bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Checklist of the genus Dendrobium Sw. (Orchidaceae) in Manipur, India
Authors: Sharma Hidangmayum Bishwajit , Bhattacharyya Debjyoti
Published: July 2023

An enumeration of the genus Dendrobium Sw. (Orchidaceae) in Manipur, India was attempted. Literature review revealed the occurrence of 67 species under the genus from the state. The study was carried out through repeated field explorations in different natural forests of Manipur since 2012. Out of the total taxa reported from the state, only 42 species could be traced in the field. All these taxa are presented here with their flowering phenology and places of occurrence. Twenty-five species were untraceable in the field; however, nine species out of these 25 are represented by authentic herbarium specimens and supported by published documents. The remaining 16 species were reported only in literature, but no live plants or herbarium specimens were found. Out of the 42 species inventoried from the field, many taxa are under threat owing to habitat loss due to felling of trees, deforestation, and ‘jhum’ cultivation. So, there is an urgent need of conservation of those species through in situ and ex situ means for their sustenance. A photographic plate of some taxa is provided here which might be useful for their easy identification in the field and for taking care of their conservation. Large-scale uses of these species as cut flowers and indoor & outdoor plants may be practised through micropropagation and cultivation in nurseries which may help in revenue generation for the state.
Predicting suitable habitat for the endangered Javan Gibbon in a submontane forest in Indonesia
Authors: Oktaviani Rahayu , Borzée Amaël , Cahyana Andi Nugraha , Lappan Susan , Mardiastuti Ani , Giri Misbah Satria
Published: July 2023

Species distribution modeling is an essential tool for understanding the ecology of species and has many applications in conservation. Using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) modeling, we identify the key factors shaping the potential distribution of the endangered Javan Gibbons Hylobates moloch in one of the main remnant habitats, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP), Indonesia, using presence-only data collected between October and November 2015, and in April and May 2016. Maxent results showed that forest canopy density and annual temperature were the principal variables predicting the distribution of Javan Gibbons, with contribution scores of 53.9% and 35.6%, respectively. The predictive distribution map indicated that suitable habitat for Javan Gibbons is not uniformly distributed within GHSNP, i.e., suitable habitat is not located evenly throughout the region, with some areas more suitable than others. Highly suitable habitat comprises the largest proportion of habitat, with 42.1% of GHSNP classified as highly suitable habitat, whereas 24.7% was moderately suitable, and 33.2% of habitat was of low suitability for Javan Gibbons. Priority should be given to increasing habitat quality in degraded areas and law enforcement patrols to reduce degradation in peripheral regions of the park as part of the conservation management strategy.
Powerline pylons: an unusual nesting success of White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (Gmelin, 1788) (Aves: Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) from Ramanathapuram, southeastern coast of India
Authors: H. Byju  , N. Raveendran  , A.J. Mathiyazhagan
Published: July 2023

A new nesting success record of the   White-Bellied Sea Eagle (WBSE), Haliaeetus leucogaster, a resident raptor belonging to the family Accipitridae is reported from a powerline pylon in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. This four-month observation on a non tree nesting  study recorded two chicks and false nesting pattern too.
Babesa Sewage Treatment Plant as a vital artificial wetland habitat for a multitude of avian species
Authors: Nima Pelden , Mahendra Timsina  , Tenzin Jamtsho  , Pema Khandu
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to glean basic ecological aspects on diversity and abundance, temporal variation and guild composition of the birds at Babesa Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). The line transect method was used as the sampling technique from November 2021 to October 2022. A total of 80 species belonging to 58 genera, 29 families, and 11 orders were detected, of which three, namely, River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii, Falcated Duck Mareca falcata, and Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, are ‘Near Threatened’ with the remaining being ‘Least Concern’. The highest species richness was recorded in the winter (6.29), the highest species diversity in the spring (2.73), and the highest evenness in the summer (0.76). There was not any statistically significant difference between non-waterbirds and waterbirds, or between feeding guilds. However, based on a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA), the bird composition was significantly different among seasons. Subsequently, pairwise comparisons revealed a significant difference between autumn & winter (P = 0.006), autumn & summer (P = 0.006), autumn & spring (P = 0.018), winter & summer (P = 0.006), winter & spring (P = 0.006) as well as spring & summer (P = 0.006). The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) biplot showed most bird species overlap occurred between autumn and spring as well as summer and spring, respectively. Taken together, the present results suggest that the Babesa STP holds significant potential as a habitat for diverse avian populations and underscores the ecological significance of artificial wetlands.
Breeding of Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis Hume, 1869 (Aves: Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati, Assam, India
Authors: Ranade Sachin , Gore Jay , Kumar Ashwini
Published: July 2023

Himalayan Vulture Gyps himalayensis has been bred successfully at the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati in 2022. This is the first record of captive breeding of the species in India. The adults were kept in a display aviary in the Zoo where they constructed a nest on ground and laid an egg.  The nestling was hand reared in temperature and humidity-controlled boxes and air-conditioned room. It was fed on goat meat and bone pieces and the consumption records maintained. The records of weight gain and body growth were maintained. It took about five months to fledge out.
Common Variants on
FGD5
Increase Hazard of Mortality or Rehospitalization in Patients With Heart Failure From the ASCEND-HF Trial
Authors: Gui Hongsheng , Tang W.H. Wilson , Francke Stephan , Li Jia , She Ruicong , Bazeley Peter , Pereira Naveen L. , Adams Kirkwood , Luzum Jasmine A. , Connolly Thomas M. , Hernandez Adrian F. , McNaughton Candace D. , Williams L. Keoki , Lanfear David E.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Heart failure remains a global health burden, and patients hospitalized are particularly at risk, but genetic associates for subsequent death or rehospitalization are still lacking.

METHODS:

The genetic substudy of the ASCEND-HF trial (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure) was used to perform genome-wide association study and transethnic meta-analysis. The overall trial included the patients of self-reported European ancestry (n=2173) and African ancestry (n=507). The end point was death or heart failure rehospitalization within 180 days. Cox models adjusted for 11 a priori predictors of rehospitalization and 5 genetic principal components were used to test the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and outcome. Summary statistics from the 2 populations were combined via meta-analysis with the significance threshold considered
P
<5×10
−
8
.

RESULTS:

Common variants (rs2342882 and rs35850039 in complete linkage disequilibrium) located in
FGD5
were significantly associated with the primary outcome in both ancestry groups (European Americans: hazard ratio [HR], 1.38;
P
=2.42×10
−6
; African ancestry: HR, 1.51;
P
=4.43×10
−
3
; HR in meta-analysis, 1.41;
P
=4.25×10
−8
).
FGD5
encodes a regulator of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-mediated angiogenesis, and in silico investigation revealed several previous genome-wide association study hits in this gene, among which rs748431 was associated with our outcome (HR, 1.20; meta
P
<0.01). Sensitivity analysis proved
FGD5
common variants survival association did not appear to operate via coronary artery disease or nesiritide treatment (
P
>0.05); and the signal was still significant when changing the censoring time from 180 to 30 days (HR, 1.39;
P
=1.59×10
−5
).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this multiethnic genome-wide association study of ASCEND-HF, single-nucleotide polymorphisms in
FGD5
were associated with increased risk of death or rehospitalization. Additional investigation is required to examine biological mechanisms and whether
FGD5
could be a therapeutic target.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT00475852.
Interference of anti-nuclear antibodies on determination of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients suspected of vasculitis
Authors: Karmakar Saurabh , Das Pulak Ranjan , Rai Neha , Mahto Mala , Bhushan Divendu
Published: July 2023

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are mainly associated with medium and small vessel vasculitis. Two main methodologies currently available for detection of these antibodies are indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and monospecific proteinase 3 (PR3) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) based immunoassays. However, well-defined guidelines regarding mode of testing for ANCA in laboratories still don’t exist, leading to problems in diagnosis and further patient management. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies testing by IIF and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) often pose a significant challenge in diseases other than vasculitis and in overlapping autoimmune conditions. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies reporting by IIF can be challenging in certain circumstances. This case series aims to discuss four cases with probable interference of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) during ANCA testing by IIF resulting in ANCA false positivity. All four cases on subsequent reflex testing by line immunoassay (LIA) for PR3, MPO and glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigens proved otherwise. While analysing for the presence of ANCA by IIF, the possible interference of ANA leading to a false positive ANCA result should be kept in mind and alternative methods of testing like ELISA, extended granulocyte based IIF assays with MPO and PR3 coated beads, etc., should also be advised. Probability of atypical ANCA in diseases other than vasculitis should also be considered in case of ambiguous results.
E-Raising Reconsidered: Constituency, Coordination, and Case-Matching Reciprocals
Authors: Messick Troy , Harðarson Gísli Rúnar
Published: July 2023

In Icelandic, part of the complex reciprocal hvor annar matches in case with the reciprocal’s antecedent. In structures where the reciprocal is embedded in a PP, the preposition intervenes between the two parts. A recent analysis of these data suggests that part of the reciprocal overtly moves to the base position of the antecedent by an operation termed e-raising. We show that such an analysis makes a number of wrong predictions about the constituencies of such structures and also about the behavior of reciprocals in coordination. We show that this is also the case for other languages that display case-agreeing reciprocals. We instead argue that matching in case between antecedent and reciprocal can occur with the reciprocal staying in situ. Instances with PPs do involve movement but only to the edge of PP and no farther. This analysis is in line with a number of recent approaches that advocate for a morphosyntactic feature-matching relation between antecedent and locally bound anaphors.
Verbal Templates Can Influence L-Selection In Semitic
Authors: Hewett Matthew
Published: July 2023

This squib documents a novel empirical generalization from selection in Semitic: lexically selected PPs can vary by (verbal) template. This discovery is problematic for current analyses that take (lexically) selected arguments to be introduced either by the root (Harley 2014a) or by the categorizing head (Merchant 2019), both of which are lower than the functional heads realized as Semitic templates. Templates can induce alternations in argument structure (e.g., causativization) and diathesis (e.g., passivization)—characteristics typically associated with v/Voice. A preliminary solution is sketched whereby PPs can be jointly selected by the root, categorizing head, and template-defining head.
Abstractive Meeting Summarization: A Survey
Authors: Rennard Virgile , Shang Guokan , Hunter Julie , Vazirgiannis Michalis
Published: July 2023

A system that could reliably identify and sum up the most important points of a conversation would be valuable in a wide variety of real-world contexts, from business meetings to medical consultations to customer service calls. Recent advances in deep learning, and especially the invention of encoder-decoder architectures, has significantly improved language generation systems, opening the door to improved forms of abstractive summarization—a form of summarization particularly well-suited for multi-party conversation. In this paper, we provide an overview of the challenges raised by the task of abstractive meeting summarization and of the data sets, models, and evaluation metrics that have been used to tackle the problems.
Distribution model of shrimp species in Lake Nokoué, southern Benin, West Africa
Authors: Sintondji S. Wilfried , Sohou Zacharie , Goussanou Appolinaire , Godome Théophile , Baetens Katrijn , Lacroix Geneviève , Fiogbé Emile D.
Published: July 2023

The aim of this work was to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of shrimp species in the Lake Nokoué-Cotonou Channel complex for an efficient management of the fishery. The results of one year sampling from five stations (North, South, East, Central and West) in the complex revealed the following proportions: Penaeus notialis 73.68%, Macrobrachium macrobrachion 13.81%, Macrobrachium vollenhovenii 5.36%, Penaeus monodon 2.68%, Macrobrachium felicinum 2.20%, Penaeus kerathurus 1.72%, Macrobrachium cf. zariquieyi 0.27%, and Macrobrachium equidens 0.27%. The species M. cf. zariquieyi and M. equidens were never reported from Benin, but are now found in Lake Nokoué. Spatially, Penaeus (Penaeus notialis) are more abundant in the west (Acadja concentration zone), while Macrobrachium (Macrobrachium macrobrachion) are more dominant in the east (near the Ouémé entrance) and north (near the Sô entrance) of the lake. Penaeus are strongly present in the lagoon complex from January to August, while Macrobrachium are more abundant in Lake Nokoué from September to December. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that increasing salinity, pH, transparency and total dissolved solids (TDS) positively influenced the abundance of P. notialis, while increasing salinity, pH, transparency, and TDS negatively influenced the abundance of M. macrobrachion at the 5% significance level. For an efficient management of the shrimp fishery, it is desirable that the shrimp fishery in Lake Nokoué, mainly in the Cotonou Channel, which is a very sensitive area for their seasonal migrations, benefits from at least three months of respite per year, from November to January. This period corresponds to the strong migration of juvenile Penaeus towards the lake. This should allow many Penaeus to grow up and breed at least once in their lives, according to the species’ life cycle presented.
Ennode, Ep. 6,9. Un complément à Cassiodore, Var. 1,9 ?
Authors: Zhou Zhihuan
Published: July 2023

Ennodius, Ep. 6,9 is an enquiry addressed to a high politician Faustus Niger, in order to help an anonymous bishop in trouble. We do not have any other further information about it. This article developed a hypothesis that the anonymous bishop may be the bishop of Aosta, Northern Italy, accused of proditio patriae, according to Cassiodorus, Var. 1,9. However, on the contrary of other bishops, accused of such a serious crime, who were usually exiled, the above mentioned bishop of Aosta is considered as innocent by Theodoric the Great. This could be because of the help of Faustus Niger, mentioned in the Ep. 6,9. In this case, we see how a clerk intervenes in a political affair and the collaboration of an ecclesiastical member and a government official of high rank.
Sustainability in Publishing
Authors: Horton Richard
Published: July 2023

This article is a transcript of the London Book Fair’s inaugural sustainability keynote delivered by Dr Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet. Horton delivers a challenge to the publishing sector to consider how sustainability sits alongside the ever-increasing uncertainties in the world, such as the ongoing pandemic and Ukrainian crisis. He spoke about the important role that publishing plays as an early warning system for society, introducing the concept of planetary health that demands consideration of a safe and just space for humanity alongside respect for planetary boundaries and the social and economic foundations of a healthy life. Horton finishes with three key challenges to publishers: to stand for something, to invest in our future, and protect the freedom of expression.
Sustainable and Profitable Growth in Publishing
Authors: Engelstädter Jörg , Fisk Peter
Published: July 2023

The challenge of generating new growth while remaining sustainable and profitable was the central theme of the 2022 Future Book Forum held by Canon Europe. The event gathered leading publishers, book producers, distributors, and industry influencers from across Europe to discuss ways to make the publishing industry fit for the future in terms of its environmental and financial health. Key themes that emerged included the concept of how to design for purpose, thinking through how the sector uses raw materials. There is also the need to tell the story of publishing to connect emotionally to customers and satisfy the growing demand for sustainable purchasing. Finally, through interactive workshops many ideas were raised that required a sector-wide approach to challenge the established thinking and put sustainability at the heart of the sector. This article will outline the outcomes of the Future Book Forum and outline the next steps to bring action to the many ideas raised during the event.
Digital Futures, Sustainability and Life after COVID-19
Authors: Baker David , Ellis Lucy
Published: July 2023

This article reflects on David Baker and Lucy Ellis’s work in two recent books they edited for Elsevier and the next title in the Advances in Information series. The focus is on the question of life after the COVID-19 pandemic for libraries in terms of sustainability and the role that digital developments will play in the future.
Omission of the Word “Said” in Hadith Transmission: Ibn Shaqrun as a Model
Authors: Al Shabramy Abdullah bin Rashid
Published: July 2023

This research discussed an important issue of the Science of Hadith, most specifically related to the features of riwayah al-Hadith and condition of its delivery. The main questions of this research are: Is it necessary to pronounce the word “said” or “saying” while narrating the chain of Hadith? And if this word omitted – purposively or not purposively –, does it cause a big problem according to the rules of The science of Hadith? And are there special conditions for oral delivery that differ from writing? Thus, this study aims to answer these questions by referring to the scholars’ views and their reasons while selecting Ibn Shaqrun – one of the great scholars of Hadith – as a model who is among the first scholars that discussed this issue. Ibn shaqrun’s views and perspectives in this regard are analyzed and evaluated by using an analytical critical method. The study finally resulted to the permission of omitting the word “Said” or “saying” in both writing and oral delivery of the Hadith.
Panellus microspermus sp. nov. (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) evidenced by the morphological characters and molecular phylogeny
Authors: CHEN QIAN , XU ZHEN-ZHEN , ZHANG QIU-YUE
Published: July 2023

Panellus microspermus sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Guizhou Province, southwest China, based on morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses. It is characterized by pileate, subgelatinous basidiomata with lamellate hymenophore, a lateral rudimentary stipe, cream to pale buff pileus with finely chalky pruinose surface, gelatinous context and lamellae, a monomitic hyphal system, and ellipsoid basidiospores measuring 2.5–3.2 × 1.5–2 μm. The phylogenetic analysis based on ITS + nLSU rDNA sequences shows that the new species belongs to Panellus, forming a monophyletic lineage with strong support (ML = 100, BPP = 1). Both morphological and molecular characters confirm the placement of the new species in Panellus.
Chiloschista quangdangii, a new leafless orchid (Orchidaceae) from northern Vietnam
Authors: VO DOAN TRUNG , AVERYANOV LEONID , MAISAK TATIANA , VAN CANH NGUYEN , DANG MINH QUAN , DANG VAN SON , TRUONG QUANG TAM , BA VUONG TRUONG
Published: July 2023

A newly discovered species belonging to the genus Chiloschista has been found in the Northern region of Vietnam, specifically in Ha Giang Province. This species is being described as a novel addition to scientific knowledge. It shares similarities in plant habit and flower color scheme with C. parishii and C. glabrisepala. However, it can be distinguished by its narrowly saccate spur-like lip, which features a small knob-like farinose callus that is significantly smaller than the median lip lobe. In contrast, C. parishii and C. glabrisepala possess a cup-shaped lip with a large central callus slightly forward curved, which is shortly hairy and approximately the same size as or larger than the median lobe. The taxonomic description of the new species, along with information regarding its distribution, ecology, phenology, proposed conservation status, and taxonomic notes, are presented in detail.
A first account of Chyromyidae (Diptera: Acalyptratae) from continental Central and South America and some Caribbean Islands, with descriptions of new species
Authors: EBEJER MARTIN J.
Published: July 2023

An account of Neotropical Chyromyidae is given and the following new species are described: Gymnochiromyia semihirta sp. nov., G. tropica sp. nov., Tethysimyia bonairensis sp. nov., T. chilensis sp. nov., T. litophila sp. nov. and T. nigrifacies sp. nov. Aphaniosoma Becker and Notiochyromya Ebejer are reported for the first time from the Neotropical Region. The following species are transferred from Aphaniosoma Becker to Tethysimyia Ebejer: Tethysimyia arenicola (Wheeler, 1994) comb. nov., Tethysimyia aldrichi (Wheeler, 1961) comb. nov., T. galamarilla (Wheeler, 1994) comb. nov., T. macalpinei (Hardy, 1980) comb. nov. and T. minuta (Hardy, 1980) comb. nov., T. rabida (Wheeler, 1994) comb. nov. A key to the Neotropical species of Tethysimyia is provided.
Notes on Central Asian Furcula with description of a new species
Authors: MOROZOV PAVEL S. , PROZOROV ALEXEY M. , KORB STANISLAV K. , SHOVKOON DMITRY F. , GORBUNOV PAVEL Y. , MULLER GUNTER C. , SALDAITIS AIDAS , YAKOVLEV ROMAN V.
Published: July 2023

Genitalia of the female holotype of the Central Asian species Furcula terminata (Wiltshire, 1958) (TL: northeastern Afghanistan) were studied for the first time. They showed a clear similarity with the genitalia of Furcula gorbunovi Schintlmeister, 1998 (TL: Gissar Range, Tajikistan) and Furcula mimonovi Schintlmeister, 1998 (TL: Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan). Males of F. terminata from Afghanistan were not found in the collections. However, the specimens from neighboring Tajikistan and topotypes of F. gorbunovi and F. mimonovi were studied and all of them have pointed apex of the costal process of valva specific for the bifida-group, not the furcula-group as suggested previously. Considering the morphological similarity and overlapping distribution areas of the three studied taxa, two new synonyms are established for F. terminata: F. gorbunovi syn. n. and Furcula mimonovi syn. n. The population of Tian Shan and Alay Range in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, previously regarded as F. terminata, are described here as a new species based on differences in the genitalia of both sexes.
Two new species and records of the genus Questa (Annelida: Orbiniidae) from Azores and Canary Islands, Central Atlantic Ocean
Authors: NÚÑEZ JORGE , MARTÍNEZ ALEJANDRO
Published: July 2023

We here report two new species of meiofaunal orbiniids belonging to the genus Questa Hartman, 1966, which have been discovered during benthic surveys conducted around the Azores and the Canary Islands. The new species, Q. manuelgerardi n. sp. and Questa ericnunezi n. sp., are described, figured and discussed in detail. Questa manuelgerardi n. sp., endemic from the Azores, is characterized by the lack of furcate chaetae and branchiae, and by the presence of two pairs of anal cirri. Questa ericnunezi endemic from the Canary Island, is defined by the presence of furcate chaetae, 12–18 pairs of branchiae, and two pairs of anal cirri. In addition, new records of the species Q. caudicirra Hartman, 1966 are provided. An identification key to the 12 known species of Questa is also included.
Interpretation of Probabilistic Surface Ozone Forecasts: A Case Study for Philadelphia
Authors: Balashov Nikolay V. , Huff Amy K. , Thompson Anne M.
Published: July 2023

The use of probabilistic forecasting has been growing in a variety of disciplines because of its potential to emphasize the degree of uncertainty inherent in a prediction. Interpretation of probabilistic forecasts, however, is oftentimes difficult, deterring users who may benefit from such forecasts. To encourage broader use of probabilistic forecasts in the field of air quality, a process for interpreting forecasts from a statistical probabilistic air quality surface ozone model [the Regression in Self Organizing Map (REGiS)] is demonstrated. Four procedures to convert probabilistic to deterministic forecasts are explored for the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area. These procedures calibrate the predicted probability of daily maximum 8-h-average ozone exceeding a standard value by 1) estimating climatological relative frequency, 2) establishing a probability of an exceedance threshold as 50%, 3) maximizing the threat score, and 4) determining the unit bias ratio. REGiS is trained using 2000–11 ozone-season (1 May–30 September) data, calibrated using 2012–14 data, and evaluated using 2015–18 data. Assessment of the calibration data with the Pierce skill score suggests an exceedance threshold based on climatological relative frequency for the conversion from probabilistic to deterministic forecasts. Calibrated REGiS generally compares well to predictions from the U.S. national air quality model and operational “expert” forecasts over the evaluation period. For other probabilistic models and situations, different procedures of converting probabilistic to deterministic forecasts may be more beneficial. The methods presented in this paper represent an approach for operational air quality forecasters seeking to use probabilistic model output to support forecasts designed to protect public health.

Significance Statement

Because probabilistic forecasting is becoming more prevalent in the field of air quality, the purpose of this article is to draw attention to the importance of defining a framework to accurately interpret these forecasts. This work shows that 1) probabilistic forecasts are potentially more useful to forecasters when converted into deterministic forecasts and 2) that some conversion methods are more skillful than others. It is recommended that, if it begins to produce probabilistic air quality products, the National Weather Service should implement some of the strategies presented herein to help with the interpretation of such forecasts.
Patriarchal Anxieties and Masculine Sexual Privilege in Contemporary Urban Mali
Authors: Whitehouse Bruce
Published: July 2023

The neoliberal transformation of Mali's burgeoning capital city, Bamako, has undermined men's capacity to provide for their households and dependents even as it has boosted women's economic participation, leading senior males to express mounting anxieties over their declining economic power. As more men find themselves unable to assure economic stability for the women and children under their charge, many double down in their bid to exercise authority over women, particularly their wives. Some men use polygynous marriage as a means of performing certain masculine ideals, acquiring social prestige despite their diminished roles as breadwinners. Others find maintaining multiple female partners outside marriage similarly useful for offsetting their economic disadvantages. Based on ethnographic fieldwork and interviews with men and women in Bamako, this paper examines the extent to which modern masculinity in the city remains predicated on the control of women and their bodies.
“I Loved Seeing How Their Brains Worked!”—Examining the Role of Epistemic Empathy in Responsive Teaching
Authors: Jaber Lama Z. , Davidson Shannon G. , Metcalf Allison
Published: July 2023

Studies in science and mathematics education have shown that teachers’ responsiveness to students’ ideas, feelings, and experiences is critical for promoting epistemic agency, disciplinary engagement, and equity. Such responsiveness is particularly important for students whose cultures, backgrounds, and funds of knowledge have been traditionally marginalized in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classrooms. Yet, what allows teachers to enact responsive teaching is less clear. We argue that epistemic empathy—the capacity for tuning into and appreciating learners’ intellectual and emotional experiences in constructing, communicating, and critiquing knowledge—is an essential driver of teacher responsiveness. In this work, we examine how epistemic empathy can serve to support teachers’ attention and responsiveness to students’ sensemaking experiences in the classroom and discuss emergent tensions that arise in this work. We end with implications for research and for teacher education to cultivate epistemic empathy as a resource for responsive teaching and a target for teacher learning.
(Un)equal footing: Otherings and orderings of urban mobility
Authors: Emanuel Martin , Normark Daniel
Published: July 2023

This special issue brings together articles on the history of walking in European cities and urban hinterlands since the late nineteenth century. Taken together, they reveal how the conditions to walk changed as cities and streets were rethought and rebuilt for motorised mobility, and they highlight the role of labelling and defining pedestrians in order to legitimise change. The anticipation and making of car cities entailed locally specific yet similar versions of marginalisation of walking. Discursive othering (vocabularies, rules, etc.) and material ordering (through designs, etc.) of pedestrians combined to make walking the “second” mobility and produced street modernities. Using the articles as interpretative inspiration, we claim that in the twentieth century, what we refer to as mechanical equality grew in importance at the expense of embodied equality. We propose that un-marginalising walking requires the revaluation of – and hence a more thorough understanding of – the bodily qualities and mundane practices of walking.
Ritual check-in, shocked immersion, regained stability: A sequential typology of news experiences in crisis situations
Authors: Moe Hallvard , Nærland Torgeir Uberg , Ytre-Arne Brita
Published: July 2023

This short paper discusses people’s news experiences before, during and after societal crisis situations, contributing with a sequential typology outlining the three phases ritual check-in, shocked immersion and regained stability. Theoretically, we draw on classical contributions to media studies and sociology, particularly the concepts of ritual communication and ontological security. Empirically, we build on qualitative interview studies with news audiences in Norway, spanning 5 years and different crisis cases including political turmoil, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. We underline the significance of emotional distancing to regain stability, and identify crises lacking start- and endpoints as particularly difficult to navigate. These insights should instigate further debate about our understanding of news audiences in a tumultuous world, particularly relevant to scholarship on news use and avoidance.
Test review: High-stakes English language proficiency tests—Enquiry, resit, and retake policies
Authors: Pearson William S.
Published: July 2023

Many candidates undertaking high-stakes English language proficiency tests for academic enrolment do not achieve the results they need for reasons including linguistic unreadiness, test unpreparedness, illness, an unfavourable configuration of tasks, or administrative and marking errors. Owing to the importance of meeting goals or out of a belief that original test performance was satisfactory, some individuals query their results, while others go on to retake the test, perhaps on multiple occasions. This article critically reviews the policies of eight well-known, on-demand gatekeeping English language tests, describing the systems adopted by language assessment organisations to regulate results enquiries, candidates resitting (components of) a test where performance fell short of requirements, and repeat test-taking. It was found that all providers institute clear mechanisms through which candidates can query their results, with notable variations exhibited in procedures, costs, restrictions, outcomes, and how policies are communicated to test-takers. Test resit options are scarce, while organisations enact few restrictions on test retakes in the form of mandatory waiting times and cautionary advice. The implications for language assessment organisations are discussed.
Ketamine-induced changes in resting state connectivity, 2 h after the drug administration in patients with remitted depression
Authors: Burrows Matthew , Kotoula Vasileia , Dipasquale Ottavia , Stringaris Argyris , Mehta Mitul A
Published: July 2023

Background:

Resting state connectivity studies link ketamine’s antidepressant effects with normalisation of the brain connectivity changes that are observed in depression. These changes, however, usually co-occur with improvement in depressive symptoms, making it difficult to attribute these changes to ketamine’s effects per se.

Aims:

Our aim is to examine the effects of ketamine in brain connectivity, 2 h after its administration in a cohort of volunteers with remitted depression. Any significant changes observed in this study could provide insight of ketamine’s antidepressant mechanism as they are not accompanied by symptom changes.

Methods:

In total, 35 participants with remitted depression (21 females, mean age = 28.5 years) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or saline. Resting state scans were acquired approximately 2 h after the ketamine infusion. Brain connectivity was examined using a seed-based approach (ventral striatum, amygdala, hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex and subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC)) and a brain network analysis (independent component analysis).

Results:

Decreased connectivity between the sgACC and the amygdala was observed approximately 2 h after the ketamine infusion, compared to placebo ( pFWE < 0.05). The executive network presented with altered connectivity with different cortical and subcortical regions. Within the network, the left hippocampus and right amygdala had decreased connectivity ( pFWE < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Our findings support a model whereby ketamine would change the connectivity of brain areas and networks that are important for cognitive processing and emotional regulation. These changes could also be an indirect indicator of the plasticity changes induced by the drug.
Preputial advancement flap for delayed urethrocutaneous fistula of the glans following urethral insertion of an ‘AAA’ battery
Authors: Atayi Andrew A , Omar Ahmad M , Floyd Michael S
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Foreign body insertion associated with sexual gratification is known as polyembolokoilomania. Following removal of the foreign body, long-term complications are infrequently seen. Whilst conservative and endoscopic approaches usually suffice, in extreme cases open surgical approaches are required. We describe an unusual case of polyembolokoilomania in a 25-year-old male involving a single ‘AAA’ battery who developed a urethrocutaneous fistula requiring delayed reconstructive surgery.

Case presentation:

Following an initial successful open extraction of an ‘AAA’ battery from the mid penile urethra the patient developed a delayed urethrocutaenous fistula of the glans. This was managed using a single stage closure with a preputial graft on its vascular pedicle thereby preserving the foreskin and avoiding a buccal graft. No intra-operative or post-operative complications occurred with a catheter left in situ for 2 weeks. Formal histology confirmed a foreign body type reaction. Following outpatient review successful cosmetic, functional, and sexual outcomes were recorded with questionnaires and medical photography.

Conclusion:

Preputial advancement flap with foreskin preservation for distal urethrocutaenous fistula is a successful method of treating delayed urethrocutaenous fistula of the distal urethra in cases of polyembolokoilomania.
External Minority Stress, Gender Dysphoria, and Capability for Suicide Among Transgender Adults: A Daily Diary Study
Authors: Botelho Elliott , Mak Isabella , Clark Kirsty , Brem Meagan , Wolford-Clevenger Caitlin
Published: July 2023

This study analyzed whether external gender-related minority stress (i.e., discrimination, rejection, and violence) and gender dysphoria contribute to same-day and next-day acquired capability for suicide (ACS) in a sample of transgender adults residing in the southeastern United States. A sample of transgender participants ( n = 38, 84.2% White, average age = 28.6 years) residing in the southeastern United States completed daily surveys on discrimination, rejection, violence, gender dysphoria, and ACS over 30 days ( n = 836 of the 1,140 surveys sent out were completed). External minority stress (i.e., rejection, discrimination, and violence) was very common in this sample. External minority stress experiences were reported on 16% of the completed daily surveys, and 68% of the sample reported experiencing such stress at least once over the 30-day study period. Similarly, gender dysphoria occurred on 37.2% of the completed days and was experienced on at least 1 day by 78.9% of the participants over the 30-day survey period. Multilevel modeling showed daily experiences of discrimination and rejection, but not gender dysphoria, were positively associated with same-day ACS. Violence trended toward significance in correlating with same-day capability for suicide. Neither external minority stress nor gender dysphoria were associated with next-day ACS while controlling for acquired capability reported on the previous day. These preliminary data support proximal associations of external gender minority stress with same-day, but not next-day, ACS. Findings from this study advance understanding of how anti-transgender discrimination and violence contribute to increased capability for suicide in a population at increased risk for suicide.
An artificial intelligence algorithm for analyzing globus pallidus necrosis after carbon monoxide intoxication
Authors: Chan Ming-Jen , Hu Ching-Chih , Huang Wen-Hung , Hsu Ching-Wei , Yen Tzung-Hai , Weng Cheng-Hao
Published: July 2023

Globus pallidus necrosis (GPN) is one of typical neurological imaging features in patients with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Current clinical guideline recommends neurological imaging examination for CO-intoxicated patients with conscious disturbance rather than routine screening, which may lead to undiagnosed GPN. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence algorithm for predicting GPN in CO intoxication patients. We included CO intoxication patients with neurological images between 2000 and 2019 in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. We collected 41 clinical and laboratory parameters on the first day of admission for algorithm development. We used fivefold cross validation and applied several machine learning algorithms. Random forest classifier (RFC) provided the best predictive performance in our cohort. Among the 261 patients with CO intoxication, 52 patients presented with GPN. The artificial intelligence algorithm using the RFC-based AI model achieved an accuracy = 79.2 ± 2.6%, sensitivity = 77.7%, precision score = 81.9 ± 3.4%, and F1 score = 73.2 ± 1.8%. The area under receiver operating characteristic was approximately 0.64. Top five weighted variables were Platelet count, carboxyhemoglobin, Glasgow Coma scale, creatinine, and hemoglobin. Our RFC-based algorithm is the first to predict GPN in patients with CO intoxication and provides fair predictive ability. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.
Human Development in Districts of India, 2019–2021
Authors: Chaurasia Aalok Ranjan
Published: July 2023

This study measures, for the first time, the level of human development across 707 districts of India as they existed at the time of National Family Health Survey 2019–2021 using an alternative index of human development which uses proportions rather than averages to measure progress in the three core dimensions of human development and employs the concept of human development surface to combine the progress in the three dimensions into a single composite index of human development. The alternative human development index addresses some of the problems that are associated with the conventional human development index. District level estimates of the alternative human development index suggest that human development in India is the poorest in district Supaul of Bihar but the most advanced in district Mahe of Puducherry. The study also reveals that in 78 districts of the country, there is a marked difference in progress in the three dimensions of human development and in 231 districts, the progress is below average in all the three dimensions of human development. The study emphasises the need of estimating human development index at the district level at regular intervals to imbibe the sensitiveness to human development in development planning and programming in the country.
Your Move: An Open Access Dataset of Over 1500 Board Gamer’s Demographics, Preferences and Motivations
Authors: Cross Liam , Piovesan Andrea , Sousa Micael , Wright Peter , Atherton Gray
Published: July 2023

Intro

This paper reports the demographics of a large sample of board gamers and their in-game motivations and preferences.

Methods

We report the specific preferences of 1603 board gamers (i.e. preferred platform, mechanics, style, theme, player count and game length) and player demographics, i.e. age, gender, education level as well as neurodivergence in this population. Participants were sampled via board game groups and game distributor mailing lists.

Results

Findings confirmed previous assumptions that board gamers are primarily middle-aged, university/college-educated, white males. We show that most gamers identify as mid-core/core with a preference for shorter, competitive Euro games. They tend to prefer in-person play with 3-4 players. However, a sizeable portion of the sample did not fit this description, showing a more complex picture.

Discussion

Results describe the population's demographics and detailed description of gamers preferred, mechanics, themes, components, preferences and motivations. An anonymised version of this data set is provided alongside this work for game designers and academics to explore further and cross-reference relationships between demographics and preferences/motivations. Considering that a quarter of the sample were neurodivergent (i.e. reported at least one mental health or neurodevelopmental condition) the dataset could also help clinicians who use board games as interventional tools. We hope this dataset (https://osf.io/tu8yq) will be helpful to board game designers, clinicians, educators, teachers, therapists and researchers interested in utilising board games to make informed choices about which games they use.
Common Methodological Issues in Quantitative Management Education Research and Recommendations for Authors
Authors: Hamdani Maria Riaz , Wallin Ann , Ashkanasy Neal M. , Fenton-O’Creevy Mark
Published: July 2023

In this essay, we focus on methodological issues that reviewers and editors commonly encounter when evaluating empirical articles in scholarship of teaching and learning in management education. We organize our discussion around three stages—design, analysis, and reporting. The essay identifies which types of issues are likely to receive rejection, and which issues can be addressed in the subsequent reviews of the manuscript. We provide authors with some suggestions on how to address these issues in their research.
The Burden of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the Middle East and North Africa Region, 1990 to 2019
Authors: Safiri Saeid , Mousavi Seyed Ehsan , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Noori Maryam , Sullman Mark J. M. , Amiri Shahrokh , Kolahi Ali-Asghar
Published: July 2023

Objective:

To report the burden of ADHD in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from 1990 to 2019.

Methods:

Publicly available data on the burden of ADHD were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019. The counts and age-standardized rates (per 100,000) were presented.

Results:

In 2019, ADHD had an age-standardized point prevalence of 1245.1 and a years lived with disability (YLD) rate of 15.1 per 100,000 in MENA, which were 7.2% (−11 to −3.3) and 7.2% (−11.2 to −2.7) lower, respectively, than in 1990. The highest YLD rate of ADHD was found in the 10 to 14 age group and there were no remarkable differences between males and females. No clear association was found between the YLD rate and the socio-demographic index.

Conclusion:

The burden of ADHD in the MENA region decreased over the period 1990 to 2019, and regularly updating the epidemiological information is suggested.
Body (dis)satisfaction and health screening behaviors: A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Goh Pei Hwa , Loh Hoi Yan , Chung Ker Rou , Ramadas Amutha
Published: July 2023

Engagement in health-promoting behaviors has been argued to be dependent on psychological factors in addition to simply having knowledge or access to resources. We systematically reviewed the evidence for the association between body (dis)satisfaction and health screening behaviors using six electronic databases and supplementary manual searches in the current study. To be included in the review, studies had to be empirical, in any language, and examined the potential link between body (dis)satisfaction and health screening. Findings from the final 16 quantitative and 12 qualitative studies generally suggest that people who were more satisfied or less dissatisfied with their bodies were more likely to engage in health screening. This review also highlighted key gaps in the literature such as the limited studies that included men as participants and the lack of examination of the underlying mechanisms and contingencies of the relationship between body (dis)satisfaction and health screening behaviors.