bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Fish Wild?
Authors: Wyatt Tanya , Friedman Kim , Hutchinson Alison
Published: July 2021

As the global biodiversity crisis continues, it is important to examine the legislative protection that is in place for species around the world. Such legislation not only includes environmental or wildlife law, but also trade law, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which gets transposed into national legislation. This commentary analyses legislative definitions of wildlife, whether or not that includes fish, which has implications for fish welfare, use of fish for food security, and biodiversity conservation when fish, or other wildlife, are excluded. Through a legislative content analysis of the 183 parties’ legislation of CITES, we explore whether fish are afforded the same protections as other species by being included in legal definitions of wildlife. We found that while a majority of CITES parties’ legislation appear to define fish as wildlife, there are a number of instances where this is unclear or not the case, and this could have significant ramifications for the welfare of non-human animals, their use, and conservation.
Reviewing systematic literature reviews: ten key questions and criteria for reviewers
Authors: Kuckertz Andreas , Block Joern
Published: July 2021

Systematic literature review articles are important for synthesizing knowledge in management and business research. However, to date, we lack clear guidelines how to review such articles. This editorial takes the perspective of the reviewer. It presents ten key questions and criteria that reviewers should ask when reviewing systematic literature reviews.
Social actors’ perceptions of wildlife: Insights for the conservation of species in Mediterranean protected areas
Authors: Cortés-Avizanda Ainara , Pereira Henrique M. , McKee Ellen , Ceballos Olga , Martín-López Berta
Published: July 2021

In the current Anthropocene Era, with numerous escalating challenges for biodiversity conservation, the inclusion of the social dimension into management decisions regarding wildlife and protected areas is critical to their success. By conducting 354 questionnaires in a Mediterranean protected area (the Biosphere Reserve of Bardenas Reales, Northern Spain), we aim to determine sociodemographic factors influencing knowledge levels and perceptions of species and functional groups as, emblematic and threatened. We found that hunters and animal husbandry workers knew more species than other social actors. Additionally, the perception of functional groups as threatened or emblematic differed between social actor groups, with statistically significant associations between perceptions and the characteristics of respondents. Interestingly, we found that although elusive steppe species are globally considered as endangered, these species were the least known by all social actor groups and rarely perceived as emblematic. This research is a novel approach and provides a better understanding of how perceptions can facilitate conservation decisions, particularly regarding endangered species

Graphic abstract
Dual-Mode Power Operation for Grid-Connected PV Systems with Adaptive DC-link Controller
Authors: Ahmed Mostafa , Harbi Ibrahim , Kennel Ralph , Abdelrahem Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Photovoltaic (PV) power systems are integrated with high penetration levels into the grid. This in turn encourages several modifications for grid codes to sustain grid stability and resilience. Recently, constant power management and regulation is a very common approach, which is used to limit the PV power production. Thus, this article proposes dual-mode power generation algorithm for grid-connected PV systems. The developed system considers the two-stage PV configuration for implementation, where the dual-mode power generation technique is executed within the DC–DC conversion (boost) stage. Most of the techniques adopted for dual-mode power operation employ the conventional perturb and observe method, which is known with unsatisfactory performance at fast-changing atmospheric conditions. Considering this issue, this study suggests a modified maximum power point tracker for power extraction. Furthermore, a new adaptive DC-link controller is developed to improve the DC-link voltage profile at different operating conditions. The adaptive DC-link controller is compared with the traditional PI controller for voltage regulation. The inverter control is accomplished using finite-set model predictive control with two control objectives, namely reference current tracking and switching frequency minimization. The overall control methodology is evaluated at different atmospheric and operating conditions using MATLAB/Simulink software.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cesarean Delivery and Indications Among Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex Women
Authors: Okwandu Ijeoma C. , Anderson Meredith , Postlethwaite Debbie , Shirazi Aida , Torrente Sandra
Published: July 2021

Objective

To compare cesarean delivery rates and indications by race/ethnicity among nulliparous women with term, singleton, vertex presentation deliveries.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women delivering term, singleton, vertex neonates at Kaiser Permanente Northern California from 1/1/2016 to 6/30/2017. Women with cesarean for elective, malpresentation, or previa were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for maternal, neonatal, and facility factors were used to assess the likelihood of cesarean by race/ethnicity. Further modeling was performed to examine odds of cesarean for the indications of failure to progress and fetal intolerance by race/ethnicity.

Results

The cohort of 16,587 racially/ethnically diverse women meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria consisted of 41.62% White, 27.73% Asian, 22.11% Hispanic, 5.32% Black, and 3.21% multiple race/other women. In adjusted logistic regression models, all race and ethnic categories had higher odds of cesarean deliveries in comparison to White women. Black women had the highest odds of cesarean delivery (adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.45–2.06), followed by Asian (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.45–2.06), multiple race/other (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17–1.80), and Hispanic (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.28–1.59) women. Compared with White women, Asian (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.22–1.74) and Hispanic (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03–1.52) women had higher odds of failure to progress as the indication. Among women with failure to progress, Black (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30–0.81), Hispanic (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53–0.87), and Asian (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96) women were less likely than White women to reach 10 cm dilation. Compared with White women, Black women were more likely to have cesarean delivery for fetal intolerance (aOR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.10–2.07). Among women with fetal intolerance of labor, there were no significant differences by race/ethnicity for Apgar score or neonatal intensive care unit admission.

Conclusions

Race/ethnicity was significantly associated with the odds of cesarean and indication. All other race/ethnicity groups had higher odds of cesarean compared with White women. Compared with White women, Black women had greater odds of fetal intolerance as an indication, while Hispanic and Asian women had greater odds of failure to progress. Maternal, neonate, and facility factors for cesarean delivery did not explain the observed disparities in cesarean delivery rates.
Self-interest, compassion, and consistency in an environmental ethics class: would students give up their retirement to stop the coronavirus?
Authors: Davis Emily A. , Wilson Thomas P. , Reynolds Bradley R.
Published: July 2021

During spring of 2020, environmental ethics students at a medium sized metropolitan university in the Southeastern United States were asked to read and comment on classic essays from Robert Heilbroner and Garrett Hardin, essays regarding our responsibilities towards future generations. In general, students seemed to hold more with Heilbroner’s stance, which left room for compassion, while condemning Hardin’s harshness. Students were then asked to provide written responses stating whether they would personally sacrifice their eventual retirement in order to stop COVID-19 and the reasons for their views. Responses were analyzed and categorized to detect inconsistencies between students’ described views and their willingness to personally sacrifice for the sake of others. Almost 72% of respondents asserted that they would be willing to intervene to stop the novel coronavirus by sacrificing their retirement. A fair number of respondents that stated they would sacrifice (28.6%) said that they would do so because they would benefit personally from the avoidance of guilt and/or from the opportunity to feel good about themselves, suggesting that even seemingly selfless behaviors are sometimes driven by egoistic motivations. Forty percent of all respondents held inconsistent views. Most notably, a number of students condemned Hardin for his lack of compassion, yet were not willing to act compassionately themselves.
On a Symmetric Generalization of Bivariate Sturm–Liouville Problems
Authors: Tefo Yves Guemo , Aktaş Rabia , Area Iván , Güldoğan Lekesiz Esra
Published: July 2021

A new class of partial differential equations having symmetric orthogonal solutions is presented. The general equation is presented and orthogonality is obtained using the Sturm–Liouville approach. Conditions on the polynomial coefficients to have admissible partial differential equations are given. The general case is analyzed in detail, providing orthogonality weight function, three-term recurrence relations for the monic orthogonal polynomial solutions, as well as explicit form of these monic orthogonal polynomial solutions, which are solutions of an admissible and potentially self-adjoint linear second-order partial differential equation of hypergeometric type.
Wie oft und zu welchen Themen werden schulinterne Lehrkräftefortbildungen angeboten? Empirische Befunde einer vergleichenden Programmanalyse
Authors: Kuschel Jenny , Richter Eric , Lazarides Rebecca , Richter Dirk
Published: July 2021

Mit dem Systemwandel von der Input- zur Outputsteuerung im Bildungswesen ging eine Erhöhung einzelschulischer Gestaltungsspielräume einher. Einen Bereich erweiterter schulischer Selbstständigkeit und Eigenverantwortung stellen schulinterne Fortbildungen dar. Obwohl schulinternen Fortbildungen eine hohe Bedeutung für die qualitativ hochwertige Entwicklung der Einzelschule zugeschriebenen wird, liegen bislang nur wenige Forschungsbefunde zur Nutzung und den Themen schulinterner Fortbildungsangebote vor. Die vorliegende Studie verfolgt daher das Ziel, das schulinterne Fortbildungsangebot hinsichtlich des Angebotsumfangs, der angebotenen Themen und des Zusammenhangs zwischen Schulmerkmalen und der Nutzung unterschiedlicher schulinterner Fortbildungsthemen zu untersuchen. Hierfür wurden Daten aus der elektronischen Datenbank für Lehrkräftefortbildungen des Landes Brandenburg aus den Schuljahren 2016/17 und 2017/18 ausgewertet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Mehrheit der Schulen im Untersuchungszeitraum keine staatlichen schulinternen Fortbildungen durchführen. Darüber hinaus verdeutlichen Ergebnisse eines Chi-Quadrat-Tests zum Vergleich des schulinternen und -externen Fortbildungsangebots, dass sich die inhaltlichen Schwerpunkte in den Fortbildungsformaten substantiell unterscheiden. Schließlich zeigen die Ergebnisse von Regressionsanalysen, dass ein Zusammenhang zwischen Merkmalen des Lehrkräftekollegiums, Merkmalen der Schülerinnen und Schüler sowie Ergebnissen aus Vergleichsarbeiten und der Wahl bestimmter schulinterner Fortbildungsthemen besteht. Die Befunde geben damit erstmalig Einblicke in die Angebotsstruktur und Nutzung schulinterner Fortbildungen im Zusammenhang mit Schulmerkmalen. Mögliche Implikationen für eine stärkere Nutzung des schulinternen Fortbildungsangebots werden diskutiert.
Processing and Characterization of Low-Thermal Conductivity, Clay-Based, Ceramic Membranes for Filtering Drinking Water
Authors: Mouafon Mohamed , Lecomte-Nana Gisèle Laure , Tessier-Doyen Nicolas , Njoya André , Njoya Dayirou , Njopwouo Daniel
Published: July 2021

Drinking-water supply remains a significant challenge in tropical areas; to help meet this challenge, the purpose of the present study was to manufacture low-thermal conductivity ceramic membranes suitable for the retention/removal of particles found in non-potable water. These membranes with significant chemical and mechanical resistances were developed from Cameroonian clays, cassava starch, and bovine bone ash. Up to 30% of Cassava starch and bovine bone ash were added to the membrane as porogens (materials used to make pores in membranes). Membranes were manufactured by uniaxial pressing, drying at 105°C, and sintering at 1150°C for 2 h. The effects of various types of porogen on the thermal behavior, microstructure, flexural strength, porosity, and permeability of ceramic membranes were investigated to determine possible applications of those membranes for water filtration in the tropics. The thermal conductivity of membranes produced without a pore-forming agent (SM0) was greater (0.54 Wm–1K–1) than those produced with starch (SM1 and SM3) (0.45–0.40 Wm–1K–1) or bovine bone ash (SM2) (0.49 Wm–1K–1). The total porosity of SM0s (30.72%) was less than those of starch and bovine bone membranes (37.87–45.99%). The average pore size (0.04 μm) of SM2 membranes was the smallest: SM0 (0.09 μm), SM1 (0.10 μm), and SM3 (0.07 μm). The maximum pore size was 0.37 μm, indicating that membranes contain mesopores and macropores. The flexural strengths of SM1 and SM3 membranes (8.85 and 6.97 MPa, respectively) were less than those of SM2 (10.53 MPa) and SM0 (10.28 MPa), and water permeability from 108 L/h·m2 bar to 2198 L/h·m2 bar. Filtered water properties showed that pH values were upgraded from 5.9 to 7, the turbidity reduction rates and levels were >94% and <0.65 NTU. Particle-size distributions moved from 1150–39,000 nm in polluted water to <2 nm in filtered water. Judging by the sizes of particles present in filtered waters, these membranes may be suitable for elimination of viruses, pigments, proteins, colloids, and bacteria.
Margin Positivity and Survival in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A National Cancer Database Analysis
Authors: Lee Christina I. , Kutlu Onur , Khan Zahra F. , Picado Omar , Lew John I.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND:

The rising incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed to increased detection of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Although some PTMCs are thought to harbor aggressive pathologic features, the clinical significance of these features remains unclear. This study examines factors associated with survival in this patient population.

STUDY DESIGN:

Adults with PTMC, defined as papillary thyroid carcinoma ≤ 1.0 cm, who underwent thyroidectomy between 2004 and 2016, were identified in the National Cancer Database. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed. The primary aim was to identify factors associated with survival. The secondary aim was to assess the association of microscopic margins on survival and to identify factors associated with margin positivity. Overall survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using log rank tests. Cox proportional hazards and binary logistic regression models identified factors associated with survival and margin positivity, respectively.

RESULTS:

Of 77,817 patients with PTMC, 13,507 met inclusion criteria; 2,649 (20%) of these patients presented with advanced features: extrathyroidal extension (n = 916, 7%), lymphovascular invasion (n = 398, 3%), lymph node involvement (n = 2,003, 15%), and distant metastasis (n = 39, <1%). Microscopic margin positivity was present in 906 patients and associated with increased risk of death (hazard ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.04–2.41). Academic facilities (odds ratio [OR] 0.75, 95% CI 0.59–0.95) and operative volume (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.98) were associated with decreased margin positivity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Positive margin status was significantly associated with increased risk of death for PTMC. Higher operative volume and treatment at academic centers were associated with lower rates of margin positivity and may help improve survival outcomes in PTMC patients with aggressive features.
Independent Risk Factors Predicting Gradual Onset Injury in 2824 Trail Running Race Entrants: SAFER XVIII Study
Authors: Viljoen Carel T. , Sewry Nicola , Schwellnus Martin P. , Janse van Rensburg Dina C. , Swanevelder Sonja , Jordaan Esme
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Trail running is characterized by elevation changes, with uneven and varying running surfaces. Risk factors that may predict gradual-onset running-related injuries (GORRIs) in short-distance trail running have not been explored. The objective was to determine risk factors that predict GORRIs in trail running race entrants who entered mass community-based trail running events.

Methods

In this descriptive cross-sectional study, data were collected prospectively from a prerace medical screening questionnaire over 4 trail run events held annually. Using a Poisson regression model, runner demographics, race distance, running training/racing variables, history of chronic diseases (number of chronic diseases reported as a cumulative “chronic disease composite score”), and allergies were investigated to determine factors predicting self-reported GORRI history in the previous 12 mo.

Results

This study included 2824 race entrants (80% of entrants). The retrospective annual incidence for GORRIs was 13%. Independent risk factors predicting GORRIs were longer race distance ( P<0.0001), increasing chronic disease composite score ( P=0.0012), and a history of allergies ( P=0.0056). The lower limb (94%) was the main anatomic region of GORRIs, and soft tissue injuries accounted for most (83%) GORRIs. Common specific GORRIs were iliotibial band syndrome (22%), Achilles tendon injury (10%), and hamstring injury (9%).

Conclusions

Independent risk factors predicting GORRIs among trail running entrants included longer race distance, a higher chronic disease composite score, and a history of allergies. This study has highlighted trail running race entrants at risk for sustaining GORRIs who could be targeted for future injury prevention interventions.
Beyond Diversity and Inclusion: Understanding and Addressing Ableism, Heterosexism, and Transmisia in the Legal Profession: Comment on Blanck, Hyseni, and Altunkol Wise’s National Study of the Legal Profession
Authors: Neumeier Shain A. M. , Brown Lydia X. Z.
Published: July 2021

Far too many—if not most—of us in the legal profession who belong to both the disability and LGBTQ+ communities have known informally, through our own experiences and those of others like us, that workplace bias and discrimination on the basis of disability, sexuality, and gender identity is still widespread. The new study by Blanck et al. on diversity and inclusion in the U.S. legal profession provides empirical proof of this phenomenon, which might otherwise be dismissed as being based on anecdotal evidence.1 Its findings lend credibility to our position that the legal profession must make systemic changes to address workplace ableism, heterosexism, and transmisia.2 They also suggest possibilities as to where and how it might start to do so through providing information on who employers discriminate against most often and in what forms.3
Erasing Workers’ Identities: Comment on Blanck, Hyseni, and Altunkol Wise’s National Study of the Legal Profession
Authors: Nelson Ryan H. , Stein Michael Ashley
Published: July 2021

“Bring your whole self to work” remains a common mantra of supporters of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”).1 For example, disability rights advocates have long contended that hiding or downplaying one’s disability from one’s colleagues at work “create[s] an invisible layer of additional work for the individual” in being accepted at the job and negatively affects productivity.2 LGBTQ+ rights advocates have raised similar points, noting that hiding or downplaying one’s sexual orientation or gender identity from one’s colleagues hinders internal advancement of LGBTQ+ workers.3 As recently as 2019, however, a Deloitte study found that sixty-one percent of workers hid or downplayed one or more of their identities from their colleagues at work.4
What does team science look like across the CTSA consortium? A qualitative analysis of the Great CTSA Team Science Contest submissions
Authors: Pelfrey Clara M. , Goldman Ann S. , DiazGranados Deborah J.
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

The Great CTSA Team Science Contest (GTSC) was developed to discover how Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs promote and support team science [1]. The purpose of this study was a secondary qualitative analysis of the GTSC submissions to better understand the diversity of team science initiatives across the CTSA consortium.

Methods:

Secondary qualitative analysis of the GTSC data addressed the following research questions, which defined the top-level coding: (1) What CTSA component sponsored it? (2) Who was the team doing the work? (3) Who were the intended beneficiaries? (4) What was the intended outcome? (5) What strategies did they use? (6) What translational science (TS) stage was addressed? (7) How do they align with the NCATS team science strategic goals? (8) How do the CTSA’s team science efforts align with the National Academies Research Council (NRC) recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of team science?

Results:

The GTSC received 170 submissions from 45 unique CTSA hubs. Qualitative analysis revealed a great variety of team science strategies for virtually all team science stakeholders. In addition to strategies to promote team science, results show successful examples that focus on outcomes and illustrate ways of measuring success.

Conclusions:

The GTSC shows that the CTSA consortium is involved in an extremely diverse array of team science activities, which align well with both the NRC recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of team science and the NCATS strategic goals for team science. Future research should evaluate the efficacy of team science strategies.
Protection and Response of a Tertiary Hospital in Shenzhen, China to the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Practice of the Comprehensive Response Mode
Authors: Hu Benling , Yang Le , Wei Chan , Luo Min
Published: July 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the management mode for the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission used at a general hospital in Shenzhen, China, with the aim to maintain the normal operation of the hospital.

Methods:

From January 2, 2020, to April 23, 2020, Hong Kong–Shenzhen Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Shenzhen, has operated a special response protocol named comprehensive pandemic prevention and control model, which mainly includes 6 aspects: (1) human resource management; (2) equipment management; (3) logistics management; (4) cleaning, disinfection, and process reengineering; (5) environment layout; (6) and training and assessment. The detail of every aspect was described, and its efficiency was evaluated.

Results:

A total of 198,802 patients were received. Of those, 10,821 were hospitalized; 26,767 were received by the emergency department and fever clinics; 288 patients were admitted for observation with fever; and 324 were admitted as suspected cases for isolation. Under the protocol of comprehensive pandemic prevention and control model, no case of hospital-acquired infection with COVID-19 occurred among the inpatients or staff.

Conclusion:

The present comprehensive response model may be useful in large public health emergencies to ensure appropriate management and protect the health and life of individuals.
Lockdown Effect on COVID-19 Incidence and Death: Iran Experience
Authors: Delavari Sajad , Jamali Zahra , Bayati Mohsen
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Countries are trying several policy options for decreasing the incidence and burden of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). One of these strategies is a lockdown, complete closure, to reduce the risk of distributing disease by means of social interactions. This study aimed to analyze the effect of a 3-week lockdown on the mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 in Iran.

Methods:

Official daily data on COVID-19 incidence and death reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) were extracted from September 1, 2020, to January 14, 2021. Data were analyzed using interrupted time series analysis by means of STATA 14 software.

Results:

Lockdown resulted in a significant reduction in the daily death from COVID-19 in the short-term (β = −139; P < 0.01) and in the long-term (β = −12; P < 0.01). Moreover, lockdown in the short-term insignificantly (β = −21.58; P = 0.969), and in the long-term significantly (β = −317.31; P < 0.01) reduced the COVID-19 daily incidence.

Conclusions:

The results showed that the lockdown has a significant effect on incidence and death numbers. Therefore, it could be a suitable short-term strategy for controlling the COVID-19 outbreak. On the other hand, its negative effects on households and businesses should be considered.
Your Call Is Important to Us: COVID-19 and Trends in Public Health Unit Call Service Utilization
Authors: Horn Zachary B. , Uren Alexandra M. , Young Megan K.
Published: July 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to analyze coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) -related call data at Metro North Public Health Unit, Brisbane Australia, over the 2020 calendar year to assist surge preparedness.

Methods:

Call data were retrieved by call category or reference to “COVID” in summaries from the call management system at a large metropolitan public health service. Under a mixed-methods approach, qualitative data (caller, call purpose, and call outcome) were categorized with categories arising de novo. Resulting variables were numerically analyzed to identify trends by categories and time.

Results:

Of the 3468 calls retrieved, 160 duplicates and 26 irrelevant calls were excluded. Of 3282 included calls, general practitioners, followed by the public, contributed the greatest call volumes. Health-care–related callers and the public made 84.2% of calls. Calls most frequently related to patient testing (40.7%) and isolation/quarantine (23.2%). Education provision accounted for 29.4% of all outcomes. A total of 11.8% of all call outcomes involved applying relevant case definitions, and 49.1% of calls were identified as potentially preventable through effective emergency risk communication and targeted call-handling.

Conclusions:

This study identified key drivers of public health unit phone service use related to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020. The results highlighted where risk perception influenced call volume and provided important insights for future public health preparedness.
Effectiveness of a vancomycin dosing protocol guided by area under the concentration-time curve to minimal inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) with multidisciplinary team support to improve hospital-wide adherence to a vancomycin dosing protocol: A pilot study
Authors: Katawethiwong Panipak , Apisarnthanarak Anucha , Jantarathaneewat Kittiya , Weber David J. , Warren David K. , Suwantarat Nuntra
Published: July 2021

Background:

Limited data are available on the implementation of an area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)–based dosing protocol with multidisciplinary team (MT) support to improve adherence with vancomycin dosing protocol.

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of an AUC-based dosing protocol with MT support intervention with adherence to a hospital-wide vancomycin dosing protocol at Thammasat University Hospital.

Method:

We conducted a quasi-experimental study in patients who were prescribed intravenous vancomycin. The study was divided into 2 periods; (1) the preintervention period when the vancomycin dosing protocol was already applied in routine practice and (2) the post-intervention period when the implementation of an AUC-based dosing protocol with MT support was added to the existing vancomycin dosing protocol. The primary outcome was the rate of adherence, and the secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury events, vancomycin-related adverse events, and 30-day mortality rate.

Results:

In total, 240 patients were enrolled. The most common infections were skin and soft-tissue infections (24.6%) and bacteremia (24.6%). The most common pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (19.6%) and Enterococcus spp (15.4%). Adherence with the vancomycin dosing protocol was significantly higher in the postintervention period (90.8% vs 55%; P ≤ .001). By multivariate analysis, an AUC-based dosing protocol with MT support was the sole predictor for adherence with the vancomycin dosing protocol (adjusted odds ratio, 10.31; 95% confidence interval, 4.54–23.45; P ≤ .001). The 30-day mortality rate was significantly lower during the postintervention period (8.3% vs 20%; P = .015).

Conclusions:

AUC-based dosing protocol with MT support significantly improved adherence with vancomycin dosing protocol and was associated with a lower 30-day mortality rate.
Social Investment, Redistribution or Basic Income? Exploring the Association Between Automation Risk and Welfare State Attitudes in Europe
Authors: BUSEMEYER MARIUS R. , SAHM ALEXANDER H. J.
Published: July 2021

Rapid technological change – the digitalization and automation of work – is challenging contemporary welfare states. Most of the existing research, however, focuses on its effect on labor market outcomes, such as employment or wage levels. In contrast, this paper studies the implications of technological change for welfare state attitudes and preferences. Compared to previous work on this topic, this paper adopts a much broader perspective regarding different kinds of social policy. Using data from the European Social Survey, we find that individual automation risk is positively associated with support for redistribution, but negatively with support for social investment policies (partly depending on the specific measure of automation risk that is used), while there is no statistically significant association with support for basic income. We also find a moderating effect of the overall size of the welfare state on the micro-level association between risk and preferences.
THE GENERIC FIBRE OF MODULI SPACES OF BOUNDED LOCAL G-SHTUKAS
Authors: Hartl Urs , Viehmann Eva
Published: July 2021

Moduli spaces of bounded local G-shtukas are a group-theoretic generalisation of the function field analogue of Rapoport and Zink’s moduli spaces of p-divisible groups. In this article we generalise some very prominent concepts in the theory of Rapoport-Zink spaces to our setting. More precisely, we define period spaces, as well as the period map from a moduli space of bounded local G-shtukas to the corresponding period space, and we determine the image of the period map. Furthermore, we define a tower of coverings of the generic fibre of the moduli space, which is equipped with a Hecke action and an action of a suitable automorphism group. Finally, we consider the
$\ell $
-adic cohomology of these towers.

Les espaces de modules de G-chtoucas locaux bornés sont une généralisation des espaces de modules de groupes p-divisibles de Rapoport-Zink, au cas d’un corps de fonctions local, pour des groupes plus généraux et des copoids pas nécessairement minuscules. Dans cet article nous définissons les espaces de périodes et l’application de périodes associés à un tel espace, et nous calculons son image. Nous étudions la tour au-dessus de la fibre générique de l’espace de modules, équipée d’une action de Hecke ainsi que d’une action d’un groupe d’automorphismes. Enfin, nous définissons la cohomologie
$\ell $
-adique de ces tours.
Monopoly as a ‘culture-history fact’: Knight, Menger, and the role of institutions
Authors: Salerno Joseph T. , Dorobat Carmen Elena , McCaffrey Matthew C.
Published: July 2021

Frank Knight's theory of monopoly price has received relatively little attention in the literature onRisk, Uncertainty and Profit. We argue that Knight accepted and refined the monopoly price theory of Carl Menger and his followers. Knight highlights the difference between monopoly as an inevitable outcome of departures from perfect competition, and monopoly as a contingent or ‘culture-history fact’. In the latter case, coercive institutional barriers to potential competition shape the choice set of consumers and producers, and provide a crucial method for identifying monopoly gains. There are three benefits to this account of Knight's contributions: it rehabilitates the focus on the institutional determinants of monopoly price, as opposed to the mainstream emphasis on market frictions and imperfections; it opens the way for a Mengerian monopoly price theory that seriously engages the study of institutions; and it adds new evidence and nuance to ongoing debates about Knight's place in economics.
Roman Numerals in Spanish Primary Education
Authors: Regagliolo Alberto
Published: July 2021

This article illustrates the importance of teaching Roman numerals, a component of a Latin language programme, as part of a Maths curriculum in a Spanish primary school. The aim is to contextualise the topic with concrete examples, supported by ancient Roman objects such as the milestone. The author discusses the relevance of a more integrated cross-curricular lesson to teach Roman numerals so that students better understand their use and make comparisons between ancient Roman and more modern traditions and culture, and to understand Roman influences on the modern age. Lastly, the author describes a teaching experiment in a Spanish primary school using some ad hoc materials to fulfil the aim of the study. The study outlines the positive results of integrating Roman numerals within the Maths lesson and shows that the students gained a richer and more valuable learning experience as they made reference to the concrete objects.
Characterization of carinata tolerance to select herbicides using field dose-response studies
Authors: Ethridge Sandra R. , Post Angela , Devkota Pratap , Mulvaney Michael J. , Leon Ramon G.
Published: July 2021

Field experiments were conducted from 2017 to 2019 to determine the tolerance of carinata to several preemergence and postemergence herbicides. Preliminary screenings identified herbicides that caused large variation on carinata injury, indicating the potential for selectivity. Dose-response field studies were conducted to quantify the tolerance of carinata to select herbicides. Diuron applied preemergence at rates of 280 g ai ha−1 or higher reduced carinata population density 54% to 84% compared to the nontreated control. In certain locations, clomazone applied preemergence caused minor injury with an acceptable level of carinata tolerance and only doses above 105 g ai ha−1 caused yield reductions. Napropamide doses of 2,856 g ai ha−1 or higher applied preemergence caused at least 25% injury to carinata; however, the damage was not severe enough to reduce yields. Simazine applied postemergence at rates above 1,594 g ai ha−1 caused 50% or more injury, resulting in yield losses ranging from 0% to 95% depending on location. Clopyralid applied postemergence at 2,512 g ai ha−1 caused 25% injury with relative yield reductions, which varied across locations. The present study identified clomazone and napropamide applied preemergence, and clopyralid applied postemergence as potential herbicides for weed control in carinata. In contrast, diuron, simazine, metribuzin, imazethapyr, and chlorimuron caused high levels of carinata mortality and can be used to control volunteer carinata plants in rotational crops.
A novel neck brace to characterize neck mobility impairments following neck dissection in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Chang Biing-Chwen , Zhang Haohan , Long Sallie , Obayemi Adetokunbo , Troob Scott H. , Agrawal Sunil K.
Published: July 2021

Objective

This article introduces a dynamic neck brace to measure the full range of motion (RoM) of the head–neck. This easy-to-wear brace was used, along with surface electromyography (EMG), to study changes in movement characteristics after neck dissection (ND) in a clinical setting.

Methods

The brace was inspired by the head–neck anatomy and was designed based on the head–neck movement of 10 healthy individuals. A 6 degrees-of-freedom open-chain structure was adopted to allow full RoM of the head–neck with respect to the shoulders. The physical model was realized by 3D printed materials and inexpensive sensors. Five subjects, who underwent unilateral selective ND, were assessed preoperative and postoperative using this prototype during the head–neck motions. Concurrent EMG measurements of their sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, and trapezius muscles were made.

Results

Reduced RoM during lateral bending on both sides of the neck was observed after surgery, with a mean angle change of 8.03° on the dissected side (95% confidence intervals [CI], 3.11–12.94) and 9.29° on the nondissected side (95% CI, 4.88–13.69), where CI denotes the confidence interval. Axial rotation showed a reduction in the RoM by 5.37° (95% CI, 2.34–8.39) on the nondissection side. Neck extension showed a slight increase in the RoM by 3.15° (95% CI, 0.81–5.49) postoperatively.

Conclusions

This brace may serve as a simple but useful tool in the clinic to document head–neck RoM changes in patients undergoing ND. Such a characterization may help clinicians evaluate the surgical procedure and guide the recovery of patients.
Large Seasonal and Habitat Differences in Methane Ebullition on the Amazon Floodplain
Authors: Barbosa Pedro M. , Melack John M. , Amaral João H. F. , Linkhorst Annika , Forsberg Bruce R.
Published: July 2021

Tropical floodplains are an important source of methane (CH4) to the atmosphere, and ebullitive fluxes are likely to be important. We report direct measurements of CH4 ebullition in common habitats on the Amazon floodplain over two years based on floating chambers that allowed detection of bubbles, and submerged bubble traps. Ebullition was highly variable in space and time. Of the 840 floating chamber measurements (equivalent to 8,690 min of 10‐min deployments), 22% captured bubbles. Ebullitive CH4 fluxes, measured using bubble traps deployed for a total of approximately 230 days, ranged from 0 to 109 mmol CH4 m−2 d−1, with a mean of 4.4 mmol CH4 m−2 d−1. During falling water, a hydroacoustic echosounder detected bubbles in 24% of the 70‐m segments over 34 km. Ebullitive flux increased as the water level fell faster during falling water periods. In flooded forests, highest ebullitive fluxes occurred during falling water, while in open water and herbaceous plant habitats, higher ebullitive fluxes were measured during low water periods. The contribution of diffusive plus ebullitive CH4 flux represented by ebullition varied from 1% (high and rising water in open water of the lake) to 93% (falling water in flooded forests) based on bubble traps. Combining ebullitive and diffusive fluxes among habitats in relation to variations in water depth and areal coverage of aquatic habitats provides the basis for improved floodplain‐wide estimates of CH4 evasion.
Microstructure Analysis on the Fracture Network in High‐Rank Coals
Authors: Lyu Shuaifeng , Chen Xiaojun , Li Rui , Wang Shengwei , Liu Jie , Shen Penglei
Published: July 2021

Microfractures in the coal matrix have complex spatial structure because of the joint effects of coalification and tectonism. The accurate modeling and characterization of microfractures directly affect mechanism analysis of coal rock fracturing and mining. In this study, taking the high‐rank coal in the north of Qinshui Basin, structural characteristics of microfracture in intact and tectonic coals were analyzed systematically using 2D thin section, 3D micro‐CT modeling and mercury intrusion based on digital image analysis and fractal theory. The result indicates that the response sensitivity of fractal parameters obtained from different methods to microfractures from two types of coal structures is different greatly. Single fractal dimension (Df) in tectonic coal is higher than that of intact coal. Specially, for 2D thin sections, the indicative effect on the Df of manually corrected images is better than that of automatically extracted and linear ones. Df has a positive correlation with the pixel‐based microfracture porosity, as well as generalized fractal parameters. Moreover, microfracture permeability based on the Cubic‐Law increases with the increase of Df. For 3D micro‐CT modeling, the classical Watershed algorithm cannot segment the spatial microfracture network, which, however, can be segmented and characterized by the self‐developed FracSC3D program. Spatial microstructural parameters including volume, surface and length at three‐axis directions meet bifractal characteristics. Specially, for 2D micro‐CT slices, with the increase of porosity, the multifractal spectrum width Δα also increased. Besides, the fractal parameter based on Menger model from mercury intrusion experiment can act as a good indicator for identifying microfractures, flow pores and diffusion pores.
The Geologically Supervised Spectral Investigation as a Key Methodology for Identifying Volcanically Active Areas on Venus
Authors: D'Incecco P. , Filiberto J. , López I. , Gorinov D. A. , Komatsu G. , Martynov A. , Pisarenko P.
Published: July 2021

Combining geologic mapping and stratigraphic reconstruction of lava flows at Sapas, Maat and Ozza Montes, three potentially young volcanic structures of Atla Regio on Venus, with analysis of the spectral signature (radar emissivity anomalies) characterizing each mapped flow, Brossier et al. (2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020je006722), conclude that some of the lava flows at Maat Mons may be geologically recent (∼25 Ma) (Smrekar et al., 2010, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1186785; D'Incecco et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pss.2016.12.002; Zolotov, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1515/rmg.2018.84.10; Brossier et al., 2020, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.icarus.2020.113693, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020je006722). The lava flows of Sapas and Ozza Montes are consistent with weathered lava flows forming chlorapatite and some perovskite oxides. We discuss the reasons why, besides the importance of the results they obtained, the methodology they used can be very valuable for future investigations with higher resolution datasets.
Mixed T cell lineage chimerism in acute leukemia/MDS using pre-emptive donor lymphocyte infusion strategy—Is it prognostic?—a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Sheth Vipul , Potter Victoria , de Lavallade Hugues , Gandhi Shreyans , Kulasekararaj Austin , Krishnamurthy Pramila , Mehra Varun , Dazzi Francesco , Mufti Ghulam , Pagliuca Antonio , Mclornan Donal , Raj Kavita
Published: July 2021

Pre-emptive DLI (pDLI) is an effective strategy in lowering the risk of relapse without significantly increasing the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in the case of T cell lineage mixed chimerism (MC) post allogeneic transplant in hematological malignancies. Many patients, however, fail to receive timely pDLI and have dismal outcomes, which are not taken into consideration. We compared long-term outcomes of 106 patients having T cell MC after day 60 and undergoing allogeneic stem cell allograft for acute leukemia from an unrelated donor (UD), with 111 patients having complete chimerism (CC). Fifty-three (56%) patients received prophylactic pDLI. Thirty-six patients (67%) had a response (RR), 17 (33%) had no response (NR), and fifty-two (54%) did not receive any pDLI (ND). OS was better in MC group as compared to CC (54% vs 43%, p = 0.04), mainly due to reduction in NRM (14% vs 25%, p = 0.05), and all grade acute and chronic GVHD. Within the MC group, response to pDLI was the only significant factor predicting OS, DFS, and relapses with NR and ND having unfavorable outcomes as compared to RR (p = 0.001). T cell MC in patients undergoing UD allografts with alemtuzumab is no longer an adverse prognostic factor, as compared to patients having CC, after timely implementation of pDLI.
The case of a patient with MIRAGE syndrome with familial dysautonomia-like symptoms
Authors: Kawashima-Sonoyama Yuki , Okuno Keisuke , Dohmoto Tomotsune , Tanase-Nakao Kanako , Narumi Satoshi , Namba Noriyuki
Published: July 2021

We describe a case of posthumously diagnosed MIRAGE syndrome (Myelodysplasia, Infection, Restriction of growth, Adrenal hypoplasia, Genital problems, and Enteropathy) in a girl with a new pathogenic SAMD9 variant (p.F437S), who was initially considered to have familial dysautonomia (FD)-like disease due to increased levels of catecholamine metabolites. Functional analyses of F437S-SAMD9 were performed, showing characteristics of disease-causing variants. This new SAMD9 variant (p.F437S) also causes MIRAGE syndrome.
Distinct pathways of homologous recombination controlled by the SWS1–SWSAP1–SPIDR complex
Authors: Prakash Rohit , Sandoval Thomas , Morati Florian , Zagelbaum Jennifer A. , Lim Pei-Xin , White Travis , Taylor Brett , Wang Raymond , Desclos Emilie C. B. , Sullivan Meghan R. , Rein Hayley L. , Bernstein Kara A. , Krawczyk Przemek M. , Gautier Jean , Modesti Mauro , Vanoli Fabio , Jasin Maria
Published: July 2021

Homology-directed repair (HDR), a critical DNA repair pathway in mammalian cells, is complex, leading to multiple outcomes with different impacts on genomic integrity. However, the factors that control these different outcomes are often not well understood. Here we show that SWS1–SWSAP1-SPIDR controls distinct types of HDR. Despite their requirement for stable assembly of RAD51 recombinase at DNA damage sites, these proteins are not essential for intra-chromosomal HDR, providing insight into why patients and mice with mutations are viable. However, SWS1–SWSAP1-SPIDR is critical for inter-homolog HDR, the first mitotic factor identified specifically for this function. Furthermore, SWS1–SWSAP1-SPIDR drives the high level of sister-chromatid exchange, promotes long-range loss of heterozygosity often involved with cancer initiation, and impels the poor growth of BLM helicase-deficient cells. The relevance of these genetic interactions is evident as SWSAP1 loss prolongs Blm-mutant embryo survival, suggesting a possible druggable target for the treatment of Bloom syndrome.
Profiling variable-number tandem repeat variation across populations using repeat-pangenome graphs
Authors: Lu Tsung-Yu ,   The Human Genome Structural Variation Consortium, Munson Katherine M. , Lewis Alexandra P. , Zhu Qihui , Tallon Luke J. , Devine Scott E. , Lee Charles , Eichler Evan E. , Chaisson Mark J. P.
Published: July 2021

Variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) are composed of consecutive repetitive DNA with hypervariable repeat count and composition. They include protein coding sequences and associations with clinical disorders. It has been difficult to incorporate VNTR analysis in disease studies that use short-read sequencing because the traditional approach of mapping to the human reference is less effective for repetitive and divergent sequences. In this work, we solve VNTR mapping for short reads with a repeat-pangenome graph (RPGG), a data structure that encodes both the population diversity and repeat structure of VNTR loci from multiple haplotype-resolved assemblies. We develop software to build a RPGG, and use the RPGG to estimate VNTR composition with short reads. We use this to discover VNTRs with length stratified by continental population, and expression quantitative trait loci, indicating that RPGG analysis of VNTRs will be critical for future studies of diversity and disease.