bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Comparison of Facet Versus Laminar C2 Screws
Authors: Meynard Alexandre , Fréchède Bertrand , Pommier Benjamin , Mitton David , Barrey Cédric
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Transpedicular or transisthmic screws for C2 instrumentation represent the gold standard; however, the anatomy is not always compatible (hypoplastic pedicles, procidentia of the vertebral artery). Laminar screws (LS) have been proposed as a rescue technique and recently, bicortical facet screws (FS). To date, the biomechanical property of FS remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the pull-out resistance of bicortical facet (FS) vs laminar (LS) C2 screws.

METHODS:

Thirty-two human cadaveric C2 vertebrae were screened by CT scan imaging and dual x-ray absorptiometry before receiving both techniques and were randomized according to side and sequence (FS or LS first). Screw positioning was validated using 2-dimensional x-rays. Sixty-four mechanical tests were performed using pure tensile loading along the axis of the screws until pull-out. Mean pull-out strengths were compared using paired tests, multivariate and survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier curves).

RESULTS:

The morphometric data were consistent with previous studies. Over 64 tests, the mean pull-out strength of LS (707 ± 467 N) was significantly higher than that of FS (390 ± 230 N) (P = .0004). Bone mineral density was weakly correlated with pull-out strength (r = 0.42 for FS and r = 0.3 for LS). Both techniques were mechanically equivalent for vertebrae in which intralaminar cortical grip was not achievable for LS. The mean pull-out strength for LS with laminar cortical grip (1071 ± 395 N) was significantly higher than that of LS without (423 ± 291 N) (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION:

Our results suggest that bicortical FS of C2 offer less mechanical resistance than LS.
A Multicenter, Propensity Score–Matched Assessment of Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Approaches in the Management of Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Findlay Matthew C. , Drexler Richard , Khan Majid , Cole Kyril L. , Karbe Arian , Rotermund Roman , Ricklefs Franz L. , Flitsch Jörg , Smith Timothy R. , Kilgallon John L. , Honegger Jürgen , Nasi-Kordhishti Isabella , Gardner Paul A. , Gersey Zachary C. , Abdallah Hussein M. , Jane John A. , Marino Alexandria C. , Knappe Ulrich J. , Uksul Nesrin , Rzaev Jamil A. , Galushko Evgeniy V. , Gormolysova Ekaterina V. , Bervitskiy Anatoliy V. , Schroeder Henry W. S. , Eördögh Márton , Losa Marco , Mortini Pietro , Gerlach Rüdiger , Antunes Apio C. M. , Couldwell William T. , Budohoski Karol P. , Rennert Robert C. , Azab Mohammed , Karsy Michael
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

There is considerable controversy as to which of the 2 operating modalities (microsurgical or endoscopic transnasal surgery) currently used to resect pituitary adenomas (PAs) is the safest and most effective intervention. We compared rates of clinical outcomes of patients with PAs who underwent resection by either microsurgical or endoscopic transnasal surgery.

METHODS:

To independently assess the outcomes of each modality type, we sought to isolate endoscopic and microscopic PA surgeries with a 1:1 tight-caliper (0.01) propensity score–matched analysis using a multicenter, neurosurgery-specific database. Surgeries were performed between 2017 and 2020, with data collected retrospectively from 12 international institutions on 4 continents. Matching was based on age, previous neurological deficit, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, tumor functionality, tumor size, and Knosp score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

Among a pool of 2826 patients, propensity score matching resulted in 600 patients from 9 surgery centers being analyzed. Multivariate analysis showed that microscopic surgery had a 1.91 odds ratio (OR) (P = .03) of gross total resection (GTR) and shorter operative duration (P < .01). However, microscopic surgery also had a 7.82 OR (P < .01) for intensive care unit stay, 2.08 OR (P < .01) for intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, 2.47 OR (P = .02) for postoperative syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), and was an independent predictor for longer postoperative stay (β = 2.01, P < .01). Overall, no differences in postoperative complications or 3- to 6-month outcomes were seen by surgical approach.

CONCLUSION:

Our international, multicenter matched analysis suggests microscopic approaches for pituitary tumor resection may offer better GTR rates, albeit with increased intensive care unit stay, CSF leak, SIADH, and hospital utilization. Better prospective studies can further validate these findings as matching patients for outcome analysis remains challenging. These results may provide insight into surgical benchmarks at different centers, offer room for further registry studies, and identify best practices.
Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Perspectives on Transgender Athletes
Authors: Nokoff Natalie J. , Senefeld Jonathon , Krausz Csilla , Hunter Sandra , Joyner Michael
Published: April 2023

Sex hormone concentrations, particularly testosterone, are primary determinants of sex-based differences in athletic and sports performance, and this relationship may inform fair competition and participation for athletes. This article describes the sex-based dichotomy in testosterone and the implications for sex-based differences in individual sports performance, including factors that relate to athletic performance for transgender individuals, and areas of future investigation.
Patellofemoral Joint Loading during the Performance of the Wall Squat and Ball Squat with Heel-to-Wall-Distance Variations
Authors: ESCAMILLA RAFAEL F. , ZHENG NAIQUAN , MACLEOD TORAN D. , IMAMURA RODNEY , WILK KEVIN E. , WANG SHANGCHENG , YAMASHIRO KYLE , ESCAMILLA ISABELLA M. , FLEISIG GLENN S.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Although bodyweight wall and ball squats are commonly used during patellofemoral rehabilitation, patellofemoral loading while performing these exercises is unknown, which makes it difficult for clinicians to know how to use these exercises in progressing a patient with patellofemoral pathology. Therefore, the purpose was to quantify patellofemoral force and stress between two bodyweight squat variations (ball squat vs wall squat) and between two heel-to-wall-distance (HTWD) variations (long HTWD vs short HTWD).

Methods

Sixteen participants performed a dynamic ball squat and wall squat with long HTWD and short HTWD. Ground reaction force and kinematic data were used to measure resultant knee force and torque from inverse dynamics, whereas electromyographic data were used in a knee muscle model to predict resultant knee force and torque, and subsequently, all these data were inputted into a biomechanical computer optimization model to output patellofemoral joint force and stress at select knee angles. A repeated-measures two- and three-way ANOVA (P < 0.01) was used for statistical analyses.

Results

Collapsed across long HTWD and short HTWD, patellofemoral joint force and stress were greater in ball squat than wall squat at 30° (P = 0.009), 40° (P = 0.008), 90° (P = 0.003), and 100° (P = 0.005) knee angles during the squat descent, and greater in wall squat than ball squat at 100° (P < 0.001), 90° (P < 0.001), 80° (P = 0.004), and 70° (P = 0.009) knee angles during squat ascent. Collapsed across ball and wall squats, patellofemoral joint force and stress were greater with a short HTWD than a long HTWD at 100° (P = 0.007) and 90° (P = 0.008) knee angles during squat ascent.

Conclusions

Patellofemoral joint loading changed according to both squat type and HTWD variations. These differences occurred in part due to differences in forces the wall or ball exerted on the trunk, including friction forces. Overall, patellofemoral force and stress were greater performing the bodyweight wall squat compared with the bodyweight ball squat. Moreover, squatting with short HTWD produced anterior knee displacement beyond the toes at higher knee angles, resulting in greater patellofemoral force and stress compared with squatting with long HTWD.
Psychometric Properties of the Causal Attributions Scale for Reading Comprehension
Authors: Ferraz Adriana Satico , Aparecida Angeli dos Santos Acácia , Porto Noronha Ana Paula , Da Silva Almeida Leandro
Published: April 2023

Causal attributions, achievement goals, and self-efficacy comprise the motivational dimension of self-regulated learning. Due to the absence of scales to assess the causal attributions of Brazilian middle school students, this study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Causal Attributions Scale for Reading Comprehension. The study involved three samples: one of the expert judges and two composed of students. Evidence of content validity was found through theoretical and practical representativeness and the intelligibility of the scale items. The associations between the attributional causes and psychological dimensions proved validity based on the scale’s internal structure. The effects identified in the comparisons between the scale and achievement goals, and the scale and selfefficacy indicated validity based on the relationship with other variables. This instrument can be recommended for use by professionals in psychology and education. We also suggest the performance of further studies with the scale.
Geometric Analysis of Noisy Low-Rank Matrix Recovery in the Exact Parametrized and the Overparametrized Regimes
Authors: Ma Ziye , Bi Yingjie , Lavaei Javad , Sojoudi Somayeh
Published: April 2023

The matrix sensing problem is an important low-rank optimization problem that has found a wide range of applications, such as matrix completion, phase synchornization/retrieval, robust principal component analysis (PCA), and power system state estimation. In this work, we focus on the general matrix sensing problem with linear measurements that are corrupted by random noise. We investigate the scenario where the search rank r is equal to the true rank [Formula: see text] of the unknown ground truth (the exact parametrized case), as well as the scenario where r is greater than [Formula: see text] (the overparametrized case). We quantify the role of the restricted isometry property (RIP) in shaping the landscape of the nonconvex factorized formulation and assisting with the success of local search algorithms. First, we develop a global guarantee on the maximum distance between an arbitrary local minimizer of the nonconvex problem and the ground truth under the assumption that the RIP constant is smaller than [Formula: see text]. We then present a local guarantee for problems with an arbitrary RIP constant, which states that any local minimizer is either considerably close to the ground truth or far away from it. More importantly, we prove that this noisy, overparametrized problem exhibits the strict saddle property, which leads to the global convergence of perturbed gradient descent algorithm in polynomial time. The results of this work provide a comprehensive understanding of the geometric landscape of the matrix sensing problem in the noisy and overparametrized regime.

Funding: This work was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and Army Research Office.
The Reason of Increasing Puberty Precocious Cases During the Pandemic Period: Obesity or Not?
Authors: ÇAKIR GÜNDOĞAN Seçil , KILINÇ UĞURLU Aylin , GURBUZ Fatih , BÜYÜKYILMAZ Gönül , YARDIMCI Gönül , BİTKAY Abdurrahman , ÖZER Emre , TOKSOY ADIGÜZEL Keziban , IŞIK Emregül , KOCAAY Pınar , TEPE Derya , BOYRAZ Mehmet
Published: April 2023

Objective: Publications have shown increased rate of precocious puberty and rapidly progressing puberty during the pandemic period. During the pandemic period, obesity has become widespread in children due to sedentary life, an increase in the time spent at home, and prolonged use of mobile devices. Obesity is a significant contributor to early puberty in females.We aimed to investigate whether obesity is a factor in the increase of puberty precocious cases during the pandemic.

Material and Methods: In the study, female patients diagnosed with Puberty precocious /Rapidly Progressive Puberty in our clinic were divided into three groups August 2019-February 2020 before the pandemic (Group1-G1), August 2020-February 2021 during the pandemic (online education - Group2-G2), August 2021-February 2022 during the pandemic (face-to-face education -Group3-G3). The groups were retrospectively compared in terms of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings.

Results: A total of 495 female patients were included in the study. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age at the presentation. The most common complaint at presentation in the three groups was thelarche. Also, presentation with combination of thelarche and pubarche was more common in G3, and presentation due to menarche was more common in G2 (p=0.011). No difference was found between the groups regarding body weight SDS, and height SDS. The BMI SDS was 0.69±1 SD for all patients, 0.78±0.94 SD for G1, 0.67±1 SD for G2, and 0.67±1 for G3, and the BMI SDS of the groups were comparable (p=0.630). The majority of patients at the presentation were Breast Tanner stage 3. G2 (9%) and G3 (9%) were presented with Breast Tanner stage 4 at a higher frequency compared to G1 (2%). There was no difference between the groups’ FSH, LH, estradiol, LHRH test peak FSH, peak LH, and LH/FSH values. There was no difference between the bone ages of the groups at the presentation. The uterus size, right and left ovary volumes of G2 and G3 were significantly bigger than those of G1 (p=0.001). No difference was found between the groups in the rates of precocious puberty and rapidly progressing puberty cases.

Conclusion: In our study, the age at presentation and BMI were similar pre-pandemic group G1 and during the pandemic, online education (G2) and pandemic face-to-face education (G3). We determined that obesity may not be one of the factors triggering precocious puberty cases during the pandemic period.
Where next for early years? Funding, affordability and the Budget
Authors: Cowley Sue
Published: April 2023

The cost of childcare is still a key concern for working parents and setting closures are on an upwards trajectory, as questions about the affordability and sustainability of the sector have featured widely in the press. Following the announcement of an extension to funding entitlements in the recent Budget, the sector looks set for a bumpy ride. Sue Cowley explores the latest picture.
Loud and clear
Authors: Tassoni Penny , Deshmukh Dhanvanti , White Louise Campbell , Johnson Craig , Faux Karen
Published: April 2023

It is increasingly important that bilingual and multilingual children are supported and celebrated in early years settings. EYE, Nursery World and Polylino brought together a panel of experts to discuss strategies for best practice. By India Dunkley
Supporting service children in early years education
Authors: Barton Debra
Published: April 2023

In this three-part series, Debra Barton, early years specialist Lead for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding (AFFS) team, explains how practitioners and providers from the early childhood and early education sector can support service children and their families. This second article will give a further introduction to service children, explain some of the jargon military families use, and describe how attending early childhood education and childcare provision can be a protection against some of the challenges young children and their families face.
Do we allow for active play?
Authors: Celinska Angelica
Published: April 2023

As educators we may not always recognise how we might discourage certain types of play simply due to the layout of the environment we provide. It is therefore important to reflect on our own pedagogy and beliefs, the practice that results from this, and whether we are living true to our beliefs, as Angelica Celinska explains.
‘Right support, right place, right time’?
Authors: Wright David
Published: April 2023

Ambassador for Paint Pots Nurseries, David Wright, considers the Government's Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision Improvement Plan and asks if it goes far enough to achieve its own aims.
A daylength-neutral winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) for Southern Australian latitudes
Authors: EAGLETON GRAHAM E.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Eagleton GE. 2022. A daylength-neutral winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) for Southern Australian latitudes. Asian J Agric 6: 68-78. In the summer of 2019, on the central coast of NSW, Australia (at Latitude 34°S), an early-maturing genotype of the tropical legume crop, winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.), was detected among a range of late-maturing accessions. The performance of this accession, MY0-01 from Bago in Myanmar, was evaluated in staked plots alongside one other accession from Myanmar and two from the island of New Guinea planted on three successive occasions between October and late November 2020 in a split-plot experiment. Across the three planting dates, the mean number of days from planting to the first open flower for MYO-01 ranged from 68 to 82 + s.e. 3.2 compared with a range of 119 to 167 for the other three accessions. The mean accumulated seed yield of MYO-01 obtained from the October planting equated to 3.1 t ha-1, but by the third planting in late November, the yield was only half as much. Among the four accessions, MYO-01 was second in the amount of lower stem branching and tuber yield, with the smallest pods and hardest seeds. Hard seededness creates difficulties for germination and plant establishment and is a limitation in MYO-01, as are its small pods, which lowers its potential for vegetable production. Investigating genetic control of photoperiod insensitivity in MYO-01 and combining the ability for pod and seed characteristics is relevant to sub-tropical latitudes and for developing stable early maturity cultivars for the tropics.
Physical and chemical properties of soil on selected sugarcane farms in Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines
Authors: LABAJO JOHN REY N. , PABIONA MYRNA G.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Labajo JRN, Pabiona MG. 2022. Physical and chemical properties of soil on selected sugarcane farms in Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines. Asian J Agric 6: 79-86. The study was conducted to determine soil's physical and chemical properties on selected sugarcane farms in Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines. Soil samples were collected from 24 different sugarcane farms planted with sugarcane following Sloven's Formula for farm selection. Soil samples were collected from August 2018 to April 2019, and the physical and chemical properties of the soil were determined at SPAL, CMU, Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon, Philippines. Soil texture and percent Water Holding Capacity (%WHC) soil of the sugarcane farms were clayey textured, with %WHC ranging from 54.24-76.30% and bulk Density (BD) and Particle Density (PD) values ranging from 1.05-1.31 Mg m-3 (BD) and 2.28-2.41 Mg m-3, which is ideal for growing sugarcane. Soil samples collected were categorized as medium acidic, marginal in soil organic matter content (SOMC), extractable phosphorus (P) was very deficient, and low on exchangeable potassium (K). That implies these sugarcane farms need soil amendments to meet sugarcane's desired nutrient and pH requirements. Therefore, the sugarcane farms in Mt. Nebo, Valencia City, Bukidnon are required to apply 1.64-7.04 Mg ha-1 of lime and a recommendation rate of 80-200 kg ha-1 Nitrogen (N), 200-500 kg ha-1 of Phosphorus (P), and 170-200 kg ha-1 potassium (K). Moreover, a soil fertility map is necessary to classify and group the delineated soils into map units and capture soil property information to interpret and depict soil spatial distribution on a map.
Biodiversity of edible fruit sold at Pasar Gede, Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: SAGITARIAN DHEA GITA FITRI , ASTIKASARI LUNA , RAHMAYANI DITA , ARMANDO MUHAMMAD FADHILLAH , NUGROHO GILANG DWI , HIMAWAN WIDHI , MUTAQIN ASEP ZAINAL , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Sagitarian DGF, Astikasari L, Rahmayani D, Armando MF, Nugroho GD, Himawan W, Mutaqin AZ, Md. Naim D, Setyawan AD. 2023. Biodiversity of edible fruit sold at Pasar Gede, Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia. Asian J Agric 7: 57-68. The market is a place to purchase numerous varieties of goods. Pasar Gede is a traditional Indonesian marketplace in Surakarta City, Central Java, Indonesia. It is the earliest and the largest fruit market in Surakarta. This study was conducted to ascertain the variety species of fruits sold at Pasar Gede from 12 to 16 December 2022. Direct interviews with Pasar Gede administrators and sellers conducted the sampling. This study uses primary data from interviews and secondary data from literature studies to support the primary data, while descriptive analysis was performed on the collected data. The results revealed that the fruit sold at Pasar Gede comprised 82 species from 25 families, with information on local name, price, seasonality, rarity according to vendors, and conservation status according to the IUCN Red List. In Pasar Gede, fruits with conservation status Least Concern (LC) based on the IUCN Red List were found, namely juwet (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels), matoa (Pometia pinnata J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.), jambu biji (Psidium guajava L.), pir packham (Pyrus communis L.), srikaya (Annona squamosa L.), jeruk bali (Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.), delima arab (Punica granatum L.), sirsak (Annona muricata L.), sawo (Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen), asam jawa (Tamarindus indica L.) and kesemek (Diospyros kaki L.f.). Jeruk (Citrus sp.), apel/pir (Pyrus sp.), pisang (Musa sp.), mangga (Mangifera sp.), and alpukat (Persea sp.) are the dominant fruits (the most available and frequently sold by every vendor in his stall) in Pasar Gede. Anggur autum (Vitis vinifera L. cv. autumn) are the most expensive products at 180,000 IDR per kilogram, while jambu biji is the least expensive at 8,000 IDR per kilogram. The production cost, seasonality, and fruit quality determine whether fruit prices are costly. The abundance of fruit indicates that Pasar Gede is a comprehensive fruit market center in Indonesia, particularly in Surakarta.
A pilot study to define and identify future priorities into Allocasuarina robusta recovery as part of a community program
Authors: Pearson Matthew
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Pearson MW. 2021. A pilot study to define and identify future priorities into Allocasuarina robusta recovery as part of a community program. Asian J For 5: 60-70. The Allocasuarina robusta pilot study investigated the process involved to facilitate seed recruitment as part of a threatened species project. Several experiments occurred, each examining a specific attribute in the seed recruitment process. A. robusta is a threatened species of national and local significance. The research design would help land managers and communities to conserve A. robusta. The investigation aimed to improve seed recruitment in A. robusta occurring under natural conditions. The results highlighted several experimental design flaws and identified opportunities to increase community participation as part of the recovery program.
Allometric equation for aboveground biomass estimation of Galiniera saxifraga (Hochst.) Bridson in Gesha-Sayilem forest, southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Bareke Tura , Addi Admassu
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Bareke T, Addi A. 2021. Allometric equation for aboveground biomass estimation of Galiniera saxifraga (Hochst.) Bridson in Gesha-Sayilem forest, southwestern Ethiopia. Asian J For 5: 76-82. There is limited information about the precise quantification of Aboveground Biomass (AGB) of species-specific allometric equations for shrubs and small trees. Thirty Galiniera saxifraga plants were selected to develop species-specific allometric biomass equations. Biometric parameters, including the diameter at the Breast Height (DBH), height and crown area were predictive variables that were measured for each individual plant. AGB was measured through a destructive method. The AGB was correlated to biometric variables using regression analysis. The species-specific allometric models, with DBH and crown area as predictors (DBH-crown area models), accounted for 90% of the variation in the AGB of G. saxifraga. The DBH-crown area model was adequate for predicting the AGB for G. saxifraga with the adjusted R2 value 0.9 and AIC values was 47.37. The specific allometric equation developed for the Gesha-Sayilem Afromontane forest can be used in similar moist forests in Ethiopia to implement Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) activities to benefit the local communities from carbon trade.
Vegetation structure and carbon stock potential in the community-managed forest of the Mid-Western Hilly Region, Nepal
Authors: RAWAL KRISHNA , SUBEDI PRAJWOL BABU
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Rawal K, Subedi PB. 2022. Vegetation structure and carbon stock potential in the community-managed forest of the Mid-Western Hilly Region, Nepal. Asian J For 6: 15-21. Community forests (CF) play a crucial role in sustainable development and accumulate carbon to mitigate global climate change. The objective of this study was to evaluate the plant diversity, regeneration status, and carbon stock potential of two community-managed Shorea robusta-dominated forests in Nepal's Dailekh District, namely Bayeldhunga Pahapu CF and Bayeldhunga CF. A total of 76 sample plots were studied using a systematic sampling intensity of 0.5%. The density of species in the developmental phase was used to determine the forest's regeneration condition. Allometric equations were used to calculate the aboveground carbon store of tree species. Shorea robusta Gaertn. was the foremost species regarding regeneration and carbon storage in the studied forest areas, with high regeneration conditions. The seedlings, saplings, and trees in the Bayeldhunga Pahapu CF exceeded those in the Bayeldhunga CF. In both study areas, J-shaped reverse population curves were observed. This study provided details on tree species' regeneration condition, structure, proportions, and carbon sequestration capacity, which is critical for community forest management and conservation. The analysis showed that by altering the structure and proportions of community forests, community management has boosted the carbon storage of forests and enhanced forest productivity.
Tree diversity and vegetation structure of the tropical evergreen forests of the southern slopes of Meghalaya, North East India
Authors: TYNSONG H. , DKHAR M. , TIWARI B. K.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Tynsong H, Dkhar M, Tiwari BK. 2022. Tree diversity and vegetation structure of the tropical evergreen forests of the southern slopes of Meghalaya, North East India. Asian J For 6: 22-33. In the tropical evergreen forests of the southern slopes of Meghalaya, North East India, we examined the plant species diversity and community structure of woody plant species. The forests chosen for this study represent the area's primary vegetation. We counted a total number of 6016 individual trees belonging to 146 species, 95 genera, and 56 families from three 1-ha plots. The Shannon-Wiener Index (H') of the tree species in the three forest stands ranged from 3.74 to 3.95, the dominance of Simpson's index from 0.02 to 0.04, the evenness index from 0.68 to 0.83, and Margalef index range from 23.07 to 27.39. The density of woody species ranged from 1944 to 2100 trees ha-1 (mean 2005 ± 48.01). The dominant families based on Importance Value Index (IVI), number of species, genera and individuals were Fagaceae (IVI = 205.29, species= 11, genera= 4 and number of individuals= 1184), Lauraceae (IVI = 139.42, species= 22, genera= 9 and Individual= 882) and Euphorbiaceae (IVI = 68.39, species= 17, genera= 8 and Individual=478). Arecaceae represented by Arenga pinnata (Wurmb) Merr. and Caryota sp. and Pandanaceae, represented by Pandanus odoratissimus Blume, were the only monocot families, and Pinaceae, the sole gymnospermic family, represented by Pinus kesiya Royle ex Gordon. This study offers valuable knowledge about the species diversity and community structure of trees which is a prerequisite for efficient management and protection of the forests conserved by the local village communities primarily for ecosystem services.
Vertical distribution of soil properties and soil organic carbon in community managed forest of Siwalik Hill, Nepal
Authors: LAMICHHANE UCHITA , GHIMIRE PRAMOD
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Lamichhane U, Ghimire P. 2022. Vertical distribution of soil properties and soil organic carbon in community managed forest of Siwalik Hill, Nepal. Asian J For 6: 91-96. Nepal's Community Forestry (CF) approach is globally recognized as an innovative and successful approach to forest resource management. Shorea robusta Gaertn. is the dominant tree species of Nepal's forest which covers 19.28% of the total stem volume of the country's forest area. Soil represents a significant terrestrial Carbon (C) pool and can play a significant role in mitigating global warming. Therefore, analyzing soil physicochemical properties and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stock is essential because they are key parameters for evaluating land use management systems. The present study was conducted in the Durga Mai Community Forest (DMCF) of Makawanpur District, Nepal, to assess the vertical distribution of soil physicochemical properties and SOC stock. Soil samples within a 1 m profile in five depth layers (0-20 cm, 21-40 cm, 41-60 cm, 61-80cm, and 81-100 cm) were collected and analyzed for Bulk Density (BD), soil texture, soil pH, soil carbon content, Total Nitrogen (TN), Available Phosphorous (AP), Available Potassium (AK) and SOC stock. Sandy loam was the dominant soil textural class reported throughout the study area. Average BD, soil pH, TN, AP, and AK in the S. robusta forest's soil in 1 m soil profile depth were found to be 1.16 ±0.07 gmcm-3, 5.78 ±0.62, 0.14 ±0.04 %, 5.94 ±1.04 kgha-1, and 104.20 ±19.66 kgha-1, respectively. The results estimated 107.57 ±3.06 tha-1 of SOC stock in 1 m soil profile, with 0.93 ±0.21% average SOC content. Further, average TN, AP, and AK were found to be decreased with an increase in soil profile depths. Similarly, soil profile depths significantly affected SOC stock and soil properties like BD, soil pH, TN, AP, and AK.
Biomass and carbon accumulation in Northern Bangladesh Eucalyptus plantations: Effects of stand structure and age
Authors: DEY TANMOY , ISLAM MD. AKRAMUL , JUBAIR S. M. RAKIBUL
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Dey T, Islam MDA, Jubair SMR. 2022. Biomass and carbon accumulation in Northern Bangladesh Eucalyptus plantations: Effects of stand structure and age. Asian J For 6: 126-132. Eucalyptus plantations are a significant carbon sink as a fast-growing species in Bangladesh, but little is known regarding biomass, carbon output, and dynamics with stand age. We, therefore, assessed the stand structure, biomass accumulation, carbon storage, and their changing patterns with age in Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. plantations in the northern part of Bangladesh in early 2021. Biomass and carbon stocks were estimated using the allometric models specific for E. camaldulensis from the biophysical tree parameters (i.e., height and DBH). We used the data from 45 sample plots (100 sq. m each) covering different age classes such as 2, 5, 7, 8, 11, 13, and 21 years. The aboveground, belowground, total biomass, and carbon significantly varied between stand ages (p<0.05). The highest aboveground, belowground, and total carbon stocks were observed at 21 years, and the lowest was found at two years. We observed a positive and strong relationship between total carbon and stand variables such as stand height, diameter at breast height, basal area, crown width, crown length, and bole height but a negative relationship with density. The mean annual increment of both biomass and carbon increased sharply up to seven years and then decreased. Despite having some ecological constraints, E. camaldulensis accumulate a large amount of carbon from the atmosphere, perhaps aiding climate change mitigation.
Short Communication: Diversity of small mammals (non-volant) in tropical peatland ecosystem of Orang Kayo Hitam Forest Park, Jambi, Indonesia
Authors: DARA WIDYA , ISWANDARU DIAN , WULANDARI CHRISTINE , NOVRIYANTI NOVRIYANTI , PRASETIA HENDRA
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Dara W, Iswandaru D, Wulandari C, Novriyanti, Prasetia H. 2023. Short Communication: Diversity of small mammals (non-volant) in tropical peatland ecosystem of Orang Kayo Hitam Forest Park, Jambi, Indonesia. Intl J Bonorowo Wetlands 13: 30-35. Peatlands areas dominate Orang Kayo Hitam Forest Park (OKH Forest Park), Jambi, Indonesia. The largest forest fire in the OKH Forest Park area occurred in 2015, damaging more than 70% of the area. The event subsequently affected the existing biodiversity, especially the diversity of small mammals. Small mammals have an important role in the ecosystem as agents in regeneration and restoration, including in the OKH Forest Park. The method used is the cage trap method which is placed by systematic sampling. Traps were placed in two types of habitats, namely shrubs, and forests. The bait variation consisted of coconut, sweet potato, banana, and oil palm fruit. All baits were treated by burning to give off an aroma. The resulting data were analyzed quantitatively using the Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index. Types of small mammals found in shrubs and forest habitats are Malaysian field rats (Rattus tiomanicus (Miller, 1900)) and plantain squirrels (Callosciurus notatus (Boddaert, 1785)) The diversity index shows a low category with a value of (H' = 0.17884). That indicates the condition of the habitat in the post-burnt peat ecosystem is still relatively depressed.
Profiling marine bacterial dioxygenase gene involved in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon degradation
Authors: MISHRA MANISHA , DAS SURAJIT
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Mishra M, Das S. 2017. Profiling marine bacterial dioxygenase gene involved in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon degradation. Ocean Life 1: 32-40. The degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by bacteria has been widely reported. While many pure cultures have been isolated and characterized for their ability to grow on PAHs, little is known regarding the diversity of microorganism involved in PAH degradation in the environment. The aim of this study was characterization of the gene for enzymes involve in PAHs Degradation, and to make a bank collection of strains for further screening research. Pure bacterial cultures were sampled from a highly enriched consortium for biodegradation analysis. Bacterial strains capable of degrading pyrene and anthracene were isolated from Paradeep estuary (Odisha, India) water sample by selective enrichment. Five strains of pyrene and anthracene degrading pure cultures were collected, named as MP-1, MP-4, MP-9, MP-14, MP-18. Isolates were characterized by gram staining, utilization of citrate, sugar fermentation, swimming and swarming motility and antibiotic sensitivity test. In seven days isolates MP-1,MP-4,MP-9,MP-14,MP-18 shown to degrade 58.4%, 42.1%, 29.1%, 31.7%, 31.8% of pyrene at a concentration 100 mg/l and 56.3%, 46%, 44.6%, 30.4%, 48.2% of anthracene at a concentration100mg/l. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with PAH-specific primers successfully amplifies a dioxygenase gene in MP-4. The presence of dioxygenase gene may lead to unraveling the underlying mechanism on how bacteria develop the abilities to degrade high-molecular-weight PAH. The understanding to profile not only the bacterial community but also the dioxygenases which they encode provides a powerful way for both assessing bioremediation potential in the environment and the discovery of novel dioxygenase genes.
Prevalence and thermal photo-physiological responses of Skeletal Eroding Band (SEB)-affected Acropora muricata from Mauritius Island
Authors: MUNDIL SARVESH PANKAJ , JOGEE SHAKEEL YAVAN , KAULLYSING DEEPEEKA , BHAGOOLI RANJEET
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Mundil SP, Jogee SY, Kaullysing D, Bhagooli R. 2023. Prevalence and thermal photo-physiological responses of Skeletal Eroding Band (SEB)-affected Acropora muricata from Mauritius Island. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 7: 48-53. The threat to coral reefs due to coral diseases has been on the rise since the late 1990s, and the effects of climate change-driven global warming and coral diseases have yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study aimed at investigating the prevalance of Skeletal Eroding Band (SEB), a coral diease resulting from the ciliate Halofolliculina corallasia, in Acropora muricata, at two sites namely Flic en Flac and Belle Mare around Mauritius Island and the thermal photo-physiological responses, in terms of effective quantum yield at photosystem II (?PSII), of SEB-affected and non-affected A. muricata, measured with a Diving-Pulse Amplitude Modulated (D-PAM) fluorometer. Affected colonies were identified using underwater field guides and their prevalence was estimated using a random swim method. The prevalence of SEB was highest at Belle Mare during late summer with a prevalence of 24.44 ± 1.93%. The thermal stress experiment consisting of 6 aquaria with 3 at 27? and 3 at 32? were set up with both SEB-affected and non-affected A. muricata for a duration of 19 hours. Both SEB-affected and non-affected A. muricata were influenced by high ttemperatures. The SEB-affected samples exhibited a higher susceptibility to 32? treatment as the ?PSII declined to almost zero after 6 hours of exposure. These findings suggest that the region of Belle Mare may be potentially at risk if exposed to high temperatures for extended periods and may lose up to 25% or so of its A. muricata cover during future thermal severe bleaching events.
Variations in photo-physiological responses of shaded and non-shaded mangrove, Rhizophora mucronata tree parts from Mauritius Island, western Indian Ocean
Authors: KAULLYSING DEEPEEKA , Jogee Shakeel Yavan , MUNDIL SARVESH P , SOONDUR MOUNESHWAR , GOPEECHUND ARVIND , RICOT MELANIE , JEETUN SRUTI , CHINTA TRESHAN , CHOCKALINGUM JEMINA , MUNGUR DEENAH , KOWAL BHAVISHA , KRISTNAMA LEHNA , GUNNESS VISHAKA , BALGOBIN ASHWINA , FAKUN ZULAIKHAH R , MUNBODHE VIKASH , NOHUR MEHREEN B , RAMDHUN DEVESEE , RAMSURRUN LUVNISH K , RASE SYLVAIN , SEETOHUL TOOSHIT K , MATTAN-MOORGAWA SUSHMA , RAMAH SUNDY , BHAGOOLI RANJEET
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Kaullysing D, Jogee SY, Mundil SP, Soondur M, Gopeechund A, Ricot M, Jeetun S, Chinta T, Chockalingum J, Mungur D, Kowal B, Kristnama L, Gunness V, Balgobin A, Fakun ZR, Munbodhe V, Nohur MB, Ramdhun D, Ramsurrun LK, Rase S, Seetohul TK, Mattan-Moorgawa S, Ramah S, Bhagooli R. 2023. Variations in photo-physiological responses of shaded and non-shaded mangrove, Rhizophora mucronata tree parts from Mauritius Island, western Indian Ocean. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 7: 71-78. This study assessed and compared the photo-physiological responses of the tree parts of juvenile and adult mangrove, Rhizophora mucronata, under shaded and non-shaded conditions in the northern coast of Mauritius Island. Chlorophyll a fluorescence of mature (dark) leaves, young and mature propagules, lichen, buds, and sepal of adult R. mucronata trees, and of mature and young (pale) leaves of juveniles under natural shaded and non-shaded conditions was measured using a field-portable Diving Pulse-Amplitude-Modulated (D-PAM) fluorometer. Commonly used chlorophyll fluorescence parameters such as Fv/Fm, rETRmax, NPQmax were calculated. The tree parts of adult and juvenile R. mucronata showed considerable variations in their photosynthetic responses. Fv/Fm of adult tree leaves was 30% higher in shaded condition as compared to non-shaded condition. The combined effect of mangrove tree parts and conditions (shaded; non-shaded) resulted in significant differences in mean values of Fv/Fm (three-way ANOVA, p<0.001). Leaves of adult trees had 52% higher rETRmax in shaded condition. While a significant difference (p<0.001) was noted in the mean rETRmax values of various tree parts, the shaded and non-shaded conditions did not have any significant effect on rETRmax (p>0.05). Non-shaded parts of R. mucronata, including the leaves, exhibited higher NPQmax values as compared to shaded conditions. Mean NPQmax varied significantly among mangrove parts (p<0.001), between tree stage (p<0.001) and between conditions (p<0.05). These findings revealed differences in the photosynthetic activities of various mangrove parts of juvenile and adult trees under shaded and non-shaded conditions, a first attempt for the tropical island of Mauritius.
Photo-physiological responses and thermal tolerance of regionally endemic/rare and morphologically different corals of the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: MUNBODHE VIKASH , JEETUN SRUTI , RICOT MELANIE , JOGEE SHAKEEL , KAULLYSING DEEPEEKA , Bhagooli Ranjeet
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Munbodhe V, Jeetun S, Ricot M, Jogee S, Kaullysing D, Bhagooli R. 2023. Photo-physiological responses and thermal tolerance of regionally endemic/rare and morphologically different corals of the Western Indian Ocean. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 7: 100-107. Intensification in climatic variations is causing major alteration in ecosystem functionalities and an overall decline in reef biodiversity. Underlying the ongoing cumulative threats and the vulnerability to biodiversity loss in the reefs, this study aims to determine the photo-physiological response and the thermal tolerances of the morphologically different coral species namely, Porites lutea, Porites cylindrica, Acropora hyacinthus, Galaxea fascicularis, Seriatopora hystrix including the two regionally endemics of the Western Indian Ocean, Acropora branchi and Pocillopora indiania. Coral fragments from three colonies per species were collected from the south and southeast of Mauritius Island and treated at 27°C, 30°C and 32°C for 19 hours. Using a diving Pulse-Amplitude-Modulated (D-PAM) fluorometer, the effective quantum yield at photosystem II (FPSII) was recorded from the coral fragments initially and following 3, 6 and 19 hours of treatment. This experiment determined the thermal threshold of the understudied A. branchi and P. indiania, and detected the unexpectedly enhanced thermal tolerance of S. hystrix and G. fascicularis. Overall, it provides a preliminary insight into potential thermal stress tolerance in some Mauritius corals and has shown that these corals might have strategized to enhance their thermo-resilience while others are still struggling to withstand such stresses. These findings on the thermal resilience of regionally endemic/rare and morphologically different coral species are essential for further reef conservation efforts and the selection of coral species for reef restoration.
Short Communication: Comparison of the water environment aspects and production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) between biofloc and conventional aquaculture systems in tropical dryland region
Authors: HALLA PATRIS T. H. B. , LALEL HERIANUS , SANTOSO PRIYO
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Halla PTHB, Lalel, H, Santoso P. 2023. Short Communication: Comparison of the water environment aspects and production of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) between biofloc and conventional aquaculture systems in tropical dryland region. Intl J Trop Drylands 7: 12-15. The study aimed to compare the water quality of two aquaculture systems (i.e., conventional system and biofloc technology system) used to cultivate Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) in tropical dry land areas. This study used a survey method using seven samples for each aquaculture system. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the content of ammonia (NH3) between the two aquaculture systems, while the content of nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4), dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH was not significantly different (P>0.05). Although the value of ammonia (NH3) in the biofloc aquaculture system is higher than in the conventional aquaculture system, it is still below the quality standard of the aquatic environment. Conversely, the specific growth rate (SGR), relative growth rate (RGR), survival rate (SR), and production of fish between the two aquaculture systems showed significant differences (P<0.05). Where the value of SGR, RGR, and survival rate in conventional ponds is higher than that of biofloc ponds, on the contrary, the value of fish production in biofloc ponds is higher than in conventional ponds.
Resourceful family economy during LGBTQ family-forming processes
Authors: Anttila Sonja , Palojoki Päivi , Vuori Jaana , Janhonen-Abruquah Hille
Published: April 2023

This study explores how LGBTQ parents in Finland account for the role of financial resources in their family-forming process before the child is born or otherwise joins the family. Semi-structured, thematic, face-to-face interviews (n=18) were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. The study expands our understanding of financial resources in the family-forming processes of prospective LGBTQ parents and identifies the diversity of the meanings of financial resources experienced by the informants. It can be stated that the role of financial resources appears not only as a concrete need for money to have children but also as a resource that influences decision making and legal aspects during LGBTQ family-forming processes. However, it is not enough to look only at resources; it is equally important to consider the capabilities of individuals. The reconfigurations of family relations were connected to financial decisions and the importance of society’s support in terms of financial resources was essential.
Magnetically tunable ultralow threshold optical bistability by exciting LRSPR in InAs/graphene layers at the terahertz region
Authors: Avinash Kumar , Goswami Nabamita , Saha Ardhendu
Published: April 2023

With the experimental corroboration employing a transfer matrix method, an analytical observation of optical bistability using long-range surface plasmon resonance (LRSPR) through the external magnetic field is presented for a very low threshold value. The proposed analytical method has been verified with the reported experimental data provided by Liu et al. [Curr. Appl. Phys. 29, 66 (2021)1567-173910.1016/j.cap.2021.06.003]. Now theoretical analysis is further extended in the proposed multilayered structure comprising an InAs layer sandwiched between two graphene layers, whose electromagnetic response at 2 THz can be regulated by employing a magnetic field and may tune the optical bistability without modifying the geometry or the characteristics of the structure. The observed threshold intensity for the switch-up is 6.6615×104W/cm2 at 0.001 T; thus, this analytical approach is able to achieve 2 orders lower threshold for magnetically tunable upswitching of the optical bistable process. This suggested magnetically adjustable optical bistable arrangement gives a possibility for the comprehension of optical logic gates, optic memory, opto-transistors, and switches at a low switching threshold due to extraordinary features of the composite layers due to local field amplification of the graphene layer.