Specific Strategies Research Articles

Effect of Vegetation Restoration on Soil Organic Carbon Storage in Coal Mining Areas Based on Meta-analysis

Coal mining is the world's primary means of coping with an increasing energy demand. However, with the mining of coal, the regional ecosystem has been damaged to varying degrees, resulting in a decrease in the "carbon sink" capacity. Vegetation restoration is the basis for the restoration of degraded ecosystems and carbon sequestration functions in mining areas. However, no systematic studies have been conducted on the effects of vegetation restoration on soil organic carbon in coal mining areas on a global scale. Therefore, it is not possible to accurately predict the response of the global SOC pool to vegetation restoration. In this study, soil physicochemical properties of vegetation restoration were collected from 112 peer-reviewed articles to assess the effects of vegetation restoration type, soil depth, restoration year, mean annual temperature, annual precipitation, and elevation on soil organic carbon in coal mining areas and to identify relevant key drivers. The results showed that the damaged coal mine area could significantly improve the physicochemical properties of the soil through vegetation restoration. The restored soils had 39.02% higher SOC reserves compared to that in unrestored or naturally restored soils. When environmental factors were not considered, the vegetation restoration types that were favorable for SOC stock accumulation were cropland > woodland > grassland > shrubland. All four types of vegetation restoration significantly increased the SOC storage in the surface layer (0-20 cm). Grassland and shrubs significantly increased SOC storage at depth (>40 cm), whereas SOC storage at depth under woodland and farmland types was not significantly different from SOC storage after unrestored or natural restoration. The increasing trend of SOC storage after vegetation restoration decreased with increasing soil depth. The specific vegetation restoration strategy should select the appropriate vegetation type according to the climatic conditions. The types of vegetation restoration with higher carbon sequestration effects in damaged coal mining areas with mean annual temperature <0℃ and mean annual precipitation <500 mm were grassland or shrubland. In contrast, woodland and cropland restoration types could better increase SOC storage in environments with mean annual temperature >15℃ and annual precipitation >800 mm. TN, BD, AN, and AK were the main factors influencing the ability to affect soil carbon sequestration. This study can provide a theoretical reference for quantifying the carbon sequestration effects of different vegetation restoration measures in damaged coal mining areas and the restoration and reconstruction of degraded ecosystems.

Acute opioid overdose in pediatric patients.

Recent increases in pediatric and adolescent opioid fatalities mandate an urgent need for early consideration of possible opioid exposure and specific diagnostic and management strategies and interventions tailored to these unique populations. In contrast to adults, pediatric methods of exposure include accidental ingestions, prescription misuse, and household exposure. Early recognition, appropriate diagnostic evaluation, along with specialized treatment for opioid toxicity in this demographic are discussed. A key focus is on Naloxone, an essential medication for opioid intoxication, addressing its unique challenges in pediatric use. Unique pediatric considerations include recognition of accidental ingestions in our youngest population, critical social aspects including home safety and intentional exposure, and harm reduction strategies, mainly through Naloxone distribution and education on safe medication practices. It calls for a multifaceted approach, including creating pediatric-specific guidelines, to combat the opioid crisis among children and to work to lower morbidity and mortality from opioid overdoses.

The Genetic Architecture of the Root System during Seedling Emergence in Populus euphratica under Salt Stress and Control Environments

The growth of the Populus euphratica root system is of great significance for its survival under adverse environmental stress. In harsh saline-stress environments, the proportion, morphology, and functionality of the taproots and lateral roots and how they manifest specific adaptive structures, growth strategies, and potential genetic controls are still subjects for further exploration. In this study, we delve into the fundamental patterns and trade-offs of root morphology and functionality by constructing an environment-induced differential interaction equation (EDIE) to model the independent and interactive growth of the root system while considering the influence of environmental conditions. We identify 93 key QTLs in the control group and 44 key QTLs in the salt-stress group, of which 2 QTLs are significant in both environments. By constructing ODE-based QTL networks, we explore in depth how these loci regulate the growth of the root system under different environmental conditions while considering their independent direct effects and epistatic effects among loci. This study elucidates the intrinsic factors that influence the variations in taproots and lateral roots, providing crucial insights into the relationship between root morphology and functionality.

“Belief Initiates and Guides Action—Or it Does Nothing”: An Exploration of the Political Functions of Watching and Reading Dystopian Fiction

This article addresses the question of how dystopian fiction can produce civic and ideological connections among audiences. To this end, we have drawn from different theoretical perspectives on public connectivity to show how audience involvement with fictional entertainment can forge clear links with the political sphere. In short, we offer a qualitative reception study that has yielded six features of dystopias: cognition, rejection of socially negative themes, warning, speculation, ideology, and narcosis. These features are empirically grounded in extensive qualitative research. Finally, based on the participants’ responses, we have proposed a specific reception strategy for the dystopian genre: dystopian imaginative engagement.

Implementation of a high-throughput whole genome sequencing approach with the goal of maximizing efficiency and cost effectiveness to improve public health.

Public Health Laboratories that implement whole genome sequencing (WGS) technologies may struggle to find the balance between sample volume and cost effectiveness. We present a method that allows for sequencing of a variety of bacterial isolates in a cost-effective manner. This report provides specific strategies to implement high-volume WGS, including an innovative, low-cost solution utilizing a novel quarter volume sequencing library preparation. The methods described support the use of high-throughput DNA extraction and WGS within budgetary constraints, strengthening public health responses to outbreaks and disease surveillance.

Design of a reading comprehension program based on Neurolinguistic Programming

The research addresses the challenge of improving reading comprehension in high school students, considering educational gaps. The "Leo y comprendo" program was implemented in an educational institution using a quantitative approach and a quasi-experimental design. This program develops didactic reading comprehension strategies enhanced with principles of Neurolinguistic Programming. The population consisted of fourth-grade high school students from Piura in Peru, with a non-probabilistic sample. Data collection was conducted through reading comprehension tests with 20 questions. The results indicated that the experimental group outperformed the control group. In conclusion, the program demonstrated a significant effect in improving reading comprehension, supported by statistical analysis. The research highlights the relevance of specific strategies for addressing reading comprehension in educational settings.

Anxiety and Teacher-Student Relationships in Secondary School: A Systematic Literature Review.

Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental disorders experienced by adolescents. As students spend a significant amount of time within a school environment, it is not surprising that factors in the school environment have been linked to student mental health. Positive teacher-student relationships (TSRs) in children have been found to improve student mental health outcomes, with supportive TSRs associated with reduced student anxiety, and in turn, student anxiety has also been associated with reduced poorer TSR quality. The findings in adolescents are less clear. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of TSRs on anxiety in secondary school students, and vice-versa using PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted in five databases and studies screened against inclusion and exclusion criteria, and rated for study quality by two independent researchers. Twenty-six studies across 12 countries were included. Most studies reported higher quality TSRs (e.g., those that are perceived as more supportive, caring, and warm) was associated with decreased anxiety. Conversely, TSRs that were characterised by dependence, motivational support, conflict, or harassment, were associated with increased anxiety. Most studies used a cross-sectional design and as such conclusions regarding causality as well as the direction of the effects cannot be made. However, early evidence from a limited number of longitudinal studies indicated that positive TSRs reduced anxiety over time. Future research is warranted to investigate whether anxiety affects TSRs, as well as exploring specific strategies and approaches teachers can use to establish positive relationships with their students.

Heterothermy use in winter is associated with reduced litter size during following breeding season

Heterothermy is considered to be the most effective energy-saving strategy improving survival under natural conditions. Interspecific studies suggest that this strategy is also associated with reduced reproductive output. Yet little is known about the reproductive consequences of heterothermy use at the intraspecific level and thus its repercussions for microevolutionary processes. Moreover, as yet no study has aimed to test if litter size and juvenile mass are affected by torpor use in wild captured animals under undemanding laboratory conditions. Here we tested the hypothesis that intraspecific variation in heterothermy use is associated with different reproductive successes, being the result of the evolution of distinct life histories. We predicted that heterothermy use in winter negatively correlates with litter size and juvenile body mass during the subsequent breeding season. To test this prediction, we used yellow-necked mice from a population in which individuals consistently differ in their use of heterothermy in winter. We measured body size (head width) and body mass, basal metabolic rate, as well as metabolism and body temperature during fasting-induced torpor in wild caught mice in winter. Phenotyped mice were bred in the subsequent summer selectively – males and females with similar heterothermy characteristics were paired, the most to the least heterothermic. Dam body size, but not basal metabolism, was positively correlated with litter size (but not juvenile mass). However, when accounting for this relationship, litter size was negatively while juvenile mass was positively correlated with the average heterothermy use of a given couple. Our study indicates that heterothermy use correlates with specific life-history strategies arising from a fundamental evolutionary trade-off between survival and reproduction.

Human Capital Strategies to Foster Employee Engagement Within Post Pandemic Layoffs

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to highlight productivity and engagement issues being experienced across industries, subsequent to strategic human capital realignment, in response to changes in the business environment. The linkages among employee engagement as related to leadership communication, work-life balance, and professional development are explored as the discussion draws on previous research examining employee’s organizational behavior to leadership response within the midst of exceptional events. Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors draw upon 15+ years in general management, communications consultant, and research in organizational behavior. Findings: Research shows that the restoration of trust and a path to creating an organizational culture which invites job engagement through organizational commitment are paramount. The combination of specific strategies coupled with organizational resource management during crises such as rapid and massive layoffs, change, and uncertainty indicates the necessity for tenacity with adaptability facilitated by strategic leadership communication of a shared vision. It will be important for organizational leaders to consider human capital investment strategies that can boost engagement. Practical Implications: Within the context of uncertainty organizational leaders must communicate empathy with employees and examine how much of a role an individual’s perceived career mobility and skill competence plays in strengthening their work engagement. Employees with positive work-life balance can exercise resilience, creativity, and tenacity. As organizations tackle the varying factors related to employee retention and engagement, they should implement strategies that not only retain employees but equip them with the characteristics that define psychological capital within the future of work. Post-pandemic organizational behavioral practices must empower employees to obtain a work lifestyle that allows them to feel in control of their personal and professional trajectories. Originality/value: The current study contributes to the stream of literature on layoff anxiety, productivity issues, and the role leadership communication and human capital strategies play in bolstering employee engagement. Furthermore, the current study highlights the importance of strategic leadership communication as organizations grapple with the challenges of a post layoff exercise, such as, how to increase productivity, engagement, retention, adaptability to the future of work, and profitability for long term growth.

Effects of Strategy-Based Instruction on Vietnamese EFL College Students’ Reading Comprehension: A Mixed Method Approach

Few studies have been quite successful in examining how Strategy-Based Instruction affects students' reading comprehension. However, these studies have only looked at specific reading strategies, like cognitive or metacognitive strategies, and have not used a reading instructions model to look at all phases of pre-, while-, or post-reading. To evaluate the impact of SBI, particularly the reading framework model Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach, on EFL college students' reading comprehension, sixty EFL students at Hau Giang Community College participated. A mixed-methods approach with tests and semi-structured interviews was used. The conventional approach was used to teach reading to the Control Group, whereas SBI was used for the Experimental Group. The results show that SBI significantly improved the reading comprehension of EFL students. They also have the drive and self-assurance to develop into proficient readers on their own. Therefore, it is suggested that English reading comprehension be taught more widely using SBI.

Analyzing and modeling massive transfusion strategies and the role of fibrinogen-How much is the patient actually receiving?

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death in trauma, cardiac surgery, liver transplant, and childbirth. While emphasis on protocolization and ratio of blood product transfusion improves ability to treat hemorrhage rapidly, tools to facilitate understanding of the overall content of a specific transfusion strategy are lacking. Medical modeling can provide insights into where deficits in treatment could arise and key areas for clinical study. By using a transfusion model to gain insight into the aggregate content of massive transfusion protocols (MTPs), clinicians can optimize protocols and create opportunities for future studies of precision transfusion medicine in hemorrhage treatment. The transfusion model describes the individual round and aggregate content provided by four rounds of MTP, illustrating that the total content of blood elements and coagulation factor changes over time, independent of the patient's condition. The configurable model calculates the aggregate hematocrit, platelet concentration, percent volume plasma, total grams and concentration of citrate, percent volume anticoagulant and additive solution, and concentration of clotting factors: fibrinogen, factor XIII, factor VIII, and von Willebrand factor, provided by the MTP strategy. Transfusion strategies based on a 1:1:1 or whole blood foundation provide between 13.7 and 17.2 L of blood products over four rounds. Content of strategies varies widely across all measurements based on base strategy and addition of concentrated sources of fibrinogen and other key clotting factors. Differences observed between modeled transfusion strategies provide key insights into potential opportunities to provide patients with precision transfusion strategy.

Study strategy use among elementary school students: Is use of specific study strategies related to academic performance?

Study strategy use among elementary school students: Is use of specific study strategies related to academic performance?

Understanding racial equity in research with Indigenous Peoples: including anti-racism and decolonization approaches

ABSTRACT Colonization of Indigenous Peoples living in what is now called the U.S. and U.S. territories began over 500 years ago, yet colonization continues today and results in historical trauma and inequities for Indigenous people. This paper describes the current application of racial equity in research and its limitations when applied to work with Indigenous Peoples. It highlights how the existing racial equity framework falls short in (1) respecting Indigenous sovereignty, (2) addressing historical and ongoing colonization through land dispossession and codified racism in blood quantum, and (3) acknowledging the profound impact of historical, cultural, and intergenerational trauma. We propose an expanded racial equity approach to research that incorporates an anti-racist and decolonizing approach. We conclude by outlining specific strategies researchers should adopt when employing a racial equity lens in their work with Indigenous populations.

A discrete-event simulation model for assessing operating room efficiency of thoracic, gastrointestinal, and orthopedic surgeries.

In hospital management, pinpointing steps that most enhance operating room (OR) throughput is challenging. While prior literature has utilized discrete event simulation (DES) to study specific strategies such as scheduling and resource allocation, our study examines an earlier planning phase, assessing all workflow stages to determine the most impactful steps for subsequent strategy development. DES models real-world systems by simulating sequential events. We constructed a DES model for thoracic, gastrointestinal, and orthopedic surgeries summarized from a tertiary Chinese hospital. The model covers preoperative preparations, OR occupation, and OR preparation. Parameters were sourced from patient data and staff experience. Model outcome is OR throughput. Post-validation, scenario analyses were conducted for each department, including: (1) improving preoperative patient preparation time; (2) increasing PACU beds; (3) improving OR preparation time; (4) use of new equipment to reduce the operative time of a selected surgery type; three levels of improvement (slight, moderate, large) were investigated. The first three improvement scenarios resulted in a 1%-5% increase in OR throughput across the three departments. Large reductions in operative time of the selected surgery types led to approximately 12%, 33%, and 38% increases in gastrointestinal, thoracic, and orthopedic surgery throughput, respectively. Moderate reductions resulted in 6%-17% increases in throughput and slight reductions of 1%-7%. The model could reliably reflect OR workflows of the three departments. Among the options investigated, model simulations suggest that improving OR preparation time and operative time are the most effective.

Grazing strategies determine the size composition of phytoplankton in eutrophic lakes

AbstractAlthough the general impacts of zooplankton grazing on phytoplankton communities are clear, we know comparatively less about how specific grazing strategies interact with environmental conditions to shape the size structure of phytoplankton communities. Here, we present a new data‐driven, size‐based model that describes changes in the size composition of lake phytoplankton under various environmental constraints. The model includes an ecological trade‐off emerging from observed allometric relationships between (1) phytoplankton cell size and phytoplankton growth and (2) phytoplankton cell size and zooplankton grazing. In our model, phytoplankton growth is nutrient‐dependent and zooplankton grazing varies according to specific grazing strategies, namely, specialists (targeting a narrow range of the size‐feeding spectrum) vs. generalists (targeting a wide range of the size‐feeding spectrum). Our results indicate that grazing strategies shape the size composition of the phytoplankton community in nutrient‐rich conditions, whereas inorganic nutrient concentrations govern phytoplankton biomass. Under oligotrophic regimes, the phytoplankton community is dominated by small cell sizes and the grazers have little to no impact. Under eutrophic regimes, dominating specialist grazers push phytoplankton towards small cells, whereas dominating generalist grazers push phytoplankton towards large cells. Our work highlights that trait‐based modeling, based on realistic eco‐physiological trade‐offs, represents a valuable tool for disentangling the interactive roles played by nutrient regimes and grazing strategies in determining the size compositions of lake phytoplankton. Ultimately, our study offers a quantitative basis for understanding how communities of lake phytoplankton may reorganize in the future in response to changes in nutrient levels and zooplankton grazing strategies.

How can I help?: Specific strategies used in interpersonal emotion regulation in a relationship context.

Most emotion regulation research investigates how individuals manage their own emotions but in everyday life, emotion regulation often takes place in an interpersonal context-that is, through the intervention of others, especially close relationship partners. In this manuscript, we describe a 2-week daily diary study of 197 couples, in which we examined the nature and effectiveness of partners' attempts at interpersonal emotion regulation. Organized around the extended process model of emotion regulation (Gross, 2015), we examined the frequency and perceived effectiveness of six strategies for regulating negative emotions and two strategies for regulating positive emotions, as well as the impact of emotional regulation effectiveness on relationship satisfaction. Results indicated that situation modification was the most common approach to regulating negative emotions, whereas savoring was most common for positive emotions. Most strategies were perceived to be effective by both regulators and their targets, with the exception of suppression for negative emotion, for which evidence was mixed, and dampening for positive emotion, which was not viewed as effective. The influence of emotion regulation on relationship satisfaction depended on one's perspective: Regulators felt that their effective efforts benefitted their relationships, but even when targets experienced emotion regulation as effective, they indicated no improvements in relationship satisfaction, perhaps because the emotion-eliciting events were still salient to them. Broadly speaking, this research highlights the value of examining emotion regulation in an interpersonal context, and in the context of partners' ordinary, everyday social interaction. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Electronic medical record implementation in the emergency department in a low-resource country: Lessons learned.

There is paucity of information regarding electronic medical record (EMR) implementation in emergency departments in countries outside the United States especially in low-resource settings. The objective of this study is to describe strategies for a successful implementation of an EMR in the emergency department and to examine the impact of this implementation on the department's operations and patient-related metrics. We performed an observational retrospective study at the emergency department of a tertiary care center in Beirut, Lebanon. We assessed the effect of EMR implementation by tracking emergency departments' quality metrics during a one-year baseline period and one year after implementation. End-user satisfaction and patient satisfaction were also assessed. Our evaluation of the implementation of EMR in a low resource setting showed a transient increase in LOS and visit-to-admission decision, however this returned to baseline after around 6 months. The bounce-back rate also increased. End-users were satisfied with the new EMR and patient satisfaction did not show a significant change. Lessons learned from this successful EMR implementation include a mix of strategies recommended by the EMR vendor as well as specific strategies used at our institution. These can be used in future implementation projects in low-resource settings to avoid disruption of workflows.

What It Takes to Teach in a Fully Online Learning Environment: Provisional Views from a Developing Country

Teachers and teaching play a critical role in the success of the online learning space. However, information about the specific strategies they employ in navigating this alternative learning space and the challenges they face remains limited. Thus, the present study was undertaken to obtain a clearer picture of teachers’ online instructional delivery and dig deeper into their difficulties for possible intervention. This study involved 17 teachers from nine higher education institutions in the Philippines. Using a descriptive case approach, overall data indicated that they promoted flexibility and interaction, facilitated learning processes, and fostered an affective learning climate as much as they could. However, these teachers faced several challenges related to technological sufficiency, learner-related factors, teaching delivery and assessment, technological complexity, and self-regulation, among others. Their varying experience was linked to their unique context brought about by several factors, namely available tools, institutional policies, pedagogical goals, and learner-related factors. Implications for classroom practices, policy-making, teacher training, and future research are discussed.

Insight into Janus kinases specificity: From molecular architecture to cancer therapeutics

AbstractJanus Kinases (JAKs) play a crucial role as therapeutic targets for various cancers. However, the current JAK inhibitors (JAKi) available have limited therapeutic benefits due to their lack of selectivity. This review focuses on the structural analysis to elucidate the molecular determinants of JAKs specificity and the discovery and design of selective JAKi. It includes descriptions and comparison of different JAK structures and their binding sites, a comparative analysis of JAKi and their binding modes, detailed interaction fingerprints (IFPs), and an extensive structure‐selectivity relationship (SSRs). Moreover, the review also explores the challenges and possibilities of using computational structure‐based methods for discovering and designing selective JAKi. Other structure‐based approaches, such as targeting the pseudokinase domain, as well as covalent and allosteric designs, are also covered. Based on this analysis, key determinants corresponding to JAK specificity and rational medicinal chemistry strategies are proposed to facilitate the development of highly selective JAKi. Overall, we aim to enhance the understanding of JAK specificity and explore strategies that can lead to the discovery of effective and selective JAKi in cancer therapy, thus improving the prognosis for cancer patients.

Ultrasound findings and specific intrinsic blood volume expansion therapy for neonatal capillary leak syndrome: report from a multicenter prospective self-control study

ObjectiveCapillary leak syndrome (CLS) is characterized by severe systemic edema without specific treatment, resulting in a high mortality rate. This study investigated whether there is organ edema in neonatal CLS patients and specific treatment strategies to improve patient prognosis.MethodsThirty-seven newborns diagnosed with CLS were included in this study. (1) Routine point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was used to identify whether the patients had visceral edema or fluid collection. (2) All patients were treated with 3% NaCl intravenously, and the clinical manifestations, laboratory indices and outcomes were compared before and after treatment.Results(1) Diffuse severe edema was found in 92.0% of the patients. (2) The POCUS examination revealed that CLS patients exhibited significant visceral edema in addition to diffuse severe edema, which included pulmonary edema in 67.6%, cerebral edema in 37.8%, severe intestinal edema in 24.3%, severe myocardial edema in 8.1%, pericardial effusion in 5.4%, pleural effusion in 29.7% and peritoneal effusion in 18.9%. Two patients (5.45%) had only myocardial edema without other manifestations. (3) Before and after the intravenous injection of 3% NaCl, there were no significant differences in the serum sodium or potassium levels of CLS patients, while the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly lower after treatment (p < 0.01). Her plasma ALB concentration and arterial pressure returned to normal levels after the treatment was completed. (4) All the patients survived, and no side effects or complications were observed during or after treatment with 3% NaCl.Conclusions(1) In addition to diffuse severe edema, visceral edema and effusion are common and important clinical manifestations of neonatal CLS and need to be detected by routine POCUS. (2) The intravenous injection of 3% NaCl is a safe, effective and specific treatment strategy for neonatal CLS, with a survival rate of 100% and no adverse effects.