bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Albertina Sisulu Executive Leadership Programme enhancing the competencies and performance of public health service managers in South Africa
Authors: Van der Berg-Cloete Sophy Evelyn , Olorunju Steve , White John George , Buch Eric 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the Albertina Sisulu Executive Leadership Programme in Health (ASELPH) in improving the competencies and performance of public healthcare managers in South Africa (SA).

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quasi-experimental study design, with pre-post assessments to assess the performance and competencies of students participating in a public health leadership programme. Students were assessed using a 360° assessment of 14 competencies and 56 performance indicators.

Findings
Students improved significantly in 11 competencies and 44 performance indicators; they perceived improvements in their own performance. The assessors observed the same improvements, which confirmed performance change at the students’ workplaces. The study showed the positive effect of the ASELPH Fellowship in improving the competencies and performance of public healthcare managers in SA.

Originality/value
The ASELPH Fellowship enhanced the leadership competencies and the performance of South African public healthcare managers. South African public healthcare managers face significant challenges and concerns have been raised regarding the competencies of healthcare managers to deal with these challenges. This study shows that leadership programmes can improve competencies and performance of managers to have an impact on the South African healthcare system
Students’ perceptions of Plickers and crossword puzzles in undergraduate studies
Authors: Mshayisa Vusi Vincent 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn higher education, there are calls to incorporate active learning experiences that place the student at the center of learning, rather than encouraging students to be passive listeners. For students to have a deeper and more meaningful learning experience, educators can use an active learning approach. This approach attempts to engage students at higher levels of thinking so that they are more interested in, better engaged with, and understand the course material better. The aim of this study was to investigate students’ perceptions of Plickers and crossword puzzles as low‐cost pedagogical tools to foster active learning in an undergraduate course in food science and technology. A mixed‐method survey consisting of a 5‐point Likert scale and open‐ended qualitative questions was administered via Blackboard to elicit student responses. A total of 121 students were enrolled for the course and 70.2% (n = 85) completed the survey. Plickers were found to be easy to use (mean = 4.66), provided opportunities to answer to formative questions anonymously (mean = 4.60), and helped increase participation in class (mean 4.05). The majority of students felt that crossword puzzles required them to think critically (mean = 4.53) and provided them with the opportunity to assess how well they understood the course content (mean = 4.45). Moreover, a statistically positive relationship was found between student collaborative learning and crossword puzzle implementation scores (r = .506, p < .01). The findings demonstrated that when implemented effectively, Plickers and crossword puzzles contributed to greater enhanced student engagement. These pedagogical tools can be applied as formative assessment instruments and offer a low‐cost alternative to the limitations encapsulated by didactic pedagogy.
Predictors and in‐hospital mortality associated with prolonged emergency department length of stay in New South Wales tertiary hospitals from 2017 to 2018
Authors: Dinh Michael M , Arce Chantel P , Berendsen Russell Saartje , Bein Kendall J 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine specific patient, clinical and service factors associated with increased ED length of stay and investigate whether prolonged ED length of stay, as measured by emergency treatment performance (ETP) non‐compliance, is an independent predictor of all cause 30‐day mortality for patients presenting to, and admitted from ED.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of linked state‐wide emergency, inpatient and death data from New South Wales. All patients who presented to a tertiary level public hospital (level 5 or 6) ED and admitted to an in‐patient unit were included. Outcomes were the proportion of admitted patients who met ETP targets, and 30‐day all‐cause mortality.ResultsA total of 697 600 eligible cases were identified and analysed. The odds of meeting ETP benchmarks were 62% lower in those with complex or multiple medical comorbidities (odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.40, P < 0.001) compared with patients with no medical comorbidities. Admission under psychiatry, surgical and oncology service‐related groups were associated with decreased ETP. The hazard ratio for 30‐day all‐cause mortality over time was 28% higher in those not meeting ETP benchmarks after adjusting for age, triage category, comorbidities, ICU and service‐related group (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.26–1.30, P < 0.001).ConclusionPatients with complex and multiple medical comorbidities, and those admitted under certain service‐related groups such as psychiatry, surgery and oncology were found to have poorer ETP performance. Overall, failure to meet ETP was associated with increased mortality after adjusting for age, case‐mix, comorbidities and acuity.
Lunar Subsurface Mineralogy and Density Profile Modelling based on Moon Mineralogy Mapper Observation
Authors: ZHANG Weijia , HU Jingke , YU Hangjie , CAI Shaomin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe methods of deriving FeO and TiO2contents from the Clementine spacecraft data were discussed, and an approach was developed to derive the content from the measurements using the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) instrument on Chandrayaan‐1. The density of lunar bedrock was then modeled on the basis of the derived FeO and TiO2abundances. The FeO and TiO2abundances derived from the M3data were compared with the previous results of the Clementine data and were in good agreement. The FeO abundance data also agreed well with the Lunar Prospector data, which were used as an independent source. The previous Clementine and newly M3derived abundances were compared with the laboratory measured FeO and TiO2contents in the Apollo and Luna returned samples. The Clementine derived FeO content was systematically 1%–2% lower than the laboratory measurements in all the returned samples. The M3derived content agreed well with the returned Apollo samples and was within ±2.8% of the laboratory measurements. The Clementine derived TiO2abundance was systematically 0.1%–4% higher than the laboratory measurements of the returned samples. The M3derived TiO2agreed well (±0.6%) with the laboratory measurements of the returned samples, except for samples with high TiO2content. However, these results should be carefully interpreted because the error range requires verification. No error analysis was provided with the previous Clementine derived contents.
Linkages between changes in plant and mycorrhizal fungal community composition at high versus low elevation in alpine ecosystems
Authors: Li Xiaoliang , Xu Meng , Li Xiaolin , Christie Peter , Wagg Cameron , Zhang Junling 
Published: February 2020

SummaryArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in maintaining plant diversity and productivity in grassland ecosystems. However, very few studies have investigated how AMF and plant communities co‐vary between contrasting environments in natural ecosystems. Intensive sampling (50 soil samples) was conducted in natural open grasslands at both 3570 and 4556 m on Mount Segrila on the Southeast Tibetan Plateau. We used 454‐pyrosequencing to investigate soil AMF communities and to explore relationships between AMF diversity and plant richness, productivity and community composition. AMF diversity was negatively correlated with plant richness at 3570 m but positively at 4556 m. Differences in AMF community composition between elevations were attributable to plant community composition, soil pH and available phosphorus concentration. The AMF community was more phylogenetically clustered at the higher elevation than the lower elevation. However, greater phylogenetic clustering (under dispersion) of AMF communities at the two elevations was positively correlated with above‐ground biomass. Our results indicate that plant community composition and environmental filtering are the primary drivers structuring the AMF community. Phylogenetic relatedness may be important in explaining the function of AMF communities in alpine ecosystems.
Multi‐species occupancy models as robust estimators of community richness
Authors: Tingley Morgan W. , Nadeau Christopher P. , Sandor Manette E. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Understanding patterns of diversity is central to ecology and conservation, yet estimates of diversity are often biased by imperfect detection. In recent years, multi‐species occupancy models (MSOM) have been developed as a statistical tool to account for species‐specific heterogeneity in detection while estimating true measures of diversity. Although the power of these models has been tested in various ways, their ability to estimate gamma diversity—or true community size, N is a largely unrecognized feature that needs rigorous evaluation.

We use both simulations and an empirical dataset to evaluate the bias, precision, accuracy and coverage of estimates of N from MSOM compared to the widely applied iChao2 non‐parametric estimator. We simulated 5,600 datasets across seven scenarios of varying average occupancy and detectability covariates, as well as varying numbers of sites, replicates and true community size. Additionally, we use a real dataset of surveys over 9 years (where species accumulation reached an asymptote, indicating true N), to estimate N from each annual survey.

Simulations showed that both MSOM and iChao2 estimators are generally accurate (i.e. unbiased and precise) except under unideal scenarios where mean species occupancy is low. In such scenarios, MSOM frequently overestimated N. Across all scenarios, MSOM estimates were less certain than iChao2, but this led to over‐confident iChao2 estimates that showed poor coverage. Results from the real dataset largely confirmed the simulation findings, with MSOM estimates showing greater accuracy and coverage than iChao2.

Community ecologists have a wide choice of analytical methods, and both iChao2 and MSOM estimates of N are substantially preferable to raw species counts. The simplicity of non‐parametric estimators has obvious advantages, but our results show that in many cases, MSOM may provide superior estimates that also account more accurately for uncertainty. Both methods can show strong bias when average occupancy is very low, and practitioners should show caution when using estimates derived from either method under such conditions.
Proximal junctional kyphosis and rates of fusion following posterior instrumentation and spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Sinagra Zachary , Cunningham Gregory , Dillon David , Woodland Peter , Baddour Edward 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundProximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) can cause significant functional impairment and neural compression. Varying rates of PJK and pseudoarthrosis following posterior instrumentation and fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are described with multiple biologic and biomechanical correlations attributed. This retrospective study aims to determine our rate of pseudoarthrosis and PJK in posterior spinal fusion for AIS, along with analysing the influence of autograft and allograft bone volume.MethodsImmediate and 12‐month post‐operative radiographs of 78 patients treated for AIS were analysed along with late complications to a minimum of 2 years. Proximal kyphosis was determined by measuring and comparing the angle between the upper instrumented vertebra and upper instrumented vertebra + 2 for both immediate and 12‐month post‐operative radiographs. Spinal fusion was determined using an accepted grading scale on the 12‐month radiograph. These findings were correlated with known surgical variables in bone grafting technique.ResultsThere was one case of PJK and no cases of pseudoarthrosis. Three patients showed a defect in the fusion mass but were still suggestive of fusion. The rates of fusion and PJK were not significantly different when using different allograft volumes or incorporating autograft.ConclusionRelatively low rates of PJK following AIS correction were observed compared to the literature. Rates were not increased with the use of proximal autograft. The amount of allograft used did not affect fusion rates either.
Women's preferences for mode of second birth—A prospective study of two Israeli birth cohorts
Authors: Preis Heidi , Mor Pnina , Grisaru‐Granovsky Sorina , Samueloff Arnon , Gabbay-Benziv Rinat , Chen Rony , Eisner Michal , Pardo Joseph , Peled Yoav , Wiznitzer Arnon , Benyamini Yael 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIntroductionVarious biopsychosocial factors affect women's preferences with respect to mode of birth, but they are usually not examined simultaneously and prospectively. In the current study, we assessed the contribution of personal characteristics of first‐time mothers, their prior prenatal perceptions, events during birth, and subjective birth experiences, on their preference about mode of second birth.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of two prospective birth cohort studies. Participants included 832 primiparous women recruited mostly from women's health centers in Israel, and through natural birth communities and cesarean birth websites. Women completed questionnaires prenatally and were followed up at 6‐8 weeks postpartum to understand their preferences for a second birth.ResultsRegression models indicated that after vaginal first birth, being less religious, believing that birth is a medical process, and having a negative experience increased the odds of preferring primary cesarean for the second birth. After cesarean birth, being more religious, having higher education, conceiving spontaneously, having a more negative birth experience, and perceiving better treatment from the staff during birth contributed to preferring vaginal birth for the second birth.ConclusionsReligiosity is central to women's preferences, probably because of its association with the desire to have many children. Modifiable factors, such as women's beliefs about the nature of birth, their overall birth experience, and their perceived treatment from the staff, could influence the uptake of having vaginal births. Intrapartum care that is empathic and encouraging, along with education about modes of birth, could help decrease cesarean birth rates.
Unions and wage inequality: The roles of gender, skill and public sector employment
Authors: Card David , Lemieux Thomas , Riddell W. Craig 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe examine the changing relationship between unionization and wage inequality in Canada and the United States. Our study is motivated by profound recent changes in the composition of the unionized workforce. Historically, union jobs were concentrated among low‐skilled men in private sector industries. With the steady decline in private sector unionization and rising influence in the public sector, half of unionized workers are now in the public sector. Accompanying these changes was a remarkable rise in the share of women among unionized workers. Currently, approximately half of unionized employees in North America are women. While early studies of unions and inequality focused on males, recent studies find that unions reduce wage inequality among men but not among women. In both countries, we find striking differences between the private and public sectors in the effects of unionization on wage inequality. At present, unions reduce economy‐wide wage inequality by less than 10%. However, union impacts on wage inequality are much larger in the public sector. Once we disaggregate by sector, the effects of unions on male and female wage inequality no longer differ. The key differences in union impacts are between the public and private sectors—not between males and females.
Shark fin trade bans and sustainable shark fisheries
Authors: Ferretti Francesco , Jacoby David M. P. , Pfleger Mariah O. , White Timothy D. , Dent Felix , Micheli Fiorenza , Rosenberg Andrew A. , Crowder Larry B. , Block Barbara A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe U.S. Congress is currently discussing the Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act to eliminate shark fin trade at the federal level. This bill was introduced in 2017 and has been proceeding very slowly in Congress because of mixed reviews from the scientific community. Debate exists on whether shark conservation and management are effectively addressed with tightened trade controls for imported shark products or blanket bans that outright end U.S. participation in the shark fin trade. Here we contribute to this debate with a review and analysis of economic, nutritional, ethical, and legal arguments, as well as of the shark fisheries status and shark fin trade. We show that the United States has a limited commercial interest in shark fisheries and contributes to the shark fin trade mainly as a facilitator. A fin trade ban has few tangible economic drawbacks but would have a considerable conservation impact. While making all shark fisheries sustainable is the ultimate goal, in practice this objective is far from achievable everywhere in the world. Conversely, banning shark fin trade is an interim measure that nations like the United States can take with negligible cost and can truly impact the biggest driver of shark exploitation globally.
Predictors of cognitive development in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 and plexiform neurofibromas
Authors: Hou Yang , Allen Taryn , Wolters Pamela L , Toledo‐Tamula Mary Anne , Martin Staci , Baldwin Andrea , Reda Stephanie , Gillespie Andy , Goodwin Anne , Widemann Brigitte C 
Published: February 2020

AimTo describe the cognitive development of children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and plexiform neurofibromas, and identify predictors of cognitive development.MethodParticipants included 88 children with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas (50 males, 38 females, aged 6–18y, mean=12y, SD=3y 7mo) on a natural history study at the National Cancer Institute. Neuropsychological assessments (e.g. IQ, academic achievement, attention, and executive functioning) were administered three times over 6 years.ResultsRelative to normative peers, the total sample of children with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas demonstrated significantly lower scores in most cognitive domains and decreasing z‐scores over time in math, writing, inhibitory control, and working memory. Children who had parents with (vs without) NF1 were more likely to experience decreased z‐scores in performance IQ, reading, writing, attention, and working memory. Higher (vs lower) parental education was related to higher levels of IQ, math, reading, and cognitive flexibility and a slower decrease in math z‐scores. Children’s sex and the number of NF1 disease‐related complications were not related to most cognitive outcomes.InterpretationChildren with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas are at high risk for cognitive difficulties and declining z‐scores in various domains of cognitive functioning over time. The findings highlight the need for a better understanding of the within‐group differences in these children and their need for individualized educational plans.What this paper adds

Math, writing, inhibitory control, and working memory scores decreased over time.

The proportion of children with clinically significant cognitive deficits increased over time.

Parental neurofibromatosis type 1 and low education were related to greater cognitive difficulties in children.
Brain free fatty acid uptake is elevated in morbid obesity, and is irreversible 6 months after bariatric surgery: A positron emission tomography study
Authors: Rebelos Eleni , Hirvonen Jussi , Bucci Marco , Pekkarinen Laura , Nyman Mikko , Hannukainen Jarna C. , Iozzo Patricia , Salminen Paulina , Nummenmaa Lauri , Ferrannini Ele , Nuutila Pirjo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimTo investigate whether there are differences in brain fatty acid uptake (BFAU) between morbidly obese and lean subjects, and the effect of weight loss following bariatric surgery.Materials and methodsWe measured BFAU with 14(R, S)‐[18F]fluoro‐6‐thia‐heptadecanoic acid and positron emission tomography in 24 morbidly obese and 14 lean women. Obese subjects were restudied 6 months after bariatric surgery. We also assessed whether there was hypothalamic neuroinflammation in the obese subjects using fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsObese subjects had a higher BFAU than lean subjects (1.12 [0.61] vs. 0.72 [0.50] μmol 100 g−1 min−1, P = 0.0002), driven by higher fatty acid uptake availability. BFAU correlated positively with BMI (P = 0.006, r = 0.48), whole body fatty acid oxidation (P = 0.006, r = 0.47) and leptin levels (P = 0.001, r = 0.54). When BFAU, leptin and body mass index (BMI) were included in the same model, the association between BFAU and leptin was the strongest. BFAU did not correlate with FLAIR‐derived estimates of hypothalamic inflammation. Six months after bariatric surgery, obese subjects achieved significant weight loss (−10 units of BMI). BFAU was not significantly changed (1.12 [0.61] vs. 1.09 [0.39] μmol 100 g−1 min−1, ns), probably because of the ongoing catabolic state. Finally, baseline BFAU predicted worse plasma glucose levels at 2 years of follow‐up.ConclusionsBFAU is increased in morbidly obese compared with lean subjects, and is unchanged 6 months after bariatric surgery. Baseline BFAU predicts worse plasma glucose levels at follow‐up, supporting the notion that the brain participates in the control of whole‐body homeostasis.
Prevalence of self‐reported subthreshold phenotypes of major mental disorders and their association with functional impairment, treatment and full‐threshold syndromes in a community‐residing cohort of young adults
Authors: Scott Jan , Martin Nicholas G. , Parker Richard , Couvy‐Duchesne Baptiste , Medland Sarah E. , Hickie Ian 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimSubthreshold syndromes (STS) frequently precede the onset of full‐threshold syndromes (FTS) of the corresponding mental disorder (homotypic continuity). This study examines whether subthreshold conditions are comorbid and whether there is heterotypic continuity also between STS and FTS.MethodsData were extracted from the Brisbane “19Up” cohort study of twins and siblings (N = 1838; 56% female) on individuals who (i) completed self‐report ratings of depression‐like (DLE), hypomanic‐like (HMLE) and psychotic‐like experiences (PLE) and (ii) were assessed for mood and psychotic FTS using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Associations between STS and FTS were estimated using adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsSTS are prevalent, with 22% reporting DLE, 14% HMLE and 5% PLE; 7% reported >1 STS, with PLE most likely to demonstrate comorbidity. Individuals with DLE were likely to meet CIDI criteria for depression (APR: 3.71, 95% CI: 2.83, 4.89), hypo/mania (APR: 3.62, 95% CI: 2.21, 5.94) and psychotic disorders (APR: 1.74, 95% CI 1.08, 2.83). Individuals with HMLE were likely to meet CIDI criteria for depression (APR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.58, 3.31) and hypo/mania (APR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.29, 4.91); those with PLE were likely to meet criteria for hypo/mania (APR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.90, 17.70) and psychotic disorders (APR: 17.27, 95% CI: 7.54, 39.65).ConclusionsThe findings suggest that STS are common among young adults and show heterotypic as well as homotypic continuity with FTS and support the need for more trans‐diagnostic research on the evolution of major mental disorders.