bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid Yields and Fatty Acid Composition if Indigenous Microalgae, Isolated from the Beira, and Diyawanna Urban Lakes, for Sustainable Biofuel Production in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasekara, J.K.D.M.  , Wanasekara, L.  , Saputhanthri, P.S.  , Perera, S.
Published: February 2024

Biofuels are carbon-neutral combustibles produced from renewable biomass. Third generation biofuels, derived from microalgal biomass, are distinctly superior to their preceding generations, due to higher productivity and resource use efficiency of microalgae compared to conventional energy crops. It is a viable source of sustainable energy for our country due to the availability of water, ambient temperatures and year-round sunlight needed for microalgae cultivation, and most importantly, the abundance of diverse microalgae species. However, these native microalgae are relatively unexplored for their productivities and thereby, greatly underutilized. This research was aimed to investigate the lipid yields and fatty acid compositions of local freshwater microalgae, and to identify their potential for biodiesel production. This was carried out by (1) microalgae isolation and morphological identification (2) microalgae cultivation (3) biomass harvesting, lipid extraction, gravimetric measurement of extracted lipids and (4) acid-catalysed transesterification, followed by GCMS analysis of the biodiesel product. Chlorella sp., Chlorococcum sp. and Chlamydomonas sp. were isolated from Beira/ Diyawanna Lakes using streak plate technique in solid standard BBM media. They were next cultivated under axenic conditions in liquid standard BBM media under 16: 8 (light: dark), at 25°C for 20 days in duplicates. The biomass was then harvested using alum, dried to reach a constant weight and the Bligh and Dyer lipid extraction was done in triplicate. The extracted lipids were trans-esterified with methanol, using sulfuric acid catalyst at 90° C for 60 minutes. The separated product was analysed by GCMS. Chlorella sp., Chlorococcum sp. and Chlamydomonas sp. cultivated under standard conditions gave average lipid yields of 11.34±1.01%, 15.00±1.40% and 2.10±0.50% respectively. Average lipid yield of Chlamydomonas sp. was significantly lower than the other two species at 95% confidence level (Two-sample T test on SPSS Version 21). GCMS analysis of the biodiesel product from Chlorella sp. indicated significant levels of saturated fatty acids including palmitic and stearic acids, monounsaturated fatty acids like cis-11- eicosenoic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic and linolenic acids. The fatty acid ratios were used to calculate the saturation value, cetane number, density, iodine value and pour point of the produced biodiesel. These quality parameters were in accordance with the ASTM D6751- 20a standards. Therefore, with a substantial yield and fatty acid composition of intracellular lipids, this local species of Chlorella can be a prospective candidate for sustainable bioenergy production in Sri Lanka.

 

Keywords: Chlorella, Chlorococcum, Chlamydomonas, Microalgal lipids, Biodiesel
Sustainable Coastal-Based Tourism in Southern Sri Lanka: Assessing the Potentials of Blue Flag Certification’s Criteria
Authors: Thirukeswaran, S.  , Jayawardena, N.K.R.N.
Published: February 2024

As an Island nation, Sri Lanka depends on coastal ecosystems to develop its economy by enhancing coastal-based tourism activities. Sri Lanka’s beaches are an essential part of coastal tourism as they attract many local and foreign tourists. With the ever-increasing demand for coastal tourism-based development, the beaches in Sri Lanka are susceptible to environmental degradation and pollution. The Blue Flag Certification (BFC), recognized globally for its stringent environmental standards, serves as a potential framework for promoting coastal tourism while ensuring the conservation of coastal ecosystems. The BFC requires any beach to achieve and sustain high standards in 33 criteria under the four categories: Environmental Education and Information, Water Quality, Environmental Management, and Safety and Services. Although many attractive beaches in the southern part of Sri Lanka usually receive a larger proportion of tourists annually, Sri Lanka has not obtained BFC for any of its beaches so far. Therefore, through a comprehensive assessment, including field surveys and analysis of the applicability of blue flag criteria, this study aims to gauge the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating BFC into the development of sustainable coastal-based tourism. Three beaches located in the Southern Province, namely Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Polhena were selected for this study. Observations and data gathered during the field investigations were analyzed for 30 criteria (excluding water quality criteria) using the guidelines and explanatory notes provided by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It was identified that Unawatuna has fully or partially achieved 13 criteria out of 30, while Mirissa and Polhena achieved only ninth and seventh criteria respectively. All three beaches have achieved most of the criteria under the environmental management category while lacking significant achievements in the safety and services category. However, all three beaches have achieved at least one criterion under the environmental education and information category. Enhanced cleanliness and aesthetic values of beaches were observed where the environmental management criteria were prioritized especially in Mirissa. This study ensures that accomplishing all BFC criteria helps to enhance the region’s coastal tourism potential while continuing to preserve its unique and pristine coastal ecosystems. Further, this research also provides valuable insights and a holistic approach for policymakers, local councils, and tourism development stakeholders to implement the necessary strategies to fulfil all the criteria. Therefore, this study recommends a steady and efficient incorporation of all the criteria by relevant authorities to promote sustainable tourism and therefore contribute to economic development.

 

Keywords: Sustainable tourism, Environmental management, Blue flag, Water quality, Development
Application of Geospatial Technology to Assess Pressures and Threats to Nature Related to Human Activities in Wilpattu National Park
Authors: Kumara, U.I.  , Jayawardana, D.T.  , Gunathilake, B.M.
Published: February 2024

Expanding agricultural land is one of the humanities largest and most considerable environmental impacts. It has transformed habitats and is one of the greatest pressures and threats to biodiversity. By 2020, with an estimated population of 22 million, the per capita arable land is about 0.158 hectares. This indicates heavy pressure on agricultural land use. This agricultural land use causes deforestation. Illegal deforestation results in the destruction of habitat and the restriction of wildlife movements. Apart from the direct destruction of habitats of flora and fauna that provide humans with valuable resources, removing forest cover puts many essential natural functions out of order, which may lead to a range of severe consequences. There have been many attempts at human encroachment at Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka, and its Forest Reserves; however, it has never been done at this scale with the awareness of the Government Authorities, who failed to act. The Easter end of the Wilpattu National Park lies between the divisional secretariat of Mahaviachchi, Karuwalagasweva, Nochchiyagama, and Rajanganaya. The buffer zone of 1.6km has been marked from the Wilpattu reserve boundary. This study uses the integrated land use assessment by applying a land use evaluation model that evaluates biophysical and human-related data in eight GN Divisions (Hunuvilagama, Kuda Vilachchiya, Track 13, Matha Kiramam, Palaikuli, Pahalapuliyankulam, Parana Eluwankulam, and Andiyapuliyankulam) in buffer zone in Wilpattu National Park. Environmental impact has been assessed based on image classification and area calculations. According to the analysis done in the human settlement, it indicates encroachment of the restricted zone for human settlement. The area of this buffer zone is approximately 33,147 ha. About 9,190 ha of this buffer zone area has been utilized by humans in various ways. Spatial- temporal data in 2003-2019 satellite image classification identified permanent building/housing units within the 1.6 km restricted zone, which has been increased in marginal villages. Mullikulam and Eluwankulam GN Divisions are the most critical and rapidly encroached areas in the forest village in the Wilpattu National Park. According to the GIS-based maps, cultivation, road construction, and residence are significant factors influencing the major ecosystems in the eastern part of the Wilpattu Park Boundary. Mahavilachchi and Nochchiyagama can be identified as the villages where elephants roam more and the areas where elephant-human conflict occurs regularly. Paddy and hay farming are primarily practiced in the areas close to the Wilpattu reserve zone. Additionally, coconut, banana, mango, and cashew crops are cultivated.

 

Keywords: Wilpattu, Agriculture, Deforestation, Buffer zone, Human
Towards Sustainable Cities: Challenges and Way Forward
Authors: Ranasinghe, D.M.S.H.K.
Published: February 2024

A city is a sizable and enduring human settlement distinguished by its intricate network of structures, infrastructure, and social, economic, and cultural institutions. Cities play a vital role in a country's global economic growth and development, fostering agglomeration of economies, serving as centres of innovation and technological advancement, acting as major hubs for finances and employment, and facilitating infrastructure development while providing access to broader markets. Often specializing in specific industries or sectors, cities offer amenities such as healthcare, education, employment, and recreational opportunities that enhance their appeal to residents seeking a high quality of life. However, the majority of unplanned cities grapple with the challenge of balancing economic, social, and environmental perspectives. Key issues include rapid population growth, urban sprawl, inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, conflicting interests among stakeholders-particularly regarding development versus conservation and pressing environmental concerns like pollution, improper waste management, health issues, and climate change. Addressing these challenges requires cities to evolve into 'Living Cities,' where human settlements can flourish indefinitely as part of nature's beauty and diversity. Achieving this balance involves integrating economic, social, and environmental perspectives. This paper presents detailed strategies under various subheadings, including Integrated Urban Planning with a focus on promoting public transport, increasing green spaces, and conserving biodiversity. It also covers Water Conservation, measures to enhance resilience to climate change impacts, such as strategic infrastructure siting and nature-based solutions, and the promotion of renewable energy and green building concepts to conserve finite resources. Efficient waste management is highlighted to ensure a waste-free urban environment. The paper underscores the importance of stakeholder engagement, involving the public, private sector, NGOs, and communities in the decision-making process through participatory planning and citizen engagement. While acknowledging existing supportive policies and strategies in the country, the paper emphasizes the need for their enforcement and proper implementation to achieve the desired target of sustainable cities-living cities where human populations thrive harmoniously as part of nature's beauty and diversity.

 

Keywords: Living city, Sustainable city, Urban, Settlement, Integrated planning
Suppression of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Soil Amended with Autoclaved Lightweight Aerated Concrete Under Different Compaction and Moisture Conditions
Authors: Rathnayake, N.R.R.W.S.  , Maeda, M  , Leelamanie, D.A.L.
Published: February 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions has been highlighted worldwide as a contributor to the greenhouse effect. Soil physical characteristics such as bulk density and moisture content can influence the emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) from soil. Soil conditioners applied to soil can also affect the terrestrial CO2 emissions. Autoclaved lightweight aerated concrete (ALC) is in use at present as a soil conditioner or calcium silicate fertilizer, it is a type of porous material made from industrial waste. In this study, we determined the effect of ALC (Inenica, Clion Co., Ltd, Japan) on CO2 emissions from paddy soil with considering soil compaction and moisture content. Laboratory experiments were conducted using soils with and without ALC (0 and 5%), under two levels of compaction (compacted and non-compacted), and two soil moisture contents (60% and 100% water holding capacity: WHC) in 200 mL glass vials. All treatments with triplicates were incubated at 25° C for 21 days under aerobic conditions. Emissions of CO2 were determined at 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days using gas chromatography with the thermal conductivity detector. The addition of ALC significantly decreased CO2 emissions from soil at the early stages of incubation. Emissions of CO2 were significantly lower at 100% WHC than at 60% WHC. Non-compacted treatments showed significantly higher emissions of CO2 than compacted treatments during the incubation time period. This is possibly due to improved soil aeration and porosity, which enhanced the activity of soil microorganisms responsible for the decomposition of organic matter. The interactions between moisture content with ALC addition and compaction on cumulative CO2 emissions were statistically significant (p<0.05). The effect of ALC addition on CO2 suppression was more effective at compacted and 100% WHC (51% reduction compared with control). Our study suggested that precise dosage of ALC application (5%) can effectively reduce CO2 emissions from soil, under 100% WHC and compaction conditions than 60% WHC and non-compaction conditions.

 

Keywords: Aerobic, Autoclaved lightweight aerated concrete, Carbon dioxide, Compaction, Moisture content
Utilization of Palm Oil Effualant and Empty Fruit Benches as a Fertilizer Marginal Oil Palm Fields at Talgaswella Estate, in the Low Country Wet Zone Agro-Ecological Zone of Sri Lanka
Authors: Bulugahapitiya, D.U.H.  , Palihakkara, I.R.  , Ariyasoma, U.M.U.R.  , Balasuriya, A.
Published: February 2024

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) was first introduced to Sri Lanka, as a commercial crop, about 55 years ago and was first established in Galle District as a rain fed perennial cash crop. Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is identified as a problematic waste while releasing directly to the water streams. Both POME and Empty Fruit Benches (EFB) consists of all these required nutrients in higher proportions for oil palm plants. This study was carried out with the duel intentions (objectives) of finding a solution to the disposal of waste material accumulated in oil palm factories over many years and to improve the productivity of marginally yielding oil palm fields in Thalgaswella estate Talgaswella. The study was designed using RCBD and there are eleven treatments. Fertilizer/mixtures were prepared based of the Nitrogen amount (0.63 kg/palm/year) supplied from the recommended inorganic fertilizer mixtures and rest of the organic fertilizer mixtures were prepared with using different proportions of POME and EFB to balance Potassium (K) & Prosperous (P). A ten-year-old oil palm field was selected in year 2019 for this experiment and maintained the field for three years before the data collection. There were 33 plots, each containing six palm trees. Organic treatments included different quantities of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB), Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). Oil content of the fruits was analyzed at AEN oil palm factory using (Instrument-FOSS DA1650) in year 2023. All the data were analyzed with Minitab and mean separations were done using DMRT at α≤0.05 level. Results clearly show that the application of organic fertilizer to the oil palm cultivation gives significantly higher oil yield. These findings can help to improving the productivity of marginal oil palm cultivations, while providing a sustainable solution to the disposal of POME and EFB.

 

Key words: Oil palm, Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), Empty Fruit Benches (EFB), Waste, productivity
Analysing Plastic Pollution: A Case Study of Coastal Pollution from Inland Urban Waterways in Galle City, Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando, I.H.L.  , Chandrathilake, G.G.T.
Published: February 2024

The coastal stretch of Galle city is currently facing an acute pollution with the aggregation of various types of waste on beaches due to malpractices of the community living around the coastal as well as inland areas of the country. Rivers or canals play a key role in the transport of wastes from source to sea and are estimated to emit around 1 metric ton of plastics into the ocean annually. Mainly five sea outfalls are existing along the Galle coastal zone and those transfer various waste towards the beaches. The present case study aims to identify the coastal pollution caused by inland waterways in Galle municipal council area and to detect the main plastic pollutants flow into coastal zone through inland waterways from month of April to June 2023. The waste trap constructed at the main inland waterway located at Galle municipal council area, the Moda Ela trapped different types of waste and the CCTV camera fixed directing to the above-mentioned canal, captures images, uploaded to a cloud system and feed the data to an Artificial Intelligence model to detect the litter type and their counts which flows along the canal daily and get recorded in the smart plastic litter monitoring web-based system using feature extraction techniques in AI. This smart system has mainly identified the count of plastic fragments, plastic bottles, Styrofoam, and trash bags separately, as the main pollutants of this canal and has interpreted graphically and numerically in the smart system which can be freely accessed. Weights of waste were taken manually. Finally, recorded counts of waste in the smart system emphasis that most abundant causative agent affected on pollution of Moda Ela was plastic bottles (58%) while effect of Styrofoam and trash bags were 34% and 8% respectively. Further, average weight of plastic bottles was recorded highest during the study period (130 kg) when compared to other waste categories. According to the results, plastic bottles have become the main source of pollution comes through inland canals which contribute to coastal pollution. Visual observations further convince that the highest pollution source was Moda Ela while less contribution was from Mahamodara canal. The present study highlights plastics as the main pollutants in inland waterways which effect on coastal pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the polluters and need to implement proper rules and regulations while suggesting any alternatives for plastics.

 

Keywords: Coastal pollution, Inland waterways, Waste trap, Galle Municipal Council area, Artificial intelligence technology
Rethinking affects of care through power
Authors: Drotbohm Heike , Dilger Hansjörg
Published: February 2024

This introduction outlines the contemporary emergence of new forms of informal crisis-related care, which both complement and contradict classical forms of humanitarian assistance. The introduction traces the spread, blurring, and differentiation of novel forms of non-state assistance and support against the backdrop of increasingly widespread criticism of large-scale international aid. Tackling regimes of care beyond the exceptionality of a crisis notion, the introduction then summarizes how the three contributions and the commentary to this theme section employ the lens of affect for exploring how these highly intersubjective forms of encounter are experienced, performed, and reflected on.
Disappointment and awkwardness as ugly feelings
Authors: Brković Čarna
Published: February 2024

What does transnational humanitarianism look like when considered from the perspective of a “Global East”? Ethnographically studying the disappointment and awkwardness generated by two transnational humanitarian projects illuminates a sense of suspended agency among Montenegrin citizens that was developed after the end of the Cold War. Montenegrins are often simultaneously included in the racialized and class-based humanitarian discourses of the Global North and excluded from actual participation in transnational humanitarian projects due to structural constraints. The article suggests that suspended agency emerges when there is both a sense of belonging to a certain humanitarian endeavor that should enable particular kinds of action (e.g., transnational humanitarianism) and a lack of infrastructure capable of sustaining such a sense.
From Photography to 3D Models and Beyond: Visualizations in Archaeology
Authors: Donald H. Sanders
Published: February 2024

From Photography to 3D Models and Beyond: visualizations in archaeology explores the history of visual technology and archaeology and outlines how the introduction of interactive 3D computer modelling to the discipline parallels very closely the earlier integration of photography into archaeological fieldwork. The incredible potential of interactive 3D computer graphics to provide new insight into cultural change, ancient settlement development, building function, and behavior make virtual heritage a must-use approach, but one that has not been fully grasped. This volume brings together for the first time several key aspects of the history of archaeology: how and where photographs became an indispensable part of excavations; when and for what purposes virtual reality began a similar journey into the field team’s arsenal of documentation, publication, and visualization tools; how the common trajectory of both technologies provides clues for why virtual reality has not yet become as commonplace as photography for archaeological research, teaching, and data dissemination; and how new methods and technologies are poised to revolutionize our understanding of the past.
Slingers and Sling Bullets in the Roman Civil Wars of the Late Republic, 90-31 BC
Authors: Lawrence Keppie
Published: February 2024

Slingers were an element in the Roman army over many centuries. Their activities are frequently reported in literary accounts of battles and sieges during the civil wars of the Late Republic. Sling bullets, in stone, clay and lead, have been found at many scenes of conflict. Lead bullets often bear brief inscriptions addressed to the recipients, naming military units, their commanders and centurions; others carry sexual insults. This is an ever-expanding body of ancient evidence. Yet some books on the Roman army scarcely mention slingers. This monograph seeks to redress the balance and draws attention to their role and effectiveness. It covers the period between the Social War of 90-89 BC and the close of the civil wars at the battle of Actium in 31 BC, encompassing the campaigns of Julius Caesar in Gaul between 58 and 50 BC, including his expeditions to Britain, the wars between Caesar and Pompey the Great (and his sons) in 49-45 BC, and between Caesar’s heirs and successors in 44-31 BC, including Mark Antony and the future emperor Augustus.
Gematon: Living and Dying in a Kushite Town on the Nile, Volume III
Authors: Isabella Welsby Sjöström
Published: February 2024

This volume presents the pottery from Sudan Archaeological Research Society excavations at the site of Kawa, Northern Dongola Reach, between 1997 and 2018, fully illustrated with photographs and line drawings. This is the third in the series focusing on the fieldwork conducted at this important site. Volume III presents a comprehensive catalogue of the pottery found across the site, focusing on the forms, decoration, marks and fabric, as well as incorporating a discussion of the character of relevant areas. This includes a detailed discussion of the Napatan amphorae found in Building F1 and the cemetery remains at R18. The material at Kawa represents a unique collection of contextualised material invaluable for reconstructing activity patterns in this region during the Napatan and Meroitic periods and contributing towards an increased understanding of this time period.
Patterns of Smoking Cessation Strategies and Perception of E-cigarette Harm Among Bladder Cancer Survivors
Authors: Chandi Jobin , Soundararajan Srinath , Bukowski William , Britt Wes , Weiss Kristin , Matulewicz Richard S. , Kay Hannah , Goldstein Adam O. , Shoenbill Kimberly A. , Bjurlin Marc A.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND:

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of bladder cancer (BC). Some proponents of e-cigarettes describe their use as a risk mitigation strategy despite potential carcinogen exposure and uncertain long-term risks.

OBJECTIVE:

We assessed smoking cessation strategies, including e-cigarette use, and harm perception among patients with BC.

METHODS:

We performed a cross-sectional study on a convenience sample of patients with BC at a single institution from August 2021 –October 2022. The survey instrument was sourced from the Cancer Patient Tobacco Use Questionnaire (C-TUQ) from the American Association for Cancer Research with standardized questions on tobacco use, cessation questions, and e-cigarette harm perceptions.

RESULTS:

Of the 104 surveyed BC patients (mean age: 72 years; 27% female; 55% with muscle-invasive disease), 20% were current smokers (median pack years: 40) and 51% were former smokers (median pack years: 20). A minority (9%) had quit smoking at the time of diagnosis. Pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation included nicotine patches (25%), gum (21%), lozenges (8%), e-cigarettes (8%), and Varenicline/Bupropion (4%). Notably, 43% of patients who continued to smoke expressed willingness to switch to e-cigarettes as a cessation aid. E-cigarette users (11%) more commonly perceived e-cigarettes as non-harmful compared to former (4%) and non-smokers (4%) ( P = .048), though all groups regarded e-cigarettes as equally addictive as traditional cigarettes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite the prevalence of BC survivors who continue to smoke, a significant proportion perceive e-cigarettes as a viable and less harmful cessation aid. The infrequent use of FDA-approved pharmacotherapies underscores potential implementation gaps. These findings highlight the need for further research and targeted interventions in addressing smoking cessation among BC survivors.
Plasma Biomarkers as Predictors of Progression to Dementia in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Nallapu Bhargav T. ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Petersen Kellen K. , Lipton Richard B. , Davatzikos Christos , Ezzati Ali
Published: February 2024

Background: Blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) are of growing interest in the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias. Objective: This study aimed to assess the ability of plasma biomarkers to 1) predict disease progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia and 2) improve the predictive ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measures when combined. Methods: We used data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Machine learning models were trained using the data from participants who remained cognitively stable (CN-s) and with Dementia diagnosis at 2-year follow-up visit. The models were used to predict progression to dementia in MCI individuals. We assessed the performance of models with plasma biomarkers against those with CSF and MRI measures, and also in combination with them. Results: Our models with plasma biomarkers classified CN-s individuals from AD with an AUC of 0.75±0.03 and could predict conversion to dementia in MCI individuals with an AUC of 0.64±0.03 (17.1% BP, base prevalence). Models with plasma biomarkers performed better when combined with CSF and MRI measures (CN versus AD: AUC of 0.89±0.02; MCI-to-AD: AUC of 0.76±0.03, 21.5% BP). Conclusions: Our results highlight the potential of plasma biomarkers in predicting conversion to dementia in MCI individuals. While plasma biomarkers could improve the predictive ability of CSF and MRI measures when combined, they also show the potential to predict non-progression to AD when considered alone. The predictive ability of plasma biomarkers is crucially linked to reducing the costly and effortful collection of CSF and MRI measures.
Does the Cognitive Change Index Predict Future Cognitive and Clinical Decline? Longitudinal Analysis in a Demographically Diverse Cohort
Authors: Nester Caroline O. , Gao Qi , Katz Mindy J. , Mogle Jacqueline A. , Wang Cuiling , Derby Carol A. , Lipton Richard B. , Saykin Andrew J. , Rabin Laura A.
Published: February 2024

Background: The Cognitive Change Index (CCI) is a widely-used measure of self-perceived cognitive ability and change. Unfortunately, it is unclear if the CCI predicts future cognitive and clinical decline. Objective: We evaluated baseline CCI to predict transition from normal cognition to cognitive impairment in nondemented older adults and in predementia groups including, subjective cognitive decline, motoric cognitive risk syndrome, and mild cognitive impairment. Different versions of the CCI were assessed to uncover any differential risk sensitivity. We also examined the effect of ethnicity/race on CCI. Methods: Einstein Aging Study participants (N = 322, Mage = 77.57±4.96, % female=67.1, Meducation = 15.06±3.54, % non-Hispanic white = 46.3) completed an expanded 40-item CCI version (CCI-40) and neuropsychological evaluation (including Clinical Dementia Rating Scale [CDR], Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Craft Story) at baseline and annual follow-up (Mfollow - up=3.4 years). CCI-40 includes the original 20 items (CCI-20) and the first 12 memory items (CCI-12). Linear mixed effects models (LME) and generalized LME assessed the association of CCI total scores at baseline with rate of decline in neuropsychological tests and CDR. Results: In the overall sample and across predementia groups, the CCI was associated with rate of change in log odds on CDR, with higher CCI at baseline predicting faster increase in the odds of being impaired on CDR. The predictive validity of the CCI broadly held across versions (CCI-12, 20, 40) and ethnic/racial groups (non-Hispanic black and white). Conclusions: Self-perception of cognitive change on the CCI is a useful marker of dementia risk in demographically/clinically diverse nondemented samples. All CCI versions successfully predicted decline.
Altered Motor Activity Patterns within 10-Minute Timescale Predict Incident Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sun Haoqi , Li Peng , Gao Lei , Yang Jingyun , Yu Lei , Buchman Aron S. , Bennett David A. , Westover M. Brandon , Hu Kun
Published: February 2024

Background: Fractal motor activity regulation (FMAR), characterized by self-similar temporal patterns in motor activity across timescales, is robust in healthy young humans but degrades with aging and in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: To determine the timescales where alterations of FMAR can best predict the clinical onset of AD. Methods: FMAR was assessed from actigraphy at baseline in 1,077 participants who had annual follow-up clinical assessments for up to 15 years. Survival analysis combined with deep learning (DeepSurv) was used to examine how baseline FMAR at different timescales from 3 minutes up to 6 hours contributed differently to the risk for incident clinical AD. Results: Clinical AD occurred in 270 participants during the follow-up. DeepSurv identified three potential regions of timescales in which FMAR alterations were significantly linked to the risk for clinical AD: <10, 20–40, and 100–200 minutes. Confirmed by the Cox and random survival forest models, the effect of FMAR alterations in the timescale of <10 minutes was the strongest, after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: Subtle changes in motor activity fluctuations predicted the clinical onset of AD, with the strongest association observed in activity fluctuations at timescales <10 minutes. These findings suggest that short actigraphy recordings may be used to assess the risk of AD.
African Ancestry Individuals with Higher Educational Attainment Are Resilient to Alzheimer’s Disease Measured by pTau181
Authors: Rajabli Farid , Seixas Azizi A. , Akgun Bilcag , Adams Larry D. , Inciute Jovita , Hamilton Kara L. , Whithead Patrice G. , Konidari Ioanna , Gu Tianjie , Arvizu Jamie , Golightly Charles G. , Starks Takiyah D. , Laux Renee , Byrd Goldie S. , Haines Jonathan L. , Beecham Gary W. , Griswold Anthony J. , Vance Jeffery M. , Cuccaro Michael L. , Pericak-Vance Margaret A.
Published: February 2024

Background: Cognitive and functional abilities in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology (ADP) are highly variable. Factors contributing to this variability are not well understood. Previous research indicates that higher educational attainment (EA) correlates with reduced cognitive impairments among those with ADP. While cognitive and functional impairments are correlated, they are distinguishable in their manifestations. Objective: To investigate whether levels of education are associated with functional impairments among those with ADP. Methods: This research involved 410 African American (AA) individuals (Institutional Review Boards 20070307, 01/27/2023) to ascertain whether EA correlates with functional resilience and if this effect varies between APOE ɛ4 carriers and non-carriers. Utilizing EA as a cognitive reserve proxy, CDR-FUNC as a functional difficulties measure, and blood pTau181 as an ADP proxy, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test assessed the relationship between EA and CDR-FUNC in individuals with advanced pTau181 levels. Results: The results showed that EA correlated with functional difficulties in AA individuals with high levels of pTau181, such that individuals with high EA are more likely to have better functional ability compared to those with lower EA (W = 730.5, p = 0.0007). Additionally, we found that the effect of high EA on functional resilience was stronger in ɛ4 non-carriers compared to ɛ4 carriers (W = 555.5, p = 0.022). Conclusion: This study extends the role of cognitive reserve and EA to functional performance showing that cognitive reserve influences the association between ADP burden and functional difficulties. Interestingly, this protective effect seems less pronounced in carriers of the strong genetic risk allele ɛ4.
Vaccines and Dementia: Part I. Non-Specific Immune Boosting with BCG: History, Ligands, and Receptors
Authors: Greenblatt Charles L. , Lathe Richard
Published: February 2024

Vaccines such as Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) can apparently defer dementia onset with an efficacy better than all drugs known to date, as initially reported by Gofrit et al. (PLoS One 14, e0224433), now confirmed by other studies. Understanding how and why is of immense importance because it could represent a sea-change in how we manage patients with mild cognitive impairment through to dementia. Given that infection and/or inflammation are likely to contribute to the development of dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease (Part II of this work), we provide a historical and molecular background to how vaccines, adjuvants, and their component molecules can elicit broad-spectrum protective effects against diverse agents. We review early studies in which poxvirus, herpes virus, and tuberculosis (TB) infections afford cross-protection against unrelated pathogens, a concept known as ‘trained immunity’. We then focus on the attenuated TB vaccine, BCG, that was introduced to protect against the causative agent of TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We trace the development of BCG in the 1920 s through to the discovery, by Freund and McDermott in the 1940 s, that extracts of mycobacteria can themselves exert potent immunostimulating (adjuvant) activity; Freund’s complete adjuvant based on mycobacteria remains the most potent immunopotentiator reported to date. We then discuss whether the beneficial effects of BCG require long-term persistence of live bacteria, before focusing on the specific mycobacterial molecules, notably muramyl dipeptides, that mediate immunopotentiation, as well as the receptors involved. Part II addresses evidence that immunopotentiation by BCG and other vaccines can protect against dementia development.
Accounting Practices and Guiding Principles Influencing Shared Value Creation
Authors: Wadesango Ongayi
Published: February 2024

This study explored the shared value and the types. Porter and Kramer’s shared-value model is analysed; its critiques are outlined, and other approaches along with their weaknesses suggested by previous researchers, are explored. A documentary research approach, which consists of reviewing, analysing and examining information was adopted. The sources included journal articles, books, frameworks and guidelines. The results of the study indicated/revealed that value is not only accounted for in financial terms but also in intangible drivers, value creation processes result in predetermined output and outcomes which cannot be predetermined.  The study also indicated that shared- value is a term that is not distinctively and commonly used as its components were not clearly spelt out. Researchers/ scholars have failed to distinguish it from other similar models of social and environmental responsibility. The study concludes that creating shared value from social and relations capital contributes towards increased productivity and sustainability of a company.
Crystal structure and biological activity of tetra-tosyl derivative of quercetin
Authors: Tashenov Ye , Van Hecke K , Suleimen Ye , Akatan K
Published: February 2024

At present time one of the great interest is represented on the biologic activities ofquercetin a polyphenol relating to the class of flavonoids, natural products generally known for theirbeneficial actions on health. With the aim of obtaining new derivatives of quercetin which wouldpossess a potential of showing valuable biological activity, 5-hydroxy-3,3’,4’,7-tetratosyl flavone wassynthesized by base catalyzed etherification of the starting material with 4-toluenesulfonyl chloride(TsCl). The chemical structure of the derived molecule was established by X-ray crystallographicanalysis. The 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra of this compound were interpreted using 2D NMR spectroscopy. The new synthesized compound was tested for cytotoxic and antiradical activities and itsother possible pharmacological properties were predicted using PASS software.
Stereoselective synthesis of terpinen-4-ol-based aminoalcohols
Authors: Tashenov Ye , Suleimen Ye , Akatan K
Published: February 2024

Terpinen-4-ol 1, a monoterpene, is found as the main component of essential oils isolated from cassumunar ginger and tea tree, exhibits different biological activities such as anticancer,anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral. In this paper chemical transformation of terpinen4-ol 1 is investigated with the aim to synthesize its new derivatives for the further application aspotential candidates in drug discovery. Stereoselective synthesis of aminodiols 3-6 derived fromterpinen-4-ol 1 was achieved with good yields. Two steps procedure of chemical transformation ofterpinen-4-ol 1 to aminodiols 3-6 were performed by the stereoselective Payne epoxidation reactionof allyl alcohol 1 followed by the regioselective lithium perchlorate-catalyzed oxirane ring openingof epoxy alcohol 2 with benzyl amines. Obtained products were characterized by NMR analysisincluding two dimensional measurements.
Pharmaceutical ingredients in the environment: their occurrence and effect to biota
Authors: Aubakirova B , Beisenova R , Zhurmanova N , Osmanova Zh , Nurtileu A
Published: February 2024

The following paper highlights concerns about pharmaceutical pollution of the environment. Currently, pharmaceuticals play an important role in human life. People use them in thehuman and veterinary medicine. These chemicals are designed to treat illnesses of living organisms.However, there is lack of data on the fate and effect of medicines after discharge them to the environment. Recent studies of researchers found various concentration of drugs in sewage systems andsurface waters in Europe and United States of America (USA). However, the occurrence of drugs inthe environment is still poorly studied. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that pharmaceutical ingredients can have adverse effect to biota, and especially to marine environment. Aquatic organisms canbe vulnerable even at low concentration of medicines. Analgesics, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics are the most detected therapeutic class of pharmaceuticals in the world and they can have themost inimical impact to the environment. It is significant to continue the study about contaminationof drugs on the environment and conduct ecotoxicological studies on the effect of them to biota
Кобальт(II) иондарын су ерiтiндiлерiнен органикалық реагенттер балқымасымен экстракциялық алу және аналитикалық анықтау әдiсiн жасау
Authors: Куланкадир А , Досмагамбетова С , Тосмаганбетова К
Published: February 2024

Кобальт-сирек кездесетiн металл және оларға бай кен орындары қазiргi уа˚ыттаазайғаны мәлiм. Металдық кобальтты өнеркәсiптiк алудың негiзгi көзi-мыс-никель кендерi,мұнда кобальт қоспа ретiнде жүредi . Бұл кендi қайта өңдеу өте күрделi және кен құрамынабайланысты пиро - және гидрометаллургиялық әдiстердi қолданады. Нәтижесiнде құрамындамыс (II), қорғасын (II), висмут(III) иондары бар кобальт және никель хлоридтерiнiң ерiтiндiсiалынады. Кобальтты серiктес қоспалардан тазарту үшiн экстракция әдiсiн кеңiнен қолданады.Экстракциялық әдiстер гидрометаллургияда, сирек металдар технологиясында және аса тазазаттарды алуда, сондай-ақ аналитикалық химияда кеңiнен қолданылады. Осыған қарамастан,олардың бiрқатар кемшiлiктерi бар, олардың бiрi - өрт қаупi бар және улы органикалықерiткiштердi қолдану, сондықтан улы компоненттердi үдерiстерден алып тастауға бағытталғанжұмыс шарттары қолданылады Бұл мәселе сұйық улы органикалық экстрагенттердi жеңiлбалқитын реагенттерге ауыстыру жолымен жүзеге асырылады.Кобальт(II)-нiң экстракциясы сулы ерiтiндiлерден стеарин қышқылының балқымасыменжүзеге асырылды. Экстракция процесiнiң физика-химиялық негiздерi зерттелiп, нәтижелердiпрактикалда қолдану мүмкiндiктерi қарастырылды. Кобальт(II)-нiң жеңiл балқитынорганикалық экстрагенттермен қатты экстрактiлерi алынды, олар стандартты үлгiлергеқойылатын: таралудың бiртектiлiгi, құрамы талданатын үлгiлерге жақындығы және бiрнешежыл бойы құрамының тұрақты сақталуы жағынан барлық талаптарды қанағаттандырады.
Geopolitical aspect of reforming the polish senate
Authors: Kulas Bartłomiej
Published: February 2024

The Senate is the upper house of the Polish parliament, which has relatively small powers in comparison with the lower house - the Sejm. In the world, only a few countries are electing the second chamber in direct elections, which is the case in Poland with the use of the majoritarian voting system. In the public debate, there is a discussion about changing the manner in which the Senate is elected and the scope of its competencies. The Senate has a long tradition in Poland. In the current formula, with the use of 100 single-member constituencies, it has been operating since 2011. Among the possible directions of changes, it is possible to indicate a switch in the electoral law from a majoritarian system to a proportional system or complete abolition of elections to the Senate. Instead, the composition of the chamber could be appointed by local government bodies, in particular the provincial government, or by appointment by the president or the Sejm. The chamber could include "senators for life" - people of merit for the country and former presidents and possibly prime ministers.
Ахмет Байтұрсынұлының қазақ журналистикасы мен көсемсөзінің мән-маңызын арттырудағы қызметі
Authors: Ертасова Г.Қ. , Сақ Қ.Ө.
Published: February 2024

Аңдатпа. ХХ ғасырдың басындағы қазақ интеллектуалдық күштерінің ұлттық баспасөз төңірегіне тоғысуы қоғамдық қажеттіліктен туған еді. Олардың жұмылып жұдырық болуына, қосылып күш біріктіріп іс-әрекет жасауына итермелеген қазақ елінжайлаған әділетсіздік пен адам төзгісіз саяси-әлеуметтік ауыр хал болатын. Осындайалмағайып заманда ұлтық ой-сананың өркендеуі мен дамуына өлшеусіз еңбек сіңіріп,соны серпіліс туғызған дара да, дана тұлғаның бірегейі – Ахмет Байтұрсынұлы.Ел арасында азаматтық үні қалыптасып, қайраткерлік қыры ашыла бастаған Ахаңның алдында Алаш үшін адал қызмет етуге міндеттейтін үлкен даңғыл жол жатты.Ресейлік ақ патшаның тағы шайқалып, дәурені аяқталар алмағайып заманда Ахаңмұғалімдік жұмысын уақытша тоқтатып, журналистиканы таңдауына тура келді.Осылайша қазақ баспасөзі арқылы елдің рухын оятып, отарлық езгіден біржолата арашалап қалудың қамына кірісті. Бастапқыда таңдау жасау оңайға түскенімен саяси көзқарасы үшін жендеттер мен жандайшаптардың қырына тез ілікті. Бірақ Ахмет Байтұрсынұлы ұлт жолында аянып қалмады. Кері шегінсе өзін-өзі кешірмесі анық еді. Алашқайраткері қазақтың сауатын ашып, білімін толықтырумен бірге баспасөз арқылыақпараттық-танымдық материалдар ұсынып, ел ішіндегі күйіп тұрған мәселелерді бүге-шігесіне дейін талдауды алдына міндет етіп қойды.Ахаң XX ғасыр басында жарық көрген қазақ тіліндегі газеттер мен журналдарда жарияланған көркем-публицистикалық мақалаларында патшалық отарлық жүйенің озбырлығы мен жүгенсіздік әрекеттерін, жер, адамдық құқық мәселелеріндегі, елдік тұрғыдағыұлы державалық шовинистік саясатын әшкерелеп, халықты қараңғылық шырмауынанбосап, оқу-білімге ұмтылуға, отаршылдық езгізге қарсы жұмылып, елдікке шақырды.
Исследование процесса разогрева футеровок высокотемпературных агрегатов с целью повышения их остаточного ресурса
Authors: Кинжибекова А.К. , Жумагулов М.Г. , Никифоров А.С. , Карманов А.Е. , Prihod'ko Е.
Published: February 2024

Статья содержит анализ начальной стадии процесса нагрева высокотемпературных агрегатов. Применяемые на предприятиях режимы нагрева приводят к различным трудностям: задержке процесса нагрева или нагреву с высокой скоростью, при которой возникают механические напряжения, превышающие допустимые значения. Предложенные графические зависимости по нагреву позволяют осуществлять нагрев на максимально возможных скоростях с учетом времени, затрачиваемого на сушку. При этом предел прочности огнеупорных материалов не превышается, что приводит к значительному сокращению времени процесса нагрева.
Дискретная система ПИ-регулирования с техникой обратного вычисления на основе наблюдателя возмущений для улучшения переходных характеристик в СЭПМ
Authors: Сарсембаев Б.К.
Published: February 2024

В этой статье было предложено поле-ориентированное управление с дискретным временем (FOC) для управления скоростью СИМД. Каскадная структура ПИ-ПИ-системы дискретного времени с противозавершающей схемой обратного расчета. Была принята новая схема защиты от завершения для обоих циклов. Явления срабатывания в традиционных ПИ-регуляторах оказывают более сильное негативное влияние на переходные характеристики в инженерных приложениях, таких как СДСМ. В экспериментах в реальном времени предлагаемая система управления обеспечивает меньшие ошибки скорости и более быструю реакцию. Результаты экспериментов доказали работоспособность предложенной схемы управления.