bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Dark Side of Online Distance Learning: Cheating Behaviours, Contributing Factors, and Strategies to Enhance the Integrity of Online Assessment
Authors: Sevnarayan Kershnee , Maphoto Kgabo Bridget 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study investigated cheating behaviours, contributing factors, and strategies to enhance the integrity of assessment in an online learning context. The researchers conducted an analysis of the literature on students’ motivation to cheat in online modules and noted that there is limited research on the specific reasons why students cheat in online learning contexts. To contribute to this knowledge gap, this study set out to understand cheating in two English modules with first-year second language students, in an open distance and e-learning institution in South Africa. The purpose of this study is (1) to investigate why students cheat in their online assessments, (2) to explore the contributing factors of cheating behaviours, and (3) to determine strategies to minimise cheating. Using qualitative methods such as focus group discussions with students, evaluation questions with markers, and one-on-one interviews with lecturers, the study found that cheating is a significant issue in distance education, with students admitting to various forms of cheating in online assessments. Using the social cognitive theory of moral disengagement, the study found that cognitive mechanisms motivate students to engage in unethical behaviour such as cheating. The study recommends implementing an interactive module design, lecturer training on student support, and stringent academic integrity policies to minimise cheating. There is a need for studies that explore the impact of cheating and the effectiveness of different strategies for minimising cheating and enhancing integrity in online assessment.
Plasticity-mediated deformation instabilities in thin film-compliant substrate systems: direct three-dimensional simulations
Authors: Nikravesh Siavash , Shen Yu-Lin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSurface wrinkles driven by mechanical instability commonly form in thin-film structures attached to a compliant substrate. In this study, a recently developed computational approach is employed to simulate the formation and transformation of wrinkles involving plastic yielding of the thin film. The three-dimensional (3D) finite element models contain an embedded imperfection at the film-substrate interface, serving to trigger the bifurcation modes. Successful application of this technique to allow for film plasticity is demonstrated, including the evolution of 3D surface patterns and their correlation with the overall load–displacement response. The simulations reveal that plastic yielding transforms the surface instability patterns into more localized forms. Under uniaxial loading, the sinusoidal elastic wrinkles undergo the wrinkle-to-fold transition. With equi-biaxial loading, the initial square-checkerboard array turns into continuous tall ridges along the 45° directions. In both loading modes, the plasticity-induced instability patterns are only partially relieved upon unloading, leaving permanent features on the surface.
RT-Ranked: Towards Network Resiliency by Anticipating Demand in TSCH/RPL Communication Environments
Authors: Vieira Junior Ivanilson França , Granjal Jorge , Curado Marilia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTime-slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) Media Access Control (MAC) was specified to target the Industrial Internet of Things needs. This MAC balances energy, bandwidth, and latency for deterministic communications in unreliable wireless environments. Building a distributed or autonomous TSCH schedule is arduous because the node negotiates cells with its neighbours based on queue occupancy, latency, and consumption metrics. The Minimal TSCH Configuration defined by RFC 8180 was specified for bootstrapping a 6TiSCH network and detailed configurations necessary to be supported. In particular, it adopts Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy networks (RPL) Non-Storing mode, which reduces the node’s network awareness. Dealing with unpredicted traffic far from the forwarding node is difficult due to limited network information. Anticipating this unexpected flow from multiple network regions is essential because it can turn the forwarding node into a network bottleneck leading to high latency, packet discard or disconnection rates, forcing RPL to change the topology. To cope with that, this work proposes a new mechanism that implements an RPL control message option for passing forward the node’s cell demand, allowing the node to anticipate the proper cell allocation for supporting the traffic originating by nodes far from the forwarding point embedded in Destination-Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph (DODAG) Information Object (DIO) and Destination Advertisement Object (DAO) RPL control messages. Implementing this mechanism in a distributed TSCH Scheduling developed in Contiki-NG yielded promising results in supporting unforeseen traffic bursts and has the potential to significantly improve the performance and reliability of TSCH schedules in challenging network environments.
A simple proof of Slater’s transformations for bilateral series $${}_{r}\psi _{r},\, {}_{2r}\psi _{2r}$$ and $${}_{2r-1}\psi _{2r-1}$$
Authors: Mimachi Katsuhisa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe give a simple proof of Slater’s transformations for bilateral series $${}_r\psi _r$$

r

ψ
r

, $${}_{2r}\psi _{2r}$$

2
r

ψ

2
r

, and $${}_{2r-1}\psi _{2r-1}$$

2
r
-
1

ψ

2
r
-
1

, using the residue theorem only, without technical manipulation of the series.
Can an ecological scarcity method for Germany support robust decisions? – analysing the effect of uncertain target values on the impact assessment of energy generation technologies
Authors: Lewerenz Steffen , Lambrecht Hendrik , Tietze Ingela , Lazar Lukas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Potentially contradictory indicators in Life Cycle Assessment cause ambiguity and thus uncertainty regarding the interpretation of results. The weighting-based ecological scarcity method (ESM) aims at reducing interpretation uncertainty by applying policy-based normative target values. However, the definition of these target values is uncertain due to different reasons such as questionable temporal representativeness. By means of an uncertainty analysis, this paper examines if ESMs are an appropriate approach to support robust decisions on multidimensional environmental impacts.

Methods
To assess the effect of uncertain target values (inputs) on environmental indicators (output), the ESM based Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) is combined with a Monte Carlo Analysis. The comprehensive uncertainty analysis includes the following steps: (1) sample generation, (2) output calculation and (3) results analysis and visualisation. (1) To generate a sample, moderate and strict limits for target values are derived from laws, directives or strategies. Random input parameters are drawn from a uniform distribution within those limits. (2) The sample is used to conduct several LCIAs leading to a distribution of total impact scores. (3) The results’ robustness is evaluated by means of the rank acceptability index to identify stable ranks for energy generation systems taken from ecoinvent v. 3.7.1.

Results and discussion
Applying moderate and strict target values in the ESM, results in substantial differences in the weighting sets. Even though the application of stricter target values changes the contribution of an environmental indicator to the total impact score the ranking of the energy generation systems varies only slightly. Moreover, the Monte Carlo Analysis reveals that displacement effects in ranks are not arbitrary: systems switch at most between ranks next to each other and most of the analysed systems dominate at least a single rank. Technologies with high shares of land use, global warming and air pollutants and particulate matter show a higher rank variance.

Conclusions
The weighting schemes, deduced from target values, provide a meaningful ranking of alternatives. At the same time, the results are not excessively sensitive to the uncertainties of the target values, i.e. the inherent uncertainty of the target values does not result in arbitrary outcomes, which is necessary to support robust decisions. The ESM is able to effectively facilitate decision making by making different environmental issues comparable.
Mapping cultural ecosystem services in mountain forests using mobile phone data
Authors: Ciesielski Mariusz , Kamińska Agnieszka 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe aim of the work was to determine the spatial distribution of activity in the forest on the area of the Forest Promotional Complex “Sudety Zachodnie” using mobile phone data. The study identified the sites with the highest (hot spot) and lowest (cold spot) use. Habitat, stand, demographic, topographic and spatial factors affecting the distribution of activity were also analyzed. Two approaches were applied in our research: global and local Moran’s coefficients, and a machine learning technique, Boosted Regression Trees. The results show that 11,503,320 visits to forest areas were recorded in the “Sudety Zachodnie” in 2019. The most popular season for activities was winter, and the least popular was spring. Using global and local Moran’s I coefficients, three small hot clusters of activity and one large cold cluster were identified. Locations with high values with similar neighbours (hot-spots) were most often visited forest areas, averaging almost 200,000 visits over 2019. Significantly fewer visits were recorded in cold-spots, the average number of visits to these areas was about 4,500. The value of global Moran’s I was equal to 0.54 and proved significant positive spatial autocorrelation. Results of Boosted Regression Trees modeling of visits in forest, using tree stand habitat and spatial factors accurately explained 76% of randomly selected input data. The variables that had the greatest effect on the distribution of activities were the density of hiking and biking trails and diversity of topography. The methodology presented in this article allows delineation of Cultural Ecosystem Services hot spots in forest areas based on mobile phone data. It also allows the identification of factors that may influence the distribution of visits in forests. Such data are important for managing forest areas and adapting forest management to the needs of society while maintaining ecosystem stability.
Positive Program Evaluation and Health Maintenance among Post-Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Patients Following a 6-Week Pilot Program
Authors: McIntosh Sydney , Hayes Madison , Barr-Porter Makenzie L. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Despite lifestyle changes and medication therapies, weight loss is difficult to maintain. Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective route for significant weight reduction. However, post-operation there are limited opportunities to support weight loss maintenance. The following study aimed to pilot test a 6-week, 6-session nutrition and support program for post-MBS surgery patients.

Materials and Methods
A 6-week post-MBS pilot nutrition and support program was developed to test feasibility and acceptability. Participants completed a baseline survey that included demographics, weight changes, success post-surgery, and self-efficacy of leading a healthy lifestyle. Weight change, percent total weight loss, self-efficacy, and program evaluation measures were assessed.

Results
Participants (n = 18) were recruited from a local MBS clinic, predominately female (88.9%), non-Hispanic white (94.4%), received sleeve gastrectomy surgery (100%), and were 2–3 years post-operation (44.4%). Eight of the 18 participants attended the in-person sessions, serving as the intervention group. Both weight loss over and behavioral variables remained stable for both groups across the 6 weeks with no significant differences from pre to post program (p > 0.05). For program evaluation, intervention participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” with 10 of 11 program satisfaction measures.

Conclusion
Following the program, weight loss was maintained among both intervention and control groups. Intervention feedback indicated that the program’s approach to provide nutrition education and support was successful and acceptable. Future enhancement of the intervention should include a broader multidisciplinary approach, longer intervention period, and intentional recruitment of participants with a weight regain.

Graphical Abstract
Palmitic Acid Induces Posttranslational Modifications of Tau Protein in Alzheimer’s Disease–Related Epitopes and Increases Intraneuronal Tau Levels
Authors: García-Cruz Valeria Melissa , Arias Clorinda 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMetabolic diseases derived from an unhealthy lifestyle have been linked with an increased risk for developing cognitive impairment and even Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although high consumption of saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid (PA) has been associated with the development of obesity and type II diabetes, the mechanisms connecting elevated neuronal PA levels and increased AD marker expression remain unclear. Among other effects, PA induces insulin resistance, increases intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and reduces the NAD+/NADH ratio, resulting in decreased activity of the deacetylase Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in neurons. These mechanisms may affect signaling pathways that impact the posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of the tau protein. To analyze the role played by PA in inducing the phosphorylation and acetylation of tau, we examined PTM changes in human tau in differentiated neurons from human neuroblastoma cells. We found changes in the phosphorylation state of several AD-related sites, namely, S199/202 and S214, that were mediated by a mechanism associated with the dysregulated activity of the kinases GSK3β and mTOR. PA also increased the acetylation of residue K280 and elevated total tau level after long exposure time. These findings provide information about the mechanisms by which saturated fatty acids cause tau PTMs that are similar to those observed in association with AD biochemical changes.
Graphical Abstract
Walking and non-motorized vehicle use in adolescents: the role of neighborhood environment perceptions across urbanization levels
Authors: Klos Leon , Fiedler Janis , Nigg Carina , Niessner Claudia , Wäsche Hagen , Woll Alexander 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPromoting active travel is key to achieving the sustainable development goals of sustainable communities, climate action, and health and well-being. Walking and non-motorized vehicle use (e.g., cycling, longboarding) are influenced by the perceptions of the neighborhood environment. However, most evidence is limited to studies conducted in urban areas. This study aims to assess the relationship between perceived environment and walking as well as non-motorized vehicle use stratified across different levels of urbanicity in adolescents in Germany. Cross-sectional data of 3976 adolescents aged 11–17 (51% female) from the nationwide Motorik-Modul Longitudinal Study in Germany were used. Age, gender, socioeconomic status, neighborhood environment perceptions, duration of walking, and non-motorized vehicle use were assessed via questionnaire. Separate cumulative link mixed models were calculated to analyze the relationships between environment perceptions and walking as well as non-motorized vehicle use across rural areas, small towns, medium-sized towns, and cities. The presence of public sports facilities was related to both walking and non-motorized vehicle use across urbanicity levels. Relationships with other aspects of the perceived environment, such as traffic safety concerns and walking or cycling infrastructure, were more context-specific meaning that associations differed based on active travel mode and urbanicity level. Additionally, non-motorized vehicle use differed considerably across sample points. To conclude, when creating active and sustainable environments for active travel, it is crucial to target specific travel modes and take the urbanicity and regional context into account.
Efficiency of Low-Carbon Finance: Its Interrelationships with Industry and Macroeconomic Environment
Authors: Antunes Jorge , Hadi-Vencheh Abdollah , Jamshidi Ali , Tan Yong , Wanke Peter 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study contributes to the literature by addressing the relevance of low-carbon finance efficiency and making significant contributions. We employ a simple weighted linear programming (LP) approach to estimate efficiency and compute entity scores with minimal optimization background, enhancing accessibility. Our study investigates interrelationships among the factors of production and outputs in estimating the efficiency of low-carbon finance, including financial index (renewable energy investment), renewable electricity output, renewable production, financial risk index, GDP, and research and development expenses, using the stochastic structural relationship programming (SSRP) model. Analyzing China, India, Brazil, and the USA, our findings show that China and the USA outperform other countries in low-carbon finance efficiency. This sheds light on comparative performance and variations across different contexts. A minimal initial overall renewable production plays an important role for the countries with lower financial indices to improve, while those with high indices should increase their focus on the energy sector. We identify a spillover effect of renewable production on financial index and financial risk index, emphasizing the positive relationship between renewable energy investments and overall financial outcomes. Integrating renewable energy initiatives into financial strategies brings potential benefits. This study significantly contributes to the literature on low-carbon finance efficiency, offering vital policy implications for sustainable finance and renewable energy sectors.
Returnee Scholars’ Academic Reintegration into Chinese Regional Universities: the Role of Transnational Capital
Authors: Li Hanwei , Xing Xin , Zuo Bing 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWhen Chinese scholars who have obtained doctoral degrees or have undertaken research visits abroad return to work in China, they bring with them transferable experiences, knowledge, and skills acquired overseas. However, they also face challenges with academic reintegration. This study, through 18 semi-structured interviews with returnee scholars, examines the academic reintegration processes of these individuals at Chinese regional universities, focusing on the impact of transnational capital on their reintegration. It highlights the challenges that returnee scholars encounter, such as insufficient resources or a lack of academic infrastructure, and demonstrates how transnational capital can serve as a valuable asset for academic reintegration. This article advocates for a contextualized understanding of the academic reintegration process that considers how the scholars’ personal attributes and the environments of their home institutions either facilitate or impede transnational knowledge production. Our findings have implications for the development of policies by the Chinese government and regional universities to support the reintegration of returnee scholars.
A Bibliometric Study About the Rural Creative Class: Proposal of a Conceptual Framework and Future Agenda
Authors: Rodrigues Margarida , Oliveira Cidália , MárioFranco  , Daniel Ana 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aims to carry out scientific and bibliometric mapping of the rural creative class. It analyses 57 articles retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database and resorts to bibliographic coupling using VOSviewer software to identify the main lines of research on this theme, before advancing new topics for future research. The results identify and classify the prevailing theoretical foci in this domain as follows: (i) Florida’s theory and rural areas; and (ii) Urban growth and the creative class. The main contribution of this study lies in showing the need to understand the effective operationalization of Florida’s model in rural areas, as a way to raise their sustained economic growth. In addition, network theory is necessary if used to explain the bridge between rural creativity and the place’s social capital. A conceptual framework is proposed for the development of rural or sparsely populated areas, presenting the challenge of its application by political decision-makers, as well as trend topics for a future agenda.
Another computer-assisted proof of unimodality of solutions for Proudman–Johnson equation
Authors: Watanabe Yoshitaka , Miyaji Tomoyuki 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a computer-assisted proof of the existence and unimodality of steady-state solutions for the Proudman–Johnson equation which is representative of two-dimensional fluid flow. The proposed approach is based on an infinite-dimensional fixed-point theorem with interval arithmetic, and is another proof by Miyaji and Okamoto (Jpn J Ind Appl Math 36:287–298, 2019). Verification results show the validity of both proofs.
A birds-eye-view on CRISPR-Cas system in agriculture
Authors: Ghoshal Basudev 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTargeted genome editing by Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat- CRISPR-associated (CRISPR-Cas) system has revolutionized basic and translational plant research. There is widespread use of CRISPR-Cas technology which has the potential to address challenges like food insecurity and climate crisis. Crops with improved traits (e.g., higher yield, drought tolerant) that would take several years to generate can now be developed at a much reduced time, drastically expediting the availability of the crops for release in the market. However, several factors are involved in successfully applying the CRISPR-Cas system in agriculture and the widespread adoption and acceptability of genome-edited products that involve multiple institutions and people from different spheres of society. Besides the scientific and legal intricacies of releasing CRISPR-edited crops, “public perception” equally matters in successfully deploying the technology and its products. “Lack of” or “overwhelming” information can both affect the success of the CRISPR-Cas system in translational agriculture research. A bird’s-eye-view of the CRISPR-Cas genome editing tool for people from different strata of society is essential for the wide acceptability of genome-edited crops. This review provides a general overview of the CRISPR-Cas system, the concept of technology development, challenges, and regulations involved in translational research.
Graphical abstract