bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity of wintering avifauna throughout the heterogeneous aquatic habitats of Bankura District, West Bengal, India
Authors: Modak Biplob Kumar , Mukherjee Subha Shankar , Mondal Susobhan , Sarkar Mainak , Hossain Asif
Published: December 2023

Birds play various crucial roles in the ecosystem including pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control. Assemblages of bird species in a particular landscape are useful predictors in various ecosystem services, this is evident from studies of forest bird assemblages, aquatic bodies and agro ecosystems. For developing conservation strategies, information on bird species assemblages in a particular geographical area is important. Diversity in aquatic ecosystem support a diversity of water bird species. In the present study, around 45 bird species were recorded in 21 aquatic bodies in Bankura, West Bengal, India, in which two species, namely, Leptoptilos javanicus and Aythya ferina declared ‘Vulnerable’ and three species such as Mareca falcata, Threskiornis melanocephalus, and Limosa limosa considered as ‘Near Threatened’ according to the IUCN Red list. Dendrocygna javanica and Nettapus coromandelianus were found to be the most abundant. In those 21 study areas, site6 has the highest species richness and site2 has the lowest. The dominance index was highest for site2 and lowest for site6. Pielou’s index of evenness was highest for site20. The rarefaction curve showed species abundance was highest for site1. Classical cluster analysis for species abundance showsthat site20, site21, site3, site8, site4, site19, site5, site14, site12, site15, site7, site 10 site11, and site13 are closely related. This paper is aimed to generate interest among people to conserve aquatic birds and their habitats and to document baseline information for further study.
Legumes (Fabaceae) from Satmala hills, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Swapnil D. Wagh  , Patil Manoj T.
Published: December 2023

A floristic survey was carried out in Satmala hill range of Nasik district. The study area is dry throughout the year except monsoon period. During this survey, the authors recorded 74 taxa of the family Fabaceae or Leguminosae, belonging to three subfamilies and 38 genera. The majority of the legumes are herbs & shrubs, while few are climbers & trees. Updated nomenclature, habit, habitat, life forms, GPS coordinates, phenology, voucher specimens & images of legumes found in the study area are provided.
A review of Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus (Linnaeus, 1766) (Aves: Passeriformes: Ploceidae): ecological and conservation status
Authors: Pathan Yusufkhan , Goswami Arvindgiri
Published: December 2023

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus is a highly social and gregarious bird of the family Ploceidae that has been recently listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In India, four species of genus Ploceus are reported to date. This study focused on the appearance, distribution, diet specificity, nesting ecology, mating behaviour, and physiological responses to seasonal changes of P. philippinus. Populations have declined due to poor cultivation practices by farmers, rapid urbanization, and industrialization that have resulted in habitat loss. Weaver birds also face threats due to natural predators such as birds, and from insect damage to chicks, eggs, and nests.
Comparative morphological and ethnobotanical assessment of certain taxa of genus Glochidion (Phyllanthaceae) from Assam, India
Authors: Brahma Priyanka , Baruah Sanjib
Published: December 2023

The genus Glochidion, a member of the family Phyllanthaceae, primarily comprises shrub or tree species. It stands out from other genera due to distinctive reproductive features, including prolonged styles in flowers and fruits, apiculate anthers, and lobed and unlobed capsules. This study aimed to compare the morphological characteristics of nine taxa in Assam to facilitate identification and assess ethnobotanical knowledge. Ethnobotanical information was gathered by interviewing the local community, and a taxonomic key was provided for accurate identification. Morphological data underwent principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis using PAST for validation. The comparison revealed distinct characteristics in both vegetative and reproductive traits among Glochidion members. Reproductive features, such as inflorescence, style, ovary, and capsules, were key factors for differentiation and identification. PCA and cluster analysis demonstrated correlation and variation among the taxa, contributing significantly to their demarcation. Ethnobotanical studies indicated the genus’s potential medicinal properties, supported by both primary and secondary information.
Effect of Flecainide and Ibutilide Alone and in Combination to Terminate and Prevent Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Burashnikov Alexander , Di Diego José M. , Patocskai Bence , Echt Debra S. , Belardinelli Luiz , Antzelevitch Charles
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

There is a need for improved approaches to rhythm control therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS:

The effectiveness of flecainide (1.5 µmol/L) and ibutilide (20 nmol/L), alone and in combination, to cardiovert and prevent AF recurrence was studied in canine-isolated coronary–perfused right atrioventricular preparations. We also examined the safety of the combination of flecainide (1.5 µmol/L) and ibutilide (50 nmol/L) using canine left ventricular wedge preparations.

RESULTS:

Sustained AF (>1 hour) was inducible in 100%, 60%, 20%, and 0% of atria in the presence of acetylcholine alone, acetylcholine+ibutilide, acetylcholine+flecainide, and acetylcholine+ibutilide+flecainide, respectively. When used alone, flecainide and ibutilide cardioverted sustained AF in 40% and 20% of atria, respectively, but in 100% of atria when used in combination. Ibutilide prolonged atrial and ventricular effective refractory period by 15% and 8%, respectively, at a cycle length of 500 ms (
P
<0.05 for both). Flecainide increased the effective refractory period in atria by 27% (
P
<0.01) but by only 2% in the ventricles. The combination of the 2 drugs lengthened the effective refractory period by 42% in atria (
P
<0.01) but by only 7% (
P
<0.05) in the ventricles. In left ventricular wedges, ibutilide prolonged QT and T
peak
-T
end
intervals by 25 and 55%, respectively (
P
<0.05 for both; cycle length, 2000 ms). The addition of flecainide (1.5 µmol/L) partially reversed these effects (
P
<0.05 for both parameters versus ibutilide alone). Torsades de Pointes score was relatively high with ibutilide alone and low with the drug combination.

CONCLUSIONS:

In our experimental model, a combination of flecainide and ibutilide significantly improves cardioversion and prevents the recurrence of AF compared with monotherapies with little to no risk for the development of long-QT–mediated ventricular proarrhythmia.
The fish collection of José Mariano da Conceição Veloso (1742–1811) and the beginning of ichthyological research in Brazil, with a taxonomic description of the extant specimens
Authors: CERÍACO LUIS M. P. , SANTOS BRUNA S. , SEMEDO THIAGO B. F. , GARCIA LUCAS CANES , MOREIRA CRISTIANO RANGEL
Published: December 2023

Two Portuguese institutions, the Museu Maynense da Academia das Ciências de Lisboa (ACL), and the Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra (MCUC), house a collection of 85 dried fish specimens prepared in what can be called a “fish-herbaria” following a process similar to that developed by the Dutch naturalist Johan Frederic Gronovius (1690–1762). These specimens date back to the late eighteenth century and represent Brazilian taxa. Previous authors assumed that they were part of the collections amassed by the Brazilian-Portuguese naturalist Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira (1756–1815) during his “philosophical voyage” to the Amazon. Here we present a review of these specimens, suggesting that they belonged to Friar José Mariano da Conceição Veloso (1742–1811) and describe the history of dispersal of these collections up the present day. A total of 58 species in 50 genera, 32 families and 19 orders are represented in the collection. Only 8.6% of these specimens represent freshwater species, while 91.4% are marine or brackish water species. The present known distribution of these taxa is focused on southwestern Brazil, which agrees with the area where Veloso collected natural history specimens. A good percentage of the species were undescribed at the time Veloso collected them, and had they been published by him, would have had priority over species described decades later by famous eighteenth and nineteenth century ichthyologists. We also present a brief discussion on the challenges and opportunities of studying historical natural history specimens, with special focus on those amassed during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century by Brazilian-Portuguese naturalists.
Uncertainty of Atmospheric Winds in Three Widely Used Global Reanalysis Datasets
Authors: Wu Longtao , Su Hui , Zeng Xubin , Posselt Derek J. , Wong Sun , Chen Shuyi , Stoffelen Ad
Published: December 2023

Atmospheric winds are crucial to the transport of heat, moisture, momentum, and chemical species, facilitating Earth’s climate system interactions. Existing weather and climate studies rely heavily on the wind fields from reanalysis datasets. In this study, we analyze the uncertainty of instantaneous atmospheric winds in three reanalysis (ERA5, MERRA-2, and CFSv2) datasets. We show that the mean wind vector differences (WVDs) between the reanalysis datasets are about 3–6 m s−1 in the troposphere. The mean absolute wind direction differences can be more than 50°. Large WVDs greater than 5 m s−1 are found for 30%–50% of the time when the observed precipitation rate is larger than 0.1 mm h−1 over the eastern Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and some mountain areas. The mean WVDs exhibit seasonal variations but no significant diurnal variations. The uncertainty of vertical wind shear has a correlation of 0.59 with the uncertainty of winds at 300 hPa. The magnitudes of vorticity and horizontal divergence uncertainties are on the order of 1 × 10−5 s−1, which is comparable to the mean values of vorticity and horizontal divergence. In comparison with some limited observations from field campaigns, the reanalysis datasets exhibit a mean WVD ranging from 2 to 4.5 m s−1. Among the three reanalysis datasets, ERA5 shows the closest agreement with the observations while MERRA-2 has the largest discrepancy. The substantial uncertainty and errors of the reanalysis wind products highlight the critical need for new satellite missions dedicated to 3D wind measurements.
Jonathan Edwards on ‘Harmony and Consent’ as Essential to Human Identity
Authors: Choi Michael Jin
Published: December 2023

What essentially is human identity? Recent scholarship has observed the centrality of the doctrine of the Trinity for Jonathan Edwards’ wide range of thought. Given this premise, Trinity would lead Edwards also to isolate the idea of the ‘person’ as the locus of human identity simply because we bear the imago Dei. Furthermore, since he identifies the essential characteristic of the divine Persons as relationality, and specifically for the pure acts of love by members of the Trinity, the human self is to be identified essentially with the term ‘person’ possessing in lesser degree the same relational capacity belonging to the divine Persons. Specifically, Edwards identifies ‘consent and harmony’ as the characteristic manner of that relational act that occurs in the Trinity, and therefore recurring in that relation between God and the human person from the beginning to the consummation of redemptive history.
Sago starch and esterified sago starch as eco-friendly fillers for rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Ruamcharoen Jareerat , Phetphaisit Chor Wayakron , Chanlert Purintorn , Cheming Sameela , Ruamcharoen Polphat
Published: December 2023

Novel fillers from sago starch and esterified sago starch were employed as natural fillers for rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs). Sago starch was esterified by maleic anhydride, resulting in the presence of ester groups on the starch structure. Filled RPUFs were prepared with 0.5-7.0 wt% of starch fillers in the polyol component. The influence of filler type and content on the cell morphology and properties of the RPUFs was analyzed. The results revealed that the esterified sago starch showed better compatibility with polyurethane matrix than the sago starch, which in turn impacted the cellular morphology and physico-mechanical properties of the resulting RPUFs. The density and compressive strength of the RPUFs filled with esterified sago starch were higher than those filled with unmodified sago starch, while their water absorption, and volume shrinkage were lower. The findings also suggested that the compressive strength and density of filled RPUFs increased with starch filler content up to the optimal point and then decreased. This was due to the impact of filler content on cell size, with smaller cell size at low filler content leading to increased strength and density, whereas larger cell size and more open cells at higher filler content reducing strength and density. The best properties were obtained with 1.0 wt% of unmodified sago starch and 0.5 wt% of esterified sago starch in the polyol component.
Civil-Military Relations and Domestic Terrorism
Authors: Kiyani Ghashia , Pickering Jeffrey , Raza Mohsin , Webb Clayton
Published: December 2023

Civil-military relations and terrorism are both extensively studied subjects. Their relationship has, however, yet to be examined. We maintain that public conflict between the civilian and the military leadership in a country and declining civil control over the armed forces may often precipitate a rise in domestic terror events. Civil-military conflict and reduced civilian control can lead to agency slack by the armed forces and ineffective counterterror policies. These phenomena are also associated with policies that exclude groups in society and generate grievances, leading some to turn to terror. In zero inflated negative binomial analyses of domestic terror events and two distinct indicators of civil-military tension, we find support for our contention. Terror incidents increase both when civil-military conflict rises and when civilian control decreases. Our results add to understanding of both the domestic consequences of civil-military tension and the types of influences that impact domestic terror.
Can Learners Understand Words with Derivational Affixes and Does Presence of Context Make a Difference?
Authors: Matthews Joshua , Milliner Brett , McLean Stuart
Published: December 2023

Language teachers need to be aware of the factors that influence their students’ comprehension of second language words. This study explores: (a) whether learner knowledge about base words and knowledge about their corresponding derivational forms (DF) is significantly different: and (b) if the presence or absence of context influences the relative difficulty of related DF. A meaning-recall test format was used to measure the knowledge about various forms of five high frequency base words ( accept, help, move, operate and read) among a cohort of 150 tertiary-level Japanese English as a foreign language learners. Two hypotheses are tested: (a) that there would be a strong interdependence between learner knowledge about base words and DF (with single and multiple affixes) from the same word family; and (b) that DF presented in context would be easier for learners than those presented without context. Results suggest that for these target words among this cohort, each hypothesis should be rejected. Specific pedagogical recommendations for the development of knowledge about DF among L2 learners are provided. The discussion addresses the importance of classroom teachers refining the heuristics used to guide pedagogy and that the strategic collection of learner data via formative assessment is crucial to this process.
Study of Factors to Increase the Usage Rate of Generic Drugs in Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Authors: Suzuki Takaaki , Iwata Mari , Maezawa Mika , Matsumoto Kiyoka , Tanaka Mizuki , Satake Riko , Inoue Misaki , Yoshida Yu , Iguchi Kazuhiro , Nakamura Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2023

To reduce pharmacy-related medical expenses, it is necessary to reduce drug costs. One way to achieve this is by increasing the usage rate of generic drugs. The purpose of this study was to identify platelet aggregation inhibitors (PAIs) that contribute to high drug costs and are sold as brand-name drugs in order to increase the usage rate of generic drugs, and to analyze the factors that affect the usage rate of generic drug. We conducted a cross-sectional study based on the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan Open Data Japan (NODJ) of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and datasets containing related medical information from official statistical surveys such as the Basic Survey on Wage Structure. Monthly personal income in each prefecture were negatively correlated with outpatient out-of-hospital and outpatient in-hospital prescriptions of the PAIs clopidogrel (75 mg), cilostazol (50 mg), cilostazol (100 mg), and ticlopidine (100 mg), but not between monthly personal income and outpatient out-of-hospital prescription of ticlopidine (100 mg). For outpatient out-of-hospital prescriptions and outpatient in-hospital prescriptions, negative correlation was generally observed between the usage rate of generic drug and monthly personal income, except for ticlopidine (100 mg), which has the lowest price among the brand-name drugs. The usage rate of generic PAIs is negatively correlated with monthly personal income. Promoting the use of generic drugs among high-income earners might be necessary to further increase the usage rate of generic drug.
Untreated atrial septal defect after intracardiac repair for tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Tanaka Keisuke , Katayama Yuzo , Isobe Sho , Ozawa Tsukasa , Fujii Takeshiro
Published: December 2023

Tetralogy of Fallot was repaired previously in a preschooler through right ventriculotomy, providing excellent exposure for ventricular septal defect closure and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction relief. Herein, we describe the preschooler as a 50-year-old man with untreated atrial septal defect found at pulmonary valve replacement in the remote period after tetralogy of Fallot repair. It was inferred intraoperatively that the previous tetralogy of Fallot was repaired only through right ventriculotomy, and atrial septal defect closure was performed together with pulmonary valve replacement.
Vegetal Agency in Street Tree Stewardship Practices: People-Plant Involutions Within Urban Green Infrastructure in New York City
Authors: Maurer Megan
Published: December 2023

In cities nature is taking on a new role as infrastructure, providing essential services in terms of temperature regulation and water management, as well as the provision of habitat for biodiversity conservation. With this turn to green infrastructure have come new challenges to maintenance. Plants are lively things and if they are to perform their infrastructural roles they must be routinely tended to in particular ways. In the context of neoliberal governance, much of this labor falls to volunteer humans. Framed as stewardship, this volunteerism for plant-city thriving is posited as a way to meet maintenance needs while promoting human health and well-being and creating support for nature-based solutions through a sense of ownership and responsibility. While it is thus possible to read stewardship as an enrollment of people and plants into the reproduction of neoliberal urban political ecologies, in this paper I argue that such an analysis overlooks the involution of plants and people that occurs during acts of stewardship. Drawing on ethnographic research with street tree stewards in New York City I explore how vegetal agency draws people into affective, embodied relations. During acts of stewardship, trees act on people and reconfigure their relations in ways that potentially exceed the strictures of stewardship. Rather than allowing stewardship discourses and critiques thereof to be our sole frame for understanding these people-plant relations, we should also consider them from the perspective of vegetal agency and what human-tree involutions do within, around, and to human practices of stewardship.
Settlement Patterns: Discernible Trends in the Sub-Regions of Early Medieval Bengal
Authors: Majumdar Suchitra
Published: December 2023

The present study seeks to look for discernible trends in the way settlement patterns took shape in the various sub-regions of Bengal ( c. fourth to thirteenth century), broadly corresponding to the modern Indian state of West Bengal as well as Bangladesh. The sources primarily include the epigraphs issued by various ruling dynasties and the thirteenth-century text by Sandhyākaranandi, the Rāmacaritam. The essay has also made a comparison with the scenario prevailing in Assam. Certain pertinent findings on the occupation of people living in largely the marshy and riverine terrain of Bengal and Assam have also been commented upon. Occupations and settlement patterns both being traditional responses to ecological settings and historical factors, many people living in the marshy lands in Bengal and Assam took to fishing and boatmanship in the period under study. Conspicuous presence of the groups of Kaivarttas (traditionally associated with fishing and boatmanship) in both regions, and individuals having names suffixed with ‘- naukins’ in Assam substantiate this fact. Tentative map(s) prepared on the basis of inscriptions show that rural settlements were both nucleated and single farm kinds, regularly interacted at various levels, and for Assam, the possibility of nucleated form is more than what has been acknowledged by scholars so far.
“Holy Fools”: The Journey of Calling for Christian Variety Performers
Authors: Joyner Jesse
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of a lived calling for Christian variety performers. A basic qualitative study method was employed to explore vocational meaning-making among thirty seasoned Christian variety performers (jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists, clowns, and other similar entertainers) who claim to live out a life calling through their vocations. Based on the findings from this study, the major themes were named as journey, joy, community, and oblation.
MR Imaging of Pediatric Neuroblastoma: Is Gadolinium Enhancement Necessary for Evaluation of Image-Defined-Risk Factors?
Authors: MacDonald Ian R. , Farhat Ziad , Amoako-Tuffor Yaw , Maianski Irit , Erker Craig , Romao Rodrigo , Moineddin Rahim , Mata-Mbemba Daddy
Published: December 2023

Background: Pre-treatment stratification and outcomes of neuroblastoma patients often depend on the assessment of image-defined risk factors (IDRFs) on MR Imaging, usually using Gadolinium-contrast materials which are cautioned in pediatrics. We aimed to address whether gadolinium contrast-enhanced sequences are necessary to identify the presence/absence of IDRFs. Methods: Patients with neuroblastoma with MR imaging were retrospectively identified from 2005 to 2021. Ninety confirmed IDRFs were evaluated in 23 patients. Corresponding MR studies were anonymized, randomized, and independently evaluated by 3 fellowship-trained pediatric radiologists. Each radiologist assessed the studies twice. At the first reading, all enhanced sequences were omitted, while in the second reading, the full study with enhanced sequences were included. Consensus reading was obtained among readers. Inter- and intra-rater agreements using Kappa statistics (κ) as well as the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of non-enhanced MR in assessing IDRFs with respect to enhanced MR were calculated. Results: There were substantial (ĸ: 0.64-0.73) intra-reader agreements, and moderate to substantial (ĸ: 0.57-0.62) inter-reader agreements among radiologists in identifying IDRFs using non-enhanced MR. Non-enhanced MR had a sensitivity of 87.8% (95% CI [79-94]), specificity of 93% (89-96), PPV of 82.3 (73-89), NPV of 95.4 (92-98), and accuracy of 91.6 (88-94) in identifying IDRFs. However, 5/23 patients (21.7%) had a change in staging with the inclusion of contrast sequences. Conclusion: Although contrast sequences have a role in IDRF assessment, the majority can be adequately assessed on MR without gadolinium-contrast enhancement. Validation in a larger cohort is an important next step.
Cross-sectional dependence in financial openness and its influence on renewable energy consumption in Asia
Authors: Wang Lei , Hafeez Muhammad , Ullah Sana , Yonter Izzet Ulvi
Published: December 2023

Renewable energy is known for its lower environmental impact compared to conventional fossil fuels. The integration of financial openness plays a pivotal role in driving renewable energy consumption. The existing literature has predominantly overlooked the nonlinear impact of financial openness on renewable energy consumption. This study examines the nonlinear impact of financial openness on renewable energy consumption across different regions in Asia, such as Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia, by employing linear and nonlinear cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag techniques. The findings of the linear analysis confirm that financial openness favorably impacted renewable energy consumption in the long run in all regions. On the other side, the nonlinear analysis highlights that an increase in financial openness promotes renewable energy consumption in all regions except West Asia. In contrast, the fall in financial openness hurt renewable energy consumption in Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia. Greenhouse gas emissions and GDP promote renewable energy consumption in almost all regions in both linear and nonlinear analysis, and ICT and trade help the consumption of renewable energy to rise in some regions. Policymakers in Asia and its subregions should focus on increasing the collaboration between the financial sectors of the Asian economies and increasing the flow of funds to renewable energy sources in Asia.
Does artificial intelligence promote green innovation? An assessment based on direct, indirect, spillover, and heterogeneity effects
Authors: Wang Qiang , Sun Tingting , Li Rongrong
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and green innovation within the context of sustainable development goals. As societies strive to achieve sustainability, understanding the dynamics between technological advancements and environmental progress becomes paramount. Drawing from panel data encompassing 51 countries between 2000 and 2019, this study employs fixed-effects models, mediated effects models, and spatial Durbin models to meticulously examine the influence of AI on green innovation. The empirical findings reveal a robust and significantly positive correlation between AI and green innovation, highlighting the critical role of AI in fostering environmental innovation. Heterogeneity analysis across developed and developing economies delineates variations in the impact of AI on green innovation, shedding light on the influence of economic development levels and financial structures. Developed nations showcase a more pronounced AI-green innovation relationship compared to their developing counterparts, highlighting the complexities of technology adoption within distinct economic landscapes. Moreover, this study delves into the transmission mechanisms underlying the AI-green innovation nexus, revealing the mediating roles of industrial structure and human capital. Industrial upgrading and the enhancement of human capital emerge as crucial pathways through which AI indirectly stimulates green innovation. Spatial analyses reveals the spatial relevance of green innovation globally, emphasizing AI's substantial impact not only within domestic spheres but also across neighboring regions. There are significant direct, indirect, and total effects of AI on green innovation, highlighting its spillover characteristics and the catalytic role it plays in driving collaborative AI development on a global scale. This research contributes nuanced insights into the interplay between AI and green innovation, providing a foundation for policymakers, businesses, and researchers to comprehend the multifaceted dimensions of technological interventions in fostering sustainable innovation. The findings emphasize the imperative of collaborative efforts in utilizing AI's potential to propel green innovation, thereby advancing global sustainability agendas.
Qualitative Inquiries by Transitioning to ‘Digital Methods’: A Case Study on Leaders’ Perspectives of Agriculture Research Management by Key Performance Indicators
Authors: Abeysiriwardana Prabath Chaminda , Jayasinghe-Mudalige Udith K. , Kodituwakku Saluka R.
Published: December 2023

Strategies redefined and then applied in the process of a research study determine primarily the quality of data/information gathered, and finally, the overall success of that research. This research aims to develop a qualitative study protocol that warrants online-based methodologies to be effectively used for obtaining information from knowledge-intensive entities. A case study was conducted to analyse the metadata of a series of in-person interviews that revealed how the top administration manages the performance of research and development in the commercial agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. The findings and knowledge acquired from the case study were utilized to propose an innovative protocol that can be used to conduct qualitative research. The metadata of the qualitative study was critically analysed in two phases (Phase 1 = 10, and Phase 2 = 32 interviews including Phase 1 interviews) to justify and validate the steps of the protocol. The proposed protocol with robust steps in inquiring is expected to advance the knowledge of the researchers/interviewers on producing better interview experiences in an online environment when a person in the upper echelon of an institute participates as an interviewee. According to the authors’ judgment and experience, the protocol proposed is one of the foremost rationalized attempts to establish an informed guideline for conducting qualitative research in similar capacities and environments.
The Nonviolent Communication Behaviors Scale: Cross-Cultural Validity and Association with Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress
Authors: Fung Hong Wang , Chau Anson Kai Chun , Yuan Guangzhe Frank , Liu Caimeng , Lam Stanley Kam Ki
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study examined the cross-cultural validity of nonviolent communication (NVC) behaviors as measured using the Nonviolent Communication Behaviors Scale (NVCBS) and explored their potential relationship with post-traumatic stress (PTS). Methods: We analyzed data from two samples (N = 412 Chinese adults and N = 283 English-speaking adults). Results: The best-fitting model of NVCBS was the proposed three-factor model (“self-connection,” “authentic self-expression,” and “empathic listening”), with configural, metric, and scalar invariance established across samples with different languages and sociocultural backgrounds. The NVCBS had satisfactory internal consistency and convergent validity and was negatively associated with PTS. The findings were replicated across the two samples. Discussion: NVC behaviors can be reliably and validly measured using the NVCBS. Given its brevity and measurement invariance across cultures, the NVCBS is a promising tool to facilitate future studies on NVC. Moreover, a lack of NVC behaviors may be a social-behavioral feature associated with PTS.
Adaptive dynamic event-triggered cluster consensus for second-order delayed MASs with input saturation
Authors: Xia Yaping , Tang Long , Li Ruiyu
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the cluster consensus problem of second-order multi-agent systems (SOMASs) is investigated in which cooperative-competitive interactions among agents, input time delay, and input saturation are involved simultaneously. A novel adaptive dynamic event-triggered control (ETC) protocol is first designed to realize cluster consensus. Since the constant in static trigger condition is replaced by a dynamic parameter, the new control scheme can reduce the trigger times and save energy consumption. Then, switching topology problem of heterogeneous multi-agent systems (MASs) is also discussed based on the dynamic ETC strategy. Some sufficient conditions for achieving the cluster consensus of SOMASs are proposed by utilizing the Lyapunov stability theory and algebraic graph theory. Especially, to solve the saturation problem, Lagrange mean value theorem is adopted. Moreover, it is also proved that no Zeno behavior occurs under the proposed control protocol. Finally, two examples justify the significance of our theoretical results.
Characteristics of blasting vibration induced by short-delay cylindrical charges based on Heelan model
Authors: Qiu Xianyang , Shen Wenbo , Qiu Hongjie , Shi Xiuzhi , Zhang Shian , Cao Rihong
Published: December 2023

As the electronic detonators can control the detonation error within 1 ms, short-delay blasting was nowadays proposed to replace multi-hole simultaneous blasting to reduce the vibration hazards. In this study, the Heelan model was used to study blast-induced vibration of short-delay cylindrical charges. The influence of delay time on the vector peak particle velocity ( VPPV) of superimposed vibration waveforms was analyzed and the calculating formula of the shortest delay time between adjacent holes based on vibration reduction was established. It is found that as the delay time increases, the overlapping area of VPPV becomes further away from the explosion source. The main influencing factors for the shortest delay time between holes include the distance between the monitoring point and the explosion source, the difference between P wave and S wave velocities, and the duration of S wave in the first and second explosion holes. As the distance from the explosion source increases, the shortest inter hole delay time based on vibration reduction also increases. The research results have guiding significance for the control of blasting vibration in underground mines.
Pivots and Partnerships: Successes, Challenges, and Lessons Learned From Conducting Research During a Global Pandemic
Authors: O’Brien Jennifer E. , Trumbell Jill M. , O’Brien Alyssa J. , Fischer Carlie
Published: December 2023

While the importance of including vulnerable populations in research is widely acknowledged, the differential effects of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations necessitated thoughtful participant recruitment. This research note describes one team's attempt at conducting a longitudinal, mixed-methods study during the COVID-19 pandemic with women in the perinatal period who had experienced intimate partner violence. Initial recruitment strategies are provided, as well as the ways in which those initial efforts necessitated revision and redesign. Lessons learned are offered, including ways these strategies may be adapted for other similarly vulnerable populations in the context of a community-level trauma.
Artificial Intelligence and Automation in Human Resource Development: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ekuma Kelechi
Published: December 2023

This systematic review synthesizes the existing literature on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on Human Resource Development (HRD) practices and outcomes. The study explores how AI and automation affect HRD, highlighting specific HRD processes affected and their influence on outcomes. A comprehensive search was conducted across academic databases, HRD journals, and conference proceedings, resulting in a selection of relevant studies. The findings were analyzed through a narrative synthesis, with subgroup analyses based on specific HRD processes. The review provides insights into AI and automation implications for HRD researchers and practitioners. It also identifies research gaps and future directions.
Selection of design parameters of working coil for Al/Cu tubular Magnetic Pulse Welding
Authors: Shim Ji-Yeon , Kim Ill-Soo
Published: December 2023

MPW produces a high Lorentz force for welding through the interaction of magnetic fields between the working coil and outer workpiece. Therefore, the design of the working coil is crucial in the MPW process. In particular, it is important to understand and estimate the distribution of Lorentz force on the outer tube and the stress on the working coil. These factors greatly impact the efficiency of energy delivery and the durability of the process. The purpose of this research was to analyze the effect of coil design parameters on the Lorentz force and stress. The ultimate objective was to optimize these design parameters specifically for welding tubular workpieces; for this, an electromagnetic-mechanical FE-model was developed. The design parameters considered in this study included the angle, radius, and protruding length. The Lorentz force and stress were calculated based on these parameters. Notably, the response surface method (RSM) and sequential quadratic programing (SQP) were utilized to develop a prediction model and optimize the design parameters, respectively. The findings revealed that the protruding length and angle are significant design parameters. Consequently, a working coil was manufactured using the optimized design parameters, leading to a successful Al/Cu joint. These results emphasize the indispensability of optimizing design parameters to achieve high-quality joints.
When do leaders feel stressed by their followers? An examination of face-to-face, virtual and written interactions
Authors: Gesang Elena , Klingenberg Ingo , Süß Stefan
Published: December 2023

This study examines in which interactions and why followers’ behaviors can be perceived as stressful by leaders. Therefore, leaders were interviewed about particularly stressful interactions with a follower in face-to-face, virtual and written interactions. We find leaders’ stressors at work to fit three categories: leader’s loss of control, (potential) loss of the leader’s valuable resources, and threats to leader’s role. Moreover, we identify diverse daily as well as prototypical patterns of how leaders deal with some of them. Additionally, we identify undesirable work-life events and find a prototypical resilient leader characterized by feeling nearly no stress. Our study reduces the current research gap of mostly considering only leader behavior to be stressful (for followers).
CXCL14 as a potential marker for immunotherapy response prediction in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pan Qiwen , Liu Ruiqi , Zhang Xinyue , Cai Lingling , Li Yilin , Dong Pei , Gao Jianming , Liu Yang , He Liru
Published: December 2023

Background:

Epigenetic mechanisms play vital roles in the activation, differentiation, and effector function of immune cells. The breast and kidney-expressed chemokine (CXCL14) mainly contributes to the regulation of immune cells. However, its role in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is yet to be elucidated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Objectives:

This study aimed to elucidate the role of CXCL14 in predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with RCC.

Methods:

CXCL14 expression and RNA-sequencing, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), and survival datasets of RCC from public databases were analyzed, and survival was compared between different CXCL14 levels. The correlation between CXCL14 and immune infiltration and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene expression was analyzed with TIMER2.0 and gene expression profiling interactive analysis. Institutional scRNA-seq and immunohistochemical staining analyses were used to verify the relationship between CXCL14 expression level and the efficacy of immunotherapy.

Results:

CXCL14 was expressed in fibroblast and malignant cells in RCC, and higher expression was associated with better survival. Enrichment analysis revealed that CXCL14 is involved in immune activation, primarily in antigen procession, antigen presentation, and major histocompatibility complex assemble. CXCL14 expression was positively correlated with T-cell infiltration as well as HLA-related gene expression. Among the RCC cohort receiving nivolumab in Checkmate 025, the patients with CXCL14 high expression had better overall survival than those with CXCL14 low expression after immunotherapy. scRNA-seq revealed a cluster of CXCL14+ fibroblast in immunotherapy responders. Immunohistochemistry analysis verified that the patients with high CXCL14 expression had an increased proportion of high CD8 expression simultaneously. The expression level of CXCL14 was associated with CXCR4 expression in RCC.

Conclusion:

CXCL14 expression is associated with immunotherapy response in RCC. It is a promising biomarker for immunotherapy response prediction and may be an effective epigenetic modulator in combination with immunotherapy approaches.
A rapid systematic review of breakthrough pain definitions and descriptions
Authors: Greenfield Katie , Schoth Daniel E , Hain Richard , Bailey Simon , Mott Christine , Rajapakse Dilini , Harrop Emily , Renton Kate , Anderson Anna-Karenia , Carter Bernie , Johnson Margaret , Liossi Christina
Published: December 2023

Background

Breakthrough pain is common in life-limiting conditions and at end-of-life. Despite over 30 years of study, there is little consensus regarding the definition and characteristics of breakthrough pain.

Objective

This study aims to update and expand a 2010 systematic review by Haugen and colleagues to identify (1) all definitions of breakthrough pain and (2) all descriptions and classifications of breakthrough pain reported by patients, caregivers, clinicians, and experts.

Design

This rapid systematic review followed the Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group guidelines. A protocol is published on PROSPERO (CRD42019155583).

Data sources

CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and the Web of Science were searched for breakthrough pain terms from the inception dates of each database to 26th August 2022.

Results

We identified 65 studies that included data on breakthrough pain definitions, descriptions, or classifications from patients ( n = 30), clinicians ( n = 6), and experts ( n = 29), but none with data from caregivers. Most experts proposed that breakthrough pain was a sudden, severe, brief pain occurring in patients with adequately controlled mild-moderate background pain. However, definitions varied and there was no consensus. Pain characteristics were broadly similar across studies though temporal factors varied widely. Experts classified breakthrough pain into nociceptive, neuropathic, visceral, somatic, or mixed types. Patients with breakthrough pain commonly experienced depression, anxiety, and interference with daily life.

Conclusions

Despite ongoing efforts, there is still no consensus on the definition of breakthrough pain. A compromise is needed on breakthrough pain nomenclature to collect reliable incidence and prevalence data and to inform further refinement of the construct.
Painful schwannoma of scalp: A case report
Authors: Yousefian Faraz , Roberts Michael , Hammel Josh , Buckley Christopher
Published: December 2023

Schwannoma, also known as neurilemmoma, is a benign neoplasm of Schwann cells of the cranial or peripheral nerve sheath. Scalp involvement has been reported in 25% of patients with extracranial head and neck schwannomas, which can be misdiagnosed clinically as epidermal cyst or lipoma. In this article, we report a 32-year-old male presenting with a slow-growing painful subcutaneous mass on the left occipital scalps without any neurological symptoms. Pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma, and surgical removal resulted in the resolution of pain and lack of recurrence.
Volume Status Assessment by Lung Ultrasound in End-Stage Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kharat Aileen , Tallaa Faissal , Lepage Marc-Antoine , Trinh Emilie , Suri Rita S. , Mavrakanas Thomas A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose of review:

Lung ultrasound is a noninvasive bedside technique that can accurately assess pulmonary congestion by evaluating extravascular lung water. This technique is expanding and is easily available. Our primary outcome was to compare the efficacy of volume status assessment by lung ultrasound with clinical evaluation, echocardiography, bioimpedance, or biomarkers. The secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events.

Sources of information:

We conducted a MEDLINE literature search for observational and randomized studies with lung ultrasound in patients on maintenance dialysis.

Methods:

From a total of 2363 articles, we included 28 studies (25 observational and 3 randomized). The correlation coefficients were pooled for each variable of interest using the generic inverse variance method with a random effects model. Among the clinical parameters, New York Heart Association Functional Classification of Heart Failure status and lung auscultation showed the highest correlation with the number of B-lines on ultrasound, with a pooled r correlation coefficient of .57 and .36, respectively. Among echocardiographic parameters, left ventricular ejection fraction and inferior vena cava index had the strongest correlation with the number of B-lines, with a pooled r coefficient of .35 and .31, respectively. Three randomized studies compared a lung ultrasound-guided approach with standard of care on hard clinical endpoints. Although patients in the lung ultrasound group achieved better decongestion and blood pressure control, there was no difference between the 2 management strategies with respect to death from any cause or major adverse cardiovascular events.

Key findings:

Lung ultrasound may be considered for the identification of patients with subclinical volume overload. Trials did not show differences in clinically important outcomes. The number of studies was small and many were of suboptimal quality.

Limitations:

The included studies were heterogeneous and of relatively limited quality.
Cognitive Aspects in War-time Ukrainian Humorous Discourse
Authors: Kharchenko Oleg V.
Published: December 2023

The article analyses the functioning of the war-time Ukrainian humorous discourse in general and the cognitive mechanisms of humor, including the “Availability Heuristic” cognitive pattern in particular. The study aims to examine 12 Ukrainian war-time jokes and to reveal main cognitive patterns and accompanying stylistic figures producing the comic effect. All jokes manifest the application of the “Availability heuristic” cognitive pattern inherent to the war period when old pre-war realities are changed with new war-time realities and explained in a funny way. The study addresses some cognitive and pragmatic aspects of the war-time Ukrainian humor, focusing on the role of cognitive patterns in selecting stylistic humor devices, while processing the incoming information and shaping the cognitive frameworks of humor perception and creation. The paper reveals the main cognitive patterns, including the “Availability Heuristic,” the “Distinct contrast,” the “Negativity Thinking,” the “Superiority or Illusionary Superiority,” the “Easel,” and their humorous actualization through such stylistic figures as paraprosdokian, irony, bathos, double entendre, pun, metaphor, and pastiche in its narrow meaning. The researched Ukrainian jokes are interwoven with the situational context of the dramatic events within the temporality of the speedy streaming news of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The paper explores the main pragmatic functions of Ukrainian war-time humorous discourse and makes additional remarks about a number of affirmations from some humor theories.