bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pacific Islanders in the Era of COVID-19: an Overlooked Community in Need
Authors: Cha Leah , Le Thomas , Ve’e Taunuu , Ah Soon Natalie T. , Tseng Winston 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Pacific Islanders (PIs), an indigenous, diverse population in the USA, have endured generational burdens of Western colonization and institutional racism that placed this population at socioeconomic and health disadvantages, such as in poverty, chronic disease, and now COVID-19. However, little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on this historically disadvantaged population. This study assessed the extent US PIs have been adversely affected by COVID-19 across the 50 states.

Methods
Using state-level national data as of September 9th, 2020, we conducted a secondary-data analysis of COVID-19 cases and deaths in PIs relative to their population representation and other racial groups, case odds ratios, and age-adjusted standard mortality ratios.

Key Results
Only 46% of states reported PI cases and 36% of states reported PI deaths. Of 23 states with available data on PIs, PIs were overrepresented in COVID-19 cases and deaths relative to their population representation in 21 and 14 states, respectively. The proportion of COVID-19 cases and deaths to the PI population was highest among all racial groups in 15 and 9 states, respectively. PIs had higher odds of exposure to COVID-19 than Whites in 21 of 23 states, and higher number of observed deaths than expected in 6 of 7 states with available PI data.

Conclusions
Engaging PI community-based and faith-based organizations in medical and public health outreach efforts, health workforce employment and training programs, along with granular data collection and reporting, are vital to mitigate the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on this population.
Mocking the u-plane integral
Authors: Korpas Georgios , Manschot Jan , Moore Gregory W. , Nidaiev Iurii 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTheu-plane integral is the contribution of the Coulomb branch to correlation functions of$${\mathcal {N}}=2$$N=2gauge theory on a compact four-manifold. We consider theu-plane integral for correlators of point and surface observables of topologically twisted theories with gauge group$$\mathrm{SU}(2)$$SU(2), for an arbitrary four-manifold with$$(b_1,b_2^+)=(0,1)$$(b1,b2+)=(0,1). Theu-plane contribution equals the full correlator in the absence of Seiberg–Witten contributions at strong coupling, and coincides with the mathematically defined Donaldson invariants in such cases. We demonstrate that theu-plane correlators are efficiently determined using mock modular forms for point observables, and Appell–Lerch sums for surface observables. We use these results to discuss the asymptotic behavior of correlators as function of the number of observables. Our findings suggest that the vev of exponentiated point and surface observables is an entire function of the fugacities.
Robust programming for basin-level water allocation with uncertain water availability and policy-driven scenario analysis
Authors: Yao Liming , Su Zerui , Hou Shuhua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUncertainties from hydrological and meteorological environments constantly pose disturbances to water sustainability. Programming under such uncertainties aims at finding solutions to this risky condition. From the sight of uncertain water availability, this paper builds a water life cycle model to reduce the risks of inappropriate estimations of water availability within a river basin and incorporates the results in robust programming. Then, a policy-driven scenario analysis is conducted to provide managerial implications in terms of ongoing water-saving policies. With Min–Tuo river basin as the case, we finally reach the conclusions that: (1) Equity is a necessity when considering the water allocation in a river basin, which enables a more sustainable mode of local water use. (2) Local citizens’ willingness to follow the policies is a key to relieve the water pressure, while the progress of water-saving techniques could add to its effectiveness.
Process Concept for the Dry Recovery of Thermal Energy of Liquid Ferrous Slags
Authors: Firsbach Felix , Senk Dieter , Babich Alexander 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSlags are valuable by-products of iron- and steelmaking processes. Their efficient reutilization and the recuperation of their thermal energy are key for improving the overall efficiency of these processes. With the innovative approach presented in this work, it is possible to recover thermal heat from liquid slags. The process concept consists of a slag tundish and four subsequent heat exchangers. The liquid slag is poured into the slag tundish which homogenizes the slag and guarantees a constant mass flow. The heat exchangers extract thermal energy from the slag and transfer it to water or oil. The first module cools the slag from the tapping temperature of about 1500 °C down to 850 °C. Inside the second module, more thermal energy is gathered from the already solidified slag cooling the slag down to ambient temperature. The captured energy can be used for various processes, such as gas preheating or generation of steam. The solidified slag is volume stable and forms amorphous phases, depending on its basicity. The process was designed, and the concept was tested on lab-scale demonstrators with an overall heat recovery rate of 42%. Some applications of the recovered slag heat are also presented in this work.
Graphical Abstract

Scheme of the process concept with the three heat exchangers and buffer unit.
On Bounded Finite Potent Operators on Arbitrary Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Romo Fernando Pablos 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe aim of this work is to study the structure of bounded finite potent endomorphisms on Hilbert spaces. In particular, for these operators, an answer to the Invariant Subspace Problem is given and the main properties of its adjoint operator are offered. Moreover, for every bounded finite potent endomorphism we show that Tate’s trace coincides with the Leray trace and with the trace defined by R. Elliott for Riesz Trace Class operators.
Siegel theta series for indefinite quadratic forms
Authors: Roehrig Christina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe modular transformation behavior of theta series for indefinite quadratic forms is well understood in the case of elliptic modular forms due to Vignéras, who deduced that solving a differential equation of second order serves as a criterion for modularity. In this paper, we will give a generalization of this result to Siegel theta series.
Regulierung des Schattenbankensektors: Der Fall des chinesischen BigTech Ant Group als Blaupause?
Authors: Böhnke Victoria 
Published: June 2021

ZusammenfassungDer kurzfristig abgesagte Börsengang der Ant Group im November 2020 hat für Aufsehen an den internationalen Finanzmärkten gesorgt. Ant Group ist das auf Finanzdienstleistungen spezialisierte Tochterunternehmen eines großen chinesischen Technologiekonzerns. Eine Regulierungsänderung, die die Ant Group als Finanzholding einstuft und das systemische Risiko seiner Geschäftsaktivitäten begrenzen soll, zeigt, wie die chinesischen Behörden die Marktmacht großer Technologiekonzerne im Finanzsektor einschränken und so eine stärkere Regulierung des Schattenbankensektors umsetzen. Kann dieser Ansatz zur Regulierung des Schattenbankensektors in China ein Vorbild für die Europäische Union sein? Zunächst werden die Entwicklung des Schattenbankensektors und seine Bedeutung für globale Finanzstabilität sowie aktuelle Herausforderungen für die Regulierung diskutiert. Anhand einer Fallstudie zur Ant Group werden Chancen und Herausforderungen des Regulierungsansatzes der chinesischen Behörden erörtert und Implikationen für die Regulierung in Europa abgeleitet. Zusammenfassend erscheint eine Regulierung großer Technologiekonzerne, die umfangreiche, mit traditionellen Banken vergleichbare Finanzdienstleistungen anbieten, mit Blick auf die Finanzstabilität erforderlich, da diese über eine (potenziell) große Marktmacht verfügen.
Cultural differences in geographic mobility readiness among business management students in Germany and Spain ahead of graduation
Authors: Baluku Martin Mabunda , Groh Janna , Dalbert Claudia , Otto Kathleen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGiven the increased internationalization of organizations and economies of scale concentrated in urban centers, graduates are often expected to relocate for their first job. Based on Hofstede’s model and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), we examine the effects of cultural dimensions (individualism-collectivism and uncertainty tolerance) as well as subjective norms (parents’ and peers’ attitudes towards geographic mobility) on readiness for geographic job-related mobility in samples of German and Spanish business management students ahead of graduation from university. The study involved administering a survey questionnaire to 273 third- and fourth-year business management students of two large universities (one in Germany and another in Spain). Cross-cultural measurement invariance of the measures was confirmed, allowing for comparison of scores across the groups. We found that German students had generally a larger geographical mobility, whose readiness was predicted by parents’ and peers’ perceived attitude and uncertainty tolerance. Readiness for geographic mobility was also higher when social or material incentives are offered, yet geographic mobility readiness for career incentives and for social incentives was predicted by vertical individualism and horizontal collectivism, respectively. This study is one of the first to examine geographic mobility readiness among undergraduate management students in the two countries, who by nature of their training are expected to be mobile. The study also shows the differential effects of sub-dimensions of the Hofstede cultural dimensions.
An application of three different field methods to monitor changes in Urumqi Glacier No. 1, Chinese Tien Shan, during 2012–18
Authors: Li Hongliang , Wang Puyu , Li Zhongqin , Jin Shuang , Xu Chunhai , Liu Shuangshuang , Zhang Zhengyong , Xu Liping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study deploys RTK-GNSS in 2012, TLS in 2015 and UAV in 2018 to monitor the changes of Urumqi Glacier No. 1 (UG1), eastern Tien Shan, and analyzes the feasibility of three technologies in monitoring the mountain glaciers. DEM differencing shows that UG1 has experienced a pronounced thinning and mass loss for the period of 2012–18. The glacier surface elevation change of −0.83 ± 0.57 m w.e. a−1 has been recorded for 2012–15, whereas the changes of glacier tongue surface elevation in 2015–18 and 2012–18 were −2.03 ± 0.95 and −1.34 ± 0.88 m w.e. a−1, respectively. The glacier area shrunk by 0.07 ± 0.07 × 10−3 km2 and the terminus retreat rate was 6.28 ± 0.83 m a−1 during 2012–18. The good agreement between the glaciological and geodetic specific mass-balances is promising, showing the combination of the three technologies is suitable to monitor glacier mass change. We recommend application of the three technologies to assess each other in different locations of the glacier, e.g. RTK-GNSS base stations, ground control points, glacier tongue and terminus, in order to avoid the inherent limitations of each technology and to provide reliable data for the future studies of mountain glacier changes in western China.
Evaluation of AquaCrop model of cucumber under greenhouse cultivation
Authors: Khafajeh H. , Banakar A. , Minaei S. , Delavar M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWater consumption in agriculture is impossible without considering relations between water, soil and plant. In this regard, there are various models and developed software in order to evaluate relation between soil, water and crop growth stages. These models can be used for irrigation planning if properly optimized and applied. AquaCrop is one of the known crop models, which was developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In order to optimize this model for crop production and irrigation management, an experiment was developed in a hydroponic cucumber greenhouse. Various parameters including water consumption volume, crop yield and leaf area index were measured during a season. A fuzzy control system was utilized for controlling temperature, relative humidity, planting bed moisture, light intensity and carbon dioxide values. The main purpose of designing a control system in the greenhouse is to achieve the desired values of temperature and relative humidity. In this model, evapotranspiration, irrigation requirements and crop yield were simulated. The results show that the AquaCrop model can estimate evapotranspiration with the least error in the greenhouse environment, which is controlled by a fuzzy controller. Also the system has estimated the crop yield and biomass of the product with a good degree of precision and it may support crop production in a greenhouse, including crop management and environmental control.
The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the investigation of patients with unilateral non-pulsatile tinnitus without asymmetrical hearing loss
Authors: Saxby C , Koumpa F , Mohamed S , Singh A 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundTinnitus is a common condition presenting to the ENT out-patient clinic. Vestibular schwannomas are benign cerebellopontine angle tumours that usually present with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus is the definitive investigation in their detection. The current recommendation is for unilateral tinnitus patients to undergo magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus to exclude vestibular schwannoma.ObjectiveTo evaluate magnetic resonance imaging in the investigation of patients with unilateral non-pulsatile tinnitus without asymmetrical hearing loss.MethodA retrospective case series was conducted of all patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus to investigate unilateral non-pulsatile tinnitus without asymmetrical hearing loss, from 1 January 2014 to 1 January 2019.ResultsOf 2066 scans, 566 (27 per cent) were performed to investigate patients (335 female, 231 male) with unilateral non-pulsatile tinnitus without asymmetrical hearing loss. Three vestibular schwannomas were detected on imaging, and 134 incidental findings were discovered.ConclusionThe detection rate of vestibular schwannoma in this group was just 0.3 per cent. This paper questions the utility of magnetic resonance imaging evaluation in these patients.
When Informality Matters: Participatory Security Reform and Mechanisms of Social Embeddedness in Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico
Authors: Montambeault Françoise , Dias Félix Annabelle 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWhat are the conditions underlying successful implementation of participatory security mechanisms? Drawing on the case of Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl and from the notion of social embeddedness, we argue that participatory security reforms that aim to include citizens in defining security priorities allow for better adoption of reforms in practice. Local level reforms are not implemented in a social vacuum but rather in pre-existing social networks that are key to their adoption in practice by citizens. However, not all social networks are equal, nor do they operate in the same manner. In ‘Neza’, it is through existing clientelistic networks and socially embedded local brokers that the redes vecinales were implemented and adopted by citizens, leading to varied reform adoption patterns at the very local level.
SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a synagogue community: longevity and strength of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses
Authors: Gozlan Yael , Reingold Stephen , Koren Ravit , Halpern Osnat , Regev-Yochay Gili , Cohen Carmit , Biber Asaf , Picard Orit , Mendelson Ella , Lustig Yaniv , Mor Orna 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic is still ongoing along with the global vaccination efforts against it. Here, we aimed to understand the longevity and strength of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses in a small community (n = 283) six months following local SARS-COV-2 outbreak in March 2020. Three serological assays were compared and neutralisation capability was also determined. Overall 16.6% (47/283) of the participants were seropositive and 89.4% (42/47) of the IgG positives had neutralising antibodies. Most of the symptomatic individuals confirmed as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive during the outbreak were seropositive (30/32, 93.8%) and 33.3% of the individuals who quarantined with a PCR confirmed patient had antibodies. Serological assays comparison revealed that Architect (Abbott) targeting the N protein LIASON® (DiaSorin) targeting the S protein and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) targeting receptor binding domain detected 9.5% (27/283), 17.3% (49/283) and 17% (48/283), respectively, as IgG positives. The latter two assays highly agreed (kappa = 0.89) between each other. In addition, 95%, (19/20, by ELISA) and 90.9% (20/22, with LIASON) and only 71.4% (15/21, by Architect) of individuals that were seropositive in May 2020 were found positive also in September. The unexpected low rate of overall immunity indicates the absence of un-noticed, asymptomatic infections. Lack of overall high correlation between the assays is attributed mainly to target-mediated antibody responses and suggests that using a single serological assay may be misleading.
Seeing What Is Said: Teaching Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince Through Its Images
Authors: Haddad Khristina H. , Mesa Higuera Claudia 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTThis multidisciplinary pedagogy offers eight allegorical images in support of a visually contextual reading of The Prince. Responding to the pedagogical problem of students treating the text as an ahistorical manual for action addressed to them, our approach resituates The Prince in its visual cultural context. This allows us to specify Machiavelli’s innovations as a theorist in terms of the importance of plurality and particularity in regard to political action. An online supplemental appendix provides access to databases and additional resources. Exploring Machiavelli’s politicized moral concepts of prudence, parsimony, liberality, fortune, and impetuosity using these images, we show his masterful invocation and redeployment of the cultural codes of his time. In presenting a visual history of concepts, we hope to move students beyond common contemporary ideological biases and literal readings and to alert them to the complex stories and relationships evident in the visual history of civic humanism.
Feeding practices and factors associated with the provision of iron-rich foods to children aged 6–23 months in Matam area, Senegal
Authors: Akpaki Kossi , Galibois Isabelle , Blaney Sonia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjective:The objectives of this study were to document feeding practices amongst rural Senegalese children aged 6 to 23 months and to investigate psychosocial and environmental factors associated with the provision of iron-rich foods (IRF).Design:This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to July 2018.Setting:The study took place in the region of Matam, northern Senegal.Participants:Ninety-eight mothers of children aged 6–23 months.Results:Results show that 27·6 % of children were fed according to the minimum acceptable diet, and 55·1 % and 53·1 % had the minimum diet diversity and minimum meal frequency, respectively. About 65·3 % of mothers provided IRF to young children the day before the survey, mostly fish. Mother’s intention to provide IRF to their children was not associated with the provision of these foods neither was the perceived behavioural control. Child’s age (OR = 1·14, 95 % CI (1·03, 1·26), P = 0·012) and household food insecurity score (OR = 0·80, 95 % CI (0·68, 0·96), P = 0·014) were the predictors of the provision of IRF to children aged 6–23 months.Conclusions:Household food insecurity status and age of the child rather than mothers’ psychosocial factors were significant predictors of IRF consumption amongst children aged 6–23 months in the study area. More attention should be given to food environment and child-related factors in order to improve children feeding practices and, in particular, their consumption of IRF in the study setting. For instance, home visits and the 5-month-old vaccine consultation in health centres might be opportunities to reinforce the importance of providing IRF as part of complementary foods from the age of 6 months. Implementation of measures for the improvement of socio-economic conditions and food security of households would also be valuable.
Ultra-processed food consumption and its correlates among Italian children, adolescents and adults from the Italian Nutrition & Health Survey (INHES) cohort study
Authors: Ruggiero Emilia , Esposito Simona , Costanzo Simona , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia , Bonaccio Marialaura 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjective:To assess ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and its socio-demographic, psychosocial and behavioural correlates in a general population of Italian children, adolescents and adults.Design:Cross-sectional telephone-based surveySetting:Italy, 2010–2013.Participants:In total, 9078 participants (5–97 years) from the Italian Nutrition & Health Survey. Dietary intakes were collected by a 1-d 24-h dietary recall. UPF was defined by the NOVA classification and expressed as percentage of total energies.Results:Average energy intake from UPF (95 % CI) was 17·3 % (17·1 %, 17·6 %) among adults and 25·9 % (24·8 %, 27·0 %) in children/adolescents. Top sources of UPF were processed meats (32·5 %) and bread substitutes (16·7 %). Among adults, age (β= −3·10; 95 % CI (−4·40, −1·80) for >65 yearsv. 20–40 years;βs are dimensionless) and residing in Southern Italy (β= −0·73; 95 % CI (−1·32, −0·14)v. Northern) inversely associated with UPF. Screen view during meals was directly linked to UPF, as well as poor self-rated health (β= 5·32; 95 % CI (2·66, 7·99)), adverse life events (β= 2·33; 95 % CI (1·48, 3·18)) and low sleep quality (β= 2·34; 95 % CI (1·45, 3·23)). Boys consumed two-point percent more UPF of the total energy than girls (β= 2·01; 95 % CI (0·20, 3·82)). For all ages, a Mediterranean diet was inversely associated with UPF (β= −4·86; 95 % CI (−5·53, −4·20) for goodv. poor adherence in adults and (β= −5·08; 95 % CI (−8·38, −1·77) for kids).Conclusions:UPF contributes a modest proportion of energy to the diets of Italian adults while being one-quarter of the total energies in children/adolescents. UPF was associated with several psychosocial factors and eating behaviours. Increased adherence to Mediterranean diet would possibly result in lower UPF consumption.