bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional Ownership Types and ESG Reporting: The Case of Saudi Listed Firms
Authors: Qasem Ameen , AL-Duais Shaker Dahan , Wan-Hussin Wan Nordin , Bamahros Hasan Mohamad , Alquhaif Abdulsalam , Thomran Murad
Published: September 2022

The main aim of this study is to investigate the influence of institutional investors’ ownership (INOW) on firms’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting in Saudi Arabia. Using data on ESG reporting from the Bloomberg database for 206 Saudi-listed firms spanning the period from 2010 to 2019 and employing ordinary least squares regression (OLS), the results show a significant and positive association between INOW and ESG reporting. When institutional investors are classified into government and privately managed institutions, the research findings clearly show that only government-managed institutional investors (Govt_IO) are linked to ESG reporting in a positive and significant way, whereas there is no significant association between privately managed institutions (Prvt_IO) and ESG reporting. In addition, when the ESG score is disaggregated by individual pillars, we find Govt_IO is positively associated with environmental score and social score. These results suggest that the association between INOW and ESG varies depending on the types of INOW, as well as the ESG components. Even after several additional analyses, including tests for endogeneity, the main results of this study still hold.
Environmental Regulation, Technological Innovation and Industrial Environmental Efficiency: An Empirical Study Based on Chinese Cement Industry
Authors: Tu Hongxing , Dai Wei , Fang Yuan , Xiao Xu
Published: September 2022

China’s cement production has been the highest worldwide for decades and contributes significant environmental pollution. Using the DEA-Tobit model, the paper empirically analyzes the impact of environmental regulation and technological innovation on industrial environmental efficiency with data from the Chinese Cement Industry. The results show that both environmental regulation and technological innovation have a significant role in promoting the environmental efficiency of the cement industry. Among all the influencing factors, the improvement of pollution disposal capacity has the biggest positive effect on environmental efficiency, while the energy-saving effect caused by environmental regulation is not obvious, the factor endowment structure has no substantial impact on environmental efficiency. Adhering to the strategy of “reducing emissions mainly and saving energy as auxiliary”, continuously optimizing the energy consumption structure, raising the level of industrialization and industrial agglomeration are conducive to the sustainable development of the Chinese cement industry.
Place Identity and Traumatic Experiences in the Context of Wildfires
Authors: de Jesús Peter , Olivos-Jara Pablo , Navarro Oscar
Published: September 2022

Climate change represents a threat to life; as such, it is associated with psychological disorders. The subjective perceptions of life impacts from different traumatic experiences develop understanding and the enable predictions of future consequences. This psychological impact also tends to increase the risk perception of climate change and the intention to prevent it. Greater emphasis on place identity can promote resilience and prevent psychological distress. The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study is to describe the ontological life impact of fires, based on socio-demographic variables, risk perception, self-perceived resistance (SPR), and place identity. The sample consisted of 210 residents of areas affected by forest fires in Gran Canaria (Spain), who answered a questionnaire consisting of multiple scales and an assessment of the traumatic experience through the VIVO (Spanish initials of Ontological Vital Impact Assessment) questionnaire. The clustering of areas according to SPR and neighbourhood was considered a new variable, referred to as territorial resistance. This variable was useful in describing the different profiles of ontological life impacts and risk perceptions. The ontological life impact of the extreme experience differed between unaffected and affected people. Feeling that they had been judged for the occurrence was associated with lower psychological adjustment and a greater perception of control over the risk. Control also increased with place identity and the number of experiences. Emphasising risk, recognising the local knowledge of residents, and including them in decision-making and future action plans contributes to a sense of community, and thus, can improve coping.
Optimizing Phosphorus Application Rate and the Mixed Inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria Can Improve the Phosphatase Activity and Organic Acid Content in Alfalfa Soil
Authors: An Xiaoxia , Liu Junying , Liu Xuanshuai , Ma Chunhui , Zhang Qianbing
Published: September 2022

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important legume forage, and phosphorus is a significant nutrient element of alfalfa with high quality and high yield. However, the effect mechanism of different phosphorus application rates on soil bacteria, and the phosphorus efficiency of alfalfa are still unclear. Therefore, we present the results of a study in which alfalfa was inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae, Bacillus megaterium, double inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae and Bacillus megaterium, and given no inoculation bacteria. P2O5 was applied under the condition of bacterial inoculation, and the contents were 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg kg−1, respectively, to explore the effect of bacterial inoculation on alkaline phosphatase, organic acid, pH, organic matter, and the relationship between the indicators in alfalfa soil, under different phosphorus application rates. The effect of mixed inoculation was significantly higher than that of the non-inoculated control group (p < 0.05). The organic matter content of rhizosphere soil was higher than that of non-rhizosphere soil. When the phosphorus application rate was 100 mg kg−1, the content of alkaline phosphatase in the soil inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae and Bacillus megaterium was better than that in the single inoculation, and no inoculation. Principal component analysis showed that the top three treatments were: double inoculation bacteria and treatment group with phosphorus application rate of 100 mg kg−1 >; double inoculation bacteria and treatment group with phosphorus application rate of 50 mg kg−1 >; double inoculation bacteria and treatment group with phosphorus application rate of 150 mg kg−1. In addition, when P2O5 was 100 mg kg−1, the addition of Funneliformis mosseae and Bacillus megaterium to alfalfa soil could increase the content of organic matter in the soil, promote the metabolism of alfalfa root exudates, and increase the organic acid of the rhizosphere soil, compared with the control without inoculation, and without phosphorus application. At the same time, the phosphatase activity in the soil had a significant positive correlation with malic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, total organic acid, and soil pH, thereby improving soil fertility and promoting phosphorus absorption by plants. These findings provide new insights into alfalfa root soils and the effects of Funneliformis mosseae and Bacillus megaterium additions on soil nutrients.
Developing an Innovative Sustainable Science Education Ecosystem: Lessons from Negative Impacts of Inequitable and Non-Inclusive Learning Environments
Authors: Cwik Sonja , Singh Chandralekha
Published: September 2022

Societal stereotypes and biases about who belongs in science courses and who can excel in them can impact short- and long-term outcomes of students from marginalized groups, e.g., women, including their grades and beliefs about science as well as retention in science disciplines. Therefore, developing a sustainable science education ecosystem requires fostering equitable and inclusive learning environments in which students from all demographic groups have comparable outcomes. Here we describe a study with more than five hundred students in an introductory physics course at a large research university in the US that investigated female and male students’ perceptions of the inclusiveness of the learning environment (including their sense of belonging, perceived recognition by others such as instructors, and perceived effectiveness of peer interaction) and how it predicted their physics course grades, self-efficacy, interest, and identity at the end of the course. We find gender differences in perceptions of the inclusiveness of the learning environment disadvantaging female students and that these perceptions played a major role in explaining student outcomes. These inequitable trends in the context of physics can be useful for contemplating how to develop an innovative sustainable science ecosystem using hands-on and minds-on science and create an equitable and inclusive learning environment to help all students excel in science.
Understanding the Factors Influencing Consumers’ Intention toward Shifting to Solar Energy Technology for Residential Use in Saudi Arabia Using the Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Bouaguel Waad , Alsulimani Tagreed
Published: September 2022

Over the last few years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken significant steps in adopting clean and sustainable energy coming from renewable energy sources. The adoption of solar energy in residential use was one of the main projects in the 2030 Saudi vision of preserving nature reserves, with sustainability as a key pillar. The Saudi government has granted individuals the right to install solar photovoltaic systems in their homes and has taken many steps to encourage this initiative. However, despite all these efforts to bring solar energy into homes, few applications have been received. Therefore, it is important to examine the various factors that influence Saudi society’s perceptions and attitudes toward the acceptance or rejection of new solar technologies. The Technology Acceptance Model is one of the best technology acceptance frameworks. The model examines intentions and attitudes to adopt new technologies based on two constructs: perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. In this study, we extend the Technology Acceptance Model by adding new constructs: relative advantages, environmental awareness, and cost of solar photovoltaic systems. These factors were examined by analyzing the intentions of 492 male and female respondents. Data were collected through online surveys. The findings of the study indicated that all the Technology Acceptance Model constructs significantly impact the attitude toward the adoption of solar energy in residential use. These results recommend that the Saudi government should focus on increasing Saudi environment awareness, reconsidering solar PV costs, and putting more emphasis on the relative advantages of solar PV in residential use.
Interlinkage of Perceived Ecotourism Design Affordance, Perceived Value of Destination Experiences, Destination Reputation, and Loyalty
Authors: Azinuddin Muaz , Mohammad Nasir Muhammad Burhanuddeen , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Mior Shariffuddin Nur Shahirah , Kamarudin Mohd Khairul Amri
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study is to analyse the relationships between the perceived ecotourism design affordances (PEDA), perceived value of destination experience (PERVAL), destination reputation, and destination loyalty among the tourists visiting Langkawi Island, Malaysia. It extends the affordance theory through the lens of Gestalt theory and ecological dynamics in understanding the interactions between tourists and products derived from their ecotourism environment. A quantitative approach was utilised, in which a structured questionnaire was used to collect 280 tourist responses through purposive sampling. Utilising partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the research hypotheses, it is reported that PEDA significantly impacts PERVAL, where the latter subsequently impacts both destination reputation and loyalty. This illustrates the mediating impacts of PERVAL on the relationship between PEDA and destination reputation and destination loyalty. Another result revealed that destination reputation has a significant effect on destination loyalty. The findings address the gap in the tourism literature centered on the dynamics of product design and its subsequent value in shaping positive ecotourism destination reputation and loyalty. Such insights also emphasise the necessity for tourism stakeholders to generate values from coherent ecotourism product design through the affordance perspective.
Rethinking Sustainable Tourism Management: Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic to Co-Create Future of Krabi Tourism, Thailand
Authors: Pongsakornrungsilp Pimlapas , Pongsakornrungsilp Siwarit , Jansom Akawut , Chinchanachokchai Sydney
Published: September 2022

Despite negative consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are certain positive effects from this crisis including the restoration of natural resources. Using the institutional theory framework, this paper aims to explore how sustainable tourism management can be applied to manage recovered natural resources after the COVID-19 crisis. Qualitative research in the form of in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, and observations was conducted to demonstrate how Krabi tourism stakeholders could collaborate among themselves in order to sustain recovered natural resources after the COVID-19 pandemic. Informants of the study are Krabi tourism stakeholders; i.e., tourism business owners and managers, members of tourism associations, government officers, CBT members, that are recruited by purposive sampling method. This research has shed light on how tourism stakeholders can co-create tourism policies to respond to sustainability issues using the institutional process. In order to develop a successful sustainable tourism management plan, we propose that the plan should consist of three aspects—environmental, social, and economic. The findings from this research offer benefits to tourism stakeholders around the world for reshaping sustainable tourism management in order to take care of magnificent tourism resources after the COVID-19 outbreak.
Pyrolyzed or Composted Sewage Sludge Application Induces Short-Term Changes in the Terra Rossa Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities
Authors: Major Nikola , Schierstaedt Jasper , Schikora Adam , Palčić Igor , Černe Marko , Goreta Ban Smiljana , Pasković Igor , Perković Josipa , Užila Zoran , Ban Dean
Published: September 2022

The addition of compost or biochar to soils is a viable strategy to increase soil organic matter (SOM), especially if the amendments are produced from biomass wastes. The need for sustainable land management without sacrificing agricultural production is critical to alleviate negative impacts on soil quality, including loss of SOM and nutrients. Turning sewage sludge (SS) into compost or biochar can help in lowering its potential negative effects on soil and providing a viable strategy for SS management through its recycling in agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term impact of SS in its composted or biochar form on the fungal and bacterial communities of the Terra Rossa soil by high-throughput sequencing. A greenhouse pot trial was conducted using a 2-factor experiment consisting of amendment type (compost, biochar) and sampling time (Day 0, 30, and 60) as the main factors. The results showed no effect of SS addition on fungal and bacterial species richness, as well as a shift in relative abundance of the fungal phylum Zygomycota and bacterial phylum Firmicutes and Thermomicrobia. Both bacterial and fungal community analyses showed changes when composted sewage sludge was applied. However, only the fungal community differed from the control soil by the end of the 60-day vegetation period of Chinese cabbage.
Investigating Population Genetic Diversity and Rhizosphere Microbiota of Central Apennines’ Artemisia eriantha
Authors: Russi Luigi , Marconi Gianpiero , Ferradini Nicoletta , Farda Beatrice , Pellegrini Marika , Pace Loretta
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to characterize the genetic structure of Artemisia eriantha Ten. and the diversity of the rhizosphere microbiota. Plant leaves and rhizosphere soils were sampled from three areas of Central Italy, namely Monte Corvo, Monte Portella (both from the Gran Sasso massif), and Monte Focalone (Majella massif). The plant samples were subjected to genetic structure analysis by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The microbiota from the rhizosphere soils was investigated by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. The within and among population variability was typical of outbreeding species. The AFLP polymorphisms revealed a marked closeness among plant populations collected in Monte Focalone and Monte Corvo, despite the geographical proximity of the latter with Monte Portella, a result confirmed by cluster, STRUCTURE, and discriminant analyses. 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding showed higher values of diversity for Monte Corvo (H, 5.7; Chao1, 445) and Monte Focalone (H′, 5.57; Chao1, 446) than Monte Portella (H′, 5.3; Chao1, 275). At the phylum level, the communities were mainly represented by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria (>10%). At the genus level, the Monte Focalone and Monte Corvo microbiotas were closer than Monte Portella, thus confirming the results from the plant communities. The findings provided evidence for the first time of an association between the Artemisia eriantha plant and microbiota communities. The relevance of the results in terms of biodiversity and the conservation strategies of plant and microbiota communities in the Central Apennines are discussed.
Hydraulic Oscillation Analysis of the Hydropower Station with an Equivalent Circuit-Based Hydraulic Impedance Scheme
Authors: Yan Shuangqing , Zheng Yang , Chen Jinbao , Shi Yousong
Published: September 2022

The concept of hydraulic impedance is widely used for periodic or oscillating flow scenarios in applied hydraulic transients. This paper proposes an equivalent circuit-based discrete hydraulic impedance model for the hydraulic system of the power station. The equivalent hydraulic circuit is established by an analogy between the water hammer wave propagation in pressurized pipes and the electromagnetic wave propagation in conductors. The discrete hydraulic impedance at a given location is obtained by calculating the total specific impedance of the series and parallel circuits from one end to the other. In addition, the numerical solution process to obtain the natural frequencies of the system via the proposed model is designed in detail. Furthermore, oscillation characteristics of the pipelines in the hydropower station are investigated. The variation trends of the decay coefficients of different orders of oscillation of the system and the influence of turbine impedance on the oscillation frequencies are discussed, respectively.
Advancing Organic Agriculture Research in Africa—A Case Study of the Science Track of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th African Organic Conferences (AOCs)
Authors: Olowe Victor , Azim Khalid , Atoma Charity , Odueme Patience , Somefun Olabisi
Published: September 2022

The development of certified organic agriculture in Africa has been partly impeded by limited sound science-based information to tackle multifarious challenges facing the subsector along the value chains. Robust and well-articulated research strategies are key to driving this desired development. Therefore, a case study was carried out to appraise the science track of the last four African Organic Conferences (AOCs) with a view to identifying the direction of research activities in the continent across the regions and suggest areas presently being overlooked. Out of the 251 research papers evaluated, the majority were dealing with agronomy (41.4%) and socioeconomic (16.3%) aspects during the four editions of AOC. Research areas largely overlooked include organic aquaculture, policy issues, standards and certification, cross-disciplinary and participatory research methods, health and safety of organic products and research methodology. Papers presented at the AOCs were spread across the regions and outside Africa as follows: West (48.6%), East (28.2%), Southern (7.1%), North (<1%), Central (<1%) and outside the continent (14.3%). The paper also discusses strategies that can be adopted in moving organic agriculture research forward in the continent.
Ex-Auditor CEOs and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Disclosure: Evidence from a Voluntary Period of Sustainability Report in Indonesia
Authors: Ngelo Agnes Aurora , Permatasari Yani , Rasid Siti Zaleha Abdul , Harymawan Iman , Ekasari Wulandari Fitri
Published: September 2022

This study examines the relationship between ex-auditor CEOs in companies and corporate social responsibility disclosure in the Indonesian setting, where the presence of ex-auditor CEOs is increasing every year. We use the sample of 581 firm-year observations from 106 firms that published sustainability reports on the Indonesian Stock Exchange from 2010–2020. The results show that CEOs with an auditor background are more likely to disclose CSR information. This suggests that the auditor background of the CEO can affect corporate decision making, specifically the decision of CSR disclosure, because their auditing experience is also related to a monitoring mechanism of voluntary information, such as CSR disclosure. Moreover, auditors are practically accustomed to being required to have professional judgment when carrying out their work, so they are more aware and careful in terms of running a sustainable business by disclosing the CSR. This study enhances the literature by providing insights into the disclosure practice of CSR among firms with ex-auditor CEOs that are robust to Heckman’s two-stage model and the Coarsened Exact Matching test. This study provides empirical evidence of a relationship between ex-auditor CEOs and CSR information disclosure and several additional analyses in the period of a voluntary sustainability report in Indonesia.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Antibacterial Textiles
Authors: Halepoto Habiba , Gong Tao , Memon Hafeezullah
Published: September 2022

Scientists worldwide are always interested in making new discoveries; thus, the scientific literature has been growing exponentially. Keeping abreast of the body of literature at a rapidly advancing pace poses significant challenges to active researchers and society. Although numerous data resources have been made openly available, effectively navigating the vast amount of information with heightened levels of uncertainty remains a significant bottleneck. Here, we searched and analyzed the literature regarding antibacterial treatments in the textile industry. The Web of Science, the most extensive database for scientific literature, was targeted to extract the data. We extracted the raw data from the Web of Science Core Collection. The documents were published from 1998 to 2022, from a total of 878 sources. A total of 3625 documents were found, 2898 of which were articles. A total of 11,192 authors contributed to the topic during this period. We used the Bibliometrix sub-tool Biblioshiny and extracted the basic information about the documents. With an annual growth rate of 26.27%, there was a boost in the literature during the period under study.
Can Tourism Development Help Improve Urban Liveability? An Examination of the Chinese Case
Authors: Tang Jianxiong , Cai Chaoyue , Liu Yujing , Sun Jiaxiang
Published: September 2022

The emergence of “urban diseases” has aroused people’s widespread concern about urban liveability. Therefore, it is worth studying whether tourism, as a “smokeless industry” can improve it. In this article, the benchmark model, the spatial Durbin model (SDM), and the panel threshold model (PTM) are constructed to test the impact of tourism development on urban liveability based on the data from 284 prefecture-level and above cities in China for the period 2004–2019. The results show that tourism development can significantly contribute to the improvement of urban liveability. Meanwhile, the positive impact of tourism development on the liveability of neighboring cities through spatial spillover effects is still valid in eastern, central, and western China, but the effect is much larger in the eastern and central cities than in the western cities. Moreover, tourism development has positive nonlinear effects on urban liveability, and the marginal effects are clearly decreasing after crossing the first and second thresholds. Finally, specific recommendations are proposed for tourism development to improve urban liveability.
On the Potential of Blue Hydrogen Production in Colombia: A Fossil Resource-Based Assessment for Low-Emission Hydrogen
Authors: Domínguez Sara , Cifuentes Bernay , Bustamante Felipe , Cantillo Nelly M. , Barraza-Botet César L. , Cobo Martha
Published: September 2022

Latin America is starting its energy transition. In Colombia, with its abundant natural resources and fossil fuel reserves, hydrogen (H2) could play a key role. This contribution analyzes the potential of blue H2 production in Colombia as a possible driver of the H2 economy. The study assesses the natural resources available to produce blue H2 in the context of the recently launched National Hydrogen Roadmap. Results indicate that there is great potential for low-emission blue H2 production in Colombia using coal as feedstock. Such potential, besides allowing a more sustainable use of non-renewable resources, would pave the way for green H2 deployment in Colombia. Blue H2 production from coal could range from 700 to 8000 ktH2/year by 2050 under conservative and ambitious scenarios, respectively, which could supply up to 1.5% of the global H2 demand by 2050. However, while feedstock availability is promising for blue H2 production, carbon dioxide (CO2) capture capacities and investment costs could limit this potential in Colombia. Indeed, results of this work indicate that capture capacities of 15 to 180 MtCO2/year (conservative and ambitious scenarios) need to be developed by 2050, and that the required investment for H2 deployment would be above that initially envisioned by the government. Further studies on carbon capture, utilization and storage capacity, implementation of a clear public policy, and a more detailed hydrogen strategy for the inclusion of blue H2 in the energy mix are required for establishing a low-emission H2 economy in the country.
A review of the vascular plant flora of the Cairngorms Connect project area, Scotland, and some possible implications of forest expansion to the natural tree line
Authors: Amphlett Andy
Published: September 2022

Cairngorms Connect, a partnership of four adjoining land owners, is committed to a 200-year vision to enhance and restore habitats, species and ecological processes across a 592 km2 area within the Cairngorms National Park. This will be achieved by, inter alia, expanding woodland to its natural altitudinal limit, including high altitude sub-alpine scrub. All or parts of six native Caledonian pinewoods occur here, c.26% of the national total. Ancient, semi-natural woodland within the Cairngorms Connect area is 43% of the National Park total. Modelling of the extent of potential-natural woodland (sensu Peterken, 1981, 1996) indicates that below 600 m all terrestrial habitats are potentially capable of supporting some degree of tree and scrub cover.
899 vascular plant taxa have been recorded here, of which 693 are native to the area. 7.6% of native taxa are endemic to Great Britain (and Ireland) or to Scotland; these are mainly Hieracia (Hawkweeds). Of the native taxa, 23% are of national, and 11% of regional conservation concern. Few native taxa are widespread within the Cairngorms Connect area, most are local or rare. 40% of native taxa have been recorded in five or less monads (1 km squares), with 16% recorded from just a single monad.
12% of native taxa are associated with shaded locations or semi-shade (Ellenberg Light values 3-5). 51% of taxa are found in partial shade to well lit locations (values 6 and 7) and 37% of taxa in well lit to fully lit locations (values 8 and 9). Native taxa with Light values of 6-7 are the most frequent in 92% of monads with more than 10 recorded taxa. 65% of taxa of national conservation concern favour well lit to fully lit locations (Light values 8-9).
Shading of plants, at altitudes below the potential tree line, is strongly influenced by the extent of woodland and scrub and its structure, and by herbivore grazing levels determining height and structure of the field layer. To achieve forest expansion to the natural tree line by natural regeneration will require sustained low levels of grazing and browsing, for decades, or longer. This is already leading to a taller field layer and an increased density of tree regeneration. 40% of native taxa may be negatively impacted, if existing and new woodland becomes dense with a high level of shading. Of these 'at risk' taxa, 50% have maximum height less than 50 cm and may be especially at risk from sustained periods of low grazing. Limited disturbance and lack of open sites and bare ground for seedling recruitment is another potential constraint on vascular plants. The issue of vegetation succession and shading, leading to possible loss of plant diversity is likely to be much less of an issue at altitudes around and above the tree line. Here there are likely to be benefits, with possible expansion of tall herb communities.
The history, status and conservation management of Cottonweed Achillea maritima (Otanthus maritimus) at Lady's Island Lake, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Authors: Murray Tony , Wyse Jackson Mike
Published: September 2022

Cottonweed Achillea maritima (L.) Ehrend. & Y.P. Guo (Otanthus maritimus (L.) Hoffmans. & Link) is a distinctive, perennial member of the Asteraceae found on Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. While formerly recorded from more than thirty coastal sites in Ireland, Great Britain and the Channel Islands it no longer persists at any of these other than at Lady’s Island Lake, Co. Wexford (v.c.H12). Towards the end of the 19th century and during much of the 20th the species was recorded as occurring here in abundance; however, over the last half century this population has declined dramatically both in terms of extent and number of individuals such that as of 2021 only ten naturally-occurring plants remained at the site. This paper describes the history of recording of the species, focussing on sites in Ireland, and provides summary details of the populations recorded by the various botanists who visited and studied them. The various initiatives and conservation actions undertaken over the years in an effort to conserve the species are described and illustrated. Results are provided of recent conservation measures for the species and its habitat at Lady’s Island Lake, including the management and protection of remaining plants, restoration of habitat for the species, collection of seed and cutting material for ex situ propagation and the return of ex situ-raised plants to a specially-prepared part of the site where the species formerly occurred. The population of A. maritima at Lady’s Island Lake in 2021 comprised 10 naturally-occurring and 60 translocated individuals, as well as at least 64 young, self-seeded plants that had arisen from seed produced by translocated plants. The causes of the population decline at Lady’s Island Lake are considered and discussed.
Conservation of Britain’s biodiversity: Hieracium breconense (Asteraceae), Brecon Hawkweed
Authors: Rich Tim
Published: September 2022

The distribution and conservation status of Hieracium breconense P.D. Sell (Asteraceae), Brecon Hawkweed, has been assessed. It is a rare endemic restricted to the Brecon Beacons (v.c.42), Wales. A lectotype of the basionym H. britannicum var. ovale Ley is designated. Only one population of at least 74 plants is known in Craig y Cilau National Nature Reserve, and it has not been refound at two historic sites. H. breconense is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ under IUCN (2001) threat criteria.
Cochlearia officinalis sensu lato (Brassicaceae) around northern Irish Sea coasts
Authors: Greenwood Eric F. , McAllister Hugh A.
Published: September 2022

For over 100 years botanists have found it difficult to identify Cochlearia (Scurvygrasses) growing on salt marshes and muddy shores of the northern Irish Sea coasts. They have been variously identified as C. anglica L., C. officinalis L. and more recently C. atlantica Pobed. This study describes the history of recording Cochlearia plants on these shores and their varied morphology, and through cytological analysis demonstrates that they are derived from the hybrid between C. anglica (2n = 48) and C. officinalis (2n = 24) with 2n = 36.
A new spontaneous hybrid in Gunnera subgenus Panke (Gunneraceae) widespread in the British Isles, with notes on the typification of G. manicata
Authors: Shaw Julian M.H. , Edwards Dawn , David John
Published: September 2022

Gunnera x cryptica J.M.H.Shaw representing the hybrid G. manicata Linden ex André × G. tinctoria (Molina) Mirb. is described from spontaneous seedlings in cultivation. It is widespread in the British Isles, and appears to have completely replaced G. manicata in cultivation. Details of the earliest publication, authorship and typification of G. manicata are provided, along with the origin and history of the hybrid, and notes on G. tinctoria including a previously overlooked synonym G. thyrsiflora Ruiz ex Barreiro.
Changing environment and orchid distributions close to their northern and southern limits in Britain (Correction)
Authors: Trudgill David
Published: September 2022

Correction to Table 1
ALZHEİMER HASTALIĞINA KARŞI YENİ PİPERAZİN TÜREVLERİNİN SENTEZİ VE BİYOLOJİK AKTİVİTELERİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: OSMANİYE Derya , KAPLANCIKLI Zafer Asım
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer hastalığı dünyada en sık görülen nörodejeneratif hastalıklardan biridir. Dünya nüfusunun yaş ortalamasının artması ile artan hasta sayısı, radikal bir tedavinin mevcut olmaması yeni bileşiklerin geliştirilmesine ihtiyaç oluşturmaktadır. Hastalığa karşı kolinesteraz inhibitörleri sıklıkla kullanılmaktadır. Bilinen iki kolinesteraz, asetilkolinesteraz (AChE) ve butirilkolinesteraz (BChE)’dır. AH'dan etkilenen beyinlerde, normal koşullar altında ACh hidrolizinden sorumlu ana enzim olan AChE miktarı azalırken, BChE konsantrasyonu korunur, hatta yükselebilmektedir.Bu çalışma kapsamında8 yeni bileşikten oluşan 6-(2-(4-sübstitüepiperazin-1-il) asetil)-2H-benzo[b] [1,4] oksazin-3(4H)-on (1a-1h) serisi sentezlenmiştir. Elde edilen bileşiklerin yapıları 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR ve HRMS spektroskopisi verileri kullanılarak aydınlatılmıştır. Bileşiklerin in vitrokolinesteraz (ChE) inhibitör aktivitesi Elmann metodu kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir. Sentezlenen bileşikler içerisinde 1b ve 1e kodlu bileşikler asetilkolinesteraza (AChE) karşı önemli düzeyde inhibitor etkinlik göstermiştir. Sentezlenen bileşiklerin asetilkolinesteraz inhibitör potansiyelleri incelendiğinde umut verici sonuçlara ulaşıldığı görülmektedir. Ayrıca aktif türevler ile gerçekleştirilen in siliko moleküler doklama çalışmaları ile aktif bileşiklerin enzim aktif bölgesine oturduğu ve bu bölgedeki aminoasitler ile etkileştiği görülmektedir. Elde edilen bileşikler üzerinde yapılan modifikasyonlar ile daha etkili yeni bileşiklere ulaşılması planlanmaktadır.
Predictive analysis of Tryptophan Hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) missense mutations in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Tavares Gustavo Duarte Bocayuva , Pereira Gabriel Rodrigues Coutinho , Borges Gabriela Fountoura , Mesquita Joelma Freire de
Published: September 2022

Psychiatric disorders are syndromes characterized by cognitive disturbance and behavioral dysfunction, which affect over 800 million people worldwide. It is considered a major public health problem responsible for severe distress with significant impairment in social and working relationships. In the United States and Canada, psychiatric disorders are considered the main cause of disability in young individuals, in addition to being a key factor underlying suicide. Missense mutations in tryptophan hydroxylase 2 enzyme (TPH2) are associated with the development of psychiatric disorders. TPH2 catalyzes the first step of serotonin biosynthesis, a neurotransmitter that plays a central role in the regulation of emotional behavior and cognition. These mutations lead to TPH2 dysfunction with impaired enzymatic activity, which ultimately results in abnormally low levels of serotonin in the brain. Despite the importance of missense mutations in TPH2 to the development of psychiatric disorders, most of them have not yet been characterized, so their effects are still unknown. In this study, we characterized the impact of missense mutations in TPH2 using prediction algorithms and evolutionary conservation analysis. We also used a penalty system to prioritize the most likely harmful mutations of TPH2 by combining the predictive analyses, evolutionary conservation, literature review, and alterations in physicochemical properties upon amino acid substitution. Three hundred and eighty-four missense mutations of TPH2 were compiled from the literature and databases. Our predictive analysis pointed to a high rate of deleterious and destabilizing predictions for the TPH2 mutations. These mutations mainly affect conserved and, possibly, functionally important residues. Among the uncharacterized mutations of TPH2, variants V295E, R441C T311P, Y281C, R441S, S383F, P308S, Y281H, and E363G received the highest penalties, thus, being the most likely deleterious and, consequently, important targets for future investigation. Our findings may guide the design of clinical and laboratory experiments, optimizing time and resources.
Reduced inflammation following human endometrial stromal/stem cell injection into male Wistar rats with cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Zeinali Hadis , Azarnia Mahnaz , Keyhanvar Peyman , Moghadasali Reza , Ebrahimi-Barough Somayeh , Marandi-Kouchaki Majid
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Inflammation is one of the most important mechanisms involved in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory abilities. Human endometrial stromal/stem cells (hEnSCs) exhibit similar properties to MSCs. These cells secrete immunoregulators, so we investigated the inflammatory aspect of hEnSCs in the treatment of cisplatin-induced AKI in Wistar rats. Methods: Each group consisted of 6 male Wistar rats. Groups were as follows: sham, model (5 mg/kg cisplatin, IP), and treatment (1 million hEnSCs, IV, 3 hours after cisplatin). Renal function, histopathology, proliferation rate, infiltration of CD3+ T cell, and expression of Il-10 and cystatin c (Cst3) were assessed on day 5. DiI-labeled cells were tracked in kidney and liver on days 4 and 14. Results: HEnSC transplantation improved cisplatin-induced injuries such as renal dysfunction and tissue damage. The highest levels of pathologic scores and hyaline cast formation were observed in the model group while hEnSCs transplantation resulted in their reduction (154.00 ± 14.95, 8.00 ± 1.41 vs. 119.40 ± 5.43, 2.50 ± 1.05). The percentage of Ki-67 positive cells in the treatment group increased while cisplatin decreased proliferation (39.91 ± 5.33 vs. 23.91 ± 3.57 in glomeruli and 39.07 ± 2.95 vs. 16.61 ± 3.25 in tubules). The expression of Cst3 and Il-10 was higher in the model and treatment groups, respectively. DiI-labeled cells were observed in the renal tubules and liver lobes on days 4 and 14. Conclusion: HEnSCs may ameliorate cisplatin-induced AKI through anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and/or through paracrine effects.
Enhanced characterization of beta cell mass in a Tg(Pdx1-GFP) mouse model
Authors: Karami Fatemeh , Asgari Abibeiglou Behrouz , Pahlavanneshan Saghar , Farrokhi Ali , Tamadon Amin , Basiri Mohsen , Khalooghi Keynoosh , Fallahi Majid , Tahamtani Yaser
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Measurement of pancreatic beta cell mass in animal models is a common assay in diabetes researches. Novel whole-organ clearance methods in conjunction with transgenic mouse models hold tremendous promise to improve beta cell mass measurement methods. Here, we proposed a refined method to estimate the beta cell mass using a new transgenic Tg(Pdx1-GFP) mouse model and a recently developed free-of-acrylamide clearing tissue (FACT) protocol. Methods: First, we generated and evaluated a Tg(Pdx1-GFP) transgenic mouse model. Using the FACT protocol in our model, we could quantify the beta cell mass and alloxan-induced beta cell destruction in whole pancreas specimens. Results: Compiled fluorescent images of pancreas resulted in enhanced beta cell mass characterization in FACT-cleared sections (2928869±120215 AU) compared to No-FACT cleared sections (1292372±325632 AU). Additionally, the total number of detected islets with this method was significantly higher than the other clearance methods (155.7 and 109, respectively). Using this method, we showed green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression confined to beta cells in Tg(Pdx1-GFP) transgenic. This enhanced GFP expression enabled us to accurately measure beta cell loss in a beta cell destruction model. The results suggest that our proposed method can be used as a simple, and rapid assay for beta cell mass measurement in islet biology and diabetes studies. Conclusion: The Tg(Pdx1-GFP) transgenic mouse in conjunction with the FACT protocol can enhance large-scale screening studies in the field of diabetes.
Optimising the Conceptualisation of Context; Comment on "Stakeholder Perspectives of Attributes and Features of Context Relevant to Knowledge Translation in Health Settings: A Multi-Country Analysis"
Authors: Rycroft-Malone Jo , Rogers Lisa , Burton Christopher R.
Published: September 2022

Context matters. Therefore, efforts to develop greater conceptual clarity are important for science and practice. In this commentary, we outline some key issues that were prompted by Squire’s et al.’s contribution. Specifically, we reinforce context as an interactive concept and therefore something that is hard to ‘pin down’, the problematic nature of conceptualising context in implementation and de-implementation, and a requirement for the development of culturally sensitive understandings. Finally, we suggest it is vital that continued investment into providing a more comprehensive list of determinants needs to be accompanied by an equal effort in developing practical methods and tools to support use and application.
Bharathi's Blissful Freedom
Authors: S Sathish Kumar
Published: September 2022

Bharathi said, "Let us dance and sing as if we have attained blissful freedom." These lines are not lines written after we gained independence from the British on August 15, 1947. It is Bharathi's true voice when we were enslaved by the British. Through his works, our beloved Mundasukavi has given freedom to the people of India and Tamil Nadu through his works. He instilled the desire for freedom in the people through the three positions of "We have a job as poetry writing, work for the country, and not getting tired even for a blink of time". Freedom is not only about Indian freedom but also the freedom of the woman, as "Women deserve freedom," "If men and women are treated equally, this world will flourish," and "You saw a white cat growing up in our house. In his works, he has highlighted the freedom of working-class people from caste and discrimination through the lines "If the colours are different, there is no difference among humans" and "All human beings of the world are one race." Our revolutionary poet used his works as a weapon to unite thirty crore people. It is Bharathi's wish and dream to make a society a common property for the whole community of thirty crore people to blossom here. The purpose of this article is to remember Bharathi's blissful independence on the occasion of 75 years of independence.
A Study of the Visionary Thoughts Expressed in Bharathi's Poems
Authors: N Krishnaraj
Published: September 2022

Bharathi was a poet who brought about a renaissance in Tamil literature in the twentieth century. Mahakavi Bharathi was a pioneer not only in literature but also for the betterment of society and the emergence of equality. At a time when traditional poetry was gaining influence, he began to see a change in Tamil literature with a new technique called modern poetry. Poets are naturally proud to be intellectual. In Bharathi, it was abundant. All creators are prophets. He is a divine seer. Not stuck in one field called creativity. Armed with the weapons of creation, he sowed freedom; raised awareness. The majority of poets write with the past and present in mind. Bharathi composed poems with visionary thoughts, considering the welfare of society and the country. This article is a study of the visionary thoughts recorded in his poems, such as women's education, women's rights, science, technological development, anti-superstition, social progress, etc.
A Study about the Life of the Great Mahakavi Bharathi
Authors: S Sivagamasundari
Published: September 2022

There is no doubt that the name Mahakavi Bharathi is very popular among us Tamil people and other countries today. He was a master at breaking down grammatical definitions. He is a poet of song, a guardian of reason according to the wishes of the lay people, 'Pappa paattu Bharathi to toddlers, a poet of wisdom, and a thinker who has an indelible place in the mind in the name of mundaasu kavi. Bharthi was the one who voiced emotional thoughts to all the people of the world. Bharthi means extreme confidence, and the songs of Bharthi are like a mantra. It can bind us. It is knockable. His song is in such a way that it gives confidence so that one does not give up whenever one feels tired. Bharathiyar's devotion to the Vedas and the Upanishads was well known. This nation fully knows that the Mahakavi had an unwavering devotion to God, but before such devotion took root in him, he was engaged in an atheistic argument with his grandfather and won the debate. He was equal to him in performing so many miracles. Bharti was multilingual. He also compares Tamil with other languages he knows. He enjoys thinking that his mother tongue, Tamil, is the sweetest and best language. It is the story of an incomparable poet with a sense of nationalism and social Tamilness. This article presents the ideas of lifestyle, Tamil work, social work, and women's emancipation.
Philosophical Thoughts of Bharathi
Authors: G Muthulakshmi
Published: September 2022

In the explanation of the universe, the five gods, the planets, man, and the soul, science and philosophy are mutually exclusive. From time to time, scholars, poets, and mystics have been explaining philosophy depending on their field of knowledge. Philosophy is always man's search object and as such is the theme of the poetry of poets. Mahakavi Bharathiyar was the source of innovation in poetry and revolution in society, as well as giving richness and impetus to the development of Tamil literature in the twentieth century. It is noteworthy here that the poet who was a revolutionary who gave rise to the concept of innovation is also a patron who praises nature and God. In the works of Bharathiyar, who sees nature as God and God as an expression of nature, philosophy is woven through the leaves. This article explains the philosophical ideas expressed in Bharathiyar's works in terms of nature, God, and man and also in terms of Siddhas' doctrine.