bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data Mining Analysis of Demographic and Clinical Factors in Turkish Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Gülay Nesrin Çelik , Uysal Hilmi , Aliyeva Pervin , Bilge Uğur 
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, controlling voluntary muscle movement. Data mining is a discipline that provides meaningful conclusions from databases or implicit data. In this study, we examine the relationship between the clinical and demographic characteristics of ALS patients and a control group, using data mining techniques.

Methods:
In the study, data belonging to 235 patients diagnosed with ALS and a control group of 117 people consisting of relatives of ALS patients were used. The dataset contains 121 features that include clinical and demographic information for each patient. The patient group and the control group were examined together and separately to examine the relationship between the features. In the study the data mining methods of classification and clustering were used on R and WEKA software packages.

Results:
There were no significant differences between ALS patients and the control group in terms of environmental factors such as location, gender, smoking, exercise status, and clinical factors such as genetics, ALS involvement, course of the disease, disease in the family. The results also showed that there was no relationship between demographic and clinical features such as gender, occupation, age group, and concomitant disease between groups or within groups.
Normative Values of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation-Evoked Parameters for Healthy Developing Children and Adolescents
Authors: Tekgul Hasan , Saz Ulas , Polat Muzaffer , Tekgul Nurdan , Kose Timur 
Published: September 2023

Context:
Normative data-containing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) evoked parameters are essential for correctly interpreting healthy development and assessing neuroplastic changes in certain neurologic disorders.

Aims:
The aim is to investigate corticospinal pathways by applying TMS to healthy developing children and adolescents.

Settings and Design:
In this cross-sectional study, we measured TMS evoked parameters associated with cortical and spinal stimulation obtained from the four extremities of 46 healthy children and adolescents (21 boys and 25 girls; mean ± standard deviation age: 6.4 ± 1.2 years; range: 3.0–20.5 years).

Statistical Analysis:
Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated for each variable (weight and height) as a function of motor evoked potential (MEP) response latency and central motor conduction time (CMCT). Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the inter-variable correlations.

Results:
Latencies of MEPs were correlated with age (P < 0.001, r = 0.6948) and height (P < 0.006, r = 0.7994). Amplitudes of active-state MEPs were significantly higher than those of resting-state MEPs associated with the upper and lower extremities. The mean values for active-state MEP latencies were lower than those for resting-state MEPs. The CMCT and magnitudes of latency jumps were calculated using reliable MEP data for children and adolescents. Additionally, the unresponsiveness rates were significantly higher for children aged below 7 years.

Conclusion:
The TMS evoked parameters investigated in this study are necessary to accurately assess corticospinal pathway development in healthy children and adolescents.
Contemporary wearable and handheld technology for the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias in Singapore
Authors: Chia Pow-Li , Tan Kenny , Ng Shonda , Foo David 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Twelve-lead electrocardiography (ECG) remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias. It provides a snapshot of the cardiac electrical activity while the leads are attached to the patient. As medical training is required to use the ECG machine, its use remains restricted to the clinic and hospital settings. These aspects limit the usefulness of 12-lead ECG in the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias, especially in individuals with short-lasting and infrequent paroxysmal symptoms. The introduction of ECG recording features in wearable and handheld smart devices has changed the paradigm of cardiac arrhythmia diagnosis, empowering patients to record their ECG as and when symptoms occur. This review describes contemporary ambulatory heart rhythm monitors commonly available in Singapore and their expanding role in the diagnosis of cardiac rhythm abnormalities.
Contracte pentru protejarea biodiversității în scheme de plăți bazate pe rezultat : experiență acumulată, beneficii percepute și principale obstacole în extinderea implementării în România
Authors: Teodorescu Cerasela , Coșofreț Cosmin , Baciu Elena Gabriela , Debrenti Edith , Rimoli Richard , Scriban Ramona , Sbera Valentina Adriana , Bouriaud Laura 
Published: September 2023

Schemele de plăți bazate pe rezultat sunt așa numitele scheme de agro-mediu în care fermierii și administratorii de terenuri sunt plătiți pentru a permite sau pentru a spori prezența pe terenul lor a unor specii de păsări, fluturi sau flori cu o importanță deosebită din punctul de vedere al biodiversității, fermierul primind o plată corespunzătoare rezultatului dorit de autoritatea de mediu. Articolul realizează o analiză a modului de implementare a acestui tip de scheme la nivel european și național. Pentru descrierea schemelor la nivel european, s-a realizat o analiză a contractelor de plăți bazate pe rezultat existente în bazele de date internaționale.
În România, Fundația ADEPT a implementat o schemă pilot de plăți pentru biodiversitate bazate pe rezultat a cărui scop a fost recompensarea gospodăririi practice a terenurilor.
În urma analizei contractelor de plăți bazate pe rezultat la nivel european și național, obiectivul comun al acestora a fost protejarea biodiversității. Fermierii români au menționat că necurățarea pășunilor duce la pierderea biodiversității. Aceștia consideră că acest tip de schemă necesită mai puțin efort, timp și cost de producție însă veniturile sunt mai scăzute decât schemele clasice.
Ca urmare, un indicator important de funcționare al acestei scheme constă în libertatea de decizie a proprietarului privind măsurile necesar a fi aplicate pentru atingerea rezultatului dorit. Pentru a se implementa plăți pentru servicii ecosistemice și biodiversitate la scară mare, este necesar a se trece de două obstacole principale: lipsa speciilor indicatoare și oponența autorităților. Condiția de bază a aplicării schemelor de plăți bazate pe rezultat este ca sistemul legislativ să permită asumarea voluntară de către proprietari a unor obiective de conservare.
PENYADAPAN OLEH KOMISI PEMBERANTASAN KORUPSIDALAM TINDAK PIDANA KORUPSI MENURUT UNDANG-UNDANG INFORMASI DAN TRANSAKSI ELEKTRONIK
Authors: Sitanggang Goklas 
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini adalah Penyadapan Oleh Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) Dalam Tindak Pidana Korupsi Menurut Undang-Undang Informasi dan Transaksi Elektronik. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui pengaturan delik korupsi dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 20 Tahun 2001 Tentang Pemberantasan Tindak Pidana Korupsi, untuk mengetahui penyadapan oleh Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) dalam tindak pidana korupsi, untuk mengetahui hambatan dalam penerapan penyadapan dalam tindak pidana korupsi dan upaya mengatasi hambatan tersebut. Metode penelitian hukum yang digunakan adalah penelitian empiris, yaitu penelitian ke lapangan dengan melakukan wawancara sebagai dasar pemecahan permasalahan yang dikemukakan. Data yang dipergunakan adalah data primer dan metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian kepustakaan (library research). Analisis data yang digunakan adalah data kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengaturan hukum penyadapan dalam tindak pidana korupsi menurut UU ITE adalah merupakan perbuatan yang dilarang oleh UU ITE beserta perubahannya dan kepada pelakunya dapat diancam sanksi pidana. Pengecualian terhadap ketentuan larangan penyadapan atau intersepsi itu adalah intersepsi yang dilakukan dalam rangka penegakan hukum atas permintaan kepolisian, kejaksaan atau institusi lainnya yang kewenangannya ditetapkan berdasarkan undang-undang. Salah satu institusi penegak hukum yang berwenang menurut undang-undang untuk melakukan penyadapan ini adalah KPK. KPK berwenang melakukan penyadapan dan merekam pembicaraan dalam melaksanakan tugas penyelidikan, penyidikan, dan penuntutan. Hambatan dalam penerapan penyadapan dalam tindak pidana korupsi adalah adanya usaha untuk membatasi jangkauan KPK untuk melakukan penyadapan dengan jalan merevisi UU Nomor 30/2002. Upaya yang dilakukan KPK adalah dengan mempertahankan kewenangan KPK dalam melakukan penyadapan sebab cara ini sebenarnya sangat efekif untuk mengetahui orang yang diduga korupsi selain hasil penyadapan atau rekaman pembicaraan juga dapat menjadi bukti di pengadilan. Ini terbukti banyak koruptor yang tertangkap tangan diantaranya setelah dilakukan penyadapan telepon. Berdasarkan kesimpulan, maka disarankan agar pelaksanaan tindakan penyadapan harus menjadi perhatian yang serius bagi pemerintah dengan mulai menyusun dan mengharmonisasikan pengaturan tindakan penyadapan baik dari sisi substansi maupun prosedur, terutama dalam UU ITE dan UU Telekomunikasi. Kewenangan yang dimiliki KPK selama ini perlu semakin diperkuat dalam rangka keberhasilan upaya pemberantasan korupsi di Indonesia, meliputi kewenangan dalam penyadapan dengan dilandasi suatu pemikiran bahwa korupsi merupakan kejahatan luar biasa (extra ordinary crime) maka harus dihadapi dengan cara atau kewenangan yang luar biasa pula dalam mengungkap kasus-kasus korupsi di Indonesia.
Role of Wildlife in The Transmission of Zoonotic Diseases in Ghana
Authors: Efua Abina 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the role of wildlife in the transmission of zoonotic diseases.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low-cost advantage as compared to field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: This transmission often occurs at the interface between humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Factors like habitat destruction, increased human-wildlife interactions, and the wildlife trade have heightened the risk of zoonotic disease emergence. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for early detection and prevention of zoonotic outbreaks, as wildlife plays a pivotal role in the maintenance and amplification of these pathogens, posing ongoing challenges to global public health.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: One Health Theory, Ecological Reservoir Theory and Behavioral Ecology Theory Change may be used to anchor future studies on the role of wildlife in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Strategies enhanced surveillance and monitoring of wildlife populations, especially those in close proximity to human settlements, are crucial. Governments and international organizations should prioritize habitat conservation and the protection of biodiversity.
Analisis Ekonomis Usaha Kelinci Ras Rex dengan Pemberian Hijaun Makanan Ternak yang Berbeda
Authors: Lutfiaji Syaefullah Bangkit , Lukas Lami Mai  , Susan Carolina Labatar  , Sritiasni Sritiasni  , Purwanta Purwanta  , Okti Widayati  , Poppy Latifah  
Published: September 2023

Latar belakang: Usaha ternak kelinci di Manokwari belum begitu banyak dikenal oleh masyarakat sehingga belum banyak masyarakat yang membudidayakan ternak kelinci dengan tujuan komersialisasi, umumnya masyarakat memelihara ternak kelinci sebagai hewan kesenangan.
Metode: Metode penelitian yang dilakukan adalah metode eksperimental dengan menggunakan kelinci jenis ras rex sebanyak 15 (lima belas) ekor. Penelitian dilaksanakan selama 2 (dua) bulan pemeliharaan kelinci dengan 5 (lima) perlakuan dan 3 (tiga) ulangan, selanjutnya hasil pemeliharaan dianalisis ekonominya.
Hasil: Hasil penelitian eksperimental untuk pemeliharan kelinci tidak berbeda nyata (P>0,05) pada konsumsi, pertumbuhan dan konversi pakan setiap perlakuan, sedangkan pada analisis ekonomi setiap perlakuan menunjukan nilai yang sama pada biaya, penerimaan, pendapatan, break even point, R/C, rentabilitas, IOFC dan Harga Pokok Produksi.
Kesimpulan: Pemberian pakan hijauan makanan ternak yang berbeda pada kelinci tidak berpengaruh terhadap produktifitas kelinci, akan tetapi berdasarkan hasil analisis ekonomi usaha kelinci dinyatakan layak.
Effect of Product Innovations on Strategy Implementation Process of Commercial Banks Listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange
Authors: Kasiva Grace Mbuli , Kabui Anne Christine , Kirimi Jephitha 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of product innovations on the strategy implementation process of commercial banks listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Methodology: The study applied descriptive research design. The study targeted 159 participants including senior managers, credit officers, accountants, human resource managers, operations managers and relationship officers from each of the 11 NSE listed Kenyan commercial banks. The size of sample size was 69 selected using stratified random sampling method. The independent vriable (product innovations) was assessed by looking at new products adopted by banks such as credit cards, insurance products, new deposit accounts and mortgages while dependent variable (strategy implementation process) was assessed through operationalization and institutionalization of strategy. The study utilized research questionnaires for collecting primary data. The distribution of the questionnaires was done by dropping them to the respondents and collecting a week later. Descriptive and” inferential statistics were utilised for data analysis.
Findings: The study established the product innovations adopted by the bank were mortgages represented by 97%, credit cards (95%), new deposit accounts (90%) and insurance products (49%). It was established that few banks had embraced insurance products probably because of many insurance agencies in the market. The study found that a unit increase in product innovations results to 0.706 increase in strategy implementation process in commercial banks listed in NSE in Kenya.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study concluded that product innovations have a substantial effect on strategy implementation process in commercial banks listed in NSE in Kenya The study recommended that managers at banks should consistently make an effort to invest in innovative product designs and modify the current products in order to enhance strategy implementation process. The research also recommends future studies should explore the factors affecting the execution of strategies in financial institutions in Kenya, beyond just commercial banks. This would encompass SACCOS, microfinance institutions, and mortgage companies.
Macroeconomic Indicators and Financial Performance of Insurance Firms Listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange
Authors: Oburu Margaret Aor , Ngali Richard , Matanda Joshua 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to determine how macroeconomic variables affected the financial performance of insurance firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The study's specific goals were to identify how inflation, interest rates, exchange rates and gross domestic product affected those same companies' financial performance.
Methodology: A descriptive survey research design was used for the investigation. All the six insurance companies listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange made up the study's target group hence a census-style analysis. The panel regression model was used in the investigation and relied on secondary information that was gathered using a data collection sheet. The five-year period covered by the data was from 2017 to 2021.
Findings: According to the report, insurance is severely impacted by inflation. There was a general increase in exchange rates and there was a fluctuation in the economic growth. From the findings, the study concludes that the insurance companies were operating on economic conditions that became increasingly challenging as shown by increasing inflation rates. The CBR and lending rates showed a general downward trend in the five years’ period, the exchange rates in the Kenyan economy were changing rapidly, there were major changes in the economic performance of the Country emanating from various occurrences including global oil crisis and COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the harsh economic conditions, the NSE listed insurance companies posted healthy financial performance as shown by ROA values above 5%.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the NSE listed insurance companies to make ample adjustment for inflation so that during seasons of high inflation the firms do not run at a loss. The study also recommends the NSE listed insurance companies firms to employ strategies where they can purchase more futures contracts on government bonds or interest rate futures in order to be able to lock-in interest rate and hedge their various portfolios. The NSE listed insurance companies are also recommended to mitigate the exchange rate risks by hedging the foreign exchange risk by purchasing spot contract to cushion against any negative swing. The government through line ministries of finance and planning should undertake measures to ensure good performance of the economy.
Effect of Anodic Polarization on the Susceptibility of AA6111 Automotive Sheet to Stress Corrosion Cracking
Authors: Catledge K.E. , Montiel G.C. , Nichols M. , Locke Jenifer S. 
Published: September 2023

AA6xxx Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys are increasingly used to meet lightweight objectives in automotive applications given their high strength-to-weight ratio. However, their use in conjunction with steels and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers in these applications will result in galvanic coupling that may be deleterious to the Al alloy. As such, the ability of anodic polarization to induce stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in AA6xxx, an alloy typically considered SCC-resistant, is explored. In this study, fracture mechanics-based testing under full immersion in 0.6 M NaCl was used to quantify the threshold stress intensity above which SCC can occur (KTH) and stage II SCC crack growth rate (da/dtII) as a function of applied potential at and above the freely corroding potential. Under freely corroding conditions and potentials applied within the range observed for the freely corroding potential, no SCC was observed as results matched those gathered in the air (i.e., KTH was equivalent to the measured fracture toughness). When applying potentials anodic to the freely corroding potential (greater than −706 mVSCE), a decrease in KTH and an increase in da/dtII was observed. Crack growth rates measured under anodic polarizations were slowed through the reapplication of the freely corroding potential. These data imply that galvanic coupling may have the capacity to induce severe SCC in AA6111.
Empirical Model for Predicting Corrosion Under Insulation Considering the Effects of Temperature, Salinity, and Water Content
Authors: Saito Hayate , Ito Masahiro , Mabuchi Katsumi 
Published: September 2023

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is one of the increasing issues in industries such as oil refineries and petrochemical plants. For preventing accident and reducing the inspection load caused by CUI, the prediction model for CUI has attracted increasing attention. In this study, to construct a prediction model for the corrosion rate of CUI (CUI rate), the effects of water content in the insulation material, salinity, and temperature on the CUI rate were evaluated with a corrosion test simulating a CUI environment. Analysis of the atmospheric corrosion monitoring sensor current showed that the CUI rate increased as the water content increased, promoting the formation of the water-thin film at the interface of insulation and carbon steel. Maxima of the CUI rate were observed for salinity and temperature. Salinity increased the electrical conductivity of the water-thin film and promoted the corrosion reaction, and over a certain salinity, the water-thin film became thicker and the CUI rate decreased due to the rate-determining step in oxygen diffusion. Over a certain temperature, the CUI rate decreased due to the evaporation of the water-thin film and a decrease in dissolved oxygen. We constructed the prediction model for the CUI rate with a coefficient of determination of 0.87 by multiple regression analysis using the obtained test data.
Deciphering when Metal Corrosion is Spontaneous in Molten Fluorides Using Potential-Activity Diagrams
Authors: Chan Ho Lun , Scully John R. 
Published: September 2023

The work identifies the conditions for thermodynamically favored spontaneous metal corrosion using potential-activity diagrams tailored for high-temperature molten fluorides. These diagrams provide insights into the thermodynamic phase stability of both solid and dissolved metal species, such as Cr, Cr(II), Cr(III), Ni, Ni(II), Fe, and Fe(II), along with their potential primary oxidizers, including Eu(III), O2, and HF, over a broad range of theoretical F− anion activities. The work further examines the practical implications, prospects, and challenges associated with the construction of these diagrams. The key objective of this project is to pinpoint crucial thermodynamic variables that substantially affect metal corrosion electrochemistry in the context of molten salt nuclear reactor applications.