bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Reporting and Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Underpinning Clinical Practice Guidelines Focused on the Management of Cutaneous Melanoma: Cross-Sectional Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Khalid Mahnoor , Sutterfield Bethany , Minley Kirstien , Ottwell Ryan , Abercrombie McKenna , Heath Christopher , Torgerson Trevor , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) inform evidence-based decision-making in the clinical setting; however, systematic reviews (SRs) that inform these CPGs may vary in terms of reporting and methodological quality, which affects confidence in summary effect estimates.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to appraise the methodological and reporting quality of the SRs used in CPGs for cutaneous melanoma and evaluate differences in these outcomes between Cochrane and non-Cochrane reviews.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis by searching PubMed for cutaneous melanoma guidelines published between January 1, 2015, and May 21, 2021. Next, we extracted SRs composing these guidelines and appraised their reporting and methodological rigor using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) checklists. Lastly, we compared these outcomes between Cochrane and non-Cochrane SRs. All screening and data extraction occurred in a masked, duplicate fashion.

RESULTS

Of the SRs appraised, the mean completion rate was 66.5% (SD 12.29%) for the PRISMA checklist and 44.5% (SD 21.05%) for AMSTAR. The majority of SRs (19/50, 53%) were of critically low methodological quality, with no SRs being appraised as high quality. There was a statistically significant association (P<.001) between AMSTAR and PRISMA checklists. Cochrane SRs had higher PRISMA mean completion rates and higher methodological quality than non-Cochrane SRs.

CONCLUSIONS

SRs supporting CPGs focused on the management of cutaneous melanoma vary in reporting and methodological quality, with the majority of SRs being of low quality. Increasing adherence to PRISMA and AMSTAR checklists will likely increase the quality of SRs, thereby increasing the level of evidence supporting cutaneous melanoma CPGs.
The Success of Cancer Crowdfunding Campaigns: Project and Text Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Xupin , Tao Xinqi , Ji Bingxiang , Wang Renwu , Sörensen Silvia
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have analyzed the factors that contribute to variations in the success of crowdfunding campaigns for a specific cancer type; however, little is known about the influential factors among crowdfunding campaigns for multiple cancers.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between project features and the success of cancer crowdfunding campaigns and to determine whether text features affect campaign success for various cancers.

METHODS

Using cancer-related crowdfunding projects on the GoFundMe website, we transformed textual descriptions from the campaigns into structured data using natural language processing techniques. Next, we used penalized logistic regression and correlation analyses to examine the influence of project and text features on fundraising project outcomes. Finally, we examined the influence of campaign description sentiment on crowdfunding success using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software.

RESULTS

Campaigns were significantly more likely to be successful if they featured a lower target amount (Goal amount, β=−1.949, z score=−82.767, P<.001) for fundraising, a higher number of previous donations, agency (vs individual) organizers, project pages containing updates, and project pages containing comments from readers. The results revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between the length of the text and the amount of funds raised. In addition, more spelling mistakes negatively affected the funds raised (Number of spelling errors, β=−1.068, z score=−38.79, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Difficult-to-treat cancers and high-mortality cancers tend to trigger empathy from potential donors, which increases the funds raised. Gender differences were observed in the effects of emotional words in the text on the amount of funds raised. For cancers that typically occur in women, links between emotional words used and the amount of funds raised were weaker than for cancers typically occurring among men.
Use of benzodiazepines and the risk of falls in the elderly
Authors: Leão Rildo Miranda , Lins Felipe Alves , Ramon Ricardo Ferreira , Oliveira Jefferson Filipe Silva de , Teixeira Matheus Tosi , Lira Sylas de Oliveira , Pereira Luís Henrique Oliveira , da Silva Marlon Otávio Reis , Viana Elenilta Maria de Araujo , Resende Carlos Ananias Aparecido
Published: November 2022

The aging of the world population increases every year, this process leads to the decline of physiological functions that can lead to various diseases and, consequently, the use of more medicines by the elderly public. However, the consumption of drugs can cause some undesirable problems that are sometimes not correlated with their use, such as the increased risk of falls resulting from the use of benzodiazepines. In this context, the study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of benzodiazepines and the increase in falls in the elderly. To this end, a literature review was carried out in the Google Scholar, VHL, Scielo, PubMed, Medline and LILACS databases, selecting works in Portuguese and English published between 2011 and 2021. 7 articles were selected, 5 with Brazilian research , 1 in Japan and 1 in the Middle East. The results showed that the use of this class of drugs requires caution, especially in the elderly, as they may remain in the body longer, favoring the increase in side effects and falls, even in a hospital environment. Thus, a better assessment of the risk/benefit of the drug is suggested and, when its use is necessary, preference should be given to short-acting drugs. Thus, it is understood the importance of carrying out a good evaluation and monitoring of the elderly who use this type of medication, in order to guarantee a better quality of life, without extensive complications arising from falls and falls due to the use of medications.
Sleep quality and mental health of health workers in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Pinheiro Romulo Ayres Dias , Teixeira Matheus Tosi , Leão Rildo Miranda , Ramos Giovanna Silva , Castro Gustavo Pires de , Ribeiro Lucas Cardeal Simão , Filho Marcelo Gomes Melo , Aguiar Iuri Vieira , Damasceno Stálin Santos , Barbosa Nanielle Silva
Published: November 2022

The intense working hours of the teams on the front line of COVID-19 resulted in negative results in the quality of sleep and in the mental health of professionals. This integrative review aims to identify evidence about the sleep quality of health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship with mental health. Data collection took place on the VHL and PUBMED portals, in October 2022. Thirteen articles were included, published between 2020 and 2022, all in English. As for the country in which the study was carried out, the following stand out: China (23%), United States of America (23%), Turkey (23%), Saudi Arabia (15.4%), Lebanon (7.7%) and Iran (7.7%). Poor sleep quality was evidenced, as well as impacts and correlation with mental suffering. It is understood that the measures that go in the direction of improving the working conditions of health professionals, provided a better quality of sleep and associated problems.
A Study on the Effects of Beliefs in the Intention to Money Donation on Social Network Platforms of Young People Living and Working in Hanoi
Authors: Tuan Dr. Pham Van , HOANG Le Duc , Huong Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu
Published: November 2022

The study was carried out with the goal of analyzing and studying the factors affecting the intention to donate money on social networking platforms of young people living and working in Hanoi. In the study, the authors used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research to provide a complete scale before entering into the official research. With 383 questionnaires with valid answers, all of these people have participated in online support through different social networking platforms. The results received from the survey were processed and analyzed using the supporting software SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 25. Finally, the results obtained show the importance of social networks for the effectiveness of charity fundraising in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the research team found that only the reputation of the organization and the knowledge, as well as subjective standards of the participants in favor, indirectly influenced their intention to donate to charity through belief and attitude.
A retrospective study in a comprehensive assessment of the various systemic factors of Iraqi patients receiving dental implants
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed Khamis , Soud Samara Salman , Mohammed Jalal Hisham
Published: November 2022

In this study, 220 patients from different hospitals in Iraq and distribution Lost follow-up implants and Failed implants of the patient's study for four years, 300 implants. Study showed 220 participants were included, and the average age ranged between 40-60 years with a mean value and standard deviation of 48±7.8.0 This study was designed by adopting an analysis approach for all factors affecting dental implants, and the results were analysed according to the statistical analysis program IBM SPSS Soft. The quality of life (WHO QOL-BREF) was also measured for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the various systemic factors of Iraqi patients receiving dental implants. The results which found to be distributed according to gender for 130 male patients with 59.09%, females for 90 patients with 40.09%, Implant insertion torque range achieved in no. of cases (Maxillary dental implants with No. of implants placed 30 for 30±4.9 N and 40 No. of implants placed with Implant insertion torque range achieved in no. of cases 45±7.7 N), (Mandibular dental implants with No. of implants placed for 40 (Implant insertion torque range achieved in no. of cases 34±3.4), (Mandibular dental implants with No. of implants placed 175 and Implant insertion torque range achieved in no. of cases 47±6.6) The effect of dental implants on the quality of life of patients was also identified, and a statistically significant relationship was found at a p-value < 0.05
An assessment of seasonal fluctuations in physicochemical variables in Lake Zuzuwadi and Lake Ballur of Hosur Dt., Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Padmakumar Vidya , S Murugan
Published: November 2022

Seasonal changes in physicochemical characteristics were investigated in Zuzuwadi Lake and Ballur Lake in the Hosur District of Tamil Nadu, India. Throughout the year, mean air and water temperatures ranged from 27.0 to 32.0ºC. The dissolved oxygen concentrations at each station throughout the summer and winter seasons were in the range of 6.0 ± 0.113 (±1.89%) to 9.0 ± 1.118 (±1.57%) ppm and 12.0 ± 0.127 (±1.05%) to 13.5 ± 0.445 (±3.51%) ppm, correspondingly. The conductivity was between 300.0 ± 1.652 (±4.15%) to 329.0 ± 2.422 (±4.15%) µS/cm. The nitrate content of Lake Zuzuwadi ranges from 8.0 ± 0.113 (±1.62%) to 10.0 ± 1.132 (±12.57%) ppm, indicating that the water is oligotrophic and could destroy aquatic ecosystems. In Lake Zuzuwadi, the Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand remained at 5.0 ± 0.113 (±1.62%) and 200.0 ± 12.652 (±4.15%) ppm, respectively, but in Lake Ballur, they were 9.0 ± 1.386 (±19.80%) and 200.0 ± 12.652 (±4.15%) ppm. Both stations had salinities of less than 200.0 ± 1.497 (±0.50%) ppm. Lake Zuzuwadi has been found to have algal blooms. According to the comparative Physico-chemical parameter interpretations, Lake Zuzuwadi is oligotrophic in nature, while Lake Ballur is slightly contaminated, containing a diverse array of aquatic creatures that rely on the lakes to exist. Zuzuwadi Lake had a WQI of 60.6 ± 0.999 (±1.65%), whereas Ballur Lake had a WQI of 70.4 ± 0.784 (±1.11%) indicating that the water quality is bad.
Community knowledge, perceptions and use of seed-oil plants: The case of Letlhakeng, Kubung and Mahetwe villages in Kweneng District. Botswana
Authors: Mmopelwa Gagoitseope , Chanda Raban , L. Kgathi Donlad. , Kashe Keotshephile
Published: November 2022

The world over, there has been increasing concern over the use of fossil fuels due to their finite availability, increasing prices and negative environmental impacts. The aim of the study was to determine the potential socio economic impacts of locally available or indigenous oil seed plants as biodiesel feedstocks. A household survey and a focussed group discussion were conducted in village of Letlhakeng and two settlements (Mahetlwe and Kubung), respectively, in Kweneng district in Botswana, to study residents’ knowledge, perceptions, use of and willingness to grow local seed-oil plants which could support biodiesel production: A number of indigenous oil seed plants, including Ochna pulchra, Pappea capensis, Ximenia caffra, Ziziphus mucronata, Mimusops zeyheri and Bauhinia petersiana were identified as potential biodiesel feedstocks. The reported seed-oil plants were generally perceived to be abundant where they grow. Generally, respondents expressed a willingness to commercially gather the seed-oil plants as well as grow the plants in own farms or in marginal land under community based natural resources management (CBNRM) arrangement to supply biodiesel production. The willingness stemmed from the perceived socio-economic and environmental benefits that include employment creation, diversification of income sources, enhanced resource value and conservation and sustainable use of resources.
Mapping the Consumption Expenditure Pattern of West Bengal: Some Revelations on the Recent State of Development
Authors: Sinha Dyuti
Published: November 2022

Abstract: The structural transformation of the Indian economy from an agriculture based economy to service sector based economy has resulted in gradual hybridization of the Indian consumer society in the dart of adopting the western culture. The rampant transformation is accompanied by increasing use of consumer durables. Thus, the Indian economy being one of the largest of its kind has emerged as one of the attractive destinations of the producers’ due to its substantially growing middle class and a slighter growing affluent class of consumers. There has been a series of debates on the prospects and sustainability of this booming consumption demand. Hence the study attempts to explore the current pattern of consumption keeping in view the diversity in pattern of distribution for the state of West Bengal The expenditure pattern depends on various economic, social, geographic and several others factors affected by some external stimuli. Hence, the study attempts to explore the extent of improvement using indicators from the consumption expenditure schedule on the basis of unit level data for the last two NSS rounds available i.e. Round 66th (2009-10) and Round 68th (2011-12). Keeping aside the debates on setting the poverty line, this paper also finds the level of poverty persistent in West Bengal and finds that the poverty is on a steady decline. Development indices have been constructed at the district level and the change in corresponding ranks over the years have been used to indicate the state of development or underdevelopment with respect to the indicator in concern. JEL Classification: I32, O15, P46
Credit Card Approval Prediction using Classification Algorithms
Authors: Dalsania Naman , Punatar Devang , Kothari Deep
Published: November 2022

Abstract: Credit risk as the boards in banks basically revolves around determining the probability of default or the creditworthiness of a customer, collapse, and the cost, assuming it happens. It is important to consider key factors and anticipate the likelihood of consumer default, given the circumstances. This is where machine learning models come into play. This allows banks and large financial institutions to predict whether their customers will default on their loans. This project uses Python to create machine-learning models with the highest possible accuracy. First, we load the dataset and take a glimpse. The data set is a combination of mathematical and non-mathematical elements, with various ranges of values and some missing points. We pre-process the dataset so that the selected ML model meets high expectations.
Smart City Garbage Monitoring System
Authors: Imdaadh M. J. M , Saajidh M. N. M , Ahmed A. , Ahagaash S.
Published: November 2022

Abstract: In Sri Lanka, garbage dumping has long been a problem. The regional organizations have made various attempts to address this issue. But unfortunately, no appropriate action has been taken thus far. As a consequence, there are several environmental issues as well as human health issues, particularly among children. As a result, we have suggested some approaches to resolving these issues so that we can advance the nation. The prime objective of the suggested system is to provide a nation free from waste, and the suggested solutions support this objective as well. The suggested approach will benefit the municipality council in a variety of ways, reducing both labour and capital costs. The proposed system will calculate the amount of garbage that has been piled up effectively, giving truck drivers information that can be tracked via a mobile application. The system will warn pedestrians if they attempt to dump garbage out of the bin and also if they pile particular garbage in a different type of a bin other than designated bin. This will aid road cleaners in efficiently collecting garbage other than focusing more collecting trash from the roads. It will improve the garbage segregation process because the designated types of bins are also kept separately and can be utilized by the local bodies as they require, which helps to achieve our objective of this system
A Flight fare Prediction Using Machine Learning
Authors: Jayatkar Ketan , Jagtap Dipak , Dengale Pratik , Satam Aditya , Nivangune Prof Mahendra
Published: November 2022

Abstract: While airlines (the sellers) always work to increase their revenue by changing pricing for the same service, air travellers (the buyers) frequently search for the ideal time of year to buy flights in order to save as much money as possible. The choice to raise or lower tickets at various points leading up to departure dates can be made by the sellers based on all the relevant data, such as historical sales, market demand, consumer profile, and behaviour. The buyers, on the other hand, have limited access to data to help them decide whether to delay or make a quick flight purchase. In this study, we suggest a new model that might assist the purchaser in anticipating price movements even in the absence of official airlines. Our results showed that the suggested model, despite lacking several essential components, such as the number of unsold seats on flights, can forecast trends as well as actual changes in airfare up to the departure dates using public airfare data that is readily available online. We also determined the characteristics that have the biggest effects on changes in airfare
The Design of DC Micro Grid with a Load-Based Battery Discharge Method for Remote Island Electrification Utilizes Marine Currents and Solar Photovoltaic
Authors: Faanzir Faanzir , Ashari Mochamad , Soedibyo Soedibyo , Suwito Suwito , Umar Umar
Published: November 2022

This paper presents the design of DC micro grid with a load-based battery discharge method for remote island electrification utilising marine currents and solar photovoltaic. To anticipate the intermittent, a load-based battery discharge method is proposed. A centralized battery storage is sized according to the unfilled load demand by the marine current and the solar PV. Thus, the length of the turbine diameter is varied to meet the optimum system size. Hourly data of marine current speed from Cipalulu Strait in Maluku, Indonesia is provided. Data at a typical time, shows that the marine current peak power occurs every 6 hours perday, whereas the PV is at noon. The loads divide into 6 categories, including household 1, household 2, villagse office, school, mosque, and public health center with the peak demand as 112 kW and 856 kWh perday. All loads, mainly for lightings and electronic equipment work in 24 V DC through converters. The distribution network employs 320 V DC connecting from the power plan to the community residents. Simulations demonstrate that the battery size, solar PV, and turbine radius matches to meet the loads. Simulations also show that the battery utilization meets its current and capacity, meaning that an optimum size and filling the load profile can be smoothly conducted.
Tren ngopi di Jakarta: Analisis rekomendasi kedai kopi pada akun Instagram
Authors: Pratiwi Narita , Widhiasti Maria Regina
Published: November 2022

Berdasarkan rekam jejak digital, jumlah kedai kopi di Jakarta mengalami peningkatan sejak tahun 2015. Peningkatan ini menjadi indikasi bahwa kedai kopi bukan hanya dijadikan sebagai tempat untuk menikmati kopi melainkan untuk bertemu teman, mengerjakan tugas, maupun untuk sekedar berfoto. Kedai kopi dijadikan sebagai ruang yang merepresentasikan tren pada gaya hidup urban. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tren ngopi di Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang dan Bekasi dengan menyelidiki unggahan konten rekomendasi kedai kopi dari akun Instagram @jakartacoffeespot. Dengan menganalisis secara tekstual 262 unggahan @jakartacoffeespot dalam kurun waktu 2 tahun terlihat pola penamaan dengan campuran Bahasa Indonesia dengan bahasa asing yang menegaskan interaksi budaya global-lokal. Selain itu, hasil analisis menunjukkan hegemoni maskulinitas yang diartikulasikan melalui desain industrial dan warna gelap yang mendominasi gaya arsitektur kedai kopi di Jakarta dan sekitarnya pada kurun waktu 2019-2021. Dua temuan penelitian ini memperlihatkan identitas penduduk urban yang multikultural dan didominasi oleh karakteristik maskulinitas.
 
Based on digital track records, the number of coffee shops in Jakarta has increased since 2015. This is an indication that coffee shops are not only used as a place to enjoy coffee but a place to meet friends, do assignments, or just take pictures. Coffee shops are used as a space that represents trends in urban lifestyles. This article aims to analyze coffee trends in Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi by investigating the uploads of coffee shops recommendation contents from the @jakartacoffeespot Instagram account. By using textual analysis, 262 uploads of @jakartacoffeespot within a period of 2 years are analyzed. It is found that there are patterns of coffee shops’ naming using a combination of Indonesian and foreign languages. ​​This emphasizes global-local culture interactions. In addition, the analysis also shows the hegemonic masculinity which is articulated through industrial designs and dark colors that dominate the architectural style of coffee shops in Jakarta and its surroundings in the 2019-2021 period. The findings of this study show that urban societies are multicultural and dominated by masculinity characteristics.
Tingkat preferensi wanita obesitas pada busana kerja berbahan kain tradisional lurik
Authors: Utami Putri , Wening Sri , Budiastuti Emy , Jerusalem Moh. Adam
Published: November 2022

Obesitas menjadi masalah tersendiri bagi wanita yang bekerja kantor, sebab mereka kesulitan mendapatkan busana yang cocok untuk dirinya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) menghasilkan busana kerja berbahan lurik untuk wanita obesitas, (2) mengetahui tingkat preferensi wanita obesitas pada busana kerja berbahan lurik. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian Research & Development dengan desain 4D. Subjek penelitiannya adalah dosen dan karyawan di lingkungan Fakultas Teknik UNY. Instrumen yang digunakan angket tertutup. Teknik analisis data yang dilakukan adalah statistik deskriptif. Penelitian ini menghasilkan busana kerja berbahan lurik dengan penempatan motif pada bagian sisi secara vertikal, berbahan katun dan berwarna gelap. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat preferensi wanita obesitas pada busana kerja berbahan lurik paling besar pada aspek pemilihan siluet busana yaitu 28,90%, kemudian pemilihan warna 23%, diikuti pemilihan bahan 20,60%, pemilihan motif 14,5% dan yang terakhir adalah pemilihan tekstur sebesar 13%. Busana kerja berbahan lurik dapat menjadi pilihan yang tepat untuk menciptakan visual badan yang lebih ramping sehingga diharapkan menjadi solusi untuk wanita obesitas untuk meningkatkan rasa percaya diri. Wanita obesitas dapat menggunakan model busana kerja tersebut sebagai solusi agar penampilannya terlihat lebih menarik.                               
 
Obesity is a problem for women who work in an office, because they have difficulty getting clothes that fit them. This study aims to: (1) produce work clothes made of striated for obese women, (2) determine the level of preference of obese women on work clothes made of striated. This type of research is a Research & Development research with a 4D design. The research subjects were lecturers and staff at the Faculty of Engineering, UNY. The instrument used was a closed questionnaire. The data analysis technique used was descriptive statistics. This research produces work clothes made of striated with the placement of motifs on the sides vertically, made of cotton and dark in color. The results showed that the level of preference for obese women in work clothes made of striated was greatest in the aspect of choosing a fashion silhouette, namely 28.90%, then color selection 23%, followed by material selection 20.60%, motif selection 14.5% and the last is texture selection by 13%. Work clothes made of striated can be the right choice to create a slimmer body visual so that it is expected to be a solution for obese women to increase their self-confidence. Obese women can use the work dress model as a solution to make their appearance look more attractive.
Observations on the use of stubs by wild birds: A 10-year update
Authors: Harris Brian
Published: November 2022

In British Columbia, many species of wildlife depend on dead or dying trees; however, current Workers� Compensation Board regulations require that such trees be felled. In 1990, in an effort to reconcile workers� safety with wildlife habitat needs, Pope and Talbot Limited proposed the creation of a number of tall stumps (3–5 m tall) in their logging operations. In the study cutblock, approximately 170 lodgepole pine stumps (“stubs”) were cut. Since their establishment, the stubs were monitored for bird nesting each spring. A total of 86 active nests have been counted in 10 years. Ninety-five percent of this nesting occurred in stubs in the clearcut portion of the block, versus 5% in the selectively logged portion. Approximately 16% of the stubs were used for nesting at least once during the 10 years of observations. In general, the greater the diameter of the stub, the greater likelihood that it would be used for nesting. All nesting occurred in reworked holes; no new nest holes were drilled in these stubs. Stub creation should continue to be a part of the wildlife tree management strategy in any logging operation, irrespective of the species of tree being harvested. The average density should be at least one stub per hectare, but preferably much higher to ensure that suitable nest stubs are retained. Stubs that are not used for nesting may provide perching or feeding sites, and contribute to the area�s coarse woody debris when they fall. Stub creation involves little extra cost and little volume is lost. Therefore, all forest companies should be encouraged to create stubs as part of responsible forest stewardship.
"Doing it right": Issues and practices of sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products relating to First Peoples in British Columbia
Authors: Turner Nancy J.
Published: November 2022

This paper addresses concerns about commercial harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) that relate to First Peoples in British Columbia. Many of the species identified as being significant, or having potential significance as NTFPs, are culturally important to First Peoples as sources of food, material, and medicines, or for their spiritual values. While there may be potential for First Peoples to develop local economies from the harvesting, processing, and marketing of NTFPs, there also is widespread concern that traditional values may be lost, and traditional plant resources treated as commodities and exploited by commercial interests. Previous experiences with overharvesting cascara and Pacific yew bark lend substance to this concern.Aboriginal peoples have a long history of sustainable management of their lands and resources. Any proposed harvest and use of traditional resources should be under the control of, or in collaboration with, those First Peoples within whose traditional territory the resources are to be harvested. Applications of traditional management methods for NTFPs should be explored, but this should be done in collaboration with First Peoples and with full respect for their intellectual property rights.Principles of sustainable harvesting of NTFPs are presented that may prove useful in ongoing deliberations about how, or even whether, communities should pursue non-timber forest productsas a means of economic development.
"Ghost River": The Columbia
Authors: Gayton Don
Published: November 2022

This perspective piece examines the history and geography of the Columbia River and some current ecosystem management issues related to hydroelectric development on the river. Once the greatest salmon producer in the word, the Columbia has, according to the author, become a "Ghost River," with its salmon runs reduced to remnants, and its ecological integrity hanging in the balance. The author suggests that British Columbians have much to lose, both biologically and culturally should this river ecosystem collapse. While the river will probably never flow freely again, the author maintains that it will be a test of our commitment to energy conservation and of our biological ingenuity, to bring the Columbia back from its current "ghost" status.
Lodgepole pine nutrition and growth on grazed forest cutblocks in southern British Columbia
Authors: Krzic Maja , Ballard Timothy M. , Broersma Klaas , Newman Reg F.
Published: November 2022

Forest grazing occurs on replanted or naturally regenerated cutblocks, giving temporary grazing opportunities for British Columbia's beef industry. However, grazing on forest cutblocks sometimes results in conflicts between the different interests of the timber and ranching industries. The forester's primary concern about cattle grazing and forage seeding on cutblocks is tree damage by trampling and browsing, followed by soil compaction and altered tree nutrition. This study evaluated the effect of long-term cattle grazing and forage seeding on growth and nutrition of lodgepole pine on three grazed forest cutblocks near Kamloops and Merritt, B.C.Grazing regimes consisted of ungrazed exclosures and pastures grazed at 50% forage utilization during 1989–1998. Forage seeding treatments were 0 and 12 kg/ha. Tree measurements and foliage samples were obtained in September 1999. Tree height, current-year growth (length of leader internode), and foliar nutrient levels of regenerating lodgepole pine have not been significantly affected by forage seeding rate and 9 years of cattle grazing. The absence of significant effects on tree growth and nutrition is particularly noteworthy because of the marginal or somewhat deficient status of several nutrients (N, P, B, Fe, and Cu) on these study sites.The management implications of this study relate to the benign effects of 9 years of cattle grazing on lodgepole pine nutrition and growth. The study provides evidence that cattle grazing is compatible with forestry. These results support the integrated use of forested rangelands in southern British Columbia. Attempting to extrapolate these findings to other site conditions should be done with caution.
Visual Resource Management in British Columbia - Part II: Partial cutting in the frontcountry: A win-win solution for short-term timber availability and aesthetics?
Authors: Picard Paul , Sheppard Stephen R.J.
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the potential of alternative harvesting practices (including partial cutting) to meet Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs), while providing short-term timber volumes substantially higher than is currently possible with clearcutting under the existing visual resource management (VRM) system in British Columbia. In general, public preferences decrease as visible landscape alteration increases. This has led to the impression that VQOs are a major constraint on timber supply in visually sensitive areas. However, various studies of the relationship between aesthetics and timber availability indicate that the amount of timber removed may have less influence on public preferences than the pattern and distribution of cutting. In British Columbia, the prescriptive approach to VQOs as an automatic constraint on timber supply can ignore substantial opportunities to meet these objectives with increased timber harvesting through partial cutting techniques and better landscape design. Based on B.C. Ministry of Forests perception studies, hypothetical relationships between short-term timber availability and VQO intensity at the landscape level suggest that using partial cutting in areas with more restrictive VQOs could offer at least equivalent or increased timber availability relative to conventional clearcutting. In the Arrow Forest District, initial analyses suggest that the impact of VQOs on timber availability could theoretically be reduced by as much as 10.3% if partial cutting is used in visually sensitive frontcountry situations— without sacrificing aesthetics. However, a thorough study of the advantages, disadvantages, and feasibility of these techniques is needed.
Water-based ecology: A First Nations' proposal to repair the definition of a forest ecosystem
Authors: Blackstock Michael
Published: November 2022

First Nations Elders are very concerned about whether enough clean drinking water will exist for future generations. Three highly respected Elders from the Southern Interior of British Columbia helped the author investigate First Nations water-based ecology: Mary Thomas from the Secwepemc (Shuswap), Millie Michell from the Nlaka'pamux (Thompson), and Mary Louie from the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation. This paper follows on from the author's previous examination of First Nations' spiritual and ecological perspectives on water (BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management 1(1): 54–68). The Elders' vision of the relationships between water, land, and animals highlights an apparent shortcoming in Western science's definition of an ecosystem. In this paper, the author encourages a shift towards water-based ecosystem management, proposing to repair of the definition of forest ecosystems in a way that interweaves First Nations' philosophy with Western science's ecosystem-based management approach.
Ectomycorrhizae and forestry in British Columbia: A summary of current research and conservation strategies
Authors: Wiensczyk Alan M. , Gamiet Sharmin , Durall Daniel M. , Jones Melanie D. , Simard Suzanne W.
Published: November 2022

Ectomycorrhizae are fungus-root associations that comprise the feeder roots of most commercially important conifers in British Columbia. A large body of research has been conducted on ectomycorrhizae as they relate to forestry in the province; however, much of this information is scattered and is generally of a highly technical nature.This extension note summarizes the latest research on ectomycorrhizae, including information on the role that ectomycorrhizal fungi play in forest ecosystems. The authors discuss several helpful forest management practices that can maintain a diverse community of ectomycorrhizal fungi across the landscape. These include: retaining refuge plants, mature trees, and old-growth forests; retaining the forest floor during harvest and mechanical site preparation; avoiding high-intensity broadcast burns; minimizing the effects of species shifts, particularly following grass seeding; maintaining the edge-to-area ratio of harvested areas within certain limits; planting a mixture of tree species soon after harvest; retaining coarse woody debris; and managing for the fruiting bodies formed by ectomycorrhizal fungi, including edible mushrooms and truffles, fungi species used by wildlife, and rare and endemic species.
It's not just sustainability... it's your children's future
Authors: Blaney Jack
Published: November 2022

Jack Blaney’s State of the Basin address outlines the challenge that faces us provincially, nationally, and globally. We must implement sustainable solutions before we fully understand what it takes to achieve sustainability. The remarkable increase in readership of this journal indicates that we are satisfying the urgent demand for cutting-edge information about knowledge-based management of British Columbia’s natural resources. We receive new subscriptions to the print version of JEM every day, and the growth of on-line access is notable. From the second to third quarters of this fiscal year, the number of unique visitors to the JEM website increased 166%, while the number of documents downloaded doubled to over 8000! This is wonderful news for past and prospective authors—articles in JEM reach a rapidly growing audience. It’s also good news for managers and stakeholders who will benefit as the flow of informationintensifies and the dialogue in JEM expands. Watch for a new Reader Response feature in our next print issue—this section will be your opportunity to contribute to this important dialogue, and to play your part in responding to Jack Blaney’s challenge. Let’s build a better future now as we wait for the definition of “sustainability” to crystallize.
Our challenge: Adaptive management of JEM
Authors: Schooling Julie
Published: November 2022

Is JEM relevant and readable? Is it easily accessible? Is it innovative yet scientifically sound? We set these goals for the BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management when it was launched in 1999. We aimed to address the needs and interests of a broad readership. And our readers seem to agree that the Journal is making a valuable contribution to the dialogue on sustainable natural resource management in British Columbia.
Salamanders vs. the Simpsons: Community-based ecosystem monitoring
Authors: Gayton Don
Published: November 2022

Public concern for the environment and endangered species is growing. Canadian society has a more involved relationship with nature and natural resources than we did 50, or even 25 years ago. Ironically, this explosion of ecological awareness comes precisely at a time when governments at all levels are scaling back on their involvement in monitoring the environment. Monitoring programs funded through incremental or non-base budgets, combined with the steady pace of government ministry reorganizations, often result in short-term, fragmented, and ineffective government ecological monitoring. In a new phenomenon known as community-based ecosystem monitoring (CBEM), citizen groups, non-government organizations (NGOs), and individual citizens monitor a local species, ecosystem, or ecosystem process. CBEM can be viewed as government downloading of costs or as an historic taking-back of social responsibility. Benefits of CBEM include data acquisition, increased public awareness of nature and ecosystems, and opportunities for environmentalists to see decision-making first-hand. British Columbia is fertile ground for CBEM in that it has a well-developed NGO community, a stunning variety of ecological and natural resource issues, and a government that is currently downsizing its “dirt ministries.” CBEM has a long-established precedent in the First Nations tradition of close and daily observation of nature.
Protecting wetland habitat in the Cypre Watershed Planning Unit, Clayoquot Sound, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Authors: McNutt Kate , Beasley Barbara , Moeges Margaret
Published: November 2022

Harvesting old-growth forest is one of the activities that has strongly shaped the economic, social, and ecological landscapes of Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Clearcutting, which has been the dominant harvesting method, has changed the distribution and natural age classes of forests, altered drainage systems, and affected the visual appearance of the landscape. Growing discontent over the effects of harvesting old-growth forests came to a head in 1993 with widespread public opposition to the Clayoquot Land Use Decision. The provincial government sought an alternative approach to resolving these issues, and so convened the Clayoquot Sound Scientific Panel. The Panel's recommendations for forest planning and practices—including the protection of wetland areas—were adopted, along with British Columbia's Forest Practices Code in 1995. The latter was applied province-wide, whereas the Scientific Panel's recommendations for the protection of coastal ecosystems and First Nations' values were specific to Clayoquot Sound.In 1999, Iisaak Forest Resources Ltd. undertook planning to harvest timber in Clayoquot Sound. In keeping with the Scientific Panel's principles, Iisaak voluntarily took steps to protect six small, unclassified, temperate rainforest wetlands in one of four cutblocks. The main objectives in protecting the wetlands were to maintain their ecosystem functions and to maintain linkages within and between the wetland areas. To achieve these and other objectives, Iisaak used variable retention and aerial harvesting methods in the summer of 2000.This paper describes Iisaak's landscape-planning and site-planning procedures, including how planning accounted for drainage patterns, wildlife needs, and habitat connectivity. Spatial maps demonstrate that a continuous reserve network of hydroriparian and wildlife reserves determined the harvesting pattern. Over 75% of the original old-growth forest was retained across the cutblock. This effort is one of the first examples of how the Scientific Panel's guidelines were incorporated into a timber-harvesting regime. The ecological benefits of doing so remain to be seen through effectiveness monitoring.
Is the booted tricholoma in British Columbia really Japanese matsutake?
Authors: Berch Shannon
Published: November 2022

Using DNA sequence information, we compared three collections of the booted tricholoma (Tricholoma caligatum) and four collections of the pine mushroom (Tricholoma magnivelare) from British Columbia with the Japanese matsutake (Tricholoma matsutake) and with other North American collections of booted tricholoma and pine mushroom. We found that, in North America, the booted tricholoma is a distinct species and not the same as Japanese matsutake or pine mushroom. This implies that habitat information describing sites where pine mushroom is commercially harvested in British Columbia may not be relevant to the booted tricholoma. This may be important to forest managers concerned with pine mushroom management because although mushroom buyers purchase the booted tricholoma as pine mushroom, we don't know whether managing forests for pine mushroom would also manage for booted tricholoma.
Characterizing the effects of dwarf mistletoe and other diseases for sustainable forest management
Authors: Muir John A. , Robinson Donald C.E. , Gells Brian W.
Published: November 2022

Many insects, fungi, and plants in forest ecosystems can damage trees and forests, depending on stand and environmental conditions. Natural disturbances, harvesting, and other forest practices can retard or increase the spread and the effects of dwarf mistletoe and other diseases on tree growth. To monitor the effects of diseases, certification and monitoring programs typically use incidence and severity of infestations as criteria and indicators. However, these are often insufficient to characterize the impact of the disease or to measure the effects of new management practices, such as variable retention silviculture, on sustainability. Long-term observations and models of stand development are advocated as better methods for characterizing disease effects. For dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium tsugense), we are designing and monitoring installations in infested stands of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and constructing a spatial and life history model of stand and disease development. Disease spread and effects are influenced by several factors including site quality, stand density, and the spatial arrangement of infected trees, which are sources of mistletoe spread into new stands. Potentially, these factors could be manipulated to either reduce or encourage the spread and the effects of dwarf mistletoe.
Range of natural variability: Applying the concept to forest management in central British Columbia
Authors: Wong Carmen , Iverson Kristi
Published: November 2022

The range of natural variability (RNV) is a concept relevant to maintaining biodiversity and resilience in managed forests. It is, however, a challenging concept both to describe and apply. Here, we refine the definition of RNV. We also discuss information and data sources required and the appropriate use of spatial and temporal scales. A new term, the apparent range of variability (ANV), is suggested to convey the dependency of estimates of the RNV on the temporal and spatial extent of available data sources. We offer a process for developing an RNV definition, applying it operationally, and integrating desired future conditions with social and economic values. We illustrate the challenges in defining and implementing the RNV concept with an example of the interior Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) forests in Lignum Ltd.'s Innovative Forest Practices Agreement area in central British Columbia.
Relevance of social science to the management of natural resources in British Columbia
Authors: Haider Wolfgang , Morford Shawn
Published: November 2022

Ecosystem-based natural resource management involves the integration of biophysical and human dimensions. Both the social sciences and biophysical sciences contribute to our understanding of the process of balancing social, economic, and biological factors. While the role of the biophysical sciences is relatively well recognized in the natural resource management sector, the contributions of the social sciences are less well understood and they are less frequently incorporated into management plans and activities. In this paper we summarize several distinct contributions of the social sciences to natural resource management and describe 10 ways that decision makers use social sciences. We predict the role of social sciences in natural resource management will become more important and we suggest that more collaborative research projects between social science researchers and natural resource managers will emerge. We also suggest that more cross-fertilization within the diverse streams of social sciences— as well as between the social sciences and biophysical sciences—will be essential in order to address complex research questions related to natural resource management.
Anticipate, act, adapt: JEM authors explore role of science in sustainable natural resource management
Authors: Schooling Julie
Published: November 2022

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Accepting the challenge and breaking the trail
Authors: Von der Gonna Marc
Published: November 2022

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