bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing the emerging role of generative AI in next-generation business
Authors: Dencik Jacob , Goehring Brian , Marshall Anthony
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Since the release of ChatGPT by OpenAI in November 2022 – with its ability to create compelling, relevant content, new large language model (LLM) technology – business leaders, especially CEOs, are being pressured to accelerate new generative AI investments. IBM IBV surveyed executives to assess their progress and concerns and their adoption strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Adoption of generative AI is still in its very early stages. Most organizations are only beginning to figure out how and where to make use of it. In fact, as few as 6 percent of executives in new surveying conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value say they are operating generative AI in their enterprise today.

Findings

In contrast to many peoples’ expectations about AI, automating tasks is not the top priority for executives looking to tap generative AI to grow business value. Looking at benefits by function, research and innovation is the primary area where organizations see opportunities for generative AI.

Practical implications

IBM IBV's recent survey of executives found that the key barriers to the effective deployment and use of generative AI are linked to security, privacy, ethics, regulations and economics – not access to the underlying technology itself.

Originality/value

Organizations will have to evaluate where in their enterprise the potential gains and cost efficiencies outweigh the risks of possible errors or unintended consequences from the use of generative AI along with broader ethical considerations. Ecosystems expand generative AI opportunities to harness data, insights and technology capabilities from across partners and stakeholders while enabling control over the capabilities that are most central to an organization’s value proposition.
Assessment of bovine milk fatty acids using miniaturised near infrared spectrophotometer
Authors: Cakebread Julie A , Agnew Michael P , Weeks Michael G , Reis Marlon M
Published: August 2023

Assessment of milk fatty acids has been proposed to support farm management practices including adjustment of feeding regimes and monitoring animal status. This study assessed the performance of a miniaturised near infrared (NIR) sensor for assessment of fatty acids in milk. Samples (n = 483) were from 114 farms, varying in lactation stages within two production seasons and included different dairy breeds. The fatty acids (C4:0, C6:0, C14:0, C16:0, C18:1 c9, SFA, MUFA, SCFA, BCFA) showed Ratio of performance to deviation values higher than two. The performance was equivalent to other independent studies utilising NIR. However, in this study, we used a low‐cost NIR spectrophotometer suitable for on‐the‐farm use.
Phosphate kinetic modeling as an estimate of daily ingested phosphate in hemodialysis patients with or without residual kidney function
Authors: Samaan Emad , Nagah Mohammed , El Said Ghada
Published: August 2023

Background and Aim

Daugirdas suggested a 2‐pool phosphate kinetic model based on his previously established urea kinetic model. The current study aims to assess the level of agreement between the modeled daily ingested phosphorus (DIP) values and the routine method of dietary recall calculations in hemodialysis patients.

Method

The study was conducted on 100 hemodialysis patients; 50 were anuric, and the others had residual kidney function (RKF). The level of correlation and agreement between the dietary calculated and modeled DIP were assessed in both study groups.

Results

A statistically significant positive correlation existed between the calculated and modeled DIP (r = 0.79 for the anuric group, r = 0.84 for the RKF group, p < 0.001). There was a significant level of agreement between calculated and modeled DIP in RKF patients only.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that phosphate modeling can estimate phosphate intake in RKF patients and be cost‐effective in their management.
Analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block versus paravertebral block in lung surgeries—A non‐inferiority randomised controlled trial
Authors: Andrade Filho Pedro Hilton de , Pereira Victor Egypto , Sousa Daniel da Escossia Melo , Costa Ladyer da Gama , Nunes Yuri Pinto , Taglialegna Giovani , de Paula‐Garcia Waynice Neiva , Silva Joao Manoel
Published: August 2023

Background

Pain management plays an essential role in postoperative recovery after lung surgeries. The Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) is a widely used regional anaesthesia technique; however, few clinical trials have compared this block to active control in thoracic surgeries. This study evaluated the non‐inferiority of the analgesia provided by ESPB when compared to paravertebral block (PVB) in lung surgeries.

Methods

Randomised, active‐controlled, blinded for patients and assessors, non‐inferiority trial. Patients who underwent unilateral lung surgeries were divided into two groups according to the regional anaesthesia technique—continuous ESPB or PVB at the T5 level. The primary outcome was to assess pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS) with a test of the interaction of three measures over 24 h postoperatively. An NRS score ≥ 7 was considered analgesia failure, and the prespecified non‐inferiority margin was 10%.

Results

In the interim analysis that terminated this study, 120 participants were enrolled. ESPB patients reported higher mean NRS general values over 24 h, 4.6 ± 3.2 in the ESPB group versus 3.9 ± 2.9 in the PVB group, with a difference of −0.67 (−15.2%) and 95%CI: −1.29 to −0.05 (p = .02), demonstrating not non‐inferiority. In addition, the ESPB group presented higher NRS failure of analgesia over 24 h (p < .01) and required more postoperative opioids (p = .01 over 24 h). There was no difference in patient satisfaction between groups.

Conclusion

This trial demonstrated that a continuous erector spinae plane block was not non‐inferior to a continuous paravertebral block for analgesia after lung surgery but resulted in higher levels of postoperative pain and opioid consumption.
Researchers successfully engineer endovascular probes for brain recording at a microscopic scale
Authors: Han Jason J.
Published: August 2023

A neural probe capable of recording single‐cell resolution was implanted using an endovascular approach through micrometer‐scale vasculature. Overall, this, among other developments, are enabling safer and more specific targeting of neurologic conditions, but their overall ethical implications remain to be further discussed.
Managing magnets: An audit of introduction of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Best Practice Guideline
Authors: McLeish S. , Harwood R. , Decker E. , Almond S. , Hall N. J. , Durand C.
Published: August 2023

Aim

To evaluate management of children and young people presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with magnet ingestion before and after new guidance.

Methods

In May 2021, a National Patient Safety Agency and Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) Best Practice Guideline about management of ingested magnets was published. This was implemented in our department. Children and young people presenting after magnet ingestion were identified from SNOMED (coded routinely collected data) and X‐ray requests between January 2016 and March 2022. Management was compared to national guidance.

Results

There were 138 patient episodes of magnet ingestion, with a rising incidence over the 5‐year period. Following introduction of the guideline, there was a higher incidence of admission (36% vs. 20%) and operative intervention (15.7% vs. 8%). Use of follow‐up X‐ray increased from 56% to 90%. There was substantial variation in the management prior to guidance which reduced after introduction of the RCEM guidance.

Conclusion

Management of magnet ingestion has become more standardised since introduction of the National RCEM Best Practice Guideline, but there is still room for improvement.
Predicting climate change impacts on critical fisheries species in Fijian marine systems and its implications for protected area spatial planning
Authors: Lawson Katherine N. , Lang Karina M. , Rabaiotti Daniella , Drew Joshua
Published: August 2023

Aim

Spatially explicit protections of coastal habitats determined on the current distribution of species and ecosystems risk becoming obsolete in 100 years if the movement of species ranges outpaces management action. Hence, a critical step of conservation is predicting the efficacy of management actions in future. We aimed to determine how foundational, habitat‐building species will respond to climate change in Fiji.

Location

The Republic of Fiji.

Methods

We develop species distribution models (SDMs) using MaxEnt, General Additive Models and Boosted Regression Trees and publicly available data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to predict changes in distribution of suitable habitat for mangrove forests, coral habitat, seagrass meadows and critical fisheries invertebrates under several IPCC climate change scenarios in 2070 or 2100. We then overlay predicted distribution models onto existing Fijian protected area network to assess whether today's conservation measures will afford protection to tomorrow's distributions.

Results

We found that mangrove suitability is projected to decrease along the Coral Coast and increase northward towards the Yasawa Islands due to precipitation changes. The response of seagrass meadows was predicted to be inconsistent and dependent on the climate scenario. Meanwhile, suitability for coral reefs was not predicted to decline significantly overall. The mangrove crab Scylla serrata, an important resource for fisherwomen in Fiji, is projected to increase in habitat suitability while economically important sea cucumber species will have highly variable responses to climate change.

Main conclusions

Species distribution models are a critical tool for conservation managers, as linking spatial distribution data with future climate change scenarios can aid in the creation and resiliency of protected area programmes. New protected area designations should consider the future distribution of species to maximize benefits to those taxa.
Sweet dreams are made of this: The need for narrowly tailored statutory protection for documented dreamers
Authors: Fontanetta Emily
Published: August 2023

The growing backlog of immigrant visa petitions and legal permanent resident adjustment applications is a harsh reality of the American dream. Dependent children of immigrants can wait decades for their parents' visas to become current, only to age out of dependent status before stepping foot on American soil. Dependent children of nonimmigrants seeking to become legal permanent residents age out before their parents' adjustment application is approved – leaving them at risk of removal. This Note proposes a temporary visa status for these dependents, allowing them to maintain legal status in America and remain with their parents.
Estimating the hospital costs of care for people living with HIV in England using routinely collected data
Authors: Miners Alec , Lampe Fiona C. , Cambiano Valentina , Schwenk Achim , Rodger Alison , Sadique Zia , Rein Sophia , Delpech Valerie , Phillips Andrew N.
Published: August 2023

Background

Understanding the health care activity and associated hospital costs of caring for people living with HIV is an important component of assessing the cost effectiveness of new technologies and for budget planning.

Methods

Data collected between 2010 and 2017 from an English HIV treatment centre were combined with national reference costs to estimate the rate of hospital attendances and costs per quarter year, according to demographic and clinical factors. The final dataset included records for 1763 people living with HIV, which was analysed using negative binomial regression models and general estimating equations.

Results

People living with HIV experienced an unadjusted average of 0.028 (standard deviation [SD] 0.20) inpatient episodes per quarter, equivalent to one every 9 years, and 1.85 (SD 2.30) outpatient visits per quarter. The unadjusted mean quarterly cost per person with HIV (excluding antiretroviral drug costs) was £439 (SD 604). Outpatient appointments and inpatient episodes accounted for 88% and 6% of total costs, respectively. In adjusted models, low CD4 count was the strongest predictor of inpatient stays and outpatient visits. Low CD4 count and new patient status (having a first visit at the Trust in the last 6 months) were the factors that most increased estimated costs. Associations were weaker or less consistent for demographic factors (age, sex/sexual orientation/ethnicity). Sensitivity analyses suggest that the findings were generally robust to alternative parameter and modelling assumptions.

Conclusion

A number of factors predicted hospital activity and costs, but CD4 cell count and new patient status were the strongest. The study results can be incorporated into future economic evaluations and budget impact assessments of HIV‐related technologies.
Cutting performance and wear characteristics of Si3N4–SiCw–HfB2 ceramic cutting tools in turning of ductile cast iron
Authors: Gu Qian‐Kun , Liu Run‐Ping , Chen Zhi‐Wei , Luo Si‐Chun , Guo Wei‐Ming , Lin Hua‐Tay
Published: August 2023

This research investigated the cutting performance of three different types of Si3N4‐based ceramic tools (Si3N4, Si3N4–SiCw, and Si3N4–SiCw–HfB2) with distinct mechanical properties during turning of ductile cast iron. Si3N4 ceramic tool, characterized by high hardness and low toughness, showed minor micro‐chipping and the highest average flank wear rate during the initial wear stage, leading to a short cutting life of 1679 m. Si3N4–SiCw ceramic tool, with low hardness and high toughness, exhibited the highest average flank wear rate during the middle and final wear stages, resulting a short cutting life (1602 m). In contrast, the Si3N4–SiCw–HfB2 ceramic tool, featuring high hardness and high toughness, demonstrated the lower average flank wear rate during all the wear stages, leading to a longest cutting life (2636 m). The results indicated that the average flank wear rate during the initial wear stage was mainly influenced by toughness, while during the middle and final wear stages, the average flank wear rate was primarily dependent on hardness.
Spillover effects within supply chains: Evidence from Chinese‐listed firms
Authors: Wang Xunxiao , Bian Shibo , Wu Chongfeng
Published: August 2023

There is increasing attention on information transfers along supply chain partners for firm (extreme) events. This growing literature finds spillover effects following certain types of firm events. Using data from credit rating actions of Chinese‐listed firms over the period between March 2007 and May 2020, we examine the spillover effects of supply chains by focusing on the market reactions of event firms to the action announcements. We find strong evidence of spillover effects driven by the market reactions of event firms, which are enhanced through information diffusion channels as supply chain partners receive more investor attention. Moreover, the effects are stronger when event firms' market reactions are negative, event firms are non‐stated‐owned, the industry concentration of event firms is higher, or the supplier‐customer business relationship is closer. Overall, these findings highlight the role of investor attention and network characteristics in supply chain spillovers.
Bruxism, parafunctional oral habits and oral motor problems in children with spastic cerebral palsy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tuncer Aysenur , Uzun Asiye , Tuncer Abidin H. , Guzel Hazel C. , Atılgan Elif D.
Published: August 2023

Background

Individuals with spastic cerebral palsy are more predisposed to parafunctional oral activities and oral motor problems because of spasticity.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the gross motor function classification system score (GMFCS), age, bruxism, parafunctional oral habits and oral motor problems in children with cerebral palsy.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 63 children with spastic cerebral palsy, aged 3–18 years, with developmental disabilities. The relationship between parentally reported bruxism, parafunctional oral activity rates, oral motor problems, and GMFCS was analysed.

Results

The prevalence of bruxism was 52.4%, and the rate decreased as age increased. There was a greater likelihood of bruxism in individuals with tongue thrust (OR [95% CI] = 8.15 [1.4–47.3]) and swallowing problems (OR [95% CI] = 5.78 [1.3–24.68]).

Conclusion

In children with spastic cerebral palsy, bruxism and the rate of parafunctional oral habits were high, thus affecting oral motor activities. A relationship was found between oral motor problems and increased GMFCS levels, but no relationship was found between bruxism and GMFCS levels. Children with spastic cerebral palsy who display tongue thrust or swallowing problems have an increased likelihood of presenting with bruxism.
The Others: Finding and Counting America's Invisible Churches
Authors: Melton J. Gordon , Ferguson Todd , Foertsch Steven
Published: August 2023

The 2010 U. S. Religious Census: Religious Congregations and Membership Survey (RCMS) is the most comprehensive picture of U.S. religious life, county by county. How thorough is the RCMS in covering local religious groups? To answer this question, three county snapshots were performed with collected data compared to the RCMS 2010 reported numbers. Data suggest that there has been an underreport by as much as 25 percent of the number of local congregations in these counties. New and emerging religious movements and denominations as well as ethnic congregations comprise much of this percentage, making it more imperative for scholars to develop methodologies and frameworks in order to capture these “others” and invisible churches in America.
Linguistic prosody in autism spectrum disorder—An overview
Authors: Grice Martine , Wehrle Simon , Krüger Martina , Spaniol Malin , Cangemi Francesco , Vogeley Kai
Published: August 2023

Linguistic prosody involves the rhythm and melody of speech. It implicitly enhances or modifies the explicit meaning of spoken words. The literature on linguistic prosody related to autism spectrum disorder deals both with the production and perception of a broad range of linguistic functions. These functions range from the formal encoding of grammatical features (e.g. lexical stress, syntactic structure) to the less formal, more intuitive signalling of pragmatic or interactional aspects (speech acts, information structure, turn‐taking in conversation). This narrative review reports mixed results from 51 studies, with tentative evidence for greater differences in the perception of intuitive functions. Apart from considerable methodological differences across the different studies, much of the variability in the results is due to the wide range of ages investigated, since difficulties encountered by autistic children do not always persist into adulthood and compensatory strategies can be learnt for using prosody in communication.
The Effect of Standing Versus Sitting on Creativity in Adolescents—A Crossover Randomized Trial: The PHIT2LEARN Study
Authors: Luteijn Petra J. , van der Wurff Inge S. M. , van Tuijl Piet , Singh Amika S. , Savelberg Hans H. C. M. , de Groot Renate H. M.
Published: August 2023

Creativity is important for school performance. As several brain mechanisms involved in creativity are stimulated by low‐intensity physical activity, standing might influence creativity. Few studies on the relationship between standing and creativity have been executed, and none among vocational education and training (VET) students. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether standing influences creativity in VET students. In a randomized crossover study, 192 VET students were randomly allocated to standing or sitting (i.e., control) for 30 min. After 15 min, they performed two creativity tests: Guilford's Alternative Uses Test (divergent thinking) and Remote Associates Test (convergent thinking). Subsequently, conditions were switched, and the procedure was repeated. Multilevel analyses showed no significant effect of standing on divergent or convergent thinking test performance. Our results show that 30 min of standing does not affect creativity in VET students.
Cysts of the jaws: A multicentre study
Authors: Dhanuthai Kittipong , Chantarangsu Soranun , Klanrit Poramaporn , Chamusri Nutchapon , Aminishakib Pouyan , Khoozestani Neda Kardouni , Morozan Arina , Tang Celina , Singh Riponjot , Darling Mark
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To determine the relative frequency, demographic and pathologic profiles of patients diagnosed with cysts of the jaws.

Materials and Methods

Biopsy records of the participating institutions from 2000 to 2020 were reviewed for lesions diagnosed in the cyst category. Demographic data, the location of the cysts and pathologic diagnoses were collected. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistics using IBM SPSS software version 28.0.

Results

From 148,353 accessioned cases, 25,628 cases (17.28%) were diagnosed in the cyst category. Mean age of the patients ± SD = 42.62 ± 19.36 years. Paediatric patients (aged ≤ 16 years) accounted for 9.63%, while geriatric patients (aged ≥ 65) comprised 14.22% of all the patients. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1.27:1. The majority of the lesions were encountered in the mandible. The most prevalent cyst was radicular cyst followed by dentigerous cyst and odontogenic keratocyst. In the paediatric group, dentigerous cyst was the most prevalent, whereas in the geriatric group, radicular cyst was the most common.

Conclusions

In general, the results of this study are in accordance with previous studies. This study provides an invaluable database for clinicians when formulating clinical differential diagnoses as well as for pathologists in rendering the final diagnosis.
Neoliberalism and governmental and individual responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐national analysis
Authors: Liu Yuanze , Wu Zhongda , Wang Yuying , Dong Zhiwen , Sun Zhaoyang , Gan Yiqun
Published: August 2023

Given the deficiencies of traditional government capacity indicators and cultural factors (e.g., individualism) in explaining the discrepancies of different agents' responses to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, the present study proposed and examined the role of neoliberalism, a novel cultural tradition of knowledge emphasizing the principles of free markets and self‐governance, as an additional explanation of the discrepancies in the governmental and individual responses to the pandemic. Analyzing policy responses of 106 nations and personal responses from 105,203 individuals in 104 nations during the first wave of the pandemic, we found that nation‐level neoliberalism (delineated by the economic freedom index) negatively predicted the nonlinear trajectories of government policy responses to contain the pandemic. Specifically, in more neoliberal countries, stringent containment policy responses showed a sharper decline in the later stage of the first wave of the pandemic. Moreover, nation‐level neoliberalism negatively predicted individuals' pandemic‐protective attitudes and behaviors. All these effects are independent of and incremental to those of nation‐level individualism. In conclusion, this study sheds light on how neoliberalism could lead to negative consequences during large‐scale, long‐lasting public threats, offering practical guidance for adjusting public crisis management in the future.
The impact of long‐term acclimation to different growth light intensities on the regulation of zeaxanthin epoxidase in different plant species
Authors: Bethmann Stephanie , Haas Ann‐Kathrin , Melzer Michael , Jahns Peter
Published: August 2023

Proper short‐ and long‐term acclimation to different growth light intensities is essential for the survival and competitiveness of plants in the field. High light exposure is known to induce the down‐regulation and photoinhibition of photosystem II (PSII) activity to reduce photo‐oxidative stress. The xanthophyll zeaxanthin (Zx) serves central photoprotective functions in these processes. We have shown in recent work with different plant species (Arabidopsis, tobacco, spinach and pea) that photoinhibition of PSII and degradation of the PSII reaction center protein D1 is accompanied by the inactivation and degradation of zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP), which catalyzes the reconversion of Zx to violaxanthin. Different high light sensitivity of the above‐mentioned species correlated with differential down‐regulation of both PSII and ZEP activity. Applying light and electron microscopy, chlorophyll fluorescence, and protein and pigment analyses, we investigated the acclimation properties of these species to different growth light intensities with respect to the ability to adjust their photoprotective strategies. We show that the species differ in phenotypic plasticity in response to short‐ and long‐term high light conditions at different morphological and physiological levels. However, the close co‐regulation of PSII and ZEP activity remains a common feature in all species and under all conditions. This work supports species‐specific acclimation strategies and properties in response to high light stress and underlines the central role of the xanthophyll Zx in photoprotection.
Revisiting the academic–practitioner divide: Evidence from computational social science and corpus linguistics
Authors: Walker Richard M. , Zhang Jiasheng , Chandra Yanto , Dong Binzizi , Wang Yao
Published: August 2023

As a design science, public administration is focused on addressing real‐world problems. However, within public administration argument and evidence on the relevance of academic research to practice agendas is equivocal. We investigate the “academic–practitioner divide” using computational social science techniques to identify the topics of “academic,” “academic–practitioner,” and practitioner corpora over a 25‐year period. Topic modeling results of the 50 topics identified in each of these corpora suggest that the topics of academics and practitioners have more differences than similarities: nearly seven‐tenths of the identified topics differ between the practice corpus and the academic and academic–practice corpora. Corpus linguistics analysis is applied to contrast the keyness of topics over time, and the results confirm the largely different agendas of the corpora albeit with some convergence on governance and outcomes. Corpora examined in this article is largely suggestive of a lack of relevance of academic research to practice agendas.
Intervention intensity predicts the quality and duration of prairie restoration outcomes
Authors: McFarlane Stephanie L. , Kochanski Jade M. , Gratton Claudio , Damschen Ellen I.
Published: August 2023

Restoration of grassland ecosystems is essential for mitigating global losses of biodiversity and is typically initiated to foster persistent, long‐term increases in biodiversity. Yet, evaluating long‐term impacts of restoration on biodiversity is rare, especially across sites restored using consistent methods. Evaluation of restoration outcomes is particularly important for increasing predictive capacity in restoration ecology to determine the level of restoration effort that is required to achieve both short‐ and long‐term restoration goals. We conducted a multisite study that explicitly compared the impacts of no intervention (“passive” or “natural” recovery), low intervention (seeding native plants), and moderate intervention (seeding native plants and using fire management) at 32 restored prairies differing in the age of restoration (3–23 years). Grasslands with natural recovery have equivalent native plant species richness compared to sites with low and moderate restoration intervention, however, they have significantly lower‐quality vegetation, as measured by Floristic Quality (mean C). We found that managing restored prairies with fire maintains native plant richness over time and is correlated with higher vegetation quality and presence of seeded species. Seed mixes with a high mean C score are positively correlated with plant community quality. However, seed mixes with more species are negatively correlated with the proportion of seeded species present. We found that while the degree of restoration intervention has no effect on the number of native plant species, greater levels of assisted recovery are required to produce restored prairies that resemble high‐quality remnant vegetation and, especially, to maintain these successes over the long term.
Scenario planning and multispecies occupancy models reveal positive avian responses to restoration of afforested woodlands
Authors: Roberts Caleb P. , Doser Jeffrey W. , Berry Lauren L. , Fowler Allison , Marshall Percival M. , Middaugh Christopher , Rowe Karen , Schmit Jessica M. , Shaw Michael , Wilson Kenneth
Published: August 2023

Scenario planning is a powerful approach for assessing restoration outcomes under alternative futures. However, developing plausible scenarios remains daunting in complex systems like ecological communities. Here, we used Bayesian multispecies occupancy modeling to develop scenarios to assess woodland restoration outcomes in afforested communities in seven wildlife management areas in Arkansas, U.S.A. Our objectives were (1) to define plausible woodland restoration and afforestation scenarios by quantifying historic ranges of variation in mean tree cover and tree cover heterogeneity from 1986 to 2021 and (2) to predict changes in bird species richness and occupancy patterns for six species of greatest conservation need under two future scenarios: complete afforestation (100% tree cover) and woodland restoration (based on remotely sensed historic tree cover). Using 35 years of remotely sensed tree cover data and 6 years of bird monitoring data, we developed multispecies occupancy models to predict future bird species richness and occupancy under the complete afforestation and woodland restoration scenarios. Between 1986 and 2021, tree cover increased in all study areas—with one increasing 70%. Under the woodland restoration scenario, avian species richness increased up to 20%, and four of six species of greatest conservation need exhibited gains in occupancy probability. The complete afforestation scenario had negligible effects on richness and occupancy. Overall, we found decreasing tree cover to historic levels prior to widespread afforestation would provide community‐level benefits and would do little harm even to forest‐dependent species of conservation concern. Applying multispecies occupancy modeling within a scenario planning framework allows for comparing multiscale trade‐offs between plausible futures.
A little help from my friends: Lack of social interaction predicts greater boredom during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lin Yijun , LePine S. Elisha , Krause Ashley N. , Westgate Erin C.
Published: August 2023

Were people bored during the pandemic, and if so why? One possibility is lack of social interaction due to restrictions on social activity intended to slow the spread of communicable disease. In a 3‐week daily diary study (n = 438; international community sample) social interaction predicted boredom and its consequences. People felt more bored on days when they engaged in less social interaction than usual (in‐person or virtually), largely driven by a lack of meaning. In turn, boredom predicted lower well‐being concurrently, and more virtual interaction the next day; people dispositionally higher in trait boredom also reported more solitary (but not partnered) sexual activity. In conclusion, this study suggests that maintaining social connections, even during a pandemic, may be important to mitigate boredom and improve overall well‐being.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*26:233 allele by sequencing based typing
Authors: Liu Tongyuan , Chen Liting , Xiao Min , Wang Na , Wang Gaoxiang
Published: August 2023

HLA‐A*26:233 differs from HLA‐A*26:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 129 in exon 3.
ANALYSIS OF RWANDA’S GRID POINT OF STABILITY LOSS
Authors: Bizimungu Silas , Njoka Francis , Saoke Churchhill , Siame Clement
Published: August 2023

E
Electricity stability is the key component in ensuring reliable power supply which is a major hurdle in most developing countries. Power angle being part of grid stability pillars, this work sought to theoretically and numerically investigate the maximum power angle variation that the power system in Rwanda could experience while maintaining transient stability at an acceptable range beyond which generators lose synchronism affecting overall system stability. A steady state and dynamic stability assessment of the lightly loaded Rwandan grid is conducted using PSS/E while MATLAB is used to obtain input values for calculating the system stability power angle. This involved collecting actual network parameters, creating an accurate model of the entire Rwandan grid and validating the model simulation results using regularly metered values at various critical busbars of the network. Results from the study show that a sudden drop in load of 11 MW and 6 MVAr leads to a variation of power angle of the largest power plant by 23o triggering transient stability problems leading to loss of synchronism. Both calculated and simulation results show that, a sudden power angle variation of between 23o to 23.5o at the swing bus power plant, causes the monitored generating units to trip triggering a long-term instability. This was done while also interrogating possible mitigation measures based on the developed and validated model. Based on the system status, the study revealed that the grid point of stability can be determined through simulation using software and to further obtain optimum stability, installation of active devices such as shunt reactors helps the grid to counter sudden variation of power angle due to line and load tripping.
B
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL PENALTIES IMPLEMENTATION ON NON-COMPLIANCE WITH ROAD PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Authors: Sita Tisara , Mulyono Agus Taufik , Tri Utomo Suryo Hapsoro
Published: August 2023

Indonesia's national road preservation system, mainly routine road maintenance, was initially carried out independently by the project manager as a road section manager. This maintenance has been transformed into a "long segment" scheme since 2016. The contractor is subject to financial penalties in the form of withholding payments for each failure to meet the road performance indicators within the specified repair response times. The government, specifically the project manager, has not adequately applied the current financial penalties for late fulfillment of road performance indicators in Indonesia. The implementation of financial penalties that is not adequate is inversely proportional to the number of public complaints related to road performance, which represents the impact of road performance that does not meet the criteria. This study recommends developing a comprehensive policy for penalties related to the late fulfillment of road performance indicators. The policy should consider multiple indicators and components and adjust the coefficient of each component based on the severity of the condition. In addition, this study advises revising the formulation of financial penalties using relevant data, such as average daily traffic volume or public complaints.
CRITICAL RISK ANALYSIS OF TOLL ROAD PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) PROJECT CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Authors: Putri Fahira Rhomianti , Susanti Betty , Toyfur Mona Foralisa
Published: August 2023

Limited funding in meeting the financing needs for the provision of toll road infrastructure makes the government need to look for alternative financing so that the project can still be carried out. Public Private Partnership (PPP) is an alternative option to overcome this problem. However, infrastructure projects with PPP schemes require large investments and a relatively long concession period, thus allowing risk uncertainty to arise as a result of decisions made during the project. Risk identification in a construction project is important at the beginning of the project. This study was aimed at identifying critical risks, determining risk allocation and risk mitigation strategies, and analyzing the interrelationship between critical risks. The case study was conducted on the Trans Sumatra toll road project in South Sumatra. Quantitative data (questionnaire survey) and qualitative data (interview) were collected from the toll-road private sector. The results of the study identified five critical risks in the construction phase (CP) of the toll road project along with the allocation of risks, namely the risks of geographical conditions (shared), delays in work progress (private sector), design errors (private sector), force majeure (shared) and weather conditions (shared). The mitigation strategy for the risks of geographical conditions and design errors was to redesign the construction structure by adjusting with the land conditions of the toll road. Force majeure (Covid-19) causing delays in work progress required rescheduling and recalculation of construction costs. Weather conditions (heavy rain) occurring on swampy land caused puddles/floods; this condition caused delays in construction work. The mitigation strategy that could be carried out was by coordinating with the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in the region and preparing disaster management Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The cause and effect of each risk showed that the critical risks in the construction phase of the toll road project were interrelated to each other which the risks would finally contribute to the increase in the construction costs of the toll road project.
Covid-19 Pandemic and Its Effects on Social Life and Reflections on Spatial Preferences
Authors: Kahveci Hilal , Onur Makbulenur
Published: August 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic, which emerged in Wuhan city of China's Hubei province in December 2019, affected the whole world in a short period of 3 months. The Covid-19 outbreak, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization as of March 12, 2020; was imposed significant restrictions on the use of open spaces, which adversely affected the daily life of individuals physically, mentally and socially. Apart from the health problems experienced by people, it has also created many spatial choices and changes. New preferences, where social distance is at the forefront, have started new venue organizations along with new requests. Although the changes experienced with the Covid-19 pandemic may seem negative, they contain opportunities that allow change and development. Making people's living environments more functional, remembering the importance of nature and reviewing social relations can be evaluated in this context. Looking from history to the present, the Covid-19 pandemic is not the first and will not be the last. For this reason, the study aims to investigate the change in the spatial preferences in the society with the pandemic and to create an idea for the next pandemics. In this context, 289 people were reached by using the online survey method and various questions were asked. Various results were obtained and interpreted by performing variance analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, crosstabs test and frequency analysis (P˂0.01) on the obtained data. As a result of the study, from the statistical data, it has been observed that 'people are more oriented to nature' due to the Covid-19 pandemic and that open green spaces suitable for social distance are sought in spatial preferences. These findings shed new light on the value of urban nature as resilience infrastructure during a time of crisis.
Evaluation of Thermal Admittance of Compressed Earth Bricks C.E.B Configurations for School Buildings in Hot-dry climate region of North-western Nigeria
Authors: Maimagani Sanusi Sani , Abdul Majid Roshida , Pau Chung Leng
Published: August 2023

Permeation of heat into the school building enclosure through external walls components of the building resulting into the numerous consequences which causes unhealthy indoor living conditions for teaching and learning activities, which has a negative impacts on the students general academic performance and their productivity, the study carried out a fieldwork experimentation  where four experimental models (chambers) were built using four dissimilar  compressed earth (C.E.B) configurations; compressed earth horizontal hollow brick  (C.E.H.H.B), compressed earth vertical hollow brick (C.E.V.H.B), compressed earth cellular brick  (C.E.C.B), and compressed earth solid  brick  (C.E.S.B) respectively, data were collected from fieldwork experimental chambers using two distinct wall surface temperature measuring devices; an onset UX120-M600 4-channel analogue data logger and Testo 835 Infrared thermometer which were utilized to measure the interior wall surface temperature facing the west direction of each experimental chamber to determine the rate of thermal admittance of the entire chambers built with distinct C.E.B configurations, the extracted data using surface temperature measuring instrument were analyzed using the spss software package for identification of the C.E.B configurations with the least thermal permeation from outdoor environment to indoor space of the school building via external walls of the building. After the statistical analysis, the study's outcome revealed that compressed earth horizontal hollow brick (C.E.H.H.B) has a minimum heat transfer rate of (34.933OC) and (35.7493OC), among other C.E.B configurations. This undoubtedly indicated the appropriate C.E.B configurations for school buildings in hot-dry climate regions of northwestern Nigeria.
Significance of Gender Differences on Housing in Nigeria: a Case Study of Osun State University Osogbo
Authors: Ajayi Aderonke Olufunmi , Jaiyeoba Babatunde , Ajayi Ayodeji Olusola
Published: August 2023

In many cases, housing designs are gendered in tune with societal expectations from both sexes. However, existing research shows that gender transcends mere classifications into male and female. Based on the nexus between gender and housing, a clear contextual understanding of the dynamics is vital to housing policies and design. This study, therefore, examines gender-based responses to housing attributes by deconstructing gender into the degree of masculinity or femininity rather than just being male or female. Upon a successful pilot study, questionnaire-based primary data were obtained by multi-stage sampling technique from 222 staff members of Osun State University Osogbo. Secondary data were obtained from the Academic Planning Unit of the University. Data obtained were descriptively analysed. Findings show similarities and differences based on gender (male/female) and gender identity. Gender similarities and differences were found in the importance of housing attributes, the perceived impact of housing attributes on domestic tasks, and the desirability of housing attributes. Results also show that respondents with Feminine Female (FF) gender identity placed high importance on housing attributes required to support frequently performed domestic tasks. In addition, only FF considered the availability of neighbourhood markets and schools (D= 0.02) highly impactful on household tasks. The study concluded that responses to housing attributes are gendered with variations concerning gender, gender identity and gender roles. It further established a relationship between responses to housing attributes and the domestic gender roles of respondents in the study area. Therefore, the study recommends adequate attention to gender in housing design, policy and process.
The Relationship Between Kindergarten Teachers' Perceptions and Children's Readiness Skills in Selangor, Malaysia: A Survey Study
Authors: Ghazali Azam , Mohamad Ashari Zakiah , Abu Bakar Azlina
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study is to learn about teachers' perceptions of children's readiness skills by understanding the different types of skills and their importance to children who will enter primary school in the future. There are 4 main objectives in this study which are (i) to explore the types of children's readiness skills; (ii) to explore teachers' perceptions of children's readiness skills; (iii) to find out the relationship between teachers' perceptions and children's readiness skills; and (iv) to find out the difference between male and female teachers' perceptions towards children's readiness skills. This study is a quantitative study where it was only conducted using a survey method which is a set of questionnaires was distributed to 112 participants consisting of trainee teachers, young teachers, experienced teachers, and early childhood education practitioners in Selangor. The data were analyzed by using Statistical Software Package for Sciences (SPSS) version 25 to obtain percentage, standard deviation and mean. Findings show teachers understand the level of readiness skills required by children in kindergarten. Besides, their perceptions of the readiness skills needed by children is also at a good level.  Several suggestions have been made to the Malaysian Ministry of Education to ensure that the emphasis on child well-being through positive learning is implemented in kindergarten so that children can improve their readiness skills when they are entering the primary school. Furthermore, researchers have stated the implications on children's readiness skills, specifically the role of the school and parents in providing opportunities for them to explore their surrounding so that they demonstrate a clear nature of readiness to learn.
Correlation between Social Media Utilization and the Young Generation’s Online Shopping Behavior in Eastern Indonesia
Authors: Akbar Muhammad , Sonni Alem Febri , Suhasman S. , Adawiyah Siti Rabiatul , Herald Yusmanizar Ib
Published: August 2023

Online shopping is popular among generations Y and Z in Indonesia. This research study evaluated consumer online shopping behavior in Eastern Indonesia, a lower income and lower internet penetration region than western Indonesia. Online study questionnaires were distributed to the region's main cities or provincial capitals to collect profile data on the internet and social media use in the Indonesian society. A total of 613 respondents completed the questionnaires. Correspondence analysis was used to assess the relationship between two categorical variables. Instagram was the most popular social media followed by Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and TikTok. Most of the respondents used more than one platform. Almost all respondents had shopped online (95.76%) after a product review from mainly consumer reviews and rarely from promotions by influencers. However, online shoppers were still wary of products that did not match their online description.