bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Speech Intelligibility Enhancement in Elderly with High-Frequency Hearing Loss Through Visual Speech Perception
Authors: Chaurasiya Himanshu 
Published: October 2021

Background:
Pathological and physiological disabilities of human auditory receptors reduce speech intelligibility under hearing loss (HL) at high frequencies.

Objectives:
The objective of the study is to investigate the speech-intelligibility-enhancement (SIE) in elderly with high-frequency HL (HFHL) through visual-speech-perception (VSP). The hypothesis is that the VSP of spondee words (two-syllable words with equal stress on both syllables) is properly recognized and reproduced with HFHL. Also; to decide the statistical relevance of the precise significant difference in speech discrimination (SD) with VSP on the subjected ear.

Methods:
Observational and descriptive studies of SIE with VSP on 12 elderly listeners (24 clear ears; without wax impaction) with progressive and bilateral HFHL were examined. The entire experimental records were checked for distribution with normal (Gaussian) using the Shapiro–Wilk's and paired Student's t-test (parametric test) had the 5% (0.05) significance level (α).

Results:
We analyzed, improved, and better performance in SIE with HFHL through VSP. The statistical P (probability) measure was calculated nothing, i.e., 0 (P < 0.05). Therefore, investigators strongly and carefully discarded the null hypothesis consideration. There was some significant value of statistical variation also exists with VSP. Moreover, with the help of the confidence-interval analysis, the same conclusion was achieved.

Conclusions:
In this study, it is concluded that the elderly-individuals of this experiment, whose mother tongue and official language is Hindi and English, respectively, they demonstrate the SIE with HFHL through VSP. This investigation also helps to improve the hearing sensitivity to some extent with VSP.
EVALUATION OF PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND SELECTED PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH (CUCUBITA MOSCHATA)
Authors: Konadu Mary , Assilidjoe Enoch , Pedavoah Mary , Quansah Daniel 
Published: October 2021

Purpose: This study sought to evaluate of proximate composition and selected physico-chemical properties of butternut squash.
Methodology: Samples were chosen randomly from Northern part Ghana specifically Kukobila and data analyzed statistically. Oil was extracted using soxhlet extraction method.
Findings: Results showed that For the proximate analysis, fat content of the pulp was 1.16% and carbohydrate 72.70%. The fibre content of the defatted seed residue was 5.59%, ash (6.86%) and protein (49.20%). The acid value, saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value and free fatty acid were 3.42mgKOH/g, 15.43mgKOH/g, 21.08gI2/100g, 2.50meqO2/kg and 1.71 respectively. The high oil content of the seeds coupled with fairly low acid value makes it suitable as edible oil, a food supplement and suggest its suitability for the production of paints, inks but not suitable for soap and biodiesel production
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Farmers should avoid local consumption of butternut squash due to lack of knowledge on the potentials and uses; since its underutilized and cultivated mainly for export. More research should be carried out to convert Butternut squash into breakfast meals and baby feeds due to its high protein content and gluten free nature
Peacekeeping Operations in Africa: Liberian Lessons, a Platform for Deepening Future UN Peacekeeping Engagements.
Authors: Benson George 
Published: October 2021

Purpose: In terms of UN peacekeeping deployments, the African region has received the most, just as it has contributed the most in terms of military personnel. The Liberian UN-ECOWAS joint peace operations are acknowledged by many as one of the most successful, globally. The study argues that experiences from these operations can enrich this global effort. Hence, the study sought to establish lessons from the operations that could guide future peacekeeping operations.
Methodology: The study adopted a research approach that was analytical, descriptive, legal, historical and sociological; where data was mainly gathered from secondary and tertiary sources. To this end, scholarly books, edited works, articles and periodicals (duly acknowledged in the reference list) within the study area of international peacekeeping and the Liberian Civil War, were reviewed. Policy and legal documents by the United Nations (UN) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), media stories, reports from non-governmental organizations, research reports and reports from the Liberian government in relation to the multi-functional peacekeeping operations in that country; were not left out when data was gathered for this write-up. Additionally, in terms of secondary sources, dictionaries, bibliographies, encyclopedia, databases, abstracts and indexing sources were used.
Findings: Main findings were that the joint operations brought lasting peace to Liberia and that lessons from those experiences have the potential of guiding future peacekeeping operations across the globe.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study which is useful for academic, policy-formulation and implementation purposes, recommends: that the UN Security Council institutes prompt, appropriate and adequately funded interventions that have clear, effective and purposeful mandates at the start of conflicts; ‘spoilers’, ‘trouble makers’ and warlords should be heavily sanctioned; and effective coordinative measures be put in place by the UN so as to regulate activities of Non-UN peacekeeping actors.
INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS’ COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES ON STUDENTS’ DISCIPLINE
Authors: Kimani James 
Published: October 2021

Purpose: The school’s structure has a significant impact on the communication and strategy implementation process. The structure may shape the type of formal communication channels that an organization adopts to communicate students discipline. The general objective of the study was to establish influence of teachers’ communication strategies on students’ discipline
Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.
Findings: The study concludes that that holding classroom meetings, the use of school prefect body, communication during school assembly, guidance and counseling sessions and use of rewards and incentives, and encouragement of members to pass information among them and holding open forums are communication strategies used to communicate on students discipline in schools.
Recommendations: There is need for the stakeholders in education sector to facilitate teachers’ communication enable teachers to effectively use communication in the management of student discipline. The situations on the ground should determine the mix of communication strategies to be used on student discipline by the teachers. Teachers should use nonverbal communication effectively, they should use eye contact effectively and nonverbal cues. The elimination to conditions that reduce effective communication should be an obligation of entire school community
ROLE OF CONVENTIONS IN INFLUENCING TOURISM PERFORMANCE
Authors: Kimani James 
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Adapting the brand to new markets is less important than giving consumers new and worthy experiences. The general objective of the study was to evaluate role of conventions in influencing tourism performance in Africa.
Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.
Findings: The study concludes that tourism performance in Africa is significantly affected by convention tour activities, marketing of convention facilities, visitor stay and spending and consumer preference. The study found that convention tour activities had a positive and statistically significant relationship with tourism performance in Africa. The study therefore concludes that an increase in convention tour activities in Africa would lead to a unit increase in tourism performance in Africa.
Recommendations: There is need for destination values to be preserved through plan development to maintain the destination’s sense of place by outlining processes to monitor change, evaluate threats and opportunities, and permitting public and private leaders to respond. Regional and sub regional approaches should be promoted by the governments and all stakeholders to promote conventions. Convention Visitor Bureau should be brought back to assist in marketing of the convention facilities in order to increase delegates who attend the conventions
Clustering Tindak Kekerasan Pada Anak Menggunakan Algoritma K-Means Dengan Perbandingan Jarak Kedekatan Manhattan City Dan Euclidean
Authors: Buaton Relita , Sundari Yeni , Maulita Yani 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRAK
Kekerasan terhadap anak dari tahun ketahun semakin meningkat dan menjadi perhatian di kalangan masyarakat. Hasil pemantauan Komisi Perlindungan Anak Indonesia (KPAI) terhadap kekerasan pada anak dari tahun 2011 sampai 2014, terjadi peningkatan yang signifikan. Tahun 2011 terjadi 2178 kasus kekerasan, tahun 2012 ada 3512 kasus, tahun 2013 ada 4311 kasus dan tahun 2014 ada 5066 kasus kekerasan pada anak. Metode yang digunakan untuk mengclusterkan tindak kekerasan pada anak adalah algoritma k-means menggunakan 2 jarak kedekatan yakni Manhattan City dan Euclidean dengan jumlah data 280 kejadian yang diperoleh dari POLRES BINJAI bekerja sama dengan Badan KBPP Kab.Langkat dengan variable usia korban, jenis kekerasan dan faktor penyebab. Hasil cluster menunjukkan dengan jarak kedekatan Manhattan City bahwa korban kekerasan anak cenderung terjadi pada remaja dengan jenis kekerasan psikis dan pelecehan seksual karena faktor ekonomi dan kesempatan, sedangkan dengan jarak kedekatan Euclidean bahwa korban kekerasan anak cenderung terjadi pada anak-anak dengan usia 5 sampai 12 tahun mengalami kekerasan seksual karena faktor ekonomi.
Association of Low Physical Activity Levels With Gait Patterns Considered at Risk for Clinical Knee Osteoarthritis Progression
Authors: Costello Kerry E. , Astephen Wilson Janie L. , Hubley‐Kozey Cheryl L. 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveAlthough gait analysis provides an estimate of joint loading magnitude and patterns during a typical step, accelerometry provides information about loading frequency. Understanding the relationships between these components of loading and knee osteoarthritis (OA) progression may improve conservative management, as gait interventions may need to account for physical activity levels or vice versa. The primary objective was to examine relationships between gait patterns that have previously been associated with OA progression and accelerometer‐derived metrics of loading frequency. The secondary objective examined the association of accelerometer‐derived metrics and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at a mean follow‐up of 3.5 years.MethodsFifty‐seven individuals with knee OA underwent gait analysis and 1 week of accelerometer wear. Spearman correlations were calculated between accelerometer‐derived metrics and gait patterns. Differences across quartiles of step count were examined with Jonckheere‐Terpstra tests. In a subsample, baseline differences between TKA and no TKA groups were examined with Mann‐Whitney U‐tests.ResultsGait variables previously related to progression were correlated to both step count and moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity, but not lower‐intensity, physical activity. Individuals in the lowest quartile (~4000 steps/day) exhibited gait patterns previously related to progression. There were no differences in any baseline accelerometer‐derived metrics between those that did and did not undergo TKA at follow‐up.ConclusionComplex relationships exist between gait, physical activity, and OA progression. Accelerometer‐derived metrics may contribute unique information about overall loading for individuals above a certain activity threshold, but for those with lower activity levels, gait may be sufficient to predict clinical progression risk, at least over the short term.
Challenges and Opportunities in Understanding Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Materials Degradation Using In‐Situ Electrochemical Liquid Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Soleymani Amir Peyman , Parent Lucas R. , Jankovic Jasna 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEnvironmental pollution at the current state of fossil fuel consumption has led clean energy devices like proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) to emerge as alternative energy generation solutions. However, the performance, durability, and efficiency limitations of PEMFCs have hindered their widespread adoption. Improving their performance and durability can be achieved by fundamentally understanding and tuning their catalyst layer structures and compositions. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy have proven to be among the best characterization tools available to analyze the microstructural features of the catalyst layers of PEMFC devices. The ability to directly observe changes in catalyst materials during operation with high spatial and temporal resolutions by the means of In‐situ techniques can accelerate material development in the PEMFC field. In this article, structure, properties, and performance of PEMFC materials are reviewed, and their known degradation mechanisms are introduced. Available In‐situ TEM techniques are presented to guide the selection of suitable methods and approaches for studying the PEMFC systems. Finally, the current literature is presented on PEMFC research that has used In‐situ electrochemical liquid cell TEM to study materials evolution and degradation, highlighting the specific challenges and opportunities for applying the technique in the PEMFCs’ field.
What Drives the Kinetics and Doping Level in the Electrochemical Reactions of PEDOT:PSS?
Authors: Rebetez Gonzague , Bardagot Olivier , Affolter Joël , Réhault Julien , Banerji Natalie 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe electrochemical dedoping and redoping processes of a thin poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) film immersed in an electrolyte are studied at different temperatures with time‐resolved spectroelectrochemistry in the visible and near‐infrared range. The spectral signatures of neutral, polaronic, and bipolaronic states of PEDOT are resolved using multivariate curve resolution analysis. Kinetic modeling of their dynamics reveals that both the dedoping and redoping are sequential processes and occur within a few hundred milliseconds in the system. Evaluation of the temperature‐dependence with the Van't Hoff, Arrhenius, and Eyring formalisms highlights the role of entropy in both the establishment of the redox equilibrium at a given voltage bias and the reaction rates. This study provides a significant understanding of the fundamental mechanisms determining the level and rate of the electrochemical processes in PEDOT:PSS and will help tailor the design of faster and more efficient bioelectronic devices based on mixed ionic–electronic conductors.
Halide Perovskites: Advanced Photovoltaic Materials Empowered by a Unique Bonding Mechanism
Authors: Wuttig Matthias , Schön Carl‐Friedrich , Schumacher Mathias , Robertson John , Golub Pavlo , Bousquet Eric , Gatti Carlo , Raty Jean‐Yves 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOutstanding photovoltaic (PV) materials combine a set of advantageous properties including large optical absorption and high charge carrier mobility, facilitated by small effective masses. Halide perovskites (ABX3, where X = I, Br, or Cl) are among the most promising PV materials. Their optoelectronic properties are governed by the BX bond, which is responsible for the pronounced optical absorption and the small effective masses of the charge carriers. These properties are frequently attributed to the ns2 configuration of the B atom, i.e., Pb 6s2 or Sn 5s2 (“lone‐pair”) states. The analysis of the PV properties in conjunction with a quantum‐chemical bond analysis reveals a different scenario. The BX bond differs significantly from ionic, metallic, or conventional 2c2e covalent bonds. Instead it is better regarded as metavalent, since it shares about one p‐electron between adjacent atoms. The resulting σ‐bond, formally a 2c1e bond, is half‐filled, causing pronounced optical absorption. Electron transfer between B and X atoms and lattice distortions open a moderate bandgap resulting in charge carriers with small effective masses. Hence, metavalent bonding explains favorable PV properties of halide perovskites, as summarized in a map for different bond types, which provides a blueprint to design PV materials.
Stabilizing Fe–N–C Catalysts as Model for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Ma Qianli , Jin Huihui , Zhu Jiawei , Li Zilan , Xu Hanwen , Liu Bingshuai , Zhang Zhiwei , Ma Jingjing , Mu Shichun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe highly efficient energy conversion of the polymer‐electrolyte‐membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is extremely limited by the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) kinetics and poor electrochemical stability of catalysts. Hitherto, to replace costly Pt‐based catalysts, non‐noble‐metal ORR catalysts are developed, among which transition metal–heteroatoms–carbon (TM–H–C) materials present great potential for industrial applications due to their outstanding catalytic activity and low expense. However, their poor stability during testing in a two‐electrode system and their high complexity have become a big barrier for commercial applications. Thus, herein, to simplify the research, the typical Fe–N–C material with the relatively simple constitution and structure, is selected as a model catalyst for TM–H–C to explore and improve the stability of such a kind of catalysts. Then, different types of active sites (centers) and coordination in Fe–N–C are systematically summarized and discussed, and the possible attenuation mechanism and strategies are analyzed. Finally, some challenges faced by such catalysts and their prospects are proposed to shed some light on the future development trend of TM–H–C materials for advanced ORR catalysis.
Advancing information practices theoretical discourses centered on marginality, community, and embodiment: Learning from the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities
Authors: Kitzie Vanessa L. , Wagner Travis L. , Lookingbill Valerie , Vera Nicolas 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis conceptual paper identifies future directions for information practices theoretical discourses addressing marginality, community, and embodiment. We extend arguments from critical research identifying how existing discourses fail to capture the nuanced, lived experiences of people and communities confronting marginalization, predominantly via their reinforcement of deficit narratives. We then connect a series of qualitative projects examining the information practices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual communities in the American South with relevant Library and Information Science (LIS) research to examine how marginality, community, and embodiment shape these practices. Specifically, we introduce a conceptual model that describes marginality by framing information practices as tactical and agentic responses to and refutations of social and structural barriers and risks. While some of the information practices of participants and communities appear to be uninformed or unsafe, they represent the products of community sharing and vetting. Embodied navigations further inform participant practices as they navigate information worlds produced and informed by their intersectional identities. These arguments coincide with key categories established within our model that describe information practices: defensive and protective, and community and self. Based on these insights, we offer directions for future research and theory to reorient existing discourses in ways that inspire middle‐range theory building that fully captures people's lived experiences.
A retinoic acid receptor β2 agonist protects against alcohol liver disease and modulates hepatic expression of canonical retinoid metabolism genes
Authors: Melis Marta , Tang Xiao‐Han , Attarwala Nabeel , Chen Qiuying , Prishker Carlos , Qin Lihui , Gross Steven S. , Gudas Lorraine J. , Trasino Steven E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlcohol abuse reduces hepatic vitamin A (retinoids), reductions that are associated with progression of alcohol liver disease (ALD). Restoring hepatic retinoids through diet is contraindicated in ALD due to the negative effects of alcohol on retinoid metabolism. There are currently no drugs that can both mitigate alcohol‐driven hepatic retinoid losses and progression of ALD. Using a mouse model of alcohol intake, we examined if an agonist for the retinoic acid (RA) receptor β2 (RARβ2), AC261066 (AC261) could prevent alcohol‐driven hepatic retinoid losses and protect against ALD. Our results show that mice co‐treated with AC261 and alcohol displayed mitigation of ALD, including reduced macro, and microvesicular steatosis, and liver damage. Alcohol intake led to increases in hepatic centrilobular levels of ALDH1A1, a rate‐limiting enzyme in RA synthesis, and co‐localization of ALDH1A1 with the alcohol‐metabolizing enzyme CYP2E1, and 4‐HNE, a marker of oxidative stress; expression of these targets was abrogated in mice co‐treated with AC261 and alcohol. By RNA sequencing technology, we found that AC261 treatments opposed alcohol modulation of 68 transcripts involved in canonical retinoid metabolism. Alcohol modulation of these transcripts, including CES1D, CES1G, RBP1, RDH10, and CYP26A1, collectively favor hepatic retinoid hydrolysis and catabolism. However, despite this, co‐administration of AC261 with alcohol did not mitigate alcohol‐mediated depletions of hepatic retinoids, but did reduce alcohol‐driven increases in serum retinol. Our data show that AC261 protected mice against ALD, even though AC261 did not prevent alcohol‐mediated reductions in hepatic retinoids. These data warrant further studies of the anti‐ALD properties of AC261.