primitivity Problem, using Shpilrain’s recent algorithm to decide primitivity, whose average case complexity is a constant depending only on the rank of the ambient free group.
Metformin plus L-carnitine enhances brown/beige adipose tissue activity via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling to reduce lipid accumulation and inflammation in murine obesity
Authors: Liang Guojin , Fang Jie , Zhang Pingping , Ding Shuxia , Zhao Yudan , Feng Yueying
Published: February 2024

This study investigated how Metformin (Met) combined with L-carnitine (L-car) modulates brown adipose tissue (BAT) to affect obesity. High-fat-induced obese rats received daily oral gavage with Met and/or L-car, followed by serum biochemical analysis, histopathological observation on adipose tissues, and immunochemistry test for the abdominal expression of BAT-specific uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). Mouse-embryonic-fibroblast cells were induced into adipocytes, during which Met plus L-car was added with/without saturated fatty acid (SFA). The role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in adipocyte browning was investigated by gene silencing. Mitochondria biogenesis in adipocytes was inspected by Mitotracker staining. Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/BAT-related genes/proinflammatory marker expressions in adipose tissues and/or adipocytes were analyzed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, and/or immunofluorescence test. Met or L-car improved metabolic disorders, reduced adipocyte vacuolization and swelling, upregulated levels of BAT-related genes including UCP1 and downregulated proinflammatory marker expressions, and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in adipose tissues of obese rats. Met and L-car functioned more strongly than alone. In adipocytes, Met plus L-car upregulated BAT-related gene levels and protected against SFA-caused inflammation promotion and mitochondria degeneration, which yet was attenuated by Nrf2 silencing. Met plus L-car enhances BAT activity and white adipose tissue browning via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to reduce lipid accumulation and inflammation in obese rats.
Calcium-, magnesium-, and yttrium-doped lithium nickel phosphate nanomaterials as high-performance catalysts for electrochemical water oxidation reaction
Authors: Nasir Mehwish Huma , Niaz Hajira , Yunus Naila , Ali Urooj , Khan Safia , Butt Tehmeena Maryum , Naeem Hina , Li Hu , Habila Mohamed A. , Janjua Naveed Kausar
Published: February 2024

Electrochemical water oxidation reaction (WOR) lies among the most forthcoming approaches toward eco-conscious manufacturing of green hydrogen owing to its environmental favors and high energy density values. Its vast commoditization is restricted by high-efficiency and inexpensive catalysts that are extensively under constant research. Herein, calcium, magnesium, and yttrium doped lithium nickel phosphate olivines (LiNi1−x
M
x
PO, LNMP; x = 0.1–0.9; M = Ca2+, Mg2+, and Y3+) were synthesized via non-aqueous sol-gel method and explored for catalytic WOR. Lithium nickel phosphates (LNP) and compositions were characterized via Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction techniques for the structural and morphological analyses. Glassy carbon electrode altered with the LNMPs when studied in a standard redox system of 5 mM KMnO4, displayed that yttrium doped LNP, i.e. LNYP-3 exhibits the highest active surface area (0.0050 cm2) displaying the lowest average crystallite size (D
avg) i.e. ∼7 nm. Electrocatalytic behavior monitored in KOH showed that LNMP-2 offers the highest rate constant “k
o,” value, i.e. 3.9 10−2 cm s−1 and the largest diffusion coefficient “D
o,” i.e. 5.2 × 10−5 cm2 s−1. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters demonstrated the facilitated electron transfer and electrocatalytic properties of proposed nanomaterials. Water oxidation peak current density values were indicative of the robust catalysis and facilitated water oxidation process besides lowering the Faradic onset potential signifying the transformation of less LNP into more conducive LNMP toward water oxidation.
Hallstatt Period Rectangular Farmsteads in the Old Bavarian Loess Landscape: The Hascherkeller Site Revisited
Authors: Saile Thomas , Reitmaier Florian , Posselt Martin , Denk Isabella
Published: February 2024

In the occasionally lively debate about the social structure of the Central European Early Iron Age, the Herrenhof as the presumed seat of a high-status farmer now also plays a role. A rectangular farmstead of this type is the famous Hascherkeller site on the northern outskirts of Landshut. The first magnetic prospection ever conducted at such an archaeological structure was carried out here in 1978. The site became widely known for its distinctive complex appearance and the excavations undertaken there between 1978 and 1981 by Peter S. Wells, then assistant curator of European archaeology at the Peabody Museum of Harvard University.

After four decades, an opportunity arose to resume excavations in areas not explored at the time and bring them to a conclusion. The most important result of the recent field work, which was completed in 2022, is the stratigraphic disentanglement of the numerous ditches. The loess terrace, most likely, was initially divided by a ditch running across the terrain. This separating landscape feature may have been contemporaneous with the palisaded farmstead on the eastern edge of the study area. Later, the two rectangular ditched enclosures were constructed, probably the eastern one first. In another, more recent phase, they were joined together by connecting ditches to form a larger settlement complex. Already during the investigation, it was revealed that the middle one of the once assumed three rectangular farmsteads had never existed.

In addition, about 200 m further to the southwest, a similar double enclosure was discovered. Here, too, two rectangular enclosures were apparently joined by connecting ditches to form a larger settlement area in a more recent phase. About 5 km to the northeast, in the area of the hamlet Holzen not far from Altheim, a group of unconnected rectangular farmsteads dating from the Hallstatt period has recently been magnetically surveyed. These are characterised by a larger number of long, narrow pits indicating former house sites.

The following remarks focus on the latest excavation results and the role of the type of habitation known as Herrenhof in the Early Iron Age settlement system.