bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Linear Association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk and Lipid Profile: Data from the 2015–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Ge Gaoyuan , Bo Dan , Zhang Fengxiang , Yang Di
Published: May 2024

Background: The relationship between the multivariable apnea prediction (MAP) index and lipid levels was examined using a cross-sectional and retrospective study of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2015–2018). A total of 3195 participants with MAP scores were included in the analysis. Methods: The MAP index, an algorithm leveraging sleep apnea symptom frequency, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex, estimates the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We investigated the associations between the MAP index and lipid profiles—specifically, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) —using weighted linear regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis. Additionally, mediation analysis was conducted to explore the potential mediating role of physical activity on the link between OSA risk, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular mortality. Results: A non-linear relationship was observed between OSA severity and lipid profiles, including elevated levels of TC, increased LDL-C, higher TG, and decreased HDL-C (All p for non-linearity <0.05). The findings remained consistent across the stratified sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, physical activity served as a mediator in the association between the MAP index and both hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular mortality, accounting for 16.6% and 16.7% of the indirect effects, respectively. Conclusions: Participants at high risk for OSA demonstrated an increased prevalence of dyslipidemia. Additionally, engagement in physical activity was shown to have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism.
LVAD as a Bridge to Transplantation—Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Roesel Maximilian J. , Nersesian Gaik , Neuber Sebastian , Thau Henriette , Wolff von Gudenberg Rosalie , Lanmueller Pia , Hennig Felix , Falk Volkmar , Potapov Evgenij , Knosalla Christoph , Iske Jasper
Published: May 2024

Heart failure (HF) is a common disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates despite advanced pharmacological therapies. Heart transplantation remains the gold standard therapy for end-stage heart failure; however, its application is curtailed by the persistent shortage of donor organs. Over the past two decades, mechanical circulatory support, notably Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), have been established as an option for patients waiting for a donor organ. This comprehensive review focuses on elucidating the benefits and barriers associated with this application. We provide an overview of landmark clinical trials that have evaluated the use of LVADs as a bridge to transplantation therapy, with a particular focus on post-transplant outcomes. We discuss the benefits of stabilizing patients with these systems, weighing associated complications and limitations. Further technical advancements and research on optimal implantation timing are critical to ultimately improve outcomes and securing quality of life. In a world where the availability of donor organs remains constrained, LVADs are an increasingly important piece of patient care, bridging the critical gap to transplantation in advanced heart failure management.
Unveiling the bioleaching versatility of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Tonietti Luca , Esposito Mattia , Cascone Martina , Barosa Bernardo , Fiscale Stefano , Muscari Tomajoli Maria Teresa , Sbaffi Tomasa , Santomartino Rosa , Covone Giovanni , Cordone Angelina , Giovannelli Donato , Rotundi Alessandra
Published: May 2024

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, a Gram-negative bacterium thriving in extreme acidic conditions, has emerged as a key player in biomining and bioleaching technologies thanks to its unique ability to mobilize, directly or indirectly, a wide spectrum of elements, such as Li, P, V, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Mo, W, Pb, U, and its role in ferrous iron oxidation, A. ferrooxidans catalyzes the extraction of metals by generating iron (III) ions in oxic conditions, which are able to react with metal sulfides. This review explores the bacterium's versatility in metal mobilization, with a focus on the mechanisms involved and its encompassing role in the recovery of industrially-relevant metals from complex ores. The application of biomining technologies leveraging the bacterium's natural capabilities not only enhances metal recovery efficiency, but also reduces reliance on conventional, energy-intensive methods, aligning with the global trend towards more sustainable mining practices. However, its use in biometallurgical application poses environmental issues through its effect on the pH levels in bioleaching systems, which produce acid mine drainage that effluents in rivers and lakes adjacent to traditional and abandoned mines. This dual effect underscores its potential to shape the future of responsible mining practices, including potentially in space, and highlights the importance of monitoring acidic releases in the environment.
Land management controls on soil carbon fluxes in Asia’s largest tropical grassland
Authors: Bhan Manan , Misher Chetan , J. Hiremath Ankila , Vanak Abi
Published: May 2024

Land management changes threaten the ecological functionality of grassland ecosystems worldwide, including the ability of these ecosystems to store carbon in their soils. The Banni grasslands, Asia’s largest tropical grassland, is no different in this regard. Despite being a highly biodiverse ecosystem with an extensive land use history, information on soil carbon fluxes in this ecosystem remains conspicuously absent. In this study, we map soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks within the upper 30cm depth across land use-land cover (LULC) classes by combining high-resolution satellite imagery with field-based soil carbon data from a network of long-term monitoring sites. We find that Banni currently stores 27.69 MtC in its soils, with an average SOC density of 119.61 ± 3.50 tC/ha (Mean ± Std. Error). These estimates compare favourably with arid and semi-arid grasslands as well as seasonally-flooded savannas across the tropics. The highest SOC densities are found in restored grasslands (142.72 ± 5.72 tC/ha), reaffirming the potential of carbon recovery from ecological restoration. Tracing 10 years of LULC change in the region indicates the further expansion of the invasive tree Prosopis juliflora across the landscape, but its impacts on changes in SOC concentrations estimates remain varied. Our results indicate the large soil carbon storage potential and the SOC fluxes associated with woody encroachment in Banni, and point towards the need for the active management of Banni so that carbon benefits can accrue at meaningful timescales for reversing land degradation and contributing to land-based climate action.
A parameter recovery assessment of a wide class of evidence accumulation models of decision-making.
Authors: Murrow Matthew , Holmes William
Published: May 2024

Computational modeling has become indispensable in investigating the dynamics of decision making processes. A prominent category of models in this domain are Evidence Accumulation Models (EAMs), which model both the decisions people make and the time they take. Many variations have been proposed which modify the drift rate, diffusion rate, and decision thresholds, encoding increasingly complex dynamics into the EAM framework. However, adding model features complicates parameter recovery, making model interpretation more difficult. In this work, we perform a parameter recovery study to a variety of common binary choice EAMs, identify the specific challenges for each, and explore how to improve their parameter recoverability. Though previous studies have addressed this question, they have been piecemeal in nature, with different groups applying different computational methods to study different models. We aim to unify this body of literature using the best currently available computational methods. Further, we present the first, to our knowledge, Bayesian analysis of diffusion conflict models. Our purpose here is to be thorough, not exhaustive or comprehensive. With this in mind, this article catalogues a number of results, some previously shown and some new. Further, it illustrates different approaches to model analysis. This article is intended to be a resource for researchers interested in utilizing EAMs for studying decision-making processes, providing insights into the challenges associated these models, how to analyze them in light of those challenges, and examples of how to address those challenges.
How to Measure Fear Generalization? Reliability and Validity of Commonly Used Indices
Authors: Stegmann Yannik , Reutter Mario , Hutterer Katharina , Hildebrandt Lea , Deckert Jürgen , Deserno Lorenz , Lonsdorf Tina B , Domschke Katharina , Pauli Paul , Reif Andreas , Rosenkranz Karoline , Schümann Dirk , Schiele Miriam , Zwanzger Peter , Andreatta Marta , Gamer Matthias
Published: May 2024

The ability to adaptively transfer acquired fear to novel situations is fundamental for survival in ever-changing environments and may contribute to the emergence and persistence of anxiety disorders. Consequently, research has focused on the assessment of fear generalization profiles to predict individual differences in trait anxiousness. However, substantial heterogeneity in the measurement and operationalization of generalization hampers comparisons across studies and poses a risk to the replicability of findings. To address these issues, we reviewed the literature to identify commonly used methods for characterizing fear generalization profiles. We then conducted simulation analyses to examine correlations between indices and probe their robustness against measurement noise. Finally, we used two large empirical datasets (N = 1,175 and N = 256) to examine the reliability of these indices and their validity in predicting psychopathology. All identified indices were substantially correlated but highly sensitive to measurement noise, with only minimal differences between methods. Reliabilities were moderate for subjective ratings but poor for skin conductance responses. All indices of fear generalization were unrelated to individual levels of anxiousness. Overall, a more comprehensive discussion of conceptual and methodological issues is needed to better understand how fear generalization contributes to the etiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders.
Awareness and Calibration: The Role of Descriptive Norms and Social Desirability in Accurate IAT Score Predictions of Food Items vs. Social Groups
Authors: Goedderz Alexandra , Hahn Adam
Published: May 2024

Extending research that people are able to predict the patterns of their social group biases on Implicit Association Tests (IATs), we let participants predict and complete IATs toward five different food item pairs and compared the results to the social-groups domain. Participants predicted the patterns of their IAT scores with similar accuracy in both domains, suggesting similar internal awareness (evidenced by comparable within-subjects correlations), even though food evaluations followed less descriptively-normative patterns. At the same time, participants were better-calibrated in communicating their evaluations in the domain of food than social groups (evidenced by higher between-subjects correlations). This discrepancy may partly stem from participants' tendency to refrain from using harsh labels when predicting social group biases, despite their demonstrated awareness of them: IAT scores predicted as "moderate" or "strong" for food preferences tended to be labeled "mild" for social groups. Discussion centers on the importance of distinguishing between awareness and calibration.
Spatial distribution of 137Cs; 40K, 226Ra, 232Th in soils of Monchegorsk city (Murmansk region)
Authors:   N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Iglovsky S.A. , Bazhenov A. V. ,   N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yakovlev E.Y. ,   N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the study was to establish the patterns of spatial distribution of radioactivity of technogenic 137Cs and natural radionuclides 232Th, 226Ra, 40K in urban soils of Monchegorsk. Location and time of the study. Soil samples, were collected in summer 2018 in the Monchegorsk city, Murmansk region, Russia. To study the specific activity of radiocesium and natural radionuclides, soil samples were taken from topsoil (0-5 cm) at 82 sites, including 68 sites within the city territory (urban soils) and 14 sites beyond the city limits in the subtorch areas strongly affected by the Severonickel factory. Similar studies of urban soils in Monchegorsk had not been carried out previously. Methods. During expeditionary work and laboratory research, soil, radiological, and mathematical and statistical methods were used. When carrying out gamma spectrometric measurements, radionuclides 137Cs, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were determined on a low-background semiconductor gamma spectrometer ORTEC (USA) based on a high-purity coaxial germanium detector GEM10P4–70 (HPGe) with a SBS-75 pulse signal processor and Gamma-software. The resolution of the gamma spectrometer along the 1.33 MeV line (60Co) was 1.75 keV, and the relative efficiency was 15%. Calibration and quality control of gamma spectrometric measurements was carried out using volumetric activity measurements with 1-L Marinelli vessels of different densities (RITVERZ, Russia-Germany). Main results. The values of specific activity of radionuclides in soil samples were as following: in the technogenic 137Cs up to 31.3 Bq/kg and in the subtorch soils up to 63.4 Bq/kg. Specific activity of natural radionuclides in urban soils reached to 14.2 Bq/kg for 226Ra, whereas in the subtorch soils it reached 21.6 Bq/kg. The specific activity of 232Th in urban soils reached 18.3 Bq/kg, with 17 Bq/kg registered for the subtorch soils. As for 40K, its specific activity reached 498 Bq/kg in the urban soils and 317 Bq/kg. Conclusion. The gamma survey of the Monchegorsk territory did not reveal any anomaly in radiation. The dose rate of gamma radiation in the city does not exceed 0.074 μSv/hour, which is less than the values elsewhere in Russia, ranging from 0.04 to 0.20 μSv/hour. The obtained data about specific activity of technogenic 137Cs and natural radionuclides 232Th, 226Ra, 40K in the Monchegorsk soils are typical for the Murmansk region.
Dampak Game Online terhadap Kebugaran Jasmani Siswa Kelas V SDN 007 Melayu Tengah Kecamatan Tanah Putih Tanjung Melawan Kab. Rokan Hilir
Authors: Saputra Adnan , Ramadi  , M Imam Rahmatullah
Published: May 2024

Hasil observasi menyatakan bahwasanya siswa dengan mudah dapat mengakses game onlinemelalui gadgetnya dan lebih memilih bermain game online dari pada beraktivitas berolahraga. Tujuan riset ini agar mengetahui dampak game online terhadap kebugaran jasmani siswa. Populasi penelitian ini yaitu seluruh siswa kelas V SDN 007 melayu tengah dengan sampel 30 siswa pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik total sampling. Dalam riset ini, instrumen peneliti menggunakan kuesioner berupa blueprint untuk mengukur dampak game online terhadap siswa dan Tes Kesegaran Jasmani Siswa Nasional (TKPN) untuk mengukur tingkat kebugaran pada sampel tes terdiri dari beberapa rangkaian yaituV Sit and Reach, Squat Thrust, Sit up dan Pacer. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis dengan menggunakan korelasi produk moment yang berdasakan analisis uji kenormalan data X menghasilkan Lhitung sebesar 0,151 dan Ltabel sebesar 0,161, sedangkan data Y menghasilkan Lhitung 0,096 dan Ltabel 0,161 ini berarti Lhitung < Ltabel. Berdasarkan analisis data statistik, maka data tersebut berdistribusi normal. Berdasarkan uji persyaratan analisis diatas maka uji hipotesis pada variabel X terhadap variabel Y yaitu data 7,918 > 2,048 Rhitung > Rtabel data dengan demikian, terdapat hubungan penggunaan game online terhadap kebugaran jasmani pada siswa.
Pengaruh Latihan Driil Kelentukan terhadap Kelentukan Atlet Sepak Takraw PSTI Danau Baru
Authors: Latif Abdul , Aref Vai  , Hirja Hidayat
Published: May 2024

Masalah penelitian ini yaitu kekurangan pada kelentukan, sehinggasaat servis atau smash dilakukan tidak maksimal, hal ini terlihat dari latihan maupun pertandingan yang sudah beberapa kali dilakukan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh latihan drill kelentukan terhadap kelentukan atlet sepaktakrawPSTI Danau Baru. Sampel pada penelitian ini adalah atlet sepaktakraw PSTI Danau Baru dengan menggunakan teknik total sampling yang berjumlah dari 6 orang. Jenis penelitian ini yaitu pre-eksperimental one group pretest-postest design, instrumen dalam penelitian ini adalah test kelenturan otot pinggang dan batang tubuh. teknikanalisis data yang terkumpul dari pretest dan posttest dianalisis dengan menggunakan uji normalitas dan uji-t.Berdasarkan dari hasil penelitian yang telah penulis uraikan pada bab terdahulu, maka dapat diambil kesimpulan sebagai berikut: Terdapat Pengaruh Latihan Drill Kelentukan Terhadap Kelentukan Atlet Sepaktakraw PSTI Danau Baru, berdasarkan analisis uji t menghasilkan thitung sebesar 2,853 dan ttabel sebesar 2,132. Berarti thitung > ttabelsehingga Ha diterima.
Validity and Reliability of Physical Sports and Health Education's Learning Assessment of Self Defense Material for Class VII Junior High School Student
Authors: Putri Martyanti Andini , Dona Sandy Yudasmara  , Zihan Novita Sari
Published: May 2024

Instruments adhering to appropriate standards are crucial in gauging the conclusive outcomes of learning activities. This ensures that student learning achievements are accurately identified, serving as evaluation benchmarks for subsequent educational programs. The present research endeavors to develop an assessment instrument for Physical Education and Health (PJOK) learning, specifically focusing on self-defense material designed for seventh-grade junior high school students. This instrument is envisaged as a valuable tool to assist educators in conducting assessments, leading to the optimization of learning skills evaluation outcomes. The research methodology employs the Research and Development approach, referencing the ADDIE development model. The analysis stage involves observation and interviews, instrument design, product development, as well as Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with learning evaluation experts. Additionally, instrument product trials are conducted to examine validity and reliability. The research involves 66 seventh-grade junior high school students as participants. The validity test was carried out using the Reproducibility Coefficient and Scalability Coefficient according to the Guttman scale test, while the reliability test used Kuder Richardson (K-R) 20. The validity test results showed that all variables had values ​​> 0.90 for the reproducibility coefficient and > 0.60 for the scalability coefficient so it is said to be valid. The reliability test results showed a value of > 0.60 for K-R 20 so it is considered reliable. In conclusion, the PJOK learning assessment instrument for self-defense material emerges as a reliable and valid tool. Educators can confidently integrate this instrument into their assessments, leveraging its proven to be valid and reliable.
Hubungan antara Tinggi Badan, Panjang Tungkai dan, Kekuatan Otot Lengan Terhadap Prestasi Renang Gaya Dada 50 Meter Perenang Tirta Lawu Swimming Club Umur 13-14 Tahun Kecamatan Ngrambe Kabupaten Ngawi
Authors: Figo Hidayat Qori , Widhiya Bayu Utomo Andy , Sandi Prayoga Aba
Published: May 2024

Penelitian tentang hubungan antara tinggi badan, kekuatan otot lengan, panjang tungkai dengan prestasi renang gaya dada 50 m ini sangat berguna sekali terhadap peneliti, guru olahraga, dan para perenang yaitu untuk memilih calon perenang dan sekaligus mengarahkan ke cabang olahraga yang sesuai dengan kemampuan dan posturnya. Maksud dari tinggi badan adalah jarak antara ujung kepala sampai telapak kaki. Kekuatan otot lengan adalah untuk mengetahui kekuatan otot. Panjang tungkai adalah jarak antara pangkal paha sampek telapak kaki. Renang adalah prestasi yang dicapai seorang perenang. Jenis penelitian ini tergolong penelitian korelasi dan teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan test dan pengukuran. Instrument pada penelitian ini meliputi tinggi badan, pengukuran panjang tungkai, push up untuk tes kekuatas otot lengan, dan tes renang gaya dada 50 meter. Populasi penelitian ini adalah 20 anak dan sample 20 anak menggunakan teknik pengambilan sampel total sampling. Berdasarkan hasil pengolahan data dan analisa data yang menggunakan aplikasi SPSS 22 diperoleh tidak ada hubungan antara tinggi badan, panjang tungkai dengan prestasi renang gaya dada 50 meter, namun kekuatan otot lengan memiliki hubungan terhadap prestasi renang gaya dada 50 m perenang tirta lawu swimming club umur 2013-2014 tahun kecamatan ngrambe kabupaten ngawi tahun 2023.
Studi Status Kondisi Fisik Pemain Bola Voli Usia 10-15 Tahun Pada Club Turi Kabupaten Magetan
Authors: Ari Nuryudo Bayu , Widhiya Bayu Utomo Andy , Nur Wahyudi Arief
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi fisik pemain bola voli usia 10-15 tahun club turi Kabupaten Magetan. Desain pada penelitian ini kuantitatif deskripsitif dengan Jenis penelitian survey. Penelitian ini untuk mengetahui gambaran kondisi fisik pemain bola voli usia 10-15 tahun khususnya club turi Magetan. Jumlah populasi penelitian ini sebanyak 30 dengan teknik pengambilan sampel total samping. Instrument yang digunakan penelitian ini meliputi tes Stork Stand, Standing Broad Jump, Squat Thrust 15 detik, Lateral Jumping, Lari 50 meter. Tes tersebut dugunakan untuk mengetahui kondisi fisik atlet berupa keseimbangan, power, kelincahan koordinasi dan kecepatan. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan tes dan pengukuran sedangkan analisis data menggunakan persentase. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang dilakukan secara keseluruhan kondisi fisik pemain bola voli club turi Magetan usia 10-15 tahun dalam kondisi cukup. Kategori cukup sebanyak 12 orang (40%). Selain itu, kondisi fisik pemain bola voli lainnya yaitu baik sekali (6,67%), baik (13,33%), sedang (23%), dan kurang (17%).
Evaluating the Syllabus of ELT Research and Testing with CIPP Model
Authors: Kafle Durga
Published: May 2024

The study aims to discuss the effectiveness and appropriateness of the ELT Research and Testing course of the M.Ed. program, third semester, major in English. The research is based on an interpretive paradigm. The method is narrative inquiry. Three students, who had completed the course and three teachers who have been teaching the course, were interviewed with open-ended questions. From the brief discussion, it was found that the course offers excellent and smart ideas based on the research as well as English language teaching.
थाक र थकाली जाति
Authors: भण्डारी मुकुन्द
Published: May 2024

थाक र थकाली जाितको पहिचान गर्न थाक र थकाली जाति नामक शीर्षकमा तयार गरिएको प्रस्तुत आलेख प्राथमिक, द्वितीयक र तृतीयक स्रोतबाट सामग्री संकलन गरी वर्णनात्मक र अन्वेषणात्मक ढाँचामा तयार गरिएको छ । थकाली जाति कहाँबाट कहिले कसरी सातसय क्षेत्रमा बसोवास गर्न आए भनी खोजी गर्नु नै प्रमुख उद्देश्य हो । मुस्ताङ जिल्लाको थासाङ गाउँपालिकामा बसोबास गर्ने हिमाल पारि तिब्बतबाट आएका मंगोलियन मूलका आदिवासी जनजातिहरू नै थकाली हुन् । यिनीहरूको पितृ थलो थाक सातसय वा थाक खोला हो । न्यून जनसंख्या भएर पनि देशको शैक्षिक, सामाजिक, आर्थिक, राजनैतिक र धार्मिक क्षेत्रमा छुट्टै पहिचान बनाउन सफल हुनु थकाली जातिको विशिष्टता हो । पहिलेदेखि नैे थाक खोला क्षेत्रमा बसोवास गर्ने जातिलाई ढिमचन (शेरचन), च्योकी (गौचन), साल्की (तुलाचन) र प्हुर्की (भट्टचन) गरी परिचित गराउने प्रचलन रहेको छ । प्राचीन समयमा थाक खोला क्षेत्रमा दुईथरी थकाली थिए । मार्फाको ताम्रपत्रसहित अनेक पुराना लेखोटमा पुङ्ठी, थाग्सी वा पुन्तन थकाली भनेर स्पष्ट उल्लेख गरिएको छ । थकाली भन्ने परम्परा पर्वते मल्ल राजाको पालादेखि अर्थात लगभग ३०० वर्ष अघिदेखि नै चलेको हो । पुन्ड्याल थकालीको पहिलेको मूल थलो भएको ठाउँलाई पुन्डिग्युङ भनिन्छ । यस राजकूलमा जन्मेका सन्ततिलाई पुन्तन फोवेका नामले आजसम्म चिनिदै आएको छ । यिनैका सन्ततिलाई आज स्थानीय वासीले सली राजवंशका खानदानका रूपमा रहेको स्वीकार गरी हिराचन अन्तर्गतका प्याफोवे परिवारका रूपमा चित्रण गरेका छन् । विगत १० पुस्तादेखिका राजा र रानीका नाम र उनका चेली र ज्वाइँ समेतका नाम समेटिएका लिखत समेत अनुसन्धानका क्रममा फेला परेका छन् । यस म्हरफग–पुन्तन वा पुन्डी थकाली समुदायमा हिजो आज हिराचन , पन्नाचन, जुहारचन र लालचनलाई नामले चिनिने चार थरी थकाली छन् । दुवै थरी थकालीको आधार इलाका थाक र पाँच गाउँ वा युलङ भन्ने भौगोलिक स्थान नै हो । यस क्षेत्रका आदिवासी जनजातिहरूले एउटै भौगोलिक क्षेत्रमा पहिचान बनाएका वा एकै नामको दावी गर्ने साझा चिनारी जस्तो थकाली थर नाम प्रयोग गर्दै आएका छन् ।
Diaspora and Conflict: The Case of Tamils in Germany
Authors: Krannich Sascha
Published: May 2024

While most research on the Tamil diaspora and the conflict in Sri Lanka studies the Tamil diaspora in the United Kingdom and Canada, this article focuses on the role of organized Tamils in Germany. Based on an extensive three years of qualitative field study in Germany and Sri Lanka, and using the theoretical framework of Bercovitch's (2007) conflict cycle, I analyzed the engagement of the Tamil diaspora in Sri Lanka in three phases of the conflict: conflict emergence before the war (until 1983), conflict escalation and the war (1983–2009), and post-conflict reconstruction after the war (from 2009). In each of these phases, they took different positions toward the conflict. Before the war, German Tamil organizations were reluctant to get involved in the conflict. During the war, some Tamil diaspora organizations in Germany were involved in the war to a minor degree by their active membership and political participation in larger umbrella organizations initiated by the Tamil militant organization called Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The larger part of the diaspora focused on self-initiated and independent social development projects in Sri Lanka. After the LTTE lost the war, the second generation of Tamils took over leadership positions in the diaspora in Germany and focused on new social and health projects in Sri Lanka.
“My Opinion This Time Is Not Good”: Determinants of the South Sudanese Diaspora's Opinion on Its Role in Peace, the Number of States, and the 2018 Peace Agreement
Authors: Tombe Sandra K.Y.
Published: May 2024

This study examines the factors that influence the South Sudanese diaspora's perceptions of its role in peace, its disagreement with the creation of new states in South Sudan, and its opinion of the 2018 peace agreement. Through a survey conducted among diaspora members in Nebraska, United States, in September 2018 and May 2019, this study finds that participants with a high level of engagement in their diaspora community are significantly more likely to disagree that the diaspora's contribution towards peace in South Sudan is negative, thus viewing their role favorably. Furthermore, participants from the Equatoria region are significantly more likely to disagree with increasing the number of states and to hold a negative view of the 2018 peace agreement. Other demographic variables, such as age, number of years spent in the diaspora, level of education, and level of interest are also statistically significant in various models. This article argues for the relevance of diasporas in politically contentious and volatile contexts such as South Sudan. It contributes to the literature on peacemaking and peacebuilding by using new data to study a relatively under-explored diaspora community.
Clearer Academic Guidelines to Assist Authors and Editors Are Needed to Navigate Geopolitically Sensitive Conflicts
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: May 2024

There are ample national, transnational, and international geopolitical conflicts around the world, the two most prominent likely being the current ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, and the conflict between Taiwan (the Republic of China) and China (the People’s Republic of China). To avoid criticism or the label of political bias, academics might refrain from using the term Taiwan or might not refer to it as a country. Similarly, they might not know whether they should refer to Crimea or the Donbas as being Ukrainian or Russian. Authors currently have little guidance and are somewhat left to their own devices when it comes to referring to these and other locations and territories, uncertain of the names that should be used to indicate them. They might also observe disclaimers on publishers’ websites, in the footer of editorial board pages, or even as a small notice in their own manuscripts placed there by the publisher that distance the publisher from geopolitical conflicts and/or territorial claims, claiming neutrality, independent of whether those papers mention those conflicts, or not. Such disclaimers might be perceived as self-serving, placing the onus of responsibility of the choice of territorial term on authors’ shoulders, so publishers should offer clearer advice to authors and editors on how to better handle this issue, that is, how to accurately name locations in geopolitically sensitive areas. There is a risk that papers that are insufficiently sensitive to such issues may be labelled as erroneous, and subjected to correction or retraction, or the authors may be subjected to public criticism or humiliation, so resolving this issue falls within the realm of academic publishing ethics. Currently, very little advice exists for geopolitical issues in the Committee on Publication Ethics and International Committee of Medical Journal Ethics ethics-related publishing guidelines.
Fabrication of Hydrophobic PET Track-Etched Membranes using 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Heptafluorobutyl Methacrylate for Water Desalination by Membrane Distillation
Authors: Shakayeva Aigerim Kh. , Yeszhanov Arman B. , Zhumazhanova Ainash T. , Korolkov Ilya V. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: May 2024

The world is currently facing a drinking water problem. Human activity, climate change and pollution of existing water bodies are exacerbating the problem. The scientists around the world are currently trying to purify water using effective and inexpensive methods. One such method is membrane distillation. Membrane distillation is a versatile thermally driven membrane separation process. This method of water purification has the potential to remove salts and other non-volatile components. The work is concerned with the desalination of salt solutions by membrane distillation using ion-track membranes based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET ion-track membranes (PET TMs) were modified by photoinitiated graft polymerization of 2,2,3,3,4,4,4-heptafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA) to make them hydrophobic. Optimal polymerization conditions (monomer concentration, reaction time) were determined, which led to an increase of water CA from 51 to 105°. The obtained membranes were used to purify the solution from NaCl. The effect of salt concentration as well as membrane properties on performance and degree of purification was studied. The results show that large pore size PET TMs modified with HFBMA has the potential to desalinate water in an efficient manner.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Supramolecular Structure of Copolymers Based on Poly(propylene glycol fumarate phthalate) with Acrylic Acid
Authors: Sarsenbekova Akmaral Zh. , Bolatbay Abylaikhan N. , Havlicek David , Issina Zhannur A. , Sarsenbek Assiya Zh. , Kabdenova Nurgul A. , Kilybay Muslim A.
Published: May 2024

Previous studies investigating the thermal decomposition of p-PGFPh:AA copolymers in an inert atmosphere have provided only a general understanding of the changes that occur during thermolysis. Comprehensive studies are required to gain a better understanding of these processes [1]. The most comprehensive information on the influence of various factors on both the kinetics and the supramolecular structure of the resulting products can be obtained by combining the method of thermal analysis with IR, mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The compounds studied have two different compositions, namely p‑PGFPh:AA 6.77:93.23 mol % and p-PGFPh:AA 86.67:13.33 mol %. These compounds were then subjected to a thermolysis process, which resulted in the emission of gases and a decrease in sample weight. The degradation process can be divided into three stages: 1) Depolymerization of the main chain; 2) Depolymerization of the side chain; 3) Final decomposition. These processes occur sequentially at different temperature ranges. According to TG- and DTG studies, complete decomposition of p-PGFPh:AA copolymers occurred at Tterm = 340–350 °C. In this temperature range, a slight loss of sample mass (less than 10 wt %) was observed along with a slight gas evolution. The main gaseous products from the transformation of the studied samples were CO and CO2. This was supported by IR-CO (2000–2200 cm−1) and CO2 (2310–2370 cm−1) as well as mass spectrometric observations. The final products resulting from the thermolysis of p-PGFPh:AA copolymers were examined under an electron microscope. The results showed a similar morphological pattern of mesostructures with sizes ranging from 0.3–1.5 μm, which were observed depending on the porous structure of the initial polymer material. Based on the experimental data, it can be concluded that the p-PGFPh:AA copolymers (in proportions of 6.77:93.23 mol % and 86.67:13.33 mol %) have a relatively high degree of resistance to heating and do not undergo any changes in chemical composition, particle size and shape. In conclusion, the results clearly indicate that the selection of conditions for pyrolysis plays a crucial role in increasing the thermal stability of polymeric materials. This method allows for purposeful changes in the structure and properties of polymers.
Industry 4.0 Enabling Technologies Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals Achieving: A Content Analysis
Authors: Malyzhenkov Pavel , Provenzano Mariagrazia , Piccarozzi Michela , Silvestri Cecilia , Fici Luigi
Published: May 2024

The aim of the paper consists in the monitoring of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies (ET) adopting by the most innovative companies ranked by BCG classification, for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) reaching. The development of Industry 4.0 ET has been considerably studied in the literature and its relationship to sustainability in its three pillars has been much investigated in recent years. The results show the three-years temporary dynamics of Industry 4.0 ET application in sustainability practices based on the communication process in the firms’ Sustainability Reports (SR) with the proven prevalence of IoT technology.
Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction using box-Behnken design, method validation, and analysis of phytochemicals from drying treatments in the application of Etlingera elatior inflorescence
Authors: Firdhauzi Amila , Takahashi Yupanqui Chutha , Setyaningsih Widiastuti , Vatcharee
Published: May 2024

Background: Etlingera elatior inflorescence, a potential source for herbal tea, undergoes a drying process that could enhance the active ingredients and health benefits. This study introduces the use of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to improve conventional extraction and increase the yield of phytochemicals, thereby presenting a novel approach to functional foods and nutrition. 
Objective: This study aims to optimize the UAE method using the Box-Behnken Design (BBD), a statistical experimental design widely used in the field of functional foods and nutrition. The determination of phytochemicals was validated using the optimized UAE. Chlorogenic acid from the extract was analyzed using HPLC-DAD and compared with that from Indonesia. According to the development of herbal tea, the phytochemical contents and inhibition of DPPH scavenging antioxidant activity were examined for the three drying treatments compared to freeze-drying. 
Methods: Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was used to optimize the condition of UAE with three variables: solvent concentrations (70%, 85%, 100%), solid-to-solvent ratios (1:20, 1:15, 1:10), and temperatures (30°C, 50°C, 70°C). The TPCs and TFCs of the ethanol extract were analyzed as observed responses. Repeatability precision (%CV) and recovery were validated for the optimized UAE. HPLC-DAD analyzed the chlorogenic acid of the extract and compared it to the Thai E. elatior extract and Indonesia. In applying E. elatior tea, phytochemical contents, and DPPH∙, scavenging antioxidant activity was examined for three drying treatments and compared to the freeze-drying treatment.
Results: The suggested condition of optimized UAE extraction was 70% ethanol, 50°C, and a 1:20 solid-to-solvent ratio. %Repeatability precision of TPCs and TFCs for the extract was significantly <5%, and %recovery >90%. Freeze-drying and cabinet-drying treatments had significantly higher TPCs than others. Especially in freeze-drying treatment, the TFCs of the extract from Indonesia were significantly greater than those in Thailand (p<0.05). For DPPH∙ antioxidant activity, all treatments except freeze-drying of the extracts from Indonesia had higher inhibition of DPPH∙ antioxidant activity than those from Thailand.
Conclusion: The optimized UAE extraction method was validated with high precision and accuracy. All drying treatments influenced the phytochemical contents and Inhibition of DPPH  antioxidant activity in the inflorescences of both Thailand and Indonesia. 
Keywords: Box-Behnken Design, drying treatment, tea, method validation, phenolic.
3D printing slicing algorithm and partition scanning strategy for big data
Authors: Huang Qingyu , Zhong Yi , Wang Wenya
Published: May 2024

3D printing technology is a popular new technology that combines information technology with mechanical engineering and material science, and is being widely used in various fields. From the computer point of view, the basic technology of 3D printing is to slice and scan each part of the 3D model. The slicing algorithm used directly affects the speed of slicing and the effect of post-printing, and the result of slicing needs to be optimized. This paper analyzes the slicing algorithm and partition scanning strategy related technologies of 3D printing models and solves the practical problems of models in the 3D printing process. This paper first studies the slicing algorithm in the 3D printing process, then obtains and intercepts the cross-sectional contour, and finally performs mosaic and partition scanning on the sliced polygon, and uses experiments to verify the effectiveness of the research. The experimental results show that compared with other 3D printing methods, the printing method in this paper reduces the slicing time by 23.61%, and the fitting error range and the fluctuation range of the residual height of the fusion volume are smaller.
Exploring GRU-based approaches with attention mechanisms for accurate phishing URL detection
Authors: K S Jishnu , B Arthi
Published: May 2024

In the dynamic realm of digital advancements, the persistent menace of phishing attacks continues to jeopardize the security landscape for both individuals and organizations. As cyber attacks continue to proliferate, URL-based phishing attacks are growing rapidly. This paper presents an exploratory study aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures through the detection of phishing URLs. Our approach involves exploring the integration of Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) with various attention mechanisms to bolster accuracy in discerning between legitimate and phishing URLs. Notably, our study reveals that the implementation of the Bahdanau attention mechanism with GRU yields remarkable results, achieving an accuracy of 98.14%. We conducted experiments on a comprehensive dataset comprising 95,913 URLs. Our primary objectives include fortifying cybersecurity defenses against phishing threats, innovating through the integration of diverse attention mechanisms with GRU, and substantiating the efficacy of our model through rigorous evaluation metrics. As the realm of cybersecurity confronts escalating challenges, our research not only offers valuable insights but also charts a promising trajectory for future advancements in cybersecurity strategies.
Effects of Type 2 Diabetes on the Neuropsychological Profile in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Reyes Bueno José A. , Sánchez-Guijo Guillermo , Ráez Pablo Doblas , García-Arnés Juan A. , Garzón-Maldonado Francisco J. , Castro Vicente Serrano , de la Cruz-Cosme Carlos , Alba-Linero Carmen , Gutiérrez-Bedmar Mario , García-Casares Natalia
Published: May 2024

Background:

Diabetes is one of the main risk factors for developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease. Most studies have demonstrated a worse performance in executive function, verbal fluency, and information processing speed in patients with diabetes.

Objective:

To assess the cognitive functioning of persons with type 2 diabetes and amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI-T2DM) compared to persons with aMCI without diabetes and persons without diabetes or aMCI as controls, to understand the role of diabetes in the neuropsychological profile.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study involving a sample of 83 patients, ranging in age from 61 to 85 years and divided into three groups: aMCI-T2DM (27 patients), aMCI (29 patients), Controls (27 individuals). All the participants undertook an exhaustive neuropsychological assessment (auditory-verbal and visual memory, attention, information processing speed, language, executive function, and depression).

Results:

Both groups of aMCI patients performed significantly worse than the controls in all the neuropsychological tests. A significant linear tendency ( p trend < 0.05) was found between groups, with the aMCI-T2DM group presenting worse results in global cognition assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment; Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test; Auditory Verbal Learning Test; Trail Making Test A and B, Verbal Fluency Test, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

Conclusions:

aMCI patients with or without diabetes showed worse cognitive function compared to persons without diabetes or aMCI. Additionally, aMCI patients without T2DM presented a different cognitive profile than aMCI patients with T2DM, which tended towards presenting worse cognitive functions such as global cognition, memory, attention, executive function, and language.
Plasma Neurofilament Light Relates to Divergent Default and Salience Network Connectivity in Alzheimer’s Disease and Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Chong Joanna Su Xian , Tan Yi Jayne , Koh Amelia Jialing , Ting Simon Kang Seng , Kandiah Nagaendran , Ng Adeline Su Lyn , Zhou Juan Helen
Published: May 2024

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) show differential vulnerability to large-scale brain functional networks. Plasma neurofilament light (NfL), a promising biomarker of neurodegeneration, has been linked in AD patients to glucose metabolism changes in AD-related regions. However, it is unknown whether plasma NfL would be similarly associated with disease-specific functional connectivity changes in AD and bvFTD.

Objective:

Our study examined the associations between plasma NfL and functional connectivity of the default mode and salience networks in patients with AD and bvFTD.

Methods:

Plasma NfL and neuroimaging data from patients with bvFTD ( n = 16) and AD or mild cognitive impairment ( n = 38; AD + MCI) were analyzed. Seed-based functional connectivity maps of key regions within the default mode and salience networks were obtained and associated with plasma NfL in these patients.

RESULTS:

We demonstrated divergent associations between NfL and functional connectivity in AD + MCI and bvFTD patients. Specifically, AD + MCI patients showed lower default mode network functional connectivity with higher plasma NfL, while bvFTD patients showed lower salience network functional connectivity with higher plasma NfL. Further, lower NfL-related default mode network connectivity in AD + MCI patients was associated with lower Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores and higher Clinical Dementia Rating sum-of-boxes scores, although NfL-related salience network connectivity in bvFTD patients was not associated with Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire scores.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings indicate that plasma NfL is differentially associated with brain functional connectivity changes in AD and bvFTD.
Search in the Periphery for Potential Inflammatory Biomarkers of Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Costantini Erica , Carrarini Claudia , Calisi Dario , De Rosa Matteo , Simone Marianna , Di Crosta Adolfo , Palumbo Rocco , Cipollone Alessia , Aielli Lisa , De Laurentis Maria , Colarusso Lucilla , Pilotto Andrea , Padovani Alessandro , Konstantinidou Fani , Gatta Valentina , Stuppia Liborio , Cipollone Francesco , Di Nicola Marta , Reale Marcella , Bonanni Laura
Published: May 2024

Background:

Neuroinflammation, with altered peripheral proinflammatory cytokine production, plays a major role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while the role of inflammation in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is less known and the results of different studies are often in disagreement.

Objective:

The present study aimed to investigate the levels of TNFα and IL-6 in serum and supernatants, and the related DNA methylation in patients affected by DLB and AD compared to healthy controls (HCs), to clarify the role of epigenetic mechanisms of DNA promoter methylation on of pro-inflammatory cytokines overproduction.

Methods:

Twenty-one patients with DLB and fourteen with AD were frequency-matched for age and sex with eleven HCs. Clinical evaluation, TNFα and IL-6 gene methylation status, cytokine gene expression levels and production in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) supernatants were performed.

Results:

In AD and DLB patients, higher serum levels of IL-6 and TNFα were detected than in HCs. Differences in LPS-stimulated versus spontaneous PBMCs were observed between DLB, AD, and HC in the levels of TNFα ( p = 0.027) and IL-6 ( p < 0.001). Higher levels were also revealed for sIL-6R in DLB ( p < 0.001) and AD ( p < 0.001) in comparison with HC.DNA hypomethylation in IL-6 and TNFα CpG promoter sites was detected for DLB and AD patients compared to the corresponding site in HCs.

Conclusions:

Our preliminary study documented increased levels of IL-6 and TNFα in DLB and AD patients to HCs. This overproduction can be due to epigenetic mechanisms regarding the hypomethylation of DNA promoters.