bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing South African’s economic growth and foreign direct investment: Implications for environmental sustainability
Authors: ADEKUNLE Ahmed Oluwatobi , AKANDE Joseph Olorunfemi , GBADEBO Adedeji Daniel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Environmental sustainability is essential element of the global focus based on 26th UN climate change conference, 2021. Essentially, recent rapid economic growth in South Africa (SA) has created verifying environmental sustainability in SA. Sequel to this, this study assesses SA economic growth and ForDI, implications for environmental sustainability span over 1986–2022. Environmental Kuznet Hypothesis is the framework adopted for the study using ARDL techniques to assess the long-run connection amid the variables. The findings signify that rises in economic growth creates more carbon emissions (CE), then begins to fall at a particular level, thereby confirming Environmental Kuznet Hypothesis for SA. The causality approach signifies that ForDI, URBP and economic growth contribute significantly to CE threshold in SA.
Polarizing reply patterns in comment sections of a large German news outlet
Authors: Buder Jürgen , Anders Gerrit 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Many studies suggest that social media users prefer information that aligns with their worldview (congeniality bias). However, while this bias has been shown for information consumption behaviour (selective exposure), it is unknown whether the preference for like-minded content also characterizes social media interactions in which users reply to previous comments (selective response). Recent work has provided evidence that users exhibit an uncongeniality bias – a preference to reply to attitudinally uncongenial comments – when the affordance to reply is given. By investigating two years of user activity on the comment sections of a large German online news outlet, the present work addresses the question of whether an uncongeniality bias can be found in the field. Here we show that participants in comment sections are more likely to reply to a comment the less this comment is liked in the community (uncongeniality bias); that disliked comments tend to receive replies that are liked by the community and vice versa (antagonism); and that votes on replies are more extreme than votes on original comments (polarization). These results suggest that social media behaviour is not always driven by congeniality. Instead, users in comment sections exhibit antagonistic behaviour, and this antagonism may contribute to societal polarization.
The Globalization and Ecological Footprint in European Countries:
Correlation or Causation?
Authors: Karimli Turan , Mirzaliyev Nihal , Guliyev Hasraddin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Exploring the influencing factors of the ecological footprint is a current focus. However, the impacts of globalization on the ecological footprint are inconclusive due to the complexity among variables. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects of globalization on the ecological footprint in 35 European countries in 1970-2020. While conducting the research, causality, which goes beyond correlation, was emphasized, and the new panel noncausality test is employed. The results indicate that globalization is generally Granger-cause of the ecological footprint in European countries. Additionally, the individual causation test results also show a unidirectional causality from economic globalization to the ecological footprint, bidirectional causality between social globalization and the ecological footprint, and no causality exists between political globalization and the ecological footprint. In conclusion, this paper not only provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics between globalization and ecological footprints but also offers nuanced policy recommendations tailored to European countries. These recommendations are designed to guide them toward achieving long-term sustainability in the face of the intricate relationships between globalization and ecological footprints.
JEL Classification: Q57, F64, C23
From Public Debt to Government Equity: A new Perspective
Authors: Muzhani Marin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In a new monetary reality of the 21st century dominated by an economy pricing system with stable inflation, stable interest rate, low growth and low unemployment but high public debt, is recommended to explore new pathways to reduce government sovereign debt. This paper suggests a new perspective on how the Government Sovereign debt could be converted to Government Shareholder’s Equity. In fact, the new theory suggest that government issued-securities could help heavily indebted developing countries reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio by converting the debt-raising capacity to a hybrid debt-securities-raising capacity to translate the borrowed money into economic growth by trying to raise large funds to invest in infrastructure and elevate the level of household’s standard of living.
JEL classification: E00, E50, E60. E61, E62, E69, H00, H20, H54, H60, H61, H63 H69.
A Comprehensive Model for Exploring Unexplored Predictors of Fertility among Nigerian Women
Authors: Jabaru Saheed Olalekan , Yahya Waheed Babatunde , Jimoh Kamoru 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigated unexplored predictors of fertility in Nigeria, integrating them with established global predictors to create a comprehensive fertility model. The base model used traditional predictors, while subsequent models evaluated new ones. Insignificant predictors were excluded based on AICc values. The final model revealed significant regional variations in fertility rates. Women in the North-East, North-West, and South-East regions had higher Total Children Ever Born (TCEB) than those in the North-Central region, while women in the South-West had lower TCEB. Educational attainment inversely affected fertility, with higher TCEB among women with no, primary, and secondary education compared to those with higher education. Contraceptive methods significantly reduced TCEB, including female sterilization, injections, male condoms, and emergency contraception. Marital status and decision-making dynamics were crucial; married women, women living with their partner, and widows had higher TCEB than divorced women. Women whose healthcare decisions were made solely by their husband had significantly higher TCEB. Additionally, internet use and terminated pregnancies were associated with lower TCEB. These findings align with existing literature on fertility determinants in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting regional disparities and the impacts of education, contraceptive use, marital status, and decision-making dynamics. The results advocate for culturally sensitive, region-specific family planning interventions, promotion of female education, increased access to contraceptives, and strategies empowering women in decision-making. Enhanced family planning efforts through information technology and continuous program adaptation are essential for sustainable population growth in Nigeria.
Determining an optimal cut-off point for TikTok addiction using the TikTok Addiction Scale
Authors: Galanis Petros , Katsiroumpa Aglaia , Moisoglou Ioannis , Konstantakopoulou Olympia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To identify an optimal cut-off point for the TikTok Addiction Scale (TTAS).
METHOD We performed a cross-sectional with a convenience sample. We collected our data in Greece during July 2024. We used a sample of TikTok users among the general population. We employed the Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis to identify an optimal cut-off point for the TTAS by using the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) as external criterions. We used the suggested cut-off points from the literature to develop dichotomous variables for BSMAS and PHQ-4.
RESULTS We found a significant predictive power of TTAS for social media addiction, anxiety, and depression. We found that the best cut-off point for the TTAS is 3.23 (p-value < 0.001, Youden’s index = 0.72). In that case, the area under the curve was 0.91 (95% confidence interval = 0.86 - 0.97). Sensitivity and specificity of the TTAS were 0.76 and 0.96 respectively. Thus, mean TTAS score ≥3.23 suggested TikTok use disorder, while mean score from 1.00 to 3.22 suggested healthy users. The positive predictive value of the TTAS was 0.61, while the negative predictive value 0.98.
CONCLUSIONS The best cut-off point for the TTAS was 3.23. TikTok users with mean TTAS score ≥3.23 should be further examined by mental health professionals. Further research should be conducted to validate our results.
El deber de la memoria y el perdón: desde las víctimas de desaparición forzada en Colombia
Authors: López Álvarez Solanyer , Serrano Mora Sandra Milena 
Published: July 2024

Este artículo surgió a partir de las reflexiones acerca del deber de la memoria y el perdón, en mujeres víctimas de desaparición forzada, como alternativa para encontrar las pistas que seguimos buscando en torno a la construcción de paz en Colombia. El enfoque metodológico fue fenomenológico-hermenéutico-narrativo; se trabajó con madres de jóvenes desaparecidos forzadamente en los municipios de Medellín y San Pablo, sur de Bolívar (Colombia). Se concluyó que el trabajo de memoria y perdón, se potencia desde los lazos colectivos de las víctimas, quienes entrecruzan a estas dos categorías, la verdad, el lugar del victimario y de sus imputaciones éticas y morales frente a los hechos.
Potential Target of CDK6 Signaling Pathway for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Basnet Rajesh , Amissah Obed Boadi , Bahadur Basnet Buddha , Huang Rongqi , Sun Yirong , de Dieu Habimana Jean , Li Zhiyuan 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Cancer involves uncontrolled cell growth due to genetic mutations. Tumors
can form when CDK6, a gene essential for controlling cell growth, isn't working correctly.
Researchers are investigating drugs that inhibit CDK6; some of them appear promising. Nevertheless,
CDK6 is advantageous and harmful to cancer because it controls other cellular processes. By
inhibiting CDK6 and CDK4, CDK4/6 inhibitors offer a novel therapeutic strategy that stops cell
proliferation. The study investigates the function of CDK6 in cancer, the difficulties in targeting
CDK6, and possible remedies.

Objective:
Scientists have developed drugs designed to block CDK6 and prevent it from altering
other proteins. These drugs, also known as CDK6 inhibitors, help treat cancer. Finding the best
drugs for CDK6 is still tricky, though. The drugs' selectivity, potency, and cost are some difficulties.
These factors depend on CDK6's structure and interactions with other proteins. The structure
of CDK6 and how it influences its function and regulation are explained in this review. It also describes
CDK6's function in cancer and its interaction with other molecules and proteins, which is
crucial for cell division. This review also discusses the present and upcoming therapies that target
CDK6, as well as how CDK6 interacts with drugs that block it.

Conclusion:
This review presents the structure, current research, and overview of CDK6. It also
reviews the role of CDK6 in cancer, function, and regulation. Additionally, it explores its role in
cancer signaling networks and its interaction with CDK6 inhibitors. Lastly, it discusses the current
status and prospects of therapies targeting CDK6.
Synthesis of Heterocyclic Sulfonium Triflates by Cu-Catalyzed Selective Sarylation with Aryl(mesityl)iodonium Salts
Authors: Yoto Yusuke , Hatagochi Ryo , Irie Yuto , Takenaga Naoko , Kumar Ravi , Dohi Toshifumi 
Published: July 2024

Background:
An efficient method for synthesizing cyclic arylsulfonium salts has been
developed by selective aryl transfer to the sulfur atom from aryl(mesityl)iodonium triflates, a recyclable
series of diaryliodonium salts.

Methods:
The utilization of sulfonium salts as valuable intermediates is well-established, as they
exhibit high reactivity under conditions of heating or UV irradiation. However, their synthesis
typically involves the reaction of diarysulfoxide with acid anhydride, which requires the oxidation
of sulfur(II) to sulfoxide(IV) and thus limits the scope of synthesis. Hence, in this study, we employed
recyclable mesityliodonium(III) salts and copper catalysis.

Results:
The method was used to synthesize cyclic arylsulfonium salts without the need for preoxidation
of the sulfur atom, resulting in a facile and high-yield synthesis.

Conclusion:
The desired cyclic arylsulfonium salts were synthesized through selective transfer of
the aryl group from mesityliodonium salts, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new approach.
Current Challenges and Emerging Therapies in the Treatment of Gout
Authors: Sivaprakasam Shanthini , Natarajan Jawahar , Singh Jigyasa , Rajesh Monisha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract:
Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of
MSU in the joints and surrounding tissues, which results in inflammation and recurrent painful attacks.
Currently, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, i.e., Allopurinol and Febuxostat, are used in the therapy.
Recently, nanoparticles (NPs) containing metal oxides and non-metal oxides have also been
developed to better manage gout. This comprehensive review summarizes the pathophysiology of
gout, currently used drugs in the treatment, followed by emerging therapies for gout.
Preparation and In-Vitro Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Artemisinin and Curcumin
Authors: Khatri Bhagyashri , Thakkar Vaishali , Dalwadi Saloni , Shah Avani , Rana Hardik , Shah Purvi , Gandhi Tejal , Prajapati Bhupendra 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Malaria remains a formidable public health obstacle across Africa, Southeast
Asia, and portions of South America, exacerbated by resistance to antimalarial medications,
such as artemisinin-based combinations. The combination of curcumin and artemisinin shows promise
due to its potential for dose reduction, reduced toxicity, synergistic effects, and suitability for
drug delivery improvement.

Objective:
This research aims to enhance the solubility and dissolution rates of curcumin and artemisinin
by employing Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs). Oral delivery of both drugs faces challenges
due to their poor water solubility, inefficient absorption, and rapid metabolism and elimination.

Methods:
The study focuses on formulating and optimizing Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) encapsulating
artemisinin (ART) and curcumin (CUR). SLNs were developed using the hot homogenization
method, incorporating ultrasonication. Drug-excipient compatibility was evaluated using Differential
Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Lipid and surfactant screening was performed to select suitable
components. A 3² full factorial design was utilized to investigate the influence of lipid and surfactant
concentrations on key parameters, such as entrapment efficiency (%EE) and cumulative drug
release (%CDR). Additionally, evaluations of %EE, drug loading, particle size, zeta potential, and
in-vitro drug release were conducted.

Results:
Successful development of artemisinin and curcumin SLNs was achieved using a full factorial
design, demonstrating controlled drug release and high entrapment efficiency. The optimized
nanoparticles exhibited a size of 114.7nm, uniformity (PDI: 0.261), and a zeta potential of -9.24
mV. Artemisinin and curcumin showed %EE values of 79.1% and 74.5%, respectively, with cumulative
drug release of 85.1% and 80.9%, respectively. The full factorial design indicated that increased
lipid concentration improved %EE, while higher surfactant concentration enhanced drug release
and %EE. Stability studies of the optimized batch revealed no alterations in physical or chemical
characteristics.

Conclusion:
The study successfully developed Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for artemisinin
and curcumin, achieving controlled drug release, high entrapment efficiency, and desired particle
size and uniformity. This advancement holds promise for enhancing drug delivery of herbal formulations.
Analysis of Elastic Buckling and Static Bending Properties of Smart Functionally Graded Porous Beam
Authors: Vikrant Rohit , Sarangi Saroj Kumar 
Published: July 2024

Background:
A Smart Functionally Graded (SFG) porous beam is a Functionally Graded (FG) Porous beam consisting of a piezo-electric layer integrated on the top layer.

Aim:
This research work addresses the lack of information by examining the bending as well as
elastic buckling performance of SFG beams having two distinct Porosity Distributions (PDs). The
main purpose of this research work is to study and analyze the bending deflections as well as CBLs
of SFG beams with two different PDs, considering various boundary conditions, voltage levels
(20V and 100V), and changes in slenderness ratio.

Objective:
The objectives of this work are as follows: to analyze the impact of variations in voltage
levels and slenderness ratios on the critical buckling and bending properties of the SFG beam and to
showcase the effect of variation in the slenderness ratio on the dimensionless normal stress through
the thickness of the Hinge-Hinge beam.

Method:
The research work analyzes the elastic buckling as well as static bending of Smart Functionally Graded (SFG) porous beams, considering the equations derived from the Timoshenko
beam theory. To simulate the results and analyze the various effects, the ANSYS software has been
utilized in this paper.

Results:
This research work examines how the slenderness ratio impacts the maximum deflection,
CBL, along with stress distribution. Experimental data demonstrates that as the slenderness ratio
increases, CBL reduces, and maximum deflections in SFG porous beams increase. Also, it has been
observed that normal stress distribution shifts from linear to non-linear and changes significantly.
Further, the PDs significantly affect the static bending as well as the buckling performance of the
beam. The symmetric distribution pattern provides superior buckling capability and enhanced bending resistance compared to the unsymmetric distribution pattern. Additionally, it has been found
that as the voltage across the SFG increases, the buckling load increases and the deflection of the
beam decreases.

Conclusion:
This research work has analyzed the effects of slenderness ratio and voltage level on
the Critical Buckling Load (CBL) and bending properties of SFG porous beams, considering four
different boundary conditions and a fixed set of parameters. The key findings of this paper are that
as the slenderness ratio increases, the CBL decreases, and distribution shifts from linear to nonlinear region. Changes are significant, whereas maximum deflection increases. A significant effect is
observed in the performance of static bending and buckling of SFG beams. It has been investigated
that with an increase in voltage across the SFG beam, the buckling load increases, whereas the
maximum deflection of the beam decreases.
COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness on the Severity of Disease: A
Case-control Study in Southeastern Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Mohsen , Golpayegani Abdolali , Mohammadi Fatemeh Doost , Majidpour Fatemeh , Dianati-Nasab Mostafa , Bahrami Abdolreza , Hesari Elahe , Dargahpour Maryam , Jalali Parisa 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Considering the importance of the effectiveness of vaccination in terms of
reducing the severity of COVID-19 and mortality, knowledge of the effect of the vaccine on the severity of COVID-19 in communities is essential. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate
the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on the severity of COVID-19 in southeastern Iran (Bam region).

Methods:
A case-control study of a total of 2,082 adults aged >18 years was conducted to evaluate
the association between hospitalization due to COVID-19 and previous vaccination with existing
vaccines (including Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, and CovIran Barkat) in the country. Multinomial logistic regression was used, and relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were
calculated

Results:
After controlling for potential confounders, multinomial logistic regression revealed that
COVID-19 vaccination reduced the likelihood of hospitalization for males and females in temporary
wards (RRmen=0.22 vs. RRwomen=0.34), general wards (RRmen=0.25 vs RRwomen=0.31), and
intensive care units (RRmen=0.47 vs RRwomen=0.77) (p < 0.001). The relative risk of hospitalization in all wards decreased for men and women who received Sinopharm or AstraZeneca and for
women who received the Barkat vaccine, but only a significant difference was detected in the reduction in patients who received the Sinopharm vaccine (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:
The results showed that vaccination is related to reducing the severity of the disease in
the hospital. Therefore, efforts to increase the vaccinated population can reduce the severity of
COVID-19 and might reduce the need for intensive care in hospitals.
Assessing the Effect of Temperature on Nutrient Retention in Canistel Fruit (Pouteria campechiana) and Coconut Milk Formulation
Authors: Kariyawasam Kalmee Pramoda , Theja Herath Herath Mudiyanselage , Gunasekara Nisala , Jayawardana Thalawaththe Muhandiramlage Dilini Ayesha , Pushpakumara Supurna 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
This study aimed to develop innovative fruit-based beverages from underutilized but
widely available Canistel fruit around tropical regions and determine its nutrient stability at different
temperature treatments.

Background:
Canistel Fruit (Pouteria campechiana) is an underutilized nutritious tropical
fruit containing Vitamin A and complex carbohydrates with high potentiality. Hence, the present
study focused on a novel Canistel fruit (Pouteria campechiana)-based beverage.

Methods:
The higher starchiness of fruit pulp was remedied through α-amylase enzyme treatment.
The base formula was prepared with fruit pulp and coconut milk (at ratios of 1:2, 2:3, 1:1), followed
by incorporating sugar and stabilizers. The two-way preservation techniques of pasteurization
(85oC, 15 min) and sterilizing techniques (121oC, 15 min) were used. Sensory acceptance by a
trained panel from each formula of beverages, i.e., fruit pulp: coconut milk at ratios of 2:3 from
each technique, was analyzed for physical and nutritional properties, fatty acid composition, and
antioxidants.

Results:
A significant difference (p<0.05) was found among two-way processing techniques for the
pH, oBrix, viscosity, and titratable acidity, as well as total sugars, crude protein, and crude fibre.
The predominant fatty acid in both beverages was lauric acid. Vitamin A contents (mg/kg) were
0.3±0. and 0.2±0.01, respectively.

Conclusion:
This study showed Canistel fruit as a viable source for upgrading nutritional status
when paired with coconut milk and other ingredients, and both processing techniques retained vitamin
A, which fulfilled 8 – 10 % of the daily requirement by 200 ml of beverage.