bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of muscle mass on blood glucose level
Authors: Taha Murtada , AlNaam Yaser A. , Al Maqati Thekra , Almusallam Lenah , Altalib Gharam , Alowfi Deema , Haider Nafish 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
At present, diabetes is one of the leading causes of mortality across the world. It was hypothesized that muscle mass could have a significant influence on blood glucose level and this corelation if established successfully could pave way for novel treatment modalities for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the present study, the association between muscle mass and blood glucose level was examined in a healthy population who was not having T2DM at baseline and was undergoing a regular course of exercise.

Methods
The clinical study was performed involving 53 healthy male populations between 10 and 60 years of age. The participants were sampled in accordance with the quantitative experimental study design, using nonprobability sampling techniques. The independent variable measured among the subjects included muscle mass and blood glucose level, using bioelectrical impedance and a simple glucometer respectively. Subgroup analysis amongst different substantial parameters including body mass index (BMI), myostatin inhibitor usage, and age factor that could affect the muscle mass and glucose level correlation were also studied simultaneously.

Results
The study findings demonstrated a negative correlation between muscle mass and glucose utilization levels. There was a significant difference in the mean muscle mass of the participants which was 36.2453, and the mean glucose utilization level which was 15.1493%. Pearson correlation between the muscle mass and percentage of glucose utilization of the participants indicated a significant difference (since p-value <0.05) between these two studied parameters.

Conclusions
The study finding suggests an inverse association of the skeletal muscle mass with blood glucose level which encourages the implication of muscle-building exercises as the preventive measure for T2DM.
Evaluation of antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts of Polygonum senticosum in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Kim Chul Hwan , Hwang Buyng Su , Hwang Yong , Oh Young Taek , Jeong Jin-Woo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to examine the antioxidant activity and antiinflammatory effects of ethanol extract of Polygonum senticosum (EPS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Methods
Antioxidant activity of EPS was assessed by radical-scavenging effects on ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals. Proinflammatory markers produced by LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were quantified to assess the antiinflammatory activity of EPS.

Results
Our results showed that EPS significantly increased FRAP and DPPH radical-scavenging activity. Additionally, EPS reduced LPS-induced proinflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), along with proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β, without significant cytotoxicity. EPS significantly downregulated the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), TNF-α, and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Positive correlations were noted between FRAP and DPPH radical-scavenging activity and antiinflammatory capacity.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that EPS downregulates the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, PGE2, and cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Further research is needed for its use as a treatment for inflammation and related diseases.
Pidgin Metadata Framework as a Mediator for Metadata Interoperability
Authors: Lee Seungmin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A pidgin metadata framework based on the concept of pidgin metadata is proposed to complement the limitations of existing approaches to metadata interoperability and to achieve more reliable metadata interoperability. The framework consists of three layers, with a hierarchical structure, and reflects the semantic and structural characteristics of various metadata. Layer 1 performs both an external function, serving as an anchor for semantic association between metadata elements, and an internal function, providing semantic categories that can encompass detailed elements. Layer 2 is an arbitrary layer composed of substantial elements from existing metadata and performs a function in which different metadata elements describing the same or similar aspects of information resources are associated with the semantic categories of Layer 1. Layer 3 implements the semantic relationships between Layer 1 and Layer 2 through the Resource Description Framework syntax. With this structure, the pidgin metadata framework can establish the criteria for semantic connection between different elements and fully reflect the complexity and heterogeneity among various metadata. Additionally, it is expected to provide a bibliographic environment that can achieve more reliable metadata interoperability than existing approaches by securing the communication between metadata.
A label-free optical system with a nanohole array biosensor for discriminating live single cancer cells from normal cells
Authors: Franco Alfredo , Vidal Verónica , Gómez Marcos , Gutiérrez Olga , Martino María , González Francisco , Moreno Fernando , Fernández-Luna José L. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Developing a simple, fast, and label-free method for discrimination between live cancer cells and normal cells in biological samples still remains a challenge. Here, a system is described that fulfills these features to analyze individual living cells. The system consists of a gold nanohole array biosensor plus a microscope optical design to isolate the spectral response of a single cell. It is demonstrated that differences in the spectral behavior between tumor (colorectal cancer cell lines and primary cells from colorectal cancer tissue) and non-tumor cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells, skin fibroblasts and colon epithelial cells) are influenced by the actin cortex, which lies within the short penetration depth of the surface plasmon electromagnetic field. The efficacy of this system was assessed by the analysis of about one thousand single cells showing the highest discrimination capacity between normal colon epithelial cells and colorectal cancer cells from surgical specimens, with values of sensitivity and specificity ranging 80–100% and 87–100%, respectively. It is also demonstrated that cell discrimination capacity of the system is highly reduced by disrupting the formation of actin cortex. This plasmonic system may find wide applications in biomedicine and to study key cellular processes that involve the actin cortex, including proliferation, differentiation, and migration.
Application of DSA to improve strength of thermomechanical pulp blended paper
Authors: Lee Cheol Woo , Ryu Jeong Yong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA more efficient application of a dry strength agent (DSA) was investigated to improve the strength of thermomechanical pulp (TMP) blended paper. Strength improvement by DSA application was more effective for hardwood bleached kraft pulp (Hw-BKP) than TMP. The degree of strength improvement of DSA further increased with the increasing degree of refining of Hw-BKP. The strength of the paper was decreased by the fines fractionation of TMP, but the strength improvement efficiency of DSA for the fines fractionated TMP increased. In order to increase the strength of TMP mixed paper using DSA, it is expected that DSA should be adsorbed only to Hw-BKP with high strength improvement efficiency, not TMP fines. When the DSA was mixed with Hw-BKP before contact with other stocks, it was confirmed that the effect of improving the strength by the DSA is the best. The strength improving effect increased as TMP fines were removed. Therefore, to improve the strength of the paper containing TMP in Hw-BKP by adding a DSA, it is preferable to selective apply the DSA to Hw-BKP while blending only the fibers of TMP by fractionation.
Wie die NATO auf den Aufstieg Chinas reagieren sollte
Authors: Kaim Markus , Stanzel Angela 
Published: December 2021

Kurzfassung
Chinas weltpolitischer Aufstieg stellt andere Staaten und internationale Organisationen vor neue Herausforderungen, da er regional wie global etablierte Machtverhältnisse erschüttert und weltanschauliche Alternativen zu westlichen Ordnungsvorstellungen stärkt. Auch unter den NATO-Mitgliedern besteht ein zunehmender Konsens darin, sich mit den von China ausgehenden Herausforderungen beschäftigen zu müssen. Wie die NATO diese Herausforderung angehen sollte, wird unter den NATO-Mitgliedern jedoch unterschiedlich bewertet. Die NATO sollte ihre eigenen Möglichkeiten beim Umgang mit China realistisch einschätzen. Es sollte nicht darum gehen, ein alle Aktivitäten der Allianz überwölbendes, neues Handlungsparadigma zu definieren. Vielmehr sollte die NATO für sich einen Platz innerhalb des komplexen Gefüges euro-atlantischer Institutionen definieren, sodass mögliche Aktivitäten des Bündnisses Sinn ergeben, Planungen anderer Organisationen aber nicht dupliziert werden.
Die Arktis im Strategischen Konzept der NATO
Authors: Däumer Michael 
Published: December 2021

Kurzfassung
Seit Verabschiedung des letzten Strategischen Konzepts der NATO im Jahr 2010 hat sich das Sicherheitsumfeld der Arktis dramatisch verändert. Der in der Arktis rasant verlaufende Klimawandel hat sich in der gesamten Region ökologisch, wirtschaftlich und geopolitisch ausgewirkt. Temperaturanstieg und Eisschmelze machen die Arktis zunehmend ökonomisch zugänglich und nutzbar. Damit gerät die Arktis erneut in den strategischen Fokus der internationalen Gemeinschaft. Vor allem strebt China als selbsternannter „Arktis-Nahanrainer“ mit seiner Polaren Seidenstraße in die Arktis. Der Wettlauf um die Arktis und Russlands militärische Absicherung wirtschaftspolitischer Interessen bergen neues Konfliktpotenzial. Das betrifft die Sicherheitsinteressen der NATO. Das veränderte Sicherheitsumfeld in dieser fragilen Region erfordert verstärkt die Aufmerksamkeit des gesamten Bündnisses. Erstmals seit Ende des Kalten Krieges überlegt die NATO, welchen strategischen Stellenwert die Arktis im nächsten Strategischen Konzept einnehmen soll. Die westliche Allianz steht vor dem Dilemma, auf das neue Bedrohungspotenzial in einer Region mit relativ schwachen Governance-Strukturen zu reagieren, ohne eine arktische Sicherheitskrise auszulösen.
Der Begriff der Gesellschaft
Authors: Luhmann Niklas 
Published: December 2021

Zusammenfassung
Die Tatsache, dass die Soziologie kein adäquates Verständnis von der Einheit ihres Gegenstands, also keinen angemessenen Gesellschaftsbegriff entwickelt hat, kann auf drei Vorurteile zurückgeführt werden: Die Annahmen, dass die Gesellschaft aus Menschen bestehe, dass es eine territoriale Vielheit von Gesellschaften gebe und dass nur das Subjekt (und nicht die Gesellschaft) das Privileg der Selbstreferenz habe. Theorie- und Begriffsentwicklungen in anderen Disziplinen legen hier Änderungen im Theoriedesign nahe. Geht man dabei vom Systembegriff aus, so bestimmt sich dieser über die Differenz zu seiner Umwelt. Damit wird der Begriff der Produktion, genauer der Autopoiesis und damit die Umstellung der soziologischen Theorie vom Handlungs- auf den dreistelligen Kommunikationsbegriff zentral. Gesellschaft muss dann verstanden werden als das umfassende System aller Kommunikationen. Die Folgen dieser Theorieentscheidung werden an den Beispielen der Sprache als strukturelle Kopplung von Bewusstsein und Kommunikation, der Beziehung von Individuum und Gesellschaft und dem Begriff der Rationalität als Wiedereinführung der Unterscheidung von Selbst- und Fremdreferenz diskutiert.
Rechtssystem und politisches System: Probleme ihrer wechselseitigen Beziehungen
Authors: Luhmann Niklas 
Published: December 2021

Zusammenfassung
Das Verhältnis von Politik und Recht ist in der europäischen Tradition durch eine besondere Nähe gekennzeichnet, die die Frage provoziert, ob es sich überhaupt um zwei voneinander getrennte Systeme handelt oder ob nicht beide Funktionsbereiche konvergieren, es also gerade zu einer Entdifferenzierung kommt. Die Theorie selbstreferentieller Systeme und eine darauf aufbauende Theorie der funktionalen Differenzierung der Gesellschaft bieten genauere Analysemöglichkeiten, die zeigen, dass Politik und Recht in einem spezifischen Kombinationsverhältnis von Abhängigkeit und Unabhängigkeit stehen. Die zugrunde gelegte Theorie der modernen Gesellschaft betont zugleich das Unwahrscheinliche des europäischen Modells und erlaubt somit auch die Frage, ob diese Gesellschaft nicht an ihren eigenen Strukturen scheitern kann. Zumindest gibt es empirische Entwicklungen, die als Hinweise auf eine problematische Änderung des Verhältnisses von Politik und Recht verstanden werden können.
Der Wohlfahrtsstaat als politisches und als theoretisches Problem
Authors: Luhmann Niklas 
Published: December 2021

Zusammenfassung
Die verbreitete Wahrnehmung einer Krise des Wohlfahrtsstaates hat mit fehlgehenden gesellschaftstheoretischen Prämissen in Form einer gesellschaftlichen Suprematie der Politik wie dem dominanten Einfluss der Wirtschaft auf die gesamtgesellschaftliche Entwicklung zu tun. Eine adäquate gesellschaftstheoretische Beschreibung legt dagegen ein anderes Verständnis nahe. Danach hat sich zunächst der Verfassungsstaat als eine Stabilisierung des politischen Systems über das Prinzip der Eliminierung von Abweichungen von gegebenen Erwartungslagen herausgebildet. Der Wohlfahrtsstaat dagegen basiert auf dem Prinzip eines positiven Feedbacks. Die Theorie selbstreferentieller Systeme gibt hier erste Hinweise, dass die Probleme des Wohlfahrtsstaates auf die interne Differenzierung des politischen Systems, die Selbstüberforderung der Implementationsinstrumente Geld und Recht sowie die mit der Struktur der Gesellschaft verbundenen Komplexitätsprobleme in den entsprechenden Entscheidungsprozessen zurückgeführt werden können. Damit wird die Frage der Selbstbeobachtungsfähigkeit der Gesellschaft und speziell des politischen Systems zentral. Die Theorie des Verfassungsstaats hatte den gesellschaftsstrukturell bedingten Verzicht auf politische Wirkungsmöglichkeiten als Freiheit beschrieben; inwiefern unter denselben Bedingungen eine Theorie des Wohlfahrtsstaates entwickelt und in die Politik zurückgespiegelt werden kann, ist zunächst offen.
The solid solution TbNiIn1−x
Ga
x
Authors: Horiacha Myroslava , Nychyporuk Galyna , Pöttgen Rainer , Zaremba Vasyl 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Phase formation in the solid solution TbNiIn1−x
Ga
x
at 873 K was investigated in the full concentration range by means of powder X-ray diffraction and EDX analysis. The samples were synthesized by arc-melting of the pure metals with subsequent annealing at 873 K for one month. The influence of the substitution of indium by gallium on the type of structure and solubility was studied. The solubility ranges have been determined and changes of the unit cell parameters were calculated on the basis of powder X-ray diffraction data: TbNiIn1–0.4Ga0–0.6 (ZrNiAl-type structure, space group

P

6
‾

2
m

$P\bar{6}2m$

, a = 0.74461(8)–0.72711(17) and c = 0.37976(5)–0.37469(8) nm); TbNiIn0.2–0Ga0.8–1.0 (TiNiSi-type structure, space group Pnma, а = 0.68950(11)–0.68830(12), b = 0.43053(9)–0.42974(6), с = 0.74186(10)–0.73486(13) nm). The crystal structures of TbNiGa (TiNiSi type, Pnma, a = 0.69140(5), b = 0.43047(7), c = 0.73553(8) nm, wR2=0.0414, 525 F
2 values, 21 variables), TbNiIn0.83(1)Ga0.17(1) (ZrNiAl type,

P

6
‾

2
m

$P\bar{6}2m$

, a = 0.74043(6), c = 0.37789(3) nm, wR2 = 0.0293, 322 F
2 values, 16 variables) and TbNiIn0.12(2)Ga0.88(2) (TiNiSi type, Pnma, a = 0.69124(6), b = 0.43134(9), c = 0.74232(11) nm, wR2 = 0.0495, 516 F
2 values, 21 variables) have been determined. The characteristics of the solid solutions and the variations of the unit cell parameters are briefly discussed.
Genossenschaften für das Gemeinwesen: Bürgerschaftliches Engagement zur Sicherung der Daseinsvorsorge?
Authors: Thürling Marleen , Hanisch Markus 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Der Beitrag untersucht die Rolle des bürgerschaftlichen Engagements in Genossenschaften, die Aufgaben und Angebote in ihren Gemeinwesen übernehmen. Um ihren Geschäftsbetrieb langfristig und kostendeckend zu realisieren, sind sie darauf angewiesen, bürgerschaftliches Engagement zu generieren und einzubinden. Daraus resultiert ein spezifisches Spannungsverhältnis zwischen der Freiwilligkeit einerseits und der wirtschaftlichen Notwendigkeit andererseits, das es in den Blick zu nehmen gilt bei der Frage, ob und inwieweit es sich bei diesen Genossenschaften um tragfähige Lösungsmodelle für Versorgungsprobleme im Gemeinwesen handelt. Gezeigt wird, dass die Genossenschaften als Engagement-Infrastrukturen dann erfolgreich sind, wenn sie geeignete Rahmenbedingungen für das Engagement ihrer Mitglieder bereitstellen können und die Unterstützung der Kommune dafür eine entscheidende Rolle spielt.
Bacterial Microbiota in Unfed Ticks (Dermacentor nuttalli) From Xinjiang Detected Through 16S rDNA Amplicon Sequencing and Culturomics
Authors: Song Kai , Ji Yuxin , Sun Surong , Yue Xihong , Wang Cheng , Luo Tao , Moming Abulimiti , Song Yajun , Zhang Yujiang , Yang Ruifu 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Ticks are a major arthropod vector of zoonotic diseases affecting both humans and domestic animals worldwide. Thus, studying tick microbiota would aid in understanding of the potential threats posed by ticks.

Methods:
Approximately 8,000 unfed ticks, identified as Dermacentor nuttalli, were collected from the sylvosteppe in the western Tianshan mountains. To investigate their potential pathogens, we divided the ticks into 36 groups of 200–300 individuals each for examination with culturomics and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing.

Results:
A total of 237 bacterial genera were identified with the two methods. Culturomics identified 46 bacterial species from 23 genera, predominantly Pseudomonas, Pantoea, and Bacillus, whereas 16S rDNA sequencing identified 461 OTUs from 233 genera, predominantly Pseudomonas (53.8%), Coxiella (17.2%), and Pantoea (6.4%). Coxiella, Rickettsia, and ten other genera were discovered only by sequencing, because optimal cultivating conditions were not used for their isolation, whereas Arthrobacter and three other genera were discovered only through culturomics.

Conclusions:
Several of the identified bacteria, such as line-related sepsis-causing Delftia acidovorans and the pneumonia agent Acinetobacter pittii, can cause human diseases. Thus, both sequencing and culturomics methods are crucial for comprehensive understanding of the microbiota of D. nuttalli.
Assessment of the Unemployment Situation of Vulnerable Groups in the Labour Market of the Baltic States
Authors: Okunevičiūtė-Neverauskienė Laima , Pocius Arūnas , Krutulienė Sandra 
Published: December 2021

The study analyses the unemployment situation of socially vulnerable groups in the Baltic States in the context of the European Union. The analysis of the unemployment rate is based on gender, age and duration of unemployment. Statistical analysis identified the most vulnerable groups in the labour market and those most sensitive to economics fluctuations. The study also evaluated the relationship of economic growth with employment of these groups. The research highlighted that in the Baltic countries, the global financial crisis more significantly affected vulnerable groups, mainly because of the impact of the crisis in 2009–2010. Hence these results differ from the general trend in unemployment rate of the target groups in the countries of the European Union.
Unemployment rate at the EU level did not coincide with similar trends observed in the target groups in the Baltic States. In the Baltic States, the unemployment rate of the target groups started to grow earlier and faster than in the EU countries and it started to decrease much earlier than the EU unemployment rate indicators. In addition, in the Baltic countries, the growth of target group unemployment was significantly higher than the EU average. The fast and volatile growth of unemployment within the mentioned target groups shows that they had difficulties adapting to dramatically worsening conditions in the labour market in the Baltic States. The current pandemic situation in comparison to the global financial crisis of 2009–2010 has a less negative effect. The study revealed that unemployment rates in the Baltic States were close to the EU average. The research results also showed that men and the youth are sensitive to economic fluctuations in the Baltic States. On the one hand, unemployed men and the youth tend to more easily enter the labour market during economic upturns. On the other hand, in an economic downturn, these jobseekers face significant integration difficulties into the labour market and become more socially vulnerable.
It is important to note that long-term unemployed people belong to the most vulnerable groups. People with low skills or qualifications face multiple barriers to labour market integration. Long-term unemployment leads to a loss of income, an erosion of skills, a higher incidence of health problems and increased household poverty.
Elementary School EFL Learning Experience: A Needs Analysis
Authors: Ahmetović Emnijeta , Dubravac Vildana 
Published: December 2021

Regular curriculum modifications and the shift from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered paradigm in educational institutions are meant to enhance the teaching-learning process and fulfill learners' needs as successfully as possible. This study aimed to examine learners' attitudes towards learning English, their needs/wants, learning preferences, strategies, and lesson topics. Moreover, it also investigated the differences in learning preferences based on grade level. The data were gathered from a survey administrated to 200 elementary school students in Central Bosnia and Herzegovina. The findings illustrated that the participants generally have a positive attitude towards learning English with more significant extrinsic reasons motivating them to learn it. Regarding students' needs, the analysis revealed that overall, students found writing the most challenging and speaking the most desirable language skill. Furthermore, the majority of the participants reported that they like to learn by reading texts or stories, finding the discussion in the classroom the most annoying classroom activity. While learning vocabulary by translating new words is regarded as the most beneficial method, doing written exercises at school presents the most significant way of acquiring grammar. Moreover, the study identified a significant influence of a grade level on the preferred ways of learning English.