bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytodiversity of the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kachchh, Gujarat, India
Authors: Pandey R. P. , Singh V. , Parmar P. J.
Published: May 2024

The present paper deals with an account of vegetation, floral composition and analysis, forest types and its associations. It comprises 455 species of vascular plants, under to 247 genera and 74 families. Besides this, important economic plants of bioperspective nature, a list of 13 cultivated/crop plants and their 14 wild relatives, 39 rare, threatened and endemic taxa which need effective conservation measures for maintenance of germplasm.
The Use of Alternative Names for a Few Well Known Angiosperm Families Vis-A-Vis Fabaceae versus Papilionaceae: Historical Perspective
Authors: Mitra R. L. , Raju V. S. , Singh P.
Published: May 2024

The paper is a brief historical resume on the genesis and development of familial concept as a natural unit in plants and its nomenclature. It explains in the backdrop of Latin grammar, how names with diverse terminations once dominated family nomenclature in taxonomic literature. It also narrates the logical efforts that followed to rationalize the family names to its present state leaving room for use of alternative names for a few angiosperm families. Besides, the paper discusses the proper use of the names Leguminosae, Fabaceae and Papilionaceae, and the associated problems.
Notes on Recollection of Three less Known Endemic Plants of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Dash S. S. , Srivastava R. C.
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
On the Correct Identity of Western Himalayan Plagiogyria (Kunze) Mett
Authors: Kholia B. S.
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
Supplement to Flora of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Sanjappa M. , Venu P.
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
The African Moss Trachyphyllum dusenii (Mull. Hal. ex Broth.) Broth. (Hypnobryales:Entodontaceae) in India
Authors: Kariyappa K. C. , Daniels A. E. D.
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
Genus Tuyamaella S. Hatt. (Lejeuneaceae) in India
Authors: Singh D. K. , Dey Monalisa
Published: May 2024

Tuyamaella S. Hatt, a small genus represented by six species and two varieties, is distributed in Asiatic and oceanic region (Zhu & So, 2000a, 2001). Of these, one species and two varieties are endemic to their respective countries, viz. T. borneensis Tixier (Indonesia), T. molischii (Schiffn.) S. Hatt. var. brevistipa P.C. Wu & P.J. Lin (China), T. molischii (Schiffn.) S.Hatt. var. taiwanensis R.L. Zhu & M.L. So (Taiwan), T. hattorii Tixier is restricted to Vietnam and Laos, T. jackii (Steph.) Tixier is restricted to Vietnam and Kampuchea. The remaining three species show an extended range of distribution, viz. T. angulistipa (Steph.) R.M. Schust. & Kachroo (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Kampuchea, Papua New Guinea), T. molischii (Schiffn.) S. Hatt. var. molischii (China, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam) and T. serratistipa S. Hatt. (Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Malaysia, New Caledonia) (Tixier, 1973; Zhu & So, 1998, 2000a, b, 2001). The earlier record of T. angulistipa (= Pycnolejeunea angulistipa Steph.) from India by Chopra (1943) based on Stephani's (1914) report from India Orientalis (Perak) appears to be erroneous. Perhaps for this reason the genus does not find any mention in the recent review on Indian Lejeuneaceae in India (Asthana, 2007).During the course of studies on the epiphyllous liverworts of Eastern Himalaya, the authors came across an interesting collection belonging to family Lejeuneaceae from West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh which differed from all the known taxa of the family from India. Subsequent morpho-taxonomic studies on the plants followed by review of relevant literature (Tixier, 1973; Zhu & So, 1998, 2000a, b, 2001) revealed them to be Tuyamaella serratistipa S. Hatt., a species so far known from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Malaysia and New Caledonia (Zhu & So, 1998, 2000b).
A New Species of Luisia Gaud. (Orchidaceae) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: Misra Sarat
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
New Species of Scytalidium Pesante and Sporidesmium Link ex Fries from India
Authors: Dubey Rashmi , Pandey A. K.
Published: May 2024

Present study deals with the illustration and description of two new dematiaceous hyphomycetes species viz., Scytalidium zapotii and Sporidesmium officinale from India.
Two New Species and a New Distributional Record of Archidendron F. Muell. (Leguminosae:Mimosoideae) from India
Authors: Dash S. S. , Sanjappa M.
Published: May 2024

Three species of the genus Archidendron F. Muell., two of them (Archidendron nielsenianum and A. arunachalense) new to science and the other [A. kerrii (Gagnep.) I. C.Nielsen], a new distributional record for India are presented from Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh. Digital images of all the described species are given for easy recognition and to facilitate their future collection and conservation.
The Moss Genus Ochrobryum Mitt. (Leucobryaceae) Added to the Bryoflora of the Western Ghats
Authors: Daniels A. E. D. , Kariyappa K. C. , Daniel P.
Published: May 2024

The moss genus Ochrobryum, with the lone species O. kurzianum, earlier known to occur in the Garo Hills (Meghalaya) and the Eastern Ghats (Orissa) in India is recorded for the Western Ghats from the Kerala part of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. The species is described in detail, illustrated and its distribution mapped. It is pointed out in the discussion that no Indian bryologist/muscologist had seen any Indian material earlier and that the present material has been collected after more than a century.
A New Lopholejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (Hepaticae:Lejeuneaceae) from India
Authors: Dey Monalisa , Singh D. K.
Published: May 2024

The genus Lopholejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. is globally represented by 30 species referable to three subgenera viz., subgenus Pholianthus B.M. Thiers & Gradst. (with a single species confined to Australia and New Zealand), subgenus Pteryganthus B.M. Thiers (with four species confined to East Africa) and subgenus Lopholejeunea (with 25 species distributed all over the tropics, 17 of which occur in Asia) (Zhu & Gradstein, 2005). In India Awasthi & al. (2000) and Singh & Nath (2004) recorded 11 species and two varieties distributed in Eastern Himalaya (8 taxa), Western Ghats (7 taxa), Western Himalaya, Central India and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (one species each). However, Zhu and Gradstein (2005), who further grouped the Asiatic species of the subgenus Lopholejeunea into sections Lopholejeunea (with 9 species characterized by the apex of leaf lobule attached to the leaf lobe across 2-8 cells) and Eulophae Verd. (with 8 species characterized by the leaf lobule attached to the leaf lobe across a single cell), recognised only 5 species from the country viz., L. applanata (Reinw. & al.) Schiffn., L. eulopha (Taylor) Schiffh. [=L. nicobarica Steph.] and L. nigricans (Lindenb.) Schiffh. [=L. abortiva (Mitt.) Steph. var. abortiva, L. abortiva var. doliiformis U.S. Awasthi & al., L. javanica (Nees) Schiffn., L. kashyapii U.S. Awasthi & al., L. sikkimensis Steph. var. dentata U.S. Awasthi & al., L. sikkimensis Steph. var. sikkimensis] belonging to sect. Eulophae, and L. recurvata Mizut. and L. subfusca (Nees) Steph. [=L. nilgiriensis U.S. Awasthi & al. and L. indica Udar & U.S. Awasthi] belonging to sect. Lopholejeunea. Later S.K. Singh & D.K. Singh (2006) described a new variety, L. sikkimensis var. tenuicostata Sushil K.Singh & D.K. Singh from the Western Himalaya, whereas Singh and Nath (2006) described L. nongstoinii A.P.Singh & V. Nath from the Eastern Himalaya.During recent studies on the epiphyllous liverworts of Eastern Himalaya, an interesting population of the genus, referable to sect. Lopholejeunea, was observed in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, which on the basis of comparative evaluation of morphological characters of species hitherto known under this section merit the status of a new species.
A New Species Eragrostis henryi (Poaceae:Eragrostideae) from Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Vivek C. P. , Murthy G. V. S. , Nair V. J.
Published: May 2024

A new species, Eragrostis henryi, similar to E. minor Host and E. tremula Hochst. ex Steud. was collected in the Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India, and is described and illustrated here.
Isoetes Pantii (Isoetaceae:Pteridophyta) - A Review
Authors: Goswami Hit Kishore , Arya Bhanwar Singh
Published: May 2024

The taxon, Isoetes pantii H.K. Goswami & B.S. Arya discovered in 1970, possess genetically inherent features of development of three types of morphologically distinct microspores, (monolete, alete and trilete) as well as large megaspores within one and the same microsporangium, a feature never known, even today, in any species of the genus Isoetes. Follow up studies on morphological, chromosomal and biochemical approaches published on different species of Isoetes in Central India over four decades have repeatedly confirmed these findings and we strongly reestablish here the integrity of the species as a unique taxon of the genus. Isoetes pantii is also the only species to possess 2n=36, 48 chromosomes and related plant populations in the Narsinghgarh area (Madhya Pradesh, India) have shown 2n=60 and 2n=72 chromosomes indicating thereby that the new line of chromosome evolution of n=12 series have probably evolved through this species as already suggested elsewhere.
Notes on a Little Known Moss from the Western Ghats
Authors: Daniels A. E. D. , Kariyappa K. C.
Published: May 2024

Lepidopilidium furcatum, so far known only from the Western Ghats in Peninsular India for the country, finds a place only in checklists or enumerations without descriptions in Indian literature. Hence, fertile material recently collected from Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve in the Southernmost Western Ghats is described in detail and illustrated.
Symphyotrichum subulatum (Asteraceae)-A first Report of an Alien Weed in India
Authors: Sharma M. , Bhattacharjee Bandana , Lakshminarasimhan P.
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
Four New Records of Dendrobium (Orchidaceae) to Manipur (india)
Authors: Nanda Y. , Chowlu K. , Sharma H. B. , Nageswara Rao A. , Vij S. P.
Published: May 2024

Four species of Dendrobium Sw. (Orchidaceae) viz. D. amoenum Wall, ex Lindl., D. capillipes Rchb.f, D. crystallinum Rchb.f. and D. salaccense (Blume) Lindl. are reported as new distributional records for the first time to Manipur. All the species are enumerated with brief description and illustrations.
A Note on the Status of Metzgeria macrospora (Metzgeriaceae, Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Singh Devendra , Singh D. K.
Published: May 2024

Metzgeria macrospora is found taxonomically distinct from M. consanguinea Schiffn. A detailed description and illustration including SEM study of spores has been provided and its taxonomic status is discussed.
Oberonia integerrima, an Addition to the Orchid Flora of India
Authors: Chowlu K. , Nanda Y. , Nageswara Rao A. , Vij S. P.
Published: May 2024

No abstract.
Melhania Futteyporensis (Malvaceae) - a New Record for Southern India
Authors: Annamma P. S. , Venugopal N. , Venu P.
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
New Distributional Record of Three Coccal Green Algae (Chlorococcales, Chlorophyceae) from the Alpine Lakes of Eastern Himalayas, India
Authors: Das S. K. , Adhikary S. P. , Kovacik L.
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
Saudi Arabia Between the USA and China in the First Decades of the XXI Century: Successeful Balancing
Authors: Melkumyan E.
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of relations between Saudi Arabia and its two largest partners – the United States, which is its strategic ally, and China, relations with which are rapidly developing, covering ever new areas of cooperation. Each of these states, from the Saudi point of view, has its own advantages and disadvantages that limit its capabilities. The article will examine the history of Saudi Arabia establishing a strategic partnership with these states, the main directions of their cooperation, and the extent to which each of them can help to realize its strategic goals including in the program – National Vision 2030. The USA and China act as competitors, not only at the global level, but also in the Middle East region. However, the development of relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States, on the one hand, as well as Saudi Arabia and China, meets its national interests, and not the desire to play on their contradictions. For their part, the Saudi Kingdom with its energy, financial resources and political influence in the Arab and Muslim worlds, is interesting to both of them, from a strategic, geopolitical and economic point of view. The author presented different assessments of Saudi-American and Saudi-Chinese interactions which were articulated by experts and analysts from Russia, the USA and Saudi Arabia and compared them. We can agree with the opinion of Saudi experts and politicians that their country do not desire to make a choice between these partners which are very useful to Saudi Arabia and shear with it important political approaches.
Inclusive Campus Design in Islamic Institution
Authors: Sholihah Arif Budi
Published: May 2024

Designing an inclusive campus is an evolving process. Each educational institution has varying levels of awareness of the importance of inclusive campus design. As the highest public educational institution that follow Islamic values, Islamic University has a strategic function to serve as a benchmark for providing more inclusive facilities. This study will explore the process and challenges to implement inclusive design in its buildings in Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) Yogyakarta. To understand how inclusive design has been implemented in the UII Main Campus facilities, qualitative methodologies were employed, including field observations, access audits, and interviews with key stakeholders. The results indicate that awareness of the implementation of inclusive design at the UII Main Campus develops gradually alongside the availability of universal technical accessibility and design standards and the growth of an understanding of their significance. The finding shows that the younger the generation of buildings, the more inclusive the designs.
Community-Based Ecotourism: A Case Study of Pentingsari Village
Authors: Aji Riswandha Risang , Faniza Visilya
Published: May 2024

Environment is related to tourism as one of its components to maintain tourism sustainability. Eco-tourism is environment-based tourism that run by community to improve community capital which lived in its community. The community capitals that can be an input to community-based tourism which will practice the eco-tourism. This research aimed to explain how the eco-tourism could be implemented through community-based tourism. The findings of this research were Pentingsari tourism village reached self-organization through community-based tourism concept by using human and social capitals that the community have, Pentingsari tourism village reached self-sustainability through community-based tourism concept by using natural and cultural capitals, and from self-organization and self-sustainability Pentingsari tourism village could provide eco-tourism to its tourists. This research concluded eco-tourism in Pentingsari village could be reached by using self-organization and self-sustainability. Self-organization and self-sustainability could be reached by using community capitals in community-based tourism concept to develop the tourism in Pentingsari.
Ading Development of School Principals Strategic Planning in Realizing Performance Productive School
Authors: Hidayat Asep Saepul , Herman Maman , Sukmara Ading Rahman
Published: May 2024

The development of strategic planning in the education system is important in realizing productive school performance, namely schools that have work processes that are consistent with planning elements, achieving optimal work according to its goals. Strategic planning is planning that focuses on achieving the school's vision, mission and goals. In an effort to optimize strategic planning, a management system is needed that is sensitive to needs, changes and challenges, and respects work risks, has a solid, creative, proactive work team, responds to problem solving creatively and innovatively, and has high dedication to achieving goals. This research was carried out using a qualitative approach and exploratory descriptive methods to reveal the required data phenomena, through interview, observation and documentation techniques, which were then analyzed data through phenomenological analysis. Based on the focus of the study in this research, a strategic model of the strategic planning development process was produced which includes 5 components that must be considered in school management, namely: (a) Strategy for achieving vision, mission and goals; (b) Strength of planning consistency; (c) Strengthening team collaboration; (4) Risk Management; and (5) the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluating the achievement of goals and the realization of productive schools.
Menakar Tingkat Skeptisme Wajib Pajak Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah
Authors: Rochman Muhammad Fuyudlur , Surepno Surepno
Published: May 2024

This study aims to identify the skepticism behavior of taxpayers that indicate tax compliance. This study uses the qualitative method of field research with interview as a research instrument. The case study is the taxpayers in Jepangpakis, with KPP Pratama Kudus, Jepang Pakis Government, and the taxpayers as research subject. The analysis research identifies that skepticism behavior of the taxpayers has different doses. The identify tells at least three different skepticism types, that is not-skeptic, medium skeptic, and quite serious skepticism. The abundance of the skepticism shows the connection with Tax compliance Theory by Alligham and Sandmo. Even though there is a lot of skepticism, there is no indication of low taxpayers’ compliance because of taxpayer’s intentions. That case shows the connection with Theory Planned Behavior (TPB) by Ajzen.
Partnering With Churches to Address COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Uptake in Trustworthy Contexts
Authors: Bateman Lori B. , Hall Allyson , Hannon Lonnie , Ryan Melissa , Osborne Tiffany , Whitfield Samantha , Okoro Grace , Stager Catanya , Driggers Susan , Jones Valerie , Rhinehart Jessica , Fouad Mona N.
Published: May 2024

The Black church has long been seen as a crucial partner in addressing public health issues. This paper describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a community-engaged church intervention addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in underserved Black communities in Jefferson County, Alabama. We partnered with churches to implement and evaluate the intervention between March and June of 2022 and found that our church partners were capable of significant messaging reach, particularly through electronic means. ( Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S5):S392–S395. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307683 )
A Randomized Trial of Intravenous Labetalol Versus Oral Nifedipine in Acute Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Emergencies of Pregnancy
Authors:   Department of Ostetrics and Gynecology, Al Ameen Medical College, Vijaypura, Karnataka 586108, India., Oswal Kiran , Sindoor Uma Mahesh ,   Department of Ostetrics and Gynecology, Al Ameen Medical College, Vijaypura, Karnataka 586108, India
Published: May 2024

Background: Hypertension in pregnancy, called a disease of degree is more of a sign than a disease by itself. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including chronic hypertension, with or without superimposed pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, gestational hypertension, HELLP syndrome, pre-eclampsia with or without severe features or eclampsia present a significant risk of morbidity to both mother and fetus. Effective pharmacologic therapy modifies the course of the disease. The effective use of anti-hypertensive therapy should be based on well designed controlled clinical trials and the experience of the clinician with the drugs. Hypertensive disorders complicate 5-10% of all pregnancies worldwide. 1 Dangerous hypertension is a harbinger of cerebrovascular accidents, eclampsia, hypertensive encephalopathy and other end organ damage with a poor perinatal outcome. 2 Methods: This prospective randomized double blind comparative clinical trial with randomization done using computer generated numbers study was carried out in 100 cases being brought in OBG department of AL Ameen Medical College, Bijapur, from July 2023 to December 2023. A detailed data of sociodemographic profile, general examination and obstetric examination were carried out. The pregnant women were randomized with computer generated numbers into two groups to receive either oral nifedipine or intermittent intravenous labetalol injections. Results: There is no significant difference in the parity of both the groups. Majority of the patients constituting 80% of group A and 58% of group B were primigravida. 69% enrolled in the study were primigravida. There is a higher incidence of pre-eclampsia in the first pregnancy. The majority of the patients had gestational age of 34 to 36 weeks constituting 48% on the whole with 50% and 46% respectively in group A and B. The recruited patients did not significantly differ in gestational age
Demographic Profile of CNS Tumors and Histopathological Evaluation of Pituitary Lesions: An Institutional Study
Authors:   Department of Pathology, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulashekharam, Tamil Nadu 629161, India, Geothe Jayasree , K S Lekshmy ,   Department of Pathology, SreeUthradomThirunal Hospital, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695004, India.
Published: May 2024

Primary Central Nervous System tumors (CNS trs) are a diverse group of neoplasm showing significant geographic variations in incidence, morbidity, mortality, and survival. Pituitary adenomas (PA) recently termed as Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumours (PitNET) are the commonest mass in the sellar region, can produce local, and distant effects.1 However, some developmental, inflammatory, and neoplastic lesions may primarily or secondarily involve the sella, mimicking pituitary tumors; recognition of which is crucial for the appropriate management. Aims: To evaluate the histopathological profile of primary CNS trs and to correlate with age, sex and site at presentation. Pituitary lesions are further analyzed to find out prevalence of non adenomatous lesions in pituitary Materials and methods: Histologically diagnosed 79 primary CNS trs and 18 pituitary lesions are analyzed. Results: Meningioma is the commonest brain and CNS trs. The PA being the second commonest CNS trs, constitute 17% of CNS trs, 22% of brain tumors and 78% of pituitary lesions. Other sellar lesions were single cases of Rathkeys cleft cyst (RCC), Arachnoid cyst, craniopharyngioma and pituitary apoplexy. Conclusion: This retrospective study established a baseline profile of brain tumors and sellar lesions based primarily on the histopathological experience at a tertiary care hospital in the Southern Kerala.
Investigation of Asphaltene Precipitation and Reservoir Damage during CO2 Flooding in High-Pressure, High-Temperature Sandstone Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Li Lei , Wang Ming-jian , Su Yu-liang , Gao Xiao-gang , Wang Wen-dong , Tu Jia-wei , Wang Xin-hao
Published: May 2024

Asphaltenes are heavy aromatic hydrocarbon compounds contained in reservoir fluids and may precipitate when the reservoir pressure is reduced by production or when gas is injected into the reservoir, and then further deposit on pore-throat surfaces causing reservoir damage. At present, the research on asphaltene precipitation and reservoir damage is carried out in conventional reservoirs, and the influence of CO2 injection under high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions has not yet been clearly understood. In this work, we combined perturbed-chain statistical association fluid theory (PC-SAFT) calculation, experiments, phase-state simulation, and numerical simulation to predict the asphaltene precipitation with different pressures, temperatures, and amounts of injected gas and to clarify the influence on reservoir permeability and oil production when using CO2 injection. The results show that the precipitation of asphaltenes in the process of CO2 injection is the desorption of colloid-asphaltene inclusions caused by gas molecules and then the mutual polymerization process between dispersed asphaltene molecules. CO2 injection will increase the amount of precipitation and move the precipitation curve to the right side. The degree of permeability reduction caused by the deposition of asphaltenes in the core is 12.87–37.54%; the deposition of asphaltenes in the reservoir is mainly around the injection/production wells and along the injected gas profile. Considering asphaltenes, the oil recovery degree is reduced by 1.5%, and the injection rate is reduced by 17%. The reservoir pressure, temperature, and physical properties have a strong correlation with the degree of reservoir damage, while the initial asphaltene content has a low correlation. This work will be of great interest to operators seeking to enhance oil recovery by CO2 injection in deep reservoirs.
WITHDRAWN: Comparison of anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation versus four-flanged scleral fixation technique for cases with loss of capsular support during routine cataract surgery
Authors: Dubinsky-Pertzov Biana , Mahler Ori , Shemer Asaf , Hecht Idan , Simaan Francis , Belkin Avner , Pras Eran , Einan-Lifshitz Adi
Published: May 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors in order to comply with an institutional policy on preprints. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference.
Designing e-consent protocols for pragmatic clinical trials: case studies from a UKCRC clinical trials unit
Authors: Hammond Matt , Ashford Polly , High Juliet , Clark Lucy , Howard Gregory , Jones Megan , Stirling Susan , West Claire
Published: May 2024

Background
Interest in and use of electronic consent (e-consent) in the conduct of academic clinical trials has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. E-consent offers advantages including increased efficiency and accessibility, and reduced burden on site staff, which can be appealing to academic trialists anticipating challenges in recruitment to complex trial designs or with limited funding. However, there are many options to consider when using e-consent in a study protocol. This paper presents five case studies from Norwich Clinical Trials Unit, demonstrating how e-consent models can be effectively tailored to the needs of different trials. These examples illustrate the options around and benefits of e-consent, the acceptability of e-consent by participants, and the design considerations that were made during the development of the trial protocols.
Case Studies
Five randomised trials are presented, selected from a range of different trial designs, disease areas, interventions, and patient populations. E-consent was either offered as an alternative to paper consent, according to participant preference, or as the sole method of consent. E-consent was generally used to facilitate remote consent in decentralised trials but was also chosen to increase efficiency and reduce burden in an emergency department setting. The technical implementation of e-consent and detailed participant procedures were tailored to the needs of the trial settings and patient populations. For example, accompanying participant information sheets were provided in paper or electronic form, and electronic signatures could be typed or drawn. Administrative data on uptake of e-consent is presented where available.
Conclusion
This paper demonstrates that the operational and technical aspects of implementing e-consent in clinical trials can be influenced by the trial design, the needs and characteristics of the trial population, financial/efficiency considerations, and level of risk. E-consent is not a one-size-fits-all tool for trials, and its use should be carefully considered during the development of the trial protocol, in conjunction with patient and public involvement contributors, site staff and other trial stakeholders.
A Statistical Fractal Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange Authentication Protocol for Intelligent IoT Irrigation Systems
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Papola Anubhooti
Published: May 2024

Encourage the use of sensors in the intelligent interconnected future, we use statistical fractal analysis to create a network of wireless sensors (WSN) key distribution simulation.Among the wireless sensor networks is growing technologies in the coming decades and has posed various unique challenges to researchers. While the set of challenges in sensor network are diverse, we focus on security of in this study, we discuss wireless sensor networks.. The present works propose a scheme to distribute a fractal key among all nodes utilising the Diffie-Hellman key swap and also using a concept of the cryptography. Proposed work is founded on one-way hash cryptography and Diffie-Hellman functions in order to provide strong data rate support for the fundamental security functions and the capacity to fend off known threats. The formal verification of the proposed approach is done. We describe a resistance analysis of the suggested system based on many assault scenarios. Additional evaluations about the storage capacity are carried out, intercommunication, and running Time is money. As a result, the suggested plan is not just regarded as a safe method of authentication, yet especially useful for intelligent Internet of Things irrigation systems because of its sensible efficiency ratios.
AI-driven System for Non-contact Continuous Nocturnal Blood Pressure Monitoring using Fiber Optic Ballistocardiography
Authors: Qian Zhang , Huang Yandao , Chen Lin , Chenggao Li , Junyao Peng , Qingyong Hu , Yu Sun , Hao Ren , Jin Wen , Weibin Cheng , Tian Junzhang , Kaishun Wu , Weimin Lyu , Changyuan Yu
Published: May 2024

Continuous monitoring of nocturnal blood pressure is crucial for hypertension management and cardiovascular risk assessment. However, current clinical methods are invasive and discomforting, posing challenges. These traditional techniques often disrupt sleep, impacting patient compliance and measurement accuracy. Our research introduces a groundbreaking, non-contact system for continuous monitoring of nocturnal blood pressure, utilizing ballistocardiogram (BCG) signals. The key component of this system is the utilization of advanced, flexible fiber optic sensors designed to accurately capture medical-grade BCG signals. Our artificial intelligence (AI) model extracts deep learning and fiducial features with physical significance and implements an efficient, lightweight personalization scheme on the edge device. Furthermore, the system incorporates a crucial algorithm to automatically detect the user's sleeping posture, ensuring accurate measurement of nocturnal blood pressure. The model underwent rigorous evaluation using open-source and self-collected datasets comprising 158 subjects, demonstrating its effectiveness across various blood pressure ranges, demographic groups, and sleep states. This innovative system, suitable for real-world unconstrained sleeping scenarios, paves the way for enhanced hypertension screening and management, as well as opening new avenues for clinical research into cardiovascular complications.
Research on the Dynamic Changes of Drought and Vegetation Coupling on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the Context of Global Warming
Authors: Xu Tong , Zhou Jianwei , Wu Hua , Zhu Kangcheng , Chao Zhiyuan , Li Jiatong , Guo Qiyun
Published: May 2024

In recent years, global warming has exacerbated drought conditions on the Tibetan Plateau, a region that draws attention due to its unique geographical location and complex natural environment. To deepen our understanding of the connection between vegetation and drought in mid-to-high latitude plateau areas, we focused our research on the Tibetan Plateau. Our findings indicate that the severity of drought in 2020 slightly decreased compared to 2001, and there was an increase in vegetation cover. Among the drought events analyzed on the Tibetan Plateau, the years 2009, 2006, and 2018 were the most severe. Correlation analysis revealed a high level of coupled coordination between drought and vegetation. The weighting of indices evaluating the drought and vegetation system highlighted major driving factors such as water area and precipitation, with grassland vegetation types exerting the most significant impact on overall vegetation cover. Comparing the values of coupling coordination with the composite scores of drought and vegetation, it was found that human activities had an increased impact on both in 2018 and 2019. This research contributes theoretical insights into the intrinsic mechanisms of the coupling relationship between vegetation and drought and offers scientific guidance for addressing global climate change.
Hyperuniform Active Matter
Authors: Fernandez-Nieves Alberto , Cotte Alexis de la , Pearce Daniel , Nambisan Jyothishraj , Levy Aviv , Giomi Luca
Published: May 2024

Hyperuniformity in driven disordered systems [1,2] and giant number fluctuations in active matter [3,4] represent opposite ends in a spectrum of statistical correlations found in physical systems outside of thermal equilibrium. Despite both these phenomena representing milestones in our understanding of non-equilibrium physics -- with potential applications ranging from optimal packing patterns and transport in biological matter [5,6] to the fabrication of disordered materials with photonic bandgaps [7-10] --, the possibility of them being connected has remained so far elusive. Using a combination of experimental and theoretical work on active nematic defects, we demonstrate, through the notion of critical absorbing states [11,12], that such a spectrum is in fact closed, and that active matter can in fact be hyperuniform.
Generation and characterization of humanization CD4 knock-in mice expressing chimeric mouse/human CD4 protein
Authors: Chen Pei-Lung , Kam Ka-Man , Shiu Tsz-En , Hsieh Chien-Ming , Lu Wen-Ting , Pan Yu-Yun , Chuang Ya-Hui , Yu I-Shing
Published: May 2024

Humanized mouse models have become indispensable tools for investigating human gene function and disease modeling. However, conventional transgenic approaches carry the risk of unforeseen biological consequences. To address this concern, we developed a novel human CD4 knock-in mouse model (hCD4 KI mice) using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. We replaced the region encoding the first two major extracellular domains of the mouse Cd4 gene, which are critical for interaction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, with the corresponding human CD4 sequence. Subsequently, we conducted comprehensive physiological and immune system analyses on hCD4 KI mice, including both heterozygous (CD4m/h) and homozygous (CD4h/h) genotypes. Our investigations revealed a dosage-dependent impact of the hCD4 KI, resulting in a decrease population of CD4+ single positive (SP) cells, accompanied by a corresponding increase in CD8+ SP cells within the thymus. These developmental alterations, evident in thymus, were also observed in the peripheral lymphatic system such as the spleen and in the peripheral blood, exhibiting an increased population of mature CD8+ T cells and a decreased proportion of mature CD4+ T cells. Despite these changes, hCD4 KI mice exhibited normal biological characteristics, including T cell activation and proliferation functions, blood composition, tissue structure, and body weight, closely resembling those of wild-type (CD4m/m) mice. Our study underscores hCD4 KI mice as a valuable tool for exploring CD4 and MHC class II interactions, with potential for future integration with humanized MHC class II KI mice, offering insights into immune disease mechanisms.
Synergistic Optimization of Lattice and Spin in Atomic Scale Simulation of Magnetic Materials
Authors: Xu Ben , Huang Zhengtao , Yang Teng , Liu Hanxing
Published: May 2024

Spin-lattice coupling represents a forefront area of research in modern condensed matter physics and materials science. A key challenge lies in determining the ground state configurations of spins and lattices given this strong coupling, complicated by their evolution adherence to distinct governing equations. This study introduces a novel synergistic optimization framework for lattice and spin optimization in magnetic materials, overcoming the conventional separation approach. Employing a ``pseudo-atomic" method, simultaneous optimization of atomic and spin configurations enhances accuracy and speed, avoiding local minima. Applied to face-centered cubic iron, this approach outperforms iterative methods in convergence, offering a robust tool for complex spin-lattice coupling problems and paving a path for addressing high-dimensional optimization problems.
Statistical analysis of EBSD data and geometrical theory of classical and non-classical twinning in foraminiferal shell calcite
Authors: Schmahl Wolfgang Wilhelm , Yin Xiaofei , Lastam Jeraldine , Griesshaber Erika , Hörl Sebastian , Vaquer Anna Sancho
Published: May 2024

We describe a quantitative statistical and geometric analysis of classical and non-classical modes of twinning in the calcite produced by the biomineralization in the shell of the rotaliid foraminifer species Amphistegina lessonii. Foraminifera are responsible for about a quarter of the marine production of CaCO3 and thus play a major role in the natural CO2 sequestration into marine carbonate sediments. The shell calcite of rotaliid foraminifera is nano-twinned and thus quite distinct from inorganic calcite and from biogenic calcite produced by other groups of organisms. Previous work showed that foraminiferal calcite contains a high spatial density of twin walls of the classical 60°|<001 > = m.{001} twin but there was another peak in the range between 75° and 80° in the misorientation statistics of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) maps of the same specimen. We checked the significance of all maxima in misorientation by in-depth statistical analysis thus confirmed the 60°|<001 > penetration twinning and found that the 75°-80° maxima are related to new, non-classical, but systematically reoccurring oriented associations of calcite crystals with orientation relationships 78.2°|<991 > and 76.6°|<6–6 1>. If the nano-twinning provides an evolutionary advantage, it may be increasing strength and toughness of the feeble mineralized chamber walls of the organisms.
Macroeconomic Shocks and Conflict: Evidence from Commodity Terms-of-Trade Shocks
Authors: Mineyama Tomohide , Leepipatpiboon Patcharaporn , Castrovillari Chiara
Published: May 2024

This paper analyzes the causal effects of aggregate income changes on the incidence of violent conflicts. We adopt a novel approach by leveraging a country’s commodity terms of trade as a source of exogenous income variation. We find that income changes stemming from commodity terms-of-trade affect conflicts significantly and persistently. The impact of a 1% GDP loss is an increase equivalent to 1.6% of the average conflict incidences. The magnitude is twice as large for low-income countries. Our results also show that the shocks create more violence in countries with higher inequality and less fiscal space, suggesting the transmission channels in play. While prior studies have reported mixed results on the impact of economic shocks on conflicts, we discuss how our novel approach resolves the discrepancies in their findings. Furthermore, we show that there is a second-round effect through spillovers to neighboring countries. Put together with the literature that emphasizes the economic cost of conflicts, our empirical results imply the presence of a vicious feedback loop between weak economic performance and conflicts in a country’s development.
JEL classification: D74, E32, O11.
Global wildfires on a changing planet
Authors: Haas Olivia , Prentice Iain , Harrison Sandy
Published: May 2024

The distribution of wildfires on Earth will change as future climates, land-use, and vegetation change. We use global empirical models of burnt area, fire size and fire intensity to explore alternative trajectories of wildfires in a changing world. Even with ambitious climate-change mitigation, we find a change in wildfire patterns by the end of the 21st century with generally reduced burning in tropical regions but larger and more intense wildfires in extra-tropical regions. With low mitigation, burnt area increases greatly across all vegetation types – overwhelming the declining trend that currently dominates the global signal. These findings suggest that even with high climate-change mitigation, current fire-suppression policies will no longer be effective in much of the world. A move towards integrated fire management, led by regional stakeholders, will be inescapable. Moreover, mitigation scenarios that rely on expanding forest area will be unrealistic unless they are designed with wildfire risks in mind.
Sex Differences in Outcomes among Heart Failure Hospitalizations: Results from the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Appunni Sandeep , Zhang Yanjia , Khosla Atulya A , Rubens Muni , Giri Abhishek R , Saxena Anshul , Ramamoorthy Venkataraghavan , Doke Mayur , McGranaghan Peter , Chaparro Sandra , Jimenez Javier
Published: May 2024

This study investigated sex differences in clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of heart failure hospitalizations. This study is a retrospective analysis of National Inpatient Sample data, 2016–2019. Heart failure hospitalizations ≥41 years of age were included and stratified by sex. The outcomes of the study were in-hospital mortality, prolonged length of stay, mechanical ventilation, mechanical circulatory support, vasopressor use, and adverse dispositions. Propensity score matching with regression analysis was done to compare outcomes between sex. A total of 4,704,684 primary heart failure hospitalizations were included in the analysis. Of these, 2,447,784 (52.0%) were males and 2,256,899 (48.0%) were females. Regression analysis showed that females had significantly lower odds for mortality (aOR, 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89-0.94), mechanical ventilation (aOR, 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86-0.92), mechanical circulatory support (aOR, 0.54, 95% CI: 0.51-0.58), vasopressor use (aOR, 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.74), and significantly higher odds for prolonged length of stay (aOR, 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04-1.06) and disposition other than home (aOR, 1.32, 95% CI: 1.31-1.34). There were significant differences in outcomes between males and females hospitalized for heart failure. Further research is required to delineate how sex affects several aspects of heart failure, including epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and response to medications.
Investigation on high-aspect-ratio silicon carbide ceramic microchannel by using waterjet-assisted laser micromachining
Authors: Han Jinjin , Tong Linpeng , He Bin , Kong Linglei , Li Qilin , Wang Denglong , Ding Kai , Lei Weining
Published: May 2024

The difficult-to-cut characteristics of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic has limited its processing quality and forming process of functional surfaces. Comparing to direct laser machining (DLM), waterjet-assisted laser micromachining (WJALM) is an alternative technique for SiC ceramic that is capable of reducing thermal-induced damages. In this paper, high-aspect-ratio (HAR) microchannels are fabricated on silicon carbide ceramic by WJALM, and its effectiveness is verified through comparative experiments with DLM. The effects of parametric combination of waterjet and laser parameters on machining responses of geometric structural features and sidewall surface quality are investigated by controlled variable experiments. Results revealed that HAR microchannels with almost no recast layers could be obtained when SiC workpiece was fabricated by a nanosecond laser under the flowing water medium layer. And higher average laser power of 27W, lower scanning speed of 600m/s and medium waterjet velocity of 12/16m/s contributed to larger aspect ratio, more ablation area and superior sidewall quality of HAR microchannels.
Research on key technology of ultrasonic CNC machining programming of honeycomb core parts based on feature recognition
Authors: Hong Weijun , HU Xiaoping , Ji Huawei , Li Ying , Shi Dinghui
Published: May 2024

Compared with traditional 5-axis machining, ultrasonic cutting adds a sixth servo axis that controls the cutting direction of the tool in real time, which makes its cutting motion, material removal method and process programming method significantly different from that of traditional cutting machining. Aiming at the problem of difficulty in programming ultrasonic CNC machining of aerospace honeycomb core parts due to the special machining process of non-standard tools, a CNC machining programming method for honeycomb core parts based on feature recognition is proposed. The geometric and topological information of honeycomb core parts is extracted, the low-level data model is transformed into high-level features by logic rules, the machining steps of features are generated by knowledge-based process decision-making, and the process route is formed by combining with the process route rule base to ultimately realize the generation of toolpath. The integration of aerospace honeycomb core part CAD/CAPP/CAM is realized using the NX12.0 and VS2015 secondary development system interfaces.
Association between mixed intake of multi-nutrients and cognitive function among the elderly in northern China: Three statistical models
Authors: Gao Xian , Wang Yan , Li Qingxia , Huang Xin , Sun Yan , Zhou Yutian , Zhu Huichen , Liu Shiyao , Ma Yuxia
Published: May 2024

Few studies have considered nutrients as a mixture and their impact on MCI. The generalized linear regression (GLM), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models are fitted to estimate the association between intake of a mixture of nutrients and MCI. Comparing the results of the three statistical models, we found that there were similarities and differences in the correlation between nutrients and MCI. Considering the advantages and disadvantages, we recommend estimating the joint effects of nutrients mixture by applying diverse statistical methods. Applying multiple methods appropriate for the study questions and data structures may help obtain a more comprehensive picture of the intake-response relationships. In the future, studies need to move from a “one nutrient at a time” approach to simultaneous analyses of multiple nutrients intakes in order to understand and quantify the joint effect of nutrients mixture on health.