bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Work Motivation and Work Engagement in BBPPKS Banjarmasin Employees
Authors: Safitri Iti , Musfichin  , Mulyani
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between work motivation and work engagement in employees of the Banjarmasin Social Welfare Education and Training Center. The research method used is quantitative method with correlational type. The population and sample were 27 people. Sampling using non-probability sampling technique with saturated sampling type.  The data collection technique in this study used a Likert scale, namely the work motivation scale and work engagement assisted by the SPSS version 26 application. The results of this study indicate that the p value = 0.000 <0.05, so it can be concluded that there is a significant positive relationship between work motivation and work engagement variables. This means that the higher the work motivation, the higher the work engagement of a person.
Psychological Perspectives on Pro-environmental Behaviour
Authors: Stoyanova Radina , Rartz Maria , Bushnyashki Jonko
Published: December 2024

Values serve as guiding principles and are typically viewed as
determinants of beliefs and behaviour. In the current study we explored the
relationships between basic human values, ecological beliefs, and pro-environmental
behavior. The present study is oriented towards investigating the connections between
basic human values, ecological beliefs and pro-ecological behaviour. The study was
conducted on a sample of 551 respondents – Bulgarians, between 13 and 90 years
old (X=27.38; SD=13.34). For the purpose of the study, questionnaires were used
to measure value orientations, attitudes towards climate change and pro-ecological
behaviours. The results indicated that value orientations focusing on concern for the
well-being of others and nature, as well as on preserving traditions, social order, and
security, were associated with ecological beliefs and pro-environmental behaviours.
We also found that males had significantly higher levels of denial beliefs of climate
change, while females had higher levels of solastalgia and perceived environmental
efficacy. The study contributes to a better understanding of the psychological
prerequisites and motives underlying pro-environmental behavior, with the findings
being applicable to the development of information campaigns and interventions
aimed at promoting sustainable practices and addressing climate change.
Kādî Abdülcebbâr'a Göre Allah'ın Teklifi
Authors: Atar Aksoy Aynur
Published: December 2024

İnsan tarih boyunca araştırılmaya muhtaç, bugün bile henüz çözülememiş özellikleri olan bir varlıktır. Onu bu derece önemli ve değerli kılan, varoluşsal olarak insana yüklenen en önemli özelliklerden biri bilinçtir. Bilinç beraberinde sorumluluk değerini de getirmektedir. İnsan, onu var eden Yaratıcı'ya, kendisine, diğer insanlara ve bunların dışında kalan tüm varlıklara karşı sorumlu bir varlıktır. Sorumluluk ve sorumlulukla birlikte eyleme geçirilen fiiller tarihten beri felsefe, psikoloji gibi birçok ilme konu olmaktadır. İslam düşüncesinde ise, Tanrı'nın insanı ne ile sorumlu tuttuğu, Tanrı'nın teklif ettiği şeyin amacı ve sonucu bakımından zengin bir tartışma alanı mevcuttur. Kelâm ilminde ise sorumluluk, birçok ekol tarafından çeşitli görüşlerle ele alınsa da Mu’tezilî âlimler tarafından teklif konusu içerisinde literatüre dahil edilmiştir. Bu minvalde Allah'ın ilahi adaleti, Allah'ın insana teklifi, teklifin mahiyeti, insan fiilleri ve insan sorumluluğunun temellendirilmesi meseleleri tartışılmaktadır. Bu makalede Mu’tezilî âlimlerden Kādî Abdülcebbâr'ın Allah'ın insanlara teklif etmesi, teklifin mahiyeti ve teklif sonucunda insanın sorumluluğu meseleleri ele alınacaktır.
Assessment study of how much Egyptian patients are satisfied following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: El-Batra Mahmoud Mohamed Abas , Ebied Ayman Mohamed , Hasan Bahaa Zakarya Mohammed , El-Mohsen Sherif Osama Abd
Published: December 2024

Background: Advanced stages of Knee OA can be incapacitating as a result of reduced functional range of motion and pain. Joint replacement may be needed for end-stage arthritis. Among the patient-reported outcome measures is patient satisfaction. Objectives: To study patients’ satisfaction one year later of total knee arthroplasty using different outcome measures and scoring systems. Patients & Methods: This was a prospective cohort study that was performed at Menoufia University Hospitals on 132 patients who received primary TKR. All participants were subjected to complete personal and medical history, and general examination including BMI and vital signs (heart, respiratory rate, and blood pressure). Preoperative investigations include CBC, serum creatinine, RBS, Liver function tests), Electrocardiogram, imaging studies such as (knee X-ray, CT, MRI, and bone densitometry). Surgical steps for TKR, postoperative care (hydration, analgesia). Knee joint physiotherapy until discharge. Study tools: Knee Society score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score. Patient satisfaction (The patient is asked if he would recommend total knee replacement for his relatives or not. Visual Analogue Scale). Results: The average age of the study group was 58.47±8.037 years, BMI 28.79±1.364 with 78.7%were females. 72.9% of the study group were satisfied with TKR.
ÖLÜM CEZASI VE YAPIBOZUMU
Authors: Erkek Fatma
Published: December 2024

Derrida, hiçbir filozofun ölüm cezasına karşı olmadığını, aksine filozofların ölüm cezasını meşrulaştırdıklarını öne sürmüştür. Ona göre ölüm cezasına karşı olan yazarların ve filozofların görüşlerine bakıldığında ise onların ilkesel olarak onu savunan yanlara sahip oldukları görülür. Ölüm cezasını savunan Kant gibi kimi filozoflar ise istisnalara yer vererek ölüm cezası konusunda kendi içlerinde çelişen argümanlar ortaya koyarlar. Aynı şekilde ölüm cezasına karşı çıkan düşünürler ise ya istisnalara yer vererek ya da infaz koşullarında iyileştirmeler yapılmasından yana görüşler ileri sürerek bir noktada bu cezayı onaylarlar. Derrida, ölüm cezasını ve filozoflar tarafından bu konuda ortaya konulan argümanları birçok açıdan yapıbozuma uğratır. Bu çalışmada öncelikle ölüm cezasından yana ve ona karşı olan bazı görüşler ortaya konularak Derrida’nın ölüm cezasını ve ölüm cezasına ilişkin görüşleri nasıl yapıbozuma uğrattığı ele alınacaktır. Son olarak onun ölüm cezası karşısındaki duruşu saptanmaya çalışılacaktır.
ANALISIS DAN PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI PENJUALAN BERBASIS WEB PADA TOKO SWARNA MART
Authors: Adriamal Indra Putra , Yaakub Saleh , Ikhsan Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Swarna Mart Store is a store engaged in the sale of household necessities such asbasic necessities and others. However, in selling so many goods, the sales systemstill uses the manual method. The purpose of this study is to analyze and design asales information system, including facilitating product sales, recording salestransactions, searching for goods and making reports. System modeling uses UML(Unified Modeling Language) which consists of Use Case Diagrams, ActivityDiagrams and Class Diagrams, with a design limited to a prototype. This studyproduced a prototype sales information system that is able to help the CenhsinStreet store in carrying out operational activities. In further development, it ishoped that this sales information system can have a more attractive appearance.
DAMPAK IMPLEMENTASI PERHUTANAN SOSIAL TERHADAP SOSIAL EKONOMI LINGKUNGAN KELOMPOK TANI HUTAN MAHAU LESTARI DESA SUNGAI PENOBAN PROVINSI JAMBI
Authors: Zuhdi Muhammad , Rahmatia Citra , Kurniawan Riko
Published: December 2024

Social forestry is a technique of sustainable forest control finished with the aid of nearby or indigenous corporations in areas particular as nation or regular forests, which aims to improve community welfare, but still maintain forest sustainability and environmental balance, as well as socio-cultural dynamics. This research aims to understand the management system and social, financial and environmental benefits of social forestry for Mahau Lestari wooded area Farmer agency (KTH) members in Sungai Penoban Village, Batang Asam District, West Tanjung Jabung Regency, Jambi Province. This study used a purposive sample approach to identify 16 respondents. The study takes an exploratory and descriptive-analytical approach, with records accrued through interviews and focus group discussion. Social Forestry has a positive impact on society in various aspects. The social impact on this forest farmer group is in the form of increasing knowledge of social forestry activities to manage forests. Changes in community behaviour by clearing land without burning and being responsible in protecting forest areas. The perceived economic impact is a contribution to farmer household income of 7.62%. The environmental impact is seen through planting activities with an agroforestry system, and illegal logging is reduced because the community implements a routine patrol system.
ANALISIS DAN PERANCANGAN PENGOLAHAN DATA ARSIP PADA KANTOR NOTARIS DAN PEJABAT PEMBUAT AKTA TANAH (PPAT) ISMET TAUFIK, S.H KOTA JAMBI
Authors: Setiawati Dessy , Marthiawati Noneng , Ediansa Oka
Published: December 2024

Many companies, including the Notary Office and PPAT Ismet Taufik, S.H. in Jambi City, still rely on manual systems, leading to poorly organized archive data and inefficient data searches that hinder work processes. This research aims to analyze and design a web-based archival data processing system to improve data organization and search efficiency. Using the UML (Unified Modeling Language) methodology, this study incorporates use case diagrams, activity diagrams, and class diagrams. The system design follows a Prototype model visualized using the Canva application. The result is a design for a more effective and efficient archival data processing system tailored for the Notary Office and PPAT Ismet Taufik, S.H.
Papel da sinalização WNK-SPAK/OSR1 no desenvolvimento da hipertensão
Authors: Silva Jeoadã Karollyne , Lima Wedja Stephany de Assim , Carvalho Jennyfer Martins de , Santos Valéria Bianca de Souza , Ribeiro Fernanda Priscila Barbosa , Siqueira Lucas Cristiano da Silva , Vieira Leucio Duarte , Wanderley Almir Gonçalves
Published: December 2024

A hipertensão arterial é uma doença crônica altamente prevalente que acarreta elevada mortalidade, principalmente por doenças cardiovasculares. Os rins tem um papel importante na homeostase da pressão arterial por seu impacto na regulação do volume do líquido extracelular pela atividade de cotransportadores de cátion-cloreto, cuja atividade é mediada pela via de sinalização WNK-SPAK/OSR1. A WNK (with no lysine kinase) é uma família de proteínas cinases serina/treonina que fosforilam as cinases a jusante SPAK (STE20-related proline/alanine-rich kinase) e OSR1 (oxidative stress-responsive kinase). Quando ativadas, a SPAK e a OSR1 se ligam à proteína adaptadora MO25 (mouse protein-25) e fosforilam cotransportadores de cátion-cloreto tubulares renais. Mutações nas WNKs 1/4 causam o pseudo-hipoaldosteronismo tipo II, uma condição genética de hipertensão em que a super-expressão da atividade da via gera um aumento na reabsorção de cloreto de sódio no túbulo contorcido distal que eleva a pressão arterial. A via oferece seis potenciais alvos de intervenção farmacológica que impacta a pressão arterial pelos efeitos natriuréticos e anti-hipertensivos, além de possibilitar a redução de efeitos adversos da terapia padrão que consiste no uso de diuréticos tiazídicos.
Análise estatística da relação entre a resistência à tração por compressão diametral e a resistência à compressão do concreto
Authors: Quadros Peterson Araújo , Calixto José Márcio Fonseca , Vieira Raphael Nonato Cabana , Diniz Sofia Maria Carrato
Published: December 2024

A ABNT NBR 6118 (2023) apresenta expressões que relacionam a resistência à tração do concreto à sua resistência característica à compressão. Diversas pesquisas têm sido desenvolvidas em todo o Brasil com o intuito de aprimorar essas relações, proporcionando previsões mais precisas. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é contribuir para esse esforço. Para tanto, foi compilado um banco de dados abrangente contendo resultados de ensaios realizados em todo o território nacional. Esses ensaios incluem a resistência à compressão e a resistência à tração por compressão diametral do concreto. Com base nesse banco de dados, desenvolveu-se um programa estatístico destinado a prever equações consistentes para a relação entre essas propriedades mecânicas do concreto. Adicionalmente, foram feitas comparações entre os resultados obtidos a partir do programa estatístico e os modelos prescritos pela ABNT NBR 6118 (2023), EUROCODE 2 (2004) e ACI 318 (2014). Essas comparações visam verificar a precisão e a consistência das equações sugeridas em relação aos modelos normativos existentes, fornecendo estimativas da resistência à tração do concreto, para projeto e verificação de estruturas, que melhor descrevam os concretos produzidos em território nacional.
Tuberculose urogenital: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Rocha Leonardo Dias Flor , Fedeszen Estêvão Kubit , Mischiatti Jamily de Souza , Loss Humberto Moreira , Ferreira Filipe de Carvalho Emery , Gonçalves Nicolas Brune , Gonçalves Gustavo Brune , Teixeira Sarah Fernandes , Quintela-Castro Fernanda Cristina de Abreu , Barcelos Rafael Mazioli , Passamani-Ambrósio Roberta , Marcolongo-Pereira Clairton , Rossoni Junior Joamyr Victor
Published: December 2024

Introdução: A tuberculose (TB) é uma das principais doenças infecciosas crônicas que causam morte no mundo. Afeta principalmente os pulmões, conhecida como TB pulmonar, embora também possa atingir praticamente qualquer órgão do corpo, configurando-se como TB extrapulmonar. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as pesquisas existentes sobre tuberculose urogenital, buscando preencher lacunas de conhecimento e fornecer uma base robusta para futuras abordagens clínicas e terapêuticas.  Métodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, com artigos publicados entre 2010 e 2022, em português e inglês. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada em agosto de 2023, com buscas nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO e Acervo+ Index Base, utilizando os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS) pertinentes, combinados com o operador booleano “AND”. Resultados: Foram identificados inicialmente 7.905 artigos, dos quais 14 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão após exclusão de duplicatas e seleção por critérios de relevância. A análise dos estudos selecionados revelou uma variedade de sintomas, métodos diagnósticos e complicações associadas à tuberculose urogenital. Conclusão: A tuberculose urogenital (TBUG) possui manifestações clínicas variadas e diagnóstico complexo devido à sua apresentação atípica e sintomas que se assemelham a outras doenças do trato urinário. Profissionais de saúde devem considerar TBUG em pacientes com sintomas geniturinários crônicos, especialmente em regiões endêmicas, e adotar uma abordagem multidisciplinar para diagnóstico precoce e tratamento eficaz.
NURSES’ KAP ANALYSIS FOR PALLIATIVE CARE PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE
Authors: SHAHEEN F , AKRAM S , SHAHEEN N
Published: December 2024

Heart failure patients admitted for palliative care require specialized management to alleviate symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Nurses play a pivotal role in delivering palliative care; however, their knowledge, attitudes, and practices significantly influence patient outcomes. This study aims to assess these parameters in nurses working in intensive care and cardiology settings. Objective:  T o evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses working with palliative care patients with heart failure. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Nursing Department of Nishtar Hospital, Multan from October 2023 to October 2024. A total of 100 nurses working in the ICU and Cardiology department with heart failure patients admitted for palliative care were included in the study. Data was collected through questionnaires. Knowledge was assessed by the 30-item Palliative Care Quiz for Nursing, attitude regarding death was evaluated by a 32-item Death Attitude Profile and practice was assessed by 6-item perceptions of preparedness and ability to care for the dying (PPACD) R-I scale. Results: The mean knowledge score was 13.8 ± 2.55 with a satisfactory score in only 46% of participants. Only 29% were aware of symptom management in terminally ill patients. The mean attitude score was 133.6 ± 108.4 and the mean practice score was 16.2 ± 5.1. No significant association between knowledge scores and previous palliative care training was noted (r=0.1) but attitude scores were positively related to age and experience. The approach acceptance (r=0.292) and neutral acceptance (r=0.339) were significantly associated with practice. Conclusion: Nurses working in the palliative care unit possessed unsatisfactory knowledge, attitudes, and practices to manage patients with heart failure. Intervention programs and the inclusion of palliative care subjects in the curriculum can improve these results and avert the healthcare hazard.
KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING BIO-MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG STAFF NURSES IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: ILYAS M , SADDIQUE H , TASNEEM SS
Published: December 2024

Biomedical waste (BMW) management is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery, ensuring safety for healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. In Pakistan, the implementation of effective BMW management practices remains a significant challenge due to limited resources and inconsistent adherence to protocols. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and practices of staff nurses regarding BMW management in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 female nurses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge and practices related to BMW management. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: All participants (100%) were aware of BMW generation and legislation, and 96.9% adhered to colour-coded waste segregation. However, only 82.3% used puncture-proof containers for sharps disposal, and 87.7% were aware of the preparation of disinfectant solutions. Most nurses (99.2%) reported wearing PPE, and 92.3% were immunised against Hepatitis B. Despite these strengths, gaps in adherence to storage time limits and sharp disposal protocols were noted. Conclusion: While awareness and adherence to certain BMW management practices were high, significant gaps remain in compliance with critical protocols. Enhanced training, monitoring, and resource provision are essential to ensure safe and effective BMW management in healthcare settings in Pakistan.
TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS OF CRITICAL CARE NURSES ON PAIN MANAGEMENT OF CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: SIDDIQUE I , SADDIQUE H , JABEEN R
Published: December 2024

Effective pain management is a cornerstone of critical care, ensuring comfort and optimizing recovery for critically ill patients. In Pakistan, critical care nurses play a pivotal role in pain management; however, knowledge gaps, misconceptions, and systemic barriers hinder optimal practice. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers of critical care nurses regarding pain management of critically ill patients in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 critical care nurses using a structured questionnaire. Data on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to pain management were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Only 19.8% of nurses had good knowledge of pain management, while 42.9% had average knowledge, and 37.3% had poor knowledge. Negative attitudes were prevalent among 76.2% of participants, including misconceptions about opioid use and pain assessment methods. The most commonly reported barriers were insufficient knowledge (52.4%) and inadequate experience (23.0%), along with time constraints (4.0%) and inadequate pain assessment practices (19.0%).Conclusion: Significant gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and systemic barriers hinder effective pain management among critical care nurses in Pakistan. Targeted training programs and systemic reforms are essential to address these challenges and enhance pain management outcomes in critical care settings.
Leadership Lessons for Aspiring College Presidents: Essential Tools, Skills, and Strategies for Success
Authors:   Governors State University, Martin III Quincy
Published: December 2024

College and university presidents today face an increasingly complex set of challenges, demanding not only traditional leadership skills but also a nuanced understanding of the unique dynamics in higher education. With heightened financial pressures, technological advances, and evolving student expectations, college presidents must be equipped with the right tools, skills, and strategies to navigate their roles successfully. This article explores leadership lessons for aspiring college presidents, providing a comprehensive overview of the essential competencies required to lead effectively. Drawing from recent leadership theory, case studies, and trends in higher education, this article offers practical guidance for current and future higher education leaders.
Black Like Me: Black College Student Perceptions of Racially Similar College Presidents
Authors:   Texas A&M University-Commerce, Tolliver III David , Miller Michael ,   University of Memphis, Miles Jennifer ,   University of Memphis
Published: December 2024

There is a strong interest in higher education to enroll a diverse student body, including groups from historically underrepresented populations. This is particularly true within the Black American community, where Black women have increased their presence in higher education yet Black men continue to account for only a small fraction of all college enrollment. To help increase the enrollment of Black men, some institutions have explored and put into place mentoring programs and have looked to symbolically demonstrate that higher education is a welcoming place by spotlighting college presidents who share similar demographic characteristics. The current study was designed to describe the perceptions of Black male college students concerning their institution where a Black male college president was in place. These findings included a range of reactions from the creation of hope and making a difference to perceptions of indifference and even anger. The study illustrates the importance of critically examining role modeling and mentoring as a strategy to help recruit and retain students from diverse backgrounds.
A Critical Evaluation of India’s Proposed Digital Competition Act
Authors: Tewari Anadi
Published: December 2024

The emergence of digital marketplaces has resulted in considerable changes in the business sector, with new competitors joining the market, offering novel products and services and challenging the supremacy of traditional players. Although digital marketplaces provide a plethora of pro-competitive benefits, they are prone to anti-competitive practices due to characteristics such as significant network effects, high innovation rates and rapidly changing technologies. This has raised concerns about the potential anti-competitive practices and market abuses that could arise in the digital economy, sparking the question of whether the current regulatory framework of the Competition Act 2002 (2002 Act) is effectively addressing the challenges. It is being seen that enterprises (either global or Indian) have been trying to subsidise users to attract them to the network effects by resorting to a series of big losses, which in other words has raised alarms regarding predatory pricing in the market. People may enjoy discounts given by enterprises. While the immediate benefits of these enterprises may appear advantageous, they will adversely affect customers in the long term, especially as customers become increasingly dependent on their services. In this study, the author illustrates how the current legislation can deal with the unique characteristics or requirements of digital marketplaces. The research further puts forth the negative implications of the ex-ante mechanism with case laws and comparative analysis with international jurisdictions. The findings of the study suggest that India should not blindly replicate what other jurisdictions, especially the European Union are pursuing i.e., taking steps towards enacting a separate digital competition law. The implications of this work would be a deliberate analysis of the provisions of the 2002 Act in line with the working of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to suggest the adequacy of present law in dealing with competition issues in digital marketplaces.
Alternative gold prospecting methods used by artisanal and small scale miners: A review
Authors: Mangasini Fredrick Martin , Msabi Michael , Macheyeki Athanas , Kira Alex
Published: December 2024

Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) is distinctive to Industrial Mining (IM) upon minimal applications of scientific methods and inadequate funding of its geological exploration activities. Revision of scholarly sources indicate that for ASM, gold prospecting is done using visual features that signify zones of mineralization. Such features comprise soil and lithological indicators, geo-biotic indicators, indicator minerals, pathfinder elements and associate minerals. Others include physical features and mine vestiges. Imminent research on ASM rests upon studying scientific inter-relationships of such techniques and suitable mechanisms of financing activities related to geological exploration, an inordinate barrier to smart productivity of ASM.
Molybdenum, lead and zinc mobility potential in agricultural environments: a case study of the Kočani field, North Macedonia
Authors: Rogan Šmuc Nastja
Published: December 2024

The research focuses on the assessment of potential toxic elements (PTEs) contamination of the soils of the Kočani field (North Macedonia) due to the surrounding past and current polymetallic mining activities. The Zletovska River drains the untreated wastewater from the Pb-Zn mine in the Zletovo-Kratovo region and is unfortunately used to irrigate the surrounding rice fields. Elevated levels of molybdenum (Mo) and especially lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were found in the soil samples from the rice fields near the Zletovska River (in the western part of the Kočani field), which are well above the limit and critical emission values for PTEs content in soils. In addition, Mo was consistently bound to water soluble, exchangeable and oxidizable fractions in all samples, while reducible and residual fractions were predominated by Pb and Zn. According to the sum of the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions, the mobility and environmental bioavailability potential of the investigated PTEs in the soil-plant system decreased in the following order: Mo > Pb > Zn. It is therefore very important to emphasize that when assessing the environmental impact of PTEs on the respective surroundings, not only the commonly considered trace and minor PTEs (such as Pb and Zn) that occur in geological materials should be taken into account, but also in lower contents (such as Mo). The translocation of PTEs within the ecosystem does not depend on their total content in the primary geological materials, but on their individual mobility and binding capacity.
Dynamics of a Late-Stage Secondary Forest on Barro Colorado Island
Authors: Yavitt Joseph
B. , Lang Gerald E. , Knight Dennis H. , Wright Joseph
Published: December 2024

Long-term late-stage changes in the composition and structure of a late-stage secondary forest were quantified by repeated censuses of a 1.5-ha plot starting in 1968. When first established, the plot lacked canopy gaps and was dominated by Gustavia superba. During the following 46 years, canopy gaps have been numerous, small in area, and clustered in a portion of the plot. The dominance by G. superba has declined, but the number of tree species has remained relatively constant (maximum, 129). Stem density declined largely because recruitment was low relative to nearby old-growth forest. BrayCurtis dissimilarity in tree species composition with nearby old-growth forest decli from 0.70 in 1968 to 0.57 in 2014, with most of the decline occurring before 2000. Tree basal area has fluctuated, which might be a characteristic of late-stage secondary forest as large pioneers die off. Much work remains to be done on tree growth rates, the dynamics of recruitment and mortality, and the gradual transition to the species composition of old-growth forest.
Thirty Years of Pollen Rain Sampling in the Barro Colorado Island 50-ha Plot
Authors: Moreno Jorge Enrique , Jaramillo Carlos
Published: December 2024

Pollen production and dispersal is critical to plant reproduction yet remains poorly understood in tropical forests. To address this knowledge gap, we are conducting a long-term pollen trapping study in the Barro Colorado Island (BCI) 50-ha plot, a study that began in 1991 and continues to this day. Pollen samples from 20 traps on the forest floor are collected annually, processed, and identified to species, providing a 30-year record of pollen rain. The setting is ideal because location of the traps within a large-mapped plot provides information on the sizes and identities of all the trees surrounding the traps, and pollen morphologies of all BCI plant species are well known. Here we describe our methods, review published studies, and present new results on interannual variation in pollen rain in this dataset. We close with discussion of the many possibilities for future research enabled by these data.
Drought Resistance of Tropical Tree Seedlings
Authors: Engelbrecht Bettina
Published: December 2024

Pronounced changes of rainfall patterns, including more frequent and intense drought, are projected for the tropics. Seedlings are especially vulnerable to drought and provide the template for future forest composition. My colleagues and I combined observational, experimental, and mechanistic approaches to quantify drought effects on seedlings in the Barro Colorado Nature Monument and its implications for species distributions. We quantified seedling drought resistance experimentally as survival in dry relative to irrigated conditions in the forest understory, revealing tremendous variation across species that cooccur on Barro Colorado Island. Differences of dehydration tolerance and associated mechanisms, especially the turgor loss point, govern this interspecific variation. Drought resistance drives seedling survival and growth responses to temporal and spatial variation of soil moisture and plays a significant role in shaping differences in species distribution and diversity patterns.
Advancing Our Understanding of Tropical Forests and Improving the Predictive Capability of Vegetation Models with Data–Model Integration at Barro Colorado Island
Authors: Chitra-Tarak Rutuja , Needham Jessica F. , Hanbury-Brown Adam , Robles Emily , Varadharajan Charuleka , Knox Ryan , Kueppers Lara
Published: December 2024

Tropical forests cycle large amounts of water, carbon, and energy between the land and atmosphere and are therefore essential components of the Earth system that must be adequately represented in models that predict the Earth’s future climate. Representing the structural and functional complexity of tropical forests requires the ability to make detailed observations to inform model algorithms and parameters. In this chapter, we show how decades of data collection at Barro Colorado Island (BCI) have contributed to the development and testing of large-scale vegetation models and highlight the ways that these models in turn have improved our understanding of dynamics at BCI and across tropical forests. By sharing, assembling, adapting, and filling gaps in these data, integrated teams of modelers and empiricists have developed BCI into a high value vegetation model testbed. We conclude with a discussion of future opportunities for data–model integration and call for a continued and strengthened collaboration between empiricists and modelers.
A Stand-Level, Water-Addition Experiment
Authors: Wright Joseph , Mulkey Stephen , Yavitt Joseph
Published: December 2024

To evaluate hypotheses relating the biology of tropical forest species to seasonal variation in moisture availability, we eliminated seasonal drought in the soil and understory atmosphere by adding 114,750 m3 of water to two 2.25-ha plots of old growth forest over five consecutive dry seasons. Irrigation prevented the shrink-swell cycle of the soil and increased soil pH and fertility, understory plant survival, and egg survival and recruitment for a lizard. Irrigation did not alter insect herbivory; the seasonality, abundance, or species composition of flying insects; nor the phenology and productivity of canopy trees. These negative results might be related, with insects tracking the canopy plants that dominate productivity. Irrigation did not affect clouds, atmospheric transmissivity, and solar irradiance, and, for taller plants, atmospheric drought in the canopy. We hypothesized, and it has since been confirmed, that the seasonality of incoming solar radiation limits productivity and provides proximate phenological cues for many canopy species. Recent increases in dry-season rainfall observed across the tropics will alter soils and plant and animal populations through direct effects on soil moisture in humid tropical forest.
Ocotea oblonga: A Gynodioecious Tree
Authors: Penagos Zuluaga Juan Carlos
Published: December 2024

Ocotea oblonga (Meisn.) Mez (Lauraceae) is unusual among tree species in having a gynodioecious breeding system, meaning some plants are female (bearing only female flowers) and some plants are hermaphrodites (bearing bisexual flowers). Despite its large geographic range, the ecology and evolution of this species remain largely unexplored. In the population on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), 30% of reproductive adults are female, and female trees produce more fruits than hermaphrodites. The species is moderately abundant on BCI, including on the 50-ha Forest Dynamics Plot, which provides demographic data for hundreds of individuals over the past 40 years. Associated multispecies studies show that O. oblonga is relatively gap dependent, has relatively high growth and mortality rates, and is significantly more common in the moister slope habitat of the plot. The unusual breeding system of this species combined with the extensive preexisting data on BCI provide excellent opportunities for future research.
Socratea exorrhiza: The Walking Palm
Authors: Williamson Cecilia , Muller-Landau Helene
Published: December 2024

Socratea exorrhiza (Mart.) H.Wendl, the Walking Palm, is a midsize palm with stilt roots. It is moderately common on Barro Colorado Island (BCI) but has declined steeply in abundance over recent decades. In this chapter, we review previous research on S. exorrhiza (also Socratea durissima H.Wendl., Iriartea exorrhiza Mart.) at BCI and nearby sites, discussing its morphology and physiology, biomass allometries, population dynamics, and interactions with other species. We provide new height and biomass allometry equations and new calculations for the standing biomass of this spe?cies on the BCI 50-ha Forest Dynamics Plot from 1982 to 2015. We close by recommend?ing future research taking advantage of mapped plots on BCI to further investigate the decline in population on the BCI 50-ha plot and the “walking” attributed to these palms.
Clusia uvitana: A Tree-Inhabiting Tree with CAM Photosynthesis
Authors: Zotz Gerhard
Published: December 2024

Clusia uvitana Pittier, which is a rather common hemiepiphytic tree on Barro Colorado Island, has been the focal species of a considerable number of studies. The particular interest in this species mostly stems from its use of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), a remarkable feature for a dicot tree. The most important findings of these studies are presented, including the flexible use of nighttime and daytime carbon dioxide uptake and the consequences of CAM for plant water and nutrient relations as well as for whole-plant hydraulic architecture. Complementing the results of these ecophysiological studies, I also report some observations related to its general ecology (e.g., its establishment in tree crowns) and to manifold interactions with the local fauna.
Cecropia: A Myrmecophytic Genus of Dioecious Pioneer Trees
Authors: Zalamea Paul-Camilo , Sarmiento Carolina , Dalling James W.
Published: December 2024

The Neotropical genus Cecropia (Urticaceae) is composed of fast-growing and relatively short-lived dioecious trees with small, animal-dispersed seeds that regenerate in canopy gaps or early in high-light environments. Cecropia trees have for decades served as focal taxa on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), to study gap regeneration, seed dispersal, plant phenology, plant defenses, plant symbiosis, and niche partitioning. In this chapter, we first review the complexity of Cecropia species systematics in the context of BCI and present information useful for distinguishing among the four species of Cecropia on BCI. We then review key findings on the ecology of Cecropia from research on BCI and in Panama more generally. Among other findings, we highlight how the study of plant symbiosis in BCI, such as the Cecropia-ant mutualism and seed fungal interactions, have contributed to our understanding of plant defenses and species coexistence.
Dimerandra emarginata: The Rare Case of a Well-Studied Tropical Epiphyte Species
Authors: Zotz Gerhard
Published: December 2024

Dimerandra emarginata is perhaps the most common epiphytic orchid on Barro Colorado Island. This species has been the subject of almost 30 publications, covering diverse biological aspects from functional morphology to demography, which may make it the best-studied epiphytic orchid in the Neotropics. The accumulated body of data for a single species enables conclusions across levels of integration, including a physiological understanding of demographic processes. In addition to autecological work, studies also have investigated the role of D. emarginata as a secondary foundation species for canopy-dwelling arthropods.
Seed Dispersal and Seed Predation by Scatter-Hoarding Rodents on Barro Colorado Island, Panama
Authors: Jansen Patrick
Published: December 2024

Rodents are important seed predators. However, rodent species that create food supplies by burying seeds in scattered caches can also function as seed dispersers that favor their food plants. A key question is what conditions cause such “scatter hoarders” to act as mutualists rather than antagonists. Here, I summarize studies conducted in Barro Colorado Island (BCI) concerning the conditional role of rodents as seed dispersers, with an emphasis on the Central American agouti, Dasyprocta punctata. The findings indicate that scatter-hoarding rodents can be highly effective dispersers of large hard-coated seeds. Effectiveness is enhanced by seed scarcity, which increases the pace and distance of dispersal, and by the risk of rodents being depredated themselves, which increases the likelihood of dispersed seeds escaping consumption. In protected areas with high population levels of both rodents and their natural enemies, such as BCI, scatter hoarders may be more effective dispersers to their food plants than are frugivores. I close with suggestions for further research.
Endophytic Fungi: Dimensions of Diversity Within Tropical Leaves
Authors: Arnold Elizabeth , Van bael Sunshine
Published: December 2024

The foliage of tropical forests harbors diverse endosymbionts, including fungal endophytes. These fungi occur within healthy tissues and are increasingly appreciated as important, if cryptic, components of forest biodiversity. Endophytes shape leaf phenotypes, are influenced by leaf traits in turn, and contribute to plant responses to stress and natural enemies, and thus they are key to plant resilience and community dynamics. Here we summarize how foundational contributions by scientists at Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama, have shed light on endophyte ecology from local to global scales. We then provide an overview of more recent advances in the molecular biology and potential applications of endophytes in diverse settings. Together the body of research conducted at BCI and through the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has been key to discovering the diversity and ecological roles of these little-known symbionts, now understood to be fundamental aspects of “what it is to be a plant” in tropical forests.
Remote Sensing of Forest Structure and Dynamics in the Barro Colorado Nature Monument
Authors: Cushman K.C.
Published: December 2024

The structure of tropical forests provides globally important information about carbon storage and dynamics, but ground measurements remain relatively sparse. Remote sensing instruments have the ability to characterize ecosystem structure over broad extents. Many studies have taken advantage of abundant field data in the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM) to develop remote sensing methods for tropical forest structure and dynamics. In turn, remote sensing has provided insight into ecological processes across the BCNM landscape. Lidar and photogrammetry data indicate that BCNM secondary forests, although approximately 100 years old, not only continue to increase in height and biomass but also have lower disturbance rates than old-growth forests. Soil types and topographic variation also influence large-scale patterns of biomass through effects on disturbance rates. The ecological value of airborne and satellite remote sensing monitoring programs is expected to increase with advances in automated data processing methods in the coming years.
Flower and Seed Production, Seedling Dynamics, and Tree Life Cycles
Authors: Wright Joseph , Calderón Osvaldo , Hernández Andrés , Muller-Landau Helene
Published: December 2024

We present highlights derived from 36 years of weekly observations of flower and seed production and 25 years of annual observations of seedling dynamics at Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama. Highlights concern levels and causes of spatial, temporal, and interspecific variation in flower production, seed production, seed dispersal, and seedling recruitment, growth, and survival as well as the consequences for plant regeneration and diversity. Full tree life cycles are assembled by combining seed production, seedling dynamics, and observations of larger plants from the 50-ha Forest Dynamics Plot and are used to evaluate the costs of dioecy, lifetime insights from functional traits, and interspecific variation in the impact of lianas among host tree species. A variety of results demonstrate the importance of long-term observations to understand forest dynamics and responses to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and a changing climate.
Phytochemistry of Tropical Zoochorous Fruit: Mediating Plant–Frugivore Interactions Within Biodiverse Communities
Authors: Schneider Gerald F. , Jos Elsa M. , G. Beckman Noelle
Published: December 2024

Among plants with animal-dispersed fruits, the phytochemical traits of fruit play a number of key ecological roles, including attracting mutualistic seed dispersers. Beginning on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), expanding across the tropics, and finally returning to BCI, we trace and review the research that has elucidated the ecological and evolutionary relationships of fruit phytochemical traits to avian and mammalian seed dispersers in tropical communities. We first examine the phytochemicals that constitute scent and their roles as foraging signals for mammalian seed dispersers. We then examine pigments and their significance as signals of ripeness and nutrient content to a variety of disperser taxa. Finally, we outline our recent and ongoing work on BCI, which investigates further the phylogenetic structure of fruit phytochemical traits with respect to seed dispersers, drawing on the wealth of ecological data available for BCI, and integrates fruit into an organismal perspective for plant-animal chemical ecology.
The Physiology of Lichens and Bryophytes in the Tropical Lowlands
Authors: Zotz Gerhard , Bader Maaike Y.
Published: December 2024

In moist tropical lowlands, lichens and bryophytes reach only surprisingly low abundances, whereas in tropical montane forests, they are often so conspicuous that these forests are called “mossy forests.” The physiological basis behind this striking elevational pattern is not entirely understood, but differences in carbon-gain opportunities likely play a role. Our current understanding of the limitations of in situ carbon gain in lichens and bryophytes is in part based on pioneering physiological fieldwork conducted on Barro Colorado Island. We describe these earlier studies and current research efforts. Ongoing work primarily aims at predicting the effect of global climate change on these poikilohydric organisms, but baseline studies on their ecophysiology are still to be conducted.
Overcoming Obstacles to Interdisciplinary Research: Empirical Insights and Strategies
Authors: Leon Cristo , Lipuma James
Published: December 2024

This paper presented the significant obstacles to effective interdisciplinary research and discussed strategies to enhance transdisciplinary communication necessary to overcome them. To effectively tackle complex global issues, it is crucial to recognize the pivotal role of interdisciplinary collaboration. This study examined the importance of overcoming communicative barriers to foster innovation and progress. The researchers employed a systematic literature review with a grounded theory approach to navigate the empirical landscape surrounding interdisciplinary research barriers and communication strategies. The findings identified critical barriers, including diverse disciplinary jargon, methodological differences, and a prevailing culture of disciplinary silos. The researchers identified effective strategies for surmounting these challenges, such as promoting inclusive research environments, establishing a common language for interdisciplinary dialogue, and creating transdisciplinary training and collaboration opportunities. The implications of this research suggested that strategic transdisciplinary communication can significantly mitigate barriers to interdisciplinary research, thereby enhancing collaborative outcomes. The authors included two practical examples of the application of transdisciplinary communication to the research collaboration. Moreover, the paper examined specific, actionable strategies that institutions and researchers can implement to foster a more conducive environment for interdisciplinary endeavors. Future directions highlighted in this paper included the need for further empirical research to refine the identified strategies and explore new methodologies for facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, the researchers emphasized the importance of institutional support in implementing these strategies, suggesting a holistic approach to encouraging transdisciplinary communication and collaboration.
Knowledge Integration in Students After Transdisciplinary Communication with the Oldest Old
Authors: Ehret Sonja
Published: December 2024

How do students integrate their cognitive insights gained from dialogues with the oldest old persons? The lecture provides insight into an exploratory evaluation of self-reflexions written by students, which they prepared after an intergenerational seminar. The acquisition of the experience and world view of the oldest old and the strategies of adopting perspectives play a central role. In all reflexions, the experience of the old dialogue partner is consistently addressed. Students also wrote about the process of integrating new knowledge. We can interpret it as a form of development of consciousness where spontaneity in dialogue, well-known as positive feedback, plays a central role.