bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Philosophies in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: Eastaugh Chris
Published: November 2022

Societal attitudes to environmental management are likely to be influenced by the current debates on climate change. Twenty years ago the environmental author, Bill McKibben, first released The End of Nature, arguing that anthropogenic climate change had destroyed the idea of an independent natural world. The ramifications of this idea have been slow to seep into the public consciousness, but there are signs now that the thought of the ending of nature is influencing public attitudes in ways that are deeply inimical to responsible forest management, shifting perceptions towards ecocentrism and reducing the legitimacy of foresters as responsible stewards of forested lands.Climate change presents challenges to forest managers both in a biophysical sense and in the way that it will influence their public support. A shift in societal attitudes towards ecocentric philosophies will restrict forest managers’ options in dealing with climate change; however, this shift cannot be countered by scientific research or appeals to reason as ecocentric feelings are based on “feelings.” Rather, managers need to understand that changing people’s feelings will hinge on changing the way they perceive nature and their views of foresters’ ability to manage. Forest managers must promote the concept of humans as responsible stewards of nature. This is not a new idea but, in breaking the dichotomy of people and nature, climate change offers foresters a new opportunity to present their case.
Two Decades of Long-Term Silvicultural Systems Research in Wetbelt ICH and ESSF Forests: What Have We Learned?
Authors: Wiensczyk Alan
Published: November 2022

None - LINK article.
Private Land Conservation and the West Kootenay
Authors: Stetski Wayne Leif
Published: November 2022

Conservation in the West Kootenay (WK) involves a diverse range of organizations working at varying scales and scope. On October 14, 2010 the East Kootenay Conservation Program (EKCP) and the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program – Columbia Basin (FWCP) co-hosted a stakeholder’s workshop in Nelson to consider the question: “ Is there interest in a new integrated partnership to achieve conservation objectives on private land in the West Kootenay?”
New Findings Guide Management in Boreal Mixedwood Forests
Authors: Kabzems Richard , Harper George , Fielder Peter
Published: November 2022

N/A
Marxan Analyses and Prioritization of the Central Interior Ecoregional Assessment
Authors: Loos Sarah A.
Published: November 2022

Terrestrial and freshwater priority areas for conservation were identified using Marxan software as part of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Central Interior Ecoregional Assessment. Several different scenarios were examined for both the freshwater and terrestrial analyses. Various cost scenarios were tested, along with other Marxan settings such as boundary length modifier and species penalty factor. Climate change scenarios were also developed and compared with a base “NCC” scenario that was used to create the final conservation portfolios. The final output was a set of freshwater and terrestrial priority conservation areas. These areas will be used to guide future conservation activities.
Standardized Occupancy Maps for Selected Wildlife in Central British Columbia
Authors: McNay Robert Scott , Sutherland Glenn , Morgan Don
Published: November 2022

Habitat occupancy models were developed for 10 vertebrate species that we expected would demonstrate a gradient of response to extensive losses of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and other linked habitat alterations resulting from the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) infestation and gradual changes in regional climate. A process-based Bayesian Belief Network approach was used to develop interlinked species models focussed at two levels of land management: (1) the forest stand level including changes in forest overstorey and understorey species composition, within-stand structures, canopy closure, and amounts of standing and fallen deadwood; and (2) the landscape level including changes in size of habitat patches, seral stage composition, and proximity to roads. We also considered indirect influences of broad ecological changes including alteration of some key species interactions (e.g., displacementfrom preferred habitat and [or] increased risk of mortality). We used results of this modelling to provide preliminary predictions of species occupancy in a large area of British Columbia designated by the Nature Conservancy of Canada as their Central Interior ecoregion. This work demonstrates an approach to building species occupancy models capable of representing the effects of large-scale disturbances on habitat supply at both the stand and landscape levels of habitat management. The resultant occupancy maps are also useful when integrated into various strategic planning initiatives including species recovery, silvicultural investments, and long-term conservation planning.
The Shelterwood Silvicultural System in British Columbia – A Practitioner’s Guide Part 3: Operational Implementation
Authors: Day Ken , Koot Cathy , Wiensczyk Alan
Published: November 2022

The shelterwood silvicultural system can be used to achieve diverse management objectives. Harvest entries made during shelterwood system implementation require careful attention. Each entry can be considered a silvicultural treatment designed to modify the forest environment to accomplish specific regeneration and stand-tending objectives. Protecting the soil, the overstorey, and the regeneration become principal considerations when harvesting. At the same time, harvesting must promote an environment that will favour germination and growth of a new stand according to forest management objectives. This is the last in a three-part series of extension notes addressing the shelterwood silvicultural system in British Columbia.
Editor In Chief Report: No One Said it Was Going To Be Easy
Authors: Hollstedt Chris
Published: November 2022

n/a
Regeneration and Growth Following Mountain Pine Beetle Attack: A Synthesis of Knowledge
Authors: Dhar Amalesh , Hawkins Chris D.B.
Published: November 2022

The mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins; MPB) infestation has altered forests of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) to an unprecedented extent in British Columbia. After an MPB outbreak, advance regeneration significantly contributed to form a new canopy and stand; however, the time needed to form a new stand depends on site-specific conditions. Assessment of regeneration and the growth of residual trees in stands after MPB attack are critical for three purposes: (1) forecasting long-term development (yield) of attacked stands; (2) selecting stands for growth-improving silvicultural treatments; and (3) forecasting impacts to ecological attributes such as hydrology, habitat, and vegetation types. This article reviews and synthesizes recent research concerning lodgepole pine stand performance after MPB attack in British Columbia. Species composition, abundance, spatial distribution, and overall stand health are described. This information is important for forest managers or practitioners who make decisions regarding management of MPB-attacked stands. Moreover, a number of key gaps exist in our knowledge about factors affecting advance regeneration and the residual trees of MPB-attacked stands. This article presents a list of knowledge gaps for management information and further research initiatives.
Silviculture Options for Use in Ranges Designated for the Conservation of Mountain Caribou Habitat in British Columbia
Authors: Hamilton Dennis (Milt)
Published: November 2022

This review and synthesis of silviculture practices was conducted to identify options that could be used in managing forest stands in and adjacent to ranges designated for the protection and conservation of mountain caribou in British Columbia. The characterization of mountain caribou habitat, silviculture options, and guiding principles are intended to promote silviculture planning and practices to support, and possibly accelerate, the return of suitable habitat conditions needed to assist with mountain caribou habitat and population recovery.
Silviculture Options for Use in Ranges Designated for the Conservation of Northern Caribou in British Columbia
Authors: McNay Robert Scott
Published: November 2022

This review and synthesis of silviculture strategies was conducted to clarify options for managing forest stands in areas designated for conservation of habitat for the northern ecotype of woodland caribou in British Columbia. Information about the ecology, distribution, population status, and legal management measures for herds of northern caribou provided the background for assessing risk to forestry operations. A review of current scientific research and operational trials was used to reveal potential impacts of forestry on caribou life requisites. Specific attention was paid to the implications of the recent mountain pine beetle infestation. General guidelines (desired conditions) are provided for operating in areas designated for the conservation of caribou.
Carbon Management in British Columbia’s Forests: An Update on Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Greig Mike , Bull Gary
Published: November 2022

Forest carbon management is rapidly evolving in British Columbia. The province is perhaps the most active jurisdiction on this front in Canada as it seeks to meet the requirements of its new suite of greenhouse gas legislation, regulations, and policies that influence the management of forest carbon.This report provides an update since 2008 on British Columbia's position on managing for greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on the role of forests. Essentially, it is an update of Carbon Management in British Columbia's Forests: Opportunities and Challenges, published as FORREX Series No. 24 (Greig and Bull 2008).This report includesa summary of legislative changes since late 2007;a review of the evolving institutional and market rules needed for the further development of a carbon offset market, which would include forests;some recent advances in forest carbon management in the province; andimportant opportunities and challenges that lay ahead.Forest carbon management policy and practices will continue to evolve. Forest carbon is now a recognized forest value, at both the carbon offset project level and the sustainable forest management landscape level. Although many pieces of forest carbon management are in place, more work is required to realize the full potential. It is clear that British Columbia's vast forests represent a significant opportunity to manage greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
Forest Carbon and Management Options in an Uncertain Climate
Authors: Swift Kathie
Published: November 2022

One of the current climate change mitigation strategies is the management of forested ecosystems to ensure that they remain a sink for carbon now and into the future.  With British Columbia’s climate expected to continue to warm into the future, our forests will also change in response.  If a choice is made to manage for carbon as one of the many landscape objectives, forest managers will need to know how best to do so given the likely changes in natural disturbance regimes that may accompany the changing climate.
Reducing Vulnerabilities and Promoting Resilience of British Columbia’s Natural and Human Systems Through Adaptation of Post-disturbance Land Management Options
Authors: Wiensczyk Alan
Published: November 2022

Introduction to JEM 13(1).
Geothermal Energy as an Indigenous Alternative Energy Source in BC
Authors: Kunkel Titi , Ghomshei Mory , Ellis Robert
Published: November 2022

British Columbia is anticipating a shortfall in electricity supply because of an expected increase in demand for energy by about 45% within the next 20 years, as well as the phasing out of old utilities. The reliance on fossil fuel and the ongoing discourse on climate changes have resulted in a shift towards carbon-neutral energy alternatives. The province’s current energy policy goals include achieving electricity self-sufficiency by 2016 through clean or renewable sources. British Columbia has an abundance of geothermal resources with wideranging temperatures available for both power development and direct use. Smaller ecological footprints and lower environmental impacts make the geothermal resource a choice for sustainable energy development as part of a diversified energy portfolio. This article reviews the benefits and impacts of geothermal resource development as a complementary indigenous, alternative energy source for the province and as a potential resource to create sustainable economic development within rural and remote communities.
Designing a Long-term Ecological Change Monitoring Program for BC Parks
Authors: Wright Pamela , Stevens Tory
Published: November 2022

Global climate changes are impacting the entire landscape and although intended as ecological reservoirs and refugia, parks and protected areas are not immune to these changes. Provincially, BC Parks’ staff identify stressors and threats in conservation risk assessments and have identified myriad challenges amplified by climate change. The role of monitoring in protected areas management in general, and with respect to climate change in particular, is identified as central to most assessment and adaptation strategies. This paper describes our work in the development and implementation of a province-wide long-term ecological change monitoring (LTEM) program that can be conducted using a hybrid scientific/citizen-science model. The intent is to help understand a) the state of ecological integrity of BC Parks on a provincial scale and b) long-term ecological change of which climate change is one of the leading causes. Although still in the preliminary stages of implementation, we reflect on some of the lessons we are learning along the way from discussions with field staff, scientists and managers in the protected areas field.
Thinning of a Ponderosa Pine/Douglas-Fir Forest in South-Central BC: Impacts on Understorey Vegetation
Authors: Ducherer Kim , Bai Yuguang , Thompson Don , Broersma Klaas
Published: November 2022

The ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forests in the Interior of British Columbia, Canada, are facing problems such as forest in-growth mainly due to fire suppression, reducing grazing land area. This study focused on the use of thinning to reduce forest stand density and restore understorey species diversity and increase aboveground biomass productivity. Data were collected over a 4-year period. Species richness and diversity were generally lower under the canopy of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir trees than outside the canopy. Species diversity was reduced by thinning at one site but unaffected by thinning at the other. Total understorey biomass increased up to 80% within 3 to 4 years after thinning. Depending on site and year, biomass production of one or more plant groups, such as forb, shrub, or graminoid, increased. Reduction in litter depth was observed at both sites due to the removal and/or reduction of needle sources. Variations in species composition existed among blocks and between sites, suggesting greater sampling size may be needed in future research to better capture the spatial variability. Thinning reduces stand density and thereby reduces fuel load and enhances understorey species productivity.
BC Grassland Resources and Climate Change
Authors: Gayton Don
Published: November 2022

The native grasslands and associated dry woodland ecosystems of the BC Interior are an important economic, biodiversity, and recreational resource. They also form an integral part of our cultural fabric, contributing to a sense of place-identity for many British Columbians. All the ecosystems of the Province will experience fundamental shifts as a result of climate change, but given the unique and complex nature of the Bunchgrass (BG), Ponderosa Pine (PP) and the dry phases of the Interior Douglas-fir (IDF) Biogeoclimatic (BGC) zones, they are deserving of a separate treatment. This discussion paper is not intended as a definitive review, but rather to initiate dialogue on an issue that is significant to both the livestock and conservation sectors.
Impacts and Susceptibility of Young Pine Stands to the Mountain Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus Ponderosae in British Columbia
Authors: Maclauchlan Lorraine
Published: November 2022

The impact of mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Scolytinae), is the most significant source of mortality of mature pine forests in western North America; however, in 2003-2004, high levels of mortality were observed in young pine stands in central British Columbia. This study investigagtes the impact of mountain pine beetle in these young pine stands. In 2005 and 2006, 24 plots were established throughout the mountain pine beetle-affected area of British Columbia. Cumulative mortality reached 83% in some plots. Secondary bark beetles and other pests contributed to overall stand mortality and decline but to a far lesser degree than mountain pine beetle. Stem deterioration and falldown was very rapid and severe in young stands following attack. Over 70% of attacked trees in the Sub-Boreal Spruce ecosystem were severely deteriorated, or had fallen less than 5 years after attack. The largest pines in young stands were attacked first, and brood production and emergence in these trees was more successful than in smaller, younger cohorts. Many attached stands had received silvicultural treatments. Once the outbreak in adjacent mature stands had subsided, very little new attack occurred in these young stands. Brood production was successful, albeit lower in young trees than in mature trees.
Riparian Management of Perennial Coastal Streams with Potential Habitat for a Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei)
Authors: Nordin Lisa J.
Published: November 2022

Assessments were conducted at stream reaches associated with recent harvesting in the mid-coast of British Columbia to: 1) determine how riparian vegetation has been managed around coastal streams that do not typically require a riparian reserve, but contain potential habitat for tailed frogs, and 2) correlate harvest prescriptions with habitat quality. The results are intended to guide decisions related to harvesting around small fish-bearing, and all non-fish streams on the mid-coast of BC. We found that bedrock-dominated reaches exhibited less disturbance than erodible streams when subjected to riparian cutting but their confined channels may have facilitated the transfer of road debris downstream, creating blockages and dewatering. Tailed-frog tadpoles were observed where some riparian harvesting had occurred, but the channels were stable and stream flow undisturbed. Recommendations for best practices when planning to harvest around perennial coastal streams include the consideration of geologic site characteristics prior to making harvesting decisions.
Cumulative Impact of Biotic and Abiotic Damage Agents on Lodgepole Pine Tree Form and Stand Structure in Southern British Columbia
Authors: Maclauchlan Lorraine , Brooks Julie E.
Published: November 2022

Not all pests kill trees or compromise final tree form; however, the cumulative effect of one or more damage agents over time can significantly limit final expectations at harvest, severely reducing or compromising wood quality and timber supply expectations going forward. This study highlights the effects of damage agents on young lodgepole pine insouthern British Columbia during the formative years of stand development. Over 4,300ntrees were monitored for up to three decades with over 40 damage agents recorded, causing significant repercussions on stocking, health, and form of potential crop trees. By the final assessment, density of potential crop trees had declined dramatically, with 84% affectedby one or more pests, and 63% of natural ingress dead. Most natural ingress was severely suppressed; thus, it is unlikely to fill in stand gaps caused by mortality and damage agents affecting larger potential crop trees. Lodgepole pine terminal weevil and western gall rust were the predominant damage agents influencing form and quality of potential crop trees. Lodgepole pine terminal weevil attacked up to 73% of pine and over 24% suffered multiple attacks. Results from this study emphasize the need for more short- and long-term monitoring of young stands to inform the development of forest policy and promote healthy, resilient new forests.
KEYWORDS: lodgepole pine, damage agents, lodgepole pine terminal weevil, western gall rust, Southern British Columbia
The Influence of Organizational Culture in Chinese Manufacturing on Organizational Immersion and Job Satisfaction: The Mediation Effect of Self-leadership
Authors:   Korean Academy of Leadership, CHENG MENGTING , Kim Joon-Sung
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of the organizational culture of Chinese manufacturing companies on organizational commitment and job satisfaction, and to suggest ways to strengthen the capabilities of organizational members and increase their commitment and satisfaction. As for the research methodology, 492 copies of effective samples were used for the research methodology, and the general characteristics, reliability, and validity of samples were verified using SPSS 23.0 for analysis, and Baron & Kenny (1986)'s three-step mediating effect verification method and Sobel. As a result of the study, first, among the sub-factors of organizational culture, rational culture, development culture, and consensus culture were recognized for statistical positive (+) significance in organizational commitment, and hierarchical culture had a negative (-) effect on organizational commitment. Second, as a result of conducting a regression analysis to analyze the effect of organizational culture on job satisfaction, it was verified that development culture and consensus culture among the sub-factors of organizational culture had a positive (+) effect on job satisfaction. In addition, as a result of regression analysis of organizational culture as an independent variable and self-leadership as a dependent variable, it was verified that it had a significant positive (+) effect in the order of rational culture, development culture, and consensus culture. However, it was analyzed that the hierarchical culture did not have a significant positive (+) effect on self-leadership. Fourth, it was verified that the bail result of self-leadership on the relationship between organizational commitment and job satisfaction has a high effect on organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Finally, in rational culture, consensus culture, and development culture, the mediating effect of self-leadership was verified in the influence of organizational commitment, and in development culture and consensus culture, the mediating effect of self-leadership was shown in the influence relationship with job satisfaction.
The Effects of High Performance Work Systems on Organizational Trust and Innovation: Moderating Roles of Frontline Manager’s Involvement
Authors:   Korean Academy of Leadership, Jo Ilhyun
Published: November 2022

As facing uncertain and dynamic business environment, organizations should manage their exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation properly to adapt environmental changes in time. Firms should effectively pursue two different ways of innovation, which are indispensable to create sustainable competitive advantages, by exploration of new business opportunities and exploitation of existing business. Organizations need to take this ambidextrous innovation strategy and adopt SHRM(strategic human resource management) which is aligned to the aforementioned exploratory and exploitative innovation. Previous studies have focused on examining the impact of innovation on organizational performance, rather than on finding the sources of innovation or understanding the process to acquire it. The aim of this study is to offer better understandings of organizational innovation by integrating the literature of high performance work systems (HPWS) with the literature of organizational trust. We suggested that HPWS is a proper system for innovation strategy and tested 1) the mediating role of organizational trust between HPWS and innovation and 2) the moderating role of frontline manager’s involvement on the relationship between HPWS and organizational trust Our tests with Human Capital Corporate Panel (HCCP) data(2013-2017) showed that HPWS enhanced exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation through organizational trust. Moreover, frontline manager’s involvement strengthened the relationship between HPWS and organizational trust Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
A Study on the Motivating and Discouraging Factors of Leadership Recognized by Organizational Members in Non-Face-to-Face Situation
Authors:   Korean Academy of Leadership, Kim Hee Bong , Kim Sae Eun
Published: November 2022

This is an exploratory study to help leaders to suggest the way of leadership for the followers, MZ generation, in a non-face-to-face situation that has accelerated due to COVID-19. As a result of this study, trust and concise communication were derived for followers in relational aspect as factors that can promote leadership in non-face-to-face situations, and clear work direction and individualized performance management were derived as factors that promoted leadership in task aspect. Futhermore, on the personal aspects, the personality and the work expertise of the leader were presented. On the other hand, the individualized performance management, leader personality, and work expertise that derived in this study are significant because these reflects the real voice and situation of the work place that had not presented in the recent study related the non-face-to-face situation. In addition, this study contributes to the leadership of the organization by suggesting what leaders in the organization should apply and not to overlook in their leadership in non-face-to-face situations.
Effect of Inclusive Leadership on Organizational Citizenship Behavior in the Military Organization: The Mediating Effect of Psychological Safety and Moderating Effect of Tenure
Authors:   Korean Academy of Leadership, Kim Sung Yiel , Kwak Won Jun
Published: November 2022

Organizational members increasingly value individuality and diversity, and prioritize individual values over collective values. Accordingly, there is an increasing needs for leadership that promotes the implementation of desired performance and behavior among members by encouraging a sense of belonging to the organization while accommodating the individuality of members and diversity. Based on the social information processing theory, this study empirically tested the mechanism of inclusive leadership on the organizational citizenship behavior of members through psychological safety. In addition, the moderating effect of tenure on the relationship between inclusive leadership and psychological safety was examined. As a result of analyzing the questionnaire data obtained through online targeting military officers, it was confirmed that there is a positive relationship between inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and organizational citizenship behavior. In addition, the mediating effect of psychological safety in the relationship between inclusive leadership and organizational citizenship behavior was significant. On the other hand, the moderating effect of tenure in the relationship between inclusive leadership and psychological safety was significant. In other words, the effect of inclusive leadership on psychological safety was stronger for the shorter tenure than the longer tenure. This study partially covered the gap in related research by examining the mechanism which inclusive leadership influences organizational citizenship behavior through psychological safety. In addition, by expanding the scope of insufficient research on the boundary conditions (tenure) that inclusive leadership affects psychological safety, we hope that it not only contributes to the expansion of inclusive leadership theory, but also it will be able to help leader's choice of targets for inclusiveness in practice.
A conceptual model for energy management in the steel industry: A Soft System Methodology (SSM) approach
Authors: Ats-Tsauri Muhammad Ibrahim , Wilarnugroho Bagus , Purba Humiras Hardi
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to use Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to develop the steel industry's energy management framework. It proposes a soft system approach to analyze the complex situation of developing a support system for energy management. This approach consists of identifying the system scope, discovering underlying problems within, deriving a conceptual model from the complex situation, and identifying possible actors and activities to bring the conceptual model closer to reality. The identified activities could serve as a guideline for designing and developing an effective energy management framework in the steel industry. The result might also be further developed to drive the feasible, desirable changes into real implementation strategies and action plans. Currently, there is very limited SSM academic research in energy management. Hence the researchers sincerely hope that this study might help to drive the SSM methodology application in this field, in conjunction with the body of knowledge of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IISE).
Traffic performance analysis of unsignalized intersection using the Traffic Conflict Parameter technique
Authors: Isradi Muhammad , Arifin Zainal , Setiawan Muhammad Ikhsan , Nasihien Ronny Durrotun , Prasetijo Joewono
Published: November 2022

The unsignaled intersection of Jalan H Djole – Jalan Pasar Lama in Bekasi City is a densely populated commercial area with high economic activity. The lack of facilities and infrastructure that causes traffic jams at the intersection also raises the potential for conflict. This study aims to analyze the level of service, the type of conflict, and the traffic conflict complexity at an unsignaled intersection. The field survey method obtains primary data on the conflict approach and traffic volume. The analysis showed that the highest traffic volume was 3,810 passenger cars unit/hour with a DS value of 1.06 and LOS F. The number of conflicts that occurred during one hour of observation at peak hours was 420. Most of the conflicts that arose were straight-right, turned movements of 138.
SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody epitopes are overlapping and highly mutated which raises the chances of escape variants and requires development of broadly reactive vaccines
Authors: Raj V. Stalin , Joseph Jeswin , Darpe Sukhada , Kulkarni Grishma
Published: November 2022

The rapid adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 within the host species and the
increased viral transmission triggered the evolution of different
SARS-CoV-2 variants. Though numerous monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have
been identified as prophylactic therapy for SARS-CoV-2, the ongoing
surge in the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections shows the importance of
understanding the mutations in the spike and developing novel vaccine
strategies to target all variants. Here, we report the map of
experimentally validated 74 SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing mAb binding epitopes
of all variants. The majority (87.84%) of the potent neutralizing
epitopes are localized to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and overlap
with each other, whereas limited (12.16%) epitopes are found in the
N-terminal domain (NTD). Notably, 69 out of 74 mAb targets have at least
one mutation at the epitope sites. The potent epitopes found in the RBD
show higher mutations (4-10aa) compared to lower or modest neutralizing
antibodies, suggesting that these epitopes might co-evolve with the
immune pressure. The current study shows the importance of determining
the critical mutations at the antibody recognition epitopes, leading to
the development of broadly reactive immunogens targeting multiple
SARS-CoV-2 variants. Further, vaccines inducing both humoral and
cell-mediated immune responses might prevent the escape of SARS-CoV-2
variants from neutralizing antibodies.
Spontaneous resolution of retained products of conception in late pregnancy: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fujishima Risa , Kawasaki Kaoru , Moriuchi Kaori , Shiro Reona , Yo Yoshie , Matsumura Noriomi
Published: November 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the surgical and
conservative management of RPOC after 34 weeks of gestation and to
elucidate its natural course. Design: Retrospective cohort study
Setting: Study in a single center Population: Patients diagnosed RPOC at
Kindai university from January 2013 to March 2022 Methods: Clinical data
from patients’ electronic medical records was reviewed retrospectively.
Main outcome measures: The onset of heavy bleeding, date of RPOC
disappearance, and serial changes of serum hCG. Results: 19 of 41 cases
of RPOC diagnosed after 34 weeks of gestation had the retained placenta
manually removed within 24 hours of delivery; nine cases had no emergent
symptoms before placental removal; and five and three cases experienced
heavy bleeding during and after placental removal, respectively. Six out
of 22 cases with RPOC managed conservatively had heavy bleeding for no
determinable reason. Six cases experienced heavy bleeding during the
placental extraction trial. These events occurred within 60 days of
delivery. RPOC disappeared spontaneously in 17 cases (77%), with a
median time of 130 days. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin of the 14
patients who did not undergo UAE, fell below the measurable threshold at
a median of 67 days postpartum, with a half-life of 4.7 days.
Conclusion: RPOC in late pregnancy can cause heavy bleeding and
infection, but these events do not occur after 60 days postpartum, and
spontaneous resolution of RPOC is possible. Conservative management may
be an option in the treatment protocols for RPOC.
Biomod2 modeling for predicting the potential ecological distribution of three Fritillaria species under climate change
Authors: liao hai , Huang Deya , An Qiuju , Huang Sipei , Tan Guodong , Quan Huige , Chen Yineng , Zhou Jiayu
Published: November 2022

The Fritillaria species has become rare due to excessive harvesting, and
thus identifying new ecological distribution of Fritillaria species and
predicting its response to climate change are necessary for plant
conservation and cultivation. In this study, areas with potential
ecological suitability for Fritillaria delavayi, Fritillaria
taipaiensis, and Fritillaria wabuensis were predicted using Biomod2
according to current occurrence records and bioclimatic variables.
Temperature seasonality was the most important environmental variable
for Fritillaria taipaiensis and Fritillaria wabuensis, while
isothermality was most important for Fritillaria delavayi. The current
suitable areas for three Fritillaria species were found to be
distributed in south-west China, accounting for approximately 17.72%,
23.06% and 20.60% of the total area of China, respectively. During the
highest concentration of greenhouse gas emission (SSP585), the suitable
habitats of F. delavayi and F. wabuensis reached the maximum from 2021
to 2100, while that of F. taipaiensis reached the maximum from 2021 to
2100 during low emission (SSP126). The niche overlap of three
Fritillaria species was found to be significantly related to the
clustering tree based on chemical composition (P≤0.05), while no
correlation was observed between niche overlap and DNA phylogenies,
indicating that spatial distribution had a major influence on chemical
composition in the Fritillaria species. Species-specific habitats were
also predicted in order to decrease habitat competition. Overall, the
findings of this study may offer new insight into the potential
distribution and ecological niche of the three species for future
conservation and management.
Quantitative Evaluation of Grey Matter Volume of Thalamus in Patients with Depression on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Segmentation Study
Authors: Taha Khalid Mohammed , Gasmalla Hosam Eldeen Elsadig , Almasaad Juman M. , Bakhit Nagi M. , abdulla abubaker yousif , Karrar Dr. Mohammed Hamid
Published: November 2022

Purpose: The thalamus, a part of the diencephalon, controls emotion and
memory; any thalamic lesion may lead to impairments in recall and
recognition. There is no concrete proof that depression is the only
mental condition in which thalamic abnormalities are present. Therefore,
the purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with
depression had any structural changes in their thalamic grey matter
volume. Methods: The thalamic grey matter volume was measured in 50
patients with depression (25 males, mean age = 24 ± 5.02 years) and 50
sex- and-age-matched controls (25 males, mean age = 24 ± 5.28 years)
using BrainSuite automated segmentation of the T1-weighted magnetic
resonance images obtained using Magnetization Prepared Rapid
Acquisition. Between-group and sex-based comparisons were made using
Student’s t-test. Results: The mean grey matter volume of the right and
left thalamus was 5.98 ± 7.03 cm3 and 6.21 ± 7.68 cm3 in patients,
respectively, and 2.18 ± 4.74 cm3 on the right side and 2.15 ± 4.87 cm3
on the left side in the controls (p < 0.05). The female
subjects had relatively greater mean thalamic grey matter volumes on
both sides (patients: right = 6.47 ± 4.17 cm3, left = 6.77 ± 4.30 cm3;
controls: right = 3.25 ± 6.55 cm3, left = 3.13 ± 6.77 cm3; p <
0.05). Conclusion: The volume of thalamic grey matter is increased in
patients with depression, which is more pronounced in female patients.
There is also a possible association between depression and right-sided
volume reduction.
Isorhapontigenin attenuates cardiac microvascular injury in diabetes mellitus via the inhibition of mitochondrial-derived ferroptosis through PRDX2-MFN2-ACSL4 pathways.
Authors: Chen Yuqiong , Li Su , Yin Ming , Li Yafei , Chen Chao , Zhang Jun , Sun Kangyun , Kong Xiangqing , Chen Zhangwei , Qian Juying
Published: November 2022

Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of regulated cell death that is driven by iron overload and uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, but the role of ferroptosis in cardiac microvascular dysfunction remains unclear. Isorhapontigenin (ISO) is an analog of resveratrol and possesses strong antioxidant capacity and cardiovascular protective effects. Moreover, ISO has been shown to alleviate iron-induced oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation in mitochondria. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the benefits of ISO treatment on cardiac microvascular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus and the possible mechanisms involved, with a focus on ferroptosis and mitochondria. Our data revealed that ISO treatment improved microvascular density and perfusion in db/db mice by mitigating vascular structural damage, normalizing nitric oxide (NO) production via eNOS activation, and enhancing angiogenetic ability via VEGFR2 phosphorylation. PRDX2 was identified as a downstream target of ISO, and endothelial-specific overexpression of PRDX2 exerted effects on the cardiac microvascular function that were similar to those of ISO treatment. In addition, PRDX2 mediated the inhibitive effects of ISO treatment on ferroptosis by suppressing oxidative stress, iron overload and lipid peroxidation. Further study suggested that mitochondrial dynamics and dysfunction contributed to ferroptosis, and ISO treatment or PRDX2 overexpression attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction via MFN2-dependent mitochondrial dynamics. Moreover, MFN2 overexpression suppressed the mitochondrial translocation of ACSL4, ultimately inhibiting mitochondrial-derived ferroptosis. In contrast, enhancing mitochondrial-derived ferroptosis via ACSL4 abolished the protective effects of ISO treatment on cardiac microcirculation. Taken together, the results of the present work demonstrated the beneficial effects of ISO treatment on cardiac microvascular protection in diabetes mellitus by suppressing mitochondrial-derived ferroptosis through PRDX2-MFN2-ACSL4 pathways.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF REINFORCEMENT USED BY ENGLISH TEACHER FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
Authors: Supariani Ni Ketut Lilis Ayu , Padmadewi Ni Nyoman , Agustini Dewa Ayu Eka
Published: November 2022

Students who has special needs, need to be taught with special education. The fact is students with special education cannot put in the class with students in general school especially in the learning activity. One of the students with SEN that needs more attention during the classroom activity is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this case, using kinds of reinforcements as a strategy to manage student’s behavior and also catch student’s attention during the learning process is needed. Therefore, this study aims to identify types of reinforcement usually used by the English teacher at SLB Negeri 1 Denpasar, in order to reveal what kind of reinforcement that usually used by the English Teacher for students with ASD and how the implementation of the reinforcement used. This research utilized a qualitative approach and descriptive method. The subject of this study was one English teacher at Sekolah Luar Biasa (SLB) Negeri 1 Denpasar. The data collection using reinforcement checklist, interview guide, and audio recording. This research showed, there are 3 types of reinforcement the teacher usually used, such positive verbal reinforcement, positive non-verbal reinforcement, and tangible reinforcement. The Implementation was looking at the students need such: attract students’ interest, appreciation and control students’ behavior.
Pesquisa e Extensão e Educação Básica
Authors: Marques Davina , Rodrigues de Amorim Antonio Carlos
Published: November 2022

Este trabalho discute, teórica e experimentalmente, atividades desenvolvidas em projetos de pesquisa e extensão em uma unidade do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de São Paulo (IFSP), explorando os processos de individuação que permeiam os movimentos mais abertos de formação acadêmica, nos intermezzos dos programas curriculares. Sustentado teoricamente em autores da filosofia contemporânea francesa, pretende-se contribuir com novas perspectivas de análise no campo da Educação, Linguagens e Artes, discutindo, com a experimentação fílmica, noções de marcas incorpóreas, acontecimento e individuação. Defendem-se os projetos relacionados à história e à cultura indígena, afro-brasileira e africana de língua portuguesa, ressaltando a potência do tripé ensino-pesquisa-extensão dos institutos federais para a promoção de linhas de experimentação e de individuação.
Implication of Probing and Prompting Questions for Argumentation Writing Skills
Authors: Wuryaningrum Rusdhianti
Published: November 2022

This article provides a basis for thinking that probing and prompting in learning to write can support the ability to develop arguments. Theoretical hypotheses of this research are (1) Probing and prompting can be strategic ways or steps that teachers can take to improve reasoning and strengthening in critical thinking, (2) Argumentation is a discourse learner that needs to be trained with reasoning and strengthening critical thinking. This research has been carried out by applying inferential statistical tests to see the significance of probing-prompting questions on the ability to write arguments. Based on the results of non-parametric statistical tests with the Mann Whitney t-test technique, the results obtained sig 0.000<0.05. Based on this description, the results of this study state that there is a significant effect of using probing-prompting questions on the argumentation writing skills of junior high school students. Probing and prompting questions have a significant impact on writing skills which are carried out with evaluations in the form of basic questions and prompting questions applied by the teacher. The implications published through the application of probing and prompting questions are an increase in the ability in causality, truth fact disclosure, and logical sentences connection and diction. This shows that probing and prompting can be recommended as an innovative step in argumentation learning.
Indecent Dressing Among Female Undergraduates on Sexual Conduct and Study Engagement of Their Male Counterparts in Universities in the Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Nwikpo Mary Nneka , Anierobi Elizabeth Ifeoma , Eluemuno Azukaego Ifeoma , Ezennaka Anthony Obinna , Ezeonwumelu Victor Ugochukwu
Published: November 2022

Although academic performance and indecent dressing had been hotlist in literature globally, the academic standard of students in Nigerian universities continues to be a downturn with those of the males being worse hit. Literature revealed a paucity of research on whether indecent dressing pattern of female undergraduates is contributory to this academic failure of their male counterparts. The thrust of this study, therefore, is to explore the impact indecent dressing of female undergraduates has on the sexual conduct and study engagement of their male counterparts. The study was carried out in the Southeastern region of Nigeria. The population of the study comprised all second and third year full-time single male undergraduates. A sample size of 1500 was selected for the study, drawn through a multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection was researchers-structured 17-item questionnaire tagged “Male Undergraduates Study Engagement Questionnaire (MUSEQ).” The validity of the instrument was established through extensive use of relevant literature and also peer-reviewed by experts in Research Methods, Psychology and Counseling all from the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Cronbach-Alpha reliability coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the instrument after data had been collected from a sample of 65 undergraduates from another university that was not part of the study. The pre-test of the instrument produced an alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82. Three research questions guided the study and were answered using percentages and mean values. Results indicated that indecent dressing of female undergraduates in southeastern, Nigeria, sexually compromises the study-related state of mind and negatively impacts the study engagement of male undergraduates. Based on these results, it was recommended among others that the university administrators should wake up and be intentional about enforcing the dress code policy which sets the rules about how students should dress and where one does not exist, a Dress Police Team made up of responsible members of staff of the universities should be established and empowered to discipline offenders.
Knowledge and Attitude of Orthodontists towards Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Authors: Hashim Hayder Abdalla , ALSharbati Raed , Bader Lina , Kasouma Eman , Hashim Mohamed Hayder , Al-Sayed Najat
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system is designed to provide 3- dimensional representation of the maxillofacial skeleton with high diagnostic quality of hard tissues of the maxillofacial skeleton.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitude towards CBCT of orthodontists practicing in two Arab countries in the Middle East.

Subject and Method: Data was collected through a questionnaire assessing the knowledge and attitude towards CBCT.

Results: A total of 41 participants were enrolled in the study. The most common age group (63%) among participants was more than 40 years old. Knowledge score was calculated as the percent of the right answers from the total of 21 knowledge questions. the distribution of all respondent’s CBCT knowledge revealed that more than three-quarters of the respondents were moderately knowledgeable (76%) whereas 12.2% were in the low and high categories.

Conclusion: The study results indicate that there is a definite gap in knowledge and attitude towards CBCT applications amongst the dental specialists. The dental specialists themselves reported lack of training in this field, and strongly urge a need for training in this field.