bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid Method to Solve Data Sparsity in Travel Recommendation Agents Using Fuzzy Logic Approach
Authors: Nilashi Mehrbakhsh , Abumalloh Rabab Ali , Alrizq Mesfer , Almulihi Ahmed , Alghamdi O. A. , Farooque Murtaza , Samad Sarminah , Mohd Saidatulakmal , Ahmadi Hossein
Published: June 2022

Travel recommendation agents have been a helpful tool for travelers in their decision-making for destination choices. It has been shown that sparsity can significantly impact on the accuracy of recommendation agents. The COVID-19 outbreak has affected the tourism and hospitality industry of almost all countries in the world. Tourists who have planned to travel are canceling or postponing trips due to this pandemic. Accordingly, this will impact the rate of travelers’ online reviews on tourism products. Hence, the lack of data, in terms of ratings and textual reviews on hotels, will be a major issue for travel recommendation agents during the COVID-19 outbreak in the context of tourism and hospitality. This will be a new challenge for the researchers in the development of travel recommendation agents. Machine learning has been found to be effective in dealing with the data sparsity in recommendation agents. Therefore, developing new algorithms would be helpful to overcome the sparsity issue in travel recommendation agents. This research provides a new method through neurofuzzy, dimensionality reduction, and clustering techniques and evaluates it on the TripAdvisor dataset to see its effectiveness in solving the sparsity issue. The results showed that the method which used the fuzzy logic technique with the aid of clustering, dimensionality reduction, and fuzzy logic is more efficient in addressing the sparsity problem and presenting more accurate results. The results of the method evaluation are presented and discussed, and several suggestions are provided for future studies.
Weighted Graph Irregularity Indices Defined on the Vertex Set of a Graph
Authors: Alsheekhhussain Zainab , Réti Tamás , Ali Akbar
Published: June 2022

Performing comparative tests, some possibilities of constructing novel degree‐ and distance‐based graph irregularity indices are investigated. Evaluating the discrimination ability of different irregularity indices, it is demonstrated (using examples) that in certain cases two newly constructed irregularity indices, namely IR DEA and IR DEB, are more selective.
Analysis of Lymphoma‐Related Genes with Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Enrichment
Authors: Sun Qiao , Bai Lin , Zhu Shaopin , Cheng Lu , Xu Yang , Cai Yu-Dong , Chen Hui , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2022

Lymphoma is a serious malignant tumor that contains more than 70 different types and seriously endangers the body’s lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is the regulatory center of the immune system and is important in the immune response to foreign antigens and tumors. Studies showed that multiple genetic variants are associated with lymphoma but determining the pathogenic mechanisms remains a challenge. In the present study, we first applied the Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of lymphoma‐associated and lymphoma‐nonassociated genes. Next, the Boruta and max‐relevance and min‐redundancy feature selection methods were performed to filter and rank features. Then, features preselected and ranked using the incremental feature selection method were applied for the decision tree model to identify the best GO terms and KEGG pathways and extract classification rules. Results indicate that our predicted features, such as B‐cell activation, negative regulation of protein processing, negative regulation of mast cell cytokine production, and natural killer cell‐mediated cytotoxicity, are associated with the biological process of lymphoma, consistent with those of recent publications. This study provides a new perspective for future research on the molecular mechanisms of lymphoma.
A Malicious Domain Detection Model Based on Improved Deep Learning
Authors: Huang XiangDong , Li Hao , Liu Jiajia , Liu FengChun , Wang Jian , Xie BaoShan , Chen BaoPing , Zhang Qi , Xue Tao
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of the Internet, malicious domain names pose more and more serious threats to many fields, such as network security and social security, and there have been many research results on malicious domain detection. This article proposes a malicious domain name detection model based on improved deep learning, which can combine the advantages of three different network models, convolutional neural network (CNN), temporal convolutional network (TCN), and long short-term memory network (LSTM) in malicious domain name detection, to obtain a better detection effect than that of the original single or two models. Experiments show that the effect of the improved deep learning model proposed in this article is better than that of the combined model of CNN and LSTM or the combined model of CNN and TCN, and the accuracy and regression rates reached 99.76% and 98.81%, respectively.
[Retracted] Clinical Efficacy and Safety Analysis of PD‐1/PD‐L1 Inhibitor vs. Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Advanced Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Guo Wei-wei , Zhang Tian-wei , Wang Bin-liang , Mao Li-qun , Li Xiao-bo
Published: June 2022

Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab (PD‐1/PD‐L inhibitor) and adjuvant chemotherapy to treat NSCLC and provide evidence‐based reference for clinical use. Methods. By searching the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science, according to the inclusion criteria, literature selection, data extraction, and quality evaluation were carried out for the included literature. The I2 test was used to evaluate heterogeneity between studies, and the meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software provided by Cochrane. Results. Finally, 14 relevant documents meeting the standards were included. It is a statistical difference in one‐year survival rate [OR = 1.50, 95% CI (1.28, 1.76), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%, Z = 4.99]; overall response rate[OR =1.57, 95% CI (1.29, 1.90), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%, Z = 4.58]; progression‐free survival [OR = 2.99, 95% CI (2.29, 3.91), P < 0.00001, I2 = 26%, Z = 8.00]; and overall survival [OR = 1.38, 95% CI (1.07, 1.78), P = 0.01, I2 = 46%, Z = 2.50] and reduces the incidence of adverse drug reactions [OR = 2.54, 95% CI (1.99, 3.25), P < 0.00001, I2 = 69%, Z = 7.43]. Conclusion. Pembrolizumab adjuvant chemotherapy is effective in the treatment of advanced NSCLC, but attention should be paid to the occurrence of adverse reactions in clinical. Due to the limitations of the methodology included in the study, this conclusion required more validation of large‐sample RCT.
Cross‐Sectional Study of Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Bovine Brucellosis in Selected Districts of Jimma Zone, South Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Etefa Monenus , Kabeta Tadele , Merga Desalegn , Debelo Motuma
Published: June 2022

Bovine brucellosis is one of the most widespread but neglected zoonotic diseases in developing countries where it is an endemic and growing problem causing public health impacts. Developing a cost‐effective control strategy of the disease can only be guaranteed by knowledge of the disease epidemiology that defines its risk profiles. Hence, this study was designed to evaluate epidemiological aspects of bovine brucellosis in selected districts of Jimma zone. A cross‐sectional study with multistage sampling techniques was conducted on 424 cattle to evaluate its seroprevalence. Likewise, 114 households were included for the investigation of risk factors. SPSS version 20 for data analysis and C‐ELISA test for antibody detection were used. Moreover, the chi‐square test for univariable analysis and logistic regression model for multivariable analysis were employed to assess association between seropositivity and risk factors. From this study, 3.3% (95% CI: 1.82‐5.48) and 12.3% (95% CI: 6.88‐19.75) seroprevalence of the disease was detected with the highest proportion found at Kersa district (6.5 (95% CI: 1.37‐17.90) and (21.4 (95% CI: 4.66‐50.80)) followed by Seka Chokorsa (1.76 (95% CI: 0.37‐5.07) and (6.7 (95% CI: 1.40‐18.27)) and Mana (1.75 (95% CI: 0.21‐6.20) and (7.1 (95% CI: 0.88‐23.50)) at individual animals and herd levels, respectively. Cattle of poor body condition, pregnant, and cows with history of abortion and repeat breeding were found 4.8 (95% CI: 2.00‐22.74), 4.3 (95% CI: 1.43‐13.04), 3.3 (95% CI: 1.07‐10.21), and 2.7 (95% CI: 1.86‐8.15) times more likely seropositive than their counterparts, respectively. Besides these, mixed feeding style was highly associated with seropositive reactors than separate feeding (AOR = 8.3; 95% CI: 1.76‐38.99). These findings depicted substantial areas to be addressed in implementation of appropriate and immediate control actions and establishment of intervention mechanisms of bovine brucellosis.
Unusual B-Lymphoid Blastic Crisis as Initial Presentation of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Imposes Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Momen Nouran , Baysal Bora , Jani Sait Sheila , Tario Joseph , Qian You-Wen
Published: June 2022

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder, characterized by reciprocal translocation t(9,22) (q34; q11), leading to increased myeloid proliferation. Most cases are diagnosed in the chronic phase (CP). However, a minority of cases can be present in the blastic phase (BP). In most patients with CML-BP, the blasts have a myeloid phenotype, however, in 20–30% of cases, the blasts have a lymphoid phenotype, mostly a B-cell phenotype. It is challenging to differentiate CML B-lymphoblastic phase (CML-BLP) from Ph + primary B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) especially when the CML-BLP is the initial presentation of the disease, which is uncommon. We report here an unusual case of CML-BLP as an initial presentation of the disease without typical CML morphological findings. This case demonstrates diagnostic challenges and emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach using morphology, multiparametric flow cytometry, cytogenetic studies, and molecular studies to render an accurate diagnosis.
A TCR-like CAR Promotes Sensitive Antigen Recognition and Controlled T-cell Expansion Upon mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Birtel Matthias , Voss Ralf-Holger , Reinhard Katharina , Rengstl Benjamin , Ouchan Yasmina , Michel Kristina , Hayduk Nina , Tillmann Bodo , Becker René , Suchan Martin , Theobald Matthias , Oehm Petra , Türeci Özlem , Sahin Ugur
Published: June 2022

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are efficacious in patients with B-cell malignancies, while their activity is limited in patients with solid tumors. We developed a novel heterodimeric TCR-like CAR (TCAR) designed to achieve optimal chain pairing and integration into the T-cell CD3 signaling complex. The TCAR mediated high antigen sensitivity and potent antigen-specific T-cell effector functions in short-term in vitro assays. Both persistence and functionality of TCAR T cells were augmented by provision of costimulatory signals, which improved proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Combination with a nanoparticulate RNA vaccine, developed for in vivo expansion of CAR T cells, promoted tightly controlled expansion, survival, and antitumor efficacy of TCAR T cells in vivo.

Significance:

A novel TCAR is tightly controlled by RNA vaccine–mediated costimulation and may provide an alternative to second-generation CARs for the treatment of solid tumors.
Association between Cerebrovascular Risk Factors and Collateral Compensation in Chronic Symptomatic Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Stenosis
Authors: Li Qi , Wang Benlin , Sun Yang , Qiao Jie , Tong Xiaoguang
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The level of collateral compensation plays a pivotal role in chronic symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar stenosis (IVBS). This study aimed to evaluate the association between cerebrovascular risk factors and collateral compensation in chronic symptomatic IVBS. Methods: This single-center cross-sectional study retrospectively reviewed 238 patients with angiographically demonstrated IVBS and divided them into good collateral compensation (GCC) group (collateral grade: 3–4, n = 110) and poor collateral compensation (PCC) group (collateral grade: 0–2, n = 128). The demographic information, laboratory tests, and clinical data of the two groups were compared and assessed using univariate logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze the independent related factors of collateral compensation. Results: Hyperlipidemia, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HDL (odds ratio [OR]: 1.134, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.081–1.190), FBG (OR: 0.945, 95% CI: 0.925–0.964), and hyperlipidemia (OR: 0.261, 95% CI: 0.129–0.527) were statistically independent related factors of collateral compensation. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis provided cutoff values of 34 mg/dL and 135 mg/dL for HDL and FBG associated with GCC and PCC. Conclusion: Higher HDL levels are associated with higher incidence of GCC, whereas higher FBG levels and hyperlipidemia are associated with higher incidence of PCC.
Complete, Durable Remission of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma under Treatment with Viscum album Extracts: A Case Report
Authors: Orange Maurice , Poidimani Nicoletta , Crosignani Andrea , Werthmann Paul G. , Bertotto Corrado
Published: June 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Early-stage disease is treated with curative intent, but most patients present with advanced HCC, which carries a poor prognosis. Viscum album extracts (VAE) are used by cancer patients as an adjunct treatment or palliation. Case Presentation: A 51-year-old female presented with relapsing multifocal HCC. She declined palliative treatment and commenced intravenous VAE treatment in conjunction with intravenous hepato-protective L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA). She experienced a significant improvement of life-quality and performance status. After 3 months, a significant regression was noted on computerized tomography, and α-fetoprotein was in normal range. Imaging 11 months later confirmed a complete regression. The VAE and LOLA treatment continues to date. The patient had no other cancer-directed therapy. The regression is sustained for more than 5 years at publication, confirmed by regular imaging and serology. The patient is experiencing an unrestricted quality of life. Conclusion: Complete regression of advanced HCC is rare. Responses of HCC to VAE treatment have been reported before. However, this is the first documented case with a complete and durable regression of an HCC under treatment with VAE. Further studies should evaluate VAE treatment in HCC, especially when administered in forms as reported here.
Investment In Spreading Criminal Law for Rural Indigenous Communities
Authors: Gultom Sarles , Saragih Sepriandison
Published: June 2022

This study discusses the understanding and dissemination of legal awareness in society, especially criminal law in social life. The author believes that early prevention efforts to minimize unlawful acts are indispensable in every context of legal socialization events. By socializing the law, all citizens aim to create a just and prosperous, safe and prosperous society free from crime, security disturbances, and anarchy. The better the socialization of criminal law, the easier it will be for the community to be invited to achieve independence in order to increase legal awareness. This socialization is the responsibility of all parties, especially the academic community and state apparatus, to guide citizens, especially indigenous peoples in remote parts of the country, to produce peaceful, capable, disciplined, responsible, and courageous citizens who are honest in life. This study also hopes that narrative narratives and academic thoughts on criminal law in indigenous peoples become ceremonial events. Law must be a life-giving culture, especially for indigenous peoples, to be a good example for other communities. Condor has been studied in several legal publications and other sources we have reviewed to answer the most valid research questions. This is also to ensure the data review process runs smoothly and responsibly.
Relationship Between Organizational Commitment Dimensions and Job Satisfaction: The Case of Employees of Sorsogon State College Bulan Cam-pus
Authors: Bongalonta Michael B.
Published: June 2022

This study assessed the level of organizational commitment in terms of affective commitment, continuance commitment and normative commitment as well as the job satisfaction of employees of Sorsogon State College Bulan Campus (SSC-BC) to test if there is significant relationship among these variables. Descriptive correlational method of research was used. For this purpose, survey questionnaires were used to facilitate the survey. Out of the total 49 workforce, only 40 employees of SSC-BC were considered as the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Weighted mean was used for the purpose of summarizing, interpreting and identifying the trends and patterns of the data gathered from the survey. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation was employed to establish the relationship between the organizational commitment of the respondents and their job satisfaction while linear regression was utilized to determine the magnitude of the relationship of the organizational commitment dimensions and the job satisfaction of the employees. Results of the survey revealed that employees of Sorsogon State College Bulan Campus were highly committed to their institution which emanates from the level of their affective and normative commitment and less from their continuance commitment. It was concluded that that faculty members and non-teaching personnel of the College have high level of job satisfaction which appeared to derive from the kind of relationship they have with their co-workers and supervisors, from College and from the work itself. Finally, the extent of employees’ affective, continuance and normative commitment have a significant and positive relationship to the level of their job satisfaction and that the level of normative commitment was found to be a predictor of level of job satisfaction of SSC-BC employees.
Weather Conditions in Relation to Crimes Committed in Pagadian City
Authors: Mangubat Junry M. , Pallega Rowell B. , Aranjuez Nancy E.
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to determine the relationship between weather conditions as to wet and dry as recorded in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Forecast Station and the crimes committed in Pagadian City in calendar years 2014-2018. Weather conditions as to wet and dry were correlated to crimes against person and property that was committed in Pagadain City. It employed a quantitative descriptive correlational method of research using the data of crime occurrences recorded in the Philippine National Police Pagadian City Station and the rainfall data from Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Forecast Station in the city statistically treated using frequency count, mean, paired sample t-test, and chi-square test. Findings of the study revealed that physical injuries were profiled the highest in crimes against persons, followed by murder, homicide, and rape. At the same time, theft cases were dominantly registered for crimes against properties, followed by robbery, carnapping, and cattle rustling. The average distribution of murder, homicide, and physical injuries during the wet season outnumbered the cases during the dry season, except for rape cases that were higher during the dry season.  Likewise, robbery, theft, carnapping, and cattle rustling were higher during the wet season than the dry season. The average distribution differences of crimes committed between the wet and the dry seasons tested at a 0.05 level of significance were not significant. The relationship between crimes against persons and the weather conditions was not significant. The relationship between crimes against properties and the weather conditions was also not significant. Moreover, crimes against persons and properties in the city do not depend on weather conditions.  Murder, homicide, physical injuries, rape, robbery, theft, carnapping, cattle rustling, and the like could happen in the city regardless of whether it is wet or dry weather conditions, and there is a need to implement the crime prevention programs designed by the researcher.
Level of Implementation of Safekeeping Practices in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology
Authors: Nicholas Elrhine D. , Pallega Rowell B. , Comecilla Meynard O.
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to determine the level of implementation of safekeeping practices in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Ipil District Jail and Ipil Women’s Dormitory Jail of Zamboanga Sibugay during calendar year 2018-2019. This study made use of non-experimental quantitative research design utilizing descriptive, frequency count, percentage and mean. It also utilized modified questionnaire in gathering the result. There were 127 inmates and 50 Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel utilized as respondents of the study. The main statistical tools used were frequency count, percentage, mean computation, t-test, analysis of variance and Pearson r Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation. The study revealed that there were more male inmates as compared to the females. Majority of the index crimes committed by the inmates were murder while on the non-index crimes, majority were charged against possession of illegal drugs. The security practices were always implemented by the two Jail under study which included the following: Commitment Order and Segregation of Prisoners or Detainees, Reception Procedures, and Disciplinary Boards and Punishable Acts of Inmates, Treatment of Inmates with Special Needs, Custody, Security and Control Emergency Plans, Movement and Transfer of Prisoners and Detainees, Rights, Privileges and Miscellaneous Provisions, and Inmates Welfare and Development Functions. There was no significant difference between the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and inmate’s ratings on the implementation of commitment order and segregation of inmates or detainees. However, there was a significant difference between the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and inmates’ rating on the rest of the safekeeping practices. Indeed, there was a significant relationship between the safekeeping practices and the level of Implementation of these practices. The researcher recommends that the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology implementation of safekeeping practices be continued and sustained.
SHS Students’ Engagement in Online Synchronous Collaborative Learning Activities: Correlations with Self-efficacy, Peer Social Support, Well-being and Academic Performance
Authors: Afable Trisha Mae M. , Lamberto Jilian Casandra D. , Ng Trixia Anne Nicole P. , Umandap Ashley  Nicole S. , Arcinas Myla M.
Published: June 2022

The pandemic of COVID-19 prompted several paradigm shifts throughout society, including in education. This study aimed to examine the relationships of students' engagement in online synchronous collaborative learning activities (OSCLA) with their self-efficacy (LSE), peer social support (LPSS), state of well-being (SWB), and level of academic performance (LAP). A total of 176 Filipino Grade 12 SHS students, 18 years old and older, from a private educational institution were purposively selected for this study. Data were generated using an online survey. Results show that collaborative learning activities are frequently conducted (median = 4) in their synchronous online classes. It also revealed that their LSE is high (median = 4), their LPSS is high (median = 4), their LE is moderate (median = 3), their SWB is high (median = 4), and their LAP is high (median = 94.85). The results showed a statistically significant correlation of their LSE (r = 0.69, p 0.001) and LPSS with their OSCLA LE (r = 0.438, p 0.001). A statistically significant positive moderate correlation between LE and SWB (r = 0.536, p 0.001) was also found, however, no correlation was found between their OSCLA LE and LAP (r = 0.065, p = 0.393). Thus, the use of a well-designed OSCLA is strongly recommended as it positively impacts students' SWB but should be regularly reviewed for its effectiveness in sustaining improvement in the LAP of the students.
Genotoxic effects of profenophos on Pisum sativum
Authors: Sengupta Anirup , Sengupta Rupak Kumar
Published: June 2022

Profenophos is a commonly used organophosphate pesticide in pulse crops; however, it is difficult to say whether it is safe from cytogenotoxic effects. Test plant materials (field pea seeds) were soaked in 250 ml of 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% profenophos 50% EC separately for 6 hours. The mechanism behind various types of chromosomal anomalies observed due to treatment with profenophos has been discussed in detail.  The effects of the pesticide that appeared in M1 generation diluted in M2. The appearance of C-metaphase with univalent and bivalents, multipolarities, chromatin bridges suggest that these organophosphate pesticides like profenophos affect genetic recombination which may lead to loss of important factors, gain of undesirable characters. This study aims at finding the cytological and genotoxic effect of pesticide profenophos on germ cells of Pisum sativum var. arvense and suggests judicious means of application of pesticides and agrochemicals in appropriate condition to elude further damages in the future.
Macroalgae diversity at Porok Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Faradilla Faradilla , Nikmah Fajriatin , Putri Alfi Dilla , Agustin Gizela Aulia , Nurkaromah Lailatul , Febrianti Melinda Windiana , Budhiman Muhammad Arief , Salamah Umi , Chasani Abdul Razaq
Published: June 2022

Indonesia is one of the world's richest nations in terms of its biodiversity. One of the biological resources that has an important role in marine life is macroalgae. As a primary producer, macroalgae play an important role in the coastal environment. Porok Beach is a beach in the Gunungkidul district of Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia. Porok beach is dominated by a rocky substrate, which would be the ideal substrate for macroalgae. The development of coastal areas as a tourism destination is feared to have an impact on macroalgae biodiversity. Comprehensive efforts are required to protect the coastlines of Porok Beach as sources of macroalgae germplasm that will ensure the survival of coastal biodiversity in Gunungkidul. So, it is necessary to study macroalgae diversity in Porok Beach to obtain a preliminary data to conserve. the macroalgae in the area.  This study aims to monitor the presence of the macroalgae on Porok Beach. Purposive random sampling was used in the study, which took place on October 17th, 2020. Water temperature and pH are the ecological parameters that are measured. Seaweed specimens were collected only from those that were attached to the substrate (no floating specimens were collected) during low tide and then placed in ziplock plastic bags. Macroalgae species were identified to determine macroalgae species based on taxonomic keys using FAO species identification Guide for Fishery From the results of the study, Porok Beach was home to 17 species of macroalgae, eight of which were classified as Chlorophyta, 3 species are classified as Phaeophyta, and 6 species are classified as Rhodophyta.
Population and distribution of Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculatus, Gmelin, 1989 at lake Tana area, Ethiopia
Authors: Shimelis Aynalem Zelelew  , George William Archibald
Published: June 2022

The Wattled Crane is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and isolated population occurs in Ethiopia. This study was conducted in Chimba wetlands, Lake Tana area from October–2013 to December–2014. The objectives were to understand the distribution and population status of the Wattled crane and assess the vegetation characteristics and threats of the ecological units. The population size and density of cranes in the study area was determined from weekly counts carried out in equal-sized sampling units. The total survey area was divided into square grids, and each of them was 1.23 square km wide/size. A total of 10 grid squares, which have an area of 12.32 square km were considered for density analysis. Although the total area of the study was 208.2 km2, unsuitable habitats, such as forest or farmlands were excluded. Counts of cranes were made at known sites. The density was calculated as the average number of cranes counted per unit area. A total of 32 cranes were recorded. The density of cranes in the study area is 2.6 per km2. Cranes were located in Addis Amba, Dehena Mesenta, Latamba, and Legdia local administrative areas. The number recorded in each area varied, the largest (17) was recorded in Latamba Kebele and the fewest (2) in Legdia. The dominant vegetation type of Chimba wetlands is emergent macrophyte. However, the papyrus bed represents about 10% of the wetland. Species of vegetation other than papyrus bed is represented by a 20 quadrat study. A total of 26 macrophyte species belonging to 10 families were recorded. Intensive cultivation, draining of the wetland, habitat degradation, overgrazing of the wetland, overharvesting of papyrus, invasive species, and over-flooding are the major threats of wetlands.
Taxonomy and threat assessment of Lagotis kunawurensis Rupr. (Plantaginaceae), an endemic medicinal plant species of the Himalaya, India
Authors: Aijaz Hassan Ganie  , Tariq Ahmad Butt  , Anzar Ahmad Khuroo  , Nazima Rasool  , Rameez Ahmad  , Syed Basharat  , Zafar A. Reshi
Published: June 2022

Lagotis kunawurensis Rupr. (Plantaginaceae), a rare plant species endemic to the Himalaya, is reported here after a gap of 50 years from Ladakh. This species has often been taxonomically misidentified and confused with Picrorhiza kurroa, an important medicinal plant of the Himalaya. The present study clarifies the taxonomy of L. kunawurensis by providing description and photo illustrations of diagnostic characters which will aid its proper field identification. Furthermore, the threat assessment of L. kunawurensis using the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has been conducted based on the available occurrence records, and the species currently falls under the ‘Near Threatened’ category. This species is used for medicinal purposes by locals in the study area. As the species is simultaneously experiencing various kinds of threats and the known distribution range is relatively smaller, it is right time to develop conservation strategies for the sustainable utilization of this endemic medicinal plant species of the Himalaya.
Reappearance of stomatopod Gonodactylus platysoma (Wood-Mason, 1895) after an era from the intertidal region of Chota Balu, South Andaman, India
Authors: N. Muthu Mohammed Naha  , Limaangnen Pongener  , G. Padmavati
Published: June 2022

Mantis Shrimp Gonodactylus platysoma was observed during a survey for seaweed-related macrofauna from the intertidal region of Andamans after a century. The specimen was collected using a scoop net, identified based on Kemp (1913) and Ahyong (2001). The detailed description, images and illustrations are given in this article. The reappearance of G. platysoma after a century highlights the potential of revealing the rich biodiversity in Andaman and the need to monitor stomatopods for a better overview of their ecological interactions and diversity.
Pelatantheria insectifera (Rchb.f.) Ridl. (Orchidaceae): a new generic record for Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: V. Ashok Kumar  , P. Janaki Rao  , J. Prakasa Rao  , S.B. Padal  , C. Sudhakar Reddy
Published: June 2022

The monopodial orchid Pelatantheria insectifera is reported here as a new generic record for the state of Andhra Pradesh (India). Further, detailed diagnostic description, colour photo plates for easy identification and note on ecology were provided.
The trade of Saiga Antelope horn for traditional medicine in Thailand
Authors: Gomez Lalita , Siriwat Penthai , Shepherd Chris R.
Published: June 2022

Demand for Saiga Antelope Saiga tatarica horn products in Southeast Asia, due to their perceived medicinal value, has drastically impacted the conservation of this species. At the same time, poor understanding of the dynamics of this trade in parts of Southeast Asia continues to impede regulation and conservation efforts. Here we examine the trade of Saiga horn products in Thailand through a rapid physical and online market survey, and via an analysis of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora  (CITES) trade data. We found an active local trade in Saiga horn products in Thailand, with both physical market surveys and online surveys showing predominantly two forms of Saiga horn products in the market, i.e., cooling water and horn shavings (mostly sold as pre-packaged boiling kits). These products are commercially marketed as staple household medicines. Greater scrutiny, monitoring and research is urgently needed to understand how the use of Saiga horn is being regulated in Thailand including the number of licensed traders, potential stockpiles and management of these. Traditional medicine outlets and online sales of commercial Saiga horn products also requires attention. As a non-native species, the Saiga Antelope is not protected in Thailand which makes it difficult for enforcement authorities to prevent illegal trade of Saiga horn products within the country. Thailand is currently revising its wildlife laws with the intention of addressing the protection of non-native and CITES-listed species. Considering the widespread use of Saiga horn in Thailand, we recommend that Saiga Antelope be included in the revised species protection lists to enable enforcement action against trade in illegally sourced Saiga horn products.
The occurrence of Indochinese Serow Capricornis sumatraensis in Virachey National Park, northeastern Cambodia
Authors: McCann Gregory , Pawlowski Keith , Thon Soukhon
Published: June 2022

The Mainland Serow Capricornis sumatraensis is an under-studied, enigmatic rupicarin in the family Bovidae that lives in remote parts of the interior of Cambodia’s mountain ranges, most of which border neighboring countries. Their population status in Cambodia is unclear but thought to be in decline. Our records stem from steep forested areas and never in open meadows or clearings. Our fairly robust camera trap records, including direct observations, suggest that Virachey National Park in the northeastern corner of the country might be the species’ last best chance for survival in the wild in Cambodia.
A pioneering study on the spider fauna (Arachnida: Araneae) of Sagar District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Tanmaya Rani Sethy  , Janak Ahi
Published: June 2022

The present investigations were carried out to elucidate the spider fauna of the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 1,505 spider specimens were documented from various sites of the study area. A total of 74 species grouped under 58 genera and 22 families are reported. The family Araneidae was the most common, accounting for 31% of the overall population followed by Salticidae, which accounted for 15% of the overall population.  Spiders belonging to seven guild structures were identified which were then classified on the basis of their dietary habits. Further research is needed to analyze the behavior, biology and web patterns of these ubiquitous creatures.
Feather characteristics of Common Myna Acridotheres tristis (Passeriformes: Sturnidae) from India
Authors: Devi Ray Swapna , Goldin Quadros  , Dey Prateek , Pramod Padmanabhan , Singh Ram Pratap
Published: June 2022

The systematic study of feather microstructure supports species identification, which is important in cases of illegally traded birds and bird-aircraft strikes. Our study focused on morphometric, macro- and micro-characters of feathers of Common Myna Acridotheres tristis from India. Among macro-characters, silver-colored filoplume feathers with pale black pigmentation on the barbs are specific for A. tristis. Morphometric measurements revealed that primary contour feathers (10.8±0.100 cm) were the longest and bristle feathers (1.26±0.051 cm) the shortest among all feathers. The longest (average) barb is found in primary contour feathers (1.875±0.123 cm), and the shortest in filoplume feathers (0.288±0.017 cm). We observed 3 types of nodal structures, and elongated prongs in bristle and filoplume feathers are significant characteristics of A. tristis. These insights into feather microstructures of A. tristis will aid species identification using plumology.
Comments on “The Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) of Kerala – Status and Distribution”
Authors: A. Vivek Chandran  , K. Muhamed Sherif
Published: June 2022

This is a rejoinder to the article “The Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) of Kerala – Status and Distribution”. In the said paper, certain species are of doubtful occurrence in Kerala and the Western Ghats. First reports of certain species which were available in open-access biodiversity portals and published articles in peer-reviewed journals were ignored. Additions to the checklists have been made without conducting taxonomic investigations, or in one case, even presenting a photograph. These shortcomings will lead to confusion and misunderstanding among odonatologists and naturalists in the region.
Bayesian Classification of Nonmeteorological Targets in Polarimetric Doppler Radar Measurements
Authors: Mäkinen Terhi , Ritvanen Jenna , Pulkkinen Seppo , Weisshaupt Nadja , Koistinen Jarmo
Published: June 2022

The latest established generation of weather radars provides polarimetric measurements of a wide variety of meteorological and nonmeteorological targets. While the classification of different precipitation types based on polarimetric data has been studied extensively, nonmeteorological targets have garnered relatively less attention beyond an effort to detect them for removal from meteorological products. In this paper we present a supervised learning classification system developed in the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) that uses Bayesian inference with empirical probability density distributions to assign individual range gate samples into 7 meteorological and 12 nonmeteorological classes, belonging to five top-level categories of hydrometeors, terrain, zoogenic, anthropogenic, and immaterial. We demonstrate how the accuracy of the class probability estimates provided by a basic naive Bayes classifier can be further improved by introducing synthetic channels created through limited neighborhood filtering, by properly managing partial moment nonresponse, and by considering spatial correlation of class membership of adjacent range gates. The choice of Bayesian classification provides well-substantiated quality estimates for all meteorological products, a feature that is being increasingly requested by users of weather radar products. The availability of comprehensive, fine-grained classification of nonmeteorological targets also enables a large array of emerging applications, utilizing nonprecipitation echo types and demonstrating the need to move from a single, universal quality metric of radar observations to one that depends on the application, the measured target type, and the specificity of the customers’ requirements.

Significance Statement

In addition to meteorological echoes, weather radars observe a wide variety of nonmeteorological phenomena including birds, insects, and human-made objects like ships and aircraft. Conventionally, these data have been rejected as undesirable disturbance, but lately their value for applications like aeroecological monitoring of bird and insect migration has been understood. The utilization of these data, however, has been hampered by a lack of comprehensive classification of nonmeteorological echoes. In this paper we present a comprehensive, fine-grained, probabilistic classifier for all common types of nonmeteorological echoes which enables the implementation of a wide range of novel weather radar applications.
Book review: Richard T Griffiths: The Maritime Silk Road: China’s Belt and Road at Sea
Authors: Rana Kishan S.
Published: June 2022

Richard T Griffiths: The Maritime Silk Road: China’s Belt and Road at Sea (Leiden, The Netherlands: International Institute for Asian Studies, 2020), pp. 232, $18.88, ISBN-10:‎9082381052.
Infant Safe Sleep Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors by Physicians at an Academic Children’s Hospital
Authors: Schmit Erinn O. , Molina Adolfo L. , Stoops Christine , Rahman AKM Fazlur , Dye Candice , Tofil Nancy M.
Published: June 2022

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is the leading cause of death for infants. Physician advice on safe sleep is an important source of information for families. We sought to evaluate the safe sleep knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of physicians by distributing a cross-sectional survey at a freestanding children’s hospital. The survey included demographics, knowledge items, attitudinal assessment, and frequency of providing safe sleep guidance. Multivariable linear regression and logistic regression were used to evaluate associations between variables. 398 physicians were surveyed with 124 responses (31%). Females, those who received safe sleep training, and those who see infants in daily practice had higher knowledge scores. Physicians with higher knowledge scores had more positive attitudes toward safe sleep and provided safe sleep education to patients more often. Our study underlies the importance of education and repeated exposure in forming positive attitudes toward safe sleep recommendations and leads to increased provision of safe sleep guidance.
‘No decision is permanent!’: Achieving democratic revisability in alternative organizations through the affordances of new information and communication technologies
Authors: Shanahan Genevieve
Published: June 2022

It seems natural to understand organizational democracy as granting members of the organization the right to choose the rules that govern their actions. But what meaning does a rule have if one can choose to change rather than follow it? By investigating the understudied dimension of democracy I call revisability, this article suggests that an organization’s rules can be meaningful – they can effectively coordinate action – while remaining continually open to democratic modification. To support this claim, I present an activist ethnography of the Open Food Network, an alternative organization that builds open-source software for the decentralized coordination of short food chains, working in a democratic, non-hierarchical manner. Using the communicative constitution of organizations literature to conceptualize the requirements of democratic revisability and coordinating rules, I argue that this case demonstrates the possibility of achieving both ends simultaneously through the affordances of new information and communication technologies (ICTs). This article thus contributes an account of the concept of democratic revisability, and a generalized model of one means by which democratically revisable and effective coordinating rules can be established and maintained with the support of ICT affordances.
Student Suicide in India: Unintended Consequences of Socio-Ecological Factors
Authors: Kumar Sumant , Patel Avanish B.
Published: June 2022

The expectation of family members and society towards students has increased in recent years to perform well or achieve success in their life. But lack of job opportunities and increased competition among students has depressed the student community. The expectation without support has negatively impacted students which has catalysed suicide among the students in India. Students are committing suicide in Indian society due to failure in achieving families’ expectations which is a matter of grave concern for social scientists. The current study has applied content analysis as a method to evaluate the cases of student suicide. The cases of student suicide have been collected from different newspapers, magazines, and news portals from July 2020 and April 2021. The study finds that most students are committed suicide due to depression. The study points out that students committed suicide due to failure to fulfil the expectations of a family member.
Adult Cervical Thymic Cysts: A Narrative Review
Authors: Almofada Hesham Saleh , Almedemgh Norah Ibrahim , Othman Eyas Osama
Published: June 2022

Objective

Thymic cysts are rare benign neck masses, accounting for less than 1% of all cervical masses. This study aims to discern different presentations, investigations, and treatment options of thymic cysts in adults by reviewing prior published studies from January 2010 to October 2021 to bridge the knowledge gap since the last review by Michalopoulos in 2011. Moreover, we present a case of a 28-year-old male with a left cervical thymic cyst.

Data sources

Data were obtained from a literature search using the ScienceDirect, PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar databases.

Methods and results

This study retrospectively analyzes reported cases of adult cervical thymic cysts by collecting demographic data, patient presentation, duration, location, size, type of imaging, fine-needle aspiration, and surgical approach. Eighteen patients were included. Cysts were seen on the left (n = 9), right (n = 5), and midline (n = 4). The age of the patients ranged from 19 to 64 years. Most patients present with painless left-sided neck swelling. Computed tomography (CT) was the preferred imaging modality in most cases. Moreover, surgical excision was essential for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. This study did not require institutional review board approval.

Conclusion

Adult cervical thymic cyst is a rare etiology. Nevertheless, a painless left-sided neck mass with no clear lower border should uphold thymic cyst as a differential diagnosis. MRI and CT scans are the preferred imaging modalities for preoperative planning. Surgical excision is mandatory for treatment and histological confirmation. As of October 2021, around 54 cases of adult thymus cysts had been reported to the best of our knowledge and review.
Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee Points to Consider for Medical Device Implant Site Evaluation in Nonclinical Studies
Authors: O’Brien Maureen T. , Schuh JoAnn C. L. , Wancket Lyn M. , Cramer Sarah D. , Funk Kathleen A. , Jackson Nicolette D. , Kannan Kamala , Keane Kevin , Nyska Abraham , Rousselle Serge D. , Schucker Adrienne , Thomas Valerie S. , Tunev Stefan
Published: June 2022

Nonclinical implantation studies are a common and often critical step for medical device safety assessment in the bench-to-market pathway. Nonclinical implanted medical devices or drug-device combination products require complex macroscopic and microscopic pathology evaluations due to the physical presence of the device itself and unique tissue responses to device materials. The Medical Device Implant Site Evaluation working group of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology’s (STP) Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee (SRPC) was tasked with reviewing scientific, technical, and regulatory considerations for these studies. Implant site evaluations require highly specialized methods and analytical schemes that should be designed on a case-by-case basis to address specific study objectives. Existing STP best practice recommendations can serve as a framework when performing nonclinical studies under Good Laboratory Practices and help mitigate limitations in standards and guidances for implant evaluations (e.g., those from the International Organization for Standardization [ISO], ASTM International). This article integrates standards referenced by sponsors and regulatory bodies with practical pathology evaluation methods for implantable medical devices and combination products. The goal is to ensure the maximum accuracy and scientific relevance of pathology data acquired during a medical device or combination drug-device implantation study.