bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persepsi Mahasiswa Jurusan Pendidikan Olahraga dan Kepelatihan (JPOK) Terhadap UKM Cricket Universitas Jambi
Authors: Pratama Ary Ardiyansyah , Hadinata Reza , Prabowo Bangkit Yudho
Published: October 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana persepsi mahasiswa Jurusan Pendidikan Olahraga dan Kepelatihan (JPOK) angkatan 2023 Universitas Jambi terhadap ukm cricket Universitas Jambi. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan survey. Penelitian deskriptif  survey  dilakukan untuk mengumpulkan data sebanyak-banyaknya. Penarikan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik simple random sampling yang dilakukan secara acak menggunakan undian, maka jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 20% x 218%=56 responden, karena hasil o perasi berupa bilangan decimal, maka dilakukan pembulatan ke atas, jadi jumlah sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 56 mahasiswa angkatan 2023 Jurusan pendidikan olahraga dan kepelatihan. Berdasarkan analisis data yang diperoleh sebagai berikut Persepsi mahasiswa jurusan Pendidikan olahraga dan Kepelatihan (JPOK) Angkatan 2023 terhadap UKM Cricket Universitas Jambi  pada dimensi internal termasuk dalam kategori  sedang yaitu sebesar 78%. Persepsi mahasiswa jurusan Pendidikan olahraga dan Kepelatihan (JPOK) Angkatan 2023 terhadap UKM Cricket Universitas Jambi pada dim ensi eksternal  termasuk dalam kategori  sedang yaitu sebesar 78%. Persepsi mahasiswa jurusan Pendidikan olahraga dan Kepelatihan (JPOK) Angkatan 2023 terhadap UKM Cricket Universitas Jambi pada dimensi eksternal  termasuk dalam kategori  sedang yaitu sebesar 78%. Dapat di simpulkan bahwa Persepsi mahasiswa jurusan Pendidikan olahraga dan Kepelatihan (JPOK) Angkatan 2023 terhadap UKM Cricket Universitas Jambi pada dimensi eksternal  termasuk dalam kategori  sedang yaitu sebesar 78%.
Kata kunci ; Persepsi, Mahasiswa, Minat, Cricket.
Fenyő D. György: Az irodalomtanítás módszertana. Éthosz és praktikák I–II. (Molnár Gábor Tamás)
Authors: Gábor Tamás Molnár
Published: October 2024

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A törökországi kurdok nyelvpolitikai helyzetéről
Authors: Burak Özgür Ocakcan , Andrea Parapatics
Published: October 2024

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A vizuális nyelvhasználat tanulmányozásának élményei egy nemzetközi műhelymunka tapasztalatai alapján
Authors: Zsuzsanna Dégi , Erika-Mária Tódor
Published: October 2024

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Dietary lipid is largely deposited in skin and rapidly affects insulating properties
Authors: Riley Nick , Kasza Ildiko , Hermsmeyer Isabel D. K. , Trautman Michaela E. , Barrett-Wilt Greg , Jain Raghav , Simcox Judith A. , Yen Chi-Liang E. , MacDougald Ormond A. , Lamming Dudley W. , Alexander Caroline M.
Published: October 2024

Skin has been shown to be a regulatory hub for energy expenditure and metabolism: mutations of skin lipid metabolism enzymes can change the rate of thermogenesis and susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. However, little is known about the physiological basis for this function. Here we show that the thermal properties of skin are highly reactive to diet: within three days, a high fat diet reduces heat transfer through skin. In contrast, a dietary manipulation that prevents obesity accelerates energy loss through skins. We found that skin was the largest target in a mouse body for dietary fat delivery, and that dietary triglyceride was assimilated both by epidermis and by dermal white adipose tissue. Skin from mice calorie-restricted for 3 weeks did not take up circulating lipids and showed a highly depleted stratum corneum. Dietary triglyceride acyl groups persist in skin for weeks after feeding. Using multi-modal lipid profiling, we have implicated both keratinocytes and sebocytes in the altered lipids which correlate with thermal function. In response to high fat feeding, wax diesters and ceramides accumulate, and triglycerides become more saturated. In contrast, in response to the dramatic loss of adipose tissue that accompanies restriction of the branched chain amino acid isoleucine, skin becomes more heat-permeable, resisting changes induced by Western diet feeding, with a signature of depleted signaling lipids. We propose that skin should be routinely included in physiological studies of lipid metabolism, given the size of the skin lipid reservoir and its adaptable functionality.
Magnetization of Cacti Biomass for Application as Flocculants in Water Treatment
Authors: MEDINA OSCAR JULIO , Nitola Jeny , Moreno Lucia M.
Published: October 2024

The difficulty of accessing a proper quality water supply in some rural zones has been an important concern in this area of research. This paper presents four magnetic materials potentially usable in water treatment as alternatives to the traditional use of flocculants based on iron and aluminum salts. These materials were extracted from Stenocereus griseus and Melocactus sp. mucilage and magnetized through modification with magnetite Fe3O4 via the crosslinking method. The effectiveness of the biofloculants and their optimal dosage were determined by performing a jar test for turbidity removal on natural water samples from selected sources. The physical, chemical, and magnetic properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The effectiveness of each material was evaluated in terms of decreasing percentage of turbidity and reaching an acceptable value of nephelometric turbidity units, NUT, ≤ 2, according to the normativity of the Colombian population. The results showed that magnetic modification of biopolymers, especially mucilage, is a promising alternative for reducing the turbidity of water samples.
The work presented here has profound implications for the future application of magnetic materials for water treatment and may eventually help to solve the problems of some rural zones where access to high-quality water is worrisome. This research contributes to the search for solutions to the great social, economic, and environmental problems that the country faces and that are contemplated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations.
Doll Play Improves Social Processing: Evidence from a Randomized-Control Trial
Authors: Gerson Sarah , Keating Jennifer , Hashmi Salim , Vanderwert Ross
Published: October 2024

Play is often described as a child’s “occupation,” both because young children spend the majority of their time playing when given the option, and because it is a critical mechanism through which children learn both cognitive and socio-emotional skills. In a randomized control trial (N = 73), we found the first causal evidence that doll play, more so than creative tablet play, improves theory of mind in 4- to 8-year-old children following a month-long play intervention. Improvements in theory of mind were particularly strong for children who had more parent-reported peer problems. Diaries of play during the intervention indicated that children were more likely to play socially with dolls than socially with tablets. Together, this shows that doll play may be a particularly suitable play pattern for practicing and improving social skills like theory of mind by both encouraging social interaction and practicing these skills outside of peer interactions.
Altered perfusion changes of the locus coeruleus in patients with chronic migraine: a pilot 3D-PCASL study
Authors: xiong jianmei , liu mengqi , li xin , chen zhiye
Published: October 2024

Numerous studies demonstrated that the locus coeruleus (LC)was activated by acute nociceptive pain and played important role during the maintenance of chronic pain. The purpose of the study was to assess the morphology and cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes of LC in chronic migraine(CM) patients and to explore their correlation with CM clinical features using three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling(3D PCASL), aiming to provide a better understanding of LC role in CM pathophysiology. Thirteen patients diagnosed of CM at Department of Neurology, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital from May 2020 to June 2021 were prospectively included and fifteen age and sex-matched normal controls (NCs) were enrolled. All the participants received psycho-neurological assessment and undertook brain structural and 3D PCASL MRI examination. Volume and CBF alterations were assessed, correlation analysis with clinical scores were undertaken, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis were conducted between groups. No statistical differences were found in the total volumes of LC between CM patients and NCs (P > 0.05). Compared with the NCs, the CBF in bilateral LC were lower in the CM patients, and the decrease in the right side has significant statistical value(P = 0.031). Correlation analysis revealed a negative association between the CBF of LC with duration of the disease (years). ROC curves analysis showed that the curve area for the CBF of the right LC was 0.749(95% CI 0.563–0.935), and the optimal cut-off point of value, sensitivity, and specificity for distinguishing CM from NC was 49.67 ml/100mg.min, 0.53 and 0.92, respectively. Hypoperfusion of bilateral LC was observed in CM. The altered CBF value of LC was negatively correlated with the disease duration. LC perfusion may hold promise as a potential early diagnostic imaging biomarker for CM.
Effectiveness of interventions on early initiation of breastfeeding in South Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rifat M. A. , Chakrabarty Mahashweta , Alam Syeda Saima , Ali Md. Masum , Nasrin Syeda Sumaiya , Sarkar Plabon , Singh Aditya , Saha Sanjib
Published: October 2024

Background
Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) halves the risk of neonatal mortality, establishing it as a crucial outcome component in various interventions implemented across South Asian countries. However, the overall effect of these interventions remain unexamined. Therefore, this study seeks to address this knowledge gap by evaluating the overall effect of these interventions on maternal EIBF practice.
Methods
A systematic literature search was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in South Asia focusing on EIBF as an outcome variable. The interventions identified were categorized into behavioral, mHealth, health system strengthening, and nutritional interventions. Random effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effect of interventions and effectiveness by intervention categories. Heterogeneity was explored by sub-group and meta-regression analyses. The risk of bias and strength of evidence were assessed by Cochrane’s RoB2 assessment tool and GRADE criteria, respectively.
Results
We included 22 articles published from 19 unique interventions from a pool of 2,524 screened records for review and narrative synthesis. Among these, 19 articles were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled relative risk (RR) of EIBF among mothers in the intervention groups, as compared to their counterparts, was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.95; I2 = 99.56; p < 0.001). Interventions targeted health system strengthening represented stronger effect than other types of interventions. The overall strength of evidence was moderate.
Conclusion
The overall intervention effect appeared efficacious in improving maternal EIBF practice in South Asia, providing valuable insights for policymakers to develop effective strategies.
Multi-path Driven by Farmers' Adoption Behavior of Dry Farming Green Agricultural Technology in Loess Plateau from the Perspective of Trust Theory — A Study Based on fsQCA
Authors: LI Lingling , YANG Xuxin , CUI Caixian
Published: October 2024

Enhancing farmers' performance in embracing novel green agricultural technologies in the arid Loess Plateau regions holds significant potential for boosting agricultural productivity, augmenting farmers' income, and fostering environmental and ecological benefits in local agricultural production. Drawing upon interviews with 488 farmers, this study utilizes the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis to establish an integrative model encompassing willingness, value trust, external technology institutional trust, and adoption performance enhancement. The model unravels the conditional configurations and diverse pathways wherein value trust and institutional trust factors influence farmers' adoption of new green agricultural technology. The findings indicate that a singular behavioral decision-making factor is not a prerequisite for farmers to effectively adopt new green agricultural technologies. Instead, the interplay of multiple decision-making factors culminates in three distinct types of farmer technology adoption performance. These conditional configurations are classified as endowment will-dominance mode, internal and external joint constraint mode, and external context-dominant mode. This research not only offers a fresh analytical perspective for studying the enhancement of farmers' adoption behavior of green agricultural technology on the Loess Plateau, but also serves as a crucial theoretical and practical reference for fostering high-quality agricultural development in the region.
Motivational effectiveness of prosocial public health messaging to reduce respiratory infection risk: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Grimani Aikaterini , Antonopoulou Vivi , Meader Nicholas , Bonell Chris , Michie Susan , Kelly Michael , Vlaev Ivo
Published: October 2024

Clear communication is vital for adopting public health interventions that promote protective behaviours against respiratory infections. This systematic review and network meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of these interventions using behavioural science frameworks, including MINDSPACE contextual influencers and behaviour change techniques (BCTs), to identify key components and mechanisms of action (MoAs). The interventions primarily focused on social distancing, mask-wearing, handwashing, diverse-behavioural intentions, and actual behaviours. The network meta-analysis revealed that prosocial messages, especially those involving loved ones, significantly reduced the risk of respiratory infections (d=0.09; 95% CrI=0.06-0.14; CINeMA: Low). Interventions typically included three contextual influencers (salience, affect, ego) and five BCTs (Information about health consequences; Salience of consequences; Information about social and environmental consequences; Demonstration of the behaviour; Avoidance/reducing exposure to cues for the behaviour). Behaviour intention was the most common MoA. Although further research is needed, this review provides insights into designing effective public health messages for respiratory infection control.
Widely targeted metabolomics study of flower buds of Styphnolobium japonicum from different producing areas
Authors: Zuo Leilei , Meng Rundong , Li Xiaofeng , Meng Xiao , Zhang Ying , Chen Dayi , Watcharin Waralee
Published: October 2024

The flower buds of Styphnolobium japonicum (FBSJ), as a medicinal and food plant, has a wide range of application prospects and a variety of efficacy effects such as cooling blood and stopping bleeding, lowering blood sugar, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. To provide a reference basis for the identification, resource development and utilization of the FBSJ, we conducted a widely targeted metabolomics study of the FBSJ on four producing areas originated in China: from Shandong (SJsd), Anhui (SJah), Hebei (SJhb), and Henan (SJhn). UPLC-MS/MS based metabolomics analysis was selected to investigate the metabolites of FBSJ from different origins acquired on the MWDB database and the multi-reaction monitoring mode of triple quadruple quadruple rod mass spectrometry (TQRMS). In total, 1559 metabolites were identified, of which 294 and 193 were annotated as key active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and active pharmaceutical ingredients against 11 diseases like cancer, diabetes, respectively. Among the 708 differential metabolites of FBSJ from four different groups of origin, 176 were annotated by KEGG and distributed in 87 metabolic pathways. The most significant of which was the isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway, where the expression of the differentially significant metabolites of SJsd showed an up-regulation trend in comparison with that of the samples of the other groups. The study revealed a large number of metabolites and differential metabolites at the molecular level of FBSJ providing references for the analysis of the pharmacology approach of FBSJ from different origins, as well as useful information on the antidisease components of FBSJ for promoting human health and future development of new functional foods from FBSJ.
Τhe importance of parents' communication and social environment in childhood cancer
Authors: Nizamis Kleanthis , Kalliakmanis Vassilios , Koutsoupias Nikos , Polychronopoulou Sophia , Baka Margarita , Papakonstantinou Evgenia , Hatzipantelis Emmanouil
Published: October 2024

Parents facing child’s life-threatening diseases like cancer encounter a myriad of emotional challenges, often exacerbated by communication barriers. This study designed to explore the significance of effective communication and emotions’ management in improving the well-being and quality of life of these parents. The research was conducted on a sample of 133 families of children with cancer and the results were displayed after statistical processing and data analysis with R statistical software. The results of the study confirm with statistically significant data, the importance of the communication and emotions’ management of the parents during the disease of their children, as well as, the need of a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare providers, psychologists, social workers and support groups. Thus, 74,5% of the respondents stating that they receive help from their partners during the period of childhood cancer and 76.7% could also communicate and receive help from the other family members. The key findings are characterized by high specificity as it is a part of a unique study that reveals particular aspects of the Greek parent's behavior, communication and psychosocial problems during the period of their child's illness.
Multiple objective optimization of a fuel rod design based on a genetic algorithm
Authors: Wang Jie , Song Zifan , Li Changzheng , Lin Shaofang , Ren Qisen
Published: October 2024

Fuel design is an important aspect that affects fuel reliability. For many years, in order to meet the unremitting pursuit of improving fuel reliability and the fuel management needs for long-term and high Burn-up, nuclear fuel vendors have optimized and improved their fuel design continuously. Fuel rod design involves many parameters which can make an influence on fuel rod performance under normal and transient conditions, and fuel rod performance must be met different criteria, such as temperature, internal pressure and strain criteria and so on, these criteria have no direct relationship, and the optimization parameters involved are restricting or even conflicting with each other. Applying traditional methods to improve fuel rod design is very difficult to optimize multiple parameters at the same time when there is only a range of design parameters given, and to meet the requirements of fuel rod design criteria. In this paper, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize fuel rod with many different design parameters, the design process could achieve fast convergence and we can obtain excellent solution set (fuel rod design parameters) with good distribution and diversity.
Revolutionizing Project Control: Leveraging Control Theory for Integrated Cost, Schedule, and Risk Management.
Authors: SEDDIKI BRAHIM
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a novel methodology for project control, drawing inspiration from established control theory principles widely utilized in engineering disciplines (aeronautics, civil, mechanical, and electrical). This paper proposes a data-driven, quantitative framework grounded in utility function and risk tolerance concepts that is specifically tailored for project management applications. This framework introduces a second-order linear differential equation model that serves as a governing equation for project control. The model facilitates the evaluation of project inputs and their impact on project outcomes, offering a more objective alternative to traditional risk assessment methods that often rely heavily on subjective expert opinions. The core concept of this approach involves treating a project as a controllable system, akin to a robot. Project dynamics encompassing cost, schedule, and risk factors are translated into system variables. By leveraging established control theory tools such as state-space models, transfer functions can be defined in the Laplace domain. The proposed methodology enables proactive identification of potential project disruptions. This allows for timely adjustments to management decisions, aligning with the principles of project control/project management while offering a more scientific foundation for decision-making. This framework builds upon previous work by Seddiki (2022) and aims to overcome the limitations of subjective risk assessment by introducing a quantitative and data-driven approach. The author speculates that this methodology has the potential to significantly improve current project control and risk management practices in the field.
Yield, boron uptake and canopy sunlight interception of direct-sown winter rapeseed as affected by boron fertilizer levels in China
Authors: Wang Rui , Peng Wenli , Teng Hui
Published: October 2024

Boron is a very important micro-element for winter rapeseed, boron deficiency resulted in “flowering without seed setting” for winter rapeseed. Attention should been paid to the effects of boron application levels on yield and its utilization mechanism in main rapeseed production areas of southwestern China. A split-plot field experiment was conducted with five boron application levels (0, 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 kg boron ha− 1) and two rapeseed cultivars (Huayouza 9 and Zhongshuang 11). When boron was applied comparing with non-boron supply, seed yield of winter rapeseed increased 17.2–38.5% in 2020-21 and 6.2–38.1% in 2021-22, respectively. The boron uptake in the seed initially increased significantly and then nearly kept steadily, but the accumulation of boron continued to increase in the pericarp and stem with the increase of boron application levels from 0 to 30 kg ha− 1. Boron application level of 7.5–15 kg ha− 1 is important to increase the current direct-sown winter rapeseed yields in field soils with low available boron in Southwest China cropping areas. Seed yield was more significantly affected by boron input than crop canopy sunlight interception for direct-sown winter rapeseed in this region. These results indicated that it is an effective way to maintain soil fertility by returning no-seed rapeseed plant tissues to replenish soil boron in Southwest China and other boron-deficient planting area.
Plastic debris (> 500µm) concentration gradient detected across the Southwest Indian Ocean
Authors: Thibault Margot , Fajeau Adrian , Ramanampananjy Aina , Royer Sarah-Jeanne , Fustemberg Gwennaïs , Marillac Vyctoria , Gindrey Julie , Saloma Anjara , Condet Manon , Mangion Perrine , Egger Matthias , Amy Maxime , Jaquemet Sébastien , Jourand Philippe , Halle Alexandra ter , Corre Matthieu Le , Mulochau Thierry , Lebreton Laurent
Published: October 2024

Marine plastic pollution is increasing. The Indian Ocean is understudied compared to the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. This study investigates plastic pollution in the Southwest Indian Ocean using a multi-faceted approach that includes both floating (visual survey and manta trawls) and beach-collected plastics, assessing their concentration, composition, and origin. Through 19 oceanographic campaigns and 153 uninhabited beach surveys, a total of 101,055 pieces of marine litter were identified, with 95% being plastics. Floating macroplastics were predominantly found near remote island waters, particularly at Glorieuses (103 items.km-2). Meanwhile, an increasing gradient of floating microplastic concentrations was observed from 40°E (103 items.km-2) to 65°E (105 items.km-2) along 30°/33°S. High concentration of beached macroplastics where observed on the east coast of Madagascar and Tromelin. Mesoplastics were more abundant than macroplastics, on remote islands. Floating and beached plastic debris were mainly hard fragments, mostly made of polyethylene (floating, beached: 72%, 57%) or polypropylene (26%, 34%). The majority of macroplastics identified in the brand audit, was mainly mineral water food packaging (81%) from Southeast Asian manufacturers. Our results will inform national management and provide evidence to support international plastic treaty negotiations on legacy plastics.
Activity and social correlates of physical fitness in Lithuanian schoolchildren
Authors: Mieziene Brigita , Venckunas Tomas , Tomkinson Grant , Emeljanovas Arunas
Published: October 2024

Background. Physical fitness (PF), an important marker of health and well-being, is influenced by a multitude of factors. This study aimed to quantify the associations of social environment factors with different aspects of PF among schoolchildren.
Methods. Participants of this cross-sectional study were apparently healthy adolescents aged 11–18 years who attended regular secondary schools (n=4925, 51% girls). PF was assessed using the 8-item Eurofit test battery. Social environment (parents’ education, family’s and friends’ support for physical activity (PA)), personal motivation for PA, actual PA level and participation in organised sports status all were derived using questionnaires. Age- and sex- adjusted body mass index (BMI) cut-points were used to classify adolescents as overweight/obese or not.
Results. Up to 45% of the variability in PF levels was explained by utilizing all the factors from questionnaires and adding BMI. Age, sex, and BMI were most strongly associated with PF, while parents’ education, personal motivation for PA, friends’ support for PA, and organised sports participation were additional significant correlates of PF among schoolchildren. However, familial support for PA and current PA level were typically non-significantly associated with PF.
Conclusion. Parents’ education, motivation, friends’ support for PA, and organised sports participation were important social- and activity-related correlates of current levels of PF among adolescents.
Health Behaviors and Social Determinants of Health in Children from Under-resourced Communities: Does Weight Status Play a Role?
Authors: Son Paul , Nie Yuxin , Tan Qiaoyin , Staiano Amanda , Wang Fahui , Hu Gang , Gordon Stewart , Murray Peyton , Luo Cehong , Zeng Yutian , Underwood Renee , Chen Senlin
Published: October 2024

Background: Social determinants of health (SDOHs) may affect children’s health and health behaviors. This study aimed to understand the relationship between health behaviors and SDOHs in a child population from under-resourced communities (i.e., Medicaid eligible or enrolled, overweight or with obesity [OWOB], predominantly Black or African Americans).

Methods: Following a stratified sampling strategy, parent proxies (N = 311) completed an online survey to measure participants’ (5-12 years old) health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, screen time, sleep, and diet) and SDOHs including socioeconomic status (SES; area deprivation index [ADI], household income), living conditions, and food insecurity.

Results: Participants with OWOB showed greater screen time than those with normal weight (NW). Health behaviors (i.e., physical activity, screen time, sleep, dietary behavior) generally favored the higher SES group (considering household income and ADI). SDOHs (as a variant) correlated with health behaviors (the other variant; Canonical r = 0.27, p < 0.05). Of the SDOHs, household chaos negatively correlated with regular bedtime routines in both weight status groups (NW: r = - 0.19, p < 0.05; OWOB: r = - 0.24, p < 0.01). Adverse living conditions and greater food insecurity were associated with more screen time and, unexpected, with more physical activity (r ranged from 0.19 to 0.22, ps < 0.05) in NW participants.

Conclusions: The findings unraveled differences in health behaviors by weight status and SDOHs. SDOHs showed significant correlations with health behaviors, and these correlations were slightly greater in NW children. Weight status plays an important role in the relationship between health behaviors and SDOHs among children from under-resourced communities.
Asymmetric Modulation of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation on ENSO Amplitude
Authors: Guo Xingyang , Xu Haiming , Ma Jing , Deng Jiechun
Published: October 2024

We investigate the asymmetric modulation of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) on El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) amplitude using long-term observational and reanalysis datasets. Results show that the modulation of the AMO on ENSO amplitude exhibits significant asymmetry in both eastern Pacific (EP) and central Pacific (CP) types and El Niño (El) and La Niña (La) events. Both CP-La and EP-El events are significantly strengthened during the negative AMO phase, while EP-La and CP-El events show no remarkable changes under different AMO phases. Using ocean mixed layer heat budget, we show that the thermocline feedback and net surface heat flux are crucial for the strengthening of CP-La, while zonal advective feedback and thermocline feedback favor the intensification of EP-El during the negative AMO phase. Further analyses reveal that during the negative AMO phase there are relatively colder sea-surface temperatures (SSTs) in the western equatorial Pacific with weakened trade wind, while warmer SSTs occur in the eastern equatorial Pacific with strengthened trade wind, leading to a weakening of zonal SST gradient. As a result, the thermocline deepens (shallows) with the negative (positive) Ekman pumping velocity (EPV) in the eastern (central) equatorial Pacific. These conditions collectively favor the strengthening of CP-La and EP-El events. During the negative AMO phase, the relatively dry background and the zonal wind over the tropical Pacific can lead to significant dry advection toward the central tropical Pacific, which enlarges the local sea-air humidity difference and promotes the release of latent heat flux from the ocean to strengthen CP-La.
Association between dysphagia and social isolation in community-dwelling older people
Authors: Maeda Takuya , Kamide Naoto , Ando Masataka , Murakami Takeshi , Sakamoto Miki , Sawada Takuya , Shiba Yoshitaka
Published: October 2024

Purpose This study aimed to clarify the relationship between dysphagia and social isolation among community-dwelling older people.Methods The participants in this cross-sectional observation study were 238 community-dwelling older people (168 women, mean age, 74.0 ± 5.2 years). Swallowing function was assessed using the Eating Assessment Tool-10, with a score of ≥ 3 defined as dysphagia. Tongue pressure and oral diadochokinesis (ODK) were also assessed as swallowing-related functions. Social isolation was assessed using the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale. Physical function, cognitive function, body mass index, presence of comorbidities, depressive symptoms, and functional capacity were also investigated as confounding factors. The relationship between social isolation and dysphagia was examined by logistic regression analysis with social isolation as the dependent variable and oral function as the independent variable, adjusted for confounding factors.Results In total, 21% of the participants were defined as being socially isolated (social isolation group). The social isolation group had a significantly higher percentage of patients with dysphagia than the nonsocial isolation group (p < 0.01). No significant association was found between social isolation and either tongue pressure or ODK. Dysphagia was significantly associated with social isolation (odds ratio: 2.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–7.0), even after adjusting for confounders in logistic regression analysis.Conclusion Dysphagia may be an independent risk factor for social isolation in community-dwelling older people. These findings suggest that swallowing function should be assessed in community-dwelling older people at risk of social isolation.
Can Planets Trigger Earthquakes? Some Smoking Guns
Authors: Azooz Aasim A.
Published: October 2024

Formerly: At Mosul University Mosul – Iraq
Data sourced from the National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS) Global Significant R5+ Earthquakes Database, spanning the years 1900 to 2023, are analyzed to investigate any correlation between earthquakes frequencies and collective planetary positions parameters. The parameters used include the planetary system's center of mass distance from the Sun’s geometrical center, its first and second derivatives with respect to time, and the sum of planet’s distances from the Sun. Results reveal systematic variations within 1.5 – 2.2 standard deviations above or below the overall mean of the data in each case. It is argued that the gravitational effect caused by the variable planetary system center of mass position which exceed eight times that of the Moon's tidal effect, may be related to some of the seismic activities.
Exploring the Determinants of Patient Satisfaction in Emergency Healthcare: Evidence from Irish EDs
Authors: Swallmeh Esmat , Abo-Hamad Waleed , Rashwan Wael
Published: October 2024

Background Patient satisfaction is a crucial indicator of healthcare quality, particularly in emergency departments (EDs), and it influences both clinical outcomes and institutional reputation. In Ireland, despite the significant challenges faced by these settings, including long waiting times and resource constraints, patient satisfaction in EDs has not been thoroughly explored. This article aimed to determine the key indicators influencing patient satisfaction in an Irish Emergency Department (ED).
Methods This study was conducted in the ED of an adult teaching hospital in Ireland utilizing a patient satisfaction survey distributed to individuals aged 16 years and older who visited the ED. The patient satisfaction determinants were evaluated by estimating multivariate models using PLS analysis to test hypotheses and examine the associations between patient satisfaction dimensions and overall patient satisfaction as a dependent outcome measure.
Results The analysis revealed that patient satisfaction is significantly and positively influenced by the dimensions of information, responsiveness, and assurance. These findings are crucial for understanding and improving healthcare quality. Interestingly, reliability was found to have a negative impact on patient satisfaction. However, it was also found to play a mediating role in the relationship between information and patient satisfaction, highlighting the complex dynamics of patient satisfaction. The dimensions of tangibility and empathy were not significantly associated with overall satisfaction. The expected mediating effect of responsiveness on reliability and satisfaction was not supported.
Conclusion The findings of this study offer valuable insights for healthcare providers and policymakers. By emphasising the critical importance of improving the quality of information provided to patients, addressing issues related to reliability, and enhancing responsiveness, this study provides practical guidance for enhancing patient satisfaction in emergency care settings. These factors are crucial in meeting patient expectations and boosting overall satisfaction. Continuous monitoring and targeted interventions are recommended to ensure that patient satisfaction levels are maintained and improved in the dynamic environment of emergency care. Implementing these strategies can lead to better patient experiences, improved clinical outcomes, and a stronger institutional reputation.
Removal of nitrothal-isopropyl and endosulfan from wastewater using modified coffee grounds by diethylenetriamine nanocomposites: Adsorption kinetics and DFT simulation study
Authors: Tegegn Dereje Fedasa , Belachew Habtamu Zewude
Published: October 2024

Water pollution containing high concentrations of organic pollutants such as nitrothal-isopropyl and endosulfan is a serious concern in the environment because both are implicated in the eutrophication of receiving water. Nitrothal-isopropyl and endosulfan are two main organic pollutants that cause water eutrophication. In this study, MCG-DETA nanocomposites used as a strong bio-adsorbent for the removal of nitrothal-isopropyl and endosulfan from wastewater were investigated. The aim of this study is to recycle MCG-DETA nanocomposites for the adsorption of nitrothal-isopropyl and endosulfan compounds. The optimum adsorption capacity for nitrothal-isopropyl and endosulfan is 35.74 mg/L and 19.21 mg/L, respectively. For nitrothal-isopropyl and endosulfan adsorption, the Freund isotherm model was suitable. Modification of coffee grounds by diethylenetriamine can serve as a potential low-cost adsorbent to remove nitrothal-isopropyl and endosulfan organic pollutants from wastewater. According to DFT calculations, electrostatic interactions between nitrothal-isopropyl and endosulfan with modified coffee grounds were verified. The highest possibility of the attraction between modified coffee grounds and nitrothal-isopropyl was between -COOH in modified coffee grounds and -NO2 in nitrothal-isopropyl. In addition, the attraction of modified coffee grounds and endosulfan is due to the COOH and NH2 in modified coffee grounds and sulfonyl and halide in endosulfan. This effort enhanced our thoughtfulness in the elimination of the mentioned organic pollutants from wastewater by using MCG-DETA nanocomposites experimentally and theoretically.
Effect of chemical mutagen ethylmethane sulfonate (EMS) on the reproductive parameters of clusterbean plants (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba linn.)
Authors: Gulati Deepika , Jangra Mukesh R.
Published: October 2024

Clusterbean plants were raised from seeds soaked in 0.5% EMS or water for 6 h under saline conditions. Observations of the percentage of seed germination, time required to achieve final germination, morphological variation in leaf arrangement and shape, number of floral clusters plants, number of flowers/plant, pollen viability and germination, number of pods/plant, number of seeds/plant and weight of 100 seeds were recorded. The results indicated that EMS-treated seeds exhibited a decrease in and delay in seed germination, plant height, in vitro pollen germination and tube length under non saline conditions. EMS treatment produced mutants with profuse vegetative growth under 8 and 12dSm− 1 salinity. It also induced changes in the shape of the stigma from capitate to subapical and crescent shapeshaped under saline as well as nonsaline conditions. In some cases, these plants were also covered by trichomes. The number of pods and seeds per plant and the test weight of 100 seeds decreased in the plants raised from EMS-soaked seeds under nonsaline conditions. The number of flowers and pods and the seed yield per plant and the test weight of 100 seeds were greater for the mutants growing under 12dSm− 1 salinity than for their corresponding counterparts from untreated seeds.
Association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: NHANES 2017-2020
Authors: Sun Zhengyu , Yue Yong , Li Pengcheng
Published: October 2024

Background
The ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHHR) is strongly linked to various dyslipidemia-related conditions. This study aimed to assess the relationship between NHHR and both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis among American adults.
Methods
Our study utilized data from 5,861 individuals drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020 cohort. We employed multivariate logistic regression models to elucidate the association between NHHR and both NAFLD and hepatic fibrosis. To assess the potential nonlinear relationship between NHHR and the risk of NAFLD and hepatic fibrosis, we applied restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. Additionally, stratified analyses were conducted to verify the consistency and robustness of the observed associations.
Results
After adjustment for covariates, the weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis identified a robust positive association between NHHR and the incidence of NAFLD (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.30, P < 0.001). In contrast, no significant association was detected between NHHR and liver fibrosis when accounting for potential confounders (P > 0.05). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed an S-shaped curve characterizing the relationship between NHHR and NAFLD risk (P for nonlinearity < 0.05), with a notable inflection point occurring at 2.49. However, a nonlinear association between NHHR and liver fibrosis was not observed (P for nonlinearity > 0.05). Subgroup analyses further uncovered significant interactions between NHHR and both ethnicity and BMI in relation to liver fibrosis prevalence (P for interaction < 0.05).
Conclusions
The NHHR demonstrated a positive correlation with the prevalence of NAFLD among American adults, whereas no such association was observed with liver fibrosis. Clinically, NHHR may serve as a valuable marker for the early identification of individuals at heightened risk for NAFLD.
Obesity Linked to Higher Risk of Stillbirth: Insights from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Moshi Fabiola Vincent , Bendera Anderson
Published: October 2024

Background: Obesity among women of reproductive age is an escalating public health concern. This study aimed to assess the link between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of stillbirth among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.
Method: The study utilized the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey data, encompassing a weighted sample of 2,218 women of reproductive age. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the association between maternal BMI and stillbirth.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.7 years (SD = 8.7). Of the 2,218 women aged 15-49 years, 120 (5.4%) had ever experienced at least one stillbirth. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 22.6% and 14.3%, respectively. The risk of stillbirth increased with higher BMI categories: 4.2% among women with BMI <25 kg/m2, 6.2% among those with BMI 25─29.0 kg/m2, and 9.8% among those with BMI ≥30 kg/m2. The differences in the prevalence of stillbirth across these BMI categories were statistically significant (p < 0.001). After controlling for confounders, women with obesity had more than twice the risk of stillbirth compared to those with normal weight (aOR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.32–3.72).
Conclusion: This study found that over one-third of women of reproductive age in Tanzania were either overweight or obese. It also found that an increase in maternal BMI was associated with a higher risk of stillbirths. We therefore recommend weight management strategies both before and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Influence of volatile degradation products from thermal wood modification on wood-water interactions
Authors: De Ligne Liselotte , Fredriksson Maria , Thygesen Lisbeth G. , Thybring Emil E.
Published: October 2024

Thermal modification is a widely used technology for enhancing the dimensional stability and durability of wood. However, thermal degradation reactions in wood are complex and depend on the process conditions applied. Volatile degradation products from thermal wood modification are expected to affect the wood chemistry and the wood-water interactions of the thermally modified wood. In this paper, we investigate the impact on wood chemistry and wood-water interactions of retaining or evaporating volatile degradation products while thermally modifying beech and Scots pine in a closed thermal treatment process. The presence of extractable degradation products was determined based on water and multi-solvent extraction. pH measurements and ATR-FTIR analyses were performed to determine differences in wood chemistry. Light microscopy images of xylem cross-sections were taken to determine the vessel and tracheid lumen areas, and LFNMR and DSC measurements were performed to determine wood-water interactions. We found that thermal treatment with a cooling step at atmospheric pressure indeed allowed volatile degradation products to evaporate, in the case of beech, resulting in a less hydrophobic end product. However, for Scots pine, evaporating volatile degradation products during the thermal modification process did not have an effect on the pH and the amount of extractives, and as the impact on wood-water interactions was not in line with the findings on wood chemistry, the results are inconclusive. Our results demonstrate that volatile degradation products can have an impact on the wood-water interactions of thermally modified wood in the cooling step and that the results are wood species dependent.
Development of Environmental Sustainability Labels for Foods
Authors: Gonzáez-Hidalgo Catalina , Rojas Fernando , Sepúlveda Silvia , Beyer María Paz , Bastías Rossana , Escobar Marcela , Vergara Carlos
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Law 20.606 establishes that foods with a high content of critical nutrients must carry the ”High in” label on the front of the pack- age. This label was developed from the perspective of human nutrition and public health, but it does not address the impact that food production, distribution, and consumption have on the environment.
Objective: To create environmental sustainability labels for foods based on a sustain- ability score.
Subjects and Methods: A qualitative-quantitative study was conducted. Using focus groups (FGs) with 24 experts, sustainabil- ity dimensions were defined, and a score was estimated using the Robust Compromise (RoCo) Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) statistical method. Based on these scores, foods were classified into environmen- tal sustainability categories, for which visual sustainability labels were designed and tested with older adults.
Results: Four environmental sustainability dimensions for foods were identified from the FGs: Nova System, Packaging Material, Water Footprint, and Carbon Footprint. In a database of 1,839 foods classified into 25 categories, the information for the four identified dimensions was recorded for every 100 grams or milliliters of each food. The median sustainability score was 0.521193 (p25=0.397067 to p75=0.615901). 4.3% of the foods presented high en- vironmental sustainability, 82.9% medium sustainability, and 12.8% low sustainability. The foods with the lowest environmental sustainability were: Coffee, Processed Meats and Cold Cuts, Pastry Products, Aged Cheeses, Sugary Products, and Red Meats. The foods with the high- est sustainability were: Fruits, Tea, Vegetables, and Eggs. Three types of labels were defined: High environmentally friendly, Medium environ- mentally friendly, and Low environmentally friendly.
Conclusions: This study identifies the environmental sustainability of foods consumed in Chile and provides a first version of environmental sustainability labels.