bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential of timber-agroforestry to meet Sarawak’s forestry demand
Authors: Ngu A , Bahar N H A 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Many forest communities in Sarawak, and globally, practise some form of smallholder management system including agroforestry. Yet, agroforestry practitioners predominantly focus on non-timber crops as the major source of income while the timber output remains underutilized and understudied. Smallholder timber agroforestry systems, therefore, have huge potential to equitably meet the increasing demand for both timber and food while reducing the pressure on natural forests. We investigate the readiness of agroforestry smallholders in Sarawak to supply timber commercially, and the opportunities and challenges they face. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Sarawak forestry stakeholders including agroforestry farmers, timber industry actors, civil society organizations, academia, and government agencies. Descriptive statistics are used to analyse the data. Our results demonstrate that smallholders in Sarawak lack technical silvicultural and horticultural knowledge and formal timber market access, despite majority smallholders expressing interest in timber production. The underutilization of smallholder timber is linked with conservation and protection objectives. Legal constraints, limited capacity building and lack of market information were cited as major barriers for smallholders. Key recommendations to lower barriers for smallholder participation include provision of resources and an enabling legal framework that harmonizes agriculture and forestry demands while being inclusive of smallholders’ perspectives and realities.
Effect of NPK and silicon fertilizer on growth, flowering, and nectar of Turnera ulmifolia L.
Authors: Sidi M , Omar D , Nahrawi H , Elias H , Wasli H 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Turnera ulmifolia L. is a beneficial plant mostly planted in the oil palm plantation as it is easily adapting to a variety of environmental conditions, mainly to conserve beneficial insects. Nevertheless, the planted plants were left without proper maintenance and less study was conducted on biological control agent conservation. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effect of NPK, silicon fertilizer and their combination on the growth and development of T. ulmifolia. Treatments including T0 Control (No fertilization application), T1 (0.2 g NPK), T2 (0.2 g NPK+3.9 g silicon), T3 (0.2 g NPK+4.9 g silicon), T4 (3.9 g silicon) and T5 (4.9 g silicon) were applied 20 days after transplanting at monthly interval for three months. Results revealed the greatest height and number of branches were observed in T1. Overall, the chlorophyll content ranged between 27.92 to 31.18 SPAD values. All treatments gave the same effect on morphometric measurements on the first 30 days of observation. After 60 days, the greatest value for broad tube width and length was observed in T4 which differs significantly from other treatments. The application of fertilizer in T1, T2 and T3 showed 10-20% promotive effects over the control in the amount of nectar produced per flower. For all three observation periods, a similar trend was recorded for the total sugar concentration in flowers, where the mean total sugar content was between 1.37 and 1.61 mg per flower.
Mapping pre and post earthquake land cover change in Melangkap, Kota Belud Sabah using multi-temporal satellite Landsat 8/OLI and Sentinel 2 Imagery
Authors: Kamlun U K , Miuse C F , Puma D D , Mahali M , Wong W , Phua M-H 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Earthquakes in mountainous belt can trigger major disturbance to the landscape impound a large amount of debris exported largely to the streams and forming landslide. During the 5th of June 2015, an earthquake of 5.9 Richter scale hit the heart of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah. The tremors caused the surrounding area to be affected largely to the population that is located near the river stream site. This study maps the land cover in Kota Belud following the earthquake that occurred in 2015 using Landsat 8 Operational Land Imagery (year 2014) and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Imagery data (2020). It was reported as one of the locations that severely impacted by the earthquake. Maximum likelihood algorithm was used to generate the map of land cover change of Kota Belud year 2014 and year 2020. Nine (9) classes of land cover were identified in the study area consisting of primary forest, secondary forest, shrubland, paddy, rubber plantation, bare rock, bare soil, built up, and river. The result obtained shows the most affected area is the river area, Sungai Panataran, that flow through Melangkap from Mount Kinabalu. Other land cover type also shows changes but mostly due to deforestation and agricultural activities. In conclusion, mapping the Kota Belud area using remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) is useful for monitoring the landscape change of the site due to the vulnerability to natural disaster such as flood and earthquake.
Suitability for salt-lick tourism: A preliminary assessment on the natural salt-licks at Segaliud-Lokan Forest Reserve, Sandakan, Sabah
Authors: Lim W S , Mojiol A R , Yip P M , Goh C , Liau P , Liaw Y C , John S V 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The natural salt-licks are visited by various species of terrestrial mammals, hence ideal for mammal watching, although the suitability for salt-lick tourism is influenced by other factors. Preliminary research was conducted on the suitability of four natural salt-licks for mammal watching in Segaliud-Lokan Forest Reserve (SLFR), Sabah. The camera trapping survey and field assessment were conducted for eight months, and then the assessment criteria applied in this study included the lick accessibility, detection frequency, species richness, viewable activity sighting probability, reliability and visibility on the terrestrial mammals, at a given lick. A total of 12 different mammal species were recorded, where Sambar Deer, Bearded Pig, Banteng, and Bornean Orang-utan were determined as the main visitor species of this study. Among the four selected salt-licks, the rating score of SL50A (Score=1.71) was significantly lower than those of SL50B, SL56 and SL59 (Score=2.57 respectively, χ2
2
=6.794, p=0.042), hence highlighting that SL50A was not suitable for conducting mammal watching activity, unlike the other three natural licks at SLFR. The assessment on the compatibility between the supply (mammalian physical availability) and demand (highly anticipated species) was excluded from this research, therefore emphasizing the need to fill up this particular research gap in the future.
Biodegradable chitosan coating for wood protection
Authors: Andok A , Jesuet M S G 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Chitosan coating is a biopolymer-based coat made out of modified chitin that is usually derived from shellfish. The general development of the chitosan coating was to provide adequate, albeit impermanent, lamination of food products for protection during long transportation. With the idea for a pro tempore coating, this study focused on the production of a transient coating made from cockle shells-derived chitin, for the temporary protection coating for pre-machinated wood instead. Due to its solubility in organic acids, the purpose of the coating primarily focused on the protection of pre-machined wood that is high in moisture content and susceptible to damages, in which will allow the easy removal of said coating whenever necessary. The process started with the extraction of chitin from the cockle shells through the demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation steps before integrating it with starch and glycerol to produce the biodegradable coating. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the different deacetylation time (30, 60, and 90 minutes) on the physical and chemical properties of the coating. The physical properties observed includes the water absorption, drying time, various temperature resistance, and viscosity, meanwhile the chemical properties were observed based on its infrared spectra identification and pH value. Based on the results, the samples with the longest deacetylation time of 90 minutes displayed the best physical properties with a lower water absorption, shorter drying time, lower pH value, and best resistance towards the various temperature cycles, as compared to the other samples. This evidently shows the importance of the deacetylation process, as well as a sufficient hydrolysis prolongation in producing a desirable chitosan coating quality.
Multi-parameter optimization (grey relational analysis) and modeling of a cellulosic plant/glass fiber hybrid reinforced polymer composite (PxGyEz) for offshore pressure vessels development
Authors: Samuel Bassey Okon , Sumaila Malachy , Dan-Asabe Bashar 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe aim of this research is to produce more environmentally friendly materials for offshore applications. Due to their high water absorption, cellulosic fibers are known to be hydrophilic, making composites reinforced with them perform poorly and unreliable in humid settings. Previous research has focused on the development of natural fiber-based composite materials, but none has focused on the optimization of these cellulosic-based fiber-reinforced composites for offshore applications where weight, water absorption, and strength are important considerations. This paper presents the optimization of the composite material PxGyEz(withx, y, andzrepresenting the volume fraction of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) (P), the volume fraction of glass fiber (G), and fiber length respectively in an epoxy matrix) using the grey relational analysis for offshore pressure vessels. The material at 10% PALF, 15% glass fiber, and 15 mm fiber length, which is, P10G15E15was the optimum, having a grey relational grade of 0.716. Also, statistical analysis showed that the treated PALF fibers contributed 45.73% to the water absorption properties of the PxGyEzcomposites as compared to the 0.3% contribution of glass fiber to the grey relational grade and a 9.5% contribution of fiber length. Also, there was an improvement in the grey relational grade by 73.61%. SEM and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed microstructural and chemical formations that explained the water absorption behavior of the optimized hybrid composite. Also, regression analysis was carried out and an equation was developed for the prediction of grey relational grades at different combinations of PxGyEz. A thick pressure vessel developed with the optimized material was simulated and results showed operational reliability with its yield starting at 30.01 MPa, which is 44.98% higher than the 20.7 MPa limit by the ASME X Class I cylinders.
Racial privilege as a function of White supremacy and contextual advantages for Asian Americans
Authors: Oh David C , Eguchi Shinsuke 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This article uses the discursive construction of “Asian privilege” as a vehicle to think through what constitutes racial privilege. For racial privilege to exist three conditions are required: (1) structural control; (2) racial invisibility to hide power; and (3) direct benefits of a structural racist system. For Asian Americans, the accrued “benefits” in some areas of social life, what we call contextual advantages are indirect, based on the shape-shifting of White supremacy, not Asian American self-determination. This is not, however, to excuse or deny some Asian Americans’ cooperation with White supremacy, settler colonialism, and U.S. empire, but to note that hegemonic usefulness to White supremacy is not equivalent to racial privilege.
Immunopathology of the optic nerve in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fernández Blanco Laura , Marzin Manuel , Leistra Alida , van der Valk Paul , Nutma Erik , Amor Sandra 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Optic neuritis, a primary clinical manifestation commonly observed in multiple sclerosis (MS), is a major factor leading to permanent loss of vision. Despite decreased vision (optic neuritis), diplopia, and nystagmus, the immunopathology of the optic nerve in MS is unclear. Here, we have characterized the optic nerve pathology in a large cohort of MS cases (n = 154), focusing on the immune responses in a sub-cohort of MS (n = 30) and control (n = 6) cases. Immunohistochemistry was used to characterize the myeloid (HLA-DR, CD68, Iba1, TMEM119, and P2RY12) and adaptive immune cells (CD4, CD8, and CD138) in the parenchyma, perivascular spaces, and meninges in optic nerve tissues from MS and control cases. Of the 154 MS cases, 122 (79%) reported visual problems; of which, 99 (81%) optic nerves showed evidence of damage. Of the 31 cases with no visual disturbances, 19 (61%) showed evidence of pathology. A pattern of myeloid cell activity and demyelination in the optic nerve was similar to white matter lesions in the brain and spinal cord. In the optic nerves, adaptive immune cells were more abundant in the meninges close to active and chronic active lesions, and significantly higher compared with the parenchyma. Similar to brain tissues in this Dutch cohort, B-cell follicles in the meninges were absent. Our study reveals that optic nerve pathology is a frequent event in MS and may occur in the absence of clinical symptoms.
Referral rate of chronic kidney disease patients to a nephrologist in the Region of Southern Denmark: results from KidDiCo
Authors: Kampmann Jan Dominik , Heaf James Goya , Mogensen Christian Backer , Mickley Hans , Wolff Donna Lykke , Brandt Frans 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT

Background
Data on the referral rate of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to specialists are sparse. Investigating referral rates and characterizing patients with kidney disease not followed by a nephrologist are relevant for future measures in order to optimize public health and guideline implementation.

Methods
Data were extracted from the Kidney Disease Cohort of Southern Denmark (KidDiCo). Referral rates for all incident CKD patients below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and referral rates according to the KDIGO guidelines based on glomerular filtration rates below 30 mL/min/1.73 m² were calculated. Information on contact with one of the nephrologist outpatient clinics in the Region of Southern Denmark was collected from the Danish National Patient Registry. The individual follow-up time for nephrology contact was 12 months. Additional data were accessed via the respective national databases. CKD patients on dialysis and kidney transplanted patients were excluded.

Results
A total of 3% of patients with an eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m²–16% of patients with an eGFR &lt;30 mL/min/1.73 m² and 35% of patients with an eGFR &lt;15 mL/min/1.73 m² were in contact with a nephrologist in the outpatient settings. Younger age, male sex, diabetes, hypertension, higher education and proximity to a nephrology outpatient clinic increased the chance of nephrology follow-up.

Conclusion
Only a small fraction of CKD patients are followed by a nephrologist. More studies should be performed in order to find out which patients will profit the most from renal referral and how to optimize the collaboration between nephrologists and general practitioners.
BNT162b2 vaccine effectiveness in chronic kidney disease patients—an observational study
Authors: Bielopolski Dana , Libresco Gilad , Barda Noam , Dagan Noa , Steinmetz Tali , Yahav Dafna , Charytan David M , Balicer Ran D , Rozen-Zvi Benaya 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to evaluate the real-life effectiveness of the BNT162b2 messenger RNA vaccine for a range of outcomes in patients with CKD compared with matched controls.

Methods
Data from Israel's largest healthcare organization were retrospectively used. Vaccinated CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &lt;60 ml/min/1.73 m2] and maintenance dialysis patients were matched to vaccinated controls without CKD (eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2) according to demographic and clinical characteristics. Study outcomes included documented infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, symptomatic infection, COVID-19-related hospitalization, severe disease and death. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated as the risk ratio (RR) at days 7–28 following the second vaccine dose, using the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Effectiveness measures were also evaluated separately for various stages of CKD.

Results
There were 67 861 CKD patients not treated with dialysis, 2606 hemodialysis (HD) patients and 70 467 matched controls. The risk of severe disease {RR 1.84 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95–2.67]} and death [RR 2.00 (95% CI 0.99–5.20)] was increased in nondialysis CKD patients compared with controls without CKD following vaccination. For the subgroup of patients with eGFR &lt;30 ml/min/1.73 m2, the risk of severe disease and death was increased compared with controls [RR 6.42 (95% CI 1.85–17.51) and RR 8.81 (95% CI 1.63–13.81), respectively]. The risks for all study outcomes were increased in HD patients compared with controls.

Conclusion
Two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine were found to be less efficient for patients with eGFR &lt;30 ml/min/1.73 m2. Risk in HD patients is increased for all outcomes. These results suggest prioritizing patients with eGFR &lt;30 ml/min/1.73 m2 for booster shots, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis and early COVID-19 therapy.
Therapeutic adherence of patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Catarino P A U L A , Vaz A L E X A N , Paiva SÍLVIA 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction
Heart Failure (HF) is one of the main priorities among chronic diseases, causing great economic, social and individual impact. Despite of improvement in pharmacological treatments, there is a possibility of therapeutic education improvement.
Low adherence to the therapeutic regimen is a serious public health problem. Education for the understanding of HF and the development of skills for self-care are considered keys to improve adherence, avoid decompensation crises and maintain the clinical stability of patients.

Purpose
Evaluate the therapeutic adherence of patients with HF

Methods
Was developed a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study. A questionnaire that incorporates translated scale Heart Failure Compliance Questionnaire (HFCQ) and EQ-5D-3L. Sampling was consecutive non-probability of 43 patients followed in outpatient visit and hospitalized in the ward at a university hospital.

Results
Globally, adherence was 65,7% (±8,5%), patients who obtain an overall score of 75% or more are considered "adherent". Thus, we can consider that these patients have low rates of therapeutic adherence.
The worst adherence score was physical exercise (54.5%). Most of these patients were unwell when performing daily activities, justified by respiratory discomfort, intolerance to physical activity and palpitations when performing any activity that required a little more physical effort.
The diet (weight, amount of liquids, and salt intake) also has a low adherence rate (60.8%). The studies report an adherence to instructions on weight monitoring of 12%-75% and control of fluid intake of 23%, and a non-adherence to sodium restriction of 50%-88%, corroborating the results obtained.
With the best adherence was smoking (78.1% ±21.3%), and it is in this domain that the greatest range of adherence is found. This is followed by health maintenance (69.8%) and medication (68.9%).

Conclusion(s)
Patients are more aware of adherence to medication and the importance of appointments than they are of diet or physical exercise. More targeted studies are needed in the search for new non-drug therapies knowing that such treatments are simple and low cost.
Nurse and general practioner-led up-titration strategy: a real world experience in a heart failure unit in colombia
Authors: Rodriguez A , Gonzalez-Robledo G , Buitrago G , Gonzalez V 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Despite improvement of heart failure (HF) prescription rates, doses prescribed in clinical practice are lower than those achieved in randomized clinical trials. Nurse-led up-titration strategy has been widely used in Europe with promising results. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of this approach in Latin America.

Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted in 50 patients with reduced ejection fraction to evaluate efficacy and safety of nurse and general practioner(GP)-led up-titration protocol, based on problem solving from the European Society of Cardiology HF guidelines. Patients were admitted in our HF unit from January 2017 to December 2019. After discharge our clinical pathway provides 3 types of visits : Cardiologist visits, educational visits and titration visits with GP and registered nurse. Along intervention the registered nurse lead flexible diuretic titration and structured phone monitoring calls.

Results
Baseline characteristics are showed in Table 1. Mean age was 72.5 years, 50% of patients were women, 66% had ischemic cardiomiopathy, mean N-terminal pro-B-type natiuretic peptide was 3285pg/dl, and 58% of patients were NYHA class III. At 97 days with an average of 4 up-titration visits disease-modifying drugs titration was completed. At the beginning 98% of patients had Beta Blockers (BB) , 98% had Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (MRA), and all of them had Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers or Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI). According to the guidelines Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers were replaced by ARNI in symptomatic patients. At the end of titration, BB target dose was achieved for 44% of patients, intermediate dose for 46% and final low dose for only 10% of patients. Ivabradine was added for 22% of patients. MRA intermediate and high doses were achieved for 82,5% of patients. Target dose of ARNI was achieved for 62% of patients, intermediate dose for 22% and only 20% of patients remained in starting dose. On average ARNI target dose was completed at 56 days. According to our protocol three patients stopped MRA due to hyperkalemia and symptomatic hypotension was the main cause for stopping up-titration. There was a relationship between patient´s caregiver and higher doses of ARNI( p=0.624) and BB (p=0.421).

Conclusion
A nurse and GP directed up-titration protocol is an encouraging strategy in HF units to achieve the recommended doses of disease-modifying drugs according to the guidelines.