bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local community attitudes and perceptions towards benefits and challenges associated with biodiversity conservation in Blouberg Nature Reserve, South Africa
Authors: Rampheri Mangana B. , Dube Timothy , Shoko Cletah , Marambanyika Thomas , Dhau Inos 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study assessed the benefits and challenges associated with local community involvement in biodiversity conservation in the Blouberg Nature Reserve (BNR) of South Africa. To achieve this, a descriptive research design was used in the study. Three hundred and thirty‐five households from four villages scattered around the nature reserve were selected using a stratified systematic sampling procedure to participate in a household questionnaire survey. The BNR Manager was purposefully selected for an in‐depth structured interview so that an overview of socio‐economic benefits and challenges to the community from the park's perspective could be known. Field data collection was conducted during the month of June 2019. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods as well as thematic analysis were used to analyse the field data. The main study findings indicated that the community members do not obtain sufficient socio‐economic benefits from the nature reserve. The majority of the household respondents (89.6%) were not participating in biodiversity conservation in the nature reserve, despite possessing knowledge about nature conservation. The chi‐square test results showed a significant association between household respondents’ conservation involvement and access to natural benefits (p = 0.008), and not cultural benefits (p = 0.740). Moreover, the chi‐square test results further show no significant association between household attributes (gender and age) and knowledge of the role of nature reserve (p > 0.05), whereas education had a bearing on the knowledge possessed by households (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings indicate the need for more community involvement to support biodiversity conservation within nature reserves.
The effect of insects on elephant‐induced tree damage within a small, fenced reserve in South Africa
Authors: Thompson Katie Elizabeth , Ford Andrew , Esteban Genoveva , Zoon Kayla , Pettorelli Nathalie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAfrican savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) have been recognised as ecosystem engineers, where their feeding habits have been shown to alter landscapes. Within small, fenced reserves, studies exploring elephant damage on trees and their recovery have overlooked secondary damages that could be contributing to tree mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the significance of both elephant damage and secondary damage, and the subsequent tree recovery. We identified secondary damage as insects and considered wood borers and termites in this study. This was conducted in in the small fenced Karongwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa. We analysed the level of damage, recovery and insect presence using vegetation transects, where all trees ≥2 m in height were surveyed (n = 1278 trees). Forty tree species were recorded, with 5 species accounting for 77% of the data set and used for further analysis. Termites were found to be more likely to colonise damaged trees without signs of recovery. However, wood borers were more likely to colonise damaged trees showing signs of recovery. Termites and wood borer presence on damaged trees was not dependent on tree height. We suggest carefully considering management approaches for elephant‐induced termite and wood borer damage on trees.
−8 cm H2O, the new paradigm in chest drain management following thoracoscopic lung resection?
Authors: Yaftian Nima , Dunne Benjamin , Ferrari Isabelle , Antippa Phillip 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundChest drain suction of −20 cm H2O has been used universally after lung resection. After introducing new guidelines,−8 cm H2O was used routinely for all non‐pneumonectomy, thoracoscopic lung resections. We conducted a review to determine outcomes and safety.MethodsAfter introduction of the guidelines data were collected in the study institutions' thoracic surgical database and subsequently analysed.ResultsA total of 155 patients underwent thoracoscopic lung resection. Mean patient age was 61.5 ± 13.6 years. Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 92.2% (144/155) of patients and robotically‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 7.8% (12/155) of patients. Lobectomy was performed in 56.8% (88/155) of patients, segmentectomy was performed in 11.6% (18/155) of patients and wedge resection was performed in 31.6% (49/155) of patients.Median ICC duration time was 1 day (IQR 1–3). Median length of stay was 3 days (IQR 2–6). For patients undergoing lobectomy median ICC time was 2 days (IQR 1–4.5) and median length of stay was 3.5 days (IQR 2–7), for segmentectomy median ICC time was 1 day (IQR 1–5) and median length of stay was 2 days (IQR 1–5) and for wedge resection median ICC time was 1 day (IQR 1–1) and median admission time was 2 days (IQR 1–4).ConclusionA suction level −8 cm H2O is safe to use for thoracoscopic lung resections from day 0 post‐operatively. A dedicated, prospective study comparing levels of suction should be performed.
‘Who wants to silence us’? Perceived discrimination of conspiracy theory believers increases ‘conspiracy theorist’ identification when it comes from powerholders – But not from the general public
Authors: Nera Kenzo , Jetten Jolanda , Biddlestone Mikey , Klein Olivier 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe examined how individuals who may be labelled ‘conspiracy theorists’ respond to discrimination against ‘conspiracy theorists’. In line with the Rejection‐Identification Model (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77, 135, 1999), we hypothesized that perceived group‐based discrimination against conspiracy theorists would strengthen identification with the ‘conspiracy theorist’ ingroup. We propose that this relationship might be mediated by meta‐conspiracy beliefs, that is, the belief that the discrimination of conspiracy theorists is itself a conspiracy. Three studies (Ns = 97, 364, 747) among participants who had been labelled as ‘conspiracy theorist’ in the past (Studies 1 and 2) or who had been labelled as such at the beginning of the experiment (Study 3) revealed robust positive relationships between perceived discrimination of conspiracy theorists, meta conspiracy beliefs, and identification. Furthermore, in Studies 2 and 3, identification was strongly associated with positive intergroup differentiation and pride to be a conspiracy theorist. However, there was no evidence that a manipulation of discrimination with bogus public opinion polls affected ‘conspiracy theorist’ identification or meta‐conspiracy beliefs. A Bayesian internal meta‐analysis of the studies returned moderate (for group identification) to strong (for meta‐conspiracy beliefs) support for the null hypothesis. In contrast, in Study 3, a manipulation of discrimination by powerholders enhanced both identification and meta‐conspiracy beliefs. This suggests that the source of discrimination moderates the causal relationship between perceived discrimination of conspiracy theorists and group identification.
Chemotherapeutic potentials of β‐ionone against Trypanosoma congolense infection: Inhibition of parasite proliferation, anemia development, trans‐sialidase (TconTS3 and TconTS4) gene expressions, and phospholipase A2
Authors: Aminu Suleiman , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal , Dada Chechet Gloria , Onyike Elewechi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTrypanosoma congolense is a pathogenic African animal trypanosome species causing devastating conditions leading to death of an infected host. The drawbacks of the existing trypanocidal drugs have led to the search for new drug candidates. In this study, β‐ionone at 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) was orally administered to T. congolense infected rats for 14 days followed by an assessment of anemia, organ damages, and the expression of T. congolense trans‐sialidase gene variants. A significant decrease in parasitemia (p < .05) was observed in the animals treated with 15 mg/kg BW β‐ionone besides increased animal survival rate. A trypanosome‐induced decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) and histopathological changes across tissues was significantly (p < .05) ameliorated following treatment with both doses of β‐ionone. This is in addition to reversing the parasite‐induced upsurge in free serum sialic acid (FSA) and expression of T. congolense trans‐sialidase gene variants (TconTS1, TconTS3, and TconTS4). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation (p > .05) between FSA with the TconTS gene expressions. In addition, the compound inhibited partially purified T. congolense sialidase and phospholipase A2 via mixed inhibition pattern with inhibition binding constants of 25.325 and 4.550 µM, respectively, while molecular docking predicted binding energies of −5.6 kcal/mol for both enzymes. In conclusion, treatment with β‐ionone suppressed T. congolense proliferation and protected the animals against some of the parasite‐induced pathologies whilst the effect on anemia development might be due to inhibition of sialidase and PLA2 activities as well as the expression levels of TconTS3 and TconTS4.
Modeling total predation to avoid perverse outcomes from cat control in a data‐poor island ecosystem
Authors: Plein Michaela , O'Brien Katherine R. , Holden Matthew H. , Adams Matthew P. , Baker Christopher M. , Bean Nigel G. , Sisson Scott A. , Bode Michael , Mengersen Kerrie L. , McDonald‐Madden Eve 
Published: March 2022

AbstractData‐hungry, complex ecosystem models are often used to predict the consequences of threatened species management, including perverse outcomes. Unfortunately, this approach is impractical in the many systems that have insufficient data to parameterize ecosystem interactions or reliably calibrate or validate such models. We devised a different approach composed of a minimum realistic model that guides decisions in data‐ and resource‐scarce systems. We applied our approach to a case study in an invaded ecosystem from Christmas Island, Australia, where there are concerns that cat (Felis catus) eradication to protect native species, including the red‐tailed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda), could release mesopredation by invasive rats (Rattus rattus). We used biophysical constraints (metabolic demand) and observable parameters (e.g., prey preferences) to identify the combined cat and rat abundances that could threaten the tropicbird population. The population of tropicbirds was not sustained when predated by 1607 rats (95% credible interval [CI]: 103–5910) in the absence of cats and 21 cats (95% CI: 2–82) in the absence of rats. For every cat removed from the island, the bird's net population growth rate improved, provided rats did not increase by more than 77 individuals (95% CI: 30–174). Thus, in this context, 1 cat is equivalent to 30–174 rats. Our methods are especially useful for on‐the‐ground predator control in the absence of knowledge of predator–predator interactions to determine whether current abundance of predators threatened the prey population of interest; managing only 1 predator species was sufficient to protect the prey species given potential release of another predator; and control of multiple predator species was needed to meet the conservation goal. With our approach limited information can be used for maximum value in data‐poor systems because it shifts the focus from predicting future trajectories to identifying conditions that impede conservation.
Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis and its clinical significance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Huang Daniel Q. , Loomba Rohit 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLiver fibrosis is the most important prognostic factor in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several noninvasive markers for fibrosis, including blood‐based markers and imaging based‐markers have been developed. Indirect fibrosis markers (e.g., fibrosis‐4 index and NAFLD fibrosis score) consist of standard laboratory data and clinical parameters. Given its availability and high negative predictive value for advanced fibrosis, these markers are suitable for screening at primary care. Blood‐based fibrogenesis markers (enhanced liver fibrosis and N‐terminal propeptide of type 3 collagen), ultrasound‐based modalities (vibration‐controlled transient elastography, point shear wave elastography [SWE], and two‐dimensional SWE), and magnetic resonance elastography have high diagnostic accuracy for liver fibrosis and are suitable for diagnosing liver fibrosis at secondary care centers. Sequential use of these markers can increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce health care costs. Furthermore, combining noninvasive makers may assist in identifying candidates for pharmacological trials and reducing screening failure. Emerging data suggest that these noninvasive markers are associated with liver‐related events (hepatocellular carcinoma and decompensation) and mortality. Furthermore, delta change in noninvasive markers over time is also associated with time‐course change in fibrosis, liver‐related event risk, and mortality risk. However, the association between liver fibrosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is still controversial. CVD risk may decrease in patients with decompensated liver disease and noninvasive markers may be useful for assessing CVD risk in these patients. Therefore, noninvasive markers may be utilized as measures of fibrosis as well as real‐time prognostic tools, in place of liver biopsy.
Epidemiology of HIV infection and associated behaviours among people who inject drugs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Nearly 40 years on
Authors: Croxford Sara , Emanuel Eva , Shah Ammi , Chau Cuong , Hope Vivian , Desai Monica , Ijaz Samreen , Shute Justin , Edmundson Claire , Harris Ross J. , Delpech Valerie , Phipps Emily 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionPeople who inject drugs are at high risk of blood‐borne infections. We describe the epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (EW&NI) since 1981.MethodsNational HIV surveillance data were used to describe trends in diagnoses (1981–2019), prevalence (1990–2019), and behaviours (1990–2019) among people who inject drugs aged ≥15 years in EW&NI. HIV care and treatment uptake were assessed among those attending in 2019.ResultsOver the past four decades, the prevalence of HIV among people who inject drugs in EW&NI remained low (range: 0.64%–1.81%). Overall, 4978 people who inject drugs were diagnosed with HIV (3.2% of cases). Diagnoses peaked at 234 in 1987, decreasing to 78 in 2019; the majority were among white men born in the UK/Europe (90%), though the epidemic diversified over time. Late diagnosis (CD4 <350 cells/µl) was common (2010–2019: 52% [429/832]). Of those who last attended for HIV care in 2019, 97% (1503/1550) were receiving HIV treatment and 90% (1375/1520) had a suppressed viral load (<200 copies/ml).HIV testing uptake has steadily increased among people who inject drugs (32% since 1990). However, in 2019, 18% (246/1404) of those currently injecting reported never testing. The proportion of people currently injecting reporting sharing needles/syringes decreased from 1999 to 2012, before increasing to 20% (288/1426) in 2019, with sharing of any injecting equipment at 37% (523/1429).ConclusionThe HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in EW&NI has remained relatively contained compared with in other countries, most likely because of the prompt implementation of an effective national harm reduction programme. However, risk behaviours and varied access to preventive interventions among people who inject drugs indicate the potential for HIV outbreaks.
The effect of COVID‐19 pandemic on lifestyle‐related behaviours in Turkey: A web‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Korkmaz Aslan Gülbahar , Kılınç Eda , Kartal Asiye 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic and restrictions imposed to eradicate it have affected healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of COVID‐19 on lifestyle‐related behaviours.MethodsThis cross‐sectional web‐based survey research was performed with a convenience sample of 1020 adults residing in Turkey. Data were collected with self‐report data collection tools on 8–28 April 2021: a sociodemographic characteristics form and the impact of COVID‐19 on lifestyle‐related behaviours questionnaire.ResultsEating behaviours, physical activity and sleep patterns of the participants were negatively affected during COVID‐19 pandemic (p < 0.001). More than half of the participants experienced weight gain during the pandemic. Also, stress levels and smoking increased (p < 0.01). The participants reported having changes in their lifestyles most frequently due to the fear of COVID‐19 infection, stress, decreased motivation, closure of the facilities for social and sports activities and increased food prices. Predictors of lifestyle‐related behaviours were found to be education (β = .189), income (β = −.101), residing in a village (β = .113) and the presence of a chronic disease (β = .075) (p < 0.001).ConclusionsDuring the pandemic, COVID‐19‐related restrictions should be applied whilst taking account of both social distancing measures and maintenance of healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours. Nurses should offer counselling for maintenance of healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours.
Effectiveness of a professional identity promotion strategy for nursing students during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Wang Pan , Wang Hai‐Man , Qin Qiao‐Yun , Li Yan‐Ran , Hong Jing‐Fang , Li Shu‐Wen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a professional identity promotion strategy (PIPS) on nursing students' professional identity and resilience.MethodsThis study was a quasi‐experimental study with a random cluster sample of 103 sophomore undergraduate nursing students. One hundred students answered the questionnaires at both baseline and follow‐up (51 of 53 in the intervention group and 49 of 50 in the control group). Intervention and control groups underwent 5 months PIPS and standard professional education from May 2 to September 27, respectively. Participants completed the professional identity questionnaire for nursing students (PIQNS) and Connor–Davidson resilience scale (CD‐RISC). Data were collected at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1) and 3 months after the intervention (T2), and analyzed using the Chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, and repeated‐measures analysis of variance.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups (p > .05) regarding demographic questions, professional identity, or resilience at baseline (p > .05). Significant differences were found in professional identity between groups (p < .001), measurement times (p = .026), and in the interaction between groups and measurement times (p = .018) from T0 to T2. Significant differences were found in resilience between groups (p < .001), measurement times (p = .007), and in the interaction between groups and measurement times (p = .035) from T0 to T2.ConclusionsThe PIPS program improved nursing students' professional identity and resilience. Further long‐term effectiveness of the program needs to be tested with implementation through various forms of mobile technology.
Combining speed breeding with traditional and genomics‐assisted breeding for crop improvement
Authors: Pandey Saurabh , Singh Ashutosh , Parida Swarup K. , Prasad Manoj 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAccelerated crop growth strategy innovations are required as we reach saturation peaks regarding the productivity of major food crops. Speed breeding (SB) is one of the most promising technologies adopted for this purpose. SB hastens crop production by reducing plant growth and development, breeding time and swift generation advancement. Prolonged daily light exposure shortens the life cycle in some long‐day or day‐neutral plants leading to early seed harvest. This approach is best suited for controlled environment prebreeding/breeding activities and analysed for several crop species. SB can be integrated with different traditional and advanced genomics‐assisted breeding technologies like marker‐assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), pollen‐based selection (PBS), overexpression/knock‐down transgenics and genome editing to achieve more precise and faster results on translational genetic enhancement. This review will discuss the approaches and strategies adopted for the SB and its potential to integrate existing crop improvement technologies to attain more efficient outcomes on major food crops' varietal improvement.
Task and information conflicts in the numerical Stroop task
Authors: Hershman Ronen , Beckmann Lisa , Henik Avishai 
Published: March 2022

AbstractStudies of the Stroop color‐word task have provided evidence for the existence of two conflicts: (1) an early task conflict between noting the relevant color and reading afforded by the irrelevant word (or word‐like stimuli), and (2) a late information conflict between the information provided by the word and the information provided by the color. Measurements of pupil changes, in addition to reaction time (RT), have extended understanding regarding these two conflicts. The current work examines the generalizability of such understanding. We ask whether similar processes work in the comparative judgment of numbers (e.g., in the numerical Stroop task). We present two experiments that support and extend the knowledge gained in the word‐color context to numerical processing. Similar to results with the Stroop color‐word task, we found a dissociation between RT and pupillometry and an early task conflict followed by an information conflict.