cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18325301
title: Evaluating vegetation restoration following a transition from sheep to cattle grazing at a calcareous upland site.

description: 1.       Much of the UK uplands are dominated by species-poor grasslands, largely a result of intensive sheep grazing. In some areas, efforts are underway to restore more natural habitats by reducing the number of sheep, with possible benefits to biodiversity, flood alleviation and carbon storage. Restoration aims to improve vegetation diversity, reduce the dominance of grasses and increase vegetation height and structural complexity.

2.       This study evaluates whether changing grazing from light sheep grazing to light cattle grazing has restored vegetation at an upland calcareous site in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in England. Vegetation surveys were conducted over 19 quadrats of 2 m x 2 m, surveyed every four years over a 12-year period. Generalised Linear Mixed Models were used to understand how a number of key vegetation characteristics, relevant to restoration success, have changed with increasing years since sheep removal.

3.       Changing from sheep to cattle grazing led to a change in vegetation species composition. Species richness, calcareous grassland indicators and proportion cover of bryophytes were found to increase with increasing years since sheep removal. In contrast, vegetation height and the proportion cover of grass decreased.

4.       Our results show that switching from sheep to cattle grazing was highly successful in restoring diversity and habitat quality in calcareous landscapes. The less selective grazing of cattle led to a more open, less grass dominated sward, allowing calcareous grassland wildflowers such as Linum catharticum and Lotus corniculatus to increase in frequency. However, the vegetation became shorter, another important objective for vegetation restoration in the uplands, suggesting a possible trade-off between diversity and vegetation height at a small scale.

Practical implication: Changing from sheep grazing, even at a low intensity, to extensive cattle grazing restores calcareous habitat diversity and quality. Restoration of vegetation height and structure may require other grazing management such as livestock exclusion.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.27825428
title: Latently Mediating: A Bayesian Take on Causal Mediation Analysis with Structured Survey Data

description: In this paper, we propose a Bayesian causal mediation approach to the analysis of experimental data when both the outcome and the mediator are measured through structured questionnaires based on Likert-scaled inquiries. Our estimation strategy builds upon the error-in-variables literature and, specifically, it leverages Item Response Theory to explicitly model the observed surrogate mediator and outcome measures. We employ their elicited latent counterparts in a simple g-computation algorithm, where we exploit the fundamental identifying assumptions of causal mediation analysis to impute all the relevant counterfactuals and estimate the causal parameters of interest. We finally devise a sensitivity analysis procedure to test the robustness of the proposed methods to the restrictive requirement of mediator’s conditional ignorability. We demonstrate the functioning of our proposed methodology through an empirical application using survey data from an online experiment on food purchasing intentions and the effect of different labeling regimes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.27825428.v1
title: Latently Mediating: A Bayesian Take on Causal Mediation Analysis with Structured Survey Data

description: In this paper, we propose a Bayesian causal mediation approach to the analysis of experimental data when both the outcome and the mediator are measured through structured questionnaires based on Likert-scaled inquiries. Our estimation strategy builds upon the error-in-variables literature and, specifically, it leverages Item Response Theory to explicitly model the observed surrogate mediator and outcome measures. We employ their elicited latent counterparts in a simple g-computation algorithm, where we exploit the fundamental identifying assumptions of causal mediation analysis to impute all the relevant counterfactuals and estimate the causal parameters of interest. We finally devise a sensitivity analysis procedure to test the robustness of the proposed methods to the restrictive requirement of mediator’s conditional ignorability. We demonstrate the functioning of our proposed methodology through an empirical application using survey data from an online experiment on food purchasing intentions and the effect of different labeling regimes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.27908749
title: On the Importance of Considering Concurrent Effects in Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Modelling: Example Analysis of Bullying and Internalising Problems

description: Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) are increasingly used to investigate research questions focusing on how one variable at one time point affects another variable at the subsequent time point. Due to the implied temporal sequence of events in such research designs, interpretations of RI-CLPMs primarily focus on longitudinal cross-lagged paths while disregarding concurrent associations and modeling these only as residual covariances. However, this may cause biased cross-lagged effects. This may be especially so when data collected at the same time point refers to different reference timeframes, creating a temporal sequence of events for constructs measured concurrently. To examine this issue, we conducted a series of empirical analyses in which the impact of modeling or not modeling of directional within-time point associations may impact inferences drawn from RI-CLPMs using data from the longitudinal z-proso study. Results highlight that not considering directional concurrent effects may lead to biased cross-lagged effects. Thus, it is essential to carefully consider potential directional concurrent effects when choosing models to analyze directional associations between variables over time. If temporal sequences of concurrent effects cannot be clearly established, testing multiple models and drawing conclusions based on the robustness of effects across all models is recommended.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.27908749.v1
title: On the Importance of Considering Concurrent Effects in Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Modelling: Example Analysis of Bullying and Internalising Problems

description: Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) are increasingly used to investigate research questions focusing on how one variable at one time point affects another variable at the subsequent time point. Due to the implied temporal sequence of events in such research designs, interpretations of RI-CLPMs primarily focus on longitudinal cross-lagged paths while disregarding concurrent associations and modeling these only as residual covariances. However, this may cause biased cross-lagged effects. This may be especially so when data collected at the same time point refers to different reference timeframes, creating a temporal sequence of events for constructs measured concurrently. To examine this issue, we conducted a series of empirical analyses in which the impact of modeling or not modeling of directional within-time point associations may impact inferences drawn from RI-CLPMs using data from the longitudinal z-proso study. Results highlight that not considering directional concurrent effects may lead to biased cross-lagged effects. Thus, it is essential to carefully consider potential directional concurrent effects when choosing models to analyze directional associations between variables over time. If temporal sequences of concurrent effects cannot be clearly established, testing multiple models and drawing conclusions based on the robustness of effects across all models is recommended.
DOI: 10.15468/dl.6snctc
title: Occurrence Download

description: A dataset containing 0 species occurrences available in GBIF matching the query:
{"type":"and","predicates":[{"type":"within","geometry":"POLYGON ((100.055 1.531182, 99.984712 1.525614, 99.916156 1.509047, 99.851021 1.48189, 99.79091 1.444811, 99.73730500000001 1.398723, 99.691526 1.344763, 99.65469899999999 1.284259, 99.62773 1.218701, 99.611284 1.149704, 99.605763 1.078967, 99.611304 1.008231, 99.627769 0.939239, 99.654752 0.873688, 99.69158899999999 0.8131930000000001, 99.73737199999999 0.759243, 99.79097299999999 0.713166, 99.851074 0.676095, 99.916195 0.648945, 99.98473300000001 0.632383, 100.055 0.626816, 100.125267 0.632383, 100.193805 0.648945, 100.258926 0.676095, 100.319027 0.713166, 100.372628 0.759243, 100.418411 0.8131930000000001, 100.455248 0.873688, 100.482231 0.939239, 100.498696 1.008231, 100.504237 1.078967, 100.498716 1.149704, 100.48227 1.218701, 100.455301 1.284259, 100.418474 1.344763, 100.372695 1.398723, 100.31909 1.444811, 100.258979 1.48189, 100.193844 1.509047, 100.125288 1.525614, 100.055 1.531182))"},{"type":"equals","key":"CLASS_KEY","value":"212","matchCase":false},{"type":"greaterThanOrEquals","key":"YEAR","value":"2015","matchCase":false},{"type":"not","predicate":{"type":"in","key":"BASIS_OF_RECORD","values":["MATERIAL_CITATION","MATERIAL_SAMPLE","PRESERVED_SPECIMEN"],"matchCase":false}},{"type":"lessThanOrEquals","key":"COORDINATE_UNCERTAINTY_IN_METERS","value":"10000","matchCase":false},{"type":"equals","key":"LICENSE","value":"CC BY 4.0","matchCase":false}]}

 The dataset includes 0 records from 0 constituent datasets; see https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/download/0002301-260120142942310/datasets/export for details.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.31111773
title: Instructional Design of an Online Upper-Level Undergraduate Geometry Course Using Hands-On Pedagogy

description: This article describes the design and implementation of an upper-level undergraduate geometry course at a Canadian university, employing hands-on pedagogy through interactive online workshops. These workshops were co-designed and facilitated by international experts and the instructor during the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaboration preserved the depth of abstract content while enriching it with tangible activities and interactive engagement, enhancing student motivation and deepening their understanding of geometry's connections to art and culture. Positive student feedback underscored the effectiveness of this approach. Practical strategies are also offered for instructors seeking to incorporate similar hands-on, sustainable, and low-cost activities into online mathematics courses.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.31111773.v1
title: Instructional Design of an Online Upper-Level Undergraduate Geometry Course Using Hands-On Pedagogy

description: This article describes the design and implementation of an upper-level undergraduate geometry course at a Canadian university, employing hands-on pedagogy through interactive online workshops. These workshops were co-designed and facilitated by international experts and the instructor during the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaboration preserved the depth of abstract content while enriching it with tangible activities and interactive engagement, enhancing student motivation and deepening their understanding of geometry's connections to art and culture. Positive student feedback underscored the effectiveness of this approach. Practical strategies are also offered for instructors seeking to incorporate similar hands-on, sustainable, and low-cost activities into online mathematics courses.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28652376
title: Preparation of PEG-modified isoquercitrin liposomes and anti-chronic kidney disease research

description: The clinical application of Isoquercitrin (IQ) is limited by its low water solubility and short retention time in the body, despite its diverse pharmacological effects. To address these issues, we prepared polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified IQ liposomes (IQ-L) using the thin film dispersion method and optimized the formulation through a combination of One Factor at a Time (OFAT) method and response surface experiments. Characterization of the IQ-L that was prepared using the optimal formulation revealed a particle size of 185.48 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.252, a zeta potential of −33.88 mV, and an impressive encapsulation efficiency of 97.84%. In vitro release studies showed a significantly higher cumulative release rate for IQ-L compared to free IQ. Pharmacokinetic evaluations in rats demonstrated a 4.54-fold increase in the area under the concentration-time curve, a 1.63-fold prolongation of the half-life, and a 2.07-fold increase in peak concentration for IQ-L compared to unmodified IQ. Moreover, assessments of renal function in a mouse model indicated promising therapeutic effects. In summary, the PEG-modified liposome system greatly improved the solubility and in vivo retention time of IQ, thus making it a potential clinical agent for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28652376.v1
title: Preparation of PEG-modified isoquercitrin liposomes and anti-chronic kidney disease research

description: The clinical application of Isoquercitrin (IQ) is limited by its low water solubility and short retention time in the body, despite its diverse pharmacological effects. To address these issues, we prepared polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified IQ liposomes (IQ-L) using the thin film dispersion method and optimized the formulation through a combination of One Factor at a Time (OFAT) method and response surface experiments. Characterization of the IQ-L that was prepared using the optimal formulation revealed a particle size of 185.48 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.252, a zeta potential of −33.88 mV, and an impressive encapsulation efficiency of 97.84%. In vitro release studies showed a significantly higher cumulative release rate for IQ-L compared to free IQ. Pharmacokinetic evaluations in rats demonstrated a 4.54-fold increase in the area under the concentration-time curve, a 1.63-fold prolongation of the half-life, and a 2.07-fold increase in peak concentration for IQ-L compared to unmodified IQ. Moreover, assessments of renal function in a mouse model indicated promising therapeutic effects. In summary, the PEG-modified liposome system greatly improved the solubility and in vivo retention time of IQ, thus making it a potential clinical agent for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28902095
title: Redox-responsive liposomes aimed at nitroreductase for contents release

description: Here, we report a novel stimuli-responsive N-DOPE liposome where the redox-active 4-nitrobenzyl formate head group of liposomes would respond with respect to the presence of nitroreductase present in the environment of tumor tissues to release the payload. Our main emphasis is related to the construction of redox-sensitive liposomes that would function as the liposomal drug carriers to malignant tumors. Our N-DOPE liposome contains a nitro group (-NO₂) in the modified lipid, and we expect the reduction of the nitro group (-NO₂) to amine (-NH₂) would release the calcein (drug) through the 1,6 elimination as per our hypothesis. But we found no release after waiting for almost 20 hours with the use of Na₂S₂O₄, nitroreductase (NTR) and changes of different external environmental conditions, <i>i.e.</i> temperature, aerobic and anaerobic, etc. due to the formation of an azo (R-N = N-R) bond that stops the complete reduction of (-NO<sub>2</sub>) all the way down to form amine (-NH<sub>2</sub>) to stop releasing the payloads. However, adding an organic group containing nitro during the reduction process with the Na₂S₂O₄ resulted in a 45% release of liposomal content. A detailed study & explanation of the formation of azo bond in our N-DOPE liposome has been shown in a stepwise manner in through various spectroscopic methods, and we have discussed future directions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28902095.v1
title: Redox-responsive liposomes aimed at nitroreductase for contents release

description: Here, we report a novel stimuli-responsive N-DOPE liposome where the redox-active 4-nitrobenzyl formate head group of liposomes would respond with respect to the presence of nitroreductase present in the environment of tumor tissues to release the payload. Our main emphasis is related to the construction of redox-sensitive liposomes that would function as the liposomal drug carriers to malignant tumors. Our N-DOPE liposome contains a nitro group (-NO₂) in the modified lipid, and we expect the reduction of the nitro group (-NO₂) to amine (-NH₂) would release the calcein (drug) through the 1,6 elimination as per our hypothesis. But we found no release after waiting for almost 20 hours with the use of Na₂S₂O₄, nitroreductase (NTR) and changes of different external environmental conditions, <i>i.e.</i> temperature, aerobic and anaerobic, etc. due to the formation of an azo (R-N = N-R) bond that stops the complete reduction of (-NO<sub>2</sub>) all the way down to form amine (-NH<sub>2</sub>) to stop releasing the payloads. However, adding an organic group containing nitro during the reduction process with the Na₂S₂O₄ resulted in a 45% release of liposomal content. A detailed study & explanation of the formation of azo bond in our N-DOPE liposome has been shown in a stepwise manner in through various spectroscopic methods, and we have discussed future directions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30750980
title: The efficacy of pain neuroscience education in patients after total knee arthroplasty: a single blind randomized controlled trial

description: Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) is an intervention promoting patients’ understanding of the chronic pain better and changes maladaptive thoughts that could limit recovery. Psychological risk factors are predictive of increased pain and disability in people after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study aim was to investigate the efficacy of PNE on clinical outcomes compared to a standard physiotherapy program in patients after TKA. A total of 34 participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental (standard physiotherapy program + PNE) or a control group (standard physiotherapy program only). After all participants had undergone routine post-operative care, the study intervention began 4–6 weeks post-surgery, at which point patients were assessed, and then followed for a 6-week treatment program. Outcomes assessed included pain severity, disability, function, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, kinesiophobia, and quality of life. A statistically significant and clinically meaningful change from baseline was observed for kinesiophobia [<i>p</i> = .003, (pre-treatment: Mean Difference (MD): −2.05, 95%CI: −9.58, 5.46), (post-treatment: MD: 4.86, 95%CI: −2.33, 12.07)] and the mental component of quality-of-life [<i>p</i> = .006, (pre-treatment: MD: 1.45, 95%CI: −3.85, 6.76), (post-treatment: MD: −10.20, 95%CI: −15.69, −4.71)] in favor of the experimental group at the end of the treatment. No significant difference was found between groups for the remaining outcomes (<i>p</i> &gt; .05). The combination of PNE and a standard physiotherapy program effectively reduces kinesiophobia and improves the mental component of quality-of-life in patients after TKA. However, no significant clinical effects were observed in pain or physical function. These results suggest that PNE is a valuable adjunctive strategy to address psychological aspects, highlighting the value of combining educational and physical strategies to enhance post-operative rehabilitation outcomes. NCT05928351
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30750980.v1
title: The efficacy of pain neuroscience education in patients after total knee arthroplasty: a single blind randomized controlled trial

description: Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) is an intervention promoting patients’ understanding of the chronic pain better and changes maladaptive thoughts that could limit recovery. Psychological risk factors are predictive of increased pain and disability in people after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study aim was to investigate the efficacy of PNE on clinical outcomes compared to a standard physiotherapy program in patients after TKA. A total of 34 participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental (standard physiotherapy program + PNE) or a control group (standard physiotherapy program only). After all participants had undergone routine post-operative care, the study intervention began 4–6 weeks post-surgery, at which point patients were assessed, and then followed for a 6-week treatment program. Outcomes assessed included pain severity, disability, function, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, kinesiophobia, and quality of life. A statistically significant and clinically meaningful change from baseline was observed for kinesiophobia [<i>p</i> = .003, (pre-treatment: Mean Difference (MD): −2.05, 95%CI: −9.58, 5.46), (post-treatment: MD: 4.86, 95%CI: −2.33, 12.07)] and the mental component of quality-of-life [<i>p</i> = .006, (pre-treatment: MD: 1.45, 95%CI: −3.85, 6.76), (post-treatment: MD: −10.20, 95%CI: −15.69, −4.71)] in favor of the experimental group at the end of the treatment. No significant difference was found between groups for the remaining outcomes (<i>p</i> &gt; .05). The combination of PNE and a standard physiotherapy program effectively reduces kinesiophobia and improves the mental component of quality-of-life in patients after TKA. However, no significant clinical effects were observed in pain or physical function. These results suggest that PNE is a valuable adjunctive strategy to address psychological aspects, highlighting the value of combining educational and physical strategies to enhance post-operative rehabilitation outcomes. NCT05928351
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.29039798
title: Barriers and facilitators for providing pain control during intrauterine device insertion: a multi-center physician survey

description: To evaluate physicians’ barriers and facilitators, as well as knowledge, practices, attitudes, and beliefs, regarding analgesia for IUD insertion A multi-center online survey was conducted from January to July 2023 in Ontario, Canada. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and thematic analysis. Among 85 providers who responded to the survey, there was a lack of consensus regarding provision of analgesia for IUD insertion, as only 52.9% routinely provided pain control. The remaining 40 providers (47.1%) stated that they do not routinely provide pain control for IUD insertion, although 87.5% of participants stated that they would provide pain control if the patient specifically requested analgesia. No differences were found between academic and community staff (<i>p</i> = 0.94) or less experienced providers in provision of pain control (<i>p</i> = 0.24). Reasons for provision of pain control included patient comfort, care, and procedure safety. Conversely, other physicians believed the pain was minimal or short-lived, or faced logistical barriers in providing analgesia. Patients and providers should engage in shared decision-making regarding pain control for IUD insertion. Our survey of 85 healthcare providers reported a lack of consensus regarding provision of routine analgesia for IUD insertion, as only 52.9% routinely provided pain control. Reasons for provision of pain control included patient comfort, care, and procedure safety. Physicians faced logistical barriers in providing analgesia.